Nehemiah 1-5: A Sign of Mercy in the Western Sky

Nehemiah 1:5-7
Amplified

⁵ And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments,

⁶ Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.

⁷ We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.

 

How many times have I missed the mark? 

 

It's sobering to think about the times in my life when I committed sin, both willingly and ignorantly.  Yet, I am not a solitary sinner.  All of you, like me, have sinned.  If we desire, the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to right and wrong, the way God sees it.  When the "eyes of our heart" perceive missteps (sins), grace will empower us to turn away from that thing which drives a wedge between us and Jesus.  You see, my friends, it's not about following rules and regulations; it's about following the Ruler and Regulator of the universe.  He is the King and, we obey because we love Him.

 

 

 

June 28, 2015

 

 

Yet, in our unfaithfulness, God is faithful!  He gives us a sign of His mercy in the night sky.  As Jupiter and Venus converge, some believe this celestial event is similar to what occurred in order to form the Star of David, which pointed the way to Jesus.  As you look into the western sky, remember Jesus and ask Him to empower you to see sin the way He does.  This kind of heart loves God more than self, and it is a heart which is blessed with His loving-kindness and mercy.

 

This heavenly sign once again points the way to Jesus.  Do you seek Him?  Look to the west in tonight's sky.  See the sign.  Pray that your spiritual eyes are opened to see like Him.  Bless you, my friends.  May grace empower you!!!

 



 



If Grace is an Ocean

 

This reminds me of a dream I had several years ago. I had fallen through the ice and was sinking deeper and deeper, but I was not suffocating. The deeper I sank, the more I was enveloped by peace and love. What is awesome is during that time in my life, I had momentary encounters with peace. At that point in my walk with Jesus, I knew His love, but peace in the storm was fleeting. Today, I am the woman portrayed in this picture. Last night before going to sleep, I thanked Abba for the gift of peace. 

 May, you, my friends also find Peace in the storms of life. May you know that love of the Eternal One! 

 Much Love...

Beautiful Grace

Ezra 7-10: Cherish His Heart

Recently, I had someone very dear to me say, "I cherish your opinion."  My heart was so deeply touched that tears filled my eyes.  My loved one was saying, I love the thoughts you have regarding this situation that I face. 

I cannot think of a greater sign of honor and love than this!


Ezra 7:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁰ For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord [to inquire for it and of it, to require and yearn for it], and to do and teach in Israel its statutes and its ordinances.

 

 

Ezra honored God much like I had been honored.  He knew God as One full of perfect wisdom.  He understood that the books of Moses, the written law, was God's heart; His thoughts translated into writing. Ezra knew that God wouldn't give a command for no good reason.  Ezra trusted God, because he was familiar with His heart. 

 

Ezra cherished God's heart!

 

I wonder if God's eyes fill up with tears when we seek His thoughts about a situation we face.  When we ask Him, "what should I do, and how do You want me to respond?"  When we inquire of the Lord, we cherish His heart, and that, my friends demonstrates our love for Him.

 

Lord, empower us to seek Your heart, understand what You are saying, then do it.  There is no greater way to show You our love.  In the great name of Jesus, AMEN!!!