time for change

Hosea 10:12
"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you."


Acts 3:19
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

No matter where we're at in life, we always have room for improvement.  At least I know I do.  I'm always trying to live closer with the Lord every day.  Each new morning, my first goal is to be more heavenly-minded and Christ-like throughout the course of time.

(It always seems like the world is always right there to distract me from my goal... and it's really a fight to keep in line!!!)

Now is the time for me to straiten out things that aren't right in life. I only have one life to live, and only so much time left to live it out.  I need to attend to what is really important while I have the time!

Note:  Believe it or not, the harder and more aggressively you work at this (the strength of the Lord at work in you), the more peace you'll attain!  It will fill your entire being and then spill over.  The feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT and VICTORY is very rewarding.  It really is.

Children of God

Hebrews 10:24-25
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

I had a very nice weekend camping, out in God's marvelous creation, and in the company of a few other wonderful Christian families.  I am always deeply touched by being around other like-minded people, who love and follow the Lord as I do.  True, upright, and vision-oriented Christians (as I know these individuals are) are so rare and valuable, and very refreshing for me. 

I took lots of pictures over the weekend, but this one alone seemed to capture the overall feelings I had of the entire outing: love, unity and the peace of God.

Wherever I go, I always try to see life through the eyes of one who loves the things of the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Psalms 23

Psalms chapter 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. "

I was horseback riding with some friends of mine awhile ago, and we rode past this pond.  It was so peaceful and beautiful!  The Lord then reminded me of Psalms 23.

Notice in this Psalm how God makes us to lie down in green pastures.  He has to lead us to the still waters.

Do you ever have trouble letting go of the things in life that get you down?  We need to learn to trust and obey God.  Just open your heart, let the Lord lead and guide, and give all your burdens over to Him... just feel your tensions fade as you let God take control!

Here's another passage that goes really well with this topic:

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”