The Blessings of Walking Daily in Child-like Faith

Hello Beloved of God,

  How are you this week? I pray that the week has been restful because of walking with Jesus, even if your schedule was absolutely insane. I know what it is like to feel that there is no rest for the weary. Oh to be a child again! But Jesus has been teaching me more about child-like faith which helps me stay in a place of rest all day long. It is a beautiful place where He walks and talks with me and holds me close. I used to think that this was just for the special people that used to write about these things, like King David. Now I know it is what He desires for all of us to experience.  During the time before David was king, he was almost constantly on the run from King Saul who was seeking to kill him because he had been anointed to be the next king. As we read in Psalm 6-10, David is seeking God for safety and protection from King Saul and his armies. Even in these very difficult times David always had a simple faith in God and His ability to keep him safe from Saul and his armies.

  All children start out with a child-like faith. When they grow up this can fade a little, or a lot. The ability to have faith in God and to trust in His abilities comes naturally to someone who has child-like faith. If you feel you have lost some of your child-like faith and desire to regain it, ask God to give you child-like faith.  He is faithful to provide what you ask for according to His will.

  Throughout the years, I have learned  many things that God does for me on a daily basis. One example of how God uses my faith to help me is when I am in need of confidence or cheering up.  He will send someone to do this for Him, or He will lead me to read something that speaks of His heart for me. These are just some small daily gifts God gives to me. I would like to encourage you to practice using your faith in God by calling on the name of Jesus daily!

   God greatly desires for us to voice our need of Him on a daily basis. In order for us to do this, we need to have faith that He is listening. God desires the very best for us, and if we will call on His name, the name of Jesus, He will come and lead us to the green pastures that David spoke of,  so we can walk closer and closer with Him daily.      Have you found your green pastures yet?

  “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16

  “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

   As you walk daily with Jesus, I hope you are inviting Him into every moment of your life. We all have good and bad days. Jesus longs to be with you through it all, helping you, encouraging you, and freeing you from carrying any load that is an unnecessary burden to your heart. Will you rest in His love for you today and everyday?    We will start reading Psalm 11-15 for two weeks.

Blessing,

Patricia

God's Miracle of Deliverance

Hello Dear Faithful Bible Readers,

  How are you all this week? Have you been encouraged? Have you been down and suffering? You are so deeply on my heart. I hope you all know how very precious you are to me as my dear brothers and sisters, and even more so to the Lord who loves you all so incredibly.

  One of the many miracles of God is deliverance. Deliverance is brought to all people who seek God when they find themselves in an impossible situation with no natural way out. When we seek God first, the light of Christ is able to shine into each of our dark and hopeless situations. He is God and He knows everything that goes on in the lives of all people. He hears our cries and our groaning. He hears our words of praise. And in his perfect timing, He brings about deliverance to those who humble themselves, seek His face, and repent of their sinful ways. He does this for both the believers and the non-believers.

  God's deliverance comes in many different way. He delivers us from the shame of our past. He delivers us from abusive and hurtful situations where this is no natural way out. Jesus came to the earth so that He could deliver all mankind from eternity apart from God, through His salvation. He has come to right the wrongs, and bring hope to those who would have no hope otherwise.

  In Psalms 6-10, we read that David found himself in multiple situations where there was no way out. He was surrounded by His accusers who wanted to kill him. He humbly sought God’s forgiveness for any wrong he had done, and asked God to deliver His life. He asked God to bring judgment on those who falsely accused him. He told God his situation and then in faith, he waited expectantly for God to deliver him.

  Throughout my life, God has delivered me in many ways. The most important gift of deliverance that He gave to me was Salvation through Jesus Christ. Praise God for Jesus who was pleased to redeem me, from my deserved punishment. He gave me freedom from my sins with the gift of eternal life, beginning on that day. There is no greater joy than living in Jesus' love for me - daily.

  “Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” Psalm 6:4

  “The Lord reigns forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; He will govern the peoples with justice. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:7-10

  “Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. … But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:12-14

  The desire of my heart is that each of you who read my letters would be filled with encouragement through the Holy Spirit, who is God. Whatever you are facing today, this week or this year, know that God knows what you are going through. He cries when you cry, and He feels joy when you do. God always desires the very best for each of us, but we must draw closer, even closer to Him before He can work. He must have our cooperation, obedience, and submission to His will, purpose, and plans. God is calling each of us to walk this walk with Him.

  We will be reading Psalm 6-10 for one more week.

Blessings,

Patricia Terrell

Security in God Alone

Hello Dearest Children of God,

  How are you doing this week? Are you experiencing great blessings daily from your Father in Heaven? Or has a dry spell come in and even made it hard to sense the presence of God? Whatever you are going through today, know that God is always with you and He loves you.

  There are many privileges that are given to those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and therefore adopted into His family. One of these privileges is, walking daily with a confidence and security in God and His ability and desire to care for all of our needs.

  David walked daily with God knowing that God would care for his needs, whatever they were. The honesty that David had with God, in his Psalms, is a great example for us of how we should be coming before God with our needs, desires, and praise. God knew David’s heart and He honored David’s honesty and trust in Him with many blessings of protection and honor. David was very secure in God because he knew God always honored his obedience and dependence on Him.

  I have been walking with Jesus for nine years, and I am just beginning to understand, in my heart, the magnitude of God’s’ love for me. After all this time I can look back and see how God has cared for me, warned me of dangers, and loved me in special ways. But I had not taken into account that I am very special to God, as are all His children, and God desires for me to come before Him with my requests that are in His will. He expects me to rest in the security that He will take care of all my needs, and I am not to worry. I know now in my heart that when I keep my focus on Jesus and follow Him in obedience, He will bless me with a deep trust and security. My life is in His hands and I don’t need to worry about my life. The peace that comes to our hearts when we accept this is as the peace that passes all understanding.

  When God’s children understand that His will is the very best for them, they will be able to rest, and walk secure knowing He is caring for every detail of their life. If God’s children will seek His will and then walk a very close, obedient walk with Him, they will see His hand working in their life accomplishing His will and purposes. This lets them know He is taking care of all their needs. They will understand that when they let God be in charge, they don 't need to worry about the many things in this world that  can cause their hearts to become self reliant to try to fix it on their own. God will take care of everything on His children's behalf. 

    “…Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12

  “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3: 25-26

  “…let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; you surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5: 11-12

  Join me today in acknowledging God and His great love for us. He is waiting for us to walk with Him daily so we can receive all He has for us.  

We will continue reading Psalm 1-10 for one more week.

Blessings,

Patricia

The Majesty of God!!

Hello Dear Ones,

  The grace of God is shining on you each day, watching over you with the eyes of a loving Father. He cares deeply for you and every detail of your life. He is always listening to His children; I hope this encourages you to seek Him in your times of difficulty, or praise Him in your times of joy. God delights to be welcomed in your daily life, to help you in all your ways.

  The majesty of God is beyond a person’s ability to fully understand. There is nothing to compare with God’s infinite expanse and qualities. All living things depend on God to care for them, including us, His people. The love that we know from our families only touches on the deep and passionate love that God has for each of us, and all living things.

  God was not created, but He existed from before the beginning of time. He will continue to exist for all eternity. His character is the same from before time began and it will remain the same for all eternity. God’s infinite power, strength, wisdom, mercy, and love are far beyond our ability to comprehend. God enjoys seeing His loving hand at work in our lives; millions of us, all experiencing God in many ways, all at the same time.

  The glory of God is His power and strength. Whether we know it or not, each of our lives is completely held in the palm of His hand. God is fully aware of every moment of each of our lives, and the lives of all living things. His care for us means that He provides for our needs and protects us according to His will. When we depend on God for our needs, we are acknowledging that we can do nothing on our own. We can accomplish everything God desires for us when we seek His help and guidance. In this we bring glory to God. How sad God is when we daily strive in all that we do, without depending on Him.

  The deep and passionate love of God is expressed through all that He created, including us, who were created in His image to follow Him. As His image bearers, we are set apart for Him. God loves us intimately, deeply, and passionately. We are able to experience God’s love at different levels depending on how close we choose to walk with Him. But the more we live for ourselves, and less for Him, the less we are aware of His amazing love He greatly desires to share with all of us.  

  When God questioned Job about things too grand for Job to comprehend, he is humbled and put back in his place as one of God’s children, whom He created. Job is reminded how much God loves him no matter what mistakes he makes in life.

  God in all His majesty is all we truly need in this life. God is infinite, omniscient, and omnipresent over all His creation. God fully sustains all life and He cares and provides for all living things. God is abundant in love beyond what we have ever known about love. There is no one like God, He is everywhere, all knowing, all seeing, always listening, providing, loving, and guiding each of us, all at the same time. Nothing is impossible for God. This is why we worship God in all His majesty and splendor, with all our hearts.

  “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4

  “Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.’” Job 42:1-2

  “The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All You have made will praise You, O Lord; Your saints will extol You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.” Psalm 145:8-13

  Have a blessed week as the grace of God walks with you daily.

  We will now begin reading the book of Psalms. Let’s read Psalm 1 – 10 for two weeks.

Blessings,

Patricia

We are Called to Persevere in our Faith

Hello Dear Readers,

  How is everyone doing? I hope that no matter what you are going through, good or bad, you are resting in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father, each day. This is the very best place you can be.

  As God’s children, we are called to persevere in what ever situation we are in, which brings glory to God and causes us to mature in our faith. If we walk with Jesus daily, we learn to trust Him. Then there is nothing this world can throw at us that will keep us down. When the relationship between Jesus and a Christian becomes very strong, that Christian has no fear and will graciously persevere through various trials God allows them to go through. They persevere because they love God more than their life, they are obedient to God’s Word, and they stay close beside Jesus daily. This is how God’s children persevere.

  If God’s children love Him more than their own lives, they will be equipped to persevere in the harshest of conditions. This love between them and God will be the firm and strong foundation they cling to in all situations.

  God delights in the obedience of His children. When we learn obedience to God, we learn that He has everything under control, so we can persevere with confidence as we wait for His will to be done.

  God desires all of His children who know Him to seek Him every day, to love Him, and to receive His love and encouragement in return. When we live daily in His presence, we can persevere through anything that comes our way.

  Even with all the heart breaking circumstances Job was placed into, and then to have three friends come and make it even worse, Job still persevered. His faith and trust in God was greater than any condemning words that man could say to him. Through everything that happened to him, his faith could not be shaken. His heart was completely devoted to God because he knew God was good in His ultimate authority and righteousness. As we read, God was greatly pleased with Job for speaking the truth, persevering in extreme trials and persecution. Job was blessed by God- double what he had before. 

  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:1-5

  “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:10-11

  Won’t you join me as I walk with Jesus each day? As I daily rest in His loving arms, knowing that His guidance is always available to me for the asking. When I do, I am prepared to endure and persevere through any trial that comes at me, because He will always be there right beside me to help me walk through it.

We will be reading Job 32-42 for one more week.

Have a Blessed Week!

Love

Patricia

Let Go of Your Life and Trust Jesus

Hello Faithful Readers,

  How are you doing this week? I hope your heart is being blessed today and everyday as Jesus shows you His great love for you, in intricate ways. Keep your heart open to receive His little gifts of love for you today and every day to come.

  There is no trial that we may face in this life that we cannot make it through when we stand with Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When we stand on the Rock, and rest in His presence all day every day, we walk in peace and security no matter the circumstance or situation.

  If we truly desire to walk with Jesus every day, we must first learn to trust Him, by growing in our confidence in Him even in our most difficult situations. There is more we can learn from God during our trials than at any other time. In our weakness, He is strong. If we as God’s children allow our hearts to completely trust Him, then in any situation, especially the most difficult, we will turn to God and give Him all our fears and worries, so we can rest in Him. As God’s children we know that He desires the very best for us. While we wait to get through the difficult times, we can be learning God’s lessons for us that will teach us to be who He created us to be. When God’s children see that even in their difficulties, they are experiencing spiritual growth in various ways, their trust and confidence in Jesus as their God, will become perfected. This is God’s deep desire for all His children, to love Jesus with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, more than anyone else.

  As we read scripture we see that those who trusted God looked to Him for deliverance, or protection, or any number of things they needed help from God for. You have Abraham, Gideon, David, Esther, Daniel, among many others. When they asked God for help, they believed that He would help them as they were in need. That God would provide according to His will and purposes. Much of the time they had to wait, and wait they did. Sometimes they waited a day; sometimes they waited months or even years. But in their suffering, they learned to rest in God’s loving arms in humble submission to His will for them. This sounds easy, but in reality this is a very difficult virtue to acquire. It means one hundred percent trust in God and His perfect will for us as His beloved children. Even though the whole time Job didn’t understand God’s purposes behind his suffering, he still trusted God and held onto God’s truth in His heart.

  All my Christian life I felt that I trusted God and I had confidence in His ability to provide for me. But in actuality I didn’t really trust Him and my confidence was not fully on Him. My confidence was still on me and my abilities to take care of myself and those in my life. Not until Jesus started healing my heart in many deep ways, did I start truly trusting Him and seeking Him for my needs and daily guidance. This is the act of faith that we do every time we speak to God and know He hears us. If we ask according to His will, He will do it. After all, Jesus is on our side and delights to bring us blessing and gifts, for us to use to bring Him glory.

  As children of God we are called to trust fully in Jesus and let Him be the Lord of our life. He will do this when we trust Him fully with our lives, our finances, our families, our future, and the intricate details of our daily lives. By faith we must grow in our confidence in His ability to provide for us and we will be able to trust him in any situation this life throws at us.

  “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8

  “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.” 1John 3:21-22

  “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62: 1-2

  Trust Jesus with all the cares that are in your heart. He desires to heal your heart and restore you to who He made you to be. This means we must let Jesus be in control.

  We will now be reading Job 32-42 for two weeks.

Blessings,

Patricia

Honesty about God's Truth

Hello Dear Ones,

  I am praying that you are doing well this week, and you are seeking Jesus in all you do. Jesus delights to be a part of every aspect of each of our lives; to be the light that shines in the darkness, to show us God’s truth.

  There is only one absolute truth about who God is. That truth is given through out  God’s Holy Word, and is identified with the help of the Holy Spirit that lives in the believer’s heart. When God’s children humbly receive His written Word in their hearts, they receive God’s truth. The one who receives God’s truth through His Word and decides to live by that truth in pure honesty before God shares it with others so that they too desire to know God’s truth. This type of behavior brings glory and honor to God. But... those who receive God’s truth through God's Word and allow outside influences to confuse His truth, get misguided information that does not honor and glorify God.

  As God’s children, we are going to go through trials in our lives, and Job is no exception. Job needed wise council and gracious comfort in his time of trial and anguish. Job’s friends, who thought they were helping Job, actually hurt him even more, by their lack of wisdom about God. They didn’t seem to care if they were hurting their friend. Their pride overpowered their ability to see what was wrong with what they said. Job remained strong in his understanding of God’s truth. He faltered a little, but he knew and trusted God’s truth and lived by it even when everything else was going wrong. Job feared God, and trusted Him even in this most difficult situation.

   I have been like Job’s three friends, unfortunately, but it served as a learning experience, more than anything else. I regret having done this, but I know God allowed it so that He could help me grow in this area. The most important thing I did was to repent of my mistake, learn what I did wrong, and not make that mistake again. I know God is faithful to help me do better if I find myself in this situation again. Thankfully, I fear God, and trust Him to provide strength in my weaknesses. Since this is the attitude of my heart, I am willing to learn and grow in the knowledge of who He is, and the areas He desires for me to grow in.

  As God’s children, when we desire to know Him according to His written Word, with the help of His Holy Spirit, we receive wisdom to live our lives to honor God each day. The honesty of our hearts tells God that we believe He is who He says He is. Our faith allows us to know that He desires for us to walk each day with humble hearts honest before Him.

  “Show me Your ways O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:5

  “Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth.” John 17:17

   “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.” Proverbs 29:23

  Be encouraged to walk in honesty before God everyday. Then that truth about God can be shared with others in ways that glorify God and are not corrupted by false ideas which hinder and harm others.This is a very deep topic, but I hope the story of Job makes it simple and clear how very important it is to know God accurately and speak of Him with honest truthfulness.

  We will continue reading Job 15-31 for one more week.

Blessings,

Patricia