I was a preteen when I learned about Holy Spirit through “The Jesus People” movement in California. Knowing Jesus and His precious Holy Spirit forever changed my life, and I am so grateful.
This week, I read a GiveHim15 post by Dutch Sheets and watched this Video. Seeing so many young people worshipping Him, brought it back in a fresh way, and I was drawn to pray with and for them. I encourage you to watch it all the way to the end, it is precious and powerful.
I am reminded of the goodness of God in reaching me and so many other youth back then, and I rejoice at seeing Him do it again in this season. I believe their lives are being changed forever too. That prodigals are coming home and back to the Lord. And that what these young people experienced will spread far and wide.
Believe, pray, live in expectation and abide in Him. Ask Him to reveal himself to you and your loved ones, and to people everywhere who need to know Him.
Know that He hears your prayers, that He loves them, and He loves us. He wants us to know Him more, and knowing Him will change our world.
“I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].” John 15:9 AMPC
“And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28 AMPC
As I have been studying the word Hineni, I noted that its first mention is in Genesis 22:1. God calls Abraham by name, and Abraham’s immediate reply is Hineni – Here I am.
I felt compelled to go back and read Genesis 12-22, to look at the relationship between Abraham and God. It helped me understand why Abraham answered, Hineni (indicating his willingness to do whatever God asked) when God called him that day. They had a relationship of friendship, of covenant, promises given, promises fulfilled. Abraham knew that what God said, He would do.
As I read Genesis 22:1-18, Abraham had no fear as he faced the test. He fully expected God to provide, and to return with his son. So much so that just as he raises the knife to sacrifice Isaac, he hears God calling and says once again, Here I am.
Abraham, the Father of our faith, believed God, he had faith in what he said, he trusted God. By doing that he had received his promised son, even though it was physically impossible. And God had promised that his generations would come through Isaac.
“By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God’s] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, [Gen. 22:1-10.] Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned. [Gen. 21:12.] For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead.” Hebrews 11:17-19 AMPC
Because of Jesus this faith, this relationship with God is available to each one of us. He wants us to know Him, to learn that He is faithful. We do this by reading the Word, listening to Holy Spirit, praying (talking to and listening for God to speak to us).
He loves each one of us, He delights in revealing who He is and his good plans for us.
“[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 AMPC
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC
“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC
Think about it: Do you know that He delights in you? What promises have you seen fulfilled? What are you expecting? What blessings have you received? What can you do to get to know Him more?
I haven’t written in a while, but writing has been on my mind as I have recovered from a total knee replacement surgery. It’s been a journey of healing and during this time I have quite often thought about the word, Hineni.
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
Biblically it is significant, so there’s a lot we can learn. To start things off, I will share this song that inspires me.
It’s been a while since my last update on Brambleberry’s Andrew Jackson (a.k.a., Jackson). He is growing into a handsome fellow, a great hunter and a wonderful part of our family. Here are a few recent photos that show what he’s been up to lately.
A recent duck hunting trip on the Grand River.Just before Christmas 2024.Snoozing in his favorite spot by the front window (so he can keep an eye on things).I had knee replacement surgery on 12/13. Keeping him off me didn’t work so well. But he did a nice job of jumping up to lay by me while avoiding my leg/knee.Another favorite spot is lying by Ed’s feet.Just before Christmas, my handsome boy. ❤️
One of my favorite Christmas memories is when our kids & grandkids would go “Christmas Tree Shopping & Chopping.”
I recently shared the message below in a couple of Facebook groups that I participate in, and it seemed good share it with you today.
I suspect that for many of you, like us, the holidays are difficult. This is our 5th Christmas since my husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and due to the need to keep his immune response low, we live a very sheltered and sometimes lonely life.
I want to encourage you, as I am encouraging myself today: be grateful for every victory no matter how small, every good day and good thing you can think of — maybe even write a list of your blessings too. that you will remember with joy your good holiday memories. Pray for others who are in similar or maybe even worse circumstances.
My prayer for you is that you will tangibly feel and know that you are loved, you are seen. That you hearts will find grace, help, peace, comfort and even joy in your journey. That you and your loved ones will experience healing in your bodies, your mind and in your emotions.
Oh how He loves you and me!
“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” Romans 15:13 TPT
I woke up earlier this week with this lovely hymn on my mind. I haven’t sung it for years and years, and yet I remember the words so well. That’s true of many of the precious hymns I sang as a child.
I felt compelled to hear it and learn about its history, and while searching I found this wonderful blog by a fellow believer. I haven’t been able to contact him, but I am sure he won’t mind me sharing this link to Barry’s Hymns, which he has been writing for many years. There are so many, and he shares his thoughts and the stories of each one. Here is what I found:
(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-Day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend-He met the need of my heart; shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away, And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(3) Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure.There in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
This song also reminds me of the angel’s declaration, when He and Heaven came down:
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”” Luke 2:9-14 TPT
As I reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus next week, I am keenly aware of His great love for all of us. My prayer for all of us is that He will reveal more of who He is and how very much each one of us are deeply loved by Him. That in knowing His love, it will be revealed through us and our world will be impacted.
He is God, He is faithful, and He is unfailing. He is good and His mercies endure forever. That’s why I/we can and must believe, wait, hope and expect the Lord.
Last weekend I attended a women’s event at Crossfire Church. My dear friend, Pastor Judy Hemmila and her daughter, Tammy Trent spoke.
God knew I needed it, and he met me there. I am being very transparent in writing this, in hopes that someone else will read this and be encouraged.
I had recently received news about my husband’s health, and honestly I was struggling to continue to stand in faith. It will be 5 years in November since he became ill. Through prayer and faith he gained back much of what had been lost, but this news from the doctor made my heart ache. I was shook up thinking of what things were like 5 years ago and not wanting to go through it again.
So, back to the meeting, and what helped me to regain hope.
The message: Wave Walkers
“Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!” “Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased.” Matthew 14:28-32 TPT
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’” Isaiah 41:10, 13 TPT
Tammy shared:
God was there…and is now.
Never mistake your numbness for his absence.
Stay anchored. Keep going back to the Word, what he as promised, what he has done.
He is the way out.
His intentions are good.
We need his blueprint and his vision. His Direction – Deut 2:3.; He is doing something new – Isa. 43:18-19; His promises are Yes and Amen – 2 Cor 1:20
Judy shared:
What are you rooted in that will help you weather the storm?
Where are we right now in the waters of life – head above? Or below? He keeps us from drowning.
Stay focused on Jesus! With Him all things are possible.
Don’t let your reasoning block you from experiencing the will of God.
Doubt is a friend to unbelief.
Let’s stop looking at what is pulling us down. And look at what is pulling us us up — the Word. (My add – the Living Word, He is Jesus, who loves me unconditionally, who NEVER leaves or forsakes me.)
I know they said much more, but these are the words that reached in and pulled me up, back into the place where I could once again breathe the air of faith.
Their words of faith, and both Judy’s and Linda’s prayers helped me to regain hope, faith, and trust in who He is always – a faithful God.
If you are struggling today, I speak the name of Jesus over you. Close your eyes and whisper His name. As you do I pray that you will sense His presence, reach out to Him and let Him fill you with the peace that only He can give. Know that He loves you, sees you, and cares deeply for you.
The weather is still unseasonably warm here in West Michigan, but that doesn’t impact the dates for waterfowl season. Over the last few weeks Jackson began hunting with Jon for Canada Geese and Teal.
September On the Grand RiverSeptember north of Traverse City
Last Friday Jon, Jackson and my brother-in-law Jim left for 9 days of hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
1st afternoon scouting tripA view from the dog door in the blind – 1st early morning.1 day’s morning results
So far it looks like they are having a good trip. Although, I guess Jackson was pretty tired from Friday and Saturday, and wasn’t too thrilled with the early morning wake up call. I understand they might do some grouse and woodcock hunting too.
Jackson is still young at 14 months, and he’s not perfect, but both his early days of training and training/experience with Jon’s are working.
At home it seems very quiet with just Oliver (the labrahound), myself and my husband. But I think it’s good for us too, to have a change of routine.
We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this weekend with a nice dinner. I took some time too, to look through old photos and to reflect on wonderful memories made over the years. I have much to be grateful for, and I am thankful for the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God that we have experienced.
I WILL extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise]. Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:1-2 AMPC
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.
Lamentations 3:22, 24 AMPC
Let these scriptures permeate your soul today, and give Him praise. HE IS LOVE, and oh how He loves YOU and me!
I am sure you’ll be blessed by reading about Faith’s Gift. I am republishing it with permission of the author, who is a dear friend that I met while in Israel in 2019. Lori wrote a series of books that get right to the heart, I’m sure you’ll enjoy those, too. You can find them through https://wordscroll.org/ or https://nationofwomenpublishing.com/.
I am one among many American Christians praying for Israel.
Will you please join me in praying concerning Israel, its people, leaders, and the IDF (Israel Defense Force) — and against the enemy’s plans?
Father, I call for your angel armies to be released for the safety/protection of Am (the people) and Eretz (the land) Israel. Strengthen and give godly wisdom, insight, and understanding to their leaders, and hearts to hear and heed Your will. Grant unto them grace, help, and victory.
I cancel every assignment and plan by the enemy for harm, I command them to be exposed and undone now! All funding dries up now, and any assistance of the enemy from the inside is exposed, confused, and ineffective. I decree equipment fails, guns jam, and the fear of the Lord falls upon the enemy!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
In writing this, I am reminded of:
Proverbs 16:6 KJV By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Luke 1:67, 69-75 KJV (the declaration of Zacharias, the Father of John the Baptist) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied, saying, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
How thankful I am for prayer! For a God who is faithful, who hears and answers, and whose Word reveals His grace, mercy, and His will!
What should we expect as believers in Jesus Christ? Here is part of what He said. Set your faith, your expectation to believe what Jesus said the Holy Spirit will do. Take hold, and receive it! It’s for you, He is for you.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. [14] He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. [15] Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.
I am spending this week at Southwest Believer’s Convention. If you want to be encouraged, build your faith, and more, I invite you to join me either in person or online. It’s free and a great way to refresh your faith.
A Grateful Grace-full Life 