Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Those Glorious Salt Trucks

I heard the rumble of the engine long before the truck moved slowly in front of our house. Scraping sounds. Swishing sounds. Sounds of purpose and assistance.

Crumbled rocks of salt, mounded high for all to see, funneled through the sifter and spread over the icy streets. Bitter winter cold had turned wet streets into skating rinks. Bitter winter cold turned weary hearts into frightened hearts as family and friends dared to make the trek home.

But, the salt trucks...ah, the glorious salt trucks.

The sight and sound of a salt truck brings joy to a winter traveler, a sojourner frightened and alone.

I wonder if the sight and sound of a Christian brings joy to sojourners in the winter seasons of life. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." Our lives flavor the world with love. Our lives preserve the truth of God's Word on the earth. But our salt must be scattered, offered as a remedy to the perils of travelers in this life.

Our lives are a living sacrifice - an offering - to the Lord our God.

Consider this:

"And every offering of your grain offering 

you shall season with salt; 

you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God 

to be lacking from your grain offering. 

With all your offerings you shall offer salt." 

~ Leviticus 2:13

The grain offering of the Old Testament was an act of worship, a tribute of thanksgiving to God for His mercies and provision. The grain offering ALWAYS followed the burnt offering which was the blood sacrifice for the atoning (forgiveness) of sin. The two went hand-in-hand.

As a Believer in Jesus, the ultimate Blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, does it follow that the fruit (the grain) of our lives should be given as an act of worship and thanksgiving? Should we consider that everything we do should testify of God's love, preserved by the salt of the Covenant we have with Him? Salt preserves and purifies, provides longevity. The use of salt in this instance symbolizes a binding obligation to God.

God tells His people that "with all your offerings you shall offer salt."

Jesus instructs His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth."

Good food for thought, huh?

Especially when considering the perils travelers face in this life.
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Bitter winter cold turned weary hearts into frightened hearts. (Click to Tweet)

"You are the salt of the earth." Our lives flavor the world with love. (Click to Tweet)

The salt of our lives must be scattered, offered as a remedy to the perils of travelers in this life. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. Do you remember the song, "Testify of Love"? I'm featuring Wynonna Judd singing this beauty. I think it will get your feet moving **wink**

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ A Blue Exclamation Point

A flash of blue grabbed my attention. My eyes followed the indigo blur to the top of charcoal-colored branches, skeletons against the winter gray sky. It was a bluebird, of all things. Yes! In the dead of winter a bluebird graced me with his presence along my afternoon walk.

I was feeling a little down today. The gray of the sky mimicked my mood. I was talking with the Lord when this little gift of heaven flew past. I stopped and smiled. I knew the Lord was reminding me that He is the One True God, Maker of heaven and earth, and yet He knows me by name - He knew I needed to smile.

In the old testament, God instructed the Israelites to build His dwelling place - the tabernacle - with colorful embellishments of blue, purple, and scarlet. These were the colors that would draw their attention to Him: Blue would remind them of the heavens, the dwelling place of the One True God; purple would remind them of His royalty as the King of kings; and scarlet would remind them of the atoning sacrifice of blood that would wash His children in forgiveness. In many ways, my walks beneath the mountain forest canopy is like a tabernacle for me. I meet God there and I am forevermore reminded of His Presence. Today, the flash of blue served as an exclamation point.

As I watched the blue-feathered blessing with my head tilted back and my eyes lifted toward heaven, I noticed something else. The flannel gray clouds were moving swiftly across the sky. Behind them, as if in layers, I could see clear, blue sky - a blue that reflected in the wings of the bluebird, a blue that pointed to the One True God, Maker of heaven and earth.

Wind splashed against my face. I thought of the Spirit of God as a mighty rushing wind showing Himself strong on my behalf, moving the dismal gray clouds out of my focus and replacing them with the glorious knowledge that He is God and nothing is too difficult for Him.

"Israel, no other god is like ours - 

the clouds are His chariot 

as He rides across the skies to come and help us. 

The eternal God is our hiding place; 

He carries us in His arms." 

~ Deuteronomy 33:26,27a (The Contemporary English Version)

The bluebird thrust his head back and sang a song of praise. The flannel gray clouds moved a little faster and the magnificent blue sky broke through its dismal veil.

After all, He is God alone. 
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

The flannel gray clouds moved faster & the magnificent blue sky broke thru its dismal veil. (Click to Tweet)

After all, He is God alone. (Click to Tweet)

 

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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring "You Are God Alone" by Phillips, Craig, & Dean. I know you will be blessed.

How Can I Find God? Sunday Glimpses

Father God, Your faithfulness astounds me. You have taught me that You are not a man that You should lie. You have taught me that I can - I MUST - stand upon Your Word, for it is rock solid. Never failing. True. These thoughts comfort me, Lord. I can run to You and peruse the pages of Your precious Word and find my solace, my peace, my answers. And, even though I may not recognize Your answers immediately, my spirit has learned that my prayer is held tightly in Your heart and You are responding. I pray for my friend who is in the throes of a fiery trial. The smoke from the flames conceals You, Lord, until we learn to rest in the knowledge that You are indeed faithful and Your love will never fail Your child. Remove the effects of the smoke so my friend can know Your presence in the trial. Remind us Who You are. Open our eyes to see the magnitude of Your love and Your never-ending care for us. You are magnificent, Lord. Worthy of our praise! You Lord, are the One True God. We bless Your holy name. We love You, Lord.
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Lord, You have taught me that I can - I MUST - stand upon Your Word, for it is rock solid. (Click to Tweet)

The smoke from the fiery trial conceals You, Lord. Open our eyes that we might see. (Click to Tweet)

You are magnificent Lord. Worthy of our praise! You Lord, are the One True God. (Click to Tweet)
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Would you like for me to pray for you? You may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Prepare For Rain

Have you been in a time of waiting? Expecting? Have the moments on your knees turned into hours of weeping as you press into God's faithfulness and run to Him, your strong tower?

My husband and I have been in a season of waiting. Wondering. Hoping that our prayers were indeed ascending to the throne of our God and pricking His ears. We have been in a season of desperately needing God's intervention. We've been in a season of learning to trust solely in Him.

And the lessons learned are eternal.

The windows of heaven are opening for us. The season of waiting on His divine intervention for our desperate circumstances is ending. As I gave praise to the Lord this morning for His faithfulness, I opened the pages of Frances J. Roberts', Come Away My Beloved, and read the following:

                           RAIN

O My child, I love you, I love you.
Go to the hills and look, for lo, the rain is coming.
The drought is over and past, and the sound
    of rain approaches!
        Yes, I will send showers of blessing
         upon the hearts of my waiting people;
    for before they call, I have prepared an answer,
    and while they are seeking Me,
         I shall come down upon them.

O My child, I love you, I love you.
Lift your eyes to the heavens, for lo, they are filled
     with clouds;
yes, they are heavy with water.
     Get back to the camp.
     Set out the buckets and make preparation;
for already the wind rises, the leaves rustle in the trees;
the birds hasten to their nests, and lo, I come.
     I come to revive and to refresh.
     I come to quicken and to cleanse.

Sweet friend, I encourage you to allow these words of hope and expectation to sink deep into your spirit. Please do not give up. Even before your requests leave your lips to ascend to the Father, He is preparing an answer. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts not as ours. But, on this we can be sure: our God is faithful!

So set out the buckets and make preparation. Your answer is on the horizon. Lo, He sends His grace like rain to pour down on the parched places and restore you. You are loved with an extravagant love, a love beyond comprehension.

When you know you're loved, you can get through anything. His love binds you to Him. Always.

"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." 

~ Hosea 10:12

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Have the moments on your knees turned into hours of weeping? (Click to Tweet)

Before your requests leave your lips to ascend to the Father, He is preparing an answer. (Click to Tweet)

When you know you're loved, you can get through anything. His love binds you to Him. Always. (Click to Tweet)

Father, I pray for my friend who is desperately clinging to You. Be merciful, Lord. Show Yourself mighty on their behalf. I ask that You open their ears to hear Your whispers of love and hope. Stir up faith within them, a knowing that You will never fail them. Restore them, Lord. Open the windows of heaven and pour out Your blessings on Your child that are too great to contain. Fill them with joy and gladness. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Michael W. Smith leading a time of worship singing, "Let It Rain". This song will usher you to the throne of God and fill you with hope as you wait expectantly for His answer.

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Ever Steady. Ever Sure

The sun rose on the frosty morning, apricot ribbons mingling in the lingering navy blue of night. The giant celestial ball steadied itself over the mountain ridges. Clouds passed on a going-to-be-late current, rapidly nodding at the sun as their shades of apricot morphed into lavendar and lavendar morphed into baby boy blue. The sky filled with staccato bursts of yellow. Trails of white raced to hide behind the treetops.

But the sun, regal and mighty, continued to rise. Ever steady. Ever sure. Never changing.

Noon presented itself warm and toasty. Baby boy blue was now a rich periwinkle shade of winter. The golden orb blazed hot directly above me, overseeing, directing, warming the earth with its presence. On the horizon an eery cloud with hues of darkness, bubbled with the eruption of an impending storm. The steady sun watched as the inky tumult crept closer. Its stealth began to overpower the light of the noonday sun. Darkness drew its tendrils across the sky, muddying the periwinkle, casting dread of danger upon the earth.

But the sun, regal and mighty, stayed steady. Sure. Never changing. Everlasting.

The darkness howled. The wind, wrought with anger, burst onto the beauty of the noonday sun, disrupting and frightening the mountainside. Torrents of rain lashed against the earth. Trees bowed. Leaves flailed. 

But the sun, regal and mighty, stayed steady and sure, obscured by the cloak of charcoal vapors, but steady just the same. Never changing. Everlasting. Always present. Even though abandonment screamed its accusations at the darkened earth below, the sun remained beyond the darkness, suspended by the hand of its Creator.

And such is the faithfulness of God.

The Lord spoke through the prophet Malachi, "For I AM the Lord, I do not change." * He remains steadfast and sure. His faithfulness is from everlasting to everlasting. His love will never change.

And though abandonment screams its accusations at your present darkness, the Lord remains. Ever-watchful. Ever-loving. Ever-present.

You belong to Him. He belongs to you. 

And that will never change.

*Malachi 3:6
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

On the frosty morn, apricot ribbons mingled in the lingering navy blue of night. (Click to Tweet)

 And though abandonment screams its accusations at your present darkness, the Lord remains. Ever-watchful. Ever-loving. Ever-present. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Darlene Zschech of Hillsong singing, "I Am Yours". This worship song is powerful! Are you up against a mountain? Do you feel like you've been abandoned by Almighty God? This song will strengthen you and remind you of His great love that will never fail.

How Do I Find God? Sunday Glimpses

Father God, You are an amazing God. Your love knows no bounds; Your mercy flows in and out of the broken places. And Your faithfulness...Lord, Your faithfulness calms my restless heart. I trust You, Lord. I press in, knowing that You will respond to my need. What Joy that brings me! What peace. When my world falls around me I know I can depend on You. I know I can stand upon Your Word, for Your words are truth. They are rock solid. And You are faithful to fulfill Your words. I find strength in that knowledge. Father, I pray for my friend who has lost all hope, for the one who cannot see a way out. I ask that You open their eyes to see You in their midst. Light their path with the lamp of Your Word. Cause them to feel the touch of Your hand in Yours as You lead them through the muck and mire of the troublesome path. Bring them out of the darkness into Your marvelous light. Awaken their hearts to love you. Stir up hope within them - the peace that passes all understanding. Hold my friend close - close enough to hear Your heartbeat. Breathe new life into them and fill them with a song of praise. Thank You, Lord. You alone are worthy of our praise.
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Lord, Your faithfulness calms my restless heart. (Click to Tweet)

Lord, hold my friend close - close enough to hear Your heartbeat.(Click to Tweet)
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If you would like for me to pray for you, please contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com. Please don't carry your burdens alone. Sweet blessings to you! Nan

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ What Love Is This?

Alabaster crystals cascade from heaven, drifting upon the breath of God. Their presence penetrates the winter bitterness with reminders of beauty - reminders of grace. Harshness becomes soft and easy. Cold becomes a warm embrace. Winter brown becomes glorious white.

Old, crusted, hardened things become new.

And so it is with the Lord.

His grace pours from the streams of Living Water, washing, immersing the child in the Father's love. Pure and perfect light glows from the places once dark with sin. Wholeness replaces brokenness. Joy replaces defeat. Life - brand, spankin' new - replaces death.

And just as the barren earth, forlorn by winter brown sleeps blanketed by alabaster crystals beneath the stars, so the child of God sleeps, blanketed by His love.

Yes, old things become new.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 

he is a new creation; 

old things have passed away; 

behold, all things have become new." 

~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

Photo credit:photography.nationalgeographic.com
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Tweetables to Encourage Others
 
Alabaster crystals cascade from heaven, drifting upon the breath of God. (Click to Tweet)

Old, crusted, hardened things become new. (Click to Tweet)
 
Wholeness replaces brokenness. Joy replaces defeat. Life - brand, spankin' new - replaces death...JESUS (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Kari Jobe singing "What Love Is This?" Do you feel alone? Overwhelmed? Weary? I know this song will give you strength for the journey.

Scriptures of Healing ~ Dandelion Seeds

Like the seeds of the dandelion skipping on the wind, the prayers of the people traveled to the Father, creating a "cloud of witnesses" (so to speak) on my behalf. One by one these tiny seeds of faith surrounded His throne carrying a plea for His healing touch.

I wasn't dreaming, yet this image filled my mind as I drifted off to sleep Saturday night.

Bronchitis attacked me last week. Nothing overly serious. High fever. Horrible cough. Headache. Nothing compared to what others face on a regular basis. But, you know how Satan knows where our weak links are - those proverbial chinks in our armor - and creates a strategic attack based on that area of weakness? He is a slimy scoundrel, isn't he? 

Satan went after my weak link.

I used to get bronchitis every year, especially as a younger adult. The bronchitis sent me into horrific coughing spells that literally closed off my airways. It was terrifying. I don't have asthma, but this must be what asthma sufferers experience. I had to learn how to not panic and make myself relax until the bronchial spasm was over. These coughing spells scared me to pieces.

Saturday evening I cuddled up on the couch. David and I were sharing conversation when a silly giggle exploded my lungs. Hacking. Wheezing. A chilling blanket of fear descended upon me.

Satan knew just what he was doing. He knew I was terrified of these coughing spells.

David prayed for me and the cough subsided, but not my fear. I was afraid to go to bed. The Lord prompted me to request prayer on facebook. Resistance drummed through my heart. Airing my personal life on facebook does not come easy to me because of past wounds brought on through ministry. But God wouldn't let up with His insistence.

So I obeyed.

I felt led to be specific regarding the fear, so with hesitation, I exposed Satan's strategy of terrifying me with these coughing spells. I brought my fear before the Light of grace and friendship and love. I asked for prayer especially concerning my fear.

Turning off the computer, I knew in my heart of hearts that my friends would respond.

The pillows felt soft and cool beneath my fevered face. I pulled the covers up under my chin, and felt my entire body relax. With eyes closed, I saw the image of the dandelion seeds skipping one by one on the wind toward heaven. I knew those little seeds represented seeds of faith on my behalf. Seeds of comfort. Seeds of love.

All for me.

I drifted to sleep, held in the arms of Jesus. No fear. No coughing spells. Peace throughout the night.

Isn't that beautiful? The power of prayer. The power of love. Faith. One by one our prayers go before the Father, a sweet aroma to Him, an offering of trust in His faithfulness. When joined with others on behalf of the one, imagine the great cloud created calling out our sister's name. Our brother's name. Imagine the Most High God rising from His throne in response to the petitioners' pleas - rising to meet the need.

"Hear my cry, O God; 

Attend to my prayer. 

From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a shelter for me,

A strong tower from the enemy."

~ Psalm 61:1-3

 

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Our prayers go before the Father, an offering of trust in His faithfulness. (Click to Tweet)

Imagine the Most High God rising from His throne in response to your cry. (Click to Tweet)



Father God, I praise You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for the image of each single prayer drifting towards You and accumulating before Your throne. Thank You. You are an awesome God. Stir our spirits to realize the power in prayer - not as a cliche`, but in actuality. It seems we think on prayer like it's a mere grocery list or a note to a neighbor. I know I'm guilty. But, Lord, our prayers are connecting us to YOU - the Creator of the Universe, All-powerful, All-mighty, All-merciful God!! That's amazing. AND, You listen when we cry out to You. You listen because You love us. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for Your love.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to be strengthened by the music of Chris Tomlin as he sings, "Whom Shall I Fear". This will get your spirit going **wink**

How Do I Find God? Sunday Glimpses

Father God, I need Your healing touch today and I know many others who need You as well. My need is physical healing and I thank You for holding me in Your capable hands. I lift up those to You whose hearts are wrenched in two. Hold them, Lord. Open their ears to hear Your sweet whispers of affirmation and love. I bring before You the ones who are overwhelmed and want to give up. Their lives need Your healing touch - Your restorative touch. I ask that You surround them with Your presence, placing Yourself between Your hurting child and their enemies. You are powerful, compassionate, merciful, and kind. You are Almighty God - worthy of our praise. Thank You for Your faithfulness to Your Word. Thank You for Your healing touch on our lives. You, Lord, know the needs of Your children. Thank You for Your love.
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Please do not carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray with you. You may contact me directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Hope Lives Here

Hope lives in the scraggly branches reaching toward the winter blue sky.

Do you see it? Can you sense it? Branches bare. Naked. Vulnerable. Surrounded by a barren earth.

Skeletons of life waiting. Knowing. Knowing that come spring, life will begin anew.

Yes, hope lives in the scraggly branches reaching toward the winter blue sky.

Hope lives inside of me, too. And you - those who have allowed the Spirit of God to reign in your heart.

The hope of God is a life-source, flowing strong through our veins. It may not be seen, but it's there. Just like the life-source of sap flowing through the winter branches with the promise of spring, the hope of God is there in His children.

And with His hope comes a new tomorrow. With His hope comes life eternal. Abundant life. Filled with peace and provision. With it comes security that the world has not known. The hope of God is known to those who dwell richly in His Presence and, with intention, take Him at His Word.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory [inner self] rejoices; 

My flesh also will dwell securely in hope." 

~ Psalm 16:9

The winter branches don't question the trunk to which they are secured. They just hang on for dear life during the winter storms, trusting their life-source to sustain them until this season has passed.

Hope lives in the scraggly branches reaching toward the winter blue sky.

Hope lives inside of me, too.

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Tweetables to Encourage Others 

Hope lives in the scraggly branches reaching toward the winter blue sky. (Click to Tweet)
 
Skeletons of life waiting. Knowing. Knowing that come spring, life will begin anew. (Click to Tweet)

My hope is in You, Lord. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page, if you have a few minutes. I'm featuring Hillsong singing "All My Hope" at a live concert. It's powerful, especially if you need some time with the Lord. I hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed me.

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Look Who's Here!

A rush of wind swept through the treetops like the sound of crashing waves, its power witnessed in the bending of branches and the tousling of remaining leaves. Far below the forest canopy I walked in a broad patch of sunshine without the slightest breeze. In fact, I knew the blast of wind came only because I heard its whistle and saw its effects above me.

But in the sunshine I couldn't feel the wind.

I knew it was a God-moment.

I stood still for a minute and watched. And listened. The effects of the wind were evident above me, but I could not feel it at all. The fact that I couldn't feel it did not discount the fact that it was there.

Let's say that again. The fact that I couldn't feel it did not discount the fact that it was there.

Naturally, I thought of God's Spirit. I thought of something Jesus said to Nicodemus as he strove to understand the ways of God: "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."*

I chuckled at the goodness of God - at His tenderness in showing me such a thing. 

But, the lesson wasn't over.

I turned for home. As I rounded the next curve I found myself enveloped in shadows. The trees had arched over the road and entwined their fingertips, creating a shady area on the road. And guess what? The same wind that sang above me in the sunshine where I watched its presence, but couldn't feel it - that same wind was now all around me blowing me down the road. The wind blew fierce in the shadows, in the cold the darkness created. I pulled the scarf up around my face, hunched my shoulders, and bent over a bit to guard against the bitter chill of the shade.

And then I chuckled again. 

The same wind I could watch from my place of sunshine, was now wrapping me in its presence in this place of cold shadows.

Aha! The completed God-moment.

"Look who’s here: Mountain-Shaper! Wind-Maker!
    He laid out the whole plot before Adam.
He brings everything out of nothing,
    like dawn out of darkness.
He strides across the alpine ridges.
    His name is God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies."

~ Amos 4:13, The Message 

Isn't that so like God? He promises to be with us always. Even when we can't see Him. Even when we don't feel His Presence. Nothing changes the fact that He is with us. 

Always. 

In the sunshine, the happy times, the peaceful times, He is there. The effects of His Spirit can be seen around us - in the smile of a widow. In the laugh of a child. In the warm embrace of a friend. Oh yes. He is there.

It's interesting that in the shadows, He embraces us. He doesn't leave us to guess His Presence. No. In the harsh cold of the darkness God comes near and breathes the breath of heaven into our weary souls. He surrounds us with the whirlwind of His power. Comforting. Protecting. Intervening.

When I need Him most, He is there. Up close and personal.

Yes, when I need Him, He makes Himself known.

*John 3:7,8 
*Photo Credit: wallpaper-million.com
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

When I need Him, He makes Himself known. (Click to Tweet)

God surrounds us with the whirlwind of His power. Comforting. Protecting. Intervening. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring a praise and worship song by Vineyard music titled, "Breath of God". I believe it will bless you as much as it did me.

How Do I Find God? Sunday Glimpses

Father God, Awaken our hearts to love You, to cherish You, to understand that we walk with Almighty God. How can it be? How can there be a love so sublime? So magnificent? How can we ever grasp the depth of Your love? Thank You. Thank You for making a way for us to know You. Thank You for Jesus who is the embodiment of who You are. Oh what love! Oh what sacrifice! May we never take it for granted. Help us to love You for You, not for what You can do for us. Stir within us Lord, and awaken us from our slumber, for You are a great God. Merciful and kind. Faithful and true. You alone are worthy of our praise.
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Tweetables to Encourage Others

How can there be a love so sublime? So magnificent? (Click to Tweet)

Stir within us Lord, and awaken us from our slumber, for You are a great God. (Click to Tweet)
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My sweet friend, I don't want you to carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ In His Shadow

"I stand between the years. The Light of My Presence is flung across the year to come - the radiance of the Son of Righteousness. Backward, over the past year, is My Shadow thrown, hiding trouble and sorrow and disappointment." *

These words from my devotional-reading this morning surged through me as I walked Blue up our mountain road. The sun sat high in the sky, a brilliant globe against the periwinkle of the winter sky. We walked into the sun, casting long shadows behind us. The air felt clear and crisp. Still. New.

When the Lord bubbled these words up from my memory of the morning, I stopped. Blue turned and looked at me. Our eyes met, his mahogany eyes glistening with the reflection of the sun. Straight ahead the path was clear. Behind us our shadows clung to our heels, their somber darkness draping over stones and dried, parched meadow grass we had already passed.

Oh my goodness! Enveloped in the memory of those powerful words, I could see it. The Lord - His Word - JESUS is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. His Presence goes with us lighting our path for the days and moments ahead, AND because He is with us, the very radiance of His presence casts a shadow that covers the pain and struggles we have passed through. The Shadow of His Presence distills the power of the pain, consumes it as an offering from His child. The darkness of His Shadow permeates and conquers the darkness that evil intended against us.

I leaned over and gave Blue a hug. Taking one more peek at the shadows behind, we continued walking into the sun, our path illuminated by the Light of His Presence - the stones, the parched and broken places draped in the beauty of His Shadow.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; 

Whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the strength of my life; 

Of whom shall I be afraid?" 

~ Psalm 27:1

*God Calling by A.J. Russell 

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 Tweetables to Encourage Others

The Shadow of His Presence distills the power of the pain, consumes it as an offering from His child. (Click to Tweet)

The parched & broken places of my life are draped in the beauty of His Shadow. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to be inspired and strengthened by Casting Crowns as they sing, "God Is With Us". Wow! Wow! Wow! I think it may be one of those AHA! moments...you know, something you already know and then it gets in your knower, **wink**.