DAY 64

A vibrant green bush in the midst of winter's dead brown.

That's how we should look to a dying world.

Notice the bush is not pointing fingers at the dead trees or the brown stubble. It's not condemning them for losing their leaves or for the grass turning brown.

Those of the world are condemned already. They know it in their hearts. What they want is evidence that God is real and cares for them.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...

Keepers and proclaimers of the Good News. Proclaiming that there is a way out. A way to get eternal life and not by good works. A way to be forgiven of the sin that strips the life from people.

Tell them. Proclaim the Good News and let the world see Christ's abundant life at work in you. Be Christ's life in this dead world.

DAY 63

A glorious Sunday.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

WE are all works in progress. As a writer, I start a book and let it unfold. The critic's sharp knife needs to be sheathed or the story won't have a chance to develop.

God knows this. HE is patient with His works in progress. Although there comes a time for pruning, He knows best when that time is.

Be kind and gentle to others AND yourself, let God develop you and mold you.

Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;...

DAY 62

I washed the dog yesterday. This morning, into the dirty pond he plops. Yep, had to wash him again.

Started to get mad, then I saw myself. How many times has God cleaned me up, and after not so long a time had to do it again.

I am thankful for a God who has a multitude of tender mercies to pour out on me.

Psalm 51:1
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

The Good News - God has plenty of mercy for all that call upon Him.

Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

And I really liked this verse.

Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

DAY 61

Dawn of the day.

This picture reminds me of the word wonder.

Something awe-inspiring, astounding, or marvelous.

Our God is one of wonder. He is awe-inspiring, astounding, marvelous and miraculous. I am thrilled that He is way beyond my understanding. That HE is so wonderful and mysterious, all-knowing and all-powerful, and that HE loves me.

Think of the grandness of a God who is above all, beyond all, and yet came to kneel on this earth to become one of us to show us the way, the truth and the Life.

HE is at the same time beyond our reach and as near as a breath.

He is wonderful!

DAY 60

Psalm 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Awww, what a refreshing revelation. God, my heavenly Father, my Redeemer, Lover of my soul, He leads me on the path I should go.

The One who created all things and holds all things together, knows me and has a plan for me and it is good!

And you can't outgood, God.

DAY 59

Silver wispy clouds

High and lofty

Made me think of pride.

James 4:10

¹⁰Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

What a struggle. Humility is a virtue few walk in. To be humble is to not be proud. While the love of money may be the root of all evil, I think pride is behind all sin.

Pride says "I can do it myself. I am first."

Humility says "My God is all. HE is first."

What strong beacons of His light we are when we put aside our need for self-importance and glorify Him.

In this age of so-called self-esteem, we would be wise to remember that we are only because He is.

DAY 58

Philippians 4:8

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

A great way to start the day. Keeps my mind on the right focus.

As Christians, we are overcomers, Heaven our home, and the All Mighty is our God. Jesus redeemed us, the Holy Spirit sealed us, and Praise to the One True God sings from our hearts.

Rejoice in the new day, proclaim the Good News, and watch for His return.

DAY 57

This tree was hit by lightning a few years ago. Although scarred, it's still growing and living.

Suffering? Why do people have to suffer?I am sure this will be one of the top ten questions asked in heaven.

I don't know the answer. Anything I say would be trite.

Psalm 145: 13b-14

¹³Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. ¹⁴The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

What I do know - God is love. He promises to work all things out to good for those called according to His purpose.

And the devil is the one who has come to steal, kill, and destroy.

Jesus is our deliverer. God is our healer,

Jesus sent out his disciples with the power to heal. Jesus never ran around saying -you poor thing, He just healed them. Jesus did weep but I get the impression it was more for the people around Him who didn't get the truth that Lazarus wasn't dead.

If we are in Christ, we are alive. Forever!

I wouldn't have taken a picture of this tree, except for the fact that it suffered and went on. Many who have been afflicted, go on to have testimonies of how Jesus worked in their lives and they overcame.

Suffering - I don't know. I am sure a result of the fall. It stinks, hurts, is not fair, and I hate it.

But my God is bigger, His promises stronger, and His salvation pure.

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

DAY 56

Sunday -- Sonday -- Sabbath

Mark 2:27
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

A day of rest from our normal duties. A day to reset our hearts toward heaven. Praying that the Lord would create a clean heart in us.

I woke up and wondered if I would be able to find any flowers in the field. Being January, the midst of winter, I wasn't sure.

Aha found 2 kinds. Both what most would call weeds, but I like them. One has three purple spears pointing skyward as if to say "I live, even in winter."

This one is a burst of yellow joy in a field of mostly brown leaves and grass.

Take time this day to enjoy what the Lord has done.

Reflect on what He is doing in your life.

Rejoice that this is the day that the Lord has made.

DAY 55

Sun rise or moon fall?

Yep that's the moon headed for the hills after getting caught by the sun's appearance.

Jesus had much to say about being mindful of His return.

1. Matthew 24:36
   But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
   Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
2. Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
3. Matthew 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
4. Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Be ready!

DAY 54

Sunshine. It just sets the heart on the right path after days of clouds.

Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

What comfort. The Lord will show us our path. He is in charge of our welfare and the way to go.

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Go confidently, seek the Lord, and He will show the way.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

DAY 53

Misanthrope - I was watching a movie this morning and had to look up this word. Means a hater of mankind.

Some people have the idea that God is misanthropic. They are so wrong. God does not sit up at nights thinking of ways to make people miserable.

Just the opposite, He has a plan to save mankind.

1 John 4:9
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

I find it sad that so many blame God for the work of the enemy, Satan, the devil, the old serpent--who does hate all of mankind.

Rejoice, God does love you and has made provision for your redemption. Man was God's greatest creation, the only one in which He breathed His spirit into. And God declared it was good. Beware of those who place nature or anything above mankind.

Love God, love one another. And share the Good News.

DAY 52

Aww sunshine and blue skies.

There are days when the Lord does seem closer. Maybe it is His doing, calling us to come unto Him. Take heed to those times when the Lord feels near. When the Son is shining on you and you know it.

These are times to repent, humble ourselves before the Lord, and acknowledge He is the Great I AM.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Psalm 32:6
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found;

Be mindful of the times, the calling of the Lord, and run to Him when He calls.

DAY 51

I am not sure why, but a lot of the oaks hang onto their brown leaves. I find it odd.

Made me think of Christians, who have been made new, but hang onto their old ways, regrets, and sins.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

If we look through the eyes of the world, I am sure we must look like these oaks with their dead leaves still attached.

But in the Spirit, we who are alive in Christ are new - all sin and imperfection is wiped away. Clean before God and one another.

So why do we wait until heaven to recognize this? When you look in the mirror, see yourself as the perfect blood bought heir to the kingdom.

And see your Christian brothers and sisters in the same light. Yes, in the natural we appear as the silly oaks with their useless dead leaves still attached, but in the reality of God's kingdom, wow, we are the awesome sons and daughters of the Most High God.

DAY 50

Quiet.

In my running to do whatever and the shrill clamor of the world, a Holy thunder in my spirit draws me to come to the quiet.

The soft place where you can hear a leaf fall, a bird sing, maybe a dog bark in the distance. But if you remain in the quiet, it's the place where you can commune with God.

He longs to tell us how He loves us. Speak words of wisdom to keep us from trouble. To right our spirit and create a clean in heart within us. Fill us with His love so we can share with others.

The quiet isn't a mystical place. You don't have to spend anything to get there. And even in the midst of a noisy whirling world, you can go there.

1 Thessalonians 4:11
...And that ye study to be quiet,

1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

DAY 49

The sun is really still somewhere in the sky.

Sometimes, it feels that way with God. We know He is everywhere, but during those dry times, it seems we've found that one place He isn't.

2 Corinthians

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

So on this day I can't see the sun, I whip out my trust factor and shine up my faith.

He is today, yesterday, and forever. He knows me, I have been redeemed by His blood. He promised to never leave or abandon me.

Hebrews 13:5-6

...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Search out the truth. Don't rely on what you think the Word says, find it, write it down and memorize it in your mind and heart.

He is with us, always.

DAY 48

A soft misty cold day.

Yep, snuggled under the covers and now sitting by the heater.

This day too has a purpose. Maybe I needed to rest and keep warm. : )

The Lord does not waste days or people.

If we are inclined to think so, perhaps it is because we are missing Him and His plans.

We pray. If the answer comes and it isn't as we have planned, will we recognize it?

That's why knowing God and His promises are crucial in our life journey.

DAY 47

In Genesis, we're told about two special trees in the Garden of Eden.

Gen 2:9

⁹... the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Gen 2:16-17

¹⁶And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:¹⁷But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

I have always wondered how Adam could have been so foolish to neglect the Tree of Life and be duped into eating from the Tree of knowledge of good and evil.

But then that is the story of mankind. We desire to be like God, no make that to be god. And we are not equipped to handle it. Like the Lord says - it will kill you. There is only one God.

Everyday, and in every choice, we can consider which tree are we going to eat from. Are we seeking the Lord, going to Him in all matters? For He knows all things and holds all things together.

Or do we reason in our own minds that we know what is best, this way looks right, or in judgment condemn our brothers and sisters with our form of religious legalism?

Today, choose from the Tree of Life.

DAY 46

A beautiful dawn only possible because there are clouds. Without the soft blanket of gray, there would not be the color and shapes to ooh and ahh at.

Thinking of my spiritual walk, I think it's the same. Yes, it would be great if I was always on target with the Lord, Perfect even. But that is not happening.

So my human nature that diverts my attention from the Lord, become a soft blanket of mess in my life, but God shines on the messes I make and turns them into good. Testimonies that can help others and encourage them in the Lord.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

My heart sings out to the Great I AM who is at work in me and around me. Even though I am not perfect, My Redeemer is and He it is who is at work in me.

The author and finisher of my faith.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;...

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For some reason, I have been impressed with the idea that it is a physical picture of my spiritual health.

Hmm, still alive, at little scraggly and really needed water this morning. BUT it's still alive! Fresh growth.

Today - the Lord did give me clear direction for my writing. The question that was on my mind.

Thank You Jesus, that You are a present help whenever we turn to You.

DAY 45

A beautiful cold morning.

And I am starting the day feeling like stupid slug. Hate that feeling. You know the one where you feel like you are the lowest and mumbling stuff like - why can't I get everything done, what a mess. I should a .....

Time for a reality check.

In Christ, I am

A child of God

1 Peter 1:23

²³Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 ⁷In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

NEW

2 Corinthians 5:17

¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ahhhh, feel better now. It's not by works but Faith. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy. Nothing like a dose of truth to get you on the path that He has set for you.

Need more - here's a link to more statements of faith

http://www.christian-faith.com/forjesus/who-i-am-in-christ

DAY 44

Looks like spring time in the midst of winter. As I was thinking of winter, I know many would say that winter is a time of death. But actually, it's a time of planning for life.

This Live Oak and the Winter grass are alive and well, reminding everyone that all is not lost. Even though the fields are yellow stubble and most of the trees stick figures of their summer glory, the Evergreens remind us that all is not as it seems.

In winter, farmers are busy planning their fields. Caring for the seed they will plant.

As mortal humans, we are reminded that this life is but an introduction to eternal life. As this one fades, we are swallowed up by Eternal Life in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:4

....that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Fear not the gray cold days of winter or mortal death, they are but a season we will go through to reach new life.

As Jesus said:

- John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Rejoice - for those who are in Christ, life is forever.

DAY 43

In winter's grip, we're having a cold gray day.

Seasons - the origin of the word is tied to the sowing of seed.

Ecclesiastes 3

¹To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

So what does one do in winter?

A farmer would ready his field, check to see if he has the seed to plant, and plan where to plant it.

As Christians, messengers and keepers of the Good News, what season are we in?

Personally, what season are you in?

Is your field ready? Have you cultivated good ground in the lives of those around you by walking in the spirit, letting your life be a walking testimony?

Are you ready? Do you have enough of God's good truth to sow into a world intent on deluding that truth? Hone your skills, read the Word, and pray.

Guard your hearts, minds, and soul that the enemy has no opportunity to sow lies into your field.

And ready yourself for the harvest. Be ready in season and out.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

DAY 42

It's snowing today, and I love snow.

This is a picture of yesterday's clouds. They reminded me of snow, even though the day was relatively warm.

God likes snow, too.

Job 38:22

²²Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?

What other treasures does God have in heaven?

I like to wonder about my awesome God. To know that He is so far beyond what I can know or even imagine. And that He would know us and love us, wow.

DAY 41

The need to's got you down?

With one week of 2011 gone, and onto the second, I know that many have already thrown in the towel on some of their resolutions.

It's not enough that we burden ourselves with enormous to do lists, but there are always those kind-hearted, well-meaning, doers who pile on

'you need to' advice on our heads.

REJOICE - Jesus said in:

Matthew 11:29-30

²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The day is young and bright, the year still new. Slip out of the heavy yoke the world and well-meaning friends slap on your back and put on His easy yoke.

Open your ears to His voice and do what He requires for the day.

You ...well... need to : )

DAY 40

You, who are in Christ, Praise the Lord for you are not condemned.

The enemy delights in weighting believers down with the lies of condemnation.

This morning I took a picture directly into the sun. The light is so brilliant that there is no way you can see past or around the sun.

Through the robe of Christs righteousness, His sacrifice on the cross that took away our sins, there is no way our sin remains. It is blown away by His righteousness.

John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Walk humbly before God, knowing that He has delivered you from all unrighteousness. Shrug off the pointed finger of the enemy and instead look to the cross and our Savior. We are free from sin in Christ.

The enemy condemns, making you feel guilty, unworthy, and hopeless.

The Holy Spirit convicts. that clunking feeling in your heart when you know you have done wrong.

Condemnation brings death. Conviction brings repentance and life.

Do not be fooled by the enemies tricks.

Repent quickly and rejoice that the Lord has paid the price.

Again, you are not under condemnation if you but believe in Him.

DAY 39

Are those gnat wings between your teeth?

I know the following verse was aimed at the Pharisees, but this is one of my favorite verses to describe human nature.

Matthew 23:24
Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

I confess, there have been plenty of times that I have had gnat wings in my teeth and a camel lump in my throat.

For instance, when I begrudge a dollar to spend on another but blow twenty on something I definitely don't need.

For mankind that worries about erasing wrinkles and pounds from the body, but doesn't give a thought to just where they are going to spend eternity.

Discern what is important.

Does that closet really need to be cleaned out? Or are you looking at the wrong closet and need to spend more time in that prayer closet.

And finally, another of my favorite verses.

Phillipians 4:8

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The choice is ours. Choose wisely.

DAY 38

Are you stoked?

Stoked - to stir up and feed fuel to, to tend

Slang. 1. Exhilarated or excited.

2 Timothy 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands

What gift has the Lord put inside of you?

You are unique, fashioned by the Lord before the foundation of the earth was laid.

Rejoice, you are a part of the Great Plan.

EPHESIANS 2:8-10

⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast.

¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Stir up the gift of God in yourselves.

Tend the precious gift of faith the Lord has given you.

Get Excited. He has a plan for your life and it is good.

Get stoked!

DAY 37

A gaze at the sun through the blinds.

Made me wonder, what blinds, obstacles, preconceived ideas do I look through to see my Lord?

How can I see clearer?

In the natural, I had to make an effort. Had to go outside. Had to look up.

The Lord commands us to seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD

How do we go about seeking the Lord?

Prayer

Study His Word

Fasting

Get up and go somewhere to seek Him - Jesus often went to the wilderness to pray.

Get away from the clamoring of the world and go to the quiet place and listen to the still small voice.

Seek Him.

DAY 36

Still waters.

The 23rd Psalm

¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

A passage most of us have memorized.

Time to once again learn these words, do these words, and rest in these words.

The Lord is my shepherd.

Is He? Have you answered the call to enter His flock? If so, are you an obedient lamb, choosing to follow the shepherd?

Make this year a time to come under the authority of the Shepherd. Learn to trust Him and follow Him.

DAY 35

I awake to my spirit ringing like a church bell "Glory, glory, glory"

My God is so big, so wonderful, so amazing. All powerful, love, just, truth, life, light, and the way.

I step out of sleep and walk into the glorious day He has made. Ever mindful of the gift that He has given me, eternal life. Redeemed by His Son, bought by the sacrifice of the sinless lamb, sealed with His Holy Spirit.

A messenger entrusted with the Good News and commissioned to tell others the Good News. I desire to know Him, to delight in Him, to be known by Him.

"Fear not" echoes within me. "I have overcome the world."

Go boldly, trusting and learning to trust in the Great I AM.

HE is our rock and our fortress.

Trust in the Lord. These are the words for 2011. Trust in the Lord.

DAY 34

Happy New Year 1-11-11

Slept late - but the sun found me. : )

See the little patch of light.

So to does the Lord call us.

Even after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit....

Genesis 3:9

And the LORD God called unto Adam...

He seeks us for our own good!

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

Jeremiah 29:11-15 ¹¹For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

¹²Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

¹³And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

¹⁴And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Take heart and be of good courage for the Lord is good and has only good for those call according to His purpose.