"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" ~ Exodus 33:14, NKJV
"I look behind me and You're there, then up ahead and You're there, too - Your reassuring Presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in!" ~ Psalm 139:5,6, The Message
God's Presence. Dare we close our eyes and try to visualize this? Can we open our hearts to receive this knowledge? Not just in concept, but in Truth.
Truth: God's Presence - His Spirit - dwells within us. His Spirit surrounds us.
Have you ever thought about John 15:4? "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
I have loved this verse for many years, but I feel as though I am seeing it with fresh eyes. "Abide IN Me, and I IN you." Do you see the exchange? The dynamics? I have often wondered what the Lord means by "abiding IN Him".
Is it possible that the Lord is referring to His Presence surrounding us at all times and thus challenging us to open our eyes and see? We know that, as Believers, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, giving us power and wisdom and guidance and comfort. How awesome is that? But, is it possible that God wants us to understand His Presence in a broader sense? The Scripture tells us that His Presence goes before us and is also behind us. He leads us onto paths of righteousness. He keeps us from falling. He carries us when the pain is too much to bear. I love this picture.
Is He stirring your spirit with understanding? Oh, I pray so! Remember, He walks on the wings of the wind. The clouds are the dust of His feet. His glory and majesty shine as the bright and morning star! He longs for us to open the eyes of our heart to recognize Him all about us.
His Presence will give you rest.
Rest. nu'ach (noo-ahch). "Settle down; to be soothed or quieted; to be still; to dwell peacefully." (commentary, Spirit Filled Life Bible)
Again, I say, His Presence will give you rest.
Father, open our eyes to see Your glory all about us. We want to know You more. We want to walk in the knowledge of Your love in a deeper way. I ask that You enlighten the eyes of our hearts to understand. Thank You Lord. You are the Mighty God, Master of everything. We love You. We praise You and we glorify Your Holy name.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Kathryn Scott singing, "Child of God". You just might ascend on the wings of angels :) Sweet blessings to you!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Expect A Miracle
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." ~ James 1:17, NKJV
Exhaustion pummeled my body. All I wanted was for everything to be done - fixed, completed, taken care of - and off my shoulders! Yes, the very shoulders that were not created to carry the weight I insisted on bearing.
Time was running out to replace the vehicle that had been totaled three weeks earlier. Business had to be taken care of, but all I wanted to do was rest. Dread filled my heart.
The warm water of the shower washed over me soaking me in refreshment. I lifted my voice and began to sing, "Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord. Cause me come. Cause me to drink. Cause me to live." I felt God's cleansing touch - the mist of His grace creating a clean heart, a right spirit within me.
"Nan,why are you dreading this? You should be expecting good things from Me. Am I not your God? Are you not My child? I am the Father who delights in giving good gifts to my children. Now, expect Me to work!"
The silent voice was clear. The silent voice was firm. And the silent voice was right.
"Forgive me Lord. I believe. Help me with my unbelief. Somehow I know You will take this impossible situation and put the pieces together for us."
David and I spent the afternoon test-driving car after car. None produced the aha moment we were looking for. Actually, the car we drove two days earlier was the one that fulfilled that requirement, but it was priced $1300 more than we had. We have been unemployed for a year now. Our savings are gone and every penny counts. We told the salesman that we could not give them what we didn't have, and we were not going into debt to replace our paid-for car. We also told them that if God wanted us to have this car then, against all odds, it would still be sitting there in a few days and they would come down to our price, even though, by all standards, it was a VERY low number.
Did I mention that our God is GREAT??
We arrived home mustering all the "expectation" we could and, guess what? The phone rang. It was our car salesman. Can you guess? Yes! The manager agreed to come down to our price!! Not only were we able to pay for it in full, but we are now driving a better vehicle than the one that was totaled! Crazy, isn't it?
Our God is able. He is waiting to open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings greater than we can contain. Oh, if only we would believe!
Dear friend, the Lord our God is for you. He will never forsake you. He delights in giving good gifts to His children. Won't you trust Him today? Won't you dare to believe that He is just waiting for you to expect your miracle? Put your hand in His. He will never let you down.
You are an amazing God! Thank You for Your faithfulness, for Your patience as we learn to trust You with a whole heart. And thank You for our car. We love it. Lord, I ask that You encourage my friends with the same hope and expectation that You filled me with. Pour out Your favor on them Lord. Lead them and guide them. Go before them and make a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You Lord. We love you.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Kari Jobe singing "You Are For Me". I promise you will be blessed.
Exhaustion pummeled my body. All I wanted was for everything to be done - fixed, completed, taken care of - and off my shoulders! Yes, the very shoulders that were not created to carry the weight I insisted on bearing.
Time was running out to replace the vehicle that had been totaled three weeks earlier. Business had to be taken care of, but all I wanted to do was rest. Dread filled my heart.
The warm water of the shower washed over me soaking me in refreshment. I lifted my voice and began to sing, "Cause me to come to Thy river, O Lord. Cause me come. Cause me to drink. Cause me to live." I felt God's cleansing touch - the mist of His grace creating a clean heart, a right spirit within me.
"Nan,why are you dreading this? You should be expecting good things from Me. Am I not your God? Are you not My child? I am the Father who delights in giving good gifts to my children. Now, expect Me to work!"
The silent voice was clear. The silent voice was firm. And the silent voice was right.
"Forgive me Lord. I believe. Help me with my unbelief. Somehow I know You will take this impossible situation and put the pieces together for us."
David and I spent the afternoon test-driving car after car. None produced the aha moment we were looking for. Actually, the car we drove two days earlier was the one that fulfilled that requirement, but it was priced $1300 more than we had. We have been unemployed for a year now. Our savings are gone and every penny counts. We told the salesman that we could not give them what we didn't have, and we were not going into debt to replace our paid-for car. We also told them that if God wanted us to have this car then, against all odds, it would still be sitting there in a few days and they would come down to our price, even though, by all standards, it was a VERY low number.
Did I mention that our God is GREAT??
We arrived home mustering all the "expectation" we could and, guess what? The phone rang. It was our car salesman. Can you guess? Yes! The manager agreed to come down to our price!! Not only were we able to pay for it in full, but we are now driving a better vehicle than the one that was totaled! Crazy, isn't it?
Our God is able. He is waiting to open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings greater than we can contain. Oh, if only we would believe!
Dear friend, the Lord our God is for you. He will never forsake you. He delights in giving good gifts to His children. Won't you trust Him today? Won't you dare to believe that He is just waiting for you to expect your miracle? Put your hand in His. He will never let you down.
You are an amazing God! Thank You for Your faithfulness, for Your patience as we learn to trust You with a whole heart. And thank You for our car. We love it. Lord, I ask that You encourage my friends with the same hope and expectation that You filled me with. Pour out Your favor on them Lord. Lead them and guide them. Go before them and make a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You Lord. We love you.
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Kari Jobe singing "You Are For Me". I promise you will be blessed.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Behold Your God
"O Zion, you who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'" ~ Isaiah 40:9, NKJV
"Mrs. Jones? Your husband has been in an accident. It's serious."
Tears coursed down my cheeks echoing the pain of my heart. My son couldn't get me to the hospital fast enough. My hands shook violently as I tried call after call on that darn cell phone that kept losing service as we raced down Highway 16. I had to get hold of the rest of the kids. I had to call friends to start a prayer chain, I had to call family, I had to call...
My mind couldn't keep up with the panicked thoughts. At times, I found it difficult to breathe. How could this be happening?
My son gently reached across the truck seats and clasped my hand. His tenderness calmed me. I looked up at him and, as I did, the setting sun captured my attention. Ribbons of golden amber danced around chunks of lavender and cerulean blue as the firey sun crept behind the mountain ridges. A blanket of glory covered the evening sky.
I stared into the brilliance.
"Nan, behold your God!"
I recognized the still, small voice. He spoke again, "Nan, behold your God!"
"Yes, Lord. Oh! Yes, Lord!"
His Spirit embraced me, reassured me, gave me comfort.
I knew at that moment that my God was with me. I knew that my faith stood firm upon the Rock that is higher than I. I knew in that moment that everything was going to be okay. My life - David's life - is surrendered to a Sovereign Lord. He knows all things that pertain to us. He weaves the tapestry of our lives with careful attention.
And He knew my precious David had been in a serious car accident.
As I watched the kaleidoscope of glorious color unfold before me, I knew that my God is real. He is Truth and He is faithful.
As I beheld Him, He wrapped me in a blanket of love and wiped my tears.
I love You Lord. Thank You for being my God, my Savior and my Lord.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Sandi Patty singing, "We Shall Behold Him". It will knock your socks off :)
"Mrs. Jones? Your husband has been in an accident. It's serious."
Tears coursed down my cheeks echoing the pain of my heart. My son couldn't get me to the hospital fast enough. My hands shook violently as I tried call after call on that darn cell phone that kept losing service as we raced down Highway 16. I had to get hold of the rest of the kids. I had to call friends to start a prayer chain, I had to call family, I had to call...
My mind couldn't keep up with the panicked thoughts. At times, I found it difficult to breathe. How could this be happening?
My son gently reached across the truck seats and clasped my hand. His tenderness calmed me. I looked up at him and, as I did, the setting sun captured my attention. Ribbons of golden amber danced around chunks of lavender and cerulean blue as the firey sun crept behind the mountain ridges. A blanket of glory covered the evening sky.
I stared into the brilliance.
"Nan, behold your God!"
I recognized the still, small voice. He spoke again, "Nan, behold your God!"
"Yes, Lord. Oh! Yes, Lord!"
His Spirit embraced me, reassured me, gave me comfort.
I knew at that moment that my God was with me. I knew that my faith stood firm upon the Rock that is higher than I. I knew in that moment that everything was going to be okay. My life - David's life - is surrendered to a Sovereign Lord. He knows all things that pertain to us. He weaves the tapestry of our lives with careful attention.
And He knew my precious David had been in a serious car accident.
As I watched the kaleidoscope of glorious color unfold before me, I knew that my God is real. He is Truth and He is faithful.
As I beheld Him, He wrapped me in a blanket of love and wiped my tears.
I love You Lord. Thank You for being my God, my Savior and my Lord.
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Sandi Patty singing, "We Shall Behold Him". It will knock your socks off :)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I Will Seek You, Lord
"But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find Him if you're serious, looking for Him with your whole heart and soul." ~ Deuteronomy 4:29, The Message
Seeking God.
We say it so casually.
I looked up the word seek in the Roget's Thesaurus. Are you ready? To seek is: to be after, beat the bushes, chase, dig for, go after, hunt, inquire, investigate, leave no stone unturned, look high and low, pursue, run after and search for.
Seeking God...
He has been stirring my spirit about this. He has been whispering to me, gently prodding me to go deeper. And I know in my knower that when I respond with obedience, the reward will be great.
I want to share a page out of Frances J. Roberts', Come Away My Beloved. You may recognize some of this as I have shared bits and pieces over this past year. But here, in its entirety, is Quiet Pool:
Wait upon Me.
Let your life be as a deep, quiet pool.
Let your heart rest in My hand as a bird in a nest.
Let your eyes be still. Let your hands be free.
For then I shall fill all your vision, and then I shall take your hands into Mine and My power shall flow forth into you.
If you would only make yourself a place apart, yes, removed from the pressure and turmoil, and there I will meet you. Yes, I wait for your coming. For I long to pour out My blessings upon you, and I long to give you My fullness.
Only be still before Me.
Never let the toils and cares of the day rob you of this sweet fellowship with Me.
For I know what you need, and I am concerned about your duties and responsibilities. You will find your cares vanish, and your load is lightened by an unseen hand. I would have you bring Me your love, and even as you are bringing Me your love, I shall in turn bring to you My power, so that I work for you in a twofold measure.
I will give you the power to discharge your duties with greater efficiency. I am actively engaged in working for you in ways you cannot see, to make your path clear, and to bring about things you could never accomplish, and which would otherwise absorb your energies and wear out your patience.
So I say again...Rest in Me. Wait upon Me.
Come apart with Me. Seek My face. Seek My fellowship.
My answer to Him is, "Yes, Lord. I'm coming."
Will you join me?
Father, Forgive us for being so deaf to Your voice beckoning us to come. Stir up hunger and thirst for Your Word within us. Stir up a fresh love, a fresh relationship. We love You, Lord - for that there is no doubt. But the cares of the world sway us and distract us, robbing us of precious time with You. Please take the indifference from us and open our eyes to see Your face. We want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand and feel Your heartbeat. We want to know You more! We want our praise to be a sweet aroma to You. Hear our cry O Lord for we want to bless You and honor You with our lives. Thank You Lord. You, alone, are worthy of our praise.
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Kari Jobe's song, The More I Seek You. I would love for you to leave a comment while you are there. Sweet blessings to you!
Seeking God.
We say it so casually.
I looked up the word seek in the Roget's Thesaurus. Are you ready? To seek is: to be after, beat the bushes, chase, dig for, go after, hunt, inquire, investigate, leave no stone unturned, look high and low, pursue, run after and search for.
Seeking God...
He has been stirring my spirit about this. He has been whispering to me, gently prodding me to go deeper. And I know in my knower that when I respond with obedience, the reward will be great.
I want to share a page out of Frances J. Roberts', Come Away My Beloved. You may recognize some of this as I have shared bits and pieces over this past year. But here, in its entirety, is Quiet Pool:
Wait upon Me.
Let your life be as a deep, quiet pool.
Let your heart rest in My hand as a bird in a nest.
Let your eyes be still. Let your hands be free.
For then I shall fill all your vision, and then I shall take your hands into Mine and My power shall flow forth into you.
If you would only make yourself a place apart, yes, removed from the pressure and turmoil, and there I will meet you. Yes, I wait for your coming. For I long to pour out My blessings upon you, and I long to give you My fullness.
Only be still before Me.
Never let the toils and cares of the day rob you of this sweet fellowship with Me.
For I know what you need, and I am concerned about your duties and responsibilities. You will find your cares vanish, and your load is lightened by an unseen hand. I would have you bring Me your love, and even as you are bringing Me your love, I shall in turn bring to you My power, so that I work for you in a twofold measure.
I will give you the power to discharge your duties with greater efficiency. I am actively engaged in working for you in ways you cannot see, to make your path clear, and to bring about things you could never accomplish, and which would otherwise absorb your energies and wear out your patience.
So I say again...Rest in Me. Wait upon Me.
Come apart with Me. Seek My face. Seek My fellowship.
My answer to Him is, "Yes, Lord. I'm coming."
Will you join me?
Father, Forgive us for being so deaf to Your voice beckoning us to come. Stir up hunger and thirst for Your Word within us. Stir up a fresh love, a fresh relationship. We love You, Lord - for that there is no doubt. But the cares of the world sway us and distract us, robbing us of precious time with You. Please take the indifference from us and open our eyes to see Your face. We want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand and feel Your heartbeat. We want to know You more! We want our praise to be a sweet aroma to You. Hear our cry O Lord for we want to bless You and honor You with our lives. Thank You Lord. You, alone, are worthy of our praise.
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to experience Kari Jobe's song, The More I Seek You. I would love for you to leave a comment while you are there. Sweet blessings to you!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Unspeakable Joy to the World!
"But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent His Son,
born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law
so that He might redeem those of us who have been held captive by the law.
"Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.
"You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as His own children because God sent the Spirit of His Son into our lives crying out, 'Papa! Father!'
"Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child?
"And if you are a child, you are also an heir,
with complete access to your inheritance through His Son, Jesus."
~ Galatians 4:4-7, The Message
Joy...unspeakable JOY, to the world! The Lord has come! Let us rejoice and be glad in Him!
Sweet blessings and Merry Christmas to you,
Nan
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to get your joy poppin' on this Christmas morning with a song by Chris Tomlin.
born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law
so that He might redeem those of us who have been held captive by the law.
"Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.
"You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as His own children because God sent the Spirit of His Son into our lives crying out, 'Papa! Father!'
"Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child?
"And if you are a child, you are also an heir,
with complete access to your inheritance through His Son, Jesus."
~ Galatians 4:4-7, The Message
Joy...unspeakable JOY, to the world! The Lord has come! Let us rejoice and be glad in Him!
Sweet blessings and Merry Christmas to you,
Nan
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page to get your joy poppin' on this Christmas morning with a song by Chris Tomlin.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Son of His Love
"The Father has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have our redemption through His blood, which means the forgiveness of our sins. He is the exact likeness of the unseen God, the visible representation of the invisible; He is the Firstborn of all creation." ~ Colossians 1:13-15, Amplified
Oh dear ones, can we fathom the depth of His love?
A love so great.
A love so real.
A love which encompasses all our need.
The Father saw our need. He desired to dwell among us. But how? A Holy God cannot embrace a creation compromised by sin. A Holy God cannot walk with us and talk with us.
But He yearned to be with His children.
To comfort them.
To heal them.
To restore their broken lives.
A love so great.
A relentless God pursued us with His love through His Son, Jesus. He did not give up on us. He saw our hearts when we had nothing to give in return. And He called us by name. Can you hear Him? Can you hear Him whispering your name?
Close your eyes and see the night love was born.
Father God! Your love amazes me, humbles me. Your love makes me whole. I rejoice in Your love Father. Thank You, thank You. Open our eyes to see Jesus this Christmas. Bless You Lord! We give You praise!
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page. You won't want to miss this glorious music video, "When Love Was Born" by Mark Schultz.
Oh dear ones, can we fathom the depth of His love?
A love so great.
A love so real.
A love which encompasses all our need.
The Father saw our need. He desired to dwell among us. But how? A Holy God cannot embrace a creation compromised by sin. A Holy God cannot walk with us and talk with us.
But He yearned to be with His children.
To comfort them.
To heal them.
To restore their broken lives.
A love so great.
A relentless God pursued us with His love through His Son, Jesus. He did not give up on us. He saw our hearts when we had nothing to give in return. And He called us by name. Can you hear Him? Can you hear Him whispering your name?
Close your eyes and see the night love was born.
Father God! Your love amazes me, humbles me. Your love makes me whole. I rejoice in Your love Father. Thank You, thank You. Open our eyes to see Jesus this Christmas. Bless You Lord! We give You praise!
*************************************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page. You won't want to miss this glorious music video, "When Love Was Born" by Mark Schultz.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
There's Just Something About That Name!
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
(Mathew 1:21, New King James Version)
Jesus!
There's just something about that sweet name!
One day, very soon, we will be saying that name for all eternity! Are you facing something today that you feel is overwhelming you? Just call on that name! It's the name that can calm the storm, heal the broken, and restore lives. It's that precious name of Jesus. When the angel came to Mary to tell her that she would be the one to conceive that child, wow! To think, you will be carrying the most precious gift-the gift of Jesus! That thrills my heart! So, let me encourage you, during this very hectic time of year, call on that name...the name above any other...Jesus!
Father, we worship you! Let us remember to call out that precious name...the sweetest name on earth. Lord we love You and we praise You.
(Mathew 1:21, New King James Version)
Jesus!
There's just something about that sweet name!
One day, very soon, we will be saying that name for all eternity! Are you facing something today that you feel is overwhelming you? Just call on that name! It's the name that can calm the storm, heal the broken, and restore lives. It's that precious name of Jesus. When the angel came to Mary to tell her that she would be the one to conceive that child, wow! To think, you will be carrying the most precious gift-the gift of Jesus! That thrills my heart! So, let me encourage you, during this very hectic time of year, call on that name...the name above any other...Jesus!
Father, we worship you! Let us remember to call out that precious name...the sweetest name on earth. Lord we love You and we praise You.
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