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I am far from perfect, except through the blood of Jesus, but let me tell you about my perfect God.

This is the thought that has been swirling around in my noggin over the past 24 hours or so. So many times I have told God that He had to be mistaken to use me in the ways in which He has, the ways in which He will, because of my failings. Some of you who read this may be feeling the same way right now. Alas, God is perfect, and He makes no mistakes. He knows what He is doing, why He is doing it, and what outcome will be produced.

What He desires from us is a willing heart.

I do not put on airs when I say that I want all people to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. That I believe with all my being that there is one supreme God who gave the world a Son, Jesus, in which mankind could be saved, and that His Spirit is present in this age, resting within those who call Him Abba Father, governing towards the Creator’s will. That there is a place called heaven and a place called hell. One will be so splendid, no person can actually describe and comprehend its beauty, where as the other is going to be complete separation from God which no person has ever experienced except Jesus Christ himself, as He took His final breathes upon the cross.

May we not look to the downfalls of “I”, but focus on the “I AM”, that is our message.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:16

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelations 1:8

Companions in Imperfectness

Noah was a drunk ♥  Abraham was too old ♥ Isaac was a daydreamer ♥ Jacob was a liar ♥ Leah was homely ♥  Joseph was abused ♥ Moses had a stuttering problem  ♥ Gideon was afraid ♥  Samson had long hair and was a womanizer ♥  Rahab was a prostitute ♥  Jeremiah and Timothy were young ♥  David was an adulterer and a murderer ♥  Elijah was suicidal ♥ Isaiah preached naked ♥  Jonah ran from God ♥  Naomi was a widow ♥  Job went bankrupt ♥  John the Baptist ate bugs ♥  Peter denied Christ ♥  The disciples fell asleep while praying ♥  Martha worried about everything ♥ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once) ♥  Zacchaeus was too small ♥  Paul was too religious ♥  Timothy had an ulcer ♥ Lazarus was dead


Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Elyon literally means "Most High" and is used both adjectivally and substantivally throughout the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. When the two words are combined - El Elyon - it can be translated as "the most exalted God."(Psa 57:2) [BlueLetterBible]

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Genesis 14:18

When I was but a little girl in elementary school ancient Greece simply fascinated me for a season. As I looked at all their gods and goddesses with childlike wonder, I saw them as simply stories, yet amazing characters indeed. Athena was my favorite, a woman who was wise and just. As I have grown, the stories of old have taken on a different meaning to me. My heart is saddened that they did not know of the one true God, in His almighty splender. However, as we read in Acts they had an inkling that there was a Most High out there.

For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Acts 17:23-28


Of course this downcast sentiment does not extend only to the Greeks, but I find solace in knowing that El Elyon has made himself known to all people. Did you know that even though the Egyptians in a whole where engulfed in polytheism, Akhenaten (husband to Nefertiti) believed there to be only one true God whom he dubbed as Aten? As Plumb so eloquently sings, "There is a God-shaped hole in all of us". Yet it is for the individually to believe or not, to trust and have faith, or to simply dismiss the truth for the guise of lies.


Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." [BlueLetterBible]

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:6

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:16

If you have a moment or ten to read, I suggest checking out this sermon from Charles Surgeon from 1851 in reference to this specific name of God.

The below was taken from Brandon Web.

When Jeremiah spoke this prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6), the kingdom of Judah was about to fall. The land of Judah was full of idolatry, oppression, violence, and political revolution. The Northern kingdom of Israel had gone into captivity 100 years before and Judah seemingly learned nothing from God's judgment upon them. It was under these conditions God gave this prophecy of Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

I. The Meaning Of The Word "Tsidkenu"
A. The word "Tsidkenu" is derived from "Tsedek" and means "righteousness."
B. "Tsedek" is translated hundreds of times as: right, righteous, righteousness, just, justify, declare innocent.
C. A simple definition of righteousness is 'doing that which is right'.
D. This name speaks of the fact that God will always do that which is right…because He is righteous!
(Exodus 9:27) And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
(Psalms 129:4) The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

II. Jehovah is the Source of Righteousness
A. Jehovah is Himself perfect righteousness. (Deuteronomy 32:4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
(Isaiah 45:21) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
B. Man has no righteousness
(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Isaiah 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
C. The Bible makes it clear that righteousness is impossible to be attained by man alone.
(Psalms 51:5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
(Job 25:4) How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
D. Since we are unrighteous, we need pardon from God.
(Isaiah 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

III. Jesus Is Our Jehovah-Tsidkenu
A. Jesus is Himself the Righteous One.
(Hebrews 1:8-9) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
B. Jesus is made righteousness to us.
(1 Corinthians 1:30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
(2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
C. What we could not do Jesus the perfectly righteous one did for us.
(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(Romans 5:19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
D. Man tries to establish his own righteousness which cannot be done.
(Romans 10:3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
E. Our new man is created by Jehovah-Jesus in righteousness.
(Ephesians 4:24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What a wonderful name that God has used to describe Himself tonight. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu. The Righteous God who has provided for our acceptance before Himself through the cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. He wraps us in His righteousness through Jesus Christ the Righteous One!

---------


Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as "The Lord of Armies" (1Sa 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. [BlueLetterBible]

And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

1 Samuel 1:3


The count differs on how many times this phrase is used in the Bible (Lord of Hosts), somewhere between 260 - 290 (the most used name of God). Thus, make no mistake about it, that it is a message that the Creator wanted to convey to us all.

As with a previous blurb, upon my research I came upon a nice writing from Do Not Depart by Stephanie Shott: 

In 1 Samuel 17:45, we find just prior to pegging Goliath with a pebble, David boldly proclaimed,“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
And in 2 Samuel 5:10, we find - “And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.”

§  In Psalm 24:10, The LORD of Hosts is the King of glory and in Psalm 46:7 He is our Fortress.
§  In Psalm 59:5, He is called upon to vindicate His people.
§  In Isaiah 51:15 we see He controls the sea and the waves.
§  In Isaiah 54:5 He is our husband and in Zechariah 4:6, He declares that He alone wins our battles when He tells Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”
§  And in Isaiah’s life-altering, mouth-shutting vision of the Lord, he heard the Seraphim speaking to one another, crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)

Throughout Scripture we find this LORD of Hosts as our ever present defender, the Sovereign and Holy God over all the universe who sees us, loves us and moves mountains on our behalf. He fights our battles, wins our wars and is the refuge we can run to in time of need. He is Jehovah-Sabaoth!

There is nothing He cannot do, nothing He does not know, nothing He cannot control, no enemy He cannot defeat, no heart He can not heal, no mouth He can not shut, no miracle He cannot perform. And how beautiful to know He longs to work in our lives and on our behalf as the LORD of Hosts!

Amen!

Thanks be to the Father, Spirit and Son for never leaving us nor forsaking us. Thanks be to the Father, Spirit, and Son for protection from outside forces, as well as protection from ourselves. Thanks be to the Father, Spirit and Son for grace and forgiveness that abounds. May we mimic that as we deal with others. In Jesus name. 

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion." This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend." [From BlueLetterBible]

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 34:11-15


The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1


But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
Genesis 49:24-26


Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.
Psalm 80:1-2


The verses above remind me of the classic hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", and I am so grateful I can call Him Redeemer, King, and Friend. As the previous devotions/blogs have mentioned though we are, were, and continue to be sinful (we are born of sin - this world is sinful), the Father, Son, and Spirit seek us to be transformed through an intimate communion, through grace and forgiveness found through Jesus Christ alone.  

God desires to walk with us, to lead us, as we go through-out this space. When we allow Him to navigate our lives it is like the animals who get herded by a sheep, like the sheep who gets led by a Shepherd. The Creator of all things knows all, He formed all, and is aware of past, present, and future, what better One to direct your steps?

Yes God does know all things, but yet and still He desires to hear it from you. This is one of the things I am still working on, speaking out loud to God about my praises, prayers, daily happenings, and personal reflections. However, when I do so, I can say there is a difference in my spirit. Talking aloud just makes it more real, albeit your neighbor may think you are bonkers their opinion really won't matter come the day of Judgment. Plus, when you vocalize your side of the conversation it makes it all-the-more easier (in my opinion) to drown out any distracting thoughts that many are plagued with when they try to focus in silence. Not to mention, when you are open to communicating (in all ways) it makes the being led part a bit more smoother. 

How thankful we are to have you dear God, in form of Father, Son, and Spirit. We thank you for creating us, we thank you for giving us our friends, and family. May we seek to know Your will more, may we seek to share Your love with others. May we go the extra distance to spread the message of salvation, may we have compassion for others. May Your desires, turn into our desires, and may seek a closer relationship with You each and every day. In the name of Jesus. 


Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son. [from BlueLetterBible]

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
Genesis 22:14

God provided a ram to be used in replacement of his long awaited  son, Isaac. God provided Jesus, as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. God provides us with life, the very breath that we inhale and exhale comes from Him. God provides us with everything.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16


Thanks be to God whom provides for His creation, both those that acknowledge Him and those that do not. We give thanks for Your loving-kindness which transcends beyond human comprehension, and pierces the innermost parts. May we seek to know You more dear God, and mimic that same love, compassion, kindness, and grace to those that we met. In the name of the precious one, by whom alone we are saved, Jesus Christ. ✝

Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ') means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals." [from BlueLetterBible]

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Exodus 15:26

"I know He can heal me, He has done it time and time again. God is glorified through my sickness and through my healing."

This is something I have heard time and time again from a person whom is near and dear to my heart, my momma. From heart issues to cancer to a brain tumor to strokes, the woman has a vast majority of medical issues, handing each one over to God time and time again. When she was only 20 a doctor told her that she would never live to see 30, when she was 41 doctors said she would not make it the rest of the year, in August of this year she turned 69 and stands by what she told them all along, "My God does not care what doctors think". We stand in faith and hope that one day, though we know in the next she will be free of sickness, a time will come in this life which she will as well.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:2-5

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Whether it be physical or emotional or the healing of our lives from sin to forgiveness, Jehovah Rapha is there for you, you need only ask. True, as the Kutless song (Even If) makes mention to sometimes healing doesn't come, people do die from sickness. Does that mean that God is not there? No. Does it mean that God does not care? No. There is just a much larger plan that we are all a part of. We are promised that if we choose salvation through Jesus Christ in this life, then in the next there will be no more pain [Rev 21:4], and God always keeps His promises! 


Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Yeppers, I was feeling a tad bit inspired today.

Admittedly, I do not know the specific inspiration for the bonus song *I Am A Stone* on True Defiance by Demon Hunter. However, what I do know is that it is a wonderful track, which sparks several relevancies within myself. With its seemingly simplistic vocabulary lined up aside one another, laced on-top of magnificent instrumentals – it paints a pure and potent picture, which announces “You [it] will not be given power over me!” It is (by comparison) not a typical D.H. song, but I think the almost classical-rock-opera mash up delivery makes the message even more powerful. Ryan C almost beckons you to “dare” question him, as he calmly speaks softly the truth of the matter, all the while staring through your eye sockets into the very depths of your being!

Often we may just mind-numbingly recite the words to a given song without thinking about a deeper meaning, and one thing I do appreciate about Demon Hunter's lyrics are that they are so much more than "just words". You can read a review of the entire album thanks to JesusFreakHideout here. 

To bring the post back to a devotional level (not just listener praises - ha) I would like to extend to you not one, but two blocks of verses, that you can read upon your own leisure, which to me, relates back to the message of this song (definitely adds to it). The noted verses are Philippians 4:10-13 and Romans 8:1-39. 

Dear Father,
We humbly come before you and THANK YOU for all that you have done. Though we might not always say it, thank you for simply loving us. Thank you for taking care of us, even when we think you aren't there. May our flame grow for You Lord, may we grow in our willingness to speak out You - to share and show Your message of hope and love to all we meet. May we cling to You, as YOU are the rock that lives within us, You are the true unshakeable One. May we each seek to do Your will, in the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, ><>.
A documentary by Issac Deitz on Family Force 5's member Fatty (real name Joshua Olds) when he battled with kidney failure in 2009.


Praise the Lord, my soul; 
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins 
    and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion, 
who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5

*Thank You Father God for healing and restoring Joshua, may his story be a witness to Your ever-abounding grace, love & sufficiency.* 

First and foremost thank you all who prayed along the way for Little Jimmie. He went this weekend onto a place with no more suffering nor pain, prayers of comfort for the family that remains here.

Scripture references for the messages that were given today are as follows:
Genesis 45:16-18
Acts 1:1-5
Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 23:4
Proverbs 18:21
Jonah [Book of]

Key Points:
Importance of trusting in God / Prayer Time
Importance of the Holy Spirit (part 1)
Importance of knowing the word / Obeying God's will for your life

Always remember to EAT YOUR VEGGIES!
Especially when you are having CAKE for breakfast.
So you will be properly nourished, in order to break-it-down on a
street corner singing praises to the Father!

*To God Be The Glory For All Things* 
Well no doubt it was a super blessed day in Little 5 Points today! Saw two people commit their lives to Christ, so AMEN and PRAISE BE TO GOD for that! One of the men started coming shortly after I started volunteering and I have heard his story and struggles, so I very much thankful that he is now a part of the family of believers. As the weather has turned around, the number of those who come out to join has also increased. Though not official, I’d say we fed around 45 people today. 


May the angels rejoice for those that have been added to the kingdom of God, both in L5P and all over - around the world today!


I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7

Reading for today : Psalms 91

It is so amazing to see God at work in the lives and hearts people, I do feel truly blessed to be able to be a servant for the King of Kings and show His love to others, until this age is done.

May your week be blessed and you be a light to all those you meet.

SiC <3
So you know if you have already baked 233 chicken wings by 9am it is going to be a good day right?
Right!

      

I would like to start off by saying many – many thanks to the Father for keeping Pat safe (shown right in picture below, standing). On the way to service last Sunday, he was knifed in the neck over a few little cents (booface + grrface maximus). Seems due to the rain, he took a cross street and couldn't hear the footsteps behind him. However, the assailant has been picked up and will be prosecuted.  I am just super happy he is safe, because he shows up each and every Sunday, in rain or shine, to help me pass out things, even if only just donuts and bottled water. He is a real blessing in my life, as well as those that are in need around the L5P area, as when he is not working his FT job (RN), he is constantly devoted to helping out others! 


Today, as the weather was divine, a few new faces came about, which is always a delight. It was really great to see two guys (who live out of their truck), help out others in need by handing out some of the extra items they have collected through-out the week. If only more of the “world community” could help out each other regardless of social casts/classes, we would be doing better even more so (global speaking). There really is a world out there in need and we each need to do our part. Perhaps you have something “against” those who are homeless, what about helping victims of sex trafficking or helping out foster children, what about helping out families who cannot pay their medical bills or habit for humanity, everyone just needs to have something they contribute to (I feel). Kind of taken a page from “pay it forward” all of the time, because you have been given it ... and you probably have extra (of something) whether it be time, money, resources, etc, so why not turn it back around for the good of our world?

In the next few months, I will share an initiative for *LoveIs* (in regards to becoming a 501-C), so I appreciate your prayers on this now, just for guidance of how to go about it all.

As an update for Brother Dewey, doctors have said it is progressing nicely and should be able to return in around a month.

For Little Jimmy (who had colon surgery), he is not doing so well, so please keep him in your prayers. He is under constant watch at the moment, so … ♥♥♥


Special note just goes out to anyone who has recently lost a loved one, may you mourn their passing for only a short time, as we know we have the hope in Christ, that we will be able to see them again! 


Tune today by ReHab, but if it just doesn't happen to be your taste of music, at least check out the lyrics here. 




SiC <3



Perfection. 
Does it exist on Earth? Nope, it doesn’t, but you know what does?
Forgiveness.
That which is available in the measure of uncountable numbers for all those who believe and who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

What has been granted to us all is the ability to start anew each day, each hour on a better path, realigned and refocused in accordance to the will of the Father. Trust me when I say God is not surprised when you fall, for it is written, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5p) and “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my way. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:2-5).

Do not allow one (or even a string of) bad choice(s) derail you from what you from the truth of the matter. God loves YOU and created YOU with love for His glory. There is no dark hole or back alley you can hide in (in life) which would take you out of the view of the Father (as it says in Job 28:24, “For He views the ends of the Earth and sees everything under the heavens”). Sure, the sin of life can pull us away from God, but as the saying goes “it is not God who moves, but us from Him” – He will continuously be watching, regardless, as we are His children.  As so it is written, “He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber” (Psalm 121:3-4).  

So I conclude with this, a favor, where-ever you are right now – as you read this, stop and thank the Father for keeping watch over you for it is written, “The Lord watches over you – the Lord is shade at your right hand; the sun will nor harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:5-7).

Dear Father, Thank You – Thank You – Thank You! Really what more can be said? You have given us life – and new life (salvation), shown us grace, forgiveness that has no measure, unconditional love, protection from the known and unknown, sustenance for all things and so much more! By the stripes of Your Son we have been healed from the depravity of this world and by Your Holy Spirit we find peace and comfort in this current age. May we never lose sight of where You brought us from and may we never limit where You may take us.  May we keep our minds focused on You and You alone for as it is written in Your word, “Set your mind on things above, not Earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). In the name of the King of King and Lord of Lords, Your son Jesus Christ – Emmanual – Yeshua, ><>

SiC <3