Sunrise over Galilee

Shalom from Israel! This blog entry finds a me on a tour of the Holy Land. Since my body clock is still in shock, it was suggested we catch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. So my day began with this song on my lips- 10,000 Reasons
      The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning;
       It's time to sing Your song again.
       Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
       Ten thousand reasond for my heart to find.
                   Bless the Lord O my soul, O my soul
                   Worship His holy name
                   Sing like never before, O my soul
                   I'll worship Your holy name.
This song confirmed for me who I was up so early to worship and why. We need no other reason than God is holy and worthy of our praise. As I watched the birds take flight in the cool morning air and the first rays of sunlight color the sky I thought how privelidged I am to know and love the Lord. What graces your morning thoughts? Do you rise thankful for a new day awaiting new blessings?  Though circumstances may differ and some days are hard, our attitude is to be one of praise. Will you give a word of praise and thanks as you begin your day?  When I'm home I will post my sunrise over Galilee photo for you to see too!
Blessings.
Linda

Check your Heritage today!

Happy belated St. Patrick's Day!  I love days that celebrate our family heritages.  I watched my grandson get all decked out in green yesterday to celebrate the day and his Irish heritage.  I cooked corned beef and cabbage several times, just like my mother did before me, to help remind me of where my ancestors came from and why they immigrated to America.  How much more then should we celebrate our heritage and family we have through Christ? 
        John 1:12  "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,"  
       2 Corinthians 6:16,18 " For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.   ...and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'"
Do you celebrate being a child of God?  Do you count it a privilege to be called a son or daughter of the Lord Almighty?   Being a child of God has great benefits:  a loving heavenly father, salvation from my sins, an indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me, His own words to guide me in the Bible, brothers and sisters in Christ that I can count as family to love and uphold me.  What about you?  Count your blessings today and thank God that he loves you and wants you to be in His forever family.  If you do not yet belong, send me a note and I'll send you some verses to lead you to Christ or talk with a Christian friend.  Become a member now! 
Blessings,
Linda

What are you searching for?

What are people searching for?  A friend gave me a printout of a page from Bible Gateway that shows what people are searching the Bible for in the 10 most populous countries of the world.  The most searched places were Psalm 23, Genesis 1, and 1 Corinthians 13.  This would suggest to me that people around the world are seeking: peace, understanding of God and the universe, and love.  When you go to the Bible, what are you seeking?  Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him."    Proverbs 8:17 says, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."  Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your hear."(NIV)    Whatever our need when we open God's word, he promises to reward us and meet us there. God isn't hiding from us.  He is there in plain view if we will but look for Him.  All that is required is faith and an open heart.  What about you?  Do you seek to know God believing that He exists and will answer your deepest needs?  I would encourage you to take your questions to God, open His word and seek to know Him.  He is faithful and will answer.
Have a blessed day.
Linda

Light for the Day

Well, just Sunday AM we had to 'spring forward' into daylight savings time.  It does not seem like much of an adjustment- it is only 1 hour.  But now it is dark in the morning and the alarm wakes me up instead of the sunshine, and I can go for a walk in the early evening.  Since I like having more light during my waking hours, I enjoy daylight savings time.  It is just the adjusting my body to the new time that causes me a bit of distress.  In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  Knowing Jesus gives us a pathway in life that is full of hope, direction, purpose and has assurance of things to come. Every so often (probably more than I care to admit) I need a bit of adjustment to God's plan and direction.  It causes me to struggle, but those struggles or trials produce a character that is more pleasing to God. So be sure to take in the light today, soak up God's rays of goodness and love in His word and be connected to Him in prayer.  You too will have a day of walking in the light with Jesus.
Blessings, Linda

Preparation for Easter

Ash Wednesday was the official beginning of the Lenten season.  What does that mean for you and me?  This period leading up to Easter is to be a time of refection and repentance in view of Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross.  Often people give up things to remind them of what Christ gave up to save us. When I was thinking about what to give up for Lent this year, I was overwhelmed by my own selfishness and not wanting to let anything go, even for only 6 weeks.  How selfish is that?  Self denial is not something that comes easily as it requires discipline in mind and body.  That is why during Lent it should be easier for us as we focus on God. Thinking about Jesus should help us to be better able to follow through.  Matthew 19:26 says, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Will you call on God for strength, patience and endurance as you strive to deny yourself for this season in preparation for Easter?
Linda

Facing Fear with God's Word

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  
This morning I was reflecting on a friend who is nearing death and several family members that are experiencing life threatening illnesses. God promises to be near to us, give us strength, calm our fears and uphold us. I know I need to be assured that these friends are within God's control and that He does not want me to fear for them.  So I turned this verse into my prayer for them:  for their comfort, peace of mind, wisdom for the doctors that are attending them, strength to face the challenges of the day and that they would feel the closeness of God's hand and His upholding power.  God wants us to use His word to guide our thoughts and give us strength to meet our everyday challenges.  What are you facing today that you can use this verse to give you courage and strength?
May God speak to you today through His word.
Linda