SATURDAY-SHORT!

Little book with BIG truths from Scripture!

In 5 words or less. My way to help my ever decreasing memory.

....I am with you always.....(Matthew 28:20) 

THOTS--Trusting Him on this Subject!

His Presence always. Remains perpetually. 

Regardless of circumstances.

On every occasion.

God here now and even until the end of the age.

Keep focused here today, girl!

This Saturday short just got longer......

After I finished this entry, I stumbled, fell and twisted/sprained or broke my ankle.

HOPE GALORE FOR 2024

Hope Needed. Hope Found. In God's Word.

I am with you always. (Matthew 28:20)

Hope Notes. Underlines in the entry & the marginalia of my New Morning Mercies devotional book. 

Hope is a person, and His name is Jesus!

BEHOLD!

BEHOLD! Behold has been My One Word for 2023! 

Until then, I had not given the word much thought. In my head I saw it in all caps followed by at least one exclamation point! BEHOLD!

Premier Christianity's definition was enlightening to me. 

Behold means “look!”, “open your eyes!” or “pay attention!” I’ve started to notice how it’s so often paired with an exclamation mark – the grammatical equivalent of a slap in the face. It’s not a gentle request. It’s a command. When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible that we’re currently ignoring.

Knowing Jesus noted 1527 occurrences of behold in 12 translations.

"Be sure to see" is the literal translation of the Greek word eido.

'Behold' is used 1,298 times in the King James version of the Bible. It is derived from the Greek word 'eido,' which has the literal translation of: be sure to see.

I had never really given the word much thought. But it actually appears in the scriptures about 500 times depending on the translation, so it’s probably worthy of a bit of consideration.

Behold means “look!”, “open your eyes!” or “pay attention!” I’ve started to notice how it’s so often paired with an exclamation mark – the grammatical equivalent of a slap in the face. It’s not a gentle request. It’s a command. When God uses it, he’s grabbing us by the collar, urging us to notice something incredible that we’re currently ignoring. https://www.premierchristianity.com/columnists/god-says-behold-1500-times-in-the-bible-heres-what-it-means/6136.article

For me, it's the personal aspect of God's Presence that is something to behold!

And behold I am with you always even until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

Sarah Young certainly shared the importance of peace in His Presence when she served me tea, 10 years ago today.

Today, O Lord may I BEHOLD! and focus on your Presence in my life. It does bring peace as Sarah knows first hand!

DNA OF FAITH

Do you have a DNA in your faith? Is it recognizable in your life?

In other words.....What are the fundamental, distinctive characteristics that are unchangeable in your life of faith?

Foundational tenets of the Christian faith are the Triune God, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the son of God, who forgives sin that separates us from the Father and redeems us for his glory.

Above statement includes perspicuity of Scriptures for us to clearly understand. Inspiring. Inerrant. Sufficient.Grace-filled. 

What does life of faith look like when lived out? 

Full of grace? Peace? Kindness? Listening ears? Gratitude.

Does faith in one's life; love God first, love others as self, serve others well to His glory, and forgive others, encapsulate it?

DNA of the faithful includes, knowing "God is always with us" and gives confidence and trust to joyfully live a life of grace toward others. As Paul David Tripp states, "grace toward others grows best in the soil of gratitude." (New Morning Mercies, January 19)

4 WORDS WITH BIG HOPE!!!!

I AM WITH YOU!

Pastor Jim's sermon in Haggai opened my eyes to the many times those words of the Lord were found in Scripture.

Four words of comfort. Words of hope. Words of encouragement.

 

Later scanning the "Sunday" paper, I had another "God with me" heads up. 

There was a fifth word giving "future" reference verb "will be." 

Often "I am with you" tell us where and when. Another adverb often used is the reassuring "always."

I AM WITH YOU! Four words to lessen fear, give needed strength, replace dismay with assurance and put a smile on my face....especially as I pray these words will comfort my Ukrainian friends! 

** I so appreciate the inclusion of scripture continuing in our Commercial Appeal. 

RACE TO EMBRACE

These days we all seem to be racing somewhere. 

Racing to and fro and getting nowhere.........Too often describes my race (unless exhaustion is a place).

Obviously my goal/destination needs to change. Does yours? 

We all need to race to Him. 

• Early in the morning as we first open our eyes. 
• In the middle of the day as we face struggles and disappointments. 
• As we close our eyes to sleep. 
• Even as we take our last breath.

He's waiting there , wherever we are----ready to embrace us. 

Race to the "new" realities he has for believers. A better reality.

"Withness." With Him. Regardless----as we run the race set before us by Him! 

A race marked out uniquely for each of us by the One who is always there to embrace us. (Hebrews 12:1)

WITH GOD

With---a four letter preposition "with" a BIG life in scripture. A "function" word. Accompanied by. Possessing as a feature of accompaniment. On the side of. 

Together comes to my mind.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, emphasis mine)

With-ness is key---if that's even a word. Lately, I have been "with God" early in my day praying from Psalm 143:8. Setting my agenda before Him asking his direction in the way I should go. You see, I want to go with Him. I want Him with me as I face the "tyranny" of the urgent along with fears that haunt me and minutiae that distracts me.

I need to quit "straining at a gnat." (Matthew 23:24) My focus is on the small things, which blind me from seeing the big picture of God's faithfulness. His word reminds me, "it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, emphasis mine)

I need Emmanuel---"God with us", with me all the time.

Meditation Affirmation

9/9/13 Tonight begins the first night of BSF's new year. 

My prayer for Cathy, our Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader, is from the last verse of the last chapter of our focused book, Matthew. It's also my verse for this "Meditation Monday." I value the truth contained in the verse. The truth of my need to not only understand the commands of the Lord through more study of His word BUT also to obey what I already understand from Jesus's words:

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, NLT)

As Christians, ministry is ongoing for all of us. We are to be His hands and feet as we love Him and obey His teachings. That love for Him will overflow allowing us to love and benefit others. Yet, as this verse reminds us He is always with us in this endeavor. 

His Presence always! His continual Presence---we can be sure of this. That's affirming and worthy of continuing meditation.