Encouragement . . . for the journey 2014

You came

. . .  No fancy Palace, just a simple stable for the promised Messiah,
        King

. . . .  Animal noises ~ unpleasant smells ~ a lowly place of birth.

. . .  A Mother’s cry with pain ~ yet what JOY when she saw her son ~
        heaven’s masterpiece ~ God’s beautiful gift for all mankind.

. . .  Swaddled in strips of cloth she gently laid him on a manger of hay.

. . .  Outside the city an angel announced His birth to shepherds in
        their fields.

. . .  The sky became filled with the heavenly hosts that sang of His
        birth and proclaimed peace, good will.

. . .  A star shone bright to guide the way for the shepherds who came to see,
        this precious child ~ God’s gift to all who would believe.

. . .  This child, Jesus, came for you; He came for me with the purpose
        to redeem.

. . .   He came to offer life, abundant, full and free.

. . .   Have you received this precious gift or is it still unwrapped, His
         gift to you left under the tree?

. . .   Don’t wait another season, another moment to believe.

. . .   Trust Him who came at Christmas and His child you’ll always be.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.  2 Corinthians 9:15

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become the children of God.  John 1 :12

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious JOY.  1 Peter 1:8

© 2014 dianne hart
Hart to Heart Ministries, Inc.

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Sweet Worship . . .

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.  Revelation 4:8b


"In worship we become preoccupied with the Lord.  We don't watch something happen, we participate in it.  It's coming to a place in our life, either alone, with a few or with many, where we "connect" with the living God.  It is almost as though we could reach out and touch Him."
Pastor Chuck Swindoll


This beautifully describes what so many have experienced when they attend Retreat with Him.  Worship of God, so sweet you can almost taste it. Praying for each of you who will join us in the spring for the next retreat.  Date/place will be posted soon.  www.retreatwithhim.org




You will fill me with JOY in Your presence.  Psalm 16:11    

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Treasure for the WEARY . . .

How do you handle weariness? We're all in different seasons of our life and ALL of us face weariness.  From time to time, one way or another, weariness comes knocking on our door.  Weariness can come as we take care of our family ~ our job situation ~ leadership position (secular or in ministry) ~ illness ~ busyness ~ you fill in the blank ________________________. 

We don't have to allow weariness to swallow us alive or hold us captive.  The answer to handling weariness comes from Jesus Himself in Matthew 11:28-30.
 
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, "While so many others are demanding.  Jesus is gentle.  While competition is rugged and being in partnership with hard-charging, bullish leaders is tough, being yoked with Jesus is easy.  Yes, easy.  And instead of increasing our load of anxiety, He promises to make it lighter." 

He always keeps His promises!!!

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Just a few thoughts from Andrew Murray that I read this morning for all of us, who have trusted in Christ and desire to deepen our relationship with Him through His Word and prayer.  Be encouraged!!!

"Never let me say:  "I have no time for God."

"Communion with God through His Word and prayer is as indispensable to me as the food I eat and the air I breathe."


"I need to spend time with God even when I do not know what to pray."

"Jesus calls me to separate myself from the world and to yield myself wholeheartedly to praying."


"Even though I may have to cry day and night to God, I can count on the Father to answer."


"I ask for the gift of unceasing prayer for the power of God's spirit in all His saints."


"In prayer, I give myself to God; in the Word, God gives Himself to me."

                                                    ~        ~       ~

O God, You  are my God, earnestly I seek You. Psalm 63:1

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.  Psalm 37:7

Come near to God and He will come near to you.  James 4:8

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.  From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.  Psalm 61:1-2

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Seeking the Lord . . .

Yesterday our oldest grandson went out searching for a box turtle that I had seen in our backyard earlier in the day.  He searched high and low ~ under the deck and in the natural areas around our house.  His search had a specific purpose, he knew where to look and he didn't let anything get in the way of what he wanted to accomplish.  It was cool, when later in the day, the allusive turtle was found.

How often do we purpose in our heart that we're going to seek the Lord and search for him like Jonathan looking for that turtle.  We start out strong but when the first obstacle or distraction comes, we give up.  Just what the enemy would like for us to do, I might add.  Don't give him that satisfaction. 


In Jeremiah 29:12-14, it says, "You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.   I will be found by you," declares the LORD.


How encouraging is that!!!  God listens to each of us ~ He's never too busy; never too tired and His promise is that He will be found.  The key is to seek Him with ALL our heart ~ holding nothing back. 


Today Lord, let the hearts of those who seek You rejoice.  May each of us look to You and Your strength and seek Your face always.  (Psalm 105:3-4)  Help us to remember that without faith it is impossible to please You, because anyone who comes to You must believe that You exist and that You reward those who earnestly seek You.  (Hebrews 11:6)

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Who/what is your first love?

 "Whatever is in first place, if it isn't Christ alone, it is in the wrong place."

Beautiful reminder from Pastor Chuck Swindoll.

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.

For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield."Psalm 5:11-12

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Your statutes are my heritage forever;

they are the JOY of my heart.

Psalm 119:111

Encouragement . . . for the Journey 2014

Retreat with Him . . .
Sometimes when we think of the word retreat we think of giving up ~ pulling back ~ withdrawing.  But what does retreating with the Lord look like? It's coming near, simply spending time with the One who made you, drew you to Him and wants to show you His love through His Word.

How can something so simple be so hard to accomplish?  We can be so easily distracted and consumed with our "to do" lists that the most important thing is neglected.  If you recall in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), Martha was totally distracted by the "to do's" so much so, that she neglected to spend time with Jesus her Savior.  Mary on the other hand as Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, "sat at His feet relaxed, content to sit quietly, and listen.  Listening to Him took priority over commonplace household tasks."  "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:42

On May 17th, 2014 we have designed a special day for you to come away from your "to do" lists and spend time with your Savior.  A time of fellowship with women and a time to be refreshed and renewed so you can be more effective in accomplishing the tasks God's given you to do.  Jesus often "retreated" to a quiet place with His Father to be built up and renewed.  If Jesus in His humanity did this, how much more do we need this too. 


For registration and details go to www.retreatwithhim.org.

This is what the LORD Almighty says,

 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Jeremiah 31:25



   

Encouragement for the Journey . . . 2014

Was watching a program recently about some folks who were purchasing new homes ~ million dollar homes I might add.  I know, seriously.  As the agent was taking the buyers to different properties he kept saying words to them like, "this will truly make you happy."  I had to wonder; happy?  Happy for how long??? 

It's so easy in this day and time to fall into the trap of wanting what will make us happy or give us true satisfaction; regardless of the cost.  The beautiful thing is that God has given all of us the perfect prescription for true happiness and complete satisfaction that no amount of money can purchase and it's totally free ~ absolutely free. True satisfaction can only come from and through Christ.  He alone gives real, lasting satisfaction.

Our part is simply to:

~ Recognize our need for Him and receive His free gift of salvation (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 1 John 5:11-13)

~ Seek Him with all our heart (Psalm 105:3-4; 119:2; Jeremiah 29:12-14; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:6)

~ Walk in all His ways (Psalm 25:4-5; 119:4-5,24.32;  Ephesians 4:22-24; 5:15; Galatians 5:22-25; Colossians 3:1-2) 


Who/what/where are you looking for satisfaction?

The LORD will guide you always;

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen you frame. 

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

Encouragement for the Journey . . . 2014

Come near to God and He will come near to you.  James 4:8

~ linger in His presence
~ listen to His voice

"Though everything may appear cold, dark, and strained -- may I be faithful in talking with my heavenly Father."

"To reach the place where the Word and prayer each have its undivided right over me, I must be wholly transformed."

Transformed by a Holy God ~ transformed by His grace ~ transformed by the power that is only found in His Son, Jesus.  "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."  Romans 1:16


"My day will respond to the morning watch time (quiet time) spent with God."Have you lingered in His presence today ~ listened to His voice?  Oftentimes we go through our day, frazzled, falling apart and wondering why; when the very reason is that we didn't start our day with Him. 


No one is without excuse. Whether you work outside your home or your job is in your home. Everyone can spend time with Him ~ the amount of time is between you and the Lord.  I would encourage you to spend time with Him as your days begins, when you are the most fresh.  I've heard it said that waiting until the end of the day to come near to Him is like tuning an orchestra after the concert is over.  Notes were played, but everything was out of tune. 

My kids are grown and have been out on their own for years, so I have plenty of time to linger in His presence.  But what about young Mom's?  First, you can spend time with Him ~ it will simply look a lot different than someone whose kids are grown.  If all you can do is pray while you're holding your baby or child who is clinging to you in your arms ~ then pray.  Rather than get frustrated, ask the Lord to guide your day.  What a great example for our kids/grand kids when they hear us praying and seeking God's guidance. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:6-7


Lord today,
May each of us come near to You ~ linger in Your presence and listen for Your voice.  May we hear Your voice louder than any other.  May we trust in You with all our heart and fully lean on You ~ seeking You and trusting You to guide every step we take. 
 
Note: Scripture is from NIV and all quotes are from Talking with God by Andrew Murray

Encouragement for the Journey . . . 2014

This morning while I was reading my Bible during my quiet time with the Lord, I heard an all too familiar "thump".  From time to time we have birds that run into our bay window outside our dining room.  Not sure why they get so confused and run into it, but they do.  Usually a little stunned at first, eventually they fly away.


That wasn't the case this morning.  When I got up to see what had happened, I saw a little bird, head down in the snow.  I immediately went and tried to help it, but it was too late.  That little bird had apparently broken its neck and was never going to fly away.


Sad as I was, I was quickly reminded of how much God loves and takes care of the little birds and knows when one falls. Yet,how much more He loves and cares for us!!!  He knows when we sit, when we stand, when we sleep and is familiar with all our ways ~ past ~ present and those to come. Nothing escapes His gaze ~ nothing is unnoticed by Him.  "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart form the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31


Regardless of what your facing today ~ spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially; God sees, He cares and He will help when we call on His name.  He is big enough to handle anything we are going through.


He has given us a heart to know Him (Jeremiah 24:9) ~ provided the way through His Son, Jesus for each of us to have a personal relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:21) and graciously bears all our burdens (Psalm 68:19).


"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7








 

Encouragement for the Journey . . . 2014

Steadfast Heart ~ Singing Heart

King David is known as the singer of songs.  He rose early in the morning and sang praises to the Lord.  Do you?

"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.  Awake, harp and lyre!  I will awaken the dawn.  I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations;  I will sing of You among the peoples."   Psalm 108:1-2 (see also, Psalm 57)

A steadfast heart is a "singing heart" as Warren Wiersbe says.  Why?  Because "confidence in God gives you something to sing about."  (Warren Wiersbe ~ With the Word)

A steadfast heart is one that is:
-loyal - constant - faithful - committed in attitude - devoted - dedicated - steady- reliable - true - unchanging - unwavering - tireless. Do you have a steadfast heart? 

When David wrote these Psalms he was in a battle; yet he did not waver in his devotion to the Lord.  He remained steadfast in his trust and fully relied on the faithfulness of his God. Who do you rely on when the battle rages?

"For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Be exalted. O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth."  Psalm 108:4-5

David's confidence grew as he cried out to the Lord and rested in His promises.  He knew without a doubt his God would give him victory.  Where does your victory come from?

"Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.  With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies."  Psalm 108:12-13

"God leads us into the battle, helps us capture the enemy's strongholds, and gives us the victory.  Verse 13 of Psalm 108 is David's version of Philippians 4:13.  It was true for him, and it is true for you today."  (Warren Wiersbe - With the Word)

Let your song today be:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

Encouragement for the Journey . . . 2014

Heart of Praise . . .
In 2014, may we offer up to God a heart of praise:
~ through what Luci Swindoll (I Married Adventure) says,
~"the good times"
~"the bad times"
~"through the planned times"
~"through the unplanned times"
In other words, every day ~ every moment, in all our ways.  It's as we have a heart of praise, that we see the greatness of God.
~ His power and might
~ His faithfulness that reaches to the skies
~ His tender love as He carries us
Isaiah 61:3c encourages us to choose the oil of gladness instead of a spirit of despair.  Proverbs 15:13,15; 30:17:22 reminds us of the benefits of choosing a cheerful heart.
A cheerful heart:
~ has a happy face
~ has a continual feast
~ is filled with joy
~ is good medicine
In Praying God's Will for Your Life, Stormie Omartian says, "praise softens our hearts and makes them pliable.  There is NOTHING that brings greater joy than lips that are filled with praise. "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."  Psalm 34:5
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His name."  Hebrews 13:15