Dear brothers and sisters,

Let's worship the Lord today! Jesus came to set us free and so we live! He suffered and died for us. He gave His all for us. He is coming again for us! Are you excited to be called His beloved? WE are the reason Jesus came.

As long as the day is ours we have every reason to lift up His Holy name. There are no circumstances that can keep us from exalting His precious name. Are you breathing? Is your heart beating? Then you have the time. I have the time.

Another of God's promises is found in Psalm 86:5, actually two. God's love is steadfast to those who call upon His name. God has promised you the crown of life. "For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever]; and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You."

The reason Jesus came to earth was to save us from ourselves and point us to the Father. He is a good, good Father! So, let's look at this Father Who Loves us so much. Reading the descriptions of Him throught the eyes of King David we will search out this great and mighty God.

David begins humbly admitting that he is poor and needy, distressed and desirous. As the servant of the Lord he places his trust in God. (Leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, without fear or doubt). This is the way to enter the presence of the Lord. Psalm 86:1-2.

In Psalm 86:3-4 David prays, "Be merciful and gracious to me, O Lord, for to You do I cry all the day. Make me, Your servant, to rejoice, O Lord, for to You do I lift myself up." How often do we cry out to the Lord to make us His servant? It may be that you live in an oppresive situation. One that is so heavy you can hardly tolerate the circumstances. Life seems to permit suffering and all you can do is endure.

Humbly come to the Father and declare His loving-kindness over you. Call on His name and receive abundant mercy. The outcome will be as verse 5 says. Go back and read it, pray that your eyes would be open to see His goodness. Now, read on.

"Give ear, O lord, to my prayer; and listen to the cry of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me." Now declare..."There is none like unto You among the gods, O Lord, neither are their works like unto Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and fall down before You, O Lord; and they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and work wonders! You alone are God."

We know the days are coming to a close. All we have to do is listen to the unrest of our nation and others. Wars. Signs in the heavens and on the earth. Erruptions everywhere to destroy our peace. Little gods that can do nothing, yet, many serve them. We are called to look to Jesus, God's Son. Only He can save us.

David asks in verse 11..."Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name."

Declaration...verse12-13, "I will confess and praise You, O Lord my God, with my whole (united) heart; and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy and loving-kindness toward me; and You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol [from the exceeding depths of affliction]." Confess and glorify His name!

Always. This world is always against the children of God. "O God, the proud and insolent are risen against me; a rabble of violent and ruthless men has sought and demanded my life, and they have not set You before them." Don't be surprised if persecution comes kicking at your door. Our future without the Lord is most desolate. Draw near to God!

Verse 15..."But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness and truth. O turn to me and have mercy and be gracious to me; grant strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) to Your servant and save the son of Your handmaiden. Show me a sign of [Your evident] good will and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me." Amen.

Jesus hadn't come yet in David's time. He called out to Almighty God. David believed God and knew he could talk to Him. Today, we have the Father's Son walking beside us every moment. He goes before the Father and prays for us too. His Holy Spirit fills us and leads us into truth all the way to heaven.

So, my friend, what keeps you from coming to the Lord? We can blame our distractions, the internet, family business or our poor health and lack of finances. It could be that everything is really good too. Focused, good family, good health and no financial problems. These too can be what keeps us from coming to the Lord. Either way give us all the more reason to call on the Lord. There is still time, this moment. Will you?

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus to redeem our lives from the pit of darkness and destruction. You have called us by our name and set Your heart upon us. Forgive us for trying to live as though we are in control. We are not. You are. Thank you for showering us with You goodness and giving us fresh life. We choose to give You all honor and glory. Make us ready to see our King coming in Glory. We bless Your name and trust You with our lives. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Thank you for stopping by today. Heartstrings is my heart journey shared with you. I love that we are all heading the same direction. Encourage one another for the days are evil. Pray for one another. Stand beside each other in the strength of the Lord. Until we meet again, God bless, Patricia.

Abundance is...He is the reason I live