DAY 40 in the Desert of Waiting

Each time I have taken a journey (usually 40-days) with the LORD - I know in advance that He has something profound to teach me. Mostly He teaches me about myself - my frailties - pride issues that need to go - things that may inhibit His kingdom purposes. So I prepare by bracing myself to let go of all He shows me. He did that and so much more these past 40 days. Today as the night comes to a close it is a bittersweet place I find myself. God has shown me so much (this time) about HIMSELF - and who HE is - how faithful HE is - how much HE loves me - that HE desires good for me and all those around me. He has shown me the results of obedience without compromise - and even how to recognize the simple tactic of the enemy to disguise "compromise" as the enemy tries to make us fall for it. I didn't fall for it this time - but I almost did. This time I recognized it right away and God showed me that my pattern could and would change because of that recognition. I said this "ending day" is bittersweet because I feel so wrapped in the Father's arms - so loved and so close to Him that it's a place I never want to leave. He has shown me that I never have to leave it - as long an I remain in Him (the true Vine). I desire to move forward - into tomorrow because I know whenever a journey ends a new one (of much promise) is about to begin. God has been holding out promises to me over these 40 days as I was still and rested in the Desert of Waiting. I dug deep into His Word and devoured it like the most delectable of foods! You might say I have a "sweet tooth" for God's Word! Tomorrow I will set my foot into another territory of my Promised Land here on earth. I may have to fight an enemy or two to take the land that has been given to me - but I know I am already more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Bring 'em on! "Enemy - you are under my feet. "

Hebrews 11:8-10

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. [emphasis added]

Now I know why- when I spoke at Bob's celebration service - I called my God - "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (a phrase I had never in my life used before). It was because God put that phrase on my lips that day. It would be a year an a half later when He would show me why. It is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob whom I have encountered personally and intimately through this journey. I have engaged with Him and He with me. Is it any wonder that He is a God of wonders? Don't ever let me lose my "wonder" of You, LORD!

Give me FAITH to Believe - and a heart to RECEIVE! I'm ready! Bring it all on!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

A Little Taste of Heaven

Yesterday was Sunday - a day set apart for the LORD. I want to share what was so special about yesterday - what set that day apart - unto Him.

It began as a blessed morning with my grand-kids - but that wasn't what set it apart. I anticipated what the LORD would speak to me through Pastor Russell Howard's Sunday School class - he spoke on the life of Joseph - and it was all that God wanted to speak to me about my own life. But as great as his teaching was - that wasn't what set the day apart for the LORD. Dr. Powell also had a wonderful message about marriage - present - past and future marriages - but even that wasn't it either - though it spoke to me and blessed my heart.

What set apart the day for the LORD happened during the preparation in worship. It wasn't the beginning choruses and hymns that were sung - nor as the more than 100 choir members stood and sang their hearts out - in a song I think was called: All Rise, nor when I rose to my feet (alone) to give honor and praise to the LORD.

What set the day apart unto the LORD was one choir member who caught my eye as she sang the words to All Rise. I felt the worship in my own heart because of the worship that exuded from her. She was in her sixties (I'm guessing). Her heart poured out with emotion - she could barely sing the words. I closed my eyes several times as we sang but each time I opened them I was drawn to her face. Tears of JOY rolled down her cheeks as our eyes met. I could not help but smile at her - to let her know that my heart was right in line with hers in praise to the God of Universe as we worshiped Him together.

I've been reading several books (this week) - one of which is Don Piper's book: 90 Minutes in Heaven. In it, he shares about his experience of heaven - the sounds, the music and the singing. I couldn't help but think (when I watched this woman singing) that we shared "a little taste of heaven" - what it will be like when we are in the very Presence of Almighty God - our Messiah - Jehovah - and will sing praise from our hearts with JOY.

Psalm 63:3-5

3 But may the righteous be glad

and rejoice before God;

may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praise to His Name,

extol Him who rides on the clouds—

His Name is the LORD—

and rejoice before Him.
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

is God in His holy dwelling.

Psalm 104:31-34

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

may the LORD rejoice in His works-
32 He who looks at the earth, and it trembles,

who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to Him,

as I rejoice in the LORD. [emphasis added]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

Day 39 of 40 - in The Desert of Waiting

From the Mouths of Babes

Mark 10:13-16

The Little Children and Jesus

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

It's been my pleasure to baby-sit two of my grandchildren for the last two days as their Mom and Dad had a special "date time" to celebrate their upcoming 10th year wedding anniversary. Three year old, Drew, and Tessa (21 months).

We all met up together at Sanibel Island Beach today. Drew prayed for us before me we left the house - that Jesus would help us get their safely since Mom-Mom did not know the way. It was the sweetest sincere prayer out of that little 3-year-old's mouth... and it was answered! We arrived just as Mommy and Daddy were coming back from breakfast.

I have been able to see some of my "heritage in the LORD" unfold this week. Drew has his own children's Bible that is very worn out from use. It is a fat one filled with Bible stories and pictures of all the characters of the Bible. He lives to read that each day [hum - wonder where he gets that from]. His Bible is so worn that it is taped together on the cover and many of the pages. It's called: The New BIBLE In Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor with has 383 pages. I highly recommend it for younger age children to get them started knowing God's Word - even the hard parts.

Yesterday we learned about David and Goliath. We also read about David being anointed King. Drew's Mom and Dad just started doing something new at dinnertime every night. When dinner is over - they read one story from Drew's Bible and discuss it. Each person is asked a question about what happened in the story - even Tessa - as young as she is. Then we pray together - each one praying and thanking God for something special that is on their heart. Then we sing.

After we had finished this routine tonight - Drew and Tessa wanted to show Mommy and Daddy what Mom-Mom taught them in the last two days. Mom-Mom brought her own CD with her (a favorite right now [The Patriarch's] a Beth Moore CD that goes along with her Bible study. Drew has a favorite song on it called: EVERYTHING - but he has to turn it up full blast so he and Tessa can jump with raised hands in praise to Jesus as we sing the words together. It is a sight to behold - one I will treasure forever - even if we look silly doing it together!

Here's the chorus:

I want it all .... everything You want for me Jesus

I won't give up ... til I've taken hold of everything

Let nothing, let no one take my crown

Til I stand before You ... and I lay it down,

I want everything.

It goes on to say...

Give me FAITH to BELIEVE and a heart to receive!

The words to this song are very special to me right now too! I'm glad that Drew and I can share it as a favorite! I still can't wait to see what else God is going to do in my life!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

A Teaching DETOUR

As I arrived in FL yesterday afternoon the LORD took time to teach me things even as I studied and prayed on the plane. It was especially nice to think about "riding on the clouds" as I spoke to the LORD from my heart (rather than aloud as I usually pray). I have to admit, I did not like praying silently - it was hard to focus and concentrate. I laugh when I think back to my prayer time at 5AM at home - with the dog and cat by my side - as they listen to me pour my heart out aloud - sometimes in tears of anguish or joy. I think my dog needs counseling for it all! She just can't figure out who I'm talking to - but as the days go by she is getting more and more used to my early morning prayer life. The best thing is - so am I. I even asked the LORD to wake me up at 5AM today without an alarm - guess what?... the clock in the living room chimed at 5 on the dot!

Going to church with my son-in-law was awesome last night. The Pastor taught from James - about faith + works = SANCTIFICATION (the on-going process of growth (holiness) in the believer's spiritual life.) He discussed the controversy over the book of James in contrast to Paul's teaching in Ephesians about faith - but pointed to the simple fact that Paul was talking to Non-believers and James was speaking strictly to [brothers ] believers. The Pastor gave a simple explanation to remember:

• Paul taught sinners how to be saints


• James taught believers how to become sanctified [set apart/unto holiness]

Then... we read more scripture about Abraham. I just can't get away from that man - because all that God is holding for my future - my promises - are wrapped up in the those personal encounters with God - just like that of Abraham. From Genesis to Romans - to Hebrews and now James - Abraham is everywhere - and so is his faith - a faith with action behind it - the very faith that God desires for my life - and yours.

James 2: 20-23

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless [for growth] ? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. [emphasis mine]

Abraham had faith with action. It was present and active and motivated toward what God intended and desired. It was faith with obedience. Let your heart rest on that for a bit as you ponder what God is calling you to take action with in your own life of faith. Will you obey - like Abraham? The reward will be great! There's nothing like a fresh encounter with God Himself.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

Wrestle it Through

Last night I spent a powerful time in prayer - in tears - pleading for the enemy to be bound in the life of another. I prayed that they would wrestle through with God - until He blesses. GOD is at WORK - and the enemy hates it. He is coming at many of us with a vengeance to distract and destroy - but He has no claim over those who belong to Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:11-13 KJV

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [emphasis added]

Genesis 32:24-26

24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

What is it that you are wrestling through with God (against the enemy)? Put on your armor - praise - prayer and God's Word - and fight - being more than a conqueror and don't let up until you have victory and God blesses!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

Day 33 of 40 - in The DESERT of WAITING

A Day of BLESSINGS

I began today's blog before I left for church - but I'm glad I did not get back to it until just now. Today was LIFE of CHRIST Sunday at our church. There were baby dedications, baptisms, preaching, scripture readings, worship music, as well as welcoming new members into our congregation. What a special blessed day it was! The two people I had prayed would be baptized - God multiplied into a double portion - as four were added to the other three who were already scheduled. Wow! Only GOD!!! Praise Him!

As if that were not enough - right in the middle of it all - someone tapped me on the shoulder in the middle of worship. It was a woman from another one of my Bible studies who I had just prayed this morning would come to church today. She said, "No way," - but God said, "Yes, way, MY WAY," and there she was with the joy of Jesus on her face!!! I could barely contain my own worship and praise to God - I had to literally step out into the aisle so I could worship the LORD in FREEDOM - with hands raised to the heavens in Praise!!!

For those who followed the LORD in obedience today, may God's Word bless your heart.

Psalm 41:11

11 I know that You are pleased with me,

for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity You uphold me

and set me in Your presence forever.
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

Amen and Amen.

Psalm 25: 9-10

9 He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them His way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful

for those who keep the demands of His covenant.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

PS: God said, "Happy 2nd Anniversary, Stephanie, thanks for listening when I spoke!"

[It's DAY 31 of 40 in the DESERT of WAITING]

A NEW THING

What NEW THING is God doing in your life right now - this very moment - in your heart - as He draws you deeper in relationship to Himself?

Isaiah 43 (selected)

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—

..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.

18 "Forget the former things

do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.
20... I provide water in the desert

and streams in the wasteland,

to give drink to My people, My chosen,
21 the people I formed for Myself

that they may proclaim My praise. [emphasis added]

God began a new thing in my life 2 years ago when He spoke to me afresh on May 11th, 2006. Fortunately, I was paying attention to His voice. He then took me and my family on a journey with Him that has been a "TRUST & OBEY" adventure ever since.

Does God want to do a "new thing" in your life today? Are you paying attention to His voice? Seeking Him with all your heart in His Word, praying, allowing the Holy Spirit who lives within you - to burst forth in fresh faith? Will you surrender to His plans and His Ways? Will you allow Him to complete the "new thing" He wants to start in you?

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. [emphasis added]

May the promise of this very passage be yours today as you trust and obey Him for every good and perfect gift from above.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

One Seed - Much Fruit

As I ran my finger over the cover of a little booklet called The Greatest Discovery written by Jim Cymbala [Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle] this morning, I stared at the picture showing a dandelion flower that was past blooming - into its "feather dust" stage. Half the seeds were scattered in mid air. I thought about this 40-Day journey that I am on with the LORD right now. Today is Day 25.

Seeds!

If you've been following the title Labels for these Blogs you'll have noticed that this Journal period has been entitled:

A Handful of Seeds - Centered on God's Word

As I am in the Desert of Waiting during this 40-day journey - God continues to point me to Prayer and God's Word. Did you know that even in the desert there are beautiful plants that bloom?

God continues to work for "Good" to those who love Him... Every seed of His Word that He plants in our hearts - is for good - for His kingdom purposes. Remember that EVERYTHING God does - is connected to Seed Time and Harvest. Ponder in your heart today everything that happens to a seed before it can produce fruit for the harvest: Dying, buried in the ground, the outer shell fallsoff, it is watered, new life shoots forth from the darkness - toward the light of the Sun. It receives nourishment from the Sun and water from the rain - then it will bring forth the harvest of fruit it was intended to produce. And its fruit will be the same as that of the tree.



John 12:24


I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Matthew 13:32


"Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."



Romans: 8:28


28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. [emphasis added]



Psalm 84:11


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]. [emphasis added]

Galatians 3:15-17


15 Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"meaning one person, who is Christ. 17What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

DAYS TO COME

Words and Music by: Chance Scoggins

Chorus:

Every promise that You’ve made

and every dream… that You’ve given
I believe the moment that You said it –

it was done!
So even at my final breath when I’m…
standing on the edge of death I know

You’ll find me holding onto the Hope…

of days to come!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

CHOOSING JOY

The month of May marks the first anniversary of this Devotional Blog that God has given me the privilege to share with all of you. Often, I am asked why I sign it, "Choosing JOY". It goes back two years ago when God first spoke to my heart and showed me how to choose JOY in the midst of circumstances filled with pain and sorrow. One day shortly after that, I sought to change how I was signing all my e-M updates from "Choosing Joy", to "Reaching for Joy". But GOD... stopped me before I could hit the "send" button. He instructed me in His gentle way to go back to "Choosing Joy" - revealing to me that "reaching for it - is never enough"! He showed me that JOY is always available - but I must choose to clothe myself with it daily! How about you?

Notice from all these passages HOW Choosing JOY is not empty - but full of:

• Praise
• Sacrifice
• Instruction of Truth
• Celebration
• Fellowship
• Community
• Caring
• Feasting together at God's table
• God's own Presence
• Prayer & Worship to God

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

Deuteronomy 16:14-15

14 Be joyful at your Feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites, the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns. 15 For seven days celebrate the Feast to the LORD your God at the place the LORD will choose. For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.

Ezra 6:15-17
15 The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
16 Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
17 For the dedication of this house of God they offered... [sacrifices].

Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Esther 9:22-23
22 as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. 23 So the Jews agreed [chose] to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them.

Job 33:26
He [Job] prays to God and finds favor with Him,
he sees God's face and shouts for joy;
he is restored by God to his righteous state.

Psalm 16:11 KJV
Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 43:3-4
3 Send forth Your light and Your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to Your holy mountain,
to the place where You dwell.
4 Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise You with the harp,
O God, my God. [all emphasis mine]

My prayer is that many of you have now set out to "Choose JOY" daily in your own lives as a testimony of what our LORD Jesus Christ has done for you and for me. Together, may we lift holy hands of praise, offer our lives as living sacrifices to our God, and share the JOY of our hearts - His very Presence!


When Praise Demands a Sacrifice
words and music by Russell Mauldin and Sue C. Smith
Chorus:
When praise demands a sacrifice…I’ll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He’ll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice... I'll worship even then!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

The Cure for Loneliness

JESUS HIMSELF.......

Through PRAISE, PRAYER, GOD'S WORD and FELLOWSHIP!

Psalm 42:5-6

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your Hope in God,

for I will yet praise Him,

my Savior and my God.

Psalm 25:1-2

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
in You I trust, O my God.

Psalm 86:3-5

Have mercy on me, O Lord,

for I call to You all day long.
Bring joy to Your servant,

for to You, O Lord,

I lift up my soul.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord,

abounding in love to all who call to You.

Psalm 119:1-2

1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless [upright],

who walk according to the law [Word] of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep His statutes

and seek Him with all their heart.

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

May you live to be a blessing to others this day!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

STRENGTH to FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 29 (selected)

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.
7 The voice of the LORD strikes

with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;

the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks

and strips the forests bare.

And in His temple all cry,
"Glory!"
11 The LORD gives strength to His people;

the LORD blesses His people with peace.

Psalm 59:9,16-17

O my Strength, I watch for You;

You, O God, are my fortress, 10 my loving God.

God will go before me…

16 But 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 (selected)

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.
5 The heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD,

Your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like You?

You are mighty, O LORD, and Your faithfulness surrounds You.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You,

who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD.
17 For you are their glory and strength,

and by Your favor You exalt our horn [strength].
21 My Hand will sustain him;

surely My arm will strengthen him. [all emphasis mine]

Let the Word of God's STRENGTH and His FAITHFULNESS pour over your soul today as you trust in His unfailing love for you.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

Words Worth Listening To

In the passage below - the Samaritan women comes to the well in the middle of the day - the hottest time of day - probably so no one else will be there. Jesus had sent His disciples off to do another task so He could be alone with this woman. We see how personal Jesus is with her. He doesn't use words to embarrass her - just facts - the way He views her life. She knew when He spoke to her that their encounter was unusual since Jews never spoke to Samaritans - let alone a woman all by herself. But GOD... saw her not as the sinner she was - but as one forgiven - with new life - one with purpose. God always see us as the finished and completed work of His Hand. She realized immediately that His Words were worth listening to.

John 4 (selected)

4 Now He [Jesus] had to go through Samaria. 5 So He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to Him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can You ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water."
11 "Sir," the woman said, "You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can You get this living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17 "I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am He."

The Disciples Rejoin Jesus

27 Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Many Samaritans Believe

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41 And because of His words many more became believers. [emphasis mine]

Don't miss the fact that this woman had such a bad reputation in that town that no one would listen to a word she said [before her encounter with Messiah, Jesus.] But as soon as she responded to His Words - she then had words worth listening to. In fact, the whole town listened and believed! That's the transforming power that can only come from God Himself through the power of His Holy Spirit. The woman's testimony now gave Jesus an audience (who sought Him out).

Isn't that what Jesus desires from our lives? To live a transformed life so that others will seek Him out - as He draws them to Himself.

Give me more of that living water every day! I want to stand under the fountain and drink it in!


Choosing JOY while bathing in God's Word [the ones worth listening to],

Stephanie

TRUST - OBEY - PRAISE

Psalm 25:1-5
1To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in You I trust, O my God.

Do not let me be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in You

will ever be put to shame,

but they will be put to shame

who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me Your ways, O LORD,

teach me Your paths;
5 guide me in Your truth and teach me,

for You are God my Savior,

and my hope is in You all day long.

Psalm 55 (selected)
1 Listen to my prayer, O God,

do not ignore my plea;
6 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest-
7 I would flee far away

and stay in the desert; Selah
18 He ransoms me unharmed

from the battle waged against me,

even though many oppose me.

Psalm 85 (selected)
9 Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him,

that His glory may dwell in our land.
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;

righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The LORD will indeed give what is good,

and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him

and prepares the way for his steps.

Psalm 115:1,18

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us

but to Your Name be the glory,

because of Your love and faithfulness.
18 It is we who extol the LORD,

both now and forevermore.

Praise the LORD. [emphasis mine on all scripture]

Choosing JOY in The Desert of Waiting.........Day 15 of 40

Stephanie

Our DEFENDER

Has there been someone who has come against you? Gossip, slander, selfish talk? Has someone come against your Pastor or Elders without cause? God calls us to be still, to put on our armor and stand. Take comfort in the refuge of the shadow of His wings - and sing for joy that you have One who gives comfort and assurance that HE (alone) will defend the honor of who we are in Christ.



Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for His Name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and [mercy] love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Psalm 83 (selected)

1 O God, do not keep silent;
be not quiet, O God, be not still.
See how Your enemies are astir,
how Your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against Your people;
they plot against those You cherish.
16 Cover their faces with shame
so that men will seek Your Name, O LORD.
17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that You, whose Name is the LORD—
that You alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Pray for mercy for those who come against God's anointed. Only God knows their hearts and ours. May our hearts be ever pure before Him in all that we say and do.

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to You, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer!

Chorus: When Praise Demands a Sacrifice

words and music by Russell Mauldin and Sue C. Smith

*********

When praise demands a sacrifice…I’ll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He’ll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice...

I'll Worship...

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

The WORD Endures

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

How often do you read and ponder Psalm 119? Perhaps it's a Psalm you avoid because of its length - with 176 verses as its content. Have you ever wondered why that Psalm is so long? One answer can be found in a New Testament passage [1 Peter] - but you will discover the reason when you read the [entire] Psalm for yourself.

1 Peter 1:24-25

24 For, "All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25 but the Word of the Lord [endures] forever."
And this is the Word that was preached to you.

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

Psalm 119:97-112 (selected)

The Love of God’s Word

Oh, how I love Your instructions!

I think about them all day long.

Your commands … are my constant guide.

Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,

for I am always thinking of Your laws.

I am even wiser than my elders,

for I have kept Your commandments.

I have refused to walk on any evil path,

so that I may remain obedient to Your Word.

I haven’t turned away from Your regulations,

for You have taught me well.

How sweet Your words taste to me;

they are sweeter than honey.

Your commandments give me understanding;

no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet

and a light for my path.

I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:

I will obey Your righteous regulations.

I have suffered much, O Lord;

restore my life again as You promised.
Lord, accept my offering of praise,

and teach me Your regulations.

My life constantly hangs in the balance,

but I will not stop obeying Your instructions.

Your laws are my treasure;

they are my heart’s delight.

I am determined to keep Your decrees

to the very end.

[all emphasis mine]

May it be a Psalm that will remain on your heart and life forever.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

Joining God's Work in Progress

Where is God at work? Have you ever asked Him that very question? We know from scripture that God is at work all the time in and around us. When we boldly ask Him where He's working - He will gladly show us. Once He reveals that to us - that is His invitation to join Him there! Just today a dear friend in another state shared how God did that very thing for her.

We have been praying that God would open up a Bible study in her home or in her church. For many weeks it was not coming together. Only one woman had come forth to show interest in Bible study but they were locked out of the church yesterday and had no where to go. They went to the local "diner" - a local "hang out". She said she and the other women felt God redirecting them to another area. The owner of the diner offered to help them make posters and invite women to attend a new "Bible Breakfast Club" there at his diner.

God opened the doors to the spacious place He was working. Now they have joined God in the very place He is already at work. Their enthusiasm and desire to study His Word has been rewarded and God will complete the work He has begun.

When God came to men like Abraham, Noah, and even Paul, He had a plan that He was working on - and revealed His plan to these men. Then, they joined God in His work and believed Him for the promises He had shown. They began to adjust their lives to fit God's plan. They obeyed!

Psalm 18:19

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;

He rescued me because He delighted in me.

Luke 8:15 NLT

And the seeds that fell on the good soil
represent honest,
good-hearted people
who hear God’s word, cling to it,
and patiently produce a huge harvest.

1 Peter 1:24-25

24 For, "All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25 but the Word of the Lord stands forever."

And this is the Word that was preached to you.

Psalm 12:6

And the Words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

Psalm 72:18-19

18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to His glorious Name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. [emphasis mine]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

While We Wait

Are you, perhaps, in a place of waiting for God to do His work - but knowing and accepting that "being still" and "resting in God" [in prayer] is what He requires while you wait for His next move? Often, this place feels like a desert, but it can be a place of great joy, contentment and peace if we think on certain things while we're there.

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



Psalm 5:3

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before You
and wait in expectation.



Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

What Are You Planting?

How deep is God's Word planted in your heart? Is it deep enough to bring forth a harvest to be shared with others?

When we spend time in God's Word, pouring over it and pondering His words to us, it is for the purpose of changing our hearts to match His will and purposes. Then we must respond and obey what He speaks through it. After that - we are not supposed to keep that to ourselves - it is to be shared with others around us. That's "profit sharing"! So, what are you planting, what are you sowing, what are you reaping? Is is enough to feed a dying world? Enough to feed your own [church] family?

Luke 8:15 NLT

And the seeds that fell on the good soil
represent honest,
good-hearted people
who hear God’s word,
cling to it,
and patiently produce a huge harvest.
1 Peter 1:24-25

24 For, "All men are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25 but the Word of the Lord stands forever."
And this is the Word that was preached to you.

Psalm 126:5-6

5 Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves [the harvest] with him. [emphasis mine]

May we sow God's Word deep in our hearts daily - be changed by it - and share the benefits with others around us.

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

A Planting for His Splendor

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on Me [Christ],

because the LORD has anointed Me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those [us] who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They [we] will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of His splendor.
4 They [we] will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations. [emphasis mine]

So many are in despair this week because of being focused on their circumstances - rather than on the God of the Universe who sent His own Son [Jesus Christ] to heal and restore. When will be stop believing the lies of the evil one - who says, "nothing can be restored" - his lies say that, "things are too long devastated to be restored"? BUT GOD - says otherwise.

Look what Christ came to do:

• Preach
• Bind up
• Proclaim Freedom
• Release
• Comfort
• Provide
• Bestow Beauty

When we allow Christ to do that in our lives - then we become those Oaks of Righteousness - A Planting of the LORD - for the display of His Splendor! Wow! Can you even take that in?

I've shared this passage often and have written about it before. It is important to grasp and to live out. If you are depressed over your circumstances - bring them back to Christ - and let Him replace your despair with a garment of Praise - for where there is PRAISE - there can be no despair or depression! Try it - it works!

The results? He will rebuild, restore and renew what the enemy has stolen. Praise Him now!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie