a Mighty Word ~ unmoved

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken... says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10


We can shake, rattle and roll... and God will still be with us.  What a love. 
Thank You, Father!

veneal

do you need the Rescue Patrol?

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name." Psalm 91:14

BOOM!!  As Riley handed me her library book, "Rescue Patrol", to checkout, her leg bumped the shelf, and it came crashing down.  Mrs. Berry walking by at the precise moment the accident occurred, immediately comforted Riley over the scare.  What could have been alligator tears, instead were sighs of relief. Riley had two Rescue Patrols by her side.

Have you had a bump in your life recently, or maybe even an explosion?  We too have Someone with us at all times to hold, comfort and guide us.  What a relief to know we never face anything alone.  And even if the tears do still come, God reaches down and wipes them away with His tender, loving Hand.  Let's be bold in living for Him and sharing Him with others.  We can rest assure our Rescue Patrol can and will handle all our calls.

have a love-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ new

This is what the LORD says...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"  Isaiah 43:18-19


Had a bad day or week? This is a Truth to remember and claim.  Thank You, Father!

have a wonder-filled day!
veneal

do you have lunch money?

"The man/woman of integrity walks securely, but he/she who takes crooked paths will be found out."  Proverbs 10:9

"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver..."  Proverbs 10:20

When i asked the student for lunch money, she looked very puzzled.  After all, why would she need to bring lunch money in the library?  She explained she had brought her lunch from home and didn't need lunch money.  Or, so she thought.  Actually i still needed lunch money from her... that is the book, "Lunch Money".  Our words were the same, but not the meaning.

How do your words come across to others?  Sometimes what we say is innocently misunderstood and sometimes we have a deeper agenda.  We might mislead others to save face, to cover up a mistake, to fill a personal need, to look good, to hurt another or to just feel better about a situation. Intentional dishonesty is not healthy for anyone.

Father, i want my words to reflect what is right and true. Help me remember, a person who guards their lips guards their life, but one who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Be the Keeper of my mouth -- direct, change and close as needed.
 

have an honest-filled day!

veneal

who needs my scissors?

"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil..." 2 Timothy 2:24-26

The cut was past due... frazzled split and dead ends were rampant. It's wonderful what a good whack accomplishes. The hair cut immediately lifted my spirits.

Other parts of my life also need a cut or a good trim... like control.  Some relationships strip me of energy and drag me down dead end streets, shredding my heart. My stress level jumps when others i care for make harmful or careless decisions. And exhaustion escalates as efforts to help fall on defensive ears. There is nothing more taxing than trying to control others. 

Father, the truth is i cannot change other people; only You can. Give me the strength to cut out the unnecessary desires, to trim back on the questionable wants and to move in closer to You as i trust You in all things.  Help me cultivate healthy relationships that strengthen me in serving You. Growing with and in You is always good and right.

LET GO, AND LET GOD... HE KNOWS WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

have a freeing-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ kind

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15


Human instinct says to at least get even.
God says, "don't".  Keep loving, as He does with us.

have a kind-filled day!
veneal

i must tell you...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Today is not a regular, or easy devotion.  When i checked my email, i discovered some very disturbing, sickening news. American Family informed and asked me to sign a petition regarding a "Saturday Night Live" skit.  To my  horror, the comical skit mocked my Jesus and portrayed Him in a horrific role as a bloody avenger. It was outright blasphemy.  A link to the site is below.

http://action.afa.net/email/online.aspx?cid=2169&mid=15006126&tid=aa&utm_source=smAFA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2169

Ironically, before the email, i was dabbling on a devotion regarding relationships.  And the truth - we can't control other people, but we can control how they affect us - kept coming to mind.  I am praying and striving hard to focus on this fact. After i signed the petition, i went to SNL's facebook page and entered my comment, "my God is awesome and holy... and He has something i can hardly fathom - forgiveness for deliberate and senseless acts, such as yours. His forgiveness is big enough even for this. I pray you realize what you are doing."  

I don't like it when others talk badly or ridicule "my Daddy", but as His child, i don't think He wants me to act like them. We are called to be like Him. That forgiveness thing... it is big. And so is prayer.   Praying for the ones who participated with the skit, and for all who saw it. May their eyes and heart be opened to His Truth.

Father, help me to be bold... in acting right, doing right and trusting You in all things.

have a right-filled day!
veneal

a MIghty Word ~ do it

"Do  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-15

Life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way 
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His.

have a doing-filled day!
veneal

do you still have flakes?

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

School delayed two hours... 
all hope for those dreamy words melted away yesterday along with snow flakes, under a warm, sunny sky.  Yet i am not too bothered because many flakes still surround me.  Flakes, like you.

Several years ago i realized all my true friends are flakes. Like the snowman, flakes help to form and shape us into who we are. Without flakes there would be no snowman.  It takes flakes to make a snowman into what it is, flakes are what hold the snowman together, and flakes stick to the snowman to the very end.  

That's exactly the kind of friends i do and want to have... flakes.  "Flakes" to build me up when i am down, flakes to brighten up my days, and flakes who are hard pressed to stick with me through the difficult time, especially during meltdowns.  So, to all my flakes, thank you!  Thank you for sticking with me through seasons of testing; thank you for encouraging me when i have been discouraged; thank you for dancing with me during times of joy; thank you for your prayers during heart ache; thank you for helping to make me who i am.  Flakes are great!  And you, my friends, are the best! Take time to thank the flakes in your life.

have a wonderful flake-filled day!
veneal 

You are a part of my life... always.

STOP! in the name of love

"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."  Proverbs 17:9

STOP bickering....  and listen with an objective heart.
STOP discouraging...  and encourage.
STOP ignoring...  and acknowledge each other.
STOP nagging...  and be silent.
STOP criticizing...  and give complements.
STOP with the cold shoulder...   and give a hug.
STOP lying...  and be honest.
STOP blaming...  and forgive.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."  1 Peter 4:8...

because as we have learned from our Best Friend and Father above,
A friends loves at ALL times... no matter what.
 
have a love-filled day!
veneal

you're the one!

Happy Valentine's Day, my Child!  You are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in my arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

always on your side and for you,

Dad

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book. It's a love letter written just for you. 

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

does He, or does He not?

does He really love me??

YES!!! keep counting the ways...

(your name), My dearly loved Child,   (Ephesians 5:1)

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by Me.   (Psalm 139:14)

Nothing and no one will separate you from My love! ... neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation!   (Romans 8:35 39)

I will meet all your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)

I will fulfill My purpose for you with an unending love.   (Psalm 138:8)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you... carry you... and rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

I will never forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.  (Isaiah 49:15-16)

As I watch over you, I will not sleep nor slumber.  (Psalm 121:4)

Live with the confidence of knowing who you are and whose you are... My Child.  (1 Peter 2:9)

Keeping looking up, My Child, I am here for you always.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

forever your Dad

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

wild about you!

Reduce your stress, and bask in the love of the One who loves you best. Face it, God is wild about you! If He had a coffee mug, your name would be all over it.

Dear (your name),

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so I rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.(Jeremiah 31:3)

I will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

I have chosen you to be my treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Do not be afraid, for I will fight for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22)

I will rescue you because I delight in you. (Psalm 18:19)

You are the apple of my eye. (Psalm 17:8)

Forever your heavenly Dad

have a joy-filled day!

veneal

love letters to you!

love letter #1... Be Mine

Some things in life are worth rereading, like love letters.  The next few day let's remember, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all.  No matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED!  May we always remember Whose we are and Who first loved us. Read and believe His blessings for you  -- His beloved Valentine.

Dear (your name),

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)

 Dad

What a Love!  What a God!  What a Father!

have a love filled day!

veneal

terror at the door

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears... The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." Psalm 34:4,7

As i flew up the steps and reached for the door,
i caught him watching me and nearly hit the floor!


With his beady pink eyes, he just stared at me,
His fine white hair made me jump and SCREAM.

Did i know him? Not really, Stewart Little he was not,
but Stewart BIG would describe him, my stomach was in knots.


What does it take to be filled and frozen with fear?
A little, a lot... something you feel, see or hear?

I remember my God says fear nothing but Him in life,
Because fear of God is a source of wisdom not fright.

So, Stuart, let me tell you, whether you're big or small,
My God promises to rescue and save me from all.

Thank You, God, and please help me to trust you more each day,
I want to praise You in all circumstances in all i think, do and say.

have a strong-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word - love

"'Because he love Me,' says the LORD, 
'I will rescue him; 
I will protect him for he acknowledges My name. 
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; 
I will be with him in trouble, 
I will deliver him and honor him.'" Psalm 91:14-15


All we have to do is to love and call to God -- 
and He will rescue, protect, answer, be with, deliver and honor us??

What a Mighty God we serve.  Thank You, Father!

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

a real royal bump...

Jesus told His disciples...
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Once upon a time, i dreamed of being a princess, but not any more.  The media's frenzy in exposing every breath and step and now the bump of Princess Kate is relentless. She must feel like a ladybug trapped in a jar, under a high-powered microscope, and dissected dot-by-dot daily.

Oh, the misconceptions of fairy tales. Can there truly be a happily ever after?   Life is not perfect nor problem-free for anyone -- including princesses and believers. Yet, as a believer, God's promises are enough to keep us strong. Promises like:

• We are never alone

• We are loved unconditionally and completely

• We are 100% forgiven

Plus, since He is King of Kings and we are His children, we are Princesses/Princes without the media-microscope life.  But the best part of all about being a believer -- we will live happily ever after with our King.  Keep reading His Book, the best dreams do come true!!

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ conversation

"Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, ...."   Matthew 9:4

He knows our thoughts.  So what now?
Continue the conversation.  Talk to Him.

have a telling-filled day!
veneal

and the lights went out...

"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10-11

Super Bowl --  The King of football games  --  had a ho-hum, one-sided  Raven scoring show until the stadium went dark. After a lengthy time, the lights returned and a revived 49ers team. Then an exciting battle of talents ensued on the field to the very end. Also, battling for our attention were those high-dollar commercials and the spicy halftime show.  What part of last night do you remember best?  Who won the battle of your mind?

The Super Bowl battle is over, but the battle for our mind continues.  The enemy will use any and everything possible to corrupt, misled and destroy us.  He is a keen opportunist.  Talk about fouls, bad calls, temptations, dark moments... he is the master of them all!  We can't control the outcome of a football game nor some of the events in our life.  BUT, we can control who we listen to and believe... our Father of Truth, or the father of lies.  Only One offers victory for eternity.  Read His Word, and be ready for battle.

have a watch-filled day!
veneal

a 4-letter word

W-A-I-T

“I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry… He lifted me out of the slimy pit… He put a new song in my mouth…” Psalm 40:1,2,3

Technology has pasted new words in our vocabulary... bytes, google, email, etc.  While other words are practically deleted… wait and patience.  In this gotta-have-it-now world, no one wants to hear the word - WAIT.  And to WAIT PATIENTLY, is surely a rarity.

Is change better?  Does technology actually improve our life by reducing downtime or waiting?

I love how His Word tell us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He has not changed His Ways nor His Working. He moves at a perfect pace in our lives -- designed for us to watch, wait and witness.  All this is needed to know Him and to let His glory shine for others to see.

Do you need a new song to sing?  Start with a 4-letter word, W-A-I-T. And you will end with another, A-M-E-N!

have a song-filled day!
veneal