Welcome back to Heartstrings

So much has happened in our world and on our home front. Yet, no matter what or who or even when, we find hope in reading the Word of God, His love letter to us. You won't find it like anything else to sustain you. Will you? I certainly have not. Only in His presence I have all I need.

We are praying for the peace of Jerusalem as this war heats up. Things are changing so fast. But, at this time are you afraid? Psalm 56:3-4 is written at a perilous time in David's life. Like him are you having troubles with the Philistines? Actually, we all do at some point. But, this is what David says, "What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?"

I asked the Lord to sustain me today. He has and He will. My confidence, after taking precious time to read my Bible, is enlarged. I know He is able to keep me. 

Psalm 54:22 is another of David's songs. This time he is hiding from Saul, who is intent on killing the chosen of God. As we find later, Saul will not succeed anymore than those nasty Philistines. Why? Because David knows Who he belongs to. He says, "Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consitently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)." 

Since the war with Israel, I have been in prayer almost constantly. Day and night. With little sleep. Yet, the Lord has sustained me. Because I trust in, lean on, and confidently rely on the Lord. He only is our safe place. Our Refuge and Fortress.

Jesus is praying for you and I. Abba Father is listening for our cry for mercy. And, He will give it! Read Daniel 9. May it move your heart to follow hard after Almighty God! Change me Lord, heal me so others will be changed and healed. Amen.

John 16:33 says, " I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

Does this mean that we never sin or fall short? NO. I am one to say this. But, at every step off the path of God's perfect will, I am quickly called to repent and return. He is listening for us to cry out for mercy. 

Never forget the blood of Jesus shed for you and I on that cross. Nor forget that He conquered death, hell and the grave! As He is so shall we be when He calls us up to meet Him in the air. Oh, I look forward to that amazing Day of Christ!

Whether I get here to write or not, I pray you are in the Living Word of God, being fed and sustained at His table everyday. May the peace of Christ cover you and the Spirit of Truth teach you. I trust you into His keeping in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our soon coming King! Amen.

Abundance is...His mercy sustains me

Welcome to Heartstrings

I'm so glad you could gather with us today! I know time is precious and many are distracted by the news of war, an eclipse, prophetic opinions, personal loss and sickness. Do you feel the world shaking under your feet? Does it seem like nothing satisfies the way it used to? You are uncomfortable and desire a home prepared for you. Are you ready for the real Truth?

During one of my times in the Word of God, I was moved beyond anything I have experienced before. This is not a prediction message or to call you anywhere except to the foot of the cross. Are you interested?

So, reading Matthew 25:1-13, a few days ago, as I have many times before I was struck as though the word lamp was highlighted. I asked Holy Spirit to teach me about the lamps and the 10 virgins. I will try to explain.

All 10 virgins had lamps. All had a measure of oil in them. But, Jesus called only 5 of them wise virgins. They had extra oil. The other 5 He called foolish. And, all were waiting for the what seemed way over-due, the calling of the Bridegroom to come away.

We all know what it is like to feel so drousy that we can hardly keep our eyes open. In the last several months my own sleep has been difficult with nights where I have to get up, walk, pray and stumble back into bed only to wake exhausted. Yet, in it all I am fully aware that the Lord is beside me, awake or asleep. And earnestly waiting for His appearing.

Anyway, the call sounds out that the Bridegroom comes and they were to go out to meet Him. The virgins got up and put their own lamps in order. I particularly noticed they took care of their own lamps. 

The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves."

So, the foolish went one way and the wise the other way. But, while they were going to buy more oil, the Bridegroom came and those who were prepared went in with Him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. SHUT.

I can almost hear the door as it Closed. Now, I imagined the foolish, finally following the path to the door, expecting to enter. There were likely lamps left behind here and there. I know I would have wondered what that was all about. Puddles of oil leaking from the discarded lamps made the foolish leave footprints on the path. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Light so why would we need to have the lamps with us into the brightness of His glory? 

It is my own imagination but, so clear these last few days. The 5 foolish virgins take the steps up to the door and knock asking to enter. Jesus comes to the door and tells them He doesn't know them, depart.

Then all the excuses come tumbling out of their mouths. But, we thought it best to polish the lamps before coming. We had to stop and buy a better pair of sandals for the walk. We can hear the music and see the light shining and know there is a party going on! We want in! 

I never knew you. I am not acquainted with you. Can there be anything more sorrowful?

To be left out. To miss the mark. To know the Bridegroom is on the other side of the door. To feel the darkness, like a heavy robe and the dampness making your shoulders bend under the weight of your choices. 

What matters most? That you went to church, taught sunday school, sang in the choir, gave tithes, helped the needy? Or? That you simply came to the foot of the cross and from there discovered a precious treasure in Christ and freedom from passions in sin? 

Do you have polished idols in your life today? Anything or anyone that has a higher place than God? Any love or desire more than your love for God? He doesn't make mistakes. And, as often as we show up, He is there. 

Giving my life to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is the way into the banquet. Remaining close enough to hear His whispers. Taking His Word as the oil for my lamp. My witness, no matter the circumstances in my life to reflect my time with the Master.

Well, this is just something to think about. I know which side of the door I want to be on! How about you?

Simply come, ready your heart as a sacrifice to be molded and shaped into the vessel of honor He desires. Call on the Lord and you will be saved. Today, if you will. I am praying for you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. The Risen Lord and soon coming King! Amen.

Abundance is...having enough oil

Welcome family and friends,

Forgiveness. Corrie Ten Boom put it this way...it unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chain of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been.

Are you held back from forgiveness by what others have said or done to you? This is a sad case of pride and delusion. Selfishness and bitterness keep you in the dark. Like a tiny plant stuck tight between a rock and a hard place. No moisture, light or the joy of blooming with your face up to the sky.

There is hope.

Jesus came to give us life, if only we call on His name. To be forgiven, cost Him blood, sweat and tears for you and I. We know He rose again from the dead to live forever...then why have so many held onto their chains with a crushing grip? Why not become like a small child raising hands up and asking mom or dad for what he wants?

You have your reasons. I had mine too. Now I know differently. And, it isn't worth the pain and separation from pure Love simply because some experience may be to blame. In the end, we are the ones to blame. 

If the only thing I knew about Father God was found on a little slip of paper reading..."I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Would you hold fast to that? 

Do you want to know those good plans for you today? Oh, there is so much more! Will you believe the Father hears you when you cry? Will you believe He only has good for you? Do you want to take the next step to get closer to Him?

There is Good News! Find a Bible and read the Gospel of John. It won't take as long as you think. See the plan of God to save you from the darkness you are engaged in. You can rely on Him, trust Him and cling to Him. Believe. 

I don't know your situation, where you live or come from. I don't know the hidden secrets of your heart. He does. In John 14 Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Bring your troubles to the Cross and find mercy for your soul. He said, " I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me."

Jesus gives His Holy Spirit as the Comforter in His name. He will teach you where to step and the right direction to go. "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you."

Because God sent His only Son to go to that awful cross and shed His precious blood there for your sins and mine, we must accept  this gift of forgiveness to be free. He raised Jesus from the grave so you and I can be assured of eternity with Him in heaven.

I am not sure I presented this good enough. Please, take time and call on the Father for understanding while reading and searching His Living Word. Enjoy fresh life and walk in newness of Life! Remember, He is able to keep you. 

We give all glory, honor and praise to Jesus forever! In His matchless name be healed and abide in Him, trust Him and joy will be yours, regardless of the circumstances. Give thanks. He is a good, good Father.

Abundance is...as the key turns

Welcome back to Heartstrings family,

We have evidence of God's love and kindness even when we are in trials. Do you agree? It takes a bit to focus somedays. Whether from pain or loss of a dear ones life or by our foolish choices. It all comes down to where my thoughts are going. 

So, can you find freedom when you are hurting? I mean, without the use of all the bandaids we have been offered to apply? Where do you go first? Who do you run to?

There are so many scriptures to guide us to freedom for our soul. Knowing Jesus hung on the cross and took all the burdens of sin on himself...something I couldn't do on my own, is the first place I have to go to. By bringing all that I am to a place where I humbly bow before Him. It is after the cross, the removing of sin can this world of hurting people find an empty tomb. Jesus conquered death, He didn't just die!

When I focus on this amazing gift of God, I begin to adjust my feelings to what I know is true. In all the world, the Lord God still sees me. And, you. Only God can do that.

I consider the wonders of His Love and begin to walk in freedom regardless of my circumstances. I am free to tell others how awesome His Love is for them too. Eyes off of self and onto the very purpose of my being here. 

Yes, there is still pain and loss. However, there is comfort and joy! Yesterday, my mother in law died. She went to rest in the arms of Jesus. I believe I will see her again. After so long a struggle, she is free! That gives me reason to rejoice today, even with tears on my face. I am so happy for her!

My mind is swimming with scriptures. Hope and joy and peace stir my soul, bubbling over with gratitude for the new signs of Spring today! What do you see in your small world that shows you how awesome Gods love is for you personally?

The first thing I read this morning was found in Isaiah 61:3. It spoke of having a garland of beauty instead of ashes. The oil of joy instead of mourning. A garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. Words of Life! So my soul will sing!

The very time I need to praise God is when I feel struck down. When my hope is shattered. This is the time to make myself come before the Lord, yes, cry out to Him and stop letting my mind worry of things but, put my hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Decide to praise God whether I feel like it or not, no matter what is happening. Psalm 103:1-2.

Cast your burden on the Lord, knowing He will sustain you. You will not be shaken. Psalm 27:1.

Psalm 34 begins with the positive truth...I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

We are to magnify the name of the Lord God. Not only when things are easy but in the tuff stuff of life. This is where I am at right now. Who will I trust? Certainly not in my own power. But, in the power and life of the Lord who is my Life and my salvation. The mind of the Holy Spirit is life and soul peace right now and forever! Then sing my soul!

I pray you draw nearer to the Lord. Really focus on His goodness and keep your hand in His. Whether in the valley of on the mountain tops, we need the Lord to guide us. Bless you and thank you for coming to hear my heart today. You are precious in His sight. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...a soul that sings

Together again with Heartstrings

This is the time to encourage one another. We do not know what tomorrow will bring but, we do know Who holds the heavens and the earth in His hands. What a privlege to share the good news!

The question remains. Is it well with your soul? Remember if you have received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, you the redeemed of the Lord have hope. The mind of the Holy Spirit in you is life and soul peace both now and forever. No matter what the world is choosing. Choose this life in the Lord Almighty.

Some songs that come to my mind this morning speak to me of hope that is eternal. Loss will come, sure, but gain will be the final result of a soul that thrives on the loving, compassionate words of God. From glory to glory we are being changed into His likeness. 

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."

"In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful."

"I cast all my cares upon You."

"It is well with my soul!"

Lord, I know You are familiar with my ways. You know the number of my days. My life is yours. Breathe on me fresh life. All those reading this post, I pray will find comfort and even sing the songs and more that I have listed. Help each of us to worship You Lord with all our heart. We surrender all our needs to You. Thank you for dying for me, Jesus. I will bless Your name now and forever. You are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Blessed be your matchless name, Lord Jesus. Amen

Psalm 34:17-19 says, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. ~ The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent. ~ Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

So, worship the Lord for His great and precious promises. They will never fail to come to pass. The Lord will not fail. His power no foe can withstand! The Lord bless everyone of you today, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Lord and soon coming King! Amen.

Abundance is...every moment He is strong