He makes all things new

As a seedling is buried in the earth and later comes to sprout in newness of life, we, too, are regenerated to new life through the Holy Spirit. In like manner when Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also walk in newness of life as believers.

All of God’s creation is beautiful in its time, and his handiwork speaks of his divine intelligence. To observe a flowering garden or a chrysalis evolving into a butterfly, or the diligence of an ant colony building its home in the sand, there’s a divine order and beauty at work.

The Lord’s love for his creation is evident all around, and his love for mankind extends all the way to the cross. As followers of Jesus, we have “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” ~ Colossians 3:10.

His mercies are new every morning, and we are renewed each day in Christ as we seek him for everything. Great is his faithfulness!

Growing Your Brand from Bud to Bloom: What You Need to ...

Praise and thanks for mothers

To walk with the Lord and bear much fruit requires one to be less in his own eyes and for God to become more, to reign supremely, and to prevail in one’s every word and deed.

How blessed are those who’ve been nurtured by a Godly woman…one who takes the responsibility of raising her offspring under the guidance of her heavenly Father…who rises up to prepare her family for the day with feeding, clothing, teaching, and caretaking…who honors the Lord in all she does and walks in a manner worthy of him.

A mother’s love often extends beyond her own needs or concerns. Sacrificially, she’ll hold back from herself the last slice of bread, lend her only dollar, drive to the ends of the earth, or stay awake throughout the night, if necessary. She gives and gives until it’s time to give again.

Mothers are God’s special gift to this world. Today, all mothers—grand, foster, and surrogate—are being celebrated. You are a blessing to your children and they are blessed to call you Mother.

Next to Jesus, there is no other love like a mother’s love. Whether here on earth or at home with the Lord, we remember you not only on Mother’s Day but every day with our utmost love and appreciation.

 

A gracious helper

Sheep are soft and cuddly but not too bright. Without a shepherd’s guidance or a sturdy fence, a flock of sheep can easily roam right out of the pasture and end up falling off a cliff. People are sometimes referred to as sheep. Though for the saved, we have a personal 24-hour shepherd who holds us in the palm of his hand—no fence required.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father ~ John 10:14-15.

 Like a sheep, we know the Lord’s voice when we hear it. Whether it’s that still, small prompting or a verse from the Bible, God speaks to our hearts. As we know him better, we tend to trust and follow him more. We recognize when he’s talking to us because we’re open to his instruction and our ears are tuned to Him.

A believer should be forever grateful to be part of the Lord’s flock because of the great shepherd, the Rock of Ages, who guides us. Though we may need prodding, to be one of the Lord’s sheep is the most gratifying places to find oneself.

We were once like sheep who went astray, but the Lord saw fit to call us by name into his sheepfold where we will remain safe throughout eternity. Surely, he’s our help in all of life’s situations.

 

Be still my heart…

Waiting on God and listening for his still, small voice is to empty ourselves of worldly chatter and allow his spirit to lend comfort to our souls. Through fellowship with Him, our blessed Creator can take prominence in our hearts and minds and is a sure balm for our spiritual and mental well-being.

 

In the midst of a sin-filled world where troubles don’t seem to quit, there’s no better remedy than knowing the Lord is on the throne and is the Master Physician for every ailment known to man. When difficulty rears its ugly head at us, the best remedy is to run toward the healing arms of Jesus, our prescription for abundant life.

 

Clinging to the rock of our salvation is the only fortress against the battles. When we stay close to our Lord and Savior, there is nothing to fear for we are in capable hands. What can mere man do to remove us from the safety of Jesus?

 

On the uphill roads of life when we feel we’re losing traction, keeping our faith strong in the Lord through meditation and prayer is our only defense. Our hope remains steadfast as we dwell in Him and his word. This is where we exchange our troubles for his peace and rest.

 

 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint ~ Isaiah 40:31

More than Conquerors

No other stronghold is needed to keep a believer steady in the face of a storm than when we grab ahold of the rock of our salvation–our blessed Lord Jesus. The winds of defeat may rage all around us, but the buffeting blows can only threaten; they cannot take us down.

When a frightened David cries out for protection from the threats of Saul, David says, “You are my Lord…apart from you, I have no good thing.” In the midst of his situation, David knew that through his adversity, the only sure thing to keep him safe was his Lord.

When we place our trust in our Lord’s care, we know that we’ve entered a sacred place amid enemy territory. While the battle rages, we can be as sure as David and say, “My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure because you will not abandon me…”

There’s nothing that can separate us from the Lord, his love, and his protection. Though our worldly foes–the flesh and the devil–would wish it otherwise, their efforts cannot stand up to the Lord’s plans and purposes for us. Should we go through hard times in the midst of keeping with the Lord, it is all part of his honing and refining to make us into the image of his beloved son. There is nothing to fear.

While on earth, there will be trouble, but Jesus tells us to take heart because he’s overcome the world!