‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
— Numbers 6:24-26
In Jesus’ name I pray for you today.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Tag Archive | blessing
Conviction
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.strong>For,
“The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. — 1 Peter 3:8-17
Wow, what conviction when I read this. In the heat of the moment, when insulted, blamed, evil being flung at you, are you harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit? My reaction is usually opposite of this. I allow their intimidation and become troubled deep within my soul.
What I need is to sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart so I may turn away from evil. With Him I am able to keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which I am slandered, those who revile my good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to be riled for doing what is right than doing what is wrong.
Jesus suffered and died for us. Can we not hold our tongue and uphold our Lord? We must seek and pursue peace whatever the cost. So be a blessing and be blessed. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer,”.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Writer’s Block
having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. — Colossians 2:7
Sometimes scripture just jumps off the page and you have such a testimony to tell. Other times scripture just seems to sit on the page and do nothing. Let me tell you that scripture is always good and has something to say but it is the one who reads it that is closed to it. It could be that the person has not received the Holy Spirit, through salvation, to interpret the scripture. It could be that sin in the life of a person is blocking understanding. It could be that it is just a dry time in the life of a person. Today I am experiencing a dry time.
Dry times are those times when we need to rely upon the Word of God that is firmly rooted in our hearts that establish our faith. When I have a dry time I always seem to look to who God is, all the blessings He has bestowed upon me, and how He has transformed me and continues to do so. I can’t help but be filled with joy and gratitude when I focus on Him. Psalm is usually the book I look to. Today Colossians spoke to me.
I overflow with gratefulness when I examine my life and realize the work of transformation the Lord has done in me. It is not anything I have done but what He has done. When I am reminded of His great mercy, grace and love I can’t help but be grateful and write of the joy that comes from focusing on the One true God. Again He has come through with something to write about. To God be the glory!
Thank You Jesus.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
“The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, ‘Destroy!’ — Deuteronomy 33:27
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. — Psalm 136:12
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. — Isaiah 40:11
As I traveled cross country with my elderly mother who has just become a widow, has memory issues that incapacitate her at times, and really doesn’t like change, I was so grateful I had the everlasting arms of my Father underneath me. Right before I left I was keenly aware that I was a women traveling with another women alone across the country. You know, I never was alone with my Mom. We had Jesus all the way.
We sang praises in the car to His glorious name. Mom read scripture while I drove. The prayers of many saints were lifted up on our behalf and the trip was without incident. Over 2000 miles covering 8 States and not one mishap. Beautiful weather the whole way. Highways were clear of traffic, only slowing down for construction zones which is understandable because summer is the time for road repair. God expressing Himself in His creation. It was a blessed time and one I will cherish having spent it with my Mom.
I thank God for His enduring love, His carrying me at times when I needed it on this trip and being a place for me to dwell in peace knowing that He was in control and with us all the way. His mighty outstretched hand watched over us and protected us even when we didn’t know He was. God is so faithful. I’m so glad I’ve learned to trust Him.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Prayer has been the subject of my devotionals the past three days and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this old hymn that supports prayer so well. If not for God’s faithfulness we would not know compassion, mercy, provision, love, peace, guidance, strength, hope, salvation, contentment, joy and blessings. All this from a God who is, was and forever will be. The more we talk with Him the more we enjoy His presence and experience His faithfulness.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain
The heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord;
Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord, — Psalm 89:5-6
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Prayer of Praise
Does your prayer time consist of thanksgiving and praise?
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. — Psalm 100:1-5
When we praise and thank the Lord in our prayer time we acknowledge His supremacy and His place in our lives. We should be humbled by that fact. It is a reminder of the blessing He is to us and of the blessings we receive because He is God.
What is God’s will for you?
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It is not only His will for us but . . .
“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; — Psalm 50:23a
Jesus is honored by our thanksgiving, acknowledging that all good things come from Him.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Keep seeking Him. Start by praying with thanksgiving and praise. — Hebrews 13:15
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Journeys End
Today ends a one year, six month, and 19 day journey of a lifetime. The Lord taught me so much about trust, dependence, who I am in Him, who He is and how much He takes care of His children. Let me share this adventure and hope you find encouragement, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of God at work in your life.
June 2012: I’m searching the net looking at airline fares. My desire was to go and see my parents. This was a usual ritual of mine every so often with hopes that I would see a fare that was reasonable. Didn’t happen often as I only saw my parents about every three years and most of those times they came to see me. But. . . this particular day I found an unbelievable, outstanding fare and immediately went to the Lord in prayer asking if this was possible and could I purchase these tickets for my husband and me. There was an underlying urgency with this request as my Dad was needing a two vessel bypass and a valve replacement. I wanted to spend some time with him in case this surgery would go bad. I bought the tickets.
I went to my boss at work and told her about my intentions to go see my parents in August. Unfortunately, I neglected to email her this information, even though we talked often of this trip in the office. (Understand I hold no blame on anyone. I believe it was the will of God as you will see soon).
First part of August my boss asked, “when is your trip again?” I reminded her it was set for August 29th. My boss, “I don’t have an email request from you.” I told her I thought I had but would send her one now.
That afternoon things turned interesting. As my boss passed by my desk to enter the office of her boss, I distinctly heard deep inside, “Sharon, you are on your way out of here.” I laughed to myself. After the meeting my boss passed by my desk, went to her office and emailed me a denial for my vacation along with an explanation that if I take the vacation I am signing my own resignation.
When I weigh family against work, family relationships and well being always come first. My Father could possibly be heaven bound soon and I believe God was leading me to go see my parents. I returned an email stating that she could then consider this my notice.
On August 25th I received a call from my mother telling me that my Dad was in ICU in a diabetic coma. God had affirmed that He was with me and I had made the right decision. My husband, daughter and I arrived at my Dad’s bedside on August 29th.
My Dad never did have the surgery. On September sixth my husband and daughter returned home while I stayed to minister to my parents. My Dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and over the next six months he was in ICU three times, nursing homes three times and home twice. In February 2013 my Dad began to regain a quality of life. He returned to his ministries at church and became active again. All praise due to God, the great healer.
I stayed on after that because my Mom was having health issues that they needed assistance with. January 2014, my Dad is beginning to change. He starts sleeping more. A doctor appointment shows that his liver is not functioning well. Mid February an ultrasound shows tumors in his abdomen. He quickly goes from cane to walker to wheelchair to bedbound. A liver biopsy on February 12th shows cancer.
My Dad went home to be with the Lord in his sleep on March 20th at 7am.
What a journey. I have grown more dependent on Jesus Christ, trusted Him in tough trials, basked in His love, rested in His peace, walked with Him, talked with Him and I love Him more than I ever have before. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
I thank my husband and children for allowing me this time with my folks, for their sacrifice. I thank God for the privilege to follow Him into the unknown (finances cut in half, away from husband, not knowing when or if I would return home), the honor and privilege to serve Him by ministering to my parents, and most of all for His ever present walk with me.
My journey complete with my Dad. Overjoyed with the time I had with him. On with the next journey as Mom and I discover His plan for us.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
For Dad: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. — 2 Timothy 4:6-8
The Blessing of a Holy People
All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: — Deuteronomy 28:2 The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. — Deuteronomy 28:9. and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. — Deuteronomy 28:14
Obedience comes with discipline. Make it a discipline to be VERY firm in obeying the Word of God. Keep His commandments, not turning aside from His words. Then, and only then you will walk in His ways, not turning to your left or right but focused on the straight and narrow. That will keep our feet from evil.
Focusing on Jesus and the things of God, He will establish us as a holy people unto Himself. That is the blessing.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, — Joshua 23:6
Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil. — Proverbs 4:27
Blessing in the Battle
All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: — Deuteronomy 28:2 “The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways. — Deuteronomy 28:7 So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will be afraid of you. — Deuteronomy 28:10. The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, — Deuteronomy 28:13
There are many battles mentioned in the Bible but one is very well known. The battle between David and Goliath. The battle belongs to the Lord and in that battle David showed great trust in the Lord. He ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David had no anxiety. He had confidence in the Lord and knew He was with him.
The Lord God can be trusted when we face battles, no matter the magnitude of the battle, because the battle is not ours but His. We need not fear nor be dismayed because the Lord will help us, gird us with strength, for the Lord is with us, stand and see the salvation on our behalf. What love.
The Lord our God is with us to help and to fight our battles. He will subdue under us those who rose up against us. He answers our cry in the midst of battle because we trust in Him. The battle is won because we obey His commandments, His ways and we trust the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. — 1 Samuel 27:47-48
“For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. — 2 Samuel 22:40; Psalm 18:39
They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him. — 1 Chronicles 5:20
Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” — 2 Chronicles 14:11
and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. — 2 Chronicles 20:15
You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.” — 2 Chronicles 20:17
With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. — 2 Chronicles 32:8
Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. — Psalm 24:8
The Blessing of Provision
All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: Deuteronomy 28:2 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Deuteronomy 28:5
Obedience to God brings blessing to our table. What have we to worry about when our obedient trust in Jesus promises blessing to us. “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? — Matthew 6:25-26
“For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:32-33 Our God treasures us and thinks we are worthy to be blessed. He desires to shower blessings on His children and He will when we are obedient. He knows what we need to survive and will supply all we need. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19
Our Great Provider, of all our needs, has given us a means to receive blessings by our obedience and seeking of His righteousness and kingdom. The choice is ours. Hopefully we choose blessing.
Continually seeking Him,
Sharon
Continually Seeking Him 