Beloved–
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin… But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Beloved–
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
“Glory to God in highest heaven, /and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Beloved–
From his throne he [God] observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. (from Psalms)
God knows the deepest thoughts of my heart even better than I do; there are some thoughts that I even hide from myself. Despite knowing what he knows about me, he willingly sacrificed his beloved son on the cross so I would have the opportunity to worship him and give him all the glory.
I pray for you everyday to be willing to hold yourself out at arm’s length to see what God sees and recognize the gift of life God has given to you.
Luv Ya!
Beloved–
I will praise God no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart for I cried to him and he answered me, he freed me from all my fears. (from Psalms)
It is hard to be in pain and not be sure why. It’s harder to know that a beloved friend is in pain, know why and yet, not be able to fix it.
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (from the Psalms too)
I pray for you daily to seek the Lord’s wisdom over your own.
Luv Ya!
Beloved–
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (from Romans)
Joy 2.0 So where do I get my joy when I’m told my child has cancer or when my beloved father, who had yet to celebrate his 65th birthday, wouldn’t survive his stroke? My joy comes from my salvation in Christ Jesus. When I’m in pain it’s very difficult to see the big picture but acknowledging Christ’s sovereignty over my life leads me to peace of mind and heart.
I pray for you everyday to have peace of mind and heart.
Luv Ya!
MaggieBelle 