Good morning Heartstrings family

To have the Lord say, "I never knew you" would be the worst kind of heartache. What does it mean to know and be known? Think about it for a moment. What is your story?

In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus is speaking with a very clear word picture. Anyone can understand. Even a small child. "So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. ~And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ~ And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. ~ And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell -- and great and complete was the fall of it."

How sturdy are the foundations of your life? Who are you trusting to build your house, your life? We have witnessed strong winds, heavy torential rains and flooding in these last days so much more. Even without personally experiencing them, we can sorrow with those who have experienced great and complete loss, can't we? And, think about the clean up. What a mess.

It doesn't matter what your circumstances have been, where you are and what you have left. If you and I aren't clinging to Jesus Christ, we will not recover. The journey is long and tough sometimes. Doesn't it make sense to lean and rely on God? After all, in the end, we will stand before Him and hear His voice saying, "Enter" or, "I don't know you".

It comes down to a choice each person has to make. You have to know all your efforts without the Lord will not be granite, safe and secure. Only depending on God's Word, Jesus.

It is not completely up to us to build. God is able and willing to help us when we call on Him for help. Whether it is building a life free from the ravages of the enemy or where you will spend eternity. Who then can be saved from eternal death?

Matthew 19:26 says, "But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God."

In the last several days we have witnessed the mercy of God in a remarkable, what seems impossible way. No one can ignore the fact of God's incredible and perfect love.

Reading John 15 this morning, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me understand. It became so clear to me that the Vine is Jesus. And God the Father the One Who tends the branches. The goal is to bring the branches to bear much fruit. And, keep bearing more and more. For the Glory of God.

As we abide, dwell in the Vine, in Jesus then, we will be vitally united with the Vine. But, if not there will be no fruit. John 15:5 says, "I am the Vine; you are the branches, Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Mer [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."

I don't know about you, but I do not want to be the branch without fruit that is thrown into the fire. I have had enough experience to know that feeling of uselessness. It is painful. But, when I have spent time in the Word and communing with the Son, I want to go out and touch others lives. 

There is an old song called, "No one ever cared for me like Jesus". The first verse says, "I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, since I found in Him a friend so strong and true, I would tell you how He changed my life completely. He did something that no other friend could do." 

That is why I write to you today. I want you to find out what it means to abide, be so united with Jesus, that your life is full of glorious fruit. Think how it pleases God! So keep bringing all you have to God and ask Him to build you on a firm foundation. Keep abiding in the Vine and let His Word abide in you. 

"No one ever cared for me like Jesus. There is no other friend so kind as He. No one else could take the sin and darkness from me. How much He cares for me!" Praise the matchless name of Jesus and walk in the abundance of His Love.

Abundance is...when my thoughts are agreeable to His will

Heartstrings family,

No matter where you are in the world, the election in America will effect you too. We have witnessed a miracle here and God has chosen the man to lead us. Almighty God we praise Your Holy and Righteousness name! Thank you for giving us mercy, yes, undeserved, and so obviously goodness from Your Throne.

"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His rightness and justice, and I wil sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17.

I have to say, it was wonderful to see the expressions of joy from my own grandchildren as they saw their votes were counted and that there is victory. To see this in my lifetime, causes my soul to well up in praise. They know now that this land of America is theirs and theirs to protect. Lord give them wisdom and understanding that they can make a difference in this world.

As the time moves forward, let us pray for a continual feast of faith. Stay grounded on the Word of God and pray because the enemy has little time left to do his evil deeds. We will see that hand of evil against all that the Lord God has planned in the days to come. So, stand strong with the full armor of God on people. Be aware and bring every imagination and fear to naught in the name of Jesus Christ our matchless warrior.

Psalm 9:9 says, "The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution and desperation). ~ And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who see (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]."

Praise the name of the Lord Most High! 

"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord." Isaiah 54:17.

Do you believe the Words of God? I do more than ever before! The last hours has shown me that He Really Is Faithful and True and has not consumed us, because of His loving kindness and compassion! Thank you Father God!

Now, the ones who voted against have to make a choice. All do. Yet, being in America and as it comes back to God, they too can find the blessing. I pray each will turn their hearts to Jesus and call on His name and be saved. That is all it takes to find forgiveness and be redeemed back to the Father. To be sealed by the Spirit of God as a guarantee of eternity with Him. Simply come.

We know we are not saved by a man, no matter how good he is or how powerful or we see he seems to get things done. So, we worship not the one elected, President Trump, but we give our worship to the One Who made him. Agree? 

"Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near."  Isaiah 55:6.

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and ] heart and with your entire being and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5. 

In the matchless name of the Lord Jesus, Son of God, amen. Come soon Lord, come soon!

Abundance is...a reason to rejoice!

Good morning brothers and sisters,

My prayer this morning is from Psalm 143:8..."Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift my inner self to You." 

Yes, Heavenly Father, I praise Your name for you are always speaking. Help us to listen and not ignore the call. When it is still quiet help us to wait on You. To know Your will for our day. Make all of our appointments and use us to bring light to the lost. May our journey tell the story of Your Love and Grace. Be glorified in our lives today. In the matchless name of Jesus, Son of God, amen.

Do you feel a change in your spirit? An urgency to to look up and listen for the call sounding the Bridegroom is ready for us? A longing that surpasses any other? A thirst for more of God? A strong desire to know Him?

Then, you are not alone. I know in myself there is a change going on. The things of this world, although I am still in it, are fading like the Autumn leaves falling today. A season of change. Is your spirit finding an joy that you cannot explain. Regardless of your circumstances, is excitement bubbling up on your heart? That is called hope.

You know I have shared with you about the parable of the 10 virgins. When Jesus was telling this, He knew the outcome of our lives even now. He was able to see, then to speak to us here in the year 2024. All around the world the Holy Spirit is moving and calling us to be ready. Soon and very soon we will see Him!

Reading Matthew 25:1-13 again, I was struck by a reality we see in our times. The foolish were not fully prepared to meet the Bridegroom. If only. If only might be what you would be saying, should you realize how unprepared you are. 

No oil. No time. What does that mean to you? 

The things happening in our world, this history of change, can all be a distraction from what is really important. I don't pretend to understand all of this, but, I do know the sum of it. For myself I get caught up in the news, but hardly know what is true. If you want to find Truth then go to the Word of God. Don't wait till your last breath. Call on the name of the Lord Jesus and be saved. 

Romans 3:23 tells us..."All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Ephesians 1 says we are chosen by the Father, Redeemed by the Son and sealed by the Holy Spirit. So there is nothing we can possibly do to pay for the gift of salvation. Only Jesus death and resurrection bring us back to the Father. 

Too many words? Too much to think about? Well, we have too many excuses. Will you be saying, "If only..." When the call to meet the Bridegroom goes out? There is no time like now. Call on the name of Jesus and be saved. He will fill you with His Holy Spirit in the moment you come to Him. 

Lord Jesus, I come to You now and ask You to forgive me of my sins. There is nothing I can do to feel clean. I have tried church, doing good deeds, giving money and even sat beside the bed of a dying friend. Today, I don't want to be left on the outside, longing to be inside with You and Your beautiful bride. Make me new Lord Jesus, make me new. I will trust You to fill me and lead me and shield me. In Your holy name, the name above all names, amen.

If you have prayed this prayer with all of us gathered here together, find a Bible or open the one on your shelf. Read John 1:1-5 and believe it. Holy Spirit now lives in you and you will never be alone again. John 14:1-3 will comfort you. Romans 15:13 will encourage you! Psalm 91 will keep you through what is coming. 

May the glory of the Lord our God rest upon you today.

Abundance is...I am prepared to meet Him

Welcome to Heartstrings

Once more we get to place our dependance upon the Shepherd for our lives. Only in His Presence can we know real peace. When I was very young, I learned David's Psalm 23. Yet, everyday I am understanding what it all means. 

I am sure you see the chaos around the world. Without knowing the goodness of God, how can you survive? My heart is encouraged every day as I look into the wonderful words of life that God has given us. Rather than spending time in the worry, I am trying to head back into what is true and faithful. I know no other hope.

Psalm 23 from the Amplified Bible has given me good instruction. I pause often to consider verse one. "The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack." 

Commit this to memory. Isn't it true that what we eat, trying to make godly choices and seeking protection are vital to our everyday existence? Especially in the last days! The storms have destroyed many lives, and still they come. The weapons of war sound with explosions, and still they come. These really are the last days friends.

Isaiah 31:17-18 was the next thing I read this morning. What an expression of my own heart in prayer before the Lord. "And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. ~ My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places." 

Where are you dwelling? It goes way beyond a house. It enters into the soul of who you are and how you respond to this life. I pray that this precious promise will soak into my heart and mind until becomes a witness, beyond words, to those around me. Help me Holy Spirit.

Then Matthew 25 where Jesus talks about the wise and foolish virgins. Five prepared and five did not. Why? Because of having enough extra oil for their lamps. This I believe is speaking too of the Holy Spirit being allowed to work in our lives. At the end of the parable, Jesus has to sorrrowfully tell the foolish ones, the late coming ones, and expecting entry into the marriage feast...."I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you]." Devastating!

To assume you are a believer is welcoming the same reply by Christ Jesus. Can you hear the door shut? Which side of it are you on today. Yesterday doesn't matter. All the times you went to church, the money you gave...they will mean nothing. Only by being intimately acquainted with the Shepherd will you enter.

Pause now and consider this. Compare the time you spend on social media. All those hundreds of "friends". Do you know them? As time flys by and the evil in the world is seeming to grow stronger, who will you turn to? What can you depend on?

A sidewalk. In the crack of one you see a tiny flower. Do you crush it or will you be amazed when you look upon it? Surrounded by cement and the eager steps of those passing by, it has survived. It is receiving sunlight, moisture and only knows that it can depend on the One Who made it. 

During the night when these thoughts came to me I was deeply drawn to be like that flower. No matter what is going on around me, I will keep depending on God. His plans for me. His presence to comfort me. For He is my Shepherd and knows best what I need. You might think I'm silly for sharing this. After all, you have all your controls in place. Even if a storm comes you have set in place the things you need. But, do you?

Finally, John 14:26-28 Jesus said, But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. ~ Peace I leave with you, My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] ~ You heard Me tell you, I am going away and I am coming [back] to you..."

Let this be your prayer, your hope and desire. I am praying for you and know the Shepherd is watching over you. Get deeply, intimately acquainted with Him. He longs to spend time with you. Be full of the Holy Spirit and let Him teach you. This will be your safe place. 

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!" In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...being in the Shepherd's care

Welcome back to Heartstrings family and friends

Time has moved swiftly. I cannot begin to tell you all that has happened since my last entry here. I have missed you but, the process of grieving has kept me hidden in the secret place. I have leaned on the promises of Psalm 91 as never before. My own mother is now in the sweet presence of Jesus. Tears, rejoicing, sadness and longing to see and talk to her are all jumbled with rises and falls. My hope has been to take each day at a time and know Jesus, my dearest friend. 

Each day my hope is set on Christ. His Spirit is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that His word revives me and gives me life. Psalm 119:49-50.

There is no greater place than to be sheltered, stable and fixed under the Shadow of the Almighty, whose power no foe can withstand! 

I have awakened often in the night as I hear many of you have. Instead of looking at this as a burden, I have been learning it is a call to give thanks and speak the matchless name of Jesus. It has been a special, without distraction, meeting place. I know the Lord is preparing us to be His Bride. He is coming soon! Look at the signs!

Recently, a life altering hurricane has swept over the eastern part of our nation. Some lives were lost. So much destruction! Family members are without power and have lost foods and water is tainted from the flooding. What can I do Lord? Pray.

Prayer seems like such a simple thing doesn't it. I mean words put together should make sense, but sometimes the ach is so strong, I wonder. If they are from your heart, presented to God, with thanksgiving, you can always know He hears and has a good work to do, even in the midst of trouble.

Hang onto the Word of God as an anchor. The storms will come. The winds will blow but we are to look to Him always to sustain us. Are you troubled today? Maybe, frustrated that your circumstances seem so unlikely to be resolved? There is hope.

Isaiah 43 has many promises. I love how personal they speak to my soul. We are told we don't have to fear because we are redeemed. The Lord calls us by name and says,"you are Mine."

My prayers are for Israel. Never forget His Chosen people. He has a plan. We must trust Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

I think the greatest promise is found in verse 25..."I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions, for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." Thank you Lord God!

This is why Jesus came, to save the lost. To redeem our lives back to the Father and seal us with His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of life eternal.

That brings me to this. I know, its long today. It might be the last time I can be here. Never know. So, if you can hang in there a bit longer, I know you will be blessed. If you are a believer you see the things happening in the world, can't you see? We have the Bible to compare with the true news. 

God wants us to hold fast to Him. Let His Word be our standard. Trust Him above all others. He is faithful and true and never changes. Reading the Bible prayerfully, the Holy Spirit will be our Teacher. Our eyes will see how Mighty the Lord is and we will find our shelter in the Almighty. 

I was reading this morning Luke 14. For the first time I understood what Jesus was telling us. Verses 16-24. The thing that really struck me was that excuses are made by the very ones the Master had called to the Great Supper. I had to ask myself, honestly, what my excuses are. 

Is it your business? A relationship? A means to acquire more? What ever the excuse, we will only miss out on the most wonderful supper! So, the Master says, to go out and bring others in to fill His house. Whether weak or poor. So, the servant went, but still could not fill the spaces at the table. Still, there is more room.

Today, many are coming to Christ. Many thousands in this great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God wants His house to be full of many sons and daughters! Are you one of them? I am on the lookout for opportunities to bring others into the family of God. If God will use me, I am willing. 

It does not matter what I have lost, or how weak I am...I long to be an instrument for His glory! Does this speak to you believer? Come away to Jesus and be delivered from all your cares and distractions. Be free and let the Lord pour His mercy and grace upon and through you. 

I wanted to say more, but this will do for now. The journey we are on should bring us to greater dependance upon God. In every way. Regardless of circumstances. With our focus on the Lord and His Word on our lips. Worship the Lord with all your heart. He longs for more time with you. Will you give it to Him? No excuses?

The Lord bless you and keep you and cause your hearts desire is to humbly come before the throne of Grace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We say, "Come quickly Lord Jesus! Come!"

Abundance is...found in the matchless name of Jesus