Today's verse from BibleGateway.com

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

This is the latest message I keep getting from God.  Certainly not an easy place to be in, but just trying to keep my focus on God.  When we are in His presence, everything else seems so small because His presence is so grand!  There is love, there is safety, there is hope, there is encouragement, there is strength, there is mercy, there is peace!  The list goes on!  What an awesome God we serve!  I am so thankful to be called His child and I am thankful to have two beautiful girls who seek Him out. 

Despite the uneasiness of where I am right now, I am blessed and anxious to see where God is taking me!  Jeremiah 29:11  For 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.  God's future is bright for me and you!  

Always the right words!

I am reminded today in Psalm 35 that the battle belongs to the Lord.  He sees all things, knows all things, including what it is in my heart.   I don't need to concern myself with what others are doing.  God has "my back!"  I am called to seek HIM, not anyone else, not a situation, not stress, not worry, only Him!  When He is first, my steps will be guided and no matter the storm, He will bring us through it!  We serve a God who is bigger than ALL of it! 

My prayer today is that no matter your storm, may it be God that you are focused on!  He is already focused on you!

Must be a combination of today's weather and just getting over a flu bug, but it's been a rather dreary kind of day.  But as always, Church is uplifting, always encouraging and always a blessed time of worship.  It's always great to be reminded of how majestic our God is, our God who was resurrected!  As the song says, "The enemy has been defeated, death couldn't hold you down!"  Ahhh!  We serve an awesome God, who is bigger than ALL things!  If death could not hold Him down, than NOTHING can! 

I may be tired and worn out at this moment, but Isaiah 40:28 says it all..."Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

As I lay my head to rest tonight Lord, may I be filled with your peace knowing you are the author of my tomorrow!  And may you do the same for my loved ones! 

Checking it out for size!

Okay, here I am trying out something new...blogging!  Maybe it will end up being just for me, maybe not.  But it will be an outlet to express the words the Lord puts on my heart - through the good and the bad, in which He accomplishes His will through both.  May I always be thankful for the good, recognizing the blessings He gives me on a daily basis, and may I be thankful for the bad.  For in the bad, He will refine me and make more like Him - should I allow Him to do His work! 

Lord may I learn to seek you first in ALL things and never take a step without your guidance and direction.  And when I do fall, may I look to you to pick me up.  In you will I find joy, peace and unfailing love.  May I never put those expectations on anyone else.