He Holds Our Hand

Today's post is from Dawn at The Most Perfect Gift

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

and He delights in his way.

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,

because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24

Several years ago, I was walking through the parking lot at work with a friend/colleague. As we were talking, we continued to walk up the pathway to our building. Somehow I stepped down halfway on the sidewalk and halfway on the grass and it launched me forward with such a force! All I can remember was being propelled forward while trying to keep myself from falling flat on my face! Eventually, my legs caught up with the top half of my body and I regained control. I was left feeling quite dazed and all I could do was laugh! You know that uncontrollable laugh were you laugh so hard you begin to cry and your sides hurt so badly?!!? I just love laughing like that and wish it happened more frequently! Anyway, my friend was confused as to what had just happened. She was thinking I did that on purpose! I laughed even harder imagining what I must have looked like!

This past incident came to my mind after I read today's key scripture. I got so excited because I could actually visualize the Lord Almighty right there grabbing my hand and catching me. 

Reading this scripture touched something deep inside me.  It was like I was reading it for the very first time even though  in the Bible, we read all throughout how God is always with us and he will never forsake us. We hear pastors preach it. We encourage our family and friends with this same truth and tell it again and again to our children. But we must remember to not become complacent to what the Word says. 

God is in control of all things. He is the One who establishes our steps and when we trust and surrender all to Him and live our lives according to His will, He delights in us! It's His plan and let’s not forget this and try to get out in front of Him. When we do that, we are not letting Him guide us down the right pathway. Instead, we are saying, “Hey, my way is better or I can’t wait for your direction.” Before we know it, we are so far out ahead of Him.

I can't recall how many times I have said to my boys, "Wait for mommy! Don't get too far ahead, stay where I can see you!" Every time my boys and I walk through a parking lot or cross a street I say, “Hands, hands” and immediately they know to grab a hold of my hand. This way I can lead them safely to the other side. Its the same with our loving Father. He is with us, leading us and when we fall He is there to catch us, to  hold our hand and to guide us. 

Let’s seek Him and trust Him and let Him lead the way!

Dear Heavenly Father,

So many times we try to do things our own way. Forgive us for thinking we can be in control and press it upon our hearts to ask You first in all things in what direction You would like us to take. We praise Your Holy Name just for who You are. As we trust in You, transform us into being more like You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Where can I go, without Jesus by my side

Today's post comes from Anita at Scattering the Stones

'We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone.'

Psalm 33:20-22 NLT

As I spent time with God, praying about what He would like me to share with you today. I felt led to write this psalm. I hope it blesses you.

Psalm: A journey from darkness into light

As I walk the path before me, seemingly stony, dry, with potholes at every turn,
I search the bare ground before me, stumbling, falling, into every pit.
A clash of darkness and baking sunlight clawing at my tired soul, the wind lashing at my feet

Tears tumbling from my eyes, pools of water sting my cheeks, reminding me of a time long ago.
I stand at the crossroads not knowing where to turn,
the longer I walk, the path never ending, where shall I go?
Strength fast disappearing, my body shattered, my mind weak...
My back breaking, from this heavy load.

My heart surrounded by barbed wire for protection,
Alone, so alone, sinking further and further; my focus pulled into the slimy pit.
If only I could rest, if only I could have a drink ...Is there a lake before me? Or is it a mirage?

I fall down, cradling my heart; darkness overwhelming, choking me, reminding me of my past.
Chains wrapped around me so tightly slashing at my flesh.

With all that I have left I cry, 'why have you abandoned me?'

The heavens shudder as I hear the mighty voice of my creator; speak honeycomb words that are sweet to my soul.
At the sound of His voice the darkness that once enveloped me, suddenly disappears.
At the sight of His majesty the stones roll away.
At His presence the shadow of the empty cross, shelters me from the storms and fiery arrows.

He whispers 'Precious daughter I AM here,'
'Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you'.
The power of His words stops the cruel words of poison that had been killing me slowly.
As the arms of mercy catch me, He strengthens me, as He rescues my crushed spirit.

Peace like I have never known surrounds me as I sit at the throne of grace.
My raw face cupped by the hands of my Saviour, holding me close, so tenderly.
My tears of pain kissed away, by love.

In my desperation He heard my cry, as I hear, 'I know, for I was there.'
Words of Truth and inextinguishable light, filters through every part of me.
The meaning of life captured in what He has done for me.

I hear the music of angels and all of creation singing His praises.
The scales fall away from my eyes.
My life - a well watered garden, an ever flowing steam.
My heart leaps with Joy, woken from the depths of sorrow, a rainbow of Hope touches my soul.

I see my name glistening before me, written in the book of life.
Love casting aside the chains and prison doors, lies banished from my side.
Fear broken by one look into His eyes.
My heart healed by His glorious presence; forever changed a new creation.
Loved. Cherished. Forgiven. His.

Anita x

Before We Need

This week's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

Then the LORD spoke this word to Elijah:

“Leave this place and go east and hide near Kerith Ravine east of the Jordan River.
You may drink from the stream, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there.”
So Elijah did what the LORD said; he went to Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan,
 and lived there. The birds brought Elijah bread and meat every morning and evening,
and he drank water from the stream."
(First Kings 17:2-5)

===========================================

The interesting thing about this passage is that God said He had “commanded”,  notice that God did not tell Elijah “Go, and I will command…” or “Go, and this is what I am planning to do…”or even “Go, and this is what I am thinking to do…” God said He had commanded. This means that God had already taken care of  the need for food. He had already made provisions. Before Elijah had arrived there, gotten hungry or needed the food, God had already supplied it. Before the need was ever actually a “need”, God had already taken care of this for Elijah. All Elijah had to do was trust that God would be faithful to His word and provide what He Himself had promised. Elijah had to take God at His word and trust that the provisions God had already promised, would in fact be there.

This is an awesome reminder that God is all knowing. He already knew what Elijah would need before he ever got to this Kerith Ravine. Before God had even commanded Elijah to “GO”, God knew what was already there- the stream- but He also knew what would be missing- the food- so God provided.

This also teaches us that if God tells us to “GO” then we can trust that He has already scouted out the area, knows what is there and what we will need and will make provisions for us. The place God is sending us to may be “unknown territory” for us, but God has already gone ahead of us.

I will provide for their needs before they ask,
and I will help them while they are still asking for help.
Isa 65:24 (NCV)

Have you ever been in a situation, possibly you're praying “God please…” and then that very day, or even the day after, you read a devotional or hear a sermon, and it is exactly what you needed? That the very thing you had been thinking about, praying about, or asking about-- even the words that you used-- there it is, the answer you were seeking. Just think, in order for the answer to be given to you at the exact time you needed, weeks possibly even months before, God was working in an individual to write or prepare their thoughts to create a sermon, lesson or devotional that would eventually be placed before you at just the right time to be the answer God had for you.

Have you ever turned on the radio, or picked up a book and in the quietness of your heart, between you and God, all the sudden He is answering you. Think of all the steps, all the pieces having to be put into place just to be ready for when you needed it. Or a job that is suddenly available. You start working, and find out that the preparation or the events leading up to it’s opening for you, actually started weeks before.

Then think about the magnitude of what God would do and the lengths He will go, just for you. Before you needed it, before it was your concern or a thought, before you asked, God in heaven was already preparing to answer you.

• Today, before you go any further, remember God has already been there for you. He has already scouted out the terrain; He has already inquired, and made provisions for you. Thank God that wherever it is that He is sending you, He has already provided for you.

• Today, before you go any further, just think, the LORD our God, has already been at work and has answered you.

• Today, before you go any further, Thank God, that he cares for you.

Praying in Faith:
Father God, thank You that You go before us and know all of our needs. Thank You Lord, for providing for us before we even realize what our needs are. We praise You Father God for all that You are to us, and all that You do for us. We praise You and thank You for this day that You have created and that You are watching over us."
In Christ Jesus name, Amen

My friend, have a wonderful and blessed day, and know that you are thought about.
May God shine upon you.

{I Am} All That You Need

This week's post comes from Dawn at The Most Perfect Gift

Listen in your heart as the Lord whispers to you, “All that you need…I AM.” 

The Very Heart of Worship

When I read these words I felt God’s presence, His embrace, warmth and love and I was reminded He is all that I need.

I AM

Two short words that signify so much.

Many times I hear people say, “Don’t put God in a box.” or “God is bigger than your troubles.”

When I first began my walk with Christ, in my mind, I used to make God too big, unreachable – at least for me. I believed the stories in the Bible and people’s testimonies how God performed signs and miracles, but for some reason I felt that didn’t apply to me. It was like I was just reading a book standing on the outside looking in.

I desired to be close to God, yet to grasp and know that God is with me, He loves me and that He made me to have a personal relationship with Him took some time. The more I read His Word and meditated on scripture, and the more I spent time in prayer and worship that distance began to shrink. Now I am happy to say, I now know I am part of the story! I am one of the characters in God’s book – my book – my life He has written just for me.

When I read those words in my dear friend’s book they touched something deep within my soul. Just the fact that the Lord whispers reminds me how gentle He is and does not force himself upon us. He waits for us all along to come to Him, to trust Him and surrender our lives to Him. He will provide all our needs. Sweet friends we don't need to worry, for nothing is impossible for God!

He is all we need.

He is I AM.

Then those words “I AM” prompted me to look in my Bible for all the times they are said. Here are a few. As you read them, let them sink deep into your soul.

I AM your shield - Gen 15:1

I AM with you - Isaiah 41:1

I AM the LORD your God – Isaiah 43:3

I AM the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God – Isaiah 44:6

…for I AM your husband – Jeremiah 3:14

I AM the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? – Jeremiah 32:27

I AM with you always, to the very end of the age – Matthew 28:20

I AM the bread of life – John 6:35

I AM the living bread that came down from heaven – John 6:51

I AM the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. – John 8:12

I AM! – John 8:58

I AM the gate for the sheep – John 10:7

I AM the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved – John 10:9

I AM the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – John 10:14

I AM the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die – John 11:25

I AM who I am – John 13:19

I AM the way and truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me – John 14:6

I AM in the Father – John 14:11

…and I AM in you – John 14:20

I AM the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing – John 15:5

I AM the Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 1:8

I AM the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. – Revelation 1:18

I AM coming soon – Revelation 3:11

Dear God, we praise you and thank you for all that you are and for being I AM. You are all we need!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Have a blessed day sisters!

Dawn