Open the door to joy and step into the presence of God where all the things of this world fade out and become dim.  The Glory of the Lord shines so brightly that all else is insignificant.  The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength for our lives on earth.  As we praise God and give thanks for all His good and faithful works in our lives, and for giving us eternal life through His Son, Jesus, we enter the place of rest and joy unspeakable.  In His Presence is fullness of joy.  So...
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Did you ever think about the amazing ways that God is able to protect you and your loved ones?   God guards our lives even when we are asleep.  His angels keep watch over us as well.   "He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go.  They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone."  Psalm 91:11  Think about that!  God doesn't want any harm to come to you, and He makes sure that His angels are watching over you.  That is a reality that should give you ...

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Have you ever faced opposition and felt like the odds were against you?  Ever been backed into a corner and it seemed like there was no way out?  There are many challenges and troubles we face in life, but the way we look at it makes the difference between victory or defeat.  No matter what a child of God goes through, the first thing to remember is that God is with us, Jehovah Shammah.  He will never leave us, and He is able to move mountains that stand in our way.  Remember when David faced...

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Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  How did He do that?  The Gospels tell the historical story of Jesus' death and resurrection.  The Lamb was slain although He was innocent.  The guilt of our sins was laid on Him as Isaiah 53 describes the suffering of Jesus in detail.  What does that mean for us today?  We have an opportunity to have eternal life and have peace with God in spite of our sins.  There is no sin in heaven, but Jesus died so we could be set free from ...
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A busy lifestyle filled with hectic days can make us feel worn down.  When fatigue sets in, we can lose our positive attitude. Sometimes chronic fatigue, constant worrying, and lack of sleep can drain our joy for life.  God has a powerful antidote to the tiredness syndrome.  Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you REST... Let Me teach you, for I AM humble and gentle at heart, and you will find REST for your souls.  Matthew 11:28  REST is the ...
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When people let you down, look up.  Let the Lord be your Comforter.  Sometimes our close friends turn on us.  Sometimes people we depended on are no longer there for us.  Then the fellowship we once enjoyed becomes a sour taste in our mouths.  Our deliverance and honor comes from God alone, so trust in Him at all times.  Pour out your heart to the One who understands you and listens to you patiently.  "I wait quietly before God for my hope is in Him.  He is my solid Rock ... therefore I will ...
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When things go wrong, we can either cry or laugh.  God says that a cheerful heart does good like taking medicine.  Medicine helps the body heal.  Laughter gives healing to our body and soul.  When Abraham and Sarah were childless in their old age, it became difficult to believe the promise God gave them that they would have many children.  Their child bearing years were over!  But God delivered His promise in Isaac.  When Sarah heard that she would have a baby at her ripe, old age, she laughe...
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In God's strength we will succeed.  When we lean on Him, we are made strong.  He will "recharge your batteries".  If we will admit that we cant' make our plans happen on our own, with our own intelligence and help from others, or our skills and schemes, then we will trust in the Lord as we move forward without draining our energy.  His unfailing love and mercy will come through for us in ways we couldn't dream of.  Rest in the Lord and call on His Name.  Believe in His unfailing love.  In Psa...
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Unless the Lord builds a house, the labor is useless.  Unless the Lord protects a city, guards in the watch tower do no good.  It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning to late at night, anxiously working for food to eat, for God gives rest to His loved ones.  Psalm 127:1-2  These words are the truth.  Put God in the center of your life like the hub of a wheel where all the spokes come out.  Now rest in His perfect love and provision for your life.  Without God in the center of...
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The godly flourish like palm trees in the courts of our God!  Psalm 92:12  This psalm goes on to say that even in old age the godly will still bear fruit and remain vital, healthy, green and vigorous.  The godly will declare that the Lord is just.  He is our Rock - the Rock of Ages!  There is only goodness in Him.  Royal palm trees have longevity; they stand tall, towering high above the ground with regal qualities.  They are solid and able to survive strong winds and great storms.  God's chi...
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Construction of a house is a detailed business that starts with the cornerstone being laid to make a solid foundation.  The reference point for a building is the cornerstone that has only true right angles.  It is perfect, not 1 mm off.  Jesus is our Chief Cornerstone for a building not made with human hands.  He is our moral and spiritual cornerstone, the perfect Son of Man on which the church is built into a holy house of God.  The body of Christ is a spiritual house for the Spirit of God t...

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We all have a past with some wonderful memories and some not so great.  But we have an opportunity to give our past to Jesus, who died for our sins, and lay it on the altar before Him.  When we give our past to God, He alters our lives and extends grace and mercy to us.  As we receive His love and allow His Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, we are renewed with freedom that enables us to look to our future with hope.  Trust in His love and run the race set before you with joy.  At the fi...
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Trust God who is fighting our battles for us.  Isaiah 26:3 "God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds and thoughts are focused on Him without waivering."  When God is on our side, the enemy will flee.  The Shield of Faith protects us as we use it to cover ourselves.  The sword in our hands is the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit.  Declare God's promises and goodness over your life.  Trust Him for divine protection and deliverance.
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Today we hear so much bad news, tragedies around the world are brought to us in an instant via media and smart phones.  How do we stay anchored and let the peace of God abide in us even when trouble is all around us?  Ask God for His guidance.  Father God, open our hearts and minds to hear and obey You and to receive revelation and wisdom and strength.  Let us know Truth and be free.  Let our love grow.  We want to hear Your voice and listen well.  Holy Spirit teach us Your ways and covenant ...
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Those who love God will find a place of shelter and security in Him.  They will rejoice in the secret place and praise His holy Name.  Psalm 64:10.  The Lord will destroy our enemies.  He takes care of those who run to Him for shelter.  Under His mighty wings we will trust like little chicks hiding under the wings of the mother hen.  Stay close to God and sing for joy in the shadow of His protecting wings.  Psalm 63:7  Trust God and praise Him for His love for you is great.
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"True life isn't working to eat; true life is feeding on the Bread of Life, Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ, and on every Word of His."  Deut 8:3  Don't hinder your Christian walk by forgetting to read the Word daily.  The Word is Jesus; He is the Living Word of God breathed forth by the Spirit of God.  It is life and health to those who feed on it.  Remember daily to have time alone with God, to commune with Him.  The Lord is loving and faithful.  Commit time for your relationship with Him.  My...
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What things and what people are you putting your hope in?  When troubles come into your life, who will help you out?  Salvation comes from God alone.  So put your hope in God alone. He is our salvation, the One who gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, His Son.  John 3:16   Confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord and ask Him to forgive all your sins and wash you clean from all unrighteousness; then invite Jesus to come into your heart.  Jesus is the author of salvation.  Rest in His amaz...
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God is a master Gardener, and He cultivates, waters, and tends to His beautiful garden in great detail and with such pleasure.  His children are like trees planted by the flowing rivers, with leaves that are always green and lush. Psalm 1:3.  God's trees always have delicious fruit in season and their roots grow deep.  For those who delight in the Law of the Lord and in His Word, and meditate on it always seeking His ways, they are blessed and whatsoever they do will prosper.  We are trees of...

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Ignorance of sin is not bliss.  Denying our sins doesn't make us innocent.  Even unintentional sin required a sacrifice for forgiveness under the Old Covenant.  Sin is sin.  Acknowledge sin and ask God to forgive you, and He will.  We can't live by our own standards and prosper.  If God's standards become our guide and we follow His Word obediently, then we will be blessed and prosperous.  Walk in the Spirit and in love and your life won't be controlled by your flesh.  Jesus gives us His righ...

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Who is the One mighty in battle? The Rock of Ages is strong on our behalf. One will put a thousand to flight. Therefore we will not live in fear. Our hearts will be in peace because we are children of the Most High God.  John 1:12.
A personal prayer: "Father, give me peace in my heart as I trust that You have sent your angels to minister around me that You assigned to protect and help me in everything that I do on earth for Your Glory."  Praise God!
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Where does wisdom dwell?  Can we mine for it deep in the earth or search for it high on the loftiest mountain peak?  Well, many have searched for wisdom all over the world, but the real question is "Where does wisdom come from?"  Once you know the source and who established it, wisdom is easy to find.  Job said that the price for wisdom exceeds all the precious gold, silver and jewels a man can own.  The Lord God established wisdom and true wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  Fear is not to be a...
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Do you ever feel greatly outnumbered or overwhelmed with trying circumstances?  Are there sleepless nights and unanswered questions, "How did I get into this mess?".  Imagine an entire army of highly trained soldiers coming to destroy your city, your family, friends, house, and life as you know it.  That's what King Hezekiah faced when the kings of Assyria marched down to Jerusalem with a mighty, powerful army of fierce, fight-to-the-death warriors that brought fear into the people's hearts. ...
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We should thank God for His many wonderful blessings and faithfulness.  "Even though our hearts are filled with sins, God will forgive them all.  What joy awaits those who choose to draw near to Him, who live in the Holy Place."  Psalm 65:3  Count your blessings!  God's presence is near to those who run to Him.  Sing for joy in the shadow of His protecting wings.  This is a place of safety and security, in His arms of love.
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If you sat down and made a list of how you actually spent your time for one week and the hours in each day, would that list reflect that God is first in your daily life? Communion with God, seeking His Kingdom first and loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength is His deepest desire for us.  Jesus Christ made us first in His life on earth, then He became the final sacrifice for sin, and now He is interceding for us at the right hand of the Father in heaven.  Glory be to God!

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A refuge from the storm.  That is what the little boy needed when it began to pour and the thunder and lightening frightened him so badly that he hid under the bed in the dark.  His parents were not home, and this babysitter was new.  As tears rolled down his tiny cheeks, the little boy prayed, "God, please keep me safe."  God's arms are mighty to save us when we encounter difficulties in life.  The Lord is our Shelter from the storms.  A shelter is a covering for protection, a place outside ...
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The Lord protects us from all evil as we trust in Him.  The details of Psalm 91 declare that God will shield us from harm and hide us in the shadow of His wings.  We must believe and put our faith in His great love and mighty power. This  requires action - trading all of our anxiety, worries, doubt, and fear, no matter how difficult the circumstances, for His peace and love as we rest secure in Him.  A safe haven from the storms of life, God is a loving Father.  Like a sleeping baby in their ...
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This praise song says it all: 
"Jesus said, Come to the water, stand by My side.  I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied.  I felt every teardrop when in darkness you cried.  And I strove to remind you, that for those tears I died.  . . .
(Jesus) I know You're here now, and always will be.  Your love broke my chains, and in You I'm free."
    Jesus shares our pain and sorrows and has our future in His hands.  Come to Jesus, the Living Water, and drink freely, be set free, and live your lif...
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Lifes ups n downs and all arounds require a strong foundation with the One who created us as joy turns to sorrow and mourning back to joy then days that are mellow and uneventful, but still the One who watches over you deserves your praise as you entrust explicitly your life into His hands. Want stability?  security?  peace?   God provides all things as our Creator and loving Father.  By faith we trust the love and power, the grace and mercy He extends to us so that we are building our houses...
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A sleepy mind makes for an ungrateful heart. Focus on the gifts God has given you and be thankful. Be grateful for the people He has brought alongside you. Even the ones that annoy you. Remember to be thankful every day and not take things for granted. God is so good and faithful even when we are not.  If we take a few moments to write down or tell God what we appreciate and who we are thankful for in our lives, our attitude will change because we are focusing our minds on what is worthy of p...
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Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily.... life is but a dream.  Or is it?  Sometimes the difficulties of life throw us into an emotional tailspin.  Sometimes we feel like we're on the mountain top.  Being happy is not based on our emotions, but on our spiritual walk with God.  The Bible says that the "joy of the Lord" is our strength.  So avoid the ups and downs and focus on the Lord through worship and prayer.  Read the promises of God and let your heart be thankful.  A cheerful heart does good...
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Waiting can be difficult at times.  Waiting in a long line at the DMV, waiting in traffic knowing you'll be late, waiting for answers to prayers....  God gives us times of waiting knowing that we will be filled with joy as His purpose unfolds in our lives.  The Most High God knows the outcome and keeps us steady when we fix our minds on His promises.  Believe He is good when you can't see it.  Believe in His immense love when you can't feel it.  Trust Him.  God is not always in a hurry.  Howe...
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As I was reading Psalm 37:34 "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act!" it made me think of the prayers that I have been waiting on for God's answer.  Sometimes we doubt that God hears us, or we feel like He doesn't answer fast enoug,h and we get discouraged.  But God's timing is always perfect.  Patience is the ability to perservere without giving up in spite of pain, troubles, or difficult circumstances without complaint.  That sounds like a tall order.  Thankfully the Holy Spirit increases ...
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Jesus meets our needs moment by moment as a loving Shepherd and Giver of Life with every provision necessary for us to have a good life on this earth.  When the faithful Shepherd meets our needs, His blessings bring joy to our hearts expressed in praise and thanks to Him.  Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not lack."  The One who cares for and protects us also provides generously for every good thing.  When there is a lack in your life, no matter if it is peace, provision of fina...
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Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.  That means that the Spirit of God is full of joy.  When we are in His presence, the joy of the Spirit touches our hearts and fills our minds.  Joy in the Holy Spirit is not worldly but jubilant, supernatural bliss.  There is joy that makes you want to sing and dance before the Lord like David did when God gave him victory over his enemies.  Soak in the love of God's Spirit.  Rejoice in ...
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God is our help, always there to assist, encourage and support us.  Psalm 28:6 & 7 reveals the characteristics of one who knows and rejoices in His wonderful works.  Read these two verses.  Then start giving praise to the Lord.  Thank Him for His wonderful mercy-love.  Remember the good things He has accomplished for you.  Praise Him for being your strength.  Thank the Lord who shields you from every danger by faith in His promises.  Trust Him with your whole heart.  Acknowledge that the Grea...
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El Roi is God's Name in Hebrew which means "The God Who Sees Me".  In Psalm 139:7 David declared, "I cannot escape from Your Spirit!  I can never get away from Your presence."  As our loving heavenly Father, God sees all the circumstances of our lives. El Roi sees, and He cares about us deeply.  "Can anyone hide from Me?  Am I not everywhere? ... says the Lord."  Jeremiah 23:24  Our thoughts and secrets are not hidden from God. 
Open up your heart and understand that you are never alone; God'...

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    Are you battle weary from trials and struggles that have come into your life?  Even the strongest, most courageous soldiers become fatigued during heavy attacks from the enemy.  When the battle is long and fierce, call out to the Lord for strength and endurance.  God will give you victory, and He understands your weaknesses.  He even promises that in each affliction, there is deliverance available because of His mercy and love.  The Word is your sword to use with confidence, and your fait...
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     Did you ever get into a rut and feel like there is no way out?  That's what happened to Jabez, who felt the pain of rejection from his family (see 1Chronicles 4:10).  But Jabez decided that he wasn't going to go through life without God's best.  One day he cried out to God because he'd had enough.  Jabez cried out to the Lord God asking, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and make me fruitful and multiplied and enlarge my territory, increasing my borders, that Your hand would be with me ...

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Conquer or be Conquered?   How can we win in daily life?  The enemy seeks to destroy, and to divide and conquer, deceive, wreak havoc, plunder, weaken, and steal from us.  But he can be stopped dead in his tracks.  We have a safe haven, a hiding place, a shelter in the storm, a rock of refuge whose name is Power, whose arm is strong, who wins every battle.  His mighty name is Jesus.  Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed are those who take refuge in Him.  Go to the place of ...

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     Don't answer the door when discouragement knocks.  When difficulties come, we must face them with courage and boldness remembering that God is on our side.  We must move God into the center of our lives and confidently trust that His love, grace, and power are available to us at all times.  Through prayer we are able and euqipped to carry out God's will and purpose for His Kindgom and His glory.  Our future is in God's Kingdom, and our journey on earth is a fleeting moment compared to et...

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   Psalm 62:11,12 "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard, that to you, Lord, belong power and glory."  David wrote these words.

  God sent David, a shepherd boy, on a mission, but David thought it was just a simple task.  A mission is much greater than a task, and it has an ultimate purpose.  David's father was a catalyst.  He gave David a simple task, "Go!  Take this cheese to your brothers, and tell me how they're doing".  Dad was worried about his sons and wanted to know how ...

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   Do you ever lose your confidence in God?  Sometimes life can be overwhelming and troubles or demands on our time can cause us to lose our focus.  That's what happened to a few good men who knew a real miracle working man first hand.  It was a fine, clear day with blue skies and calm waters when Jesus and His closest friends decided to get in their boat and cross the lake.

   All of a sudden a terrible, wind-ripping, sink-your-boat storm came out of nowhere.  There was panic, screaming, an...

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Think on it...

   When we change our perspective, everything changes.  We may be carried in the beginning of life and at the end, but what happens in between is the real measure of our lives. 

   Psalm 1:1-2 "Blessed are those who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit with the mockers, but they take great delight in God's law and meditate on it always.  They are like trees by the streams whose leaves never die; they produce sweet fruit and all th...

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JOYFUL, PEACEFUL, LOVING  -  These words describe Jesus and they should describe our lives because we are free in Him.  Free to love, free to give... He came that we might have abundant life.  Come and make your home in my heart Jesus forever.

Rhet Peterson

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