Good morning Heartstrings family

No one ever cared for me like Jesus! If you believe, trust in, cling to and rely upon the Son of the Living God, then you too can say this. If you imagine another god to give you life when you deserve death take a closer look at those masters you serve. They are dead. Serve our Risen Savior!

Romans 6:23 says, "The Free Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God is love. "But God demontrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

I am a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God." Romans 3:23.

Forgiveness is available for all. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Trust (have faith) in Jesus as Lord. "For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the GIFT of God." Ephesians 2:8.

Would you like to accept the free gift of eternal life today? You can right now by believing, confessing, and repenting. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on that cross. You suffered terribly for me to be free from my sins. Thank you for conquering the enemy of death, hell and the grave! I will rejoice always as I consider You as my First Love. Bless many more and bring them to faith. Come soon Lord Jesus! In Your precious, Holy name, amen.

Abundance is...The Gift

Good afternoon friends of Heartstrings

Again, I thank you for being patient with me. Things happen and time moves so fast these days. Thank you for gathering with us today. Blessings to you and yours.

Is anyone else out there doing spring cleaning? It seems to hit me as the days become warmer and the tiny flowers begin to emerge from their cold winter beds. My heart is glad to see that the season is upon us, even though we have had recent snows off and on. We are grateful for the moisture here in Montana.

Okay, so you may be wondering what bittersweet means? Well, my heart has been going through a deep cleaning. Sweeping out the old and preparing for a new season of walking with the Spirit.

While on this particular journey, I find some difficult reminders that I am undone and in such need of Jesus my Savior. My heart longs for more of Him but, unless I give Him room, I am really just sitting in a heap of stuff and things. 

So, movies, books, other entertainments just haven't made me happy. I do not intend to just move them from one space to another in my home. They had to go. The idea isn't to replace them with newer stuff and such. And, there is another plus to this. Open spaces mean easier cleaning in the future.

A fresh life is what I long for. As I depend more and more on the Lord as my vital necessity. As my body needs repair, I am praying for wisdom to know how. My mind returns over and over again to God's Love Letter. It seems my Bible times are most important to my health and well-being. From head to toe, inside and out, my dependance upon God's Word is what heals me. And He is faithful to His Word!

Just yesterday, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that I had been carrying an idol of self-pity. It was hard to admit. It was a bitter pill to swallow.Yet, having brought it to the cross and repenting, There has come a sweetness in my soul that reminds me of early spring showers. A time where bitter is replace with sweet. Like the smell of earth and new flowers forming to bring joy to a sleepy, lazy winter. I don't know how else to explain it.

How it happens? I only know that humility before the throne of Grace replaces the deadness. Like raking the old leaves off the surface to see what promises lie beneath. I can breathe easier and deeper and songs rise out of the shadows that once were.

Do you know how to attain fresh life? I John 1:9 says..."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Why do we make it so difficult?

There comes joy in the morning! Isaiah 61:10 says..."I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Leave the bitter for the sweet! You won't be dissappointed! Take time to ask the Lord to show you what must go for real joy. Get rid of the worthless and hold fast to the precious! I am finding out that there is very little in this world worth clinging to. 

Do you want a blessing today? Psalm 89:15-16 says..."Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness."

Learn your lessons well. Your teacher is the Holy Spirit. Pay attention to the things of God. Stay humble. Remove the idols along with the anxiety. When they are gone so will the anxiety be gone. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Cling to Him, hold fast to His promises. He longs to give you an abundant life. Today.

When we learn to keep Jesus as our First Love, there comes overflowing grace and peace. No matter what your situation is, abiding in Him will lift your countenance and the Light of Jesus will shine to others even before you speak. That is what I am longing for. To make a real difference in the lives of those who cross my path. Family, friend or stranger...oh to be like Jesus!

Until we hear His call to come up to meet Him, the mission is to reach out to those who are lost. It doesn't matter if they have their name on the church pew or if they give to the poor...they may still be lost without Jesus Christ. He is the only way to Heaven. Will He say, "depart from me for I never knew you" or will He say, "enter into the presence of the Lord!" Where do you stand? 

Are you living a bitter life? Sweeten it with Jesus Christ. He is waiting to hear from you today. Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be). Amen.

Abundance is...leaving the bitter for the sweet

Good morning Heartstrings family

Thank you for gathering here with us today. Another month has slipped by and time draws closer than ever to the Day of His Appearing. Are you anticipating Him or so distracted with the things of the world you have lost your focus. Maybe, your first love? I pray for all of us to remember everyday, today could be The Day.

How strong is your foundation? I read this morning from Psalm 127 where it is said, "Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it, except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain."

Psalm 121: 1,3 & 5 says, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- from whence shall my help come? ~ He will not allow your foot to slip or be moved: He Who keeps you will not slumber. ~ The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]."

I found that interesting. Like in the book of Nehemiah, when the people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Because of the enemy trying to harm and distract them with their tactics, Nehemiah had the people continue working while wearing their swords. I am sure they had shields nearby.

With all the suffering in our lives, we need to keep a shield of Faith ready for battle against the arrows, taunts, lies and works of the enemy. 

How, you might ask? Can I work and still be ready in the full armor of God? Ephesians 6 tells us, YES!  

God gives us a promise. See if you can find it. Are you hearing abusive words, threats and violence in your world? Would you like that to be done with? Our Master is in heaven. Know Him and you will confound the enemy, while you are building your life.

Verse 10-13 says, "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. ~ Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all the strategies and deceits of the devil. ~ For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. ~  Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]."

Praise God! I can almost hear the people building the wall, praying and singing praise to God. That is what makes the enemy powerless! So, this is the anwer I needed today. Without preparing ahead of what I would write I followed the Spirit of God and found His Word again...LIVING! He always give us His Word to apply to our lives. One step at a time.

Ephesians 6:18 says, "Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behal of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." Amen.

Father, I ask for these and my self to have ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying. Above all the other noise, draw us nearer to Jesus. Bring songs of deliverance and victory. Let it flow from our hearts, out our mouths, and into the ears of others needing help. May our lives glorify Your Mighty, All Powerful name, amen.

Abundance is...promises fulfilled

Welcome Heartstrings family

As you think of the word confined, what does it remind you of? A good place of peace? Or does it give you that unsettled feeling in your gut? As you all know, times are changing so quickly from what we were told to believe, to the Truth that is being revealed almost hour by hour. 

With all our electronic capabilities things seem to be getting out of hand and a bit too intrusive. Are you being surveyed? Who knows all your information? The list goes on and on. Do you feel fear? I hope not.

The confining I am seeking is the place of hiding in His presence. There I will not fear what man can do. I will not fear the arrows that come against my thoughts in the night. I find a place, a secret place in the shelter of the Most High. I find stability and peace under the Shadow of the Almighty. His mercies are new every morning. I rest and I rise in His loving kindness and compassion. I trust in His faithfulness. He never fails because God is not a man that lies. 

Here is what I am finding about being confined. Certainly not against my will, as in the days of covid. But, a new and gentler place, that only as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am able to come.

God has said He is my hiding place when I call on Him He will protect me from trouble. He will even surround me with songs of deliverance. Think about that! Do you hear His songs bubbling over with hope in your heart?

When the problems rise up to meet you before the sun comes up, draw upon His strength and sing praises to Him. Lean on Him, trust in Him, rely on Him to carry you into a peace beyond all understanding. Your sickness, your need for a job, your need for a home, your loneliness....so many problems, yes? Run to Jesus and let Him take you into His presence. Don't be afraid of the quiet. It is healing for your soul. 

Psalm 32:7 says, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 22:3 says, "You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered]."

Psalm 31:20 says, "You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues."

Finally, will you make this your prayer along with me? Psalm 62:5-7 says, "My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. ~ He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. ~ With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God!" Amen.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will march with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; fear not, neither become broken in spirit--depressed or dismayed, and unerved with alarm. (Deuteronomy 31). In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Abundance is...I will rise and I will rest

Heartstrings family,

Are you comforted today? Is your soul delighted? While the world presses us with a multitude of things to be anxious about, Jesus is calling us to find comfort in His presence.

Psalm 94:19 says, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." Can you say, "amen" to this?

In the middle of problems and the mess around us, all we have to do is whisper the name of Jesus. At this we become very aware of His presence. Which is where you want to be, right?

Whether we wrestle with our situation or bring it before the throne will determine, our peace. Our response will become automatic, in every circumstance, as we call on the name of the Lord. His promises never fail us. Seek Him and you will find Him. Open God's Word and discover Who He is and see His goodness.

John 16:22 says, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."  Wonderful!

So, in this imperfect world experience the pleasure of receiving comfort from the Lord Jesus. Do not let problems discourage you. Instead, remember that in His presence you find His perfect Peace and Love. 

Anytime, anyplace we can call on the name of the Lord and be saved. Holy Spirit will remind us of God's faithfulness; His promises to that no one can take away from us. 

Come away beloved when you are weary and drop the burdens at His feet. He will provide the needed rest for your soul. Just speak the name of Jesus. He is with you and will never leave you. Ask yourself today, "have I left Him, my best comfort?"

Return now. Matthew 11:28-29 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Father God, as we come back to you, restore the joy and the peace of our salvation through Jesus, Your only Son. Cause our minds to return to all You have spoken to us personally in Your Word. Renew and change us today. Thank you for these times when our dependence, our vital necessity, is found in You alone. Use us to be a witness of this Love and Comfort by the power of Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Bless those here who are hurting and wondering if You really care. Open our eyes to see the wonderful things You have prepared for those who love You. In the matchless name of Jesus, we give You all glory and honor. Amen.

Thank you for gathering here today. I trust you will take the Good News, the Gospel of peace to those around you. You will be blessed. Love in Christ, Patricia.

Abundance is...finding comfort today