"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.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

DECEMBER 2023 - still with JESUS or JESUS still with me


As December is off to a start, or an ending of 2023, I began yet another ebook that I recommended last year (upcoming post will share a bit more) on December 1st (since the book starts on December 1st, not the 1st Sunday of Advent and it is an Advent Journey). 

At the same time I have begun an Artists' Advent Journey of Gratitude (journaling, more than the art part), which is good to do reflecting on this past year's journey & continuing from November's thankfulness into December, with the practice of expressing gratitude intentionally. I'm finding this plan to be very meaningful as I follow the prompts and look back at this year with God's Ever-Present Help, and so thankful that "With JESUS" in 2023, I have made it to this final month & point of reflection. Creative journaling or even just creating an image through your words or perhaps a worship song or prayer of gratitude, one can begin "to acknowledge God's hand in bringing us to a spacious" place of expressing creatively our thanks to God. I guess from all the writing I've already done so far, that there was pretty much just stored up in me that needed to come out & it just poured out, which brings me back to my book & December 1st:

"Preparing room for Jesus is ultimately what saves us."

Now the author of this book is just as brilliant as she indicates the director of one of my favorite Christmas movie is, as she walks us through the various scenes of the movie & correlates this entire movie to our Christian walk of preparing room for Jesus. Just as there was no room in the inn, when Mary & Joseph were searching for a place for the birth of Jesus, we too search and don't quite find the room, or the time, or the space ... in our lives and in our hearts. Yet "preparing room for Jesus" is the exact reason we need to set time aside and realize the importance of that choice, that decision in our lives, each and every year as we draw near to the end of another year. Are we any closer at realizing Jesus is the Ultimate One who saves us? As a believer, we may think that because we accepted Jesus that that's all we need to do. So we grow complacent in our daily walk "With Jesus" or everything else seems to take more of a place in our lives then spending meaningful time with Him. Just another addition to our checklist. "What do you need to let go of so you leave more room for Jesus to dwell in you?" It was this question from this book's author that was so powerful of a consideration that I had to pause and think whether it's expectations, hurts, busy-ness, church or non-church activities, stresses, life issues, family situations or problems, or what was keeping me from preparing room just for Jesus, seeking Him & seeking His will in all these things. We need to empty out our lives and make room. We need to prepare our hearts to be more open and accepting to what Jesus would do for His Kingdom. I know I do. Because ...

"Preparing room allows us to show compassion to others." December 2nd ...


Yes, this world is desperately in need of more compassion to others ...

and as I've indicated I shared more last year of this book and the 25 days given in

"PREPARING ROOM"

I applaud this book, this author & her creativity

as I once again discover

"It's a Wonderful Life"

because of

JESUS

The prayers each devotion are so special to me!

The memories from the movie also.

Thank you Rebecca Horvath!

Thank you Frank Capra!

Thank You

JESUS

<>

Right now, today

as I glance through & ahead at these 

25 gifts  

Preparing Room

I NEED the following ones:


#4."Preparing room gives us the space to see & appreciate the humor in life."

#5."Preparing room allows us to hold on to hope and to have faith even when all seems lost."

#8. "Preparing room allows us to love others, even when they're unlovable."

#11. "Preparing room allows us to reach down deep & make the right choices, 
even when it's hard."

#14. "Preparing room allows Jesus to fill us with His Presence & strength."

<>

oh, let's face it, I need every one of the 25

to adequately begin

"Preparing Room"

and allow

JESUS 

in

to fill me

with more of Him

and much less of me

to know, love & serve

through the power

of the Holy Spirit

God's Grace

in me


Thank You Jesus for saving me!

{now I pray for the others who still need You}

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven

I pray for our nation & our world!

31 Days of Preparation


for

2024


New Year's Day, Jan. 2 - Feb. 20, 2024






Monday, November 27, 2023

JESUS, the LEADER #45 - #48

{My apologies that this did not publish for the last week of November. I had to draft it & forgot to click publish again. If you recall I was moving the post forward each week & adding the next week. This was the final week with JESUS, the LEADER. JESUS, the OVERCOMER #49 publishes on December 3rd}



This blog post features

Jesus,

the Leader

 for November

<><><>
Section 7 includes:

 Jesus, the Leader
(weeks 45-48)
and then finally
 Jesus, the Overcomer
(weeks 49-52)

November - Section Seven: Jesus, the Leader
45. The Standard of Greatness   Nov.6-10
46. A Servant First                       Nov.13-17
47. The Victor                              Nov.20-24
48. Commander in Chief            Nov.27-Dec1

December - Section Eight: Jesus, the Overcomer
49. The Passion of the Christ—the Rest of the Story
50. His Grace, My Place
51. The Warrior Rises
52. Dead Man Walking


<>
This looks incomplete, but it's not - as long as I don't forget (lol)

EACH WEEK 
I plan to add and fill in the missing parts for each Chapter:

JESUS
the
LEADER

This Week is #46

SCRIPTURE READINGS 
for the Weeks of Chapters 45-48:

45. Mark 9:30-35; Matthew 20:20-28; 1 Peter 4:7-11; Philippians 2:1-8; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
46. John 13:1-17; Romans 12:3-8; Mark 10:35-45; Hebrews 6:9-12; Galatians 5: 13-15
47. Matthew 4:1-11; James 4:6-8; James 1:12-15; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; Hebrews 2:14-18
48. Luke 9:23-27; Ephesians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:11-15; Romans 14:5-9; 
1 Peter 2:19-23

These are the subtitles/segments of each devotional in Chapters 45-48:
(listed after the title of that devotional)

November 5-10

45.The Standard of Greatness:  "Who's the Greatest?"; "A New Measure"; "Approach Serving the Right Way"; "Appreciate Serving the Right Way"; "Apply Serving the Right Way"

Approach - Appreciate - Apply

<>

November 13-17

46. A Servant First:  "A Surprising Reversal"; "See Opportunities"; "Serve Others"; "Same Old, Same Old"; "Surrender Ourselves"

Surprising - See - Serve - Same - Surrender

"The servant-leader is servant first" 
... Robert K. Greenleaf

"Servant leadership is an approach to leadership where the leader puts the needs of others 
before their desires and acts as a servant first. 
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example 
of a servant leader, and His life and teachings show us how important 
it is to lead with love, compassion, and a servant's heart. 
Christians are called to follow Jesus' example 
and become servant leaders in our spheres of influence. 
We can become great leaders by showing compassion, empowering others, 
and creating a culture of respect and collaboration. 
Leading with love and humility for God’s glory makes a positive difference."
from CCU

<>

November 20-24

47. The Victor: "Fight of the Century"; "Fierce Competitors"; "Don't Be Surprised by Temptation, Expect It"; "Don't Be Fooled by Temptation, Detect It"; "Don't Be Defeated by Temptation, Reject It"

I am so thankful for JESUS

The Victor

"Christ, the Victor"

a song from a musical

"The Victor"
(Jamie Owens-Collins)


<>

November 27- December 1

48. Commander in Chief: "Are You All In?"; "Living Wholeheartedly"; "Deny Yourself"; "Die to Yourself"; "Devote Yourself"

Most often, I think of the Commander in Chief as our President,
and he should receive the respect & authority while in Office.
Currently, the uprising created in this country, sadly does not do this
and shows great disrespect & disregard for the Office of the Presidency.
You need to be worthy of such a position!
However, ALL Authority and our deepest Respect
belongs to the ultimate Commander in Chief 
our LORD JESUS & HE is Worthy!

Also, as this week points out with "D" only applies to
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
JESUS
where we Deny ourselves, & are willing to Die to ourselves
and be Devoted, which belongs to no human being
ONLY GOD
[to do so, with a human, is idolatry & blasphemous]

*these are my humble yet strong opinions

I bow only to

JESUS

now & forever

<>

and the
PRAYERS:

45. "Lord, Give me a holy desire to be great in Your kingdom by giving my life away to others and bearing witness to Your greatness."

46."Lord, I thank You that You have cleansed me from head to toe. Teach me to humble myself, as You have, by serving others in Your Name."

47."Lord, I trust that You've prepared me to fight the good fight. Fill me with Your Spirit and gird me with Your Word to resist the temptations of the enemy."

48. "Lord, because of the work and witness of Jesus Christ, I'm convinced that You are worth ("betting the ranch on"). Give me courage every week to be all in."

The term "bet the ranch" came from the Wild West and was used in the first devotion:
And to be "All In" happens to be a gambling phrase in a poker game.

<><><>

I am only ALL IN when it comes to 
JESUS CHRIST
 as my Commander In Chief.
But I do respect & trust our current President as this country's 
Commander In Chief
I pray every day that our President receives Godly wisdom & all that he needs 
to govern our nation and maintain a positive influence in the world.
I write this with the courage & conviction given to me by God.
No matter what party you belong to or support,
as a citizen in this country you should 
respect, pray & support 
your Leader
JESUS
first
always
then who 
HE appoints to be in authority
for the time appointed
<>

God bless the United States of America!

and our Commander In Chief

in Jesus' name


"Few words are batted about by managers, pastors, {*educators}, entrepreneurs, and politicians more than leadership. When we want to learn how to lead, we often look to those whose names emblazon book covers and fancy business cards. But what about the leader who claims more followers than any person in history? What made Jesus such a great leader? The answer has the power to transform us into people of influence and impact." James Merritt, "52 Weeks..."

* I added my own: 

In my opinion, we are either a leader, 
or a follower waiting to blossom.
Some of us, just need more encouragement 
and perhaps training in how to lead.

There is no better Teacher, Helper or Example
of a Leader than 

JESUS

<>

"6 Characteristic Traits of Jesus as a Leader"

"Ten Traits of Jesus as Transformational Leader"

"The Leadership Strategy of Jesus"

[Just a few links given above plus the video below but there are much more]

"A Leader Worth Following"
You Tube video of the Church teaching the series of 52 Weeks with their Pastor Chip Bernhard

Truly, JESUS, is the Leader Worth Following!





Saturday, November 25, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS (6) PRESENCE

(In case you've chosen to do this with me)


for

"30 Days with Jesus"

Experiencing His Presence
Throughout the Old and New Testament

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS           Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES        Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS             Nov. 11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS         Nov. 16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS     Nov. 21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE           Nov. 26-30

During these 30 days "we'll look for and discover JESUS using 6 different lenses":

November 26 -30

we'll be looking through the lens of

PRESENSE

"We see God’s desire to be near His people since creation, and the ultimate invitation to be with Him is in Jesus."

I know I will enjoy being in His

PRESENCE

this final week of the 30 days!

Again I found key statements that connect with me, in just the intro to this
(but I'm only sharing the following):

"... A significant takeaway from this whole study for us has been the reality that if we can SEE JESUS' PRESENCE in the Old Testament, beyond a PROPHECY of the Messiah's coming, then we can have deeper conviction He is present in our lives right now, too."["Because He always has been."](from previous paragraph) 

OK, one more:

"JESUS is not merely patterned, pointed to, and promised in the Old Testament, He is present."

As indicated previous to that statement, 

"... the New Testament authors (explicitly show
Jesus' Presence in the Old Testament" {and some examples given are in John 8:56-58; Hebrews 11:26; Jude 5; 1 Corinthians 10:4; John 12:40-41}

Days 26-30

11/26 "The Tabernacle and The Temple" (Exodus 25:1-9; Ephesians 2:19-22) John 1:14

11/27 "Jacob's Ladder" (Genesis 28:10-15; John 1:51) John 17:24

11/28 "Pillar of Fire and Cloud of Smoke" (Exodus 13; John 8:12-30) John 8:12

11/29 "Angel of the Lord" (Exodus 3:1-6; John 14:15-27) John 14:23 (NIV)

11/30 "The Incarnation" (Luke 2) Luke 2:10-11

PRAYER

"God, thank You that Your Word is so applicable. Lord, help us to remember the Truth we’ve discovered in Your Word together. We love You so much, God. We make a commitment today to start really paying attention and looking for Jesus in the unexpected places of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

I thank You Lord for Your Presence, Your Protection, Your Provision.

I'm so grateful for the Patterns, the Prophecies and the Portraits

provided in Your Word and through JESUS.

I give thanks for 

"30 Days with Jesus"

that

"We are held safe in  the embrace of a God who promises the comfort of

His PRESENCE

from the Garden to Glory."

And that

JESUS

is returning soon.

(Revelation 22:12-20)

For this,

believers can be

eternally

THANKFUL

<>

I hope all of you enjoyed a wonderful

THANKSGIVING

<><><>

🦃

I give thanks for you, too!

Thanking God

for some other important answers to prayer


<>

Looking forward to this last week of the 30 Days in

HIS PRESENCE





Monday, November 20, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS (5) PROTECTIONS

(In case you've chosen to do this with me)


for

"30 Days with Jesus"

Experiencing His Presence
Throughout the Old and New Testament

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS           Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES        Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS             Nov. 11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS         Nov. 16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS     Nov. 21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE           Nov. 26-30

During these 30 days "we'll look for and discover JESUS using 6 different lenses":

PROTECTIONS

 "We see Jesus through God’s protection of His people, as we start to discover the ultimate protection we have in Him."

As I began reading the intro to this part, I'm finding that once again,

this one pertains to me (and not in a good way either)

it reveals that I too struggle with

"... trusting God as my ultimate Protector"

because I constantly find myself "collecting" or thinking about

worst-case scenarios, as if that will protect me or prepare me better

for when or if "they" might occur

... endless nights/early morning hours ...

wondering, praying, mind & heart racing

depends on what is going on or going to be happening, well in advance
 
(sigh)

So supposedly these next few days will be very helpful ...

as we look at God, the Protector

and "the ultimate Protection we have

in JESUS Christ"

{my head says it knows this, but I don't too often find myself or the ones I'm praying for -protected}

I do believe this, Lord - help me with any unbelief!

{part of my struggle is that in my life, there have been times that I specifically was trusting 
God for my Protection, even prayed & put on the "full armor of God" but found myself very unprotected & subjected to being a victim (let's say) of the enemy - in broad daylight, which tends to lend itself to the insecurity, doubt, wondering, lack of trust, unbelief? etc. so I've been there & don't want to be (caught off-guard) again. It's from this place that I'm learning to trust.}

AND OH, HOW I CLING TO YOU, JESUS and RELY ON YOU!

I am so grateful for the

PROTECTIONS

I've been given by God

and the ultimate Protection I have in JESUS


11/21 "Protection of Joseph" (Genesis 40; Galatians 4:3-7) Genesis 50:20

11/22 
"Protection in the Red Sea" (Exodus 14; Mark 4:35-41) Mark 4:
39-40

11/23
 "Protection in Jonah"(Jonah 1; Matthew 8:23-27) Matthew 8:27

11/24
 "Protection of the Torah"(Leviticus 26; Hebrews 8:1-5) Luke 24:
27

11/25
 "Protection by the Divine Warrior"(Isaiah 59:1-20; Ephesians 6: 10-17) Ephesians 6:10-11



"Lord, thank You that You sent Jesus, who deeply understands how hard it can be to process fear inside these frail, hurting, human hearts of ours. Thank You for the hope that Jesus has ​​overcome​​ the world. Now help me overcome what I’m facing today. Thank You for the grace that I don’t have to do it perfectly. I just have to make progress. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."


<><><>

11/25 raises many questions I have about the injustices happening in the world currently


{so I may have more on this later}

meanwhile

please pray as the Spirit moves you

for our nation

Israel, Gaza civilians, Ukraine

and so many others

🙏👐🙏
🕊
PROTECT ALL of US

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS (4) PROVISIONS

(In case you've chosen to do this with me)


for

"30 Days with Jesus"

Experiencing His Presence
Throughout the Old and New Testament

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS           Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES       Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS            Nov. 11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS        Nov. 16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS     Nov. 21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE           Nov. 26-30

During these 30 days "we'll look for and discover JESUS using 6 different lenses".


        PROVISIONS        

 "We see Jesus in God’s physical, emotional, and spiritual provision for the people of the Old Testament as Jesus is our perfect provision for all our needs."

I am so thankful for the
PROVISION
of
JESUS
and all the 
PROVISIONS
from
God, the Father

[a very vulnerable but truthful opening statement to this]

"I know what it feels like to beg for God's mighty intervention. 
I also know what it feels like after an extended period with no change ..."

{I can't even wrap my head around the 400 years without hearing anything from God in the Bible, between the end of the Old Testament & the New Testament; when I can't usually go a day or a week, with this silence or absence, believing I've hit a brick wall or something I did.}

The book continues: 

"... When we're in this place our hearts ache. Our minds race ..."

{I recently have visited this place so my heart & mind are captured with these opening words, which made me think about the 400 years of silence that I wrote above. And as I read, I will hold on to God's promises of PROVISION through JESUS, being thankful we have JESUS!}


11/16 "Priests" (Exodus 19; Hebrews 2:14-18)
1 Peter 2:9

11/17 "Prophets" (1 Kings18:16-1 Kings 19:9; Luke 4: 1-15) 1 Kings 18:21

11/18 "Provision in Kings" (1 Samuel 8; Ephesians 1)
1 Samuel 8:7

11/19 "Provision in Bread" (Exodus 16; John 6:31-35)
John 6:33

11/20 "Provision in Water" (Exodus 17:1-6; John 7:37 -52) John 7:37-38


"Father God, thank You so much for sending Your Son, Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, King, Bread of Life, and Living Water. Seeing Him so active and evident in Scripture brings me such ​​comfort​​ in places of my heart that feel empty today. Thank You for listening to my prayers for all the things I desire, need, want, and ask for. I pray, in the meantime, You sustain my faith by reminding me of Your past faithfulness to always keep Your promises. Thank You for the perfect provision of Jesus that paved the way for a relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."




* Half way through these 30 days, and I finally figure out that since I post at 6pm, I should have been posting the eve before, so I've done that today. I certainly hope that Lysa & Dr. Joel plan to do this as an online study! I know I would sign up and probably will re-do this book again, where I can spend more than 30 days.{I did catch up doing PATTERNS on the right day, so I hope I do again with PROVISIONS.}


Friday, November 10, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS (3) PATTERNS

(In case you've chosen to do this with me)


for

"30 Days with Jesus"

Experiencing His Presence
Throughout the Old and New Testament

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS         Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES      Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS           Nov.11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS        Nov.16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS    Nov. 21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE          Nov. 26-30

Truthfully, each week, is becoming a bit more challenging to keep up with this becuase the content is more intense - or maybe that's just because the past 5 days was on PROPHECIES (or through the lens of PROPHECY). I was quite pleased when I made it through PORTRAITS on time and was ready to begin PROPHECIES on November 6th. But I can't believe it's November 11th & already time to move forward to the next one: PATTERNS. One of the "patterns" that I noticed right away is that all of these "lenses" begin with the letter "P" (on Purpose) which is easy for me since my name begins with "P" that makes me more aware and it's a good teaching tool.

<>
 
During these 30 days "we'll look for and discover JESUS using 6 different lenses"

November 11th - 15th
we're looking through

PATTERNS

"We see Jesus in alternating patterns in the Bible like famine and rain, or wilderness and promised land that help us connect to the consistent reality of the presence of Jesus."

"This week, we are diving into how we can see Jesus throughout the Bible in Patterns."

"PATTERNS

are everywhere in Scripture."

11/11 "Famine & Rain"(Amos 8:John 7:37-43) Psalm 63:1

11/12 "Rising & Falling" (Genesis 37; Philippians2:5-11) Romans 8:28

11/13 "Wilderness & Promised Land" (Deuteronomy 32:10-11; Matthew 4:1-11) Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV

11/14 "Less-Than & Greater-Than" (Exodus 4:1-17; Matthew 5:1-11 and 43-48) Matthew 5:44

11/15 "Chaos & Order" (Genesis 4; John 1:1-18) Isaiah 11:6

I'm pretty sure that you've noticed by now 
but in case you have not:
each day there is Old Testament & 
New Testament readings
to demonstrate JESUS in both (the contrast)


"GOD, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME THROUGH SCRIPTURE. Through everything I continue to study, I pray I would see more of Jesus and it would drive me into an even deeper relationship with Him. I thank You today for Your everlasting faithfulness. ​​I trust You​​ through every situation I am facing right now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."


Looking at the 

PATTERNS

and

Giving Thanks

to

JESUS

for

connecting us to the consistent

reality of

His Presence

in each pattern

we can see God's hand


Monday, November 6, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS (2) PROPHECIES

(In case you've chosen to do this with me)


for

"30 Days with Jesus"

Experiencing His Presence
Throughout the Old and New Testament

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS           Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES        Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS             Nov. 11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS         Nov. 16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS     Nov. 21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE           Nov. 26-30

During these 30 days "we'll look for and discover JESUS using 6 different lenses."

This is the 2nd lens - "each one will show us something surprising and encouraging, 
and confirm God's good plan for us."

PROPHECIES

 "We see Jesus through the prophecies that tell of His coming in the flesh."

We are given quite a thorough definition of Prophecy 
and other terms to help us understand
Prophecy in the introduction to this week.

11/6 "Prophecy in the Beginning" (Genesis 3; Luke 1) 1 John 5:4-5

11/7 "Prayers and Praise" (1 Samuel 1; Ephesians 6:10-20) 1 Samuel 2:1

11/8 "Poetry" (Psalm 2; Matthew 3:13-17) Psalm 2:6 NLT

11/9 "Minor Prophets" (Micah 5; John 10:22-42) Micah 5:2

11/10 "Messiah" (Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 18:1-8) Isaiah 9:6

Every section ends with a beautiful prayer like this one at the end of PROPHECIES:

"Father God, thank You for the truths we unpacked this week in Your Word. I praise You for these revelations You are showing me while I find myself in my own waiting place. I pray right now that You would strengthen my faith today. Show me ​​more of You.​​ And thank You for Your Son, Jesus. He is evidence that reminds me You always keep Your promises. Continue to show me more of Him in the coming weeks of this study. In Jesus’ Name, Amen." Glory 🙌🏼

I am thankful for the

PROPHECIES

completed in

JESUS

and

yet

to be fulfilled

<>




Tuesday, October 31, 2023

NOVEMBER ... with JESUS and (1) PORTRAITS

... usually in November, I set this month aside for giving God

THANKS

(and I still am giving thanks to God)

but because November has 30 days, I decided that it's perfect to start a new book

by Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle

"30 Days With Jesus ..."

[right at the ending of my "52 Weeks With Jesus" this month & December]

 it's confirmed once more that this indeed is/was the 2023 One Word God gave me

 With

JESUS!

all thanks, glory, praise and honor

belongs to Him

as I continue


"... Experiencing His PRESENCE ..."


I have not even looked at this new book yet but I have decided it's what I will be doing for November (and whenever you choose) I hope that you, too will be reading this book. 

This book it set up for 6 weeks (5 days each week):

   WEEK 1 is PORTRAITS           Nov. 1-5
   WEEK 2     PROPHECIES      Nov. 6-10
   WEEK 3     PATTERNS           Nov.11-15
   WEEK 4     PROVISIONS       Nov.16-20
   WEEK 5     PROTECTIONS   Nov.21-25
   WEEK 6     PRESENCE         Nov.26-30

{it won't quite all fit in November if I do it week by week; and since Advent starts the 1st weekend of December (the 3rd), I need to make it work}

So that is why I have posted dates for each one instead of doing by Weeks
{there's only 4 weeks and a half}

However, looking at the content of each week, I notice that it includes workbook parts

[Your Notes] and [Your Response] here

which might be why it's 5 days each week so the weekend you can catch up (lol).

It seems pretty intense and I hope I am able to complete it in my schedule.

It appears to be a great study through the Old & New Testament,

a study of JESUS shown throughout all of Scripture

beginning to end, not just the New Testament.

It shows JESUS in the Old Testament as well.  

"in PORTRAITS - We see glimpses of Jesus through people in the Bible, as they partially fulfilled what He would later completely fulfill."

"in PROPHECIES - We see Jesus through the prophecies that tell of His coming in the flesh."

"in 
PATTERNS - We see Jesus in alternating patterns in the Bible like famine and rain, or wilderness and promised land that help us connect to the consistent reality of the presence of Jesus.

"in PROVISIONS - We see Jesus in God’s physical, emotional, and spiritual provision for the people of the Old Testament as Jesus is our perfect provision for all our needs."

"in PROTECTIONS - We see Jesus through God’s protection of His people, as we start to discover the ultimate protection we have in Him."

"in PRESENCE - We see God’s desire to be near His people since creation, and the ultimate invitation to be with Him is in Jesus."

Looking forward to yet another experience

With JESUS

through the "lenses" of the great team of these authors and 

Scriptures

from THE AUTHOR!

<>

Thank you Lysa & Dr. Joel again!

<><><>

Lysa captured my heart right away in her opening letter
after I purchased the ebook because my interest was piqued 
by reading her P31devotional and some emails previously,
and I couldn't wait! 

(so I knew right then that this was an answer from God for me & 2023 before I end the year).

<>

I am so very thankful for the

PORTRAITS

reflecting JESUS to me

in the Bible & in my life

as we start November 1st - 5th with

PORTRAITS

of

Adam & Eve (Genesis 1-2; Luke 3:21-38)
(Genesis 1:27)

Moses (Exodus 1-2; Matthew 1:18-2:15)
(Colossians 1:15-16)

Joshua (Joshua 1; Matthew 11:28:30)
 (John 10:11)

David (1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 13:22)
(Matthew 2:1b-2a)

Esther (Esther 3; Luke 19:41-44)
(1 John 4:14)

"... all their portraits (that) point to Jesus."

then on November 6th, I'll turn to the 

PROPHECIES

with JESUS and no breaks

so that's Nov. 6th to 10th

and so on.

<><><>

I'll try to check back & maybe post some, if time allows

... at least the Scriptures, we're looking at and studying to see

JESUS

in the Old & the New Testaments

<><><>


Hallowed Evening

to you all

for

All Saints & All Souls

Days

{I believe we fit both categories😉}

At least, I'm sure my youngest brother does, because he left this earthly place for 
his heavenly home after a week in a coma, 
on Nov. 2nd,1990.
[And this year, my older brother's gone, too].

It's so many years ago, Gary, 
now more years in heaven than you lived on earth. 
I remember & think of you often
'cuz I still miss you so much!
Always in my heart!

I'm give God thanks for the portrait of Jesus reflected 

by Gary to me & others

in the way he loved & served!

I thank Jesus for being Gary's friend & Savior!




Sunday, October 29, 2023

"Jesus, the Helper" for October

{Actually JESUS is our Helper all the time, not just for October}
*Moved the post forward*


Jesus,

the Helper



This is for 

Section 6 which includes 
(weeks 40-44) 
with
Jesus, the Helper

followed by
 Jesus, the Leader
(weeks 45-48)
in November

and then finally
 Jesus, the Overcomer
(weeks 49-52)
in December

 October - Section Six: Jesus, the Helper


40. The Thirst Quencher
41. A Most Valuable Treasure
42. A Gracious Judge
43. Always Available, Always Accessible
44. Our Best Friend


[please GO BACK to this blog post for my overall post and explanation, thank you]

All the rest of the content (Scripture readings, segments, prayers) is back there.

I will highlight in bold RED each week the one I'm doing here & there

<><><>

JESUS 

is my very best Friend.

Of course, He is much more, but a relationship should start with a friendship.

With an acquaintance, I would not say, I have a relationship (but it could become one)

With a friend, I know it's the beginning of our relationship.

A friendship can come & go through the years, 
yet once it's been developed initially 
into a relationship, 
you can return and pick up 
right where you left off.

If you stay in touch, then that relationship is maintained, freshened & remains.

If you loose touch, but were friends, you usually can pick up the time lost & continue.

The same is true with Jesus, once you establish your relationship & stay connected.

<>

I'm sure to gain more insights during this week with

JESUS, the Helper

as

Our Best Friend

meanwhile

"Jesus is our model for friendship—because He loved without limits— and He makes it possible for us to live a life of friendship—because we have been transformed by everything He shared with us. Through friendship we come to know God and through friendship we enact the love of God."~Baylor University

<><><>





*I have moved this post from October 8 to October 22nd, but last week it would not allow me to move it ahead for October 15 #42 A Gracious Judge. So the previous post for #41, #42 & #43 no longer exist, because I have made the changes and just moved the same post ahead. However, I'm pretty sure if you subscribe, you will still get emailed this, as if it's new. {sorry} It's not. Just the portion at the end, and the part that I highlight in bold red. 

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