"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~from ISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog

APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it

On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on 7/19/17 as I'm still learning.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

APRIL PROMISES

[source:365promises(dot)com]

APRIL PROMISES
from 365promises

APRIL 1 - PROMISE #91
My kingdom is everlasting and My dominion will endure forever.
Psalm 145:13

APRIL 2 - PROMISE #92
My eternal Word is anchored in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89

APRIL 3 - PROMISE #93
I am a gracious God who is righteous and full of mercy.
Psalm 116:5

APRIL 4 - PROMISE #94
I created all things for My pleasure.
Revelation 4:11

APRIL 5 - PROMISE #95
I am your Father and you are My handiwork.
Isaiah 64:8

APRIL 6 - PROMISE #96
I will protect and carry you all the days of your life.
Isaiah 46:4

APRIL 7 - PROMISE #97
I have chosen you to be like My Son, so you could be part of My family.
Romans 8:29

APRIL 8 - PROMISE #98
I have cancelled all your sin and made you alive in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:13-14

APRIL 9 - PROMISE #99
I have raised you up with Christ to sit in heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:5-6

APRIL 10 - PROMISE #100
The good things that I have planned for you are too many to count.
Psalm 40:5

APRIL 11 - PROMISE #101
I will restore and refresh your weary soul.
Psalm 23:3

APRIL 12 - PROMISE #102
I will always build you up, not pull you down.
Jeremiah 24:6

APRIL 13 - PROMISE #103
I have made you a member of My own household.
Ephesians 2:19

APRIL 14 - PROMISE #104
If you make your home in Me, then no evil will come your way.
Psalm 91:9-10

APRIL 15 - PROMISE #105
If you delight in My Word, you will be fruitful and prosperous.
Psalm 1:1-3

APRIL 16 - PROMISE #106
I will cover you all day long as you rest between My shoulders.
Deuteronomy 33:12

APRIL 17 - PROMISE #107
Come close to Me and I will come close to you.
James 4:8

APRIL 18 - PROMISE #108
You can trust in Me, for I am your strength and your song.
Isaiah 12:2

APRIL 19 - PROMISE #109
My gentleness will enlarge your life.
2 Samuel 22:36

APRIL 20 - PROMISE #110
I do not show favoritism in My family.
Ephesians 6:9

APRIL 21 - PROMISE #111
I have chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of My kingdom.
James 2:5

APRIL 22 - PROMISE #112
Ask Me for wisdom and I will generously give it to you.
James 1:5

APRIL 23 - PROMISE #113
I will give you power to know the vastness of My immeasurable love.
Ephesians 3:17-19

APRIL 24 - PROMISE #114
Wait patiently for Me and I will hear your cry.
Psalm 40:1

APRIL 25 - PROMISE #115
Even when you are weak in your faith, I will remain faithful to you.
2 Timothy 2:13

APRIL 26 - PROMISE #116
Seek My kingdom first and everything you need will be given to you.
Luke 12:31

APRIL 27 - PROMISE #117
My Spirit will lead you into all truth and show you what is to come.
John 16:12-13

APRIL 28 - PROMISE #118
One day, I will wipe away every tear and take away all your pain.
Revelation 21:4

APRIL 29 - PROMISE #119
My everlasting joy and gladness will drive all sorrow and mourning away.
Isaiah 51:11

APRIL 30 - PROMISE #120
You can hold on to the hope that I will not change what I have promised.
Hebrews 6:17-18
{sorry, COVID 19 made me forget to post these each week 
or at least like this - monthly ... 
since March so I'm updating finally in July}


Sunday, March 29, 2020

"The Promise of Lent" - 5th Sunday

40 Day Journey
Toward the
Power of Easter

Lent-medium
with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"

... Isaiah 52:7-10 ...

for the Lord has comforted
His People
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has demonstrated His Holy Power
before the eyes of all nations.
All the ends of the earth
will see the

Victory
of our God

{how very timely and appropriate for such a time as this!}

COVID-19 Worldwide



"Lord, my life is shaped by the things I hunger for, and You have blessed me with a longing for the things of heaven. Continue to stir up my hunger for the good news of Your Kingdom. Rebuild the ruined places of my life, and strengthen the gifts and calling I have already received. Let me be a revelation of {*You}Your goodness, grace, and glory that I might live as part of Your PROMISE to display Your victory to the ends of the earth."~Chris Tiegreen, p.122

{could not be a better prayer for me to pray during this}

Do you want God's protection?

will not
FEAR or BE AFRAID
Psalm 91:5
as I'm continuing with this devotion:



Readings for Week 5
Mon. Day 29 "The New Feast" Revelation 21:1-7 *Revelation 21:5
Tues. Day 30 "Hope Behind the Clouds" Matthew 16:13-23 *Matthew 16:21
Weds. Day 31 "The Evidence of Life" John 11:1-44 *John 11:40
Thurs. Day 32 "The End of Fruitlessness" Matthew 21:18-22 *Matthew 21:21-22
Fri. Day 33 "A Heart in Sync with His" John 12:1-8 *John 12:7
Sat. Day 34 "The Greater Exodus" Luke 9:28-36 
*Luke 9:30-31 (ESV)


If ever there has been a Lent season to prepare our hearts, this is the time in 2020 to seek the Lord totally.
Pray and Be Bold in sharing Jesus!
then release the Holy Spirit
to finish the work
JESUS
has done

Included the following
just to hear
Max Lucado's heart &
encouragement





IF You know MAX LUCADO or even if you don't, check out his website & other social media, because he has been sharing such wisdom & great encouragement almost daily.


{sorry if any of my images or video/links do not appear or cause problems}



Sunday, March 22, 2020

"The Promise of Lent" - 4th Sunday

40 Day Journey
Toward the
Power of Easter

Lent-medium
with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"

Isaiah 25:6-9 

Lord, I long for that day when Your Kingdom comes on earth in all its fullness, when tears are no more, when death is not only swallowed up in victory but disappears forever. Help me ...

...live with hope for the age to come...

I'm continuing with this:
Isaiah 40:1-5;John 17:22-24
Haggai 2:6-9; Malachi 3:1-4

Readings for Week 4
Mon. Day 23 "Forgiven Before We Fell" Isaiah 40:1-5 *Isaiah 40:1-2
Tues. Day 24 "A Demonstration of God" Isaiah 40:1-5 *Isaiah 40:4
Weds. Day 25 "A Revelation of Glory" Isaiah 40:1-5 *Isaiah 40:5
Thurs. Day 26 "The Fellowship of Glory" John 17:22-24 *John 17:22
Fri. Day 27 "Unshakable" Haggai 2:6-9 *Haggai 2:6
Sat. Day 28 "A Pure Priesthood" Malachi 3:1-4 *Malachi 3:3


Lord, my heart is at rest in You because I have chosen to build my life on the Truth of Your Word and the certainty of Your grace. Thank You that my security does not depend on my faithfulness but on Yours.{Thank You!} Anchor me always in Your love. Amen. Day 27, Chris T.


So many of my readings, prayers and studies just seem to coincide 
with the times in which we now live! I am so thankful 
for all the spiritual community and support available online
and
all of YOU here 
and at
YouVersion, Faith/Study Gateway, Sheila Walsh, Max Lucado,
 Proverbs 31 Ministry,
Church, Worship Music & Prayer services online
{Thank you all!}


Keeping on my Journey
toward the
Power of Jesus' Christ Resurrection!

Hallelujah!



Sunday, March 15, 2020

"The Promise of Lent" - 3rd Sunday

40 Day Journey
Toward the
Power of Easter

Lent-medium
with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"

Job 19:25-27

Today is a National Day of Prayer
March 15, 2020
A Call to us all to Pray amid the world crisis and ours of the
Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID 19)
{usually our National Day of Prayer is in May each year}
but this is a necessary time for us to pray for one another

<><><>

I am continuing this week:

mostly in
Isaiah 53
with this devotional and the following readings daily
claiming Isaiah 53 (v.5) in particular this day of prayer

"But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed" NKJV

Readings for Week 3
Mon. Day 17 The Lamb Who Transforms John 1:29-34 *Jn 1:29
Tues. Day 18 Clash of Kingdoms Isaiah 53 *Isaiah 53:3
Weds. Day 19 A Comprehensive Gospel Isaiah 53 *Isaiah 53:4
Thurs. Day 20 Receive All, Give All Isaiah 53 *Isaiah 53:5
Fri. Day 21 Finally Free Isaiah 53 *Isaiah 53:6
Sat. Day 22 The Dignity of Silence Isaiah 53 *Isaiah 53:7

"Surely He has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases..." v.4


...Lord, may my faith rise to the level of Your Promise, and may it not stop when my own needs are met. Give me opportunities to be a minister of grace to many of the wounded (and sick) lives You gave Your life to save. (day 20)

"... All of our sicknesses and brokenness - spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical - are consequences of our rebellion ... and Jesus took the pains of that rebellion upon Himself."... (day 20)

"...O believe, my heart, oh believe,
Nothing will be lost to you!..." 
Gustav Mahler, "Resurrection Symphony" (5th movement)
{this is the quote shared for the end of day 19}


...Lord, I cannot thank You enough for carrying my weaknesses and bearing my sorrow {pain and infirmities}. I depend on You for everything and You always let me. Thank You for all that salvation includes. (day 19)



Way Maker

"... Way maker, Miracle Worker, Promise keeper Light in the darkness, my God That is who You are Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper Light in the darkness, my God That is who You are You are here, touching every heart I worship You I worship You You are here, healing every heart I worship You I worship You You are here, turning lives around I worship You I worship You You are here, mending every heart ...

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working"

That is Who YOU are!!!





Sunday, March 8, 2020

"The Promise of Lent" - 2nd Sunday

40 Day Journey
Toward the Power of Easter

Lent-medium

with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"

...
1 Corinthians 15:42-49 NLT

Lord, everything You created is important, including this material world and my physical body. But I know what is most important and what lasts forever. Teach me to sow my weak- ness, my brokenness, my material possessions, and my natural form into the soil of Your King-dom, and may the seeds I have sown flourish and bear eternal fruit. Amen ~ Chris Tiegreen

I will be continuing with this:

Readings for Week 2
Mon. Day 11 Psalm 51:7-12 *Psalm 51:10
"A Clean Heart"
Tues. Day 12 Lamentations 3:18-24 *Lamentations 3:22-23
"When Morning Comes"
Weds. Day 13 Lamentations 3:25-30 *Lamentations 3:26
"Faith Waits"
Thurs. Day 14 Lamentations 3:31-33 *Lamentations 3:32
"God in the Dark"
Fri. Day 15 Lamentations 3:34-42 *Lamentations 3:37
"A Culture of Complaint"
Sat. Day 16 Zechariah 9:9-13 *Zechariah 9:12
"A Promise of Restoration"

Looks like a week mostly in Lamentations,
so here's a new song for me from a new album to me
and a 5 day YouVersion reading plan I completed, too 
while I continue enjoying
"Praise Before My Breakthrough"
by Bryan and Katie Torwalt

Prophesy Your 
PROMISE 
{this one just fits with my 2020 Word}




Sunday, March 1, 2020

"The Promise of Lent" - 1st Sunday

40 Day Journey
Toward the
Power of Easter

Lent-medium

with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"


then all who belong to Christ
will be raised when
HE COMES BACK
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

"My God and my Father, every judgment of Yours is trimmed with Hope; every lamentation of mine is framed by Your PROMISES; every heart break leads to Your Joy. Thank You that even in this season of Lent, our solemnity is punctuated by six reminders of the Resurrection, six Sundays until our Resurrection Day comes. Fill my heart with Your goodness on all of them, and every day in between." Amen ~ Chris Tiegreen

Readings
for 
Week 1

Mon. Day 5 "A Changed Mind" Mark 1:9-15
*Mark 1:15 NIV
Tues. Day 6 "A Sacred Vessel" 2 Cor. 4:5-7
*2 Corinthians 4:7
Weds. Day 7 "A Purposeful Death" 2 Cor. 4:8-10
*2 Corinthians 4:10
Thurs. Day 8 "A Transforming Vision"
2 Cor.4:16-18; *2 Corinthians 4:18
Fri. Day 9 "A Confident Longing" 2 Cor.5:1-5
*2 Corinthians 5:2
Sat. Day 10 "A Grateful Response"Heb.13:10-16
*Hebrews 13:15

* key verse
each devotion is packed with good information, ending with a beautiful prayer,
some reflection questions and thoughts and a related quote from music
{shared this on Ash Wednesday also}

MARCH PROMISES

[source:365promises(dot)com]



MARCH promises

from 365promises

MARCH 1 - PROMISE #60
The earth belongs to Me and all that is in it.
Psalm 24:1

MARCH 2 - PROMISE #61
My throne will stand forever and justice will reign 
in My kingdom.
Psalm 45:6

MARCH 3 - PROMISE #62
The grass will dry up and flowers will fall, 
but My Word will endure forever.
1 Peter 1:24-25

MARCH 4 - PROMISE #63
Though the mountains vanish, 
My unending love will never leave you.
Isaiah 54:10

MARCH 5 - PROMISE #64
I have called you out of darkness 
into My glorious light.
1 Peter 2:9

MARCH 6 - PROMISE #65
I have chosen the weak things of this world 
to confound the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:27

MARCH 7 - PROMISE #66
I delight to reveal My kingdom to those 
with a childlike heart.
Matthew 11:25-26

MARCH 8 - PROMISE #67
I have brought you close through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13

MARCH 9 - PROMISE #68
Your old life has died and your new life is hid 
with Christ in Me.
Colossians 3:3

MARCH 10 - PROMISE #69
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead 
will also give life to you.
Romans 8:11

MARCH 11 - PROMISE #70
I have blessed you in Christ 
with every heavenly blessing.
Ephesians 1:3

MARCH 12 - PROMISE #71
Commit all that you do to Me and 
your plans will be successful.
Proverbs 16:3

MARCH  13- PROMISE #72
I am with you and I will help you 
because I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10

MARCH 14 - PROMISE #73
I will never abandon you.
Hebrews 13:5

MARCH 15 - PROMISE #74
I see all your hardships and I care about your suffering.
Psalm 31:7

MARCH 16 - PROMISE #75
When you pass through turbulent waters, I will be close to you.
Isaiah 43:2

MARCH 17 - PROMISE #76
My anointing will teach you all you need to know.
1 John 2:27

MARCH 18 - PROMISE #77
If you live in My secret place, you will find rest under My shadow.
Psalm 91:1

MARCH 19 - PROMISE #78
I will give you My strength to help you stand in high places.
2 Samuel 22:33-34

MARCH 20 - PROMISE #79
Thousands may fall around you, 
but you will not be harmed.
Psalm 91:7

MARCH 21 - PROMISE #80
I provide food for the hungry and justice for the oppressed.
Psalm 146:7

MARCH 22 - PROMISE #81
My divine power will give you all you need to live a good life.
2 Peter 1:3

MARCH 23 - PROMISE #82
My mercy will overrule judgment.
James 2:13

MARCH 24 - PROMISE #83
I will cause all things to ultimately work for your good.
Romans 8:28

MARCH 25 - PROMISE #84
Humble yourself before Me and in time I will exalt you.
1 Peter 5:6

MARCH 26 - PROMISE #85
I have carved your name in the palms of My hands.
Isaiah 49:16

MARCH 27 - PROMISE #86
Never tire of doing good, for in time 
you will reap a harvest.
Galatians 6:9

MARCH 28 - PROMISE #87
An eternal crown awaits you at the finish line, 
so keep running your race.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25

MARCH 29 - PROMISE #88
I prepared a kingdom inheritance for you 
when I created the world.
Matthew 25:34

MARCH 30 - PROMISE #89
It is precious for Me to see My faithful ones come home.
Psalm 116:15

MARCH 31 - PROMISE #90
I will not forget My promises because 
I am a merciful God.
Deuteronomy 4:31

{sorry, COVID 19 made me forget to post these each week or at least like this -monthly ... 
since March so I'm updating finally in July}

I was reading but not sharing
and hope you also
read over at
365 Promises
the images and devotions are wonderful
and make it worth it





Wednesday, February 26, 2020

"THE PROMISE of LENT"

Come along*with me 
on a
40 Day Journey
Toward the
Power of Easter

Lent-medium

with
Chris Tiegreen's devotional
"The Promise of Lent"

starting today on
Ash Wednesday
for the next 40 days
minus Sundays
celebrated as 
Resurrection "breaks" 
in this 40 day period

Here's the book description from Tyndale:

The Promise of Lent Devotional
Though Lent is a time of remembering Christ's sacrifice, it is not a season of sorrow. This 40-day period is for reorienting our hearts toward Jesus as we move through darkness into light. It is a time of anticipation, the buildup before a celebration of history's most momentous event. 
This is the purpose of The Promise of Lent Devotional. You'll read about death and new life, temptation and the power to overcome it, and ultimately the transformative power of Jesus. When you gaze at God's true nature—his sacrificial love and Jesus' glorious resurrection—everything changes. The past loses its sting, the tomb's stone rolls away, and your heart will awaken to faith again and again."

Genesis 3:17-19

"Creatures of Dust"
Day 1

"...For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.' "NLT Genesis 3:19b

{*Devotional}

"Lord, remind me of my frail condition during this season. Remind me even more how You overcame it. May this be a time of deep repentance and even deeper gratitude."~Chris Tiegreen

* of course, to actually come along with me, you'd need your own copy of the devotional in order to read the major part of what Chris Tiegreen so passionately shares day after day. I will only be giving glimpses into "The Promise of Lent..."

REFLECTION

"How often do you think about your mortality? In what ways can those thoughts encourage your faith rather than undermine it?" C. Tiegreen


In the Church that I was raised in, Lent always seemed like such a sorrowful time, and emotionally drained me ... it was way too heavy as a child, a teen, and even a young adult for me, far too ritualistic as well, rather than from the heart and filled with the hope of the coming Resurrection. It did give me a good foundation for my faith and understanding of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, but somehow I missed "The Promise ... and the Power of Easter" (I now call Resurrection Sunday). 

Instead of dreading Lent as I once did, in the new churches I have been a part of for the major portion of my life, I now look forward to these 40 days in a new way that deepens and enriches a healthier balance between the pain & suffering with a celebration & joy of Christ's redemption work on the Cross and His Resurrection Power over sin and death. I am more willing to readily do some of those traditional, foundational disciplines to refresh, restore and renew my Christian journey and gratitude of all the Promises Jesus fulfilled and gave so that I might live freely and fully in the understanding of His sacrifice for any I might endure ... He overcame and gives me the power to do the same from 'the ashes to ashes' ... I've come to see the beauty in the 'ashes' and the remembrance of the body & blood of Jesus, shed for all of us so that we might have eternal life, a light and truth worth seeking and living, being our true self that we were created to be and rejoice, not be shamed into being part of His Story, His Glory, His Resurrection - unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ day after day, because of our belief in the "Promise of Lent..." 

I probably think more of my mortality now more than ever since I'm aging and feeling it and seeing others around me face issues of their health and mortality but it most certainly encourages my faith, seeking to strengthen my beliefs in Him and His Word through examining myself and looking deeply at His Promises, not just check off reading from His Word but actually searching, hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus in my life and in me. When you have an eternity to look forward to ... there's a new sense of urgency to see others saved and know that Jesus made it possible to live forever with Him and others who accept this and their names are written in the Book of the Lamb just for believing and confessing Jesus' victory over our sin and death, so that we might live more like Him as overcomers, filled with compassion for others and power to do the same by the Holy Spirit, in the Name of Jesus. Only through Jesus Christ can we come to the Father. All glory, honor and praise only belongs to Almighty God, our Lord forever!


Looking forward 
to 
The Promise of Lent


Added Note: as Ash Wednesday was just about here, I had to return to truthfully report that I may not be doing this devotional, because I found out that I had done it here before and also because I have a couple of YouVersion Lenten plans that I'll be doing "Journeying with Jesus"is one, but mostly I wanted to share that there is another journey that I have found because of my personal situation that I decided may be the best for me at this time (totally unrelated to Lent, but not to the Cross and Jesus). It's one of many books that I have not yet gotten around to reading and believe that I should read and do (for many reasons) however it's not a 40 day plan - it's a 60 day journey "Grace for the Unexpected Journey" by Deborah Barr. Quite possibly I will still try to read again "The Promise of Lent" by Chris Tiegreen to keep me on the Lenten journey as well yet somehow I sense God prompting me to seek His aMazing Grace as I draw closer to Jesus this Lent, facing many unexpected days or turns in my life ... as I look at God's PROMISES and my promise to Him.

Another great book for Lent by Dr. Brian Simmons (author of TPT) is "Grace and Hope", which I shared back in 2016, Feb.26 but it's one of the drafted blog posts, no longer available here. 

I have also started a 30 day Prayer Challenge by Debbie McDaniel at iBelieve (dot) com "Fighting Fear and Anxiety with the Promises of God" and completed the 5 day sample at You Version, which I personally found to be relevant, helpful and much better than the pdf but both work well together. There's also a 40 day Easter Devotional that you could sign up for at iBelieve, if you don't already have one.  I guess we are never short of opportunities to journey and experience more of Jesus through Lent. FaithGateway (Study Gateway) will be featuring Max Lucado's newest book "Jesus...The God Who Knows Your Name" for their next OBS (Online Bible Study) starting March 2nd - April 12th, 2020. You can't go wrong with a study by Max Lucado, his books, studies and video teachings are always the best, in my opinion. And focusing on "JESUS..." has to be the BEST way to experience The Promise of Lent - the Resurrection!




Sunday, February 23, 2020

FEBRUARY PROMISES (4)


[source:365promises(dot)com]

February 23-29

FEBRUARY PROMISES

Just in case you missed any of the
February Promises

Promises for the week of

Midweek
on
Ash Wednesday
I will begin
"The Promise of Lent"
by Brian Simmons
{for the next 40 days of Lent, Sundays aren't included}
so I may be able to continue these posts on Sunday
but if not, by now you should know that you can see a
Promise and a beautiful Scripture Image
at
365promises(dot)com
{I think there even is a Facebook page with the Promise of the Day}

And
I will be continuing in my other
PROMISE
books
as able
{especially the One Year ones}

To my faithful visitors;
all of you who spend your valuable time here with me
I do appreciate you so much!

Thank you for taking your time to visit!

Love, Sweet blessings & Hugs!

DIOS TE BENDIGA
GOD BLESS YOU

always

Peggy