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Showing posts from December, 2009

Something Brand-New

"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. " Isaiah 43:18-19 (The Message) Let's not dwell on the past. God is about to do something brand-new. In case you haven't noticed, God is always up to something. Our walk with God is never boring because there is always an adventure on the horizon. Instead of rehearsing the past, start prophesying your glorious future. If you feel like you have been wandering in the desert, God is making a way out. He is making a road that leads to victorious living. If you have been dwelling in a dry wasteland, He is creating a river of living water to give you sustenance and strength. May 2010 be your best year yet. Be blessed and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR ! With Love, Jackie

Looking Forward

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13 (NLT) Now is the time to look forward to what lies ahead. Focus on your goals for 2010. What is God calling you to do? What is He prompting you to stop doing? How will you improve the quality of your relationships and your life? My goal in 2010 is to rise to a higher level in my love walk, to love a little deeper and more passionately. I want to touch every person God brings my way with His compassion and kindness and to ensure that no kind word goes unspoken. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). May we all seek to live in love. With Love, Jackie

Taste & See

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 (The Message) Take a moment to reflect on how good God has been to you. Think about how far He has brought you and all the things He has carried you through. God gave us the strength to endure those days that were absolutely unbearable, the times we no longer cared if we lived or died. God is so good. He is faithful and true. He loves you and everyday, He renews His compassions. Blessed are all who come to Him. With Love, Jackie

The Eyes of the Lord

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 (NIV) If you are a child of God, the eyes of the LORD watch over you. He is there to guide you along on the path before you and to catch you when you stumble. If you make a wrong turn, He lovingly points you in the right direction. Like a mother with her newborn baby, He is attentive to your voice. He cares about everything that concerns you. Look to the Lord to provide all that you need. Amen. With Love, Jackie

By the Hand

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Psalm 73:23-24 (NLT) We are sons and daughters of the Most High God. He calls us His own. He takes us by the hand and guides us toward a glorious destiny. Keep your hand in His and closely follow the LORD, at all times. In the end, you will not be disappointed. With Love, Jackie

Face to Face

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4 (NIV) One day we will see the Lord face to face, but today, close your eyes and imagine. Look at His beautiful face, like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Revelation 1:16). Feel the radiance of His glory warming your entire being. The fire in His eyes burn with compassion. He doesn’t turn up His nose at anyone. It is the stench of sin He doesn’t like. Did you see Him smile as you ran toward Him? His big, strong arms are outstretched, ready to warmly embrace all who come to Him. He takes your chin in His mighty hand and wipes away all your tears with His fingers. The Lord holds you close and gently kisses the top of your head. You experience a flood of peace at the touch of His lips. Throw your arms around His neck and put your head on His shoulder. Listen for His voice like the

Good News

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior. The birth of Jesus is good news for all people, for everyone who calls on His name shall receive salvation. May we be filled to overflowing with joy as we worship Christ the Lord with all of our hearts. Merry Christmas! With Love, Jackie

The Greatest Gift of All

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. ” Luke 1:30-33 (NKJ) Tomorrow before all the gifts are opened and the meals eaten, let us remember the One whose birth we celebrate, the One whose kingdom will never end. Think about the sacrifice Jesus made in leaving heaven to be born on earth. He came to save us. Rejoice because of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. In Him we have life more abundantly and for all eternity. Praise the Lord! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS! With Love, Jackie

Wait in Hope

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 (NIV) Wait with the expectation of seeing the LORD work in your situation. Wait for His guidance and wisdom. He is our helper and He will show us the way. When we lean on our own understanding, we work with a limited perspective. However, when we trust in the LORD, the One who sees the whole picture, everything will be all right. With Love, Jackie

Love that Never Fails

Many sorrows come to the wicked but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. Psalm 32:10 (NLT) Let us trust the Lord because His love for us never fails. And nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). May we grasp how wide and long and high and deep His love really is. He loved us so much He sent His Son to die on the cross that we might fellowship with Him forever. Hallelujah! With Love, Jackie

A Glimpse of God’s Greatness

The LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. Deuteronomy 7:21 (NIV) Everything about GOD is big. Almighty God is so great, so powerful, and yet so gentle and full of compassion. He laid the earth's foundation and told the sea where to stop. He placed the stars in the sky and showed the sun its path. He knows when the wild animals give birth in the forest. He knows our thoughts before we speak a word. He is aware of all that concerns you and He is working it all together for good. I encourage you to acknowledge GOD in all that you do and give Him the praise He is so worthy of. With Love, Jackie

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NIV) There are no words to fully describe those moments when we truly connect with God. When something deep inside yearns so bad we desperately reach up through that open window to heaven and lock hands with our Creator. This morning, as I sat in my study writing my thanks to God in a journal, His Holy Spirit came upon me. His still small voice whispered, “Be still and know that I am God.” I laid my pen down and focused on Abba Father. His Holy Spirit totally consumed me. A sweet smelling aroma filled the room. His Spirit lovingly covered my inner being, imparting His love, power and life. He filled me with a profound sense of peace. I felt like a young child as I frolicked in the pure joy of His Presence. His tender touch healed my hurts and restored my weary soul. He silently filled my broken places with His strength and made me whole. I fell to my knees and

God's Great Goodness

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. Psalm 31:19 (NLT) Be confident that you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). Out of His goodness, God amply supplies all of our needs in every area of life. When we go to Him for protection, God shelters us in the shadow of His wings. He watches over us and guides us along our path as we journey through life. Great is His goodness! With Love, Jackie

Rejoicing Comes in the Morning

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NIV) Weeping may last through the night but rejoice with the dawn of each new day. Proclaim the unfailing love of the LORD when He wakes you up. The favor of the LORD lasts for a lifetime and He pours out new compassions on you every morning. Glory Hallelujah! With Love, Jackie

Restoration & Support

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) In 2 Corinthians 4:17, the Apostle Paul refers to the troubles we experience as "light and momentary." After a little while, God restores, supports and strengthens us in the challenges we encounter. When we are on shaky ground, he sets our feet on a firm foundation. Love, Jackie

He Cares

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) God cares about you. He doesn't want you laboring under heavy burdens. We don't have to worry for one minute. The Word instructs us to cast all our cares on Him. Let us leave our concerns at the altar and live the abundant, peaceful life Jesus provides, free from worry and anxiety. Amen. With Love, Jackie

Don't be Surprised

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) The Apostle Peter warns us not to be surprised at the fiery trials we go through. Instead, we can rejoice to the extent that we are partners with Christ in His suffering. Likewise, our joy will overflow when His glory is revealed. Love, Jackie

Our Strength & Shield

Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:6-7 (NK J) Let your heart fully trust in the LORD, your strength and your shield. He hears your voice and He comes to help. Rejoice because the LORD, our God is faithful. Love, Jackie

The Lord's Goodness

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14 (NLT) God is working for your good. Patiently wait upon the Lord and you will see His goodness here in the land of the living. Be strong and courageous and wait for the Lord. Love, Jackie

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJ) When all kinds of trials and troubles come our way, we can consider the benefits that it will produce in our lives. As our faith is tested in the pressure cooker of life, we learn to be patient. Once our patience is developed, we may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything. So let us count it all joy when we face challenges, knowing that God will work it all together for good. The eternal benefits will far outweigh the momentary suffering. Love, Jackie

Never Abandoned

God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." — Deuteronomy 31:6 So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper. People can't do anything to me." — Psalm 118:6 Hebrews 13:5-6 (NCV) We know that God never abandons us. His Presence provides peace in every storm. He safely navigates us through the dark and cloudy days. Because we have the Lord's help, we shall not fear. He can nullify the schemes of those who plot against us. During tempestuous times, remember the Lord, your God is with you and He will never fail you. Love, Jackie

Are You Sure?

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Hebrews 11:1 (NCV) What are you hoping for? Keep your hope alive by standing on the promises of God and being sure of His power. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9). God is able to do exceedingly more than all you are hoping for. Love, Jackie

The Perfect Getaway

I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet. That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. Psalm 27:4-5 (The Message) Dwell with God each moment of every day. His shelter is the only secure place. When troubles come, He will keep you safe. In His Presence, you will find protection and peace - the perfect getaway. Behold His beauty and be captivated by His love. Love, Jackie

Remain Confident

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3 (NLT) Do not let your heart be afraid. No matter what attacks may come, remain confident that the Lord will provide what you need to make it thru. He will strengthen you and give you the victory. In the dark of the night, the Lord is your light and your strong fortress. Amen. Love, Jackie

He Intercedes for Us

but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:24-25 (NIV) The devil accuses us before God day and night (Revelation 12:10), but we have Jesus, our high priest, who saves us and intercedes to the Father on our behalf. Praise the Lord! Love, Jackie

Keep in Step

Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I'm fit inside and out So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat. Psalm 26:2-3 (The Message) Keep in step with God. When He wants to lead you somewhere, follow Him. When He says be still, patiently wait. Never lose sight of God's unfailing love whether you are on the move or standing still. The path He chooses for us, is exactly where we ought to be. Love, Jackie

All Day Long

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) Keep your hope in God all day long. Look to the LORD and He will guide you along on the path that leads to truth and freedom. He will show you His ways and teach you how to walk in His footsteps each day. Love, Jackie

He Listens

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Psalm 17-6-7 (NLT) Call on God and He will hear your cry. God shows His unfailing love in the way He attentively listens to our pleas. Be patient. He cares and He will answer. Love, Jackie

Be Filled with Joy

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 (NLT) Sing praises to the Lord and tell others about all the wonderful things He has done in your life. Be filled with joy because of the awesome privilege we have to know and serve the Lord Most High. Amen. Love, Jackie

He Stands with You

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NLT) When it seems like you have been abandoned by all, the Lord stands with you. He gives you strength and delivers you from every evil attack. When you get that doctor's report, remember, the Lord stands with you. In each adversity, the Lord is by your side. He never leaves you or forsakes you. Amen. Love, Jackie

Pursue Righteousness

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV) As men and women of God, let us heed the words the Apostle Paul shared with Timothy. He warned him to stay away from the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love endurance and gentleness. As we do these things we will win the good fight of faith and gain the prize of an abundant life here on earth and eternal life in heaven. Love, Jackie