Lord take delight in me!

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
She came unto the king no more, except the king delight in her, and that she were called by name. Esther 2:14


SABBATH REFLECTION
Jesus call us to serve Him, all believers have an assignment to reveal to others kingdom space. We are to live in a manner others will want to be a part of God’s wonderful kingdom. Jesus sometimes has special assignments to be carried out in His name; He than looks to His disciples to determine whom He will use. This scripture from the story of Esther which tells us the young girls seeking to be queen only had one night with the king and if he didn’t find delight in her and called her by name she came unto the king no more. It would break my heart if I didn’t please my King, Jesus and He never again called me to an assignment or took away my gifts because He no longer took delight in me. The difference in Jesus and the king of Persia is Jesus will give me another chance; He does not give up on me after one try. Even though Jesus does not give up on us if we do not bring Him delight after one try He expects us to strive to bring delight and glory to His name. How do we bring delight to our Lord, let us look back at the pages of time and find examples of those whom the Lord took delight. David the second King of Israel was not perfect, but the Lord took delight in him, called him the apple of His eye. David learned if he repented from his sins, God would again find favor with Him. Repentance is essential to our relationship with Christ and necessary to claim the Lord has delighted in me. Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Samuel 12:13 “Have mercy on me, O God because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:1-3 Repentance is more than confession; it is a change of mind, a commitment to live differently with a new attitude.

Not only must we live in repentance of our sins, we must be obedient to the Lord as was Noah. When God gave Noah instructions to build an ark, He did so without hesitation. I believe God called upon Noah because He delighted in him. He found Noah to be righteous, and blameless. Noah arrived at this place with God because he remained in closed fellowship with Him, therefore when God called upon him he was immediately obedient. Noah gives us a clear roadmap to delighting God; righteous living, fellowship with God and obedience. “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” Genesis 6:22As a result Noah and his family were blessed to be the only family alive following the flood. God trusted Noah with two huge assignments, to build the ark and to carry on the human race.

To delight the Lord we must follow the example of Mary of Bethany, who put aside worldly issues to set at the feet of Jesus to learn of Him. We must seek our King; learn from Him that we may know Him
Mary’s desire to delight the Lord resulted in God choosing her to anoint the Savior, what a blessing and what a memorial to leave for us. “Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught.” Luke 10: 39 God commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33 God knows each of us by name and He desires to delight in us, but will not force Himself on us He desires not only for us to have an attitude of repentance, and obedience, seeking Him above all else He delights in us when we put on the garments of Christ, love our neighbors and open our hearts and spirits to His will.

DEEPER PERSONAL REFLECTION
Please STOP- bear with me today go back and read the anchor scripture again, slowly and then read it again replacing your name where there are pronouns. What are your thoughts?

DEEPER PERSONAL STUDY
Psalm 51
Genesis 6
John 12:1-7

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. Psalm 16:3

but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24 -

But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3

PRAYER OF THE HEART
Most gracious Lord, upon Your holy name I call asking forgiveness of my sins, Merciful God cleanse me from all my guilt, purify me from my sin, grant me a clean heart and renew in me a loyal spirit. Lord it is my heart desire to know You, when I seek You O Lord please reveal Yourself and guide me to true repentance, and obedience. Lord I thank you because You are a Just God forgiving me of my wrongdoings when I confess them to You. Lord please never forget my name and take delight in me, knowing it is the ultimate will of my soul to serve You. In the name of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus The Christ, I pray. Amen


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Sabbath Rest- Believe

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
So they rushed back from the tomb to tell His eleven disciples-and everyone else-what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the Mother of James and several other women who told the apostles what had happened.
But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. Luke 24: 9-11

SABBATH REFLECTION
It sounds like nonsense, it’s absolutely crazy, and it makes no sense. It is just a story created by man because people need something to believe in order to live life. If the disciples who had been with Jesus, actually were eyewitness to healings, changed lives, the transfiguration, Jesus turning water to wine, stilling the waves, giving the dead life and Jesus own testimony He would be raised from death to life after three days didn’t believe such nonsense how in the world am I going to get those who cross my path and a few in my inner circle to believe when I have never even seen this man Jesus, whom I call Savior?

BELIEVE

*BOLD- I must be bold and confident in my belief. I must walk out my belief, bringing honor to God with my life, allowing my life to bring forth good fruit. Living to bring Him glory and to be a witness that all I am and all I do which is good is because Christ lives in me. “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ. Philippians 1:20a My bold confidence is evidence it was not nonsense.

*EVIDENCE- I must have evidence- Peter didn’t believe but something in him made him want to check out the story. "However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings." Luke: 24:12.
Before Christ my life was filled with sin, junk, dirt, wickedness, and all kinds of wrongdoings, I was dead. Jesus poured out His blood on the cross and God took His work and emptied me of my sin and put in me the desire to
live righteously. Now when you look closely at my life you will see the linen wrappings of sinfulness is empty. My life is evidence, the tomb was empty.

*LIGHT-I must have a heart flooded with light. I must continually be the light of Christ, reflecting His light that others will see and know there must be a God in me molding and shaping me. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called-His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18 My heart reflects an empty tomb.

*IDENTITY- I must have an identity. Christ has identified me as His own. “And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.” Ephesians 1:13. The Holy Spirit living in me is additional evidence, it was not nonsense.

*EXPLAINING- I must be ready at all times to explain this Christian life. I must always be ready to explain in a gentle and respectful way why
I choose to live a life which worships Christ as Lord. I must stay focused on living a life in which I will have a clear conscience, and then if others speak against me they will be ashamed when they see what a good life I live because I belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (Paraphrased) I couldn’t belong to Christ if He had not died on the cross.

*VALUE- I must value knowing Christ. When I value knowing Christ and my life reflect intimacy with Him and true knowledge of Him, others must look at me and wonder what is happening. She cares naught about the offerings of the world, only the offerings of Christ. “I once thought these things were valuable, but now consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. “Philippians 3: 7-9a He is the resurrection, He raised me with Him to a new life.

*EARNESTLY- I must earnestly seek after God, that I might find Him. If I am not earnestly seeking God with all my heart and soul, I can not require another to seek Him or even desire to know Him or His beloved Son. “Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. They earnestly sought after God, and they found Him. 2 Chronicles 15:12, 15b. The tomb was empty, He was raised by the power of God on the third day and He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on my behalf. I know this because God has revealed it to me.

SABBATH PRAYER
Father God, Heavenly Father, I believe, help me to plant the seed that those who cross my path and those in my inner circle who have chosen not to believe will come to believe by my life which Christ is living through me. Lord God let me bold in my Christian walk, reflecting the light of Christ daily. Help me to show how much I value Christ Jesus by living as a true daughter always ready and able to explain my belief.
Let my life be evidence to all because I have been seal with the Holy Spirit and given identity in You. Father God may I earnestly seek you with all my heart and soul every day I am gifted. By the power of the Holy Spirit and in the glorious name Of Jesus I pray. Amen

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It is Finished

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
Jesus said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and released His Spirit. John 19: 30

SABBATH REFLECTION
Jesus life was not taken, it was freely given. He gave it for you and me. “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6

Jesus fulfilled God’s plan for salvation. He became the sacrificial lamb, meeting all God’s standards for sacrificial offerings. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, 1Peter 1:18-20

We all have been taught and know the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3

God so loved us He gave His one and only son, the Christ; Jesus so loved the Father He was made us His passion by becoming obedient even unto death. What can we do to repay this debt? All we can offer back to God is a heart of gratitude, wrapped in obedience. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2


SABBATH PRAYER
Lord my heart is overflowing with love for you because You have loved me so completely. You gave me Your very best gift, Your very own Son. He went through an agonizing death so I could be reconciled to You. He brought me fellowship, He brought me intimacy. He gave His all for me. Lord my pitiful thank you is not enough, so I ask You to fill me with Thy Holy Spirit to lead me to giving all of my body to You, a living and holy sacrifice. Father God help me to fully embrace all You have done for me by being obedient to Your every command as Christ my Lord my Savior, my Redeemer has model for me. In Jesus magnificent and awesome name I give praise, worship and offer this prayer. Amen

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Spiritual Sunday-Lift Him Up

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven”! But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
Luke 19:38-40

SABBATH REFLECTION
He is our King, let us rejoice, and let us lift joyful voices in praise to His holy name. Praise Him with the highest praise and give glory to His name. He is our Savior. He left heaven for us. He is worthy of our praise. He carried the shame of the cross for us. He was ridiculed, mocked, and brutally beaten for us. He took on every sin, every disease, unkindness, lie, rebellion, every transgression, and all of our iniquities. He bore the cup of suffering for us; a cup filled and over flowing. We became His passion.


GO DEEPER
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God Romans 8:10

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21

For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. Romans 3:25

SABBATH PRAISE
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find
protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Praise the Lord; praise God our SAVIOR! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

SABBATH PRAYER
Most Holy One to your name we give all praise, glory and honor. You O Lord are worthy of our praise. Lord God never do we want the stones of the earth to lift their voices in praise of You because we fail to give You the glory and honor due You Majestic name. We lift up Your name, the One who said If I be lifted up I’ll draw all men unto me. Thank You Lord Jesus for drawing us into You. Thank You for making us Your passion, may we daily seek to make You our passion by living as true children of the King of Glory, Who is the King of glory? The LORD Almighty – he is the King of glory. Jesus in Your Saving Name we pray. Amen


DON’T LET THE ROCKS CRY OUR FOR YOU!

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Sabbath Rest-Quiet Hope

Sabbath Scripture
It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. Lamentation 3:26 Message

Sabbath Reflection
When life is tough and you are in distress how do you hope in the Lord? Is your hope filled with tears, anxiety, restlessness, worry, confusion? What does your hope look like? Is it dressed in complaining and grumbling with a coat of isolation? Does your hope stand alone or does it bring faith and trust with it for company? Does your hope grace itself with praise, prayer and worship? Does it seek the strengthen words of the Lord? My friend what does your hope look like?


Does it resemble the quiet hope of Anna the Prophetess who quietly waited in the temple to see salvation come to Jerusalem in the flesh? (Luke 2:36-38) Does your hope bear a resemblance to the hope of Mary of Bethany who quietly sat at the feet of Jesus and took in all He had to pour into her as she sought understanding? (Luke 10:39) When you examine your hope is it similar to the Widow's Offering who gave all she had, hoping God would turn her little into much. (Luke 21:1-3) Can your hope stand up to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refuse to trust, bow down or serve any but the God of all hope; quietly entering the furnace. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, The God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. (Daniel 3:17-18, 23) Does your hope match that of the Woman with the issue of blood who quietly made her way through the crowd to touch the hem where all her hope dwelled? (Mark 5 21:25-32)

It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.

Quietly meditate upon these words and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.
Where does your hope dwell?
Does your hope know its' help comes from the Lord God?
Are you hoping for something from God right now? What does it look like?

Sabbath Prayer
Holy Father, sometimes our hope is not quiet. We let worry, anxiety, and yes doubt and fear get in the way of our hope. Lord we know You will come through but sometimes we allow the enemy to plant blocks that throw us off course. Lord forgive us and bring us back to pleasing hope where we quietly wait for your deliverance. Jesus in Your Holy name we pray. Amen

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-A Sabbath Rest- "I will restore your soul!"

Spiritual Sundays
I will restore Your Soul

Sabbath Scripture
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.


Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

God’s Promise
When your heart feels heavy, overwhelmed, worn-out, I promise to bring refreshment to your soul. I will make you rest where it is quiet and peaceful. I will lead you to where you can be renewed. I will restore your soul to a state of health and soundness. (Heather Kopp- God’s Little Book of Guarantees)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. The Message

God’s Promise
Whatever your need I’ve got it. There is no need for you worry, your needs are held in the palm of my hands. When you need a place to rest I will provide you a lush green space to rest your soul, you will be able to drink from my waters of refreshing, soaking in my word leading you to a fill table where I will fill your cup until it spills over and you will know my love and see my beauty all the days of your life because I will bring you into my holy house to dwell.

God’s Beauty
God is my Supplier; I never have to stand in need.
God is my Leader; I am lead along His path where I find a place of rest.
God is my Director; I am direct to spaces of stillness.
God is my Restorer, my soul is restored.
God is my Righteousness; Christ in me makes me righteous before God
God is my Companion. I never walk alone
God is my Courage; I walk fearlessly with Him at my side.
God is my Comforter; I am consoled in my sorrows.
God is my Nourishment, my table is always filled, my enemies scatter because they see God’s awesome care of me.
God is my Anointer; He constantly anoints me to do His will
God is my Source, my cup is ever overflowing.
God is my Goodness; He fills me with goodness and shows me how to pour it out on others
God is my Love, He fills me with Himself and His loves flows from me.
God is my Dwelling Place; I am kept under the shadow of His wings.

Sabbath Rest Reflection
Where do you go when you need to rest your spirit?


Do you seek a space where you can connect to God?

Do you ever allow yourself moments to take a breath?

When you are afraid by what life is offering you do you invite God to walk with you?

Reflect upon the ways and times God has filled your cup when you went to Him for restoration.

How do you see God’s beauty in these scriptures?

Sabbath Praise
Great God, You are My Lord, my keeper, my love. It is You who guide my heart and You who bring me to quiet places of rest when this world becomes too much for me. You keep me in the shadow of Your wings where I am protected; You are my strength and my provider. You O Lord are my strong tower, I look to the hills from whence cometh my help, because I know my help always comes form You O Lord, King of Glory. I love you. Jesus in Your Name I give this offering of praise. Amen

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Spiritual Sunday-Resting

Sabbath Rest

The Lord calls us to observe the Sabbath, to keep it holy; to not engage in any work. Today I invite you to rest with these words, reflect upon them. How do they speak to your heart? What do you believe God is saying to you? How will you apply these words to your life? Study each translation and gleam more and more as God speaks to your heart as He spoke to mine.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 KJV

One thing I always wanted from the Lord, and I will now seek after it. I want to dwell in His house all the days of my life. I want to experience His beauty up close and reflect upon His sanctuary. Not every other day, not some days but I want this every day of my life.

Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple. Complete Jewish Bible


I am only going to seek one thing, to live with the Lord in His house. I shall devote each day to living with the Lord. This means I will put on His clothes of righteousness, holiness, love, grace, mercy, compassion, and peace. I will walk gently and humbly with a peaceful heart, giving generously, obeying the commands given to me by Adonai. This way I will see His beauty for I will be living it as He daily fills me with His Spirit.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. NIV

I will search for the Lord in His temple, His dwelling place, His sanctuary. I will daily search my heart and my spirit, the place where God Holy Spirit dwells. I will cleanse myself of those things which are not of God and does not bring Him glory. You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred - and you, remember, are the temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

The one thing I ask of the LORD – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. NLT

I will rejoice in the Lord as I daily mediate upon His word. I will seek quiet moments to dwell upon His perfect and good ways. I will still my heart and spirit and dwell upon His beauty. I will open my lips in delightful praise.

I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet. The Message

I will spend time in deep thought, meditating upon His great beauty. I will rest at His feet, listening for His voice as I study His holy word.

Prayer
Thank You Lord for a Sabbath rest, may I rest with your word all the day long. Lead me to Your sacred sanctuary show me Your beauty as I dwell at Your feet, let me hear Thy sweet voice. Jesus, Lord and Savior in Your Name I pray. Amen

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Spiritual Sundays- Living A Godly Life

Sabbath Rest

Rest with the Word of God
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11

Sabbath Soaking
 God has given me everything I need not only to live life but to live a godly life. A life of righteousness, a holy life.
 I can live godly because I have knowledge of God. He has shown me Himself in Christ.
 Through His own glory and goodness He has given me very great and precious promises. These promises help me to live godly and to escape the corruption of this world. I escape because I have cast aside evil desires, for the Lord has placed His godly desires in my heart.
 I walk in faith; I wrap faith around my heart so I become faithful in the things of God. In my faithfulness God brings me to goodness and with His goodness He gives me more and more knowledge of Him and as my knowledge increase I want to please Him more and more so I learn self-control which leads me not to give up, I am able to control my thoughts and controlled thoughts enable me to persevere, continuously wrapping godliness around my life and in godliness I can give kindness to all God allows to cross my path and God opens my heart showing me what love in actions looks like when it flows from His heart to mine.
 As God increases in me I increase in faith, goodness, knowledge of Christ, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love all of this combined keeps me from being ineffective and unproductive in my Knowledge of Christ.
 I seek to always remember I have been cleanse from my past sins; always eager to make my calling and election to join the great witnesses of faith and salvation sure so I cannot fall but walk surely to the eternal kingdom of God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and receive a glorious welcome.

Sabbath Reflection
How do I grow in my knowledge of God?

Which of these do I fall short of giving God glory; faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness and love?

Sabbath Prayer-Praying the Scriptures
Holy God, Holy Father, Holy Savior thank you O Lord for cleansing me of all my sins, thank you Father for providing me everything I need for godly living. Thank You Lord for Your promises which allows me to participate in Your divine nature. Increase my faith Lord, shower me with a greater knowledge of You, and as my knowledge increase let goodness, self-control, perseverance, kindness and love wrap themselves around my spirit ever flowing into the earth where Your great Name will be glorified, and magnified in the hearts of all people. Lord I love You and I lift my heart in worship for by Your own goodness and glory You called me to life in the earth, but more importantly life eternally with You. Jesus in Your sweet and precious name I pray.

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Spiritual Sundays- True Fasting

Sabbath Rest Scripture
1 "Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Tell my people Israel of their sins! 2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to hear my laws. You would almost think this was a righteous nation that would never abandon its God. They love to make a show of coming to me and asking me to take action on their behalf.
3 'We have fasted before you!' they say. 'Why aren't you impressed? We have done much penance, and you don't even notice it!' "I will tell you why! It's because you are living for yourselves even while you are fasting. You keep right on oppressing your workers. 4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. 5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? 6 "No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. 7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give
clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 "If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. 9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. "Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! 10 Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 12 Your children will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as the people who rebuild their walls and cities.
13 "Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this, 14 the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 58

Sabbath Reflection
What are your thoughts as you read the Lord’s definition of fasting?
How different is God’s thoughts on fasting than the world’s/than your own?
Why was God displeased with the Israelites fasting? Why might He be displeased with your fasting?
Whom does God call you to serve?
What will God do if you fast according to His guidance?
Why do you think God included keeping the Sabbath Holy with these instructions about fasting?
What will you change today as you seek to be obedient to God’s instructions to keep the Sabbath Holy?

Sabbath Prayer
Father God I give thanks for your word. Thank you for instructing me, though I may find it easier to give up food than to seek and serve those in need I ask for your help. Help me to no longer close my eyes to the hungry and homeless. Help me to
share my many clothes with those who have none. Help me not to take the easy way out and just drop off clothes and those things which you have so graciously bless me at the nearest thrift store, but help me Father God to find the nearest shelter or Church Clothes closet, better yet Father God help me to find the person who stands in need. Father when I eat today help me to remember there are many with nothing, and Lord those meals I am fasting to show penance let me give those meals to someone who knows true hunger. Lord as you pour out Your wonderful blessing on me help me to remember I am blessed to be a blessings to others. Let me share my blessing with those You place in my path. Father God help me to reflect Jesus today by moving outside of myself and reaching out in love and compassion. Help me Lord to be as generous in my giving as You were in giving Jesus the Christ for me. I love You Lord and help me to show my love by being obedient to your word, that my fasting will be pleasing in Your sight. Lord Thy God help me to keep this Sabbath Day holy and look to Your interests rather than my own. Help me to delight in this glorious day and share your goodness with praise and worship in community and in my quiet time. Jesus in Your precious and loving Name I pray. Amen!


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Spiritual Sundays---Redeemed

Sabbath Scripture
O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:58

Sabbath Prayer
O Lord thy God, the time draws close where I move to remember all You have done for my soul, You O lord have redeemed me. Prepare me O Father by speaking to my heart and to my soul those things You would have me to do to reflect my gratefulness for Your Passion. You willingly suffered and endured for my salvation, may I freely give back to You by living holy and righteously that Your Name be glorified, Father God help me make this my passion. Jesus in Your Name I pray.

Sabbath Learning
The soul is rebellious, full of pride and seeks to have it own way. It cries for peace, joy, love, comfort, relationship and yet it often turns from the very One who can answer the cry. This is just what the nation of Israel did, they rebelled against God, forgot His commandments and He judge them. Even earlier there were two who had fellowship with God, who experienced His peace, joy and love up close in a way that few have been given the opportunity to know. Adam Eve and the Israelites gave away control of their souls and walked in disobedience. The result God judged them and their souls couldn’t handle it. Adam and Eve blamed the crafty serpent and the Israelites blamed Moses, at the time of Lamentations they blamed their forefathers and said they were suffering for their sins. Whom do we blame when we are walking in disobedience, when we forget those commands God has given us to protect and guide us. The easiest and most acceptable answer is that crafty serpent; the devil. We give him too much credit; truly it is our own rebellious soul we should look. Lord I don’t want to admit or accept I still walk in rebellion in spite of all I know of You and in spite of all You have done for me. Lord I don’t want to accept my soul still wants to have it own way. The truth is the soul will always want to have it own way. A greater truth, God will always look upon our sin and judge us guilty; He has no choice for He is holy. Therefore God had to give us a way to stay in fellowship with Him. He had to develop a plan which would answer our souls’ cry. He searched and in His great wisdom knew He was the only answer and He prepared the way; Jesus. Jesus made us the center of His life. He followed every command from the Father and made us free. We became His passion and He didn’t waver, all the way to Calvary He walked to redemption.

Sabbath Reflection
“Only a nail-scarred hand could pay the debt that sets us free. We are redeemed.”

What does Jesus nail scarred hands mean to you?
What does living redeemed mean to you.
What changes do you need to make to begin living as passionately for Christ as He lived and died for you?

Application
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Many will put ashes on their foreheads to show they belong to Christ. Many will move into a period of fasting. Consider what your ashes will be, move your ashes from your forehead and bring them to life. What will your ashes look like on you? If you are moving into a period of fasting determine where you want to be at the end of your fast. Identify the steps you need to take to get you there. Daily implement the steps.

Prayer of Change
Father God I no longer want to walk in ritualistic ways, engaging in activities because it sounds Christian. Lord I want to reflect Your holiness in my life please lead me to the place where I become real rather than ritualistic and my actions will reflect true change. Father let me see those places in my life which need Your touch. Father You are my Helper, help me to fast from those things which do not bring You glory. Help me to move the ashes from my forehead and put them in my heart where You will be reflected in all my ways, lead me to holiness. Father as I take this journey to see Calvary, Your passion for me and the world draw me closer, and bring me to Your Holy Temple renewed, refreshed, restored and resurrected with a passion to walk redeemed that You will be glorified. Jesus in Your Name I pray. Amen


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Spiritual Sundays-Giving Thanks- Part 2

God calls us to give thanks in all things, even in the midst of the not so good times. It is not easy to give thanks when we are in the midst of sadness, sorrows, pain, losses, depression, illness or any type of crisis. In spite of the fact this may appear hard, God says we can do it. He even gave us an example of how to give thanks when we are going through. Let us look to Joseph who was able to give thanks in spite of his circumstances and see what advice we can gleam from his life.

Joseph was sold into slavery, taken from the people he knew and loved, from his father’s care and placed in a foreign country because of jealousy. How could one not be angry and bitter, full of hate? Joseph was not. We can imagine Joseph was confused about how he got into such a predicament; he had not done anything to deserve such punishment. Joseph kept focused on God, he gave thanks to God by continuing to walk upright and faithfully. Joseph teaches us no matter our situation we are not to take our eyes off God and we are to continue to do what is right in God’s eyes. He didn’t compromise his beliefs as demonstrated by his encounter with Potiphar’s wife, he didn’t dishonor his God. Joseph didn’t give Satan any kind of foothold into his life and because He kept God the centered, God gave him His favor, Joseph was successful in all he did. Again we can imagine this strengthen Joseph and kept him with an attitude of thanksgivings and kept him looking up rather than at his situation.

Could life get any worst for Joseph, yes he was thrown into prison because he chose not to disrespect his earthly master and more importantly his heavenly Master. Joseph refused to sin against God and found himself in prison, less freedom but not less opportunity to praise and give thanks to God. God continued to show Joseph his faithful love and Joseph responded to this love by giving God the glory for his gifts and his success. Even when it appeared Joseph wouldn’t be remembered and freed from his prison life he continued down the same path of trusting in and waiting on God. His thankful waiting resulted in not only his release from prison but promotion to the second highest office in the land. In this office Joseph was able to reunite with his family. Though Joseph was still hurting from the treatment of his brothers but he was able to give thanks through his pain by developing an attitude of forgiveness. He looked to God and saw His righteous hand in his life and knew God has set him on a path which would help him to save his family. Joseph’s ability to give thanks in the midst of trouble, trails, loses, lies, forgetfulness resulted in his being able to rejoice over the goodness of God.

When life throws us a curve ball, we can’t lose hope we must continue to give God glory and thanks. “In all things give thank to God for this is His will for you through Christ Jesus”. Ephesians 5:20

Step to giving thanks regardless of our circumstances.

• Remain focus on God; keep Him at the center of your life. Look up and not at your circumstances. “Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up.” Romans 4:19 (the Message)

• Continue to walk righteously and faithfully. “this means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful. Revelation 13:10b (NLT)

• Do not compromise your beliefs. “So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good," says God. "Don't link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. 2 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)

• Do not dishonor God. “Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2 (NLT)

Don’t give Satan a foothold into your life. Shut him out quickly. “And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. : Ephesians 4:26-27

• Keep an attitude of thanksgiving; look at the good in your situation. If you can see no good, see God’s goodness. “They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!" Psalm 92:15 (NLT)

• Continue to use the gifts God has blessed you with and give Him glory for those gifts. "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God." 2Timothy 1:6 (NIV)

• Refuse to sin. “Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:13 (NLT)

• Know God is directing your path, don’t forget He has a plan and purpose for your life. “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23 (NLT)

• Remember God’s timing is not the same as yours. His timing is always right and it will always come. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:19 (NLT)

• Remember God sees ahead and is preparing the way and preparing you. “The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. Psalm138:8 (NLT)

• Be forgiving. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NLT)

Know waiting on God will result in you being able to rejoice in His goodness. “ But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “ Isaiah 40:31 (KJ)

• See God’s righteousness in the midst of troubles and draw your strength from Him. “They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.” Psalm 89:16 (NLT)

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Sabbath Rest-Spiritual Sunday Giving Thanks Part 1

Reflection
Life is made of moments of goodness, peace, joy, love, happiness and laughter. God pours out His compassion upon us in many ways and He takes great pleasure in doing so. These moments we rejoice and we lift joyful hearts in praise. God takes us to the mountain top and we feel loved and highly favored. Giving thanks is not a problem, we are jubilant in recognizing God as Almighty, Powerful, Sovereign, Wonderful, Trustworthy and Loving. We sing high praises to His Holy Name. This is how it should be; we should always recognize and praise God for His blessings and care of us. The question becomes can we offer this same praise when life meets us with pain, sorrow, lost, hurt, discouragement, sickness, sadness, hate, and tears? How obedient to God’s word are we during these moments. I think it becomes more important to lift God’s name in praise during these times of valley experiences. It is in these moments we discover who we really are in Christ. A true believer, following the path God has set before us whatever it may consist of. Are we willing to carrying the cross not knowing the distance but with each step praising and giving thanks to God Almighty, all Powerful, Sovereign, Wonderful, Trustworthy and Loving?

No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Deeper Reflection

Do you consistently give thanks to God when life is good?
Do you recognize His blessings in your life?
How do you handle life when it meets you with troubles?
Do you lift God in praise during these times? Is your heart truly thankful when life is not what you desire?

Deeper Still

Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Praying the scriptures

Father God. Life does not always bring our hearts’ desire. It brings pain and sorrow, sickness and disappointments. During these times Lord let us not forget all your benefits; let us lift your Name in high praise offering you thanksgiving whatever the circumstance. Lord we trust You and know You work everything for our good, so we offer you thanks whatever the cross for this is Your will for all who belong to Christ Jesus. Jesus in Your sweet Name we pray. Amen

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Listening Prayer

Sabbath Scripture
I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:1-2

Prayer of ThanksgivingLord thy God because You hear my voice and my prayers for mercy, You O Lord bend to listen to my every word cried out to You, Lord You even hear my thoughts and often give answer before I can put them into audible words and Lord this is why I love You and I will pray to You as long as I have breath. Jesus in Your precious and wonderful Name I pray. Amen!

Reflection
We have many reasons to love the Lord, He is our Creator, He gives us the breath of life, and He sustains us, protects and shields us. He is our strength, our guide, our goodness. He is God, the One whom we can turn when we stand in need. When we call upon Him in prayer He stops and listens, He attends His ear to us. He knows our personal voice, He knows how it sounds. He knows when we come with a joyful, thankful voice. When our voice is filled with sorrow, concern, pain and repentance He knows. He hears all our prayers and He answers in the way best for us. Prayer is vital to the believer, it is the way in which we communicate with God, and it leads the way to our developing a relationship with God. Could this be why God bends down, and focus on my voice when I call out to Him? Because His greatest desire is to have a relationship with us, He created us for relationship; therefore when we go to Him in prayer He listen with undivided attention. Do we offer Him the same do we listen for His voice in prayer? I know I struggle in this area. It is so easy to pray to God but to be still and listen for His response is more difficult. Why do we go to God in prayer, yet don’t take the necessary time to listen to Him? Why do we not offer Him the same respect His offers us, His creation. He is the Creator the One we should always take whatever time needed to hear His voice. As children most of us were not taught to listen, we were only taught to speak and say amen. This is not an excuse we can continue to hold on too we must learn to listen to God in prayer if we desire an intimate relationship with Him.

Sabbath Quietness
Read this scripture at least 3 times let it speak to your heart. Spend some time with your thoughts and let them lead you to where God would have you right now. If they lead you to prayer; pray, praise; praise, singing; sing, worship; worship, questions; ask God. Just get quiet and go with the Lord.


Sabbath Stillness
I invite you now to clear your mind, let your thoughts go and just be still before God for as long as possible. Invite Him to speak to you.

Sabbath My Holy Rest
Father God, thank You for listening to me, attending to my voice. Forgive me Lord for every utter prayer that didn't listen for your voice in return. Bring me O Lord to the place where I listen for You as You listen to me. Jesus in Your Name I pray.

Sabbath Sharing
If you have a special way in which you have learn to listen for and to God voice in prayer please share.

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Sabbath Rest- Gifts

Sabbath Rest Prayer
Heavenly Father, with much adoration and love, we give thanks for Christ the Messiah. We give thanks O Father for all Jesus has done for us. For this great gift we give you praise, glory and honor. We ask O Lord thy God for your guidance. Guide us in giving Jesus gifts worthy of our King; gifts which reflect our love and gratitude for life granted to us by Your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. In His most holy and mighty name we pray. Amen.

Sabbath Rest Scripture
They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. Matthew 2:11


Sabbath Rest Reflections
The wise men travel a great distance seeking Jesus. We don’t have to travel very far to seek Him, yet we often fail in this task. He is very close by us waiting for us to come. God has also provided us a star, the Bible. We only need to open it and tenderly search the scriptures. Sometimes we have to dig deep, other time we can Him on the surface with no digging at all. In either case He promises if you seek me, you will find me. Just as the wise men saw Him when they entered the house, we will see Him when we enter the word.

Just as the wise men saw Jesus in Mary’s arms, we when wise often find ourselves in Jesus arms. Jesus has become our refuge and strength and He will hold us in His arms as long as needed.

As Jesus daily cares for you, become overcome by His grace and love. Stand in awe of His great care and concern for you and Kneel and worship. Bow down your life to Him, and bring gifts worthy of our God. As you move from Christmas Day move to the Spirit of Christmas presenting God with costly gifts, which cost you something, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5, and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39. Loving God with everything we have, with our all and our neighbor as our self will lead us to giving gifts reflective of our Savior. To begin this process we must open our heart to Jesus, truly allowing Him to dwell in us and live through us. When we let Jesus do the God thing in and through us we give Him one of the greatest gifts we can offer. In essence we are saying I sacrifice myself to You Lord, use me, mold me, grow me, shaping me into what you would have me to be, work through me Lord . I have so little to give You, but me and I freely give to You, my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable.


In what ways do you identify with the Wise Men?
What other gifts can you bring to Jesus in the coming year?
Spend time with the wise men this week seeking truths you can apply to your life.



Prayer
Lord, we can’t thank you enough for Jesus. It appears we have so few gifts to give to you Lord that are worthy. We ask You today to guide us in giving gifts which are pleasing to you. Fill our heart with Your word, your truths and help us to live Your word, Your truth until we are truly living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to You. In Jesus Name we pray.

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Spiritual Sundays- Celebration

Today I am doing something different. I want us to remember not only do we celebrate the Birth of our Savior but we celebrate His life. There is no way I can bring Honor to His entire life here but prayerfully a few reminders we celebrate all Jesus is- Our Lord, our Savior, Our God. Let Your heart rest on His ministry, His life and His death and because of His obedience we have a relationship with God, we have become children of God, we have inherited a Kingdom and we have everlasting life through Christ; The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel God with us, our Wonderful Counselor. The Alpha and Omega-the Beginning and the End.

Somewhere this past week I read on another site (and I am sorry I can't give you credit I don't remember where but perhaps you are visiting today and can let us know) "Jesus is not a season, He is the "REASON" this has stayed with me this entire week and thus you have my tribute to the "Reason". It is my prayer I not only keep Jesus in my Christmas but that I make Him my Christmas. Without Him there would be not Reason. I pray I will carry Christmas in my heart everyday as I rest on and in His ministry of teaching, healing, humility, generosity, peace, gentleness, grace, mercy, compassion, obedience and most of all love. It was love which nail Him to the cross. It was love which kept Him on the cross. Let Love make Him your Christmas.

Happy Birthday Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my God. All glory, honor, power and praise belongs to You.

I hope you enjoy the slide Show

Prayer
Father God, I pray blessings to all who share with me and Spiritual Sunday may their Christmas be joyous and filled with Your Love God the Everlasting Father, God the Son;the Everlasting Savior and God the Holy Spirit. In Jesus most precious, sweet and loving name I pray. Amen


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