My Identity in Christ Part 6

Today is our last look at scriptures on our identity in Christ. It is my prayer that these scriptures have blessed you as they have me.  Where my name is, put your name and make it personal.

Donna Is Forgiven.

John 5:24 Donna has passed from death to life in Christ.
Most assuredly I tell you, if Donna hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, Donna has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but she has passed out of death into life.

Rom. 3:24 Donna has been justified through grace.
Donna is justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Rom. 5:1 Donna has been justified, completely forgiven, made righteous, and has peace.
Being therefore justified by faith, Donna has peace with God through her Lord, Jesus Christ.

Rom. 8:1-2 Donna is forever free from condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation for Donna because she is in Christ Jesus, because Donna doesn't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made Donna free from the law of sin and death.

Rom. 8:31-34 Donna is free from any condemning charges against her.
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for Donna, who can be against her? He who didn't spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for Donna, how would He not also with Him freely give Donna all things? Who could bring a charge against Donna, because she is one of God's elect? It is God who justifies Donna. Who is He who condemns? It is Christ who died, and more than that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God and makes intercession for Donna.

Eph. 1:7-8 Donna has been redeemed and forgiven and Donna is a recipient of His rich grace.
In Him Donna has her redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of Donna's trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward Donna in all wisdom and prudence.

Eph. 4:32 Donna has been forgiven in Christ.
And Donna is to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, just as God also in Christ forgave Donna.

 
Blessings,

Huldah

Today’s devotion is written by Mary Davis. I believe she is a woman of quality!

Huldah

“Every woman’s work will be known: for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will try every woman’s work of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:12

Though one of the rare women of the Bible, her role in building God’s kingdom is no less important. We probably wouldn’t choose her as someone to pattern our lives after. But we can, because she was a woman of quality. Her story is told in II Kings 22:14-20 and II Chronicles 34:22-23. Her name is Huldah.

She is known as “the woman who unveiled the future of a nation”, a remarkable spokeswoman for God. When the book of the law was found during the repairs of the temple, it was Huldah that King Josiah, through God’s guidance, asked to interpret the meaning of God’s words. Faithful to her calling, the prophetess Huldah can certainly be ranked with Deborah, Hannah, and Esther among Old Testament women. As a result of her prophesy, a revival brought renewed spiritual life to the kingdom. Amazing what one woman can do when she exercises the God given power within her!

Heavenly Father, our time spent on earth is a time for building the Kingdom of God. This means our vision must spread beyond the doors of the sanctuary and minister to the needs of the world. In this respect, stir us to catch the vision and the burden and start gathering spiritual stones to build your kingdom. Thank you Father, Amen.

Blessings,

God is our Hope

Psalm 23:6 (NIV) 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

We are almost done with our look at "Quiet Confidence for a Woman's Heart" by Elizabeth George. This is a study of Psalm 23. In Chapter 11 Elizabeth George looks at Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life”.

We know about God’s care for us in the past and present. In this verse, we look to God’s promises and see how He takes care of us in the future.

“Our walk with God, with our Good Shepherd shifts from the present tense (is, makes, leads, restores) to future tense (shall and will). We’re assured that God has planned and knows our futures, and He promises to take care of our every need forever.”

In verse 6, David begins with “surely”. He moves from experiencing what God has done for him and how He has provided for him to faith, every moment of his future! David is confident that God has his future.

The author says “hope is what verse 6 is all about – hope for all our tomorrows. And for all our forever-days!”

“Our natural tendency is to fear the unknown. What we don’t know and don’t understand generally bothers us and shakes our confidence. … We can easily get caught up in wondering Is there really hope?”

Have you ever been there? Most definitely. We all have. I have.

Not only did David confidently proclaim “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” but we can proclaim it too!

Take a moment and list a few things of how God has been faithful to you.

“God will faithfully and successfully shepherd you in and through the future! … As His cherished sheep, you never have to lack hope. You have His promised goodness and mercy to cling to and depend on and celebrate all the days of your life. … Realize you face the unknown with the known – with the proven, extended care of God, your Good Shepherd, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

“We have the sure promise of the presence of God’s goodness and mercy forever. God will be with us at dawn, at noonday, in the evening and through the dark night of each and every day. When you need His strength for your life’s work each day, God will be there, extending to you all His goodness and mercy. When you need His support for life’s trials, when you move from green pastures to a dark valley, you can hold tightly to the hope of the promise of God’s continual goodness and mercy.”

Here are two thought provoking questions the author asks at the end of Chapter 11. Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

1. Throughout our walk with the Shepherd in Psalm 23, we’ve focused on what we consider our needs and God’s gracious provision for those needs.


a. What present difficulties are you dealing with?


b. How does God’s goodness and mercy provide hope and encouragement in your trials?

Remember today that you indeed have hope in God.

Let’s pray. Father, we thank You for the hope we have in You. We thank You that not only do You take care of our past and present, but You also take care of our future. Help us not to get caught up in the fear of the unknown. Thank You for being faithful to us in all things. We give You praise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

Work of the Holy Spirit

This past Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. Today we will continue our look at the work of the Holy Spirit. The information below comes from my husband’s PowerPoint presentation for the Sunday night service.

The Work of the Holy Spirit:

• Teacher
John 14:26 (New Living Translation)
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

• Guide
John 16:13 (New King James Version)
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

• Helper
John 16:7 (New King James Version)
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

• Revealer
Ephesians 1:17 (New King James Version)
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

• Witness
Romans 8:16 (New King James Version)
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

• Intercession
Romans 8:26 (New King James Version)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

• Anointing
Luke 4:18 (New King James Version)
18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

• Power to witness
Acts 1:8 (New King James Version)
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

• Power to serve
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (New King James Version)
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

• Fruit Bearing
Galatians 5:22-23 (New King James Version)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The Holy Spirit has worked in my life in many of these areas, which I am very thankful. I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in your life as teacher, helper, guide; that the Holy Spirit will give you power to be a witness for Christ; that the Holy Spirit will bear witness with your spirit in different situations; that the Holy Spirit will reveal things to you, such as reading a passage of scripture and it comes alive with meaning; that you will be anointed; that you will serve and that you will bear much fruit.

Blessings,

Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-4 (New Living Translation) 1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.


Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. My husband did a great job preaching this message. Acts 2:1-4 was his text and he used scripture from the Old and New Testament to talk about the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 31:2-4 (KJV) 2See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV) 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Acts 2:16-18 (KJV) 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Today is the 11th anniversary of my dad’s passing. The Holy Spirit was definitely at work in the lives of my family that day. We could not have gotten through the day and the days ahead without Him. After my dad’s passing, the peace of God so filled the room to where it overflowed to the other parts of the house. The Holy Spirit strengthened all of us during that difficult time. Even though it was a difficult and sad time, God helped us each step of the way. The verse that I clung to talks about God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him.

I am thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life during the passing of my dad, as well as today. I need Him every day of my life! How about you?


Blessings,

My Identity in Christ Part 5

We are continuing to look at scriptures on our identity in Christ. I came across this a while back and found it to be a great resource. Where my name is, put your name and make it personal.

Donna Is Chosen.

John 15:16 Donna has been chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.
Donna didn't choose Me, but I chose Donna, and appointed her, that she should go and bear fruit, and that her fruit should remain; that whatever Donna will ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to her.

II Cor. 1:21-22 Donna has been established, anointed, and sealed in Christ.
Now He who establishes Donna in Christ, and anointed Donna, is God; who also sealed Donna, and gave her the down payment of the Spirit in her heart.

II Cor. 5:18-19 Donna has been reconciled to God and she is a minister of reconciliation.
But all things are of God, who reconciled Donna to Himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to Donna the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling Donna to Himself, not reckoning to Donna her trespasses, and having committed to Donna the word of reconciliation.

Eph. 1:4 Donna has been chosen by God to be holy.
Even as He chose Donna in Him before the foundation of the world, that Donna would be holy and without blemish before Him in love.

II Tim. 1:9 Donna has been given a holy calling.
God saved Donna, and called her with a holy calling, not according to Donna's works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to Donna in Christ Jesus before times eternal.

Titus 3:5 Donna is washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Not by works of righteousness, which Donna did herself, but according to His mercy, He saved Donna, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

I Peter 2:9 Donna is a member of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession.
Donna is a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that Donna may show forth the excellencies of Him who called her out of darkness into His marvelous light.

I John 2:28 Donna has boldness and is not ashamed.
Now, Donna should remain in Him, that when He appears, Donna may have boldness, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

 
Blessings,

Joyful Praises!

I was reading Psalm 66 last night and wanted to share it with you.  May we shout joyful praises and sing about the glory of his name!  God is so very good to us!  Today, may we tell others about His goodness to us!

Psalm 66 (New Living Translation)

1 Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!

2 Sing about the glory of his name!

Tell the world how glorious he is.

3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.

4 Everything on earth will worship you;

they will sing your praises,

shouting your name in glorious songs.”

Interlude

5 Come and see what our God has done,

what awesome miracles he performs for people!

6 He made a dry path through the Red Sea,[a]

and his people went across on foot.

There we rejoiced in him.

7 For by his great power he rules forever.

He watches every movement of the nations;

let no rebel rise in defiance.

Interlude

8 Let the whole world bless our God

and loudly sing his praises.

9 Our lives are in his hands,

and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

10 You have tested us, O God;

you have purified us like silver.

11 You captured us in your net

and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.

12 Then you put a leader over us.[b]

We went through fire and flood,

but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

13 Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings

to fulfill the vows I made to you—

14 yes, the sacred vows that I made

when I was in deep trouble.

15 That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—

the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,

and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats.

Interlude

16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,

and I will tell you what he did for me.

17 For I cried out to him for help,

praising him as I spoke.

18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

19 But God did listen!

He paid attention to my prayer.

20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer

or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Blessings,

Our Banner

Psalm 23:5 (NIV) (God is with me) in the presence of my enemies.

Psalm 7:1 (NIV) O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

Psalm 31:15 (NIV) My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Psalm 34:7 (NIV) The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

We are continuing our look at "Quiet Confidence for a Woman's Heart" by Elizabeth George. This is a study of Psalm 23. In Chapter 10 Elizabeth George looks at Psalm 23:5 (God is with me) “in the presence of my enemies.”

David’s life was filled with running from his enemies. He had to rely on the help of other people. “Many times David found himself dining in the presence of his enemies.” A guest in Eastern hospitality included protection.

In this chapter, we are introduced to another name of God, Jehovah-Nissi, meaning “the LORD is my banner.” We read about Jehovah-Nissi in Exodus 17:15. Earlier in Exodus, Israel goes into battle with Joshua leading them. Moses stood on a hill with his staff – or the rod of God – in his hand. When Moses had his hand raised, the battle went well. After Israel won the battle, Moses build an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD is my Banner.

“Jehovah-Nissi revealed Israel’s confidence that God was the One who gave them the victory. It was also a reminder that God was the One they should rally around as their banner in future skirmishes.”

“Moses experienced Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD is my Banner in the presence of Israel’s enemies.”

“David, when he wrote these lines in Psalm 23, anticipated ultimate victory and deliverance in the presence of his enemies because he rallied under God’s banner of protection in His home as His guest.”

“We’ve witnessed the situation – the presence of enemies. We’ve experienced the scene the safety and protection of our divine host. And we beheld our Savior – Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD our Banner. Isn’t it wonderful how we’re fully cared for and fully armed with the protection of our God!”

Here are two thought provoking questions the author asks at the end of Chapter 10. Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

1. What is your favorite promise from the Bible that reminds you of God’s protection?

2. When did you experience a victory or “won a battle” in the presence of your enemies because God’s banner was over you?

Remember today that as you face your adversaries, you have the ultimate victory!

Remember today that you are protected as you stand under Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD is my Banner!

Remember today that as you lift up Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD is my Banner, that deliverance is yours!

Let’s pray. Father, we thank You that You are our Jehovah-Nissi, that You are our Banner! We thank You that You have the ultimate victory. We thank You that we are protected as we stand under You – Jehovah-Nissi. We thank You that as we lift You up that deliverance is ours! Father, touch those reading this that may be facing situations in the presence of their enemies. Help them to know that You are there and that You are their Banner. Help them to know that they are fully protected by You. We thank You, Father, for all that You do in us and through us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

My Identity in Christ Part 4

We are continuing to look at scriptures on our identity in Christ. I came across this a while back and found it to be a great resource. Where my name is, put your name and make it personal.

Donna Is Complete.

I Cor. 6:17 Donna is joined with Christ, and she is one spirit with Him.
But if Donna is joined to the Lord, she is one spirit with the Lord.

II Cor. 5:17 Donna is a new creation.
Therefore if Donna is in Christ, she is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

II Cor. 5:21 Donna is the righteousness of God in Christ.
For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on Donna's behalf; so that in Him Donna might become the righteousness of God.

Eph. 1:3 Donna has been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
Blessed be the God and Father of Donna 's Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed Donna with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

Phil. 2:5-7 Donna has Christ's mind.
Have this in your mind, Donna , which also was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, didn't consider it robbery to be equal with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.

Col. 2:6-7 Donna is firmly rooted in Christ and she is being built up and established in Him.
As Donna received Christ Jesus, her Lord, she must walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, even as Donna was taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

Col. 2:10 Donna has been made complete in Christ.
And in Him, Donna is made complete, who is the head of all principality and power.

Blessings,

Proud to Praise God

Psalm 56 (The Message)

10-11 I'm proud to praise God,

proud to praise GOD.

Fearless now, I trust in God;

what can mere mortals do to me?

12-13 God, you did everything you promised,

and I'm thanking you with all my heart.

You pulled me from the brink of death,

my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.

Now I stroll at leisure with God

in the sunlit fields of life.

Psalm 57 (The Message)

9-10 I'm thanking you, GOD, out loud in the streets,

singing your praises in town and country.

The deeper your love, the higher it goes;

every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.

11 Soar high in the skies, O God!

Cover the whole earth with your glory!

Blessings,

A Prepared Table

Psalm 23:5 (NIV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.


Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

My ladies and I are reading "Quiet Confidence for a Woman's Heart" by Elizabeth George. This is a study of Psalm 23. In Chapter 9 Elizabeth George looks at Psalm 23:5 “You prepared a table before me … You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”

David was pursued by his enemies for quite some time. At times his life was at risk. In Psalm 23:5, he writes of finding a table that has been prepared for him.

“The setting shifts to show the psalmist as an honored guest enjoying the warm hospitality so characteristic of the Middle East, where Psalm 23 was written.” We move from the sheep/shepherd relationship to the human relationship. The author says “we are invited to focus on the promise of God’s protection and the blessing of his friendship.”

Psalm 23:5 says You prepared a table. Thus we know that the Lord was the host and server. We also know that the table was prepared ahead of time, before David – the guest – arrived. I like what the author said about this “… we’re not unexpected guests, but anticipated ones. …Preparations have been carefully made in advance.”

“He prepares in advance, sets His banqueting table, and waits for us weary travelers to lift the tent flap and come in so He can minister to us… This, precious one, is our God, the One who prepares a table in the wilderness for us when we can’t go on, when we’re completely worn out.”

Not only is the table prepared, but David goes on to say “you anoint my head with oil.” When I read this, I thought of the story in Mark 14:

Mark 14:3 (KJV) And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

We know that this oil was very costly. The oil used here in Psalm 23:5 is also an act of luxury. “It’s also a symbol of festivity (the oil of joy replaces mourning Isa. 61:3). And it’s a sign of happiness because ointment and perfume rejoice the heart (Prov. 27:9).”

Next David adds “my cup runs over.” “The magnitude of God’s provision includes a well-filled cup…. Filled to overflowing – that’s how God fills our cups! We’ll be filled, saturated, completely satisfied.”

“Our Lord’s provision for us represents His thoughtfulness and generosity … The sustenance, the oil, and the brimming cup do their job well and revive us.”

Take comfort today knowing that the Lord has prepared a table for you, not just any table but one that has a full spred of food on it. Take comfort that He anoints your head with oil, a costly oil, a symbol of festivity. And take comfort that your cup runs over, that you are completely satisfied.

Let’s pray. Father, we thank You that You are the great I AM. We thank You that You prepare a table for us, that You anoint our head with a costly oil, and that our cup runs over signifying that we are completely satisfied in You. We rejoice that we are Your friend! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,

Mother's Day 2010

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year.  Then again, I always have a wonderful Mother's Day!  My husband and children always treat me so good.  My mom and her husband joined us at church then we all went out to eat.  We had a few minutes before our reservation to take some pictures.  It was a very windy day!  My brother and his wife joined us for lunch and we got a few pictures with them.  We had a great time together.

Me and my two gifts!

Me, my two gifts and my mom!

My wonderful family!

Me and my mom!

Mom and her two grand special gifts!

Me, my mom and my brother!

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Blessings,

My Identity in Christ Part 3

We are continuing to look at scriptures on our identity in Christ. I came across this a while back and found it to be a great resource. Where my name is, put your name and make it personal.

Donna Is Victorious.

John 8:31-32 Donna has been set free.
If Donna remains in My word, then she is truly My disciple. Donna will know the truth, and the truth will make her free.

Rom. 6:1-4 Donna died with Christ and she died to the power of sin's rule over her life.
What shall we say then? Shall Donna continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! If Donna died to sin, how could she live in it any longer? Or don't you know that when Donna was baptized into Christ Jesus, she was baptized into His death? Donna was buried with Him through baptism to death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so Donna also might walk in newness of life.

Rom. 8:37 Donna is more than a conqueror in Christ.
No, in all these things, Donna is more than a conqueror through Him who loved her.

II Cor. 2:14 Donna is led triumphantly by Christ.
But thanks be to God, who always leads Donna in triumph in Christ, and reveals through Donna the sweet aroma of His knowledge in every place.

Gal. 2:20 Donna was crucified with Christ.
Donna has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer Donna who lives, but Christ living in her. That life which Donna now lives in the flesh, she lives by faith in the Son of God, who loved Donna, and gave Himself up for her.

Phil. 4:13 Donna can do all things through Christ.
Donna can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her.

II Tim. 1:7 Donna has been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
For God didn't give Donna a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline.

I John 5:4-5 Donna has overcome the world.
For Donna is born of God and overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: Donna's faith. Donna overcomes the world because she believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

 

Blessings,

God's Promises

I was taking my children to school the other day and my daughter said “Mom, look at the rainbow”. I looked up into the gray sky and there was a beautiful rainbow, well half of a beautiful rainbow. I couldn’t see the other half. As I drove a little bit further, I could see the other half of the rainbow as well. It was beautiful! It was perfect!

Seeing the rainbow reminded me of God’s promises to us. The first one that came to mind is:

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) ...he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Here are a few more promises that we know:

1. He has promised to supply every need we have. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". Phillipians 4:19.

2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." II Corinthians 12:9.

3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" Jude 24.

4. God has promised us victory over death. "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" Acts 2:32.

5. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

6. God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16.

7. God has promised His people eternal life. “27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27,28.

8. God has promised us a Comforter. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Of course there are many, many more promises in the Bible that God has given us. What are some that you are clinging to today? I want to remind you that God will keep His promises to us. Hang in there and don’t give up!

Let’s pray. Father, we thank You for all the promises that You have given to us in Your Word. I pray for those reading this that are holding on to promises that You have given them. I pray that You will strengthen them and uphold them. I pray that You will bless them greatly! Thank You again Father for all Your promises! We love You and give You praise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

You Go Girl!

My daughter had her last softball game, and thus our last sporting event until August. We won! Sarah (#8) had such a great year. When she started this softball season, she had never done anything with softball. She sure has come a long way! She was fantastic on defense playing second base and helping to cover first base when needed.  Every game she would have several outs and many more assists.  She struggled with batting but towards the end was hitting the ball really good, getting on base.  One away game, my husband was running late and she hit a double and we missed it!  The coach, jokingly, said we could not come to anymore games.  One of our last games we went into extra innings.  We normally play seven innings and were tied which took us into the eighth inning.  Sarah was at bat and had an RBI (run batted in) which tied the score - again - taking us into the ninth inning, which we finally won. 

In addition to softball, she also plays volleyball in the Fall and basketball in the Winter. I asked her the other day if she ever thought she would be this athletic. She told me "yeah". Well, I did not know she would be so athletic and I'm her mom!  We do recognize that God has given her the ability to play the different sports like she does.  And we give Him all thanks!

I am very proud of Sarah playing softball!  She had an excellent first year!  You go girl!

Blessings,

Donna