MaggieBelle

Beloved–

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  (from 1 John)

How can it be that the Almighty and savior could want a selfish, self centered soul like mine?  My heavenly Father, the Almighty, gave all that he had (his beloved son) to purchase my soul.  My savior could have avoided the cross—-BUT DID NOT—-so that I could be covered by his blood.  I, even knowing at what price that was paid for me, continue to be blinded to my selfish, self centered ways. Oh, what a merciful gracious Father God he is to me.  I pray for you to take notice of your blinders and look beyond, and praise God for who he is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit?  (from Acts)

Throughout my young Christian years I most always missed the off ramp to escape sinning. I only saw the way out during my times of reflection on, “ how did I get in this mess.”  God just isn’t in charge but he also wants a relationship with me. He always knows what I’m thinking and he wants me to get to know his thoughts. It takes time, effort and purposeful prioritizing.  Hence, the reading of the “whole book.”  I pray for you to desire to prioritize for the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

I will praise the Lord, 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)

When I said I learned the best way to hold on to my savior by being obedient I don’t want to mislead you.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my salvation because I KNEW that I would never be alone again.  I also came to the Lord with an arrogant attitude; I had no concept of true dependence/obedience on my master.  Fortunately, my savior is patient beyond measure as he continues to conform me into the likeness of his beloved Son. I pray for you to have an attitude of praise for the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.  (from Ezekiel)

During my Christian infancy and adolescence I learned obedience and the best way to hold on to my savior.  In my Christian adulthood I experienced an overwhelming desire to know him intimately; to the point that I could say I want to count myself dead to the world and alive to him.  Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world that covers my sin of disobedience and yearnings for the world.  Pray to the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit asking for the desire for a responsive heart.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.  (from Colossians)

Studying and meditating on the “whole book” I learned that many of my sins are not overt but are committed in my thoughts.  Only studying and meditating on the word of God can help me reject even my sinful thoughts. I pray for you to desire to become more like your savior.  Praising the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (from Psalms) 

God’s promise tells me that if I take shelter and abide in the Most High, I will be protected by his wings. I must search ALL my heart’s thoughts and ALL my actions so that I will fit into the perfect will of my heavenly father.  I must do a complete, deep and thorough cleansing. I’m learning it can’t be done all at once.  My heart is truly sneaky! I pray for you to rest in the shelter of  the MOST HIGH TRIUNE GOD!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.  He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (from Psalms)

Realizing that I had painted myself into a corner (AGAIN!), I confessed my sin. Searching the Psalms in the “whole book” for comfort and forgiveness I found more songs of “praise to the Lord” than words of “just trust in the Lord.”  I pray for you to trust the Lord’s promises and protection.  Always knowing the God who is. . . Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (from Psalms)

My mother said to be sure to examine all sides of each tomato, because even a minor bruise would soon spoil the whole tomato. I need to examine my heart so that my sin, no matter how minor in appearance, MUST BE recognized and rejected. I pray for you for the wisdom to recognize sin in all its shapes and sizes. Praising the Lord Almighty!

Luv Ya!

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.  For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.  Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.  You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.  For I was born a sinner—  yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.  Purify me from my sins,  and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me —now let me rejoice.  Don’t keep looking at my sins.  Remove the stain of my guilt.  Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me.  (from Psalms)

Studying the “whole book” teaches me to constantly be aware of his presence and of the grace, mercy and the unfailing love of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I also learned I have to search my heart to be able to recognize the enemy in ALL of his disguises.  The low pathways shiny and bright as well as the attempt of the enemy to beat me over-the-head with the long list of my sins. I pray for you to have the desire to search your heart. Always praising our triune God!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  (from the books of John)

My sin interrupts my relationship with my savior.  Studying the “whole book” causes me to clearly see my sin; helping me to quickly confess it and restore my relationship with the Father through the presence of the Holy Spirit. For me confession is the answer.  I pray for you to try it for yourself, praising the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!