Leap For Joy

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." Malachi 4:2 NIV Bible

This scripture is referring to the end times, but God brought it to mind this morning. Last night, I was hit with confusion, shame and discouragement. I battled with it all night and through my prayer time this morning. God gradually rescued me and showed me the way out. Now I am filled with hope and excitement for life. I feel like the calf that has been let out of it's stall. We used to raise calves. They really do leap for joy. It is so fun to watch. They actually kick up their heals and almost do a little dance.

I know that God has great things for our future, but he has great things for today. He doesn't want us to receive the harassment of the enemy. He wants us to revere his name. This morning God gave me the grace to turn from my enemy and revere his name. The sun of righteousness really did rise with healing in its wings. Now I am leaping for joy. It is like night and day. I encourage you to turn from the darkness and revere God. He wants to set you free and heal you. He wants to fill you with joy

Wholesome Thinking

"Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles." 2 Peter 3:1-2 NIV Bible

Today, I encourage you to keep your thoughts on hope, righteousness, and goodness. Remember what God has taught you. Meditate on it. Rest in God's love and goodness.

You are Like A Tree Planted By The Water

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:8-9 NIV Bible

It is crucial that you know who you are. When you know your identity, all of life is lived differently. There will always be mockers, sinners, and the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1). You are not one of them, and you don't have to prove anything to them. You can turn and put your focus on God. You are like that tree. You don't have to be afraid of the drought. You have green leaves. You are bearing fruit. This is your identity. Live boldly, knowing this truth.

Love is Following You

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 NIV Bible

Rise up. Rise up above these circumstances. Know that I am the Lord your God. Lean not on your own understanding. Know that I am following you, guiding you on the right path. Your victory has enabled you to take the next step. Go in power. I am behind you all the way. You will not be alone. We are team mates, you and I. Have victory in Jesus' name. Have victory. I am leading you to victory and I am driving you to victory. I go before you and I am also your rear guard. I am above you and I am below you. You can't escape my presence and loving embrace. Go in peace this day, knowing I am with you. You are not alone. Do not be afraid. I will never leave you. I will never give up on you. Go in peace and win this battle. I am on your team. You cannot fail.

You and God are a Team

The Lord says:
You work hard. You are so weary. Why don't you let me take control. I am not a horse that will buck you off, run away from you, or take you where I want to go with no concern for you. I am Lord. I am kind and loving. I am holy and perfect. You can trust in me. You no longer need to trust in yourself. You need no longer hope in your environment being just right. People around you will fail you. I am your God. You don't need those gods of insecurity and lies. You are my child, and I will care for you. Don't be afraid. Let go. I will not lead you astray. We are a team, you and I. The best team around. Don't be afraid of the crowds that shout, "Crucify him!" You are in a world that hates me. Don't be intimidated by them. Don't be intimidated by life. I will see you through. I know you are brave. You can do this. Let go. See where I take you. You will be pleasantly surprised. I have much in store for you. Let go of your agenda and let me be God. Let go of your life and let me live. I am your God. I am your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Little One, My Brave One, follow me. I am your friend. I really have your best interest at heart, a loving sweet interest. I am yours. Don't be afraid. I will lead you in paths of life.

Come My Darling, My Beautiful One

"Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."
Song of Songs 2:13b-14 NIV Bible

I hear Jesus saying to us:
"Come away with me, my beloved. Come and abide in me where it is safe and pure and holy. Seek my face and know my will for you. My will is not what you expect. You can't hear me clearly in the midst of this rabble. Come away from these voices of shame and discontentment. Come and abide in me, and I will give you my love. Then you will hear me clearly. You can't hear me above the din. You can't discern my heart towards you. The voices of the world are shouting too loudly. Come rest in me, and you will hear my voice. My will for you is love. Come walk with me. Hold my hand. Do not be afraid. My will for you is love. It will not corrupt you. It will purify you. Do not be like the man who wouldn't give up everything and come and follow me. Your everything is killing you. I offer you abundant life. Come, come my beloved, my beautiful one. Come. I will bring you much joy. Come follow me and I will give you life."

Better Than a Hallelujah

Click the link below to hear this sung by Amy Grant

Better Than a Hallelujah

God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out, singing out.