Morning Blessings

[Betty]

December 1, 202w
Happy Thursday,

Encourage One Another In The Lord

Hebrews 3:13
New International Version
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Every Christian can be an encourager. It does not matter what our physical handicaps are, we can still offer a word of encouragement to a fellow believer.

These days are stressful and we can become easily discouraged. Yet, we do not have to allow ourselves to become discouraged. We can go to our Heavenly Father and ask for help.


1 Samuel 30:6 ESV
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:13 ESV
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
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


Listen to praise and worship music and sing along. Make it a form of worship to God. Ask God to fill your heart with joy. Read encouraging Scriptures and then share them with others. Remind yourself of the times God answered your prayers.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 2, 2022
Happy Friday,

Abundant Life


“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:1

While God provides our needs, He is more concerned about our spiritual health. We will take none of our physical possessions to Heaven. It is our spiritual possessions that we will take into Heaven.

It is our spiritual well-being that sees us through troubled times. Yet, we often spend more time and money on our bodies that will be left behind when we go to Heaven, than our spiritual being.

Let us choose to spend more time and effort in growing spiritually and asking God to help us to live in His Will.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 3, 2022
Happy Saturday,

Wait Before Responding

We often respond to offenses in haste and in anger. God wants us to take time to pray and calm down. Sometimes our best response is to do what the last press secretary’s favorite response was ( I will have to circle back to it). It is better to wait than speak in haste.

Waiting gives us time for our anger to cool down. Waiting gives us time to think over the situation. Waiting gives us time to seek advice from others. We may find that a third party can see both sides can see where we were in the wrong, too. In anger, we cannot often see both sides of a situation. Most of all, waiting gives us time to pray over our situation.

When we spend some time with God, we will be able to do what God always wants us to do and that is to react in love.

1 John 4:7
New King James Version
Knowing God Through Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

This does not mean the person will react in kind, but the person will know that we are Christians in all circumstances. Reactions in anger can kill our testimony.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 4, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

Sweeter As We Grow

Psalms 34:8
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

The closer we walk with God, the sweeter the relationship grows. The longer we trust Him, the sweeter the relationship is. This is not the time to test greener grounds. This is the time to determine within ourselves that we are going to walk with God until we die or until the rapture.

We must not allow ourselves to become discouraged by false teachers who would deny the rapture. God’s Word is truth. Jesus will come for us and we will rise to meet Him in the clouds.

Never forget that whether we live or die God will always be with us. He will never forsake us. Throw away fear and put all your trust in our Heavenly Father. The more we trust God the sweeter our relationship with God will be.
Betty

 

[Andy C]

December 4, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

Sweeter As We Grow

Psalms 34:8
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

The closer we walk with God, the sweeter the relationship grows. The longer we trust Him, the sweeter the relationship is. This is not the time to test greener grounds. This is the time to determine within ourselves that we are going to walk with God until we die or until the rapture.

We must not allow ourselves to become discouraged by false teachers who would deny the rapture. God’s Word is truth. Jesus will come for us and we will rise to meet Him in the clouds.

Never forget that whether we live or die God will always be with us. He will never forsake us. Throw away fear and put all your trust in our Heavenly Father. The more we trust God the sweeter our relationship with God will be.
Betty

Amen sister!

 

[Betty]

December 6, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

‘’Comfort and Joy’’

Christmas is a wonderful time with Christmas lights, bows, and ornaments. Christmas time can also be a sad time when we think of those who are no longer with us.

The loss of those we love can tear at our hearts and emotions run deep. Yet we can still find joy in this season. The first reason for joy is our Savior, Jesus. The joy in knowing that He left the glories of Heaven to come to earth as a helpless baby for our benefit. His love was so great that He was willing to leave His powers in Heaven and become a helpless baby so that He could live and die to reconcile us to Himself.

God wanted mankind to live in Heaven with Him so much, that He was willing to sacrifice His perfect Son to redeem us from our sins. The greatest sacrifice of all time. This is what Christmas is all about.

Knowing that God loved us so much and that Jesus suffered so much for our redemption, should fill our hearts with gratitude. Every day we should praise God for our precious gift of salvation.

While it is true we do not always understand why God allows our loved ones to die, we can trust the one who paid such a tremendous price for our salvation, to know best. We can and should ask God to comfort us and fill our hearts with His perfect joy.

Trust in God in all circumstances.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 7, 2022
Happy Wednesday,

It’s Okay!

In the last month or so, I have had times of confusion and it's okay. It's okay because God is with me. Even when I forgot what I am doing, I feel His presence.

All of us have circumstances that we are dealing with. We need not live in fear but call out to our Heavenly Father. He will speak peace into us. We need not fear the future for God is quite aware of the future. Just as He walks with us today, He will walk with us tomorrow.

The closer we walk with God, the sweeter our relationship grows. We choose how close we want to walk with God. We must be willing to obey Him to walk close to Him. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and take to heart when He convicts us of a sin in our lives and be willing to repent and turn away from sin.

We cannot walk with the world and God. Choose the wiser path and walk close to God. The award is worth it, both here and in the future.

“May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! “
- 2 Peter 1:2-3
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 8, 2022

Happy Thursday,



He Gives Us What We Need



Whatever ministry God has placed on your heart, you need not fear being good enough. God equips those He calls. He will provide what we need to accomplish His desires. God does not call us because we are perfect, for there is no one that is perfect. God calls those that are willing.



'Call to Me, and I will answer you…'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV)! When we feel inadequate, call out to God. He will encourage us and provide what we need to succeed. When we are discouraged talk to our Heavenly Father and He will encourage us.



God has used me when I was sick, grieving, and discouraged. When I willingly worked for God, He helped me, comforted me, and encouraged me. Do not wait until everything is perfect in your life to work for God. Trust me that day will never come! Be a willing servant of God despite your circumstances and God will bless you and your work. Worship and praise God in all circumstances.

Betty

 

[Betty]

December 9, 2022

Happy Friday,



Confusion



1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.



The last couple of nights I have had trouble walking and today confusion was my companion. My tablet stops using cookies and I had to make up new passwords, which is not easy when you are confused. Yet, as I lay in bed to write this I realize that God was with me all day long, and even in my mental state, He gave me peace. Never give up on God. He is always with us! Even in times of distress, we can trust God.

Betty

 

[Betty]

December 10, 2022

Happy Saturday,



God’s Mercies Never Run Out



“Promise #344:

My tender mercies never fail, for they are new every morning.



Lamentations 3:22-23 (WEB)

22 It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,

because his compassion doesn’t fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”



As human beings, we grow tired. There are some days when our compassion for others is running low. There are even days that we do not feel so loving toward others. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed and can begin the day irritable and just plain cranky.



Thankfully our Heavenly Father does not feel that way. His love for us is consistent, despite our behavior. It hurts God when we hurt others, but He does not stop loving us. There are not many things we can depend on in this world, but we can depend on the loving nature of God.



When we realize that God‘s love for us will last an eternity, we can have peace, even on bad days. Keep trusting God. Pray for guidance. Seek His will in all things. Worship God throughout the day and praise His Name forever. God will be with us forever.

Betty

 

[Betty]

December 11, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

“Whisper A Prayer”

The old Hymn says to whisper a prayer in the morning, evening, and noon, which is a good idea. Yet, we can whisper a prayer anyway. We can pray as we are getting dressed, in the car, in the store, and at work, and truly we can whisper a prayer anywhere.

At all times we can offer up a prayer to God. We do not even have to close our eyes, which is a good idea if we are driving. God is not interested in dramatic and intellectual prayers. God is interested in prayers from our hearts. It does not matter how simple our prayer is, if it comes from our hearts.
Betty

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 21:22
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”


Luke 21:36
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Colossians 4:2
Christian Graces
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,


1 Peter 4:7
Serving for God’s Glory
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Jude 1:20
Maintain Your Life with God
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

 

[Betty]

December 12, 2022
Happy Monday,

Children of God, We Are Blessed


Daily Prayer for December 12
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:11–12, NIV
Lord our God, we thank you for allowing us to be called your children. We thank you for giving us the power to become more truly your children, so that there may be a witness to your name on earth, so that again and again in the name of Jesus Christ new power may come for body and soul, for the happy and unhappy, for all who are still following false paths, for all who suffer so much grief, fear, and need. We thank you and we praise your name. Help us on our way. Help us weak people who often grow anxious and afraid. Help us in everything. Help us especially in the concern we have deepest in our hearts, that your name may be honored, your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.”

Jesus came to the Jews first, yet when they rejected Him for the most part, He did not refuse to sacrifice Himself and go back to Heaven. He chose to die for the people of His day and the people who would accept salvation through the ages. He died for us Gentiles, also.

He cared about all sinners. God wanted to reconcile all of mankind to Himself. People who end up in hell, are not there because God did not love them enough. They will be there because they chose sin over salvation.

We must choose to abandon a life of sin and live in righteousness and truth. The devil and his angels are going to hell because of their rebellion against God. We cannot live in rebellion against God’s laws and enter into Heaven. Only those who are covered by Jesus’ blood can enter in to Heaven.

When Jesus saved the woman who committed adultery from being stoned, He told her to go and sin no more. A truly saved person will not choose to live in sin. Salvation is a serious thing. It is dangerous too, to play with sin.
Betty

2 Corinthians 6:11-18
New King James Version
Be Holy
11 O Corinthians! [a]We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what [c]communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[d] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

 

[Betty]

December 13, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

“Without Faith, It is Impossible To Please God”

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

God does not always answer our questions. Sometimes He wants us to trust in Him despite not knowing the reason why. I have had this weird headache for over two years. It feels like my head is in a vice. The headaches come and go. Doctors have done numerous tests and they cannot find the answer despite my many prayers.

I have concluded that God wants me to trust in Him despite not knowing the answer. Just as I still do not know why God chose to take my son to Heaven.

I am 70 and I got saved at 7. I have been through many trials. Sometimes the answer of why evidently came to me. Other times I received no answer to my questions of why.

I have concluded that walking with my Heavenly Father does not guarantee an answer. Trusting in God completely requires that we trust God when we do not know the reasoning behind God’s decisions. When we love God with all of our Hearts we can trust God despite unanswered questions. No matter what happens I know without a shadow of doubt God will never fail or abandon me.
Betty

 

[anasazi]

Keeping you in prayer....

 

[Betty]

December 14, 2022
Happy Wednesday,


My neighbor and I went to my daughter-in-law‘s Church to see my granddaughter in the Christmas play. All the children did wonderfully. It is so great to see innocent children singing about God and Christmas. It blessed my heart.

We would do better if we adults would reach out to God with child-like faith. We would probably see more of our prayers answered. God bless each of you and may God grant to you all your needs.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 15, 2022
Happy Thursday,

Prepare Our Hearts

Daily Prayer for December 15
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
“A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." Isaiah 40:3–4, RSV
Lord our God, open our ears and our hearts so that we hear you speaking and can follow the voice that cries out to us. May we be a people who prepare the way for you. Grant each of us strength to give up everything at the right moment and to realize, "The way to my heart should be leveled too. It should be straight and level all around me and in the whole world." The light is now shining for us in Jesus Christ, and through him we want to find strength and help, to the glory of your name. Through hearing his voice we will find help. Help will be very near to us, and the mighty hand of the Lord Jesus will be over us in every need. For this he came. We can believe in his help, and we long for it. Hear the inmost longing of each one of us, and make us part of your people so that we may keep hope in our hearts and serve you on earth. Praise to your name, O Father in heaven, that you have put us on earth and that we can draw strength from the One who fights and is victorious, Jesus Christ. Amen”

We should pray that God will open our ears and hearts to receive the messages that God has for us. Not only let us be open to hear God’s message, but pray that our hearts will be open to receive the message of God and that we will be willing to do the work that God calls us to do.
It is not enough to hear the message of God, if we refuse to act on them.

1 Samuel 15:22
So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

It is better to obey than repent later. Repentance does not give us a license to sin. We honor God by obeying Him. Worship is so much better when it comes from clean hearts and hands. When we obey Him, we can worship in righteousness and truth. Heavenly Father, give us ears and a heart that longs to hear Your voice. Teach us, Your ways Father. Do not allow us to be led astray by those who teach lies wrapped up in half-truths. Help us discern Your voice and know Your Holy Word.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 17, 2022
Happy Saturday,

Heartache

“Promise #351:
I am very close to those who have a broken heart.

Psalm 34:18 (WEB)
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”

King David knew heartache. When Samuel came at God’s directions to look at Jessee’s sons he forgot about his son David. When Samuel asked if he had any more sons he then mentioned his son David. David was just an afterthought.

Even though David was called to be the King of Israel, he had to live many years on the run because King Saul wanted to kill him. Even after many years as King, David had to fight for his Kingdom against His own son, Absalom who tried to steal his father’s crown.

With all his suffering David was a man of God’s heart. Why? Because David loved God’s laws and meditated on the Words daily. Through the written words of David, we learned how much God loved mankind. We learned that we can find comfort in the arms of God.

God showed us through the words of David that He is indeed a God that wants to comfort the brokenhearted. Tragedy can lead us to bitterness but if we give ourselves wholly to God He will heal our brokenness and He will comfort us.

Tragedy does not have to destroy us if we allow God to work through us tragedy can polish us like gold so the brightness of God shows through us into a world of darkness.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 18, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

“I Choose Joy”

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4

KSBJ radio station’s theme this month KSBJ “I choose joy”. Unlike happiness joy is a choice. We can be joyful in the Lord despite our circumstances. We do not have to be in perfect health to be joyful. Even when we are still grieving the loss of a close family we can be joyful in the Lord.

Joy in the Lord is realizing our circumstances will one day change. One day we will put on our glorified bodies. Where sickness and disease will be just a faded memory. While we still miss our loved ones there will come a day when God will wipe away our tears forever.

Revelation 21:4
New King James Version
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

We choose joy when we choose to worship God and praise His Name in all circumstances. Joy does not require us to deny our physical or emotional pain. Choosing joy is deciding to give glory to God despite our suffering. It is literally offering up a sacrifice of praise.

When we think of the wonders and glories of Heaven we can be joyful in the expectation of our future eternity with Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. My friends things may be hard today but press on to the prize of Heaven.

Philippians 3:14 Context

11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Betty

 

[Betty]

December 19, 2022
Happy Monday,

Make Me More Like, You

One desire, that we should have this next year is that we be more like Jesus. There is not a one of us that does not need spiritual improvement. We all have times that our actions and reactions are not as Godly as they should be.

Mark 7:20-23
New King James Version
20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

The biggest danger is not what we feed our belly, but what we feed our minds and hearts. When we fill our hearts and minds with sin and trash, we corrupt ourselves. Soon things will come out of our mouth that not only bring us shame but destroy our testimony.

Let us pray for spiritual revival in our own hearts and minds so that we can stand before Jesus, unashamed.
Betty

 

[Betty]

December 20, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

Are We Seeking God

“Promise #354:
I will seek after those who worship Me in spirit and truth.

John 4:23 (WEB)
But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers
will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.”

This time of the year, we are so busy buying presents and attending Christmas parties, that we can forget God. Sadly, God can become to us, an afterthought at the end of a long day, when we say a quick prayer before we fall asleep.

We need and let me say that includes me, to talk to God when we first wake up. We do not need to say a long prayer. Just acknowledge that God is our Savior and King. I cannot say it too often but mini prayers and praises to God throughout the day are a blessing to God and us.

God bless and protect you and your family this Christmas Season. May the light of the Holy Spirit shine through you and be a blessing to others.
Betty