Wait-Watch-Pray

 Rejoice in the Lord and sing praises to His Holy Name. Remember the many blessings that He pours into your life. Examine how you respond to Jesus' love. Joyfully search for the Lord in the world around you - all of God's creation. Open your heart to the Love that God pours through you and onto you, Inspect the Word, looking for God's loving guidance. Cling to the strong hand of the Living Savior and know that He is Creator of the World. Enter into His courts with thanksgiving, His gates with praise. Rejoice in the power of God.

 Maltbie Babcock and Sandra McCracken This is my Father's world, and to listening ears all nature sings and round me rings  the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas- His Hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father's world The birds their carols raise, the morning light , the lily white, Declare their maker's praise. This is my Father's World: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad. This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet This is my Father's world: The battle is not done. Jesus, who died, shall be s...

 According to Webster's Dictionary - assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence is placed; dependence on something future or contingent: hope. Repeatedly God's people are reminded to trust in the Lord with all their heart. Therefore the student of God's nature believes that it is important to trust on what God says and does.  Even though people cannot predict the future, assumptions about what will happen can be deduced from past events.   However God does not want His people to be caught unaware of what is to come, so he had His Story written in the 66 books of the Bible.  From the very beginning God explained His plan to His children, only asking that they place their hope and assurance in the promises of future events.  From past experience people can see that God always "has their backs".  Nothing that happens is unknown to Him and cannot be used for the ultimate good of His peopl...

 Ephesians 6:10-20 admonishes God's people to put on the full armour of God and to stand firm in the faith.  "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the full armour of God that you may stand against the wiles of the Devil."(10-11) STAND Fast STAND Ready STAND  Under God's rule STAND Now and always STAND To be counted STAND  Against evil now and always STAND FIRM TRUSTING GOD'S LEADERSHIP, PROTECTION, PROMISES.

In order to fully (as far as humanly possible) understand who God is and what He wants from His creation, one must study the Bible - read, memorize, internalize, apply, share the WORD.  Rather than seeking to please man (humans), a person should study to show him/herself approved by the Holy Triune God.  By diligent study and seeking of God (Jeremiah 29:12-13), each individual grows in living relationship with God.    The focus of the study of the Word of God should be "What does the Bible say"   in response to any question about how to live one's life or to provide guidance to another person.  This focus leads to the demand that one surrenders control of one's life to God and to turn away from sin.  "Biblical teaching on faith joins credence, commitment, and communion: it exhibits Christian Believing as not only knowing facts about Christ, but also coming to Him  in personal trust to worship, love, and serve Him."(J.I. Packer)  Translat...

God promises that He will care for His people and is faithful in all situations.  "Trust in the Lord for He is good.  His steadfast love endures forever." Hosea 6:1-3,   (King James Version) 1 Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us: in the third day he will raise up up and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then we shall know if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared in the morning; and he shall come to us as rain, as the latter and former rain to the earth. 6 For I have desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. May the Most High Lord God Almighty RAIN, REIN, REIGN over our lives forever. Rain bring moisture to our growing souls. Rein (curb) our tendency to turn away from God's Holy and loving presence. Reign (rule) over our daily lives so that we can produce the fruit of the spirit and share it with oth...

 It is so easy to become lost in the demands of daily living that prayer becomes an added chore not a time to talk to the Father who knows and understands us.  One way to keep the focus of your prayer time is to read Psalm 37 and 73 to refocus your heart and mind on exactly who God is and why He wants a living relationship with His creation - especially humans. Step One - humble yourself - realize the awesome terrible power of God and that you are nothing in comparison to Him and His infinite being. Step Two - pray, talk honestly with God, tell him about your dreams, goals, plans, desires, hurts, fears - speak like you would to a friend who will not betray you or demean you. Step Three - seek the guidance of God and look for His direction daily. Step Four - turn from the lures of the world and its so called success.  Turn to God, read the Word like you would read letters from your parents, best friends, family, spouse. THEN God will give you rest and peace of spirit. Dail...

 Celebrate the Glory of God Give thanks to the Lord for His awesome gifts Give thanks for His mighty protection Give thanks for all that He has done for us. Give thanks. Trust in the Lord God who is in total control and knows what will happen. Trust in God for all things  ALWAYS. 

  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.   Turn your the attention of your soul to God.   Rely on the guidance of the Lord Jesus who never fails to protect His family from all evil.   Uncover the promises that God has in His WORD.   Seek to grow closer to God and live as He would have you to do.   Take time to become stronger and to stand firm in the WORD. Daily ask God to build your relationship with Him and to help you grow closer.  Hide your soul in the protection of God, as a chick hides under the wings of its mother. 

 January is the time of waiting for all of God's creation.  The land waits for moisture, warming sunlight, and for the return of spring to produce blossoms, young animals, and beauty. During this time people also wait - for the growth of the spirit into a deeper relationship with God.  During this quiet time a person learns to depend on God for the growth of the knowledge of Him,   In the shadows waiting for the sunlight to warm the seeds of spring  snuggle into the deep soil of the earth. WAITING TO RENEW LIFE! In this natural cycle, man also waits - for the RETURN of the all powerful SON OF GOD who will gather His people back into the fold - our shelter from the evil of the world. WAIT  patiently quietly faithfully WAIT FOR the guidance of God.  He will direct your steps, thoughts, and actions.