JANUARY PROMISES (3)

continuing further with

[source:365promises(dot)com]

JANUARY PROMISES from 365promises  JANUARY 12 - PROMISE #12 I am at work in your life through the desires of your heart. Philippians 2:13 JANUARY 13 - PROMISE #13 I will give you rest in green pastures and lead you to still waters. Psalm 23:2 JANUARY 14 - PROMISE #14 I give My Spirit in unlimited measure. John 3:34 JANUARY 15 - PROMISE #15 I will take hold of your hand to keep you from falling. Psalm 37:24 JANUARY 16 - PROMISE #16 I will provide every good thing you need to do My will. Hebrews 13:20-21 JANUARY 17 - PROMISE #17 I will discipline you in love, as a father who loves His children. Proverbs 3:11-12 JANUARY 18 - PROMISE #18 My power will rest on you when you are weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9 JANUARY 19 - PROMISE #19 I will bless your life and keep watch over you always. Numbers 6:24

Blog Promises shared in other 2 posts for
January 1 to 4 (1)
January 5 to 11 (2) linked to my blog posts
however each of those promises in the box above are linked to 365promises website


"Praying the Promises of God"

12. Get by Giving-Proverbs 3:9-10 13. My Innermost Being-Psalm 11:4 14. Pure Promises-Psalm 12:6 15. Don't Be Afraid-Matthew 10:29-31 16. His Promised Rest-Matthew 11:28-30 17. The Life-Changing Power of His Name Matthew 12:21  18. A Wonderful Inheritance-Psalm 16:5-6

... DAILY GUIDANCE ... verses so far 1 Timothy 2:1-2  Proverbs 4:23  1 Samuel 16:7 Numbers 14:20-21  Galatians 5:25 Matthew 25:34  John 10:14 James 1:12  Ephesians 6:13 2 Samuel 2:6 Daniel 12:3 ******* 1 Samuel 10:7 Lamentations 3:56 Psalm 119:128 Hebrews 4:12 Matthew 5:8 Proverbs 31:30 Proverbs 3:6

I have this in my Kindle, and currently only $1.99 {well worth it, in my opinion}
I shared an example last week from the YV devotional of this book.
Here are two more for this week:

"God Promises Good Plans for Your Life"  (day 3 YV or 15 in book) Jeremiah 29:11-12 "These powerful words are part of a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Jews who had been exiled to Babylon. Their beloved city, Jerusalem, had been destroyed, and the people had been carted away from the land. Things could not have been much worse. Yet this was what God had promised if the people continued their disobedience. Reading 1 and 2 Kings will quickly reveal the depth of the people’s faithlessness. So great is God’s love, however, that He promised to bring His people home again (see Jeremiah 29:10). Then follows the amazing promise that God has plans for them—good plans—that give them a future and a hope. When they pray, He will listen. As God’s people today, we also can claim this promise. God does have plans for us, plans to prosper and not to harm, plans that will give us a future and a hope. God’s plans are good. Thank the Lord for the promise of good plans full of hope. God's Promise to Me • I have plans for your life. • When you pray, I will listen. My Prayer to GodThank You for Your plans, Lord. You promise that when I pray, You will listen. Help me persevere in seeking You. In seeking You, I know that I will find You. "

"God Helps His People"  (day 4 YV or 17 in book) Psalm 107:19 & 21 A few questions for those with a tendency to worry (pause briefly and ponder each one): • What situations in life are you most worried about right now? Why? • Of the various situations currently prompting anxiety in your life, which can you personally change? Over what issues do you have absolutely no control? • What are the inward and outward signs that something has got you really concerned and nervous? • List all the benefits of worrying. What are some of the drawbacks? • Is worrying a “sin”? Why or why not? • How do you think God feels when his children are panicky and anxious? • Why do some people seem almost immune to worry? • When is the last time you truly felt at peace? Instead of worrying, you can cry out to God for help. In times of trouble, trust in God’s unfailing love. God's Promise to Me • When you cry out to me, I will help you. My Prayer to God God, I’m crying out to You for help. Help me trust that You will come to my rescue.

In the book "Once-A-Day ... Bible Promises" Day 12 "God is Thinking about You" Psalm 40:17 Day 13 "God Disciplines His Sinning Children" Psalm 32:3-4 Day 14 "God Offers Rest" Psalm 62:1 --- above Day 16 "God Forgives the Repentant Soul" Psalm 51:16-17 --- above Day 18 "God Makes You Secure" Isaiah 41:10
<><><>
I also picked up another little book "God's Promises for You" by Max Lucado, which seems to contain many promises by subject but also contain small devotional portions of other books by him for each of the given topics: love, faith, hope, truth, strength, contentment, patience ... and many more. This is similar to "Bible Promises for Women" because it shares the verses under a given topic. In Max's book, these topics are under main sections, divided into the following:
Promises to Give Insight Promises about God Promises about Christian Living Promises of Guidance Promises about Personal Relationships Promises of Wisdom Promises about Jesus Promises when You have Special Needs Promises of Assurance Promises about the Christian Life
My main problem is that I'm sure between all these sources that there will be duplication of verses of God's Promises and I still haven't figured out where I am suppose to focus or how to organize. Only 2 of the books have a Scripture Index, so this is why I am using all of these at this time plus the 2 reading plans at You Version. I enjoy having the verses in the categories as well. So this is why I follow along with One Year ones and share from the categories of the other (this far, I am not sharing the verses from Max's book). With so many promises of God, it looks like I need all of these sources until I get a better grip on which ones are meant for me in particular or perhaps meant for loved ones (and it's up to me to share them when needed). The most important lesson so far is that ALL these promises are given to us from God in His Word; and I, for one, have a difficult time understanding how each of these scripture verses are Promises, so I'm glad when these books point out the promise. I've read the Bible many years and have so much still to learn & better understand how God is speaking to me personally in my life journey (the Holy Spirit & others do help me), but I need to hear God's whisper clearly and concisely. Looking at His Promises is the best way for me to embrace and "find that His Promises speak of His personal passion for" me (for each one of us). [the quoted part is from Max Lucado's forward] As God draws near to me in 2020, I desire to draw closer and closer to Him and receive His Promises. 
 

JANUARY PROMISES (2)

continuing with

[source:365promises(dot)com]

Last week's blog covered January 1-4, 2020 and more.
Each of the following should be linked to 365 devotion promise. 

JANUARY PROMISES from 365promises  JANUARY 5 - PROMISE #5 I chose you to be adopted into My family before creation. Ephesians 1:4-5 JANUARY 6 - PROMISE #6 I delivered you from darkness into the kingdom of My beloved Son. Colossians 1:12-13 JANUARY 7 - PROMISE #7 I have given you eternal life because you have believed in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 JANUARY 8 - PROMISE #8 I sent the Spirit of My Son into your heart so you could call Me Father. Galatians 4:6 JANUARY 9 - PROMISE #9 Since you are in Christ, I have made you an heir of all My promises. Galatians 3:29 JANUARY 10 - PROMISE #10 I have given you a new heart and put My own Spirit in you. Ezekiel 36:26-27 JANUARY 11 - PROMISE #11 My plan for your future is filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Also continuing with:

"Praying the Promises of God"

5.Be Weak to be Strong-Matthew 5:3 6.Step by Step-Proverbs 1:33 7.The Secret Place-Matthew 6:6 8.Kingdom First-Matthew 6:33 9.Sheltered from the Storm-Psalm 9:9 10.His Healing Touch-Matthew 8:2-3 11.Leaning on His Strength-Prov3:7-8 12.Get by Giving-Proverbs 3:9-10

"Bible Promises for Women"
still in Chapter 1 of  Daily Guidance

Galatians 5:25 "Thank You Father, for Your Spirit, my guide through each day. May I willingly follow, no matter when or where. Help me to obey quickly when You direct me to serve or forgive others. May I always be thankful and rejoice in the blessings You point out to me along the way."

Matthew 25:34 "... Lord, no matter what this day brings, help me get through it with Your loving guidance."

John 10:14 "Your Word says ---and I've heard it elsewhere --- that a flock of sheep knows its own shepherd's voice and won't respond to the voice of a different shepherd. It's true of my relationship with You, too, Lord. I know Your voice. I know when You're speaking to me heart, and I know when I'm being coaxed by "other voices" --- wrong desires, worldly values, anxiety, pride, and the like. Thanks for helping me see the difference. Coax me to follow the sound of Your voice alone today & always.

I'll be back to complete the rest of these with more ...instead I only wrote a portion...

James1:12 "To spend my life with God is a choice I freely make. To love God and let God love me is the light of my life - "...

"...The blessing that James promises feels to me like God's love: It shines on me every day, lights the darkness and illuminates my path."

Ephesians 6:13 "Lord, be my warrior, my guard and my guide. Let Your love be the armor that shields me from the slings and arrows of the day. Let Your compassion be the blanket that protects me... "

2 Samuel 2:6 "It's hard to be pleasant these road raging days. Everyone's too immersed in their own concerns to be mannerly or kind. Encourage me ... Nudge me ... May I, with Your guidance, be first to pass them on."

Daniel 12:3 "Let me do what lies clearly at hand, this very minute. Grant me the insight to see that too much planning for the future removes me from the present moment. ... may I use this next moment wisely."

I am so glad that I am completing some YouVersion (YV) plans on Promises too:

25 Powerful Promises from God

Promises of God

(27 days)

...but because I already completed one previously, I was reminded of another book I have in my Kindle for the full year:

NIV Once a Day Bible Promises

Here's a sample from this book:

"God Uses Problems to Shape You"(day 2YV or 10 bk) Tell the truth. When you run into problems, what is your first and most common response: complaining? crying? yelling? denial? pouting? rejoicing? Unless you’re highly unusual (or slightly dishonest) you probably didn’t answer “rejoicing.” Let’s face it—it isn’t normal to be joyful in the face of trials. But you can develop this trait. According to the promise above, trials are good for you. How so? In the same way that an excruciating exercise regimen is good for you. You sweat and strain through painful and unpleasant workouts. But over time, if you keep at it, you see big changes. You’re stronger and healthier. Viewing your troubles as a kind of “spiritual exercise program” enables you to rejoice (see 1 Peter 1:6–7). It enables you to see your suffering as something good in your life. God is using trials in your life to stretch you and strengthen your faith. Without these pressures, you’d be just another flabby, out-of-shape Chris­tian. God's Promise to Me: • I allow you to go through trials so that you might grow. My Prayer to God: God, You want me to trust You in the hard times. Rejoicing isn’t natural for me, so make it my supernatural response to difficulties and pressures in my life. Teach me to endure, Lord, so that my faith will grow and get stronger.

Standing on the Promises of God {ok, I'm really tryin' and really need to ...thus, my One Word}
I've heard and seen HARVEST as being a ONE WORD for many which I think is a great one for 2020 also!
So as I stand I will believe that God has a wonderful HARVEST in 2020 of all of HIS aMazing Promises!

ONE WORD among MANY - JANUARY PROMISES (1) 1-4

[source:365promises(dot)com]

*when I looked at how long this list of January Promises appears, 
I decided to break it down and post each week rather than the full month

JANUARY PROMISES from 365promises  JANUARY 1 - PROMISE #1  I am the Lord your God and I never change. Malachi 3:6 JANUARY 2 - PROMISE #2 I am full of mercy and grace and I overflow with love. Psalm 103:8 JANUARY 3 - PROMISE #3 The intentions of My heart will remain steadfast forever. Psalm 33:11 JANUARY 4 - PROMISE #4 I created you in My own image with My special blessing. Genesis 1:27-28

*I will be checking if these change for 2020-they look the same so far butIt really doesn't matter, they are still God's Promises
<>
So far, I have 2 other books besides 365 website that I will be using for 2020 and a few pdfs. I shared one of these books here previously on my blog (perhaps only in a book review).

The One Year 

Praying the Promises of God

Bible Promises for Women

I received the Bible Promises for Women as a gift from a dear precious sister in Christ and friend. It is simply beautiful from cover to cover! However, you hopefully will see or notice some as I am able to share from this in 2020.

Before I even begin to share from my books that highlight

the Bible Verses of God's Promises,

for many years but especially

2020

I believe that I need to claim these first two Bible Promises:

Acts 16:31

(Bible Hub)

NIV "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." NLT “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” TPT “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your family.” The Voice-Paul and Silas: Just believe—believe in the ultimate King, Jesus, and not only will you be rescued, but your whole household will as well." Acts 16:31

Joshua 24:15(Bible Hub)
{only the last part of the verse}

"...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." NIV

FOR MY HOUSEHOLDFOR MY FAMILY(those who live here, have lived here, or somehow are related)
These are classic verses for salvation, so I'm sure that they will show up again in the readings of these books and others.

In The One Year Praying the Promises of God (book on the left), the Promises come in the devotionals & end with a prayer and it's considered to be a companion book to The One Year Bible so the readings move chronologically throughout the year as in yearly reading plans that include a reading from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, or Proverbs. So each day shares a reading from one of those parts of the Bible, not all 4 as many plans do. 

January 1 - January 4 (only)

1. Fruitfulness - Psalm 1:2-3 2. Faithful & True - Matthew 2:15 3. Walking with God Genesis 5:23-24 4. Calling Toward - Genesis 12:1

With the book on the right, Bible Promises for Women, the Promises are divided into categories (16). Starting with:

Daily Guidance
... then it seems that each scripture verse has eithera prayer or a meditation (devotion) like the following:

1 Timothy 2:1-2 "Life is full of trade-offs, Lord, and I need to make one."...

Proverbs 4:23 "God, we live in a fast-moving time. There are so many distractions."...

1 Samuel 16:7 "When teetering here on the "cutting edge" of technology, cyberspace, and everything in between, O God, it is reassuring to know that from the beginning of time, You guide, direct, and hear our voices as we continue to ask for guidance. Our scenery changes but You are eternal."

Numbers 14:20-21 "Lord, the best way I know to say thank You for Your wonderful guidance is to try to be the kind of person You have taught me to be. Please continue to lift me up every day as I strive to be my best self."

I came to write a blog today, thinking I would do a Promise a Day, but I don't think I could keep this up for the full year and have not yet decided how. For now, at least, once a week, most likely on Sunday evening, but i won't PROMISE. I'm not as good as God about keeping my promises. Perhaps this is why, it's my Word for 2020.

I also wanted to do an initial post of my new One Word for 2020. I hesitated only because I began thinking I was receiving other words like faith ... when I decided on Promise, there were other 'p' words that surfaced like my passion, pray(er)(ing), purpose, praise, principles, Presence, ... Then I read about a Life Word and reread about One Word, thinking I needed a confirmation when I found out (I think) that I was not really understanding this One Word concept. As I was rereading it seemed that what you should be looking at is picking One Word of a needed change you need to make. (???) In reality, I need all kinds of changes so this is so you have a single focus. I do need that, that's for sure. In all the previous years, I have never done this, this way. 

“My One Word” is an experiment designed to move you beyond this cycle. The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD. This process provides clarity by taking all your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single focus. Just one word that centers on your character and creates a vision for your future. So, we invite you to join us and pick one word for the next twelve months. LEARN HOW! "

Course, I was not one to do resolutions either.

Yet, 2020 is special, it's not just the beginning of a new year but a new decade. So I certainly want to get this right. I pray that focusing on God's Promises will remind me of His steadfast love. I will consider the Promise of His Presence in everything from the mundane to the miraculous. Looking at my blog title of aMazing Grace, I am reminded that added to this Grace is my list of M's: Mazes, Messes, Miracles... and the best is Miracles! However, I've had to get through those "mazes" and "messes" to discover that all along, I've been surrounded by His aMazing Grace and His Presence ... As I search His Promises in His Word, I will find hope to strengthen my heart. I pray that you also will as I share this year and in your One Word. 

"...God's Promises are not platitudes; they are Powerful statements of who He is and what He does."

2 Peter 1:4

{Bible Hub, is linked, which, by the way, shows many versions at once}

The Bible is full of God's Promises.

In fact, from what I've been reading, there's between 

3,000 to 30,000{kinda exaggerated, I think}

So now to focus ... and I'll settle for what a YV plan says:

"7,487 promises in the Bible"

and starts me out with

25 Powerful Promises

which certainly is more than a

year's worth

and

those listed in my books

plus the

365 Promises

by Barry Adams

{which you can also follow by going to their site daily}

If you have One Word, please share in the comments or if you have any clarification or confirmation for me, please let me know. Thank you and

A Blessed and Happy New Year

2020

Ending 2019 EMBRACED ...

yet still
EMBRACING
and
finding there is still so much to
EMBRACE
It truly is an endless list when you spend a full year with One Word
all that GOD opens up and lays before you revealing in your life so much that you can focus on and really learn to EMBRACE
You discover so much more with God as you're EMBRACED and EMBRACING anew

"...A Time to Embrace and a time to Refrain from Embracing..."

Ecclesiastes 3:5
however this was not my focus of "embrace"
As you glance through even just this past month of December, you will notice that I found much "to embrace" during Advent, that had nothing to do with the meaning in the Ecclesiastes verse - I took time to EMBRACE Advent in a new way where weekly there was a theme of EMBRACING Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, leading up to Christmas Day, EMBRACING JESUS - perhaps, at this point, you might want to look back at my blog post where I defined "EMBRACE" and without specifically planning this, I ended up precisely where I wrote ... the "Ultimate Embrace" being that which is with Jesus! 
This is where my One Word has led me to...the arms of Jesus, and realizing it will not end at the strike of midnight of 2019 but continue on into this new decade of 2020 and moreso, on to eternity and God will continue to show me so much more I can EMBRACE in every season, in this earthly life and concepts that I have "EMBRACED" this past year like Gratitude, Silence, Worship, Being Transformed, Being Called, Hurts & Heartache, Trust, His Fullness, Spiritual Discernment, Contentment, and many more without any blog post, were encountered afresh, with a new sense of awe and wonder, because I leaned into EMBRACING HIM - JESUS - in every one of them and how much that drew us closer in our relationship, in His Word and other places I was reading, He was and is more present, as I was, and more aware of His EMBRACE throughout this journey this past year. 
I found out how really aMazing it is to EMBRACE Grace through Jesus and with Jesus, as His EMBRACE allowed me to hold on completely and grasp old things in a new way, depending on His clasp in His arms to see me through, many a night and many days, with fondness and a much greater scope - becoming a cause now which I gladly was ready to face and take up, knowing that Jesus is with me (us) every step of the way, even if or when we fall or fail, He so there and ready to EMBRACE me (us) - how much more can One Word do? To come to a place of EMBRACING the surrender of every part of every thing to and with Him. Finding there is so much to EMBRACE; and the value of EMBRACING and being EMBRACED cannot be any greater than when Jesus is the One, who EMBRACES me and who I EMBRACE ever so dearly, ever so nearly, ever so clearly ... an EMBRACE that is lasting! 
Hold on - there is much more of a Heavenly Embrace coming! I can't wait! and how I want to be sure my earthly embraces are not wasted. That every soul still matters, every prayer still counts, every promise is true, every one of us need Jesus! 
[We certainly should be trying to be more like Him, transformed to being what He desires and plans, and enough of the ways of this world, how we sadly are speaking, writing (derrogatory comments to other children of God, believers), acting in such a manner toward one another ... not reflecting His image at all as His Church]. 
So for 2020, I will continue to EMBRACE God's Promises and keep Praying for more of Jesus, and more accepting Jesus & His Way, His Truth and His Light in the darkness around this world. 
BE EMBRACED and know how much Jesus loves you
...but sadly we are not finished we are not ready
HE is not finished with us His Church

RISE UP
Come to Jesus

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

and then ACT this way HIS WAY
EMBRACE others
There is still so much more to this One Word
{this was only the beginning} I was aMazed at how often this One Word showed up  this past year when I was not looking for it.
"...Everything changes when we understand and fully *EMBRACE God's aMazing design for growing us and giving us fruitful, meaningful abundant life." (from Beth Moore, about her new book to be published Feb.4, 2020) * my emphasis, not hers, hers might be "flourish"
I will go into
2020
EMBRACING
more of God's
aMazing Grace
while
I
EMBRACE
GOD'S PROMISES

2020
In 2019, Jesus EMBRACED me so now I will better EMBRACE all His Word says as Promises so that I EMBRACE Jesus more fully and PRAY His Promises for me & others in need of HIS EMBRACE

Amen

EMBRACING ... 4-5

BEING TRANSFORMED

while finishing

EMBRACED

... Knowing God is Holding Me (You) Close

2019

Part 4: 

EMBRACING

His Calling to be Transformed

by

Lysa TerKeurst

Devotions #96 - 100

{publishing now before I've finished 

so that is why it looks so incomplete 

since I'm reading these now from

Thurs., Dec. 26-Dec.30}

<><><>

96. "The Scribbled Truth that Changed My Life" Acts 3:6

" I will never doubt the power of one woman reaching into the life of another woman with some written whispers of love."

Friday

97. "Getting Past My Past" 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"God truly can take even our worst mistakes and somehow bring good from them."

I am sure that this one is the best one for me, or anyone trying to finish 2019 well
I'll be back to complete
Saturday

98. "Pushing Past Awkward" *not linked* Galatians 1:10

{*couldn't find this one}

"Appointments and disappointments walk hand in hand."

Sunday

99. "Life-Saving Truth" Psalm 119:92-93

"The minute we receive Jesus *yeah* to be Lord of our lives, our limited potential can turn into expotential growth."

Monday

100. "Called to Freedom" Phillipians 1:6

"Some prisons don't require bars to keep people locked inside. All it takes is their perception that they belong there."

<><><>

I really do not have any of my own gems of wisdom about "getting past your past" because I would have less difficulties if someone was not throwing it in my face constantly (as a defense or an excuse or a vendetta) ... for I believe in Jesus Christ, I have gotten through and past my past because after it's confessed, God forgets as far as 'the east is from the west' and I've tried to do this as well with Him and the aMazing Grace He bestows on me.

I came across 10 steps (as if 'getting past the past' would ever be that easy) however these are very helpful & basic to begin:

"Accept the past." ... "Feel your feelings" ... "Stop Story Telling"... "Let it go"... "Forgive" ...  {oh, if you'd like more info and the rest, please continue with the source this comes from Grace F. blogger at Heartful Habits}

Now I'm sure that you (or I) could have come up with these helpful steps as ones we do 'to get past' however there are some things that are in our past (or most) that have happened so that God really would like to use lessons from our past as we own our history and the lessons learned or yet to learn; yet there are also events in our past that have impacted us that are out of our control and not anything chosen by us, it alters our lives and us (mostly our heart and mind but I'm finding out even our body). We wonder why did God allow this or how does this bring God any glory. We read and believe in God's Word that He works out all things for our good ... and sometimes, at the time, we certainly can't see any good in it or that could possibly come from it, then later in retrospect we notice the good ... the rest of that verse (Romans 8:28) sets up some conditions however, "for those who love" the Lord and "have been called according to His purpose", which is the part of this last section 4 in "EMBRACED ..." says "His Calling to be transformed". It is God's heart and call to all of us to come to Him. Of course, I researched this verse and perhaps you may have questions also about what it means ... among many sources, I have chosen this one as the most concise explanation. To be transformed ... changed. His calling ... I see this as God's constant tug on us to draw close, like calling on a phone or knocking on the door of our hearts. His heart desires us and opens the door whenever we come, of our own free will to acknowledge our need and dependency on Him. Actually it's an interdependency and the best relationship available to each of us. 
There's good and not so good and bad in our past, from evil to very poor choices or decisions with unhealthy outcomes and habits formed that need to be broken. Part of the reason with each passing of every year to a new year, we say 'goodbye to auld lang syne' (lol) and in the past or maybe some of you still do ... make resolutions, which are basically promises to make changes; to resolve a situation, or course of action, firmly deciding to find a solution ... it's really found in Jesus, through God's Word. We need not just do this on New Year's Eve or Day but truthfully each wrong choice, every day, any moment ... choose to EMBRACE a fresh start, leave the past behind and do better. That's our hope! That's our solution! That's the path Jesus wants for us in our journey forward; to hold on to the good, build on the good, get rid of the not-so-good, and eliminate the bad. Yes, we have some issues in our pasts that seem unmoveable and unchangeable and unnecessary and ones we had no choice in ... the scribbled Truth is available to make our lives change and the impossible obstacles possible as we cling to God and all Jesus makes possible!

"Dear Lord, only You can heal my deepest hurts and use the bad in my life for good. I need You more and more each day. Please continue to work in my life and use me as a light to help those You have entrusted to me." (and remove the ones that are no longer that, making this clear)

I 
EMBRACE

the
PAST
and
I
EMBRACE
FREEDOM
in
You
to move forward
with
You
into
2020

EMBRACING JESUS! ...

on

Christmas Eve

and Christmas Day

and for

All this year of 2019

into 2020 and

on & on

until

JESUS

comes

again

I will be

EMBRACING

JESUS

"... The word EMBRACE means more than just accept Jesus as Savior. It means to clasp or hold in the arms; to hug; to surround." ... *source

*from article by Bill Burns, Faith Tabernacle

"It's time to really EMBRACE this God-life."

(source)  for the above and the 7 points that follow  Alyson (blogger) from a 'Beth Moore' study/LPL event
Mark 11:22-24 (MSG)

"7 points on “Embracing This God-Life.” 1. There’s a WORLD of difference between accepting and embracing. Mark 12:30 2. A hug requires an arm, an embrace takes the heart. Colossians 3:9-10 3. Sometimes we have to wrestle our way to a real embrace. (Genesis 32 & 33) 4. Embrace your place in the Gospel story. Philippians 3:12-14   5. Embrace whatever suffering accompanies your Christ-following. Matthew 16:24-26 (MSG) 6. Wholly embrace the One who has embraced you. Luke 15: 11-32 7. Know there is a time to embrace and a time to refrain. Ecclesiastes 3:5

"Embracing Jesus" by John Piper

"The Blessed Embrace" ~ Beth Moore 
<>
I truly was hoping to compose my own thoughts about "Embracing Jesus" but truthfully, this is already late and I'm thinking that both Beth Moore (through Alyson) and her videos also plus John Piper cover this well, & I certainly wouldn't have had better points than these wonderful writers ... and as I think most of you know, Sarah Young also has written "Embracing Jesus' Love" as part of a "Jesus Always..." Bible Study Series. The rest of the "Jesus Always..." title is "Embracing Joy in His Presence." Isn't this exactly what we hope to do coming through Advent to this very night of Christmas Eve? EMBRACE Jesus, Embrace Jesus' Love and Embrace all the Joy we can in His Presence.

I really wanted to have this published in time for Christmas Eve, so that I could wish all of you, a beautiful and Merry Christmas, filled with Jesus and all His rich blessings of Love, for you and yours! {so pardon me for sharing the work of other's} as you and I go about the eve surrounding ourselves (our loved ones) with the joy, love, hope and peace that Jesus brings as we hold on dearly to memories of Christmas Eves in the past and the ones yet to come, but if we have EMBRACED Jesus, from our hearts, it'll be a forever EMBRACE of Jesus for all eternity. Glory to our King! Peace on earth (in our homes and in our nation)! May God bless you, everyone, with the true spirit of CHRISTmas with a "Blessed Embrace" from our precious Lord, Jesus Christ!
~ Love & Peace in Christ ~ Peggy