MaggieBelle

Beloved–

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  (from Philippians)

As a new Christian I struggled with “what is God’s will for my life, what criteria should I use?”  I started with daily Bible reading (start with a disciplined 5 minute reading period; the desire will increase) and prayer for the power to stick to the basic criteria.

I pray for you to know God’s will and trust Christ with your life.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ…Therefore, go and make disciples. (from Ephesians & Matthew)

As I studied the Bible I learned to praise and thank God all the time for adopting me into his family because Christ (paid my sinful debt) died on the cross for me.  I also, learned that Christ commands me to share the good news of my adoption.  I told my family and friends because I loved them and didn’t want them to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity.  Now, I share my joy on the internet; the idea boggles the mind.

I pray everyday for you to trust in Christ for your eternity and if you do, follow the command and share!

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

…so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything…making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love [of Christ]…each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  (from Ephesians)

My first reaction to the passage was “in everything?”  “That can’t be right, there must be some hidden meaning to those clearly, simple instructions.”  Then I learned that when I submit to the Lord’s instructions I would be able to make allowances and respect my husband’s decisions.

I pray daily that you seek the Lord’s wisdom over your own.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Living by the Spirit’s power

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise…Don’t act thoughtlessly… (Ephesians 5 nlt)

Yet, when I’m in the midst of turmoil my thoughts are on what I want; my heart is not seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  Confessing my sin as soon as I recognize it can sometimes help me remember to seek the spirit’s guidance when turmoil attacks the next time.

I pray for you everyday to recognize the enemy when he attacks.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly [boldly and confidently] into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome. (from Ephesians 3)

I am overwhelmed by God Almighty’s eternal plan; that he offered me the gift life knowing what a sinner I would (and continue to) be.  It is beyond my ability to understand the magnitude of his love and grace and yet I KNOW I’m welcome in the presence of God the father.

I pray daily that you believe in Christ’s work on the cross for you and for his glory.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

The Lord Christ Jesus died on a cross to give me life.  Now I must die to me so that Christ Jesus can live through me.

From Ephesians 2–…that even though [I was] we were dead because of our [my] sins, he gave us [me] life when he raised Christ from the dead…For he raised us [me] from the dead along with Christ…we are [I am] united with Christ Jesus. God saved [me] you by his grace when [I] you believed. And [I] you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

I pray for you every day to remember, as a believer, that you may be the only living word the world may see.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

…Fear [recognizing His authority] of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (from OT times)

…And now you [recognizing His authority] have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.  The Spirit is God’s guarantee!…   (from NT times)

I pray for you constantly to have the spiritual wisdom and understanding to see the magnitude of God’s grace in your own life..

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Adoration of God Almighty from the book of Psalms (God’s word).

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!  Your glory is higher than the heavens.  I will praise the Lord at all times.  I will constantly speak his praises.  I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless  take heart.  Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.  I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

I pray for you to feel and find the JOY of the Lord even in the midst of life’s chaos and dissatisfaction.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great [for me] to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (from Ephesians 3 nlt)

I have been reading my Bible almost everyday since 1972.  Yet, when rereading a passage, a story, or an entire book there is always something new that I didn’t see in the previous reading.  The most important thing I have learned is that I am saved by grace and not by my own efforts.  By reading God’s word I can learn to know about the depth of his love and sacrifice for me.

I pray for you everyday that you will have a heart’s desire to read his word.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

King David said this about him: ‘I see that the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (from Acts 2 nlt)

God’s doesn’t move from place to place; his presence is constant.  When my spirit feels alone or dark I realize that God is not absent but that I have moved out of his embrace.

I pray for you daily to continually be aware of his presence.

Luv Ya!