NF ~ I’ll Keep On

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;
but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:13-14

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
~ Romans 8:28

For those moments when the oasis of life seems so distant. For the times when the desert seems to go on and on forever. For the moments where darkness is consuming. For the times when hope seems to fade with every hour. For the times you think you are too tired to press on. For the moments when you feel there is nothing left and the thought of death sounds peaceful.

Just listen. Close your eyes, and listen. Listen to the lyrics. Listen to God call to your heart. Listen for the strength of God to keep you going.

You were not meant to traverse this world on your own. It is exhausting. It is a struggle. In fact it is a battle everyday (Ephesians 6:12).  But you are not alone (Deuteronomy 31:8). God is with you always my friend.

All my love and may his peace surround you, his joy fill you, and his hope renew you.

Swinging Pendulum

Oh, the struggle! Sometimes life is just an uphill battle with plateaus that enable us to rest but for a moment before we must ascend yet again! Seems recently that I have been on a swinging pendulum of emotions…just trying to make each day count for something more than merely existing. Though I am a Christian to the core of my very being, and know that every breath is a blessing sent by God and each day a gift…I feel as though I am spinning my wheels recently.

There truly is a battle beyond what I can see, a battle between good and evil, a battle for my heart, mind and soul! At times, I am oblivious to it, going on my merry way with pep in my step, a smile on my face, and laughter to fill me and to share with those around me. Other times, I am so aware of the battle that it is all I can do to cling to the joy and peace that is God!! This week has been one of those times!

Back and forth I swing, one moment joyous and the next heavy in heart and feeling so lost. I will admit, that I do know God is with me through all the emotional swings and the moments when darkness surrounds and part of me feels dead….and I am ever so thankful that God has settled his spirit within me to keep me moving forward, keeping my eyes fixed on him no matter how I feel!! I realize how great God is in my darkest moments and am so very grateful He is my guide, my hope, my strength and shield, my joy and peace, my ALL!

Feelings can mislead us all, but they can also remind us of the battle we face. It is my prayer that the armor of God will cover us all, keeping us in the refuge and power of the one who can destroy the evil that tries to rip our joy away! May you always seek His face, knowing that despite the swinging pendulum of life…..HE holds YOU tightly in His arms, protecting, guiding, renewing, strengthening, and fighting for us!

All my love and prayer (prayers that my mind rests tonight as well!)

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:28

Swinging Pendulum

Back and forth
Tick tock
Life passes by
Ready or not

Emotions swing
To and fro
Battles beyond sight
Struggles of thought

Hold on tight
Wield the Sword
Know the truth
Guard the heart

God is there
Never leaving
Always protecting
Evil is naught

Hold tightly to Him
Renewing strength
Each day is a gift
Be not distraught

Time presses on
Though the pendulum swings
Rest in His arms
In His love be caught

Shadow of His Wing

Keep me as the apple of your eye,
keep me in the shadow of your wings.
~ Psalm 17:8

http://khollandsblog.wordpress.com/tag/the-shadow-of-his-wings/

Shadow of His Wing–A Psalm

The LORD is my refuge and strength
My God in whom I trust
I will dwell in the shelter of the Most High
Resting in the shadow of the Almighty
He will cover me with his feathers
Under His wings I will find refuge
His faithfulness will be my shield
He will command His angels to guard me in all my ways
They will lift me up in their hands
I will call upon the LORD and He will answer
he will be with me in times of trouble
He will deliver me and honor me
God will bring me salvation
Amen!

Simple, yet True…God is with YOU!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

http://simplyorthodox.tumblr.com/post/31789271782

God is glorious, victorious in all.   He provides grace sufficient to cover the worst of sins (2 Corinthians 12:9).  He constantly shelters those who trust and seek him (Isaiah 25:4, Psalm 91:4, Psalm 28:7).   He builds the nations up and burns them down according to his good and righteous plan (Ezekiel 36:36, Proverbs 15:25, Acts 17:26).   He is the be all, end all (Revelation 1:8, Revelation 22:13).   He is Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1), the maker of every human who walks the earth (Genesis 2:7, Isaiah 45:12).   He knows you by name, every hair on your head, and the number of days set for you (Isaiah 43:1-7)!   He knows your thoughts before you do (Psalm 139:2, Proverbs 15:3)!   He thinks of you more than the grains of sand that exist on earth (Psalm 139:17-18)!   You are the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8, Zechariah 2:8)!   How special and dear you are to him, so much so that he rejoices over you (Isaiah 62:5, Zephaniah 3:17)!

http://vereloqui.blogspot.com/

A thought to always hold tight to–you were created on purpose for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10).   There are no coincidences in this world, only orchestrated events that lead each and every heart through God’s good and glorious plan!

Have faith, hold tight to peace knowing God has you always and will never let you go..for you are His and He is yours.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

God bless and keep you always and may your trust in the Lord draw you closer to His presence and glory! All my love ❤

The Lion’s Den

attackofthecute.com

There are times in this life when no matter what you do, no matter how honest or sincere you are, and no matter how fair or just you attempt to be, there will always be those who are unhappy with what you do. Some will just argue and complain about what you do. Others will attempt to make you out as a liar for their gain, while others will seek to devour you.

The world and those absorbed by it continually seek to destroy the good that exists, the hearts that are aligned with Christ and seek what is good, true, and noble. As I was praying this morning, God brought the story of Daniel and the lion’s den to my mind. I began reading Daniel chapter 6. Here stood a man, captured and enslaved by King Darius. But Daniel stood true to his walk in devotion to God, praying and seeking Him daily. Because of Daniel’s devotion to God, the light and spirit of God shone in him and over time Daniel, this prisoner of war so to speak, became “distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps….and the king planned to set him over all the kingdom.”

Daniel was doing only what God had set him to do, but because others wanted what he had, they sought to destroy him. Daniel had done nothing wrong to them, he had not deceived them, he had not betrayed them, but rather had done what is good and right in the eyes of God.

Through an elaborate scheme his enemies coerced the king into signing a decree that would ultimately land Daniel in the den of lions!

Had Daniel done anything wrong? No! Had he wished harm on those who hated and sought to destroy him? No! The beauty of this story lies in the saving, protecting grace of God.

Daniel was indeed thrown into the lion’s den overnight, but much to the chagrin of his despisers, Daniel was not devoured by the lions, but was found unharmed and untouched when morning came.

ddclaywriter.wordpress.com

I am ever so thankful that I serve a God who can protect and shield His children from the evil plans of those who stand against them, and I stand amazed at how He continually reminds me that He is with me. In the words of King Darius himself, “He delivers and rescues; He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, He who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Lord I pray for all who face persecution and hatred, for all those placed in the proverbial lion’s den, to be delivered and rescued by You Father. I pray for safety, for Your protection to surround them, and Your shield to protect them.

Thank You lord for always being there!

In Him

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

www. evaluestores.com

In Him

God guides
We grow

God loves
We praise

God comforts
We heal

God protects
We trust

In God safety abides
Through us His Kingdom will grow

With God all things are possible
We are instruments in His hands, hope for the lost

Personal Psalm

There are times in life when you just feel overwhelmed–when your soul feels lost, your heart feels cold or numb, your mind is saddened, and your thoughts tend to wander to the worst case scenario. If you have ever been consumed with fear or hit rock bottom, feeling like you will never get back up, know that you are not alone! You may feel alone, been abandoned by family and friends, have nowhere to go and no one to turn to.  But rest assured that feeling is a LIE straight from Satan!!

You are NEVER alone!  You NEVER have to go through the trials of life alone!  You NEVER have to walk the road of life by yourself!  GOD is with you ALWAYS!  He promises to never leave you and to never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:5-8).  He knows exactly what you need, even if you feel differently (Matthew 6:25-29).

rachelwojo.com

So when you feel lost or abandoned, are hurting or sad, find yourself confused or depressed…reach out to God!  Let Him fill your heart to overflowing, giving you peace beyond understanding, providing hope for a better, brighter tomorrow, and showering you with love that covers all the hurt and pain.

Pick up the scriptures, open up to Psalms, and make God personal for you!  Absorb his words and let them inspire you!  I have done just that, and found my heart begin to repair, my thoughts start to align with God’s, and my anxiety slowly fade.  When I hit my lows in this life, I have taken many a scripture that inspired me and created my own Psalm–prayer, song, or love letter–to God!  It has been therapeutic to release it all to the One True God who is bigger than anything I face, and who has only my best interest at heart (Jeremiah 29:11).  So take a moment, write your own Psalm, your own prayer, song, or love letter to the Lord…giving him all that overwhelms you!  In release you CAN find peace! 

In his love and grace!

http://www.godlywoman.com

Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am holy, You are my God;
Save Your servant who trusts in You.
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long.
~ Psalm 86:1-3

Personal Psalm

My heart yearns for You
Hear my plea O Lord
Consider my suffering
Darkness dwells within my soul
Keeping me away from You
Hindering Your will
Help me Lord
Heal this unending pain
Light up my soul
Fill me with Your presence
Consume me with Your love

Related Articles:

– The Gift of Peace  (grace to you)

– 7 Benefits of the Peace of God (Godly Woman)

– The Gift of Peace (RachelWojo.com)

Protector of the Weak

http://blog.todayschristianwoman.com

There are times when the battles of life wear you down, challenging you beyond your strength and capacity. You may feel like you are in the depths of despair or that the world and those in it have let you down. You may find yourself confused by the circumstances in your life, uncertain of what to do next. Perhaps you feel like everyone is against you, that you are a failure, or that you have pressure coming down on you from every angle of life. Whatever your situation, know this — The Lord has you!! He protects all who call upon his name, provides refuge and shelter for those who love and seek him, and gives strength to the weak and hope to the hopeless. He is the beginning and the end, knows your comings and your goings, and loves you unconditionally in spite of your faults and sins. He is hope. He is truth. He is freedom. He is forgiveness. He is grace. He is mercy. He is all you need. Lean on Him and he will be your protector.

God bless and keep you always! ❤

We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but now destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

ispygod.net

Protector of the Weak

A glistening ray of hope
Knight in shining armor
Protector of the weak

Your sword is Your Word
Sharper than any weapon
Swift and precise it cuts
The wind it carries You
To the place of pain
There You cut and destroy
Protector of the weak

Darkness cannot run
There is nowhere it can hide
Though earthly shelter eludes
Your shadow it covers
A blanket soft and secure
The warmth invades the soul
Protector of the weak

Scars from battles lost will fade
Healing with the passage of time
The war is never-ending
Destruction awaits at every bend
The enemy always poised to strike
You press on, confident in Your conquest
Protector of the weak

Climbing the tower of Darkness
With shield and sword You defend
Defender of all that was lost
One blow of Your might and darkness cowers
It claims only momentary loss
Waiting for its next move
Protector of the weak

Your cadence is one step ahead
Prepared for all that is to come
Protector of the weak