Gather with us for Heartstrings

I know you must be busy. Life is moving so fast it seems I can't keep up with all that is going on. Why should I? Because to give up and give in to fear, worry, anxiety is to accept defeat. This is not the time for that resolution. But, we are encouraged to know the heart of God and invite Him to teach us, to lead us into all truth. Ask for His counsel and wisdom today, whatever your circumstances.

Time IS short isn't it? The most I can do some days is just to give thanks to the Lord. I want to keep my eyes fixed on Him. My place to know what to do and where to go are found in God's precious Word. There is life!

Are you a child of God? Romans 8:16 says..."The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God."

Are you Redeemed from the hand of the enemy? Psalms 107:2 says..."Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary..."

Do you know you are forgiven?  Colossians 1:13-14 says..."[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins."

So then, you have been saved by Grace through faith! Rejoice with me! Ephesians 2:8 says..."For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God."

If you are striving, you are not believing God is in control. If your life is bound up in the issues of life, obviously you haven't been made free. Shake off the dust that has covered your feet and turn, repent, and your walk will be lighter. Just knowing God is in control of all that concerns you will make your heart light. Surrender. His eye is upon you and His heart is for you.

I keep thinking about heaven. Do you want to be there? You only have two choices you know. And, yes, there is a hell. A dark separation from God. It is risky to play games when your life could be snuffed out in a moment. Look around you. See. So many die without the gift of eternal life. Their choice was made. What will you decide?

There is so much found in God's Word. Jesus brings Life, Peace and Hope to your story if....you will allow Him the place of Master. He is not cruel as you have known earthly masters. And, Holy Spirit is drawing you to come closer, isn't He? Why depend on the counsel of the world or even your family. You may hear that you are a Christian because you were born into your family and they have always attended church. No, you, and I were born in sin like all the other people walking this earth.

Each person decides Who they will serve. Now is the time. It really is the eleventh hour! Time may not play out the way you hope. That job may not come. That son or daughter may not return home. That doctors report may not bring good news.

What matters is where you will spend eternity. I pray you choose the right Master. Ready Romans chapter 8, if you have decided to follow Jesus. It is a road map you will understand.

I pray you know you are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son and sealed by the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus! The trinity is for you! Rejoice that you have been brought into the family of God!

If this should be my last entry to Heartstrings, I sincerely pray you see clearly, with open eyes and heart, you need Jesus. WE all do. May you find eternal peace today in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...ready and waiting

Dear friend of Heartstrings,

Are you thirsty? What are you thirsty for? Do you know you can come to Jesus, the Living Water and find your thirst satisfied. Right now. Why wait?

A memory was triggered for me while reading in Isaiah about chapters 40-44. I saw myself there. From a decision I made in my past. A time of searching for an answer to remedy my hate for how my body looked. I didn't measure up. It was so ingrained in my thinking, this lie, that I was never really comfortable without my masks and just so cover-ups. I was so ashamed that I didn't even run to God Who made me! 

I new from a young age that God made us. That we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You know Psalm 139? Well, I hated that Psalm and felt so agitated to the point of yelling at God for the mistake He designed me to be. I never once looked up to His face or I would have seen the incredible, boundless love He had for me.

I chose the way of altering surgery, to enhance my womanhood. The consequences nearly killed me! I cried out to God for forgiveness. Soon, I accepted His perfect love and still went through some extremely rough years. While going through it though, I knew He was with me and would take me to the other side. Somehow, someday.

To make a long story short, now years later, I want you to believe with all your heart how precious you are. You are made by Him the same Author of this heaven and earth and all creation. What was intended for evil, God will make good. No matter what your circumstances are or if you are still running in the opposite direction of His forever love. His arms are open wide to hold you and comfort you.

I don't know who I am speaking to today. I only know I had to obey. I wish we could sit together and share stories of God's wonderful mercy and grace! Someday. Heaven will be wonderful! All that suffering will be tried on the fire. The dross gone and in its place beauty from the ashes. We are promised the oil of gladness for our mourning and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness! That also is found in Isaiah. Search it out.

I make this my personal scripture...Isaiah 43:1..."But now [in spite of past judgements for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives];I have called you by your name; you are Mine."

It was not God's plan that I make bad choices. It was His plan though to save me through those bad choices. There will still be times ahead. Deep waters that I must trust Him to go through with me. He promised I would not be overwhelmed. When the fire blazes in my life, as troubles do come, I will not be scorched or burned. 

For the Lord my God is the Holy One. He is able to keep me. He is able to keep you. Do not fear to call out His name people! He is longing to hear your voice directed to Him, not see you chattering your worship to a dumb idol. Pause and think about this!

He made us to set forth His Praises. We still have a short time here to bless the heart of the Lord by telling others His Great Love. Do not sit there till the enemy makes you sleepy. Get up and shine the Light. Offer fresh Living Water to all who are thirsty. They cross your path everyday. Do not assume they are okay. Ask. They, most of the time, tell you what is troubling them if you ask if you can pray for them. Trust God to make all your appointments.

I pray in the matchless name of Jesus Christ that fresh Life and Liberty will fall upon you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Abundance is...we have a story to tell

Dear Heartstrings family,

Thank you for stopping by again. I know the turmoil that is in the world; yours and mine, can be so daunting. But, the Love of Jesus Christ is shed in our hearts. It keeps us balanced, hope filled and moving forward to the Day of His Appearing.

While reading Revelation I can see the personal application in my own life from the letters to the churches. Some things apply strongly and required my thought and attention. 

This morning, before we go to Revelation, Look at Hebrews 13:5&6..."Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

~ So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified], What can man do to me?"

Now go to Revelation 2:8-11..."And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again:

 ~ I know your affliction and distress and pressing trouble and your poverty---but you are rich! and how you are abused and reviled and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

~ Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and prove and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.

~ He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). He who overcomes (is victorious) shall in no way be injured by the second death."

LORD, I praise You this morning for guiding us into the Light and showing us amazing promises now and yet to come. You are the Living Word and we know to trust You. Help us be removed from a spirit of unbelief and cling to You alone. You are worthy to be praised!

I have been following the news of the war in Israel, as most of you. However, I am careful to watch only true news. My first go to place is with Behold Israel with Amir Tsarfati. He is there and up at all hours giving us the information we had expected to hear, but, do not on our media in America. I have questions. Ones that only God can answer. Do you trust Him today?

If you have not invited Jesus Christ to be your Savior, please take time right now and do this. You may be one of those that thought your road to heaven had already been paved by what your parents believe or your religion. See what the Son of God is saying to the churches. There is no time to wait until you are sitting in a pew at church next Sunday. That is no guarantee. But, you have this moment, this day to choose Who you will serve. I am praying for you. Commit your life, your way to the One Who made you! 

Hebrews 13:20-21 says, "Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it)."

Abundance is...Grace (God's favor and spiritual blessing) be with you all. Amen.

Dear family of Heartstrings,

Do you believe the Word of God? There is power, hope, and strong confession of Truth for each of us who believe. Have you turned from sin and to God? I know He alone is worthy of all praise! So, read this with me from Revelation 2.

The words are from Jesus Christ. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all). Revelation 1 tells us Who He Is! Trust Him.

Chapter 2:1-7 says, "To the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write. These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:

~ I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special) messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.

~ I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.

~ But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

~ Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord] or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent. 

~ Yet you have this [in your favor and to your credit]: you hate the Nicolaitans [what they are doing as corrupters of the people], which I Myself also detest.

~He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."

I have read this portion of scripture many times before but never has it spoken more clearly to my heart as today. I pray you are moved. Moved to dig deeper in the Word of Life and stay tuned to what the Spirit is saying to you personally. This word is not only for the church as a whole but for each individual within the church. You and I.

I am so glad that God's Love Letter gives fresh life and is also able to challenge me to look inside. God knows the motives of every heart. I am praising Him that He knows my name too. He gives us the way out of our destruction and lazy approaches to HIs Word. We have all we need for counsel. Right here and now. 

He and she, who is able to hear...that is you and me. Getting back to the heart of God and communing with Him intimately is my desire. Is it yours?

Until we meet again, stay faithful. Stay true. Stay in the Love of God. And, remember Jesus Christ is everything we need. He is alive forevermore and He holds the keys of life and death. Run into His arms today, my friend. He longs to keep you safe and well. Only trust Him. Let Him be the One you Choose to serve.

Bless you family of God!

Abundance is...Jesus, our First Love 

Dear Heartstrings Family,

Thank you for coming to my blog site. As you know full well this has been an incredible season. A season of falling and rising.

Let me explain what I mean by this. Personally, loss has been wrapped in beauty. Such contrasts but, I know God is Sovereign. He is aware of every heart, heavy or happy. So, I get to lean into Him as my Shepherd ever more. Not a bad thing. For He is my God, my Refuge and my Fortress. I lean and rely on Him and live confidently in Him. Just as I shelter myself under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91 teaches me this. I believe it.

What do you believe today? Is your trust in man's wisdom, reports, or in the Lord God Who is in control? Remember, how the children of Israel came back from viewing the Promised Land? All but two reported how scary things were...giants in the land and fortified cities so huge. But, Joshua and Caleb alone reported the good news of abundant fruit and how delightful the land was.

What of a season of falling? Aren't you tired of getting scrapes and bruises from falling? When the best place to fall is at the feet and mercy of The Most High God...which is where I am choosing to live. Hope is there to refresh and renew our minds, if only we will.

So, rising during while all the horrors of war continue, sickness is evident in family and friends so close to home, and a heavy garment of discouragement weighs on the shoulders of many. 

Rise up and give God the glory and praise that is due Him! Put on a garment of praise! Look into the face of the One Who loves you and gave His life for you to have sweet fellowship with the Father. 

As you may notice, I haven't included scripture to back what I am saying. Did your mind recall what your Bible tells you? If not, then, you aren't spending enough time hiding His Word in your heart. Take a moment now and recall His promises!

My prayer today is this...Lord, life feels so fragile, fleeting, and changes so fast. One day makes all the difference. Help me live every moment to please You, Abba. Amen.

Now, James 4:8 says..."Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Jeremiah 29:13 says..."and you will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all of your heart."

Hebrews 11:6 says..."Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

How diligent are you? I am realizing I can always in all ways draw closer to God. Many are groping to fill that place with worship of other gods. But, only The One True God can fill that place. He gives us a heart to rejoice in Him, to trust. We can lean all our weight on Him and He won't fall down. But, without our dependence on the Lord, we are bound to fall down. 

That vacuum you feel in your life is intended to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. I may not see the answers to all of my prayers this hour. But, God will answer. 

I want to pray with you now. Dear heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together on this day. Help us to worship You with lifted hands as we kneel before You. Take our sins and blunders and place Your hand upon us in a certain, assurance that we belong to You. Pour You precious Holy Spirit upon us. Take the distractions and burdens as we lay them at the cross. Set us free and focused to live our lives sincerely before You. Oh, God our breath, our very life is from You. You are Sovereign. Help us through this season with Heaven in our sights. We long for You to catch us up Lord Jesus. May it be today in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Come and let us return to the Lord!

Abundance is...God's plans for this season