trust – Page 2 – A Grateful Grace-full Life

A Little Brown Dog’s 1st Hunting Season

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.

Last Friday Jon, Jackson and my brother-in-law Jim left for 9 days of hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

A view from the dog door in the blind – 1st early morning.

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.

Faith’s Gift

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://wor dscroll.org/ or https://nationofwomenpublishing.com/.

Faith’s Gift

https://wordscroll.org/

Trust Him, He Hears, He Saves

Under pressure? Busy? Wondering about all the things going on in our world today?

Stop for a few minutes, be quiet, rest, read His Word. Pray. Oh, how He loves you. Trust Him.

The Lord alone is our radiant hope and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wraparound presence will strengthen us.

As we trust, we rejoice with an uncontained joy flowing from Yahweh!

Let your love and steadfast kindness overshadow us continually, for we trust, and we wait upon you.

Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face.

Psalms 33:20-22 TPT‬

Yet when holy lovers of God cry out to him with all their hearts, the Lord will hear them and come to rescue them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain, and he is always ready to restore the repentant one.

Psalm 34:17-19 TPT

The Little Brown Dog at 6 Months

Jackson reached 6 months old on January 28, and wow, has he grown! He is long and sturdy, and at a bit over 30 lbs is getting to be quite a lap full! His fur has gone from wavy to downright curly, and his adult teeth have grown in.

Play is still a big part of his day, catching balls and playing with Oliver. But there is also more time spent now just hanging out and chewing on antlers.

He hasn’t attempted the basement steps yet — which is more than OK with me, but he is well able to jump up on furniture. As you can imagine, this is an opportunity for learning and discipline.

Jackson’s adult teeth have had a big impact on his toy selection. About a dozen toys that made it through Oliver have been thrown out, and even “extreme chewer” toys are no match for those teeth.

Jackson is soft-hearted and wants to please, but also a bit willful and stubborn. Next month, he will go to a trainer for obedience and bird hunting training. I feel a bit like I am sending him to military school, but I know it is for his good. An undisciplined dog can be a danger to itself and others. An obedient dog trusts his master, responds to his commands, is safer, and has a more enjoyable life.

This made me think of Hebrews 12. It says that God’s discipline isn’t always enjoyable, but it is evidence of His faithful love.

‭‭Hebrews 12:6-7 TPT‬‬
For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.” Fully embrace God’s correction as part of your training, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. For who has ever heard of a child who never had to be corrected?

Choosing Peace

Sharing some thoughts about His peace with you has been on my heart for a few weeks, particularly with all that’s going on in the world thesse days.

If you are feeling anxious, fearful or stressed, I hope you will be encouraged by this good, good news!

You get to choose: No Jesus — No peace, OR, Know Jesus, Know Peace!

How do I/we choose peace?

The 1st step is to ask Jesus to come into your heart, to be your savior and Lord.

The next step is to get to know Him through His Word — and to choose to trust and believe that He is who He says He is, and that His Word is truth.

Then when a fearful or anxious thought comes, you fight that thought with truth the truth. You remind yourself of who He is and that you are His.

Next, read and personalize scriptures, speaking and applying them to yourself. Here are some examples:

Isaiah 9:6, says that Jesus is The Prince of Peace.

John 14:27 TPT says, I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!

Philippians 4:6 TPT says, Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life,

1 Peter 5:7 TPT says, Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Isaiah 48. It reminds me of who He is, and that is teaching me and leading me.

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Isaiah 48:17 NLT

My prayer for you is found in Romans 15:13 TPT, It says, 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!

Be encouraged dear one. Oh how He loves you and me!

His Perfect, Unlimited, Enduring, Endless & Extravagant Love

So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth.

And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power.

Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions.

How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.

Ephesians 3:14‭-‬20 TPT

My Shepherd

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.
Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 MSG

It’s been a long night and now its early morning. One of my loved ones is in the recovery room after emergency surgery. I am reading the Word and feeling grateful for the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit and for the faithful love of God. I read this version of Psalm 23 in The Messsage, and I am grateful to be His. I hope it will encourage you today too.

Be Still… He is A Refuge

According to the Websters 1828 Dictionary, A refuge can be defined as “That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a strong hold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy.“

I think at times we all know that we need a refuge. I sure know I do. To reinforce my awareness I recently added scriptures and sayings to my bedroom walls. Now no matter where I look I am reminded of Him. To look unto Jesus. The author and finisher of my faith. My refuge, my strength, and my secure hiding place. To trust Him every day, in every circumstance.

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
Psalms 46:1 TPT

He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence.
Psalms 91:2 TPT

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope!
Hebrews 6:18 TPT

Be encouraged dear ones. Oh how He loves you and me!

My greatest treasure

I love the Word of God and so by faith I am choosing to live with that in mind. There are so many reasons to do this, here are a few:

The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth. That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold. Sweeter also than honey are his living words— sweet words dripping from the honeycomb!
Psalms 19:10 TPT

For God’s Word is something to sing about! He is true to his promises, his word can be trusted, and everything he does is reliable and right.
Psalms 33:4 TPT

All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair, and his every word proves trustworthy and true.
Psalms 111:7 TPT

Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being.
Proverbs 4:21‭-‬22 TPT

It’s easy to be distracted with all that’s going on in the world, but I want to be able to say like King David did in Psalm 119:11 (TPT), “I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure. ”

Let’s pray: Dear Father God, I thank you for the precious treasure of your words. Thank you for using them to reveal who you are, your nature, your character, your faithfulness, your mercy, kindness and unfailing love. Thank you for giving me Jesus The living Word as my Savior (John 1 & 3), your Holy Spirit as my teacher (John 10) and your written Word, which declares your will. I choose to treasure your Words. I ask you to continue to teach me, to open my spiritual eyes to know and understand more of you. I love you Father, I trust you and I choose to rest in your love and care for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Don’t Worry

“And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty like one of these!”
Matthew 6:28‭ TPT

I have heard that worry defined is a greater belief in something or someone’s ability to do us harm than our belief/faith in God — that he cares for us. So the next time a worried thought comes I encourage you to refuse it and take these thoughts instead. It helps me to say them out loud, as a way to take ownership of them.

So if worrying adds nothing, but actually subtracts from your life, why would you worry about God’s care of you? Luke 12:26 TPT

I repeat: Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. Luke 12:29 TPT

For the Lord takes care of all his forgiven ones while the strength of evil men will surely slip away. Psalms 37:17 TPT

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.
Psalms 55:22 TPT

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:33‭-‬34 TPT

Believe it! Oh how He loves you and me.

The Triumph of Faith

I woke up early today and heard Holy Spirit say get up and let me talk to you. I want to share it with you because Oh how He loves us! And His Word applies to all who make Jesus Savior and Lord.

When people work, they earn wages. It can’t be considered a free gift, because they earned it. But no one earns God’s righteousness. It can only be transferred when we no longer rely on our own works, but believe in the one who powerfully declares the ungodly to be righteous in his eyes. It is faith that transfers God’s righteousness into your account!
Romans 4:4‭-‬5 TPT

Knowing that God has accounted you as righteous read this Psalm in faith and make sure to personalize it. Declare this Word out loud over yourself and your generations — your family, children, grandchildren and future generations.

Shout in celebration of praise to the Lord! Everyone who loves the Lord and delights in him will cherish his words and be blessed beyond expectation. Their descendants will be prosperous and influential. Every generation of the righteous will experience his favor. Great blessing and wealth fills the house of the wise, for their integrity endures forever. Even if darkness overtakes them, sunrise-brilliance will come bursting through because they are gracious to others, so tender and true. Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Their circumstances will never shake them and others will never forget their example. They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat. Never stingy and always generous to those in need, they lived lives of influence and honor that will never be forgotten, for they were full of good deeds. But the wicked take one look at a life lived like this and they grit their teeth in anger, not understanding their bliss. The wicked slink away speechless in the darkness that falls, where hope dies and all their dreams fade away to nothing, nothing at all!
Psalms 112:1‭-‬10 TPT

I’m Still Standing

I’ve missed writing and sharing with you. It’s been an extremely busy and somewhat challenging season for me. Working from home and care giving full-time hasn’t left me with much spare time, but again I’ve missed writing to you.

Anyway, I was considering what to write today and this song came to mind immediately. I hope you’ll be as encouraged by it as I am. By the grace of God…

I’m Still Standing

I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me.
Psalms 62:5 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.62.5.TPT

Complete Prayer

From my pastor this morning: “Prayer is not complete without gratitude… Thankfulness is an exercise in Faith.” – Pastor George Pearson, Eagle Mountain International Church

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, Philippians 4:6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.4.6.TPT

We read in the story of Daniel and how he faced the lion’s den – not desperate or fearful. He was faithfilled and grateful. His prayers and thankfulness led to his deliverance . (Daniel 6)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
Daniel 6:10 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/dan.6.10.AMPC

We Choose What We Believe

Day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. We choose by what we say and by what we believe. Will we choose faith in the goodness of God and that he has a good plan for our future? Or will we choose to allow fear and worry to preplay a “dreaded outcome” in our future?

Consider this….

Faith based on the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus (that he has set me free from the law of sin and death), believes more in the ability and willingness of God to save and keep me than it does in the ability of anyone or anything to harm or hurt me.

Faith receives. For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ!
Ephesians 2:8 TPT

Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.
Hebrews 11:1 TPT

Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
Hebrews 11:3 TPT

And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 TPT

This is what I choose. I hope you will too!

We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
Hebrews 12:2 TPT

Draw Near

Draw near, don’t hold back! Oh my child do not fear, I am not the accuser, I am your Father. I love you with a perfect, unfailing, everlasting love. Who you are is very precious to me. I call you into my presence to spend time with you. Not to tell you what you’ve done wrong — but to remind you of what Jesus did to make it right, to make you right in my sight.

I am longing for intimacy, trust, a conversation with you. I want to tell you how I love you, and how pleased I am with the good choices you’ve made, and how I have plans for you. Plans to fill your future with joy. I want to share myself with you, to overwhelm you and fill you with my love. There is nothing about you that surprises me, nothing I won’t forgive. Do not let the lies of the enemy keep you from me.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11‭-‬13 Berean Study Bible