The Goodness of God

 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.~ Isaiah 61:7

God is absolutely amazing.  He brings restoration and joy.  He is our hope.  The Israelites  were disobedient to God and would have to be punished by being exiled to a foreign land, but even in the midst of the shame, God promised that they would rejoice and inherit a double portion.  The abundance of grace is astonishing.  Its hard to fathom.

I am not so different from the Israelites.  I have been disobedient to God.  I have done things that have brought me shame and and disgrace.  I have been broken, but God has restored me through His Son Jesus.  Jesus' death and resurrection allowed me to receive mercy, grace, and a double portion.  I am forgiven and restored.  I am whole and its because of Christ.

As Christmas approaches I can not help but think of the goodness of God.  The gift of Jesus.  The promise of peace and the assurance of hope.  Thank You Lord.

Jesus, thank You for loving me so much.  Thank You for providing a path to You.  Thank You for being a light on my path.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son Lord.  Cover Your people and bless us as we bless Your Holy name.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen

Praise report:  I have been feeling much better.  God is a healer and a provider.  Merry Christmas.

Hope

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he  will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  ~Isaiah 9:6

Life has felt pretty rushed to me lately.  The urgency of fulfilling obligations and roles has me anxious.  Freak accidents and chronic pain have been present, but I have hope.  I have hope in Jesus.  He came to earth humble, but a King.  He was born to die for my sins.  His life brings me peace in the middle of the chaos.  His life brings me joy and steadfastness and He is coming back.  This darken world is not my home.  I have a bright future ahead of me.  So I rebuke the enemy and stand firm on His promises because He will fulfill them all.

Lord, I thank You for Your provision and many blessings.  Bless my brothers and sisters during this special time of year.  Let us look to You unrushed.  May we feel your peace and live with expectation of Your return.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

I'm going to take a few weeks off to refresh, but I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.

Fight the good fight

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  ~Ephesians 6:10-13

I was reminded today that I have an assignment.  One that the enemy does not want me to complete.  My health has been under attack for three weeks now.  I cannot get a clear diagnosis.  I am meeting obstacles, but God.  

I have to remember that my battle is not with flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities of this dark world.  But I serve a greater authority.  I serve the Lord Jesus Christ and I will not give in.  I will not back down.  I will stand my ground for His grace is sufficient for me.  

I know that I do not fight alone.  I have a whole slew of prayer warriors who are lifting me up before God.  The enemies plans will not prosper.  I will be healed.  I will complete my assignments. I will spread the good news of Jesus Christ.  I will be a light for my students and my family.  I will continue to share His word.

I know I have been writing about my struggles for the last few weeks, but God is using my struggle to give someone else hope.  To have them fight on, whatever their battle may be. We have the victory in Christ Jesus.

Lord, I cling to you.  I trust in You.  I put on Your armor and stand firm in Your power.  I declare that the enemy is defeated.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Woke up this morning feeling pretty good.  Thank you Jesus.