Burned Out and Bewildered

Create in me a clean heart…Psalm 51:10

God is in the process of refining and conforming us to the likeness
Of his Son Jesus.
As we go through tests and trials each day, we begin to understand
New lessons he wants us to learn.

One of my faults is sometimes trying to fit too much into my day.
I usually throw in some laundry and then sit down to write
A message.
When the dryer’s buzzer goes off, it’s a good time to take a break,
And stretch my legs.
A while back when the dryer bell went off, when I went to fold
The clothes, they were still wet.
I put the timer back on, and returned to my work.
A short while later, when I check the clothes again, they were still wet…
My heart sank…Oh no! Not another test LORD, Please!!!
I called Mr. Fixit…My husband, and he quickly found my problem…
Honey, you forgot to clean the lint filter. It’s filled with dirt and burned
Out the fuse.
Unfortunately, he did not know how to fix my dryer, so we needed to
Call a repair man.

My busyness and neglect caused us to have an added expense to
Our budget and embarrassment for my foolishness.
Often in life, we get busy and forget to spend quality time with the LORD
And neglect to clean our heart from the filth of our sins.
We become exhausted and burn out, just like the fuse in my dryer.
Our faith and heart turn cold and we become depressed and discouraged.

Today, you too may be going through a season of tests and trials.
Beloved, Jesus loves you and so do I.
Come apart and rest a while with Him…before you and your family fall apart.
Jesus too, was under immense pressure with his ministry, but he often withdrew
To spend time with his Father in prayer.

Listen to his voice calling you…

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
And ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
Light. Matthew 11:28-30

Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you…

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart,
O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17

RESTING IN HIS GRACE

Whatever you have need of…
Or have to do today.
Take time to be with Jesus…
To thank him and to pray.
For alone, you’ll never finish…
What you have to face.
Ask him for strength and power…
And what should take first place.
In praise and adoration…
And thanksgiving for the day.
Let him direct and guide you…
In all you do and say.
Be willing to adjust your day…
If he has other plans.
Submit and be obedient…
To all that he commands.
And when your day is finished…
Amazement will take place.
At all you have accomplished…
By resting in his grace.

Father in heaven,
How thankful we are for your loving mercy and grace. Forgive
Us for overloading our schedules with too many things, that
Keep us from spending quality time with you. We are weary
And heavy laden. We come to you for rest. Give us a fresh
Revelation of you, and help us to prune and prioritize our lives
According to your will. Show us what things are not bearing
Fruit for the kingdom, and help us to purge them out of our
Lives quickly. Help us to have a heart like Mary and choose
The one thing needful.
Thank you for all you have done, and we wait expectantly
For your help and deliverance. Send a special blessing
Of encouragement to all who are sad and depressed,
So they know you have heard their prayers.
In Jesus’ name we pray.Amen

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from they presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto
Thee. Psalm 51:10-13

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau

Showers of Blessings

Each day there are showers of blessings
Sent from the Father above,
For God is a great, lavish giver
And there is no end to His love.
Helen Steiner Rice

Thou art the God who workest wonders,
Who has manifested thy might among the peoples. Psalms 77:14

Today, count your blessings.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease.
September 07, 2009


Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. --Psalm 119:49-50

As people live longer, there may be a progression in chronic illnesses among senior citizens. While great advancements are being made in curing cancer and heart disease, there is a condition that can be devastating to the one it affects, and his or her family and friends--Alzheimer's Disease.

The progressive nature of Alzheimer's is well known to most. A person, usually older, starts to forget the details in life. And these memory mishaps become more frequent until they reach a severe level of disability and begin to interfere with daily activities. Soon, the diseased individual fails to recognize familiar faces and places, and they lose the ability to care for themselves altogether.

God knows and has planned every day of the person who carries this horrible disease, so their gradual downward spiral is no surprise to Him. While this change is hard on family and friends, and even harder to understand, God brings comfort to those who experience Alzheimer's. And while Alzheimer's destroys the mind, God continually gives strength and hope in the spirit.

Professional support groups exist across the nation for families and patients dealing with this disease. There are many helpful and effective ways to cope with Alzheimer's for both parties today. It's important for you and your loved one to continue on in an active circle of care. We are to continually have the mind of Christ Jesus...not our own, but His. So, put the health, mind, and spirit of the one you love whom Alzheimer's affects in the hands of the Great Physician.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the grace and mercy He shows us each day regardless of the pain and suffering from this world. Ask for God's protection and watch care over those you may know who are struggling with Alzheimer's Disease or any other disease.

He Increases Your Strength

Today´s Verse:

"He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]" (Isaiah 40:29, AMP).

Today´s Word:
In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening. The Bible says in Psalm 105 verse 18, as Joseph laid in prison in those chains of iron, his soul entered into that iron. In other words, as Joseph just kept on fighting life through, his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away.
If you are going through difficulty today, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God´s supernatural strength. That´s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, today I surrender every difficulty to You. I release the questions, hurts, and frustrations. I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Hope Restored Along The Way

What would it take to restore your hope?What would you need to re energize your journey?
Though the answers are abundant, three come quickly to mind.
The first would be a person. Not just any person. You don’t need someone equally confused. You need someone who knows the way out.
And from him you need some vision. You need someone to lift your spirits. You need someone to look you in the face and say, “This isn’t the end. Don’t give up. There is a better place than this. And I’ll lead you there.”
And, perhaps most important, you need direction. If you have only a person but no renewed vision, all you have is company. If he has a vision but no direction, you have a dreamer for company. But if you have a person with direction—who can take you from this place to the right place—ah, then you have one who can restore your hope.
Or, to use David’s words, “He restores my soul.” Our Shepherd majors in restoring hope to the soul. Whether you are a lamb lost on a craggy ledge or a city slicker alone in a deep jungle, everything changes when your rescuer appears.
Your loneliness diminishes, because you have fellowship.
Your despair decreases, because you have vision.
Your confusion begins to lift, because you have direction.
Please note: You haven’t left the jungle. The trees still eclipse the sky, and the thorns still cut the skin. Animals lurk and rodents scurry. The jungle is still a jungle. It hasn’t changed, but you have. You have changed because you have hope. And you have hope because you have met someone who can lead you out.
Your Shepherd knows that you were not made for this place. He knows you are not equipped for this place. So he has come to guide you out.
By Max Lucado

My Friends

My Friends.........

The most precious gift you will ever receive;Is prayer from someone who in Jesus believes. It's not wrapped with ribbons or bows,And few people hear and few people know.But it's written in the chronicles of heaven.Each prayer muttered, is a special gift given.And yes, I said a prayer for you tonight;For you to be calmed from all your fright.For healing, and you to learn of God and His ways.And, be able to look up at HimAnd give Him honor and praise.I can't see your faceAnd barely know who you are;But I know one thing,Each muttered prayer will go so very far.Oh my brothers and sisters in Christ;Each prayer you whisperIs the greatest gift you will find.It comes from the love of a pure heart;That will last forever and never depart.Someday we will all meet face to face;We will be able to give such a warm embrace;As the Kingdom of Heaven allows us to share;In person what we can only do in prayer.The most precious gift you will give; Is a prayer,A sweet smelling fragrance so others can live.By laying down your life in such a simple way,Gives more to another than any gift will ever convey.Oh prayer, no it does not have ribbons or bows;It costs us our time, and our love that we share.

May God Bless You Always

Prayer

Battle Above the Clouds

Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days.Daniel 10:12-13

Prayer is a mysterious force, and the spiritual realm is a battle zone. Daniel prayed earnestly for three weeks, and his requests were granted early in the process. But his answer was somehow held up by demonic opposition in the heavens, and it took the archangel Michael to break through the resistance and secure the blessing.

The Bible warns, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
We'd probably be surprised to know how much spiritual warfare surrounds the transmissions of our prayers and their answers from heaven. When we pray earnestly and nothing seems to happen, we must remember that delay is not denial. We're to keep on asking, to keep on seeking, to keep on knocking. We're to address our prayers to God the Father, praying in the Spirit and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We can pray through to victory.
The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer.E. M. Bounds

Healing At The Cross

We know when Jesus was crucifiedUpon the wooden crossOur every sin was laid upon HimAll for loving the lostAnd we know that when He rose againHe conquered death and hellThrough His resurrection we haveEternal life as wellFor this we praise our gracious LordAnd thank Him for His loveFor we could never have had this hopeIf it wasn’t for His spilled bloodBut we can know His resurrection powerRight now while we are hereFor we can come to the cross of ChristAnd lay down our burdens thereFor everything that may hold us backThe hurts from yesterdayAt the foot of the cross we lay it downAnd then just walk awayFor I believe that there is healingAt the cross of ChristWe do not need to carry these loadsFor they’ve all been crucifiedReceive from Jesus the healing you needFor your spirit, body and soulThen you can arise, freed from your pastTo walk completely wholeFor what He accomplished on the crossGoes on into eternityJust reach out your hand and He will tooAnd receive His victory© By M.S.Lowndes ~ 2006

Cry of Victory

Cry of Victory

By Max Lucado

“It is finished.”

Stop and listen. Can you imagine the cry from the cross? The sky is dark. The other two victims are moaning. The jeering mouths are silent. Perhaps there is thunder. Perhaps there is weeping. Perhaps there is silence. Then Jesus draws in a deep breath, pushes his feet down on that Roman nail, and cries, “It is finished!”
What was finished?

The history-long plan of redeeming man was finished. The message of God to man was finished. The works done by Jesus as a man on earth were finished. The task of selecting and training ambassadors was finished. The job was finished. The song had been sung. The blood had been poured. The sacrifice had been made. The sting of death had been removed. It was over.
A cry of defeat? Hardly. Had his hands not been fastened down I dare say that a triumphant fist would have punched the dark sky. No, this is no cry of despair. It is a cry of completion. A cry of victory. A cry of fulfillment. Yes, even a cry of relief.

It’s over.
An angel sighs. A star wipes away a tear.
“Take me home.”Yes, take him home.Take this prince to his king.Take this son to his father.Take this pilgrim to his home.(He deserves a rest.)
“Take me home.”Come ten thousand angels! Come and take this wounded troubadour toThe cradle of his Father’s arms!
Farewell manger’s infant.Bless You holy ambassador.Go Home death slayer.Rest well sweet soldier.
The battle is over.

It is Finished by the Gaither Vocal Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT_EABKJG28

Jesus is The Anchor

Whatever the problems we face in lifeWhile sailing the rough seas of strifePraying will insure that we shall findJesus is the anchor for our peace of mind.
In our heart we need to feel secureJesus is the anchor we can be sureProtecting us from the raging storms of lifeHe shields us from the sea of strife.
When we become disillusionedAnd we feel all hope is goneRemember this one thingJesus is the anchor and we are not alone.
Always keep your faith a shining lightJesus is the anchor on the darkest nightHis love for us will never endJesus is the anchor of life we can depend.
© 12/31/06 Glenna M. BaughLiving by Faith
"When Jesus is the anchor of your lifeYour days are happy and free of strife"~Quote by Glenna~
"I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me."Proverbs 8:17

Catch a Glimpse of God

There are those times in life we seeWith faith that is not flawed,A chance to touch eternityAnd catch a glimpse of God.When sadness, grief, or pain aboundThat hides the light of day,God moves us up to higher groundAnd urges us to pray.So, down upon our knees we goAnd seek the Father’s face;And, from our lips, His praises flowAs He bestows His grace.He seeks to make it very clearHis plan for us is best.He sends His peace and joy, and cheer.We’re loved and healed, and blessed.We can be sure that He is God.He knows the route and course.Where ere our feet on earth may trod,He is our power source.So, trust the Lord, the living way,And join the pure in heart.For, this could be the very dayThe miracles will start!

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Blessed are the gentle,for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirstfor righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.Matthew 5:5-8

© 2005 by Jim Lake

Love So Amazing

Love So Amazing

Today's Scripture
“Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39, AMP).

Isn’t it wonderful to know that nothing can separate us from the Love of God? His love is truly amazing. It goes beyond any human love we could ever know. There’s nothing we can do to make Him love us more, and there is nothing we can do to make Him love us any less. His love is everlasting. Oftentimes, when people make mistakes or feel that they have disappointed God, they think they have to stay away from Him until they “get their act together” so to speak. But nothing could be further from the truth! He’s always there with open arms, ready to receive you and make you new. Remember, God’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! You are on His mind day and night. His thoughts are precious towards you.If there is anything in your life that is keeping you from receiving His amazing love, choose to set those things aside today. Let His love restore you and make you new. Simply come to Him with an open heart and receive everything He has in store for you.
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for loving me with an everlasting love. Thank You for receiving me and making me new by the precious blood of Jesus. I love You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Joel and Victoria Osteen

By Your Side

By Your Side…

He will always be Loving you and guiding you… Always teaching youHe has and always will be there Today and throughout… all of your tomorrows Looking upon all your joys… And sometimes-tearful sorrows You cannot and will not…walk this life alone Just knowing… He is by your side Fills our souls with a peacefulness As we praise Him… upon blended knees For all the love… and forgiveness… He has shown to you and me Today, and throughout.. All of your tomorrows You will be… Walking with our Lord For blessing you and showing you… The most amazing love… Your heart will ever know

Brenda Conley © 2006

He Knoweth Best

When you lie in bed wondering what you’re doing,Or decide to move, but don’t know where you’re going,Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!When you are confused with the twists and twirls of life,Or at the brink and sick of all your struggles and strife,Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!When you feel like you’re really at your very end,Or when you feel defeated and have no love to lend,Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!Your father up above,Is always looking down with love,Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!He is with you, will be to the end,For He unlike men, His word will never bend.Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!When making decisions, never do you need to fear,For your Father in Heaven, has promised to always be near. Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth best!Be still and quiet; let Him speak to you,He is the almighty, never with Him argue.Be calm and trust Him, for He knoweth bestSulekha Esther RathnamIndia

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."1 Peter 1:3

Life in the Word

Today's Scripture“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (1 Peter 1:23, NLT).

In Genesis we read that God spoke the world into existence. His words produced life and are continuing to produce life today. Aren’t you grateful for the power in God’s Word? Because of God’s Word, we can have life in eternity and live in strength and victory over every obstacle that comes against us here on earth!Today, you have access to life, strength, and victory in the Word of God. The Bible says in Job 22 that what you declare shall be established. When you declare God’s Word, you establish it in your life. You activate its power. Make it a habit to declare God’s Word over your life daily. Declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Declare that you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. Declare that His favor and blessing are upon you because you follow His commands. As you declare His Word, you will see His hand moving on your behalf. You’ll experience His power to live in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for TodayHeavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I commit to seek You first and invite You to establish Your Word in my heart. I bless You and magnify You today. In Jesus’ Name

Stir Up Your Dreams

Today's Scripture
"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…" (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJ).
Do you need some freshness in your life today? It's probably time to stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. It's time to stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. You are meant to dream and to pursue the desires God has placed in your heart.

The Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don't have a dream, you're not really living the way God intends. You're merely existing. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn't turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream.
Just because it didn't work out the way you had it planned doesn't mean that God doesn't have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It's time to dig your heals in and hold on to the promises in your heart. As you stir up those God-given dreams and desires, He'll pour out His favor and blessings and fulfill every desire in your heart!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, I come humbly to You. I give You my past, my disappointments, my brokenness. Fill me with Your hope and expectation and give me the dreams and desires that You have in store for my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Happy Valentines Day

You Are Loved
February 14

BIBLE MEDITATION:“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers. Did you know that Jesus is the lover of your soul? He is. You, as part of the church, are His bride…His chosen one. Our Lord loves us with an infinite love, an everlasting love, and an indescribable love. Are you without a valentine today? Take heart…His heart. He has set His affection on you. Jesus has purchased you, not with silver or gold as a bridegroom would have in Jesus’ day, but our Lord has purchased you with the silver of His tears and with the gold of His blood. You are loved!

ACTION POINT:Every time you get a Valentine or see an advertisement for Valentine’s Day or hear someone say, “Happy Valentine’s Day,” remember that Jesus is the Lover of your Soul

He's Always There

It matters not what path we take,The high road or the low,Our heavenly Father is always thereWherever we may go.Whatever turn we make in life -To the left or to the right,However far we venture out,We’re still within His sight.If we ascend into the heavens,There our Lord will be.If we make our bed in hell,His grieving Heart shall see.His eye is on the sparrow,He takes note if it should fall;And how much more He cares for usWho respond to His gentle call.Under His Wings we’re sheltered,While held within His Hand;His grace and power enabling usTemptation to withstand.A friend closer than a brother,Our burdens all to bear -Such a tender, loving Shepherd,Yes, "He’s Always There".

"Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? OrWhither shall I flee from thy presence?"(Ps. 139:7)