Promises, Promises

God and His Word are so full of promises to each of us, His children. We are a Royal Priesthood set apart for His Honor, Praise and Glory. Let the Word of God speak!

Psalm 29 (selected)
A psalm of David.
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His Name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to His people;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.

Psalm 59
16 I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning I will sing of Your love;
for You are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to You;
You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Psalm 89
1 I will sing of the LORD'S great love forever;
with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.
2 I will declare that Your love stands firm forever,
that You established Your faithfulness in heaven itself.
3 You said, "I have made a covenant with My chosen one,
I have sworn to David [your name] my servant,
4 'I will establish your line forever
and make your throne [house] firm through all generations.' "
Selah [emphasis mine]

Psalm 119
Waw [Hebrew letter]
41 May Your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
Your salvation according to Your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in Your word.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in Your laws.
44 I will always obey Your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out Your precepts.

Psalm 149
1 Praise the LORD.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
His praise in the assembly of the saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing
and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the LORD takes delight in His people;
He crowns the humble with salvation. [emphasis mine]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie
[30-Days of Faith Tested]
Worshiping in Silence

LOYALTY with Loyalty

In our Bible study last night we were reviewing some homework pages together in our study of The Patriarch's by Beth Moore. We came to several passages of scripture that show God's LOYALTY to His people. [references: Gen. 20-21 / Psalm 136 / 2 Tim. 2:13]. She points out the Hebrew word hesed = which in its usage is about a covenant between two people - of love, favor, or kindness based on a covenant relationship. Just like God's covenant with Abraham. It's GOD'S LOYALTY that we don't want to miss here - as well as our response to it.

Beth Moore says: "The concept of hesed = Through covenant relationship by the blood of Jesus Christ, the God of all creation is loyal to us. Loyal... it drives me with urgency to be faithful in return."

Now, in reading my own studies early this morning God took me to 1 Chronicles 29. Interestingly, this is another prayer offered to the LORD by David - only this time in praise for God's loyalty to David's entire family. In reality - this prayer is David's and his family's RESPONSE to God's unending loyalty and faithfulness to them all.

Notice all the [highlights] - which represent the RESPONSE of David and His people to God's LOYALTY to them. Do we respond to God's LOYALTY - with loyalty - like that?

1 Chronicles 29 [selected]

David's Prayer

10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

"Praise be to you, O LORD,

God of our father Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;

You are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from You;

You are the ruler of all things.

In Your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give You thanks,

and praise Your glorious Name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in Your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided."
20 Then David said to the whole assembly, "Praise the LORD Your God." So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the LORD and the king. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

Observing in Silence

I Would Rather...

Psalm 84

[selected verses]
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 How lovely is Your dwelling place,

O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and my flesh cry out

for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young—

a place near Your altar,

O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;

they are ever praising You.

Selah

10 Better is one day in Your courts

than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does He withhold

from those whose walk is blameless [upright].
12 O LORD Almighty,

blessed is the man who trusts in You. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

LISTENING in SILENCE

Breathe...Come to LIFE

Ezekiel 37:1-10
The Valley of Dry Bones

1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"

I said, "O Sovereign LORD, You alone know."
4 Then He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet— [emphasis added]

I ask you... who is God asking you to pray over [to prophesy over] today... who needs the breath of God to revive them and bring them back to LIFE?

Then - PRAY and BELIEVE and never give up hope!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

IN SILENCE MODE

FLAG of my Heart

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. [emphasis added]



Are you like this FLAG - proud to wave - for your Savior's grace?

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain! America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!


Choosing JOY,

Stephanie
[30-Days of Faith Tested]

I WILL REMEMBER...

This is the Word of the LORD for today. Let it speak to your heart for whatever HE wants to tell you. LISTEN... Respond in Worship... Thank Him... Then, SHOUT it from the rooftops!

Psalm 77:1-15
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1 I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah

4 You kept my eyes from closing;

I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,

the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.

My heart mused and my spirit inquired:
7 "Will the Lord reject forever?

Will He never show His favor again?
8 Has His unfailing love vanished forever?

Has His promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has He in anger withheld His compassion?" Selah
10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:

the years of the Right Hand of the Most High."
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.
12 I will meditate on all Your works

and consider all Your mighty deeds.
13 Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;

You display Your power among the peoples.
15 With Your mighty Arm You redeemed Your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

HIS POWERFUL HAND

Today is one of those days where God's Word just seems to have a "theme" jumping out from the pages of the breath of the Almighty. Healing is one - "let the healing begin" and the other is God's Hand on me. God always has us by the hand - He never lets go of us - not ever. He asks us to be faithful to Him and hold on to Him with a tight grip - daily.

*****************

Note: Photo Caption

The photo of the sparrow and her house was taken just this morning on my front porch. This birdhouse has been hanging there for more than 20 years now. It's a wonder the string hasn't broken by now. Every spring the sparrows come and lay 4 sets of eggs [4 families use this house] - one after the other until summer. This is Mama #2 and her babies are about to fly! It reminds me of how God cares for us - just like the sparrow!

**********************************

Psalm 17:7

Show the wonder of Your great Love,

You who save by Your Right Hand,

those who take refuge in You from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;

[my own reflection in Your eye]

hide me in the shadow of

Your wings.

Psalm 63:7-8

Because You are my help

I sing in the shadow of Your wings;

My soul clings to You,

Your Right Hand upholds me.

Psalm 107: 30-31

30 They were glad when it grew calm,

and He guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love

and His wonderful deeds for men. [all emphasis added]

• Do you feel His Hand - in tender mercy over you today?
• Do you feel His Hand - of discipline coming down hard upon you?
• Do you feel His Hand - gently guiding your every step?

Feel the words of this song penetrate your heart as you ponder God's Hand upon your life today.

The Rock

A song by Michael Neale

[selected verses]

Your powerful Hand is upon me

To live in the light of Your Word

My fear turns to faith in the arms or Your grace

In Your love I am so secure

'Cause You are the Rock that I will stand on

You are the Hope I hold on to

You are my source of life

My source of Strength

I will build my life on You

My Rock my Fortress

Defender and Guide

My Hope my Shelter

Redeemer and Light

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

Happy Father's Day, Bob

Today marks the 2nd year anniversary (Father's Day) when God turned everything around for Bob in his "124 Days of All Sufficient Healing and Grace". Those are the words written across his grave plaque - taken from 2 Corinthians 12:9.

I visited Bob's grave site today after church. Last year the kids and I spent an hour there together singing, reading scripture, and praying - all in remembrance of that First Father's Day in 2006 when we spent an entire afternoon praying over him, sharing scripture, and praying together. I remember how overwhelmed Bob was because his healing had begun - he was a new man from just the day before. God had given him scripture to read too - but some of it was so powerful - speaking right to his heart - that the words could not come out of his mouth. I will never forget all the preparation days that had led up to that very day. Even the kids in Florida were able to participate by phone. It was a "family Father's Day" we will never forget. I recall the video I had made for Bob (as instructed by the LORD). I was concerned about showing it to him - this video of his life. I asked the LORD the day before, "What will I say to him when I give it to him to watch?" The LORD replied, "Tell him, 'Happy Father's Day, Bob', from your Heavenly Father." So clear and so plain the LORD spoke that day. I had no more fear - only willingness to just do what God asked me to do. Bob loved it all - the video - the 3 hours of Prayer, Praise in singing, and Scriptures read. There has not been a day like it since. God healed physically for those first 40 days - then began to prepare Bob for his ultimate home going! Bob became a new man - inside and out! 124 Days we will never forget!

As I just finished reading more of my devoted time with the LORD in His Word - He brought me [by His Hand] to this Scripture passage. In my Bible I have it marked on 6-18-06 (Father's Day) - with a note along side this scripture that reads: "Let the Healing begin."

This is the original Doxology!

Romans 11:33-36

Doxology

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable His judgments,

and His paths beyond tracing out!

"Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been His counselor?"

"Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay him?"

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever! Amen. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

What Are We Missing?

In the "story" of our lives as a believers in Jesus Christ - God is writing history [HIS-STORY] in and through us. Do you know His voice when He speaks? Do you recognize His Hand working all around you? Sometimes we get so busy with "life" - our selfish life - what we want to accomplish that we totally miss what God is doing.

John 8:23-24 [ The Message ]

23-24 Jesus said, "You're tied down to the mundane; I'm in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I'm living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You're at a dead end. If you won't believe I am who I say I am, you're at the dead end of sins. You're missing God in your lives." [emphasis added]

Let's take this passage as a challenge to truly seek Jesus and the Father's will - what God is doing all around us to bring glory to His Name and then join Him there! Let's not miss it! Let's participate, partake, and taste and see that the LORD is good!

We're not supposed to be living in our present circumstances - but rather in the promises of God - living in our future - where hope is. That's what true FAITH is all about.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

Growing in FAITH

How often does God show us a promise - through Scripture, prayer and the Heart of His Holy Spirit within us? Yet we hear ourselves saying these words to the Lord, "I know You can do this, Lord, but I'm just not sure if You will do it, so I don't want to get my hopes up, just in case."

I wonder if God sits on His Holy throne and shakes His head at us saying to Himself,

"They still doesn't get it. I WILL DO THIS, I just require the little faith I've given them to be EXERCISED in BELIEF. When will they learn to TRUST ME - completely?"

Romans 4:16-21
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations. "He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [EMPHASIS ADDED]

Examine these words found in this Scripture and ponder how they affect the outcome of our promises. Remember, God gave an earthly Promised Land - but there were enemies occupying it. We must fight the battle (against the enemy) to take what God has freely given us. In His timing - in His will and in His ways. We fight - not in the battle of the flesh with words or weapons - we fight with our BELIEVING FAITH in HIM alone!

• FAITH
• GRACE
• GUARANTEED
• AGAINST ALL HOPE
• IN HOPE
• BELIEVED [past tense - done deal]
• WITHOUT WEAKENING
• STRENGTHENED
• FULLY PERSUADED
• GOD'S POWER
• PROMISED [past tense again - done deal]

I know He can, and I know He WILL!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

SURELY...

Psalm 23 [King James Version]

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. [emphasis added]

As children most of us have learned the 23rd Psalm by heart in the King James Version. I am glad to know it and to be able to understand it from my heart. I love the special meaning that the KJV gives. But just for a moment take a look at the Message (a paraphrase) and see how it plays out in our lives daily. Cling to this scripture. God put it in our hearts for a reason.

Psalm 23 [The Message]
A David Psalm

1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

You find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to Your word,

You let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I'm not afraid

when You walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook

makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life. [emphasis added]

May you know today - the LOVE of a pursuing God who chases and follows you with His Love, Goodness and Mercy every day of your life. Never forget it! Circumstances don't change it. Taste it - know it - be revived by it!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30-Days of Faith Tested]

Building for the Future

There is no use, no sense, no purpose, no point in building anything that God does not have HIS HAND in and upon. We can manipulate any way we want but the end result will be disaster. Our goal in connecting to our future and all that God wants for us - is to wait for HIM to build it - step by step by His own Hand and by His Sovereign will. Sometimes we must take two steps back in order for God to move one step forward in His plan.

Psalm 127

1 Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain. [emphasis added]

Psalm 37:3-4

4 Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: [emphasis added]

Psalm 37:7a

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him. [emphasis added]

Psalm 37:23-24, 37
23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His Hand.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30 Days of Faith Tested]

Life that is TRULY LIFE

Yesterday the LORD brought me to a passage of scripture that He has taken me to 5 times over the last year. As I read it and pondered every word of it - I realized that it is a hidden passage tucked at the end of 1 Timothy addressed to those who are rich. But this passage is for all of us - read it and devour it and ponder it - and see why.

1 Timothy 6:17-21

[God's Hidden Treasure Passage]

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
20 Timothy, [ your name] guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.

Grace be with you. [emphasis added]

This passage is full of instruction, warning and promise for living life that is truly life!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

HEALTHCARE for LIFE

Every once in a while a passage of Scripture comes upon me that speaks to my heart so much - that I re-write it to what I call my own "make it practical" version. Below is one that I wrote several years ago and have printed out on a worn piece of pink paper - right in the same place it is found - tucked in my Bible. I hope that it speaks to your heart. By following this passage over the last 2 years - my life has been dramatically transformed by the power of God!

Proverbs 4:20-27
(SKB “ make it practical” version)

Listen to My Words and hear what I have to say to you. Read them over an over and keep them close to your heart. In My Word you will find life and also health for your soul. Keep listening for Me to speak to you through those Words day in and day out – because in them is where you will find instruction concerning your life. Be careful what you say. Let your mouth speak only good things and keep your eyes on Me. Think about Me when you decide which path to follow – then stick to it firmly.

Don’t get sidetracked ~ and stay away from what you know to be wrong.

ONLY GOD has the power to take a sinful, selfish, side-tracked life and put it back on track. But He can only do it through the power of His Word and His Holy Spirit working daily in that life.

"Understanding and living by GOD-CENTERED priorities set us free to resist the downward pull of selfishness and greed. When we are most aware of God's GRACE and GOODNESS to us, we can become God's very hands and feet of mercy to people in need." ~ Elizabeth George

Staying Close and Choosing JOY,

Stephanie
[30 Days of Faith Tested]

Breath - from God's Word

I woke up sick as a dog this morning [the enemy's weak attempt] and prepared to sing the song that speaks of my entire testimony about God's Word in my life over the last two years. My friend, Cheri, honored me by singing the melody - so I could do harmony [my favorite part]. God was faithful and our worship time was only by His grace and goodness! Please take time to read every word of the song - and perhaps search the scriptures for where they come from. It's powered by the Word as well! Bless you Keith and Kristyn, for writing words of power!

Speak, O Lord
Song by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You—
To receive the food
of Your Holy Word
Take Your Truth, plant it deep in us
Shape and fashion us
In Your likeness

That the light of Christ
might be seen today
In our acts of love
and our deeds of faith.

Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us__
all Your purposes for Your glory

Teach us, Lord, full obedience
Holy reverence,
true humility___

Test our thoughts
and our attitudes
in the radiance
of Your purity.

Cause our faith to rise,
cause our eyes to see___
Your majestic love
and authority.

Words of power
that can never fail___
Let their truth prevail
over unbelief.

Speak, O Lord
and renew our minds
Help us grasp the heights
of Your plans for us.

Truths unchanged
from the dawn of time
that will echo down
through eternity.

And by grace we’ll stand
on Your promises__
And by faith we’ll walk
as You walk – with – us.

Speak, O Lord
till Your church is built
and the earth is filled
with Your glory!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[30 Days of Faith Tested]