DRAW NEAR: WEEK 1 - WEDNESDAY

// WEDNESDAY //

Read - Psalm 96:10-13, Psalm 19:1-3

SOAP - Psalm 96:10-13

The part that stood out right away was in the translation (NLT) I read, Verse 10 says, "The world stands firm and cannot be shaken"... and the thought/revelation came to me that;

👫The 'world' (people) get shaken by the circumstances that come (Ex Covid-19)... but the 🌍 'world' (nature and the creation around us) STANDS FIRM and CANNOT be shaken!! WOW! They KNOW the hand of God is in it! They KNOW He reigns! They KNOW He is FAIR & JUST! The "world" just trusts it's Creator. They shout their praises and testimonies to 'the world' (us/people)!! 👏 Again, I am a music/song person (it's in my blood & a lot of how I learned and still learn Scriptures, etc) and again I started singing the song,

I WILL DO THE SAME!! 🎶 and another song

NEVER BE SHAKEN (Jared Anderson). (Link to Never Be Shaken is below).

My application; Trust in the Lord, He is FAITHFUL, JUST & TRUE.

Do NOT be shaken by circumstances, look to the Lord. See what creation is doing and PRAISE Him with them. Declare He reigns! REJOICE! Sing, Shout, Burst out with JOY! 🌳 Be a TREE planted by the waters! 🏞You will live in joy and peace.

A sidenote verse came, "The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!" 🌳👏

I have always pictured the trees waving their branches and the wind blowing them!

(There is also another song I learned as a young girl by Evie The Tree Song and it reminds me to keep my roots deep and running to the river no matter where I am, whether I am right beside the river or in the middle of a busy city!)

It also came to me the thought that each thing of creation praises in its own way, the skies cannot praise like the seas roar, nor like the trees dance & wave their praises... just like us. It doesn't matter HOW we praise, just that we DO IT! 👏

As I was writing and reading, I have worship music playing in the background, & the words of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" began to play, & it just hit me. The words

"Oh, the peace we often forfeit, O the needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." IF we humble ourselves and PRAY He WILL HEAR from Heaven, forgive our sins and HEAL our land! PRAYER... I have always known it is important, but don't always do it as DEEP as I should. But WHAT A FRIEND we have in Jesus! God doesn't just want to JUDGE us, He wants to be our CLOSEST FRIEND! AMEN!

Love you ladies! 💕 Sorry not sorry for the long post again! I just perceive that God wants to tell us He is proud of us, His daughters who are taking this time to DRAW NEAR and be reminded that He is our FRIEND! He is ALWAYS there! His Word will not return void... it ALWAYS accomplishes that which He desires and it will prosper everywhere He sends it! (That is through us too!) (Isaiah 55:11) 📖

Here is the song by Jared Anderson if you desire to listen!  Never Be Shaken!!

"The Tapestry of Life"

Day #102 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NKJV

Here is a picture I found online (click here to read more about the site) and it shows a beautiful tapestry with many colours of wool, and formed together in many little pieces, make a beautiful final product. Just like our lives, each piece is important, and makes us who we are. God is the weaver, same as he is the potter.

Here is a picture of the 'backside' of the same tapestry. From that angle, it looks like a bunch of strings, not forming anything. A story that has be told over and over in different settings, using our lives as a tapestry. From this angle, it looks like a big mess, but God takes the messes in our lives and makes a message to share with the world about His Son and the gospel.

Life is a woven tapestry, full of the beautiful and the not-so-beautiful... the good and the bad, the encouraging days and the discouraging days. But knowing that we are in the hands of the great Creator helps us face those not-so-beautiful days, and we are reminded that in the end, we will have the victory, and we will be a beautiful bride wearing the robes of righteousness with our Brother Jesus!

Sometimes during the 'good days' we tend to overlook the many blessings that God has given to us, and we start to take God for granted. But during the 'bad days', we find out what we are truly made of. Eleanor Roosevelt (& later Nancy Reagan) made a statement, "A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water" & a quote by an unknown, "You don't know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have."

As I write and share my viewpoint (& more Holy Spirit inspired words) on the devotionals found in the book I am reading, 'A Woman of Faith Devotional' I pray that the words spoken/written are touching the hearts of those who read them. However, I do realize that my life is actually going in ways which Holy Spirit knows I need these words as well. This devotional for example was just for me, today (actually yesterday when I am writing this, as I didn't get to write yesterday). I thank God for the 'times of testing', for each 'test' turns into a 'testimony' and He turns our 'mess' into a 'message'. (Thanks Brother Miller for those two statements). Same as the tapestry above, the backside is a 'mess', but the front side is a beautiful tapestry with a 'message'. We need to share the 'message' of God's love with the world.

In reading "Little Keys Open Big Doors" by Rachel Hickson (©2007 by Rachel Hickson, Published by Chosen Books, Grand Rapids MI) she writes, "In the famous Bayeaux tapestry, there is a section entitled 'King Harold comforted his troops.' When you look more closely at the picture in this section, you see King Harold on his horse with a strong lance in his hand, and he is driving this lance into the backside of one of his soldiers! Over this picture hangs the phrase, 'King Harold comforts his men'. This is more like the picture of biblical comfort! We need to take courage from the Word of God and use it to inspire one another to press in and keep walking through difficult times."

Funny thing is most of us haven't reached the 'darkest days', or difficult trials & tragedies where our faith will be truly tested... but when those days come, we know that God will prove faithful and give us the strength we need, if we trust in Him. We can rest assured in His peace, that passes all understanding!

...so get out there and let God weave your masterpiece, turning your 'mess' into a 'message'!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Peace & His Word"

DAY #99 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Great peace have they which love thy law." Psalm 119:165 KJV

"God has revealed to us a new reality that the world does not understand: In His eternal kingdom, what matters is being like our Father. That is the way to success and peace." ~ Mary Morrison Suggs

...to be continued!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Genuine Peace"

DAY #49 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; be be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV

"Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray. In fathomless billows of love..." Words of an old hymn play in my mind when I think of genuine peace. It is not peace that the world gives, as in 'peace & love man' or just not having war or troubles. Genuine peace is having a calmness and rest, and joy in your spirit in midst of a storm, troubles or war. It says above '...you WILL have tribulation.' When some people become a Christian, or want to become a Christian they think that Christian living will be all happiness and bliss; no troubles or tribulations anymore. Well, as you can read in Scripture, there will still be troubles and tribulations, but the Lord can and will deliver us from them all. He never gives us more than we can handle (with His strength, not our own). We need to remember that part, that we cannot do much in our own strength, but through God nothing is impossible to him that believes. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) We need to start declaring Scriptures like this when troubles come, say it today 'I CAN do ALL things, through CHRIST who strengthens me.' When I learned this verse, (and when I teach this verse as memory work or a song) we were asked (or I ask the children) 'how many things can you do?' and we (they) reply (replied) 'ALL things'. We do need to remind ourselves that NOTHING is too BIG for God to handle. Our problems compared to God are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

Another thought when the word 'peace' is brought up is a cute little song from 'The Music Machine' (Agapeland Music) called 'Peace'. The chorus says, "...peace, peace, I think I understand. Peace, Peace is holding Jesus' hand."


From Music Machine - The Fruit of the Spirit (Available with full CD)

Peace is when the wind stops blowing
Peace is where the sun is showing
Knowing that my Daddy's home
God gives me peace

Peace, peace
I think I understand
Peace, peace
Is holding Jesus' hand

Peace is when I'm tucked in bed
When my mommy pats my head
Peace is smiling while I sleep
God gives me peace

Peace, peace
I think I understand
Peace, peace
Is holding Jesus' hand


Written by Wayne Zeitner
©Copyright 1977 Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc. (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by BMG Music Publishing) Candle Company Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by BMG Music Publishing)
CCLI Number: 92000

So when troubles come (which they most likely may) just reach out and 'hold Jesus' hand' and he will be with you and bring you through it and grant you the 'genuine peace' that is spoken of in the Word of God. Claim the inner peace which is yours, keep smiling amidst a storm, laugh in the face of the devil (well not literally in his face) and start claiming some (or all) of the blessings and promises found in the Bible. It is a living and active thing - it's not just a book on your shelf or in the drawer of a hotel.

In John 14:27 Jesus says, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"His Healing Touch"

DAY #36 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "'I will give peace, real peace, to those far and near, and I will heal them,' says the Lord." Isaiah 57:19 NCV

God is a restorer, a healer, a deliverer, a provider, a peace-giver, and whatever we need Him to be. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipotent and no other worldly god can compare. Others may believe that they can, but in the end HE is the 'I AM'. This verse is for everyone, yet He helps us and does what He says when we choose to do right. If we willfully choose to do what He has told us not to do, and continue in our evil ways - then of course we need to repent and turn from our wickedness before He can truly bless us. But He is there to love, forgive and change our hearts - He is just a step away. When you feel far away from God - it's not Him who moved, it's you. Just one step sends you back into His loving presence. This chapter 57 of Isaiah, verses 1-13a, God is speaking of Israel's idolatry, and is resenting what they have chosen to do. He still loves his people, but not what they are doing. He tells them that they have put other gods before Him, the one true God. If they believe in those gods to help them, then go ahead and cry out to them. In Isaiah 57:13a He says, "When you cry out, Let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, a breath will take them." Our idols, or things we place above God in our lives cannot do anything for us in reality. For the moment they seem to please us, and give us a sense of joy. But they cannot restore, heal, deliver, bring true peace or true joy. They can be ground back to dust, and blown away in a simple breath. God will remain forever! God is a jealous God, ("Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Exodus 34:14) but not in the sense of the word that we use so frivolousy today. God has created us to worship Him, and to fulfill the plans that He has made -- so when we are choosing something else over Him, He is angered, yet He is saddened to the extent of a broken-heart for His children, to see them choosing the path of evil. HE DESIRES YOU TO LIVE A FULFILLED LIFE! He did all He did for YOU! Right now to us, our 'godly' choices may seem pleasant and fulfilling, yet they lead down the path of unrighteousness to eternal death. GOD WANTS TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH YOU FOREVER! When we choose to live our lives in a righteous, holy way, we can still receive the pleasure we desire plus sooooo much more! God wants us to go down the path of righteousness that leads to eternal rest, peace, joy, health, provision, love and sooooo much more. He wants you to live to your MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS... The M.E. that He has called you to be.

We've all been a backslider at one time or another, with a simple choice or a more complex choice. Sin is still sin, no matter how small. BUT, if we choose to trust in Him, and even try to live righteously and holy He will indeed bless us. Continuing verse 13, God says, 'But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain.' (Isaiah 57:13b) God sees us, and He knows us -- more deeper than some of us realize I think. Sometimes we think we can hide our sin from others, and even from God. Yet God is everywhere (omnipresent), and knows everything (omniscient) and He is all-powerful (omnipotent) that He knows everything about everyone and watches all that we think, do and say. He knows if you are 'trying'... He knows your hearts motives. He will lead us back into His peace and comfort if we choose to repent and return to Him. That leads us into our verse for today, (NKJV translation) "'Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,' Says the LORD, 'And I will heal him'.” To those who choose Him and His peace, He will grant it. He will heal YOU today! I claim the healing of the Lord to be upon you and your household and family 'far and near' today IF you have chosen to put aside your wicked desires, and to choose life with Him. But before we can start claiming the healing, we need to restore our hearts, as we all have sinned. (Romans 3:23) -- pray along with me, if you are choosing LIFE, 'Father I ask you to forgive me FROM ALL the sins that I have committed against your Will and your Ways in my life (from birth to this point called 'today') (and help us to FORGIVE OTHERS) in thought, word and deed - intentionally and unintentionally so that we may enter Your throne-room boldly and we may receive our blessings that you have promised to us. We receive your healing touch today in the Name of Jesus.'

**If you have never prayed the 'salvation prayer' before or experienced the peace that is spoken of above, then here's your chance today. The only thing you are giving up is things that aren't going to last long anyway -- which if you don't give up, will only make your own life not last as long as it could (which is eternally). --- You've already made the first step known - admit to God that you are a sinner, because after all - all of us are sinners. (Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") After that you need to believe that God is God, and that Jesus is His Son. He sent His Son to die for us, so that we as sinners didn't need to be condemned to death. (Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, bu the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.") Then do as we did above, and Confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness -- and then confess aloud that JESUS IS LORD. (Romans 10:9-10 "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.") We need to daily ask for forgiveness, because we are human and we will always mess up in some way or another. God is willing and able to forgive us, and welcome YOU into His family. I don't like to write out a prayer to say word for word, as this important step is something that you need to tell God in your own words. Just tell Him what's in your heart - you're a sinner, you want to believe in Him but it may be hard, you want Him to forgive you of what you've done, and you want to choose life with Him through His Son Jesus. It's as simple as that. **

Stop being content in your unbelief -- Don't end up like Eddie! (I found it on the internet somewhere and WOW... eye-opener!)

So don't just read about it, RECEIVE HIS HEALING TOUCH today. He desires to heal you (& your family) in EVERY area of your life. (Physically, Spiritually, Socially, Emotionally, Mentally & Financially). In the words of Anne Graham Lotz, "Jesus Christ is the One by Whom, for Whom, through Whom everything was made. Therefore, he knows what's wrong in your life, and He knows how to fix it." -- JUST ASK HIM TO DO IT!

Walk out in your healing today, don't look to the circumstances or the symptoms and feel discouraged, know that God is doing a GREAT work in YOU inside and out!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

Day 8: October 8th, 2009 -- Philippians 4:6-7

POINTS TO PONDERDay 8: October 8th, 2009 – Philippians 4:6-7
Written by M. Hall


Please feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Thanksgiving is approaching, and although we should be thankful each and every day, we need to set time apart this weekend to tell God how thankful we are for the many, many blessings that He has given us. At daycare this week, our Bible lesson is on Daniel, and how he obeyed God and stood firm to his beliefs, even when the King’s advisors tried to take him down, and had the King make a law against God. We are learning that prayer is important, and that we have to stand for what we believe in. When we pray to God, He will answer us. It may not be the answer we are looking for, but He does answer. Sometimes His answer is - - Yes, No, Maybe, Wait/Silence. However this verse tells us the peace of God is ours, and it will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. That is a promise that not too many of us are claiming or walking in.

Too many times we find ourselves getting anxious or worried about situations, and yes, we do pray, but then we dwell on thoughts in our mind, that get us worked up. Negative words and thoughts come in, and they are from the enemy. Remember the words that Jesus told us in His Word, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) This verse tells us to give it to God, and then let the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. He is our peace! WOW! What a promise that is! Who is ready to walk in the promise of peace? I know that I am! I am reminded by a very good friend and mentor that we need to take God at His Word, and walk according to His Word, and not our own opinions, or other’s opinions for that matter. “May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you, and give you peace” (The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV)

GOD BLESS YOU TODAY! WALK IN THE PROMISES OF GOD, AND TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD, IN JESUS’ NAME!


Love you all with the love of the Lord! (Well at least I am trying to...)

~MITZ