Sunday Scripture Reading ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19

Have you ever had your schedule to kind of spin out of control? Whereas, time seems to fly by like the speed of light, especially when you are working on a project or two. Well, I'm definitely a witness to that. Even though your schedule may get a wee bit hectic, don't fret. Things will be back to normal sooner than you think.

I am glad of that because I was missing my blogging time. I still have a lot of catching up to do, but better late than never. Right? Anywho, this week our theme is based on Habakkuk 3:17-19.



Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.


This is one of my feel good passages that I love to read to encourage me and lift up my spirit. My Spirit-Filled Bible gives a great insight on this passage.

"Habakkuk provides a beautiful picture of how to move from doubt to faith, from confusion to understanding, and from fear to hope. He asked genuine questions, waited for God's answers, and accepted them. He put his hope in God and experienced His presence. In faith, he looked beyond his present circumstances to God, placing his hope in God's saving grace and absolute faithfulness. He set his heart and his eyes on God." ~ The New Spirit-Filled Bible

It's amazing how our circumstances may change, if we only decide to put our hearts and our eyes on God. We must ask, wait and accept just like Habakkuk did. Amen. So, let's journey together this week and see what God reveals to us by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus.

Other Bible Translations For Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; though the flocks die in the fields,and the cattle barns are empty,yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (nlt)

"Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!" (msg)



"Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my savior. The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains." (gnt)

Sunday's Scripture Reading ~ Philippians 4:6-7

It's official!! It's the 1st day of July 2012!! Isn't that something? Including this month, there are only six months left in this year!! WOW!! I don't know if I should be excited or what!! Now, that we are in our seventh month, was there anything that you were petitioning God for the past six months? Or, is there anything you are asking God to do in the next six months?


Whatever it is don't allow yourself to get antsy and somewhat impatient. Pray to God and tell Him what's on your heart. From there, relax, let it go, and just thank Him in the name Jesus for answering your prayers. So, without further a due, this week's scripture is 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."


I think I am going to enjoy this week's theme. I know....I say this every week. I just can't help it. I get so excited every week when it comes to sharing God's word.

Other Bible Translations for Philippians 4:6-7
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (msg)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (niv)

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (nlt)


"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (amp)

Sunday Scripture Reading ~ Psalms 51:10

Can you believe that today (June 24) is the last Sunday of this month? This is the last official week of June. Next Sunday will literally be the first day of July. WOW!! Is that something or what?!? Let's get started...shall we? This week's scripture is from one of my favorite Psalms that I read very often.



Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)



This is one of mt favorite scripture. Psalm 51 is known as the Prayer of Repentance.
Verse 10 always seem to stick out and capture my attention. It's comforting to me because it reassures me that I don't have to stay in my junk. When certain things such as issues, emotions, or etc., that are not healthy for my relationship with God or contradicts who I am (my Christian values and characteristics) in Christ, all I have to do is ask God to wash and cleanse my heart of such things.


As we progress with the Psalm 51:10, I pray that it is a blessing to you. Enjoy your Sunday.







Other Bible Translations for Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(niv)


Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
(nlt)


Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right, persevering,
and steadfast spirit within me.
(amp)


Create pure thoughts in me
and make me faithful again.
(cev)

Sunday's Scripture Reading ~ Matthew 5:16

First, let me start by saying "Happy Father's Day" to all dads out there and to all the single moms who have to be both mom and dad to their children. It's amazing how each week tends to fly by so fast. I am definitely trying my best to keep up. So, let's keep it rolling. This week scripture is.....





"Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good
works and glorify your
Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)


We are representatives of Jesus Christ. We are to be mindful of your actions and words. For one, you never who could be watching you or listening to your conversations. As disciples of Jesus, we can't say one thing and do another when it comes to the word of God. By no means, I am saying that we have to be perfect. We are far from it. However, we must try hard to live according to God's word and let our light shine so that people can see the glory of God reflecting in us.











Other Bible Translations for Matthew 5:16:

"By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (msg)


"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (nlt)

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (niv)

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (amp)

Wisdom Word Wednesday ~ Proverb 16:1-9

For this Wisdom Word Wednesday, we are going to look at Proverbs 16:1-9. When I read this, I was taken aback. It's straight to the point all meat and no milk. It was just what I needed to read. I pray that this passage is a blessing to you as it is for me.



Proverbs 16:1-9 (msg)
Everything with a Place and a Purpose


1 Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.


2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good;
God probes for what is good.

3 Put God in charge of your work,
then what you've planned will take place.


4 God made everything with a place and purpose;
even the wicked are included—but for judgment.


5 God can't stomach arrogance or pretense;
believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.

6 Guilt is banished through love and truth;
Fear-of-God deflects evil.


7 When God approves of your life,
even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.


8 Far better to be right and poor
than to be wrong and rich.

9 We plan the way we want to live,
but only God makes us able to live it.

---

“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are”  - C.S. Lewis



For more Wisdom Word Wednesday, click here.

Wisdom Word Wednesday ~ Proverbs 4:1-7

Wisdom plays an essential role in our spiritual life, especially when it comes to making decisions in our everyday life, whether it may be at work, home, or etc. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us all things, including how to make wise decisions. In order for us to grow in wisdom, we must continue to spend time and meditate on God's Holy Word.




So for Wisdom Word Wednesday, I will share scriptures from Proverbs that minister to me. My prayer is that each scripture or passage I share is a blessing to you; And in some way, shape, or form, you will be able to apply it everyday.






Security In Wisdom

Hear, my children,
the instruction of a father,

And give attention to know understanding;
For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.

When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one
in the sight of my mother,



He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.


Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away
from the words of my mouth.



Do not forsake her,
and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.


Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.

(Proverbs 4:1-7)

Freedom to Read the Bible

Now that this week is my attempt to start back blogging again, I cannot wait to start visiting you all so that I can see what I missed and what everyone has been up to.

Today in Charleston, SC the weather has been exceptional beautiful. It seems like the first day of spring in February!!  Believe it or not, early this morning birds were chirping outside my window and squirrels playing in my yard, running up and down the trees. I almost felt like Cinderella without all the mice dressing me and everything. :)

However, it's such a blessing to have the freedom to sit in my front yard on a warm sunny day and read the bible. Sometimes, we do take little things such as this for granted. One thing for sure it's a blessing to live in a country where I can do that and where you are encouraged to read the bible and build a relationship with God.





For those who don't have the freedom of being a Christian and is unable to sit in their front yard and read their bible, I pray that one day they will in the name of Jesus!!






I hope everyone is having a Happy Hump Day!!