Hum of the Ocean



Hum of the Ocean

One time while we were at the ocean in our motor home I was thrilled every day to be able to see the waves and surf rolling to shore from my window. In this recreation park we were staying there were also some retired folks who lived here most of the year full time.

 I came to enjoy the company of one couple who were well into their eighties, and chatted with them often. But I felt sorry because the place they now lived was out of  sight of the ocean they so dearly loved.

 One day when we were visiting I was to be very surprised by this dear woman’s response when I had said to her, “I’m so sorry you can’t see the ocean from where you are living now. It’s a shame too that you aren’t able to walk the path to see the dunes and the surf since your illness.”

“The ocean is but a far off hum just to remind those of us out of sight of it―it is still nearby, and this comforts me,” she said with a bright smile.  

 “The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.” Psalm 145:17-19 NLT

At times we may think God is so far off and we are not able to have an up close and personal relationship with Him. One may think we are too inexperienced, uneducated in His Word, or our faith is too small. This is not true at all.  In fact, it is God who has calling us!

The Lord is reassuring us, He is not far off, but as close as our whispered prayer. Once we have learned the delight of being in His presence and how to lay hold of Him, we will find the way so easy we will no longer even want to neglect such an opportunity ever again.

Dear beloved, child of God, though we cannot see Him, He is near. The song of His love for us resonates in our heart like the steady hum of the ocean.

“Let me ask you, then, do you desire to know the Lord in a deep way? God has made such an experience, such a walk, possible for you. He has made it possible through the grace He has given to all His redeemed children. He has done it my means of His Holy Spirit…Prayer is the key.”― quoted from: Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Jeanne Guymon

“Hum of the Ocean” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 29, 2014

 

Shout to the Mountain

Mount Rainier by Dee Kamp

Shout to the Mountain

I listened with interest to the wise words of man of faith in a Christmas movie the other night. He stated what should be obvious to us when we pray to God― it’s not necessary to point out the negatives, or tell Him how big the mountain is we face in our life.

“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

 your justice like the ocean depths.

You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.

 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!” Psalm 3:67 NLT

 

Counting our blessings instead of focusing on our problems can shift a mountain of worry to a mere pile of rubble. After all, what seems like a massive mountain to us is a mere speck of dirt to God. There is nothing greater before us than the mighty hand of God who holds us.

We can trust God’s Word and be encouraged by recalling all the times in our past God has either moved that mountain or given us strength to climb it with His hand in ours every step of the way.

We can depend on God to bring us through any adversity, and help others along the way too. For as the saying goes we just need to shout to the mountain how big, how great our God is!

“God is too good to be unkind, and he is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace his hand, we must trust his heart.”-Charles Haddon Spurgeon

 

“Shout to the Mountain” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 20, 2014

 

A Light in the Window

A Light in the Window

 

No matter what else is on my to-do list for Christmas, one of my greatest joys is seeking out a children’s book or two to bring and read to the grand kids and great grandkids. Always, of course, is the Story of Christmas, but I like to find one more story―something new to them.  As I shuffled through my beloved collection of children’s books, I spot one little book that has slipped way to the back of the bookcase. Curious I reach for it and when I read the title, I smile knowing, this is the perfect one I’ll share this year.  

It’s not a new well-illustrated picture book one can buy nowadays, or even a story written in this century.  It’s a book by Louisa M Alcott in 1871, published in 1902. The book is titled Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag.  I found it years ago in a second hand store. And the well-worn pages seem to fall open naturally to the perfect Christmas story for this year’s reading, titled “Tilly’s Christmas”.

One little girl in the story lives in a big beautiful home and is very rich. She is fussing about what to buy for all those on her Christmas list. But she finds herself pondering about her friend Tillie, who is so very poor and surely is not able to buy any gifts at all.

Tillie sitting by the window at home, sadly ponders this dilemma too. But her mother shares with her how they are able to give a gift to all their neighbors’ ―the gift of light by the candle in the window.

“I like to have our light sine out in the evening, for the road is dark and lonely just here, and the twinkle of our lamp is pleasant to people’s eyes as they go by. We can do so little for our neighbors, I am glad to cheer the way for them.”

“The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life bought light to everyone.

The light shines in the darkness

 and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

John 1:4-5 NLT

 

Let us all be aware of that small whisper in our heart from God that reminds us Who is the Light to the world. It is then God will give a tug on the heart and say: “Let My Light shine through the window of your heart to others.

For its still true today as it was many years ago that  every act of kindness, every smile to a stranger, every hug to encourage, and every opportunity to share the gift of God, Jesus Christ,  is a light in the window to those who need Him most in this dark and distracted world.

 

“A Light in the Window” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 16, 2014

Seeking to be Refreshed and Recharged



Photo by Dee Kamp

Seeking to be Refreshed and Recharged

The busier we get the more we feel the need for a recharge, a refreshing time. Our desire to find time alone for ourselves and time alone with God may seem impossible. Where can we go and how do find this rest in God?

”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered he rocks before the LORD, but he LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but he LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” 1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV

Elijah knew the sound of the gentle whisper was God’s voice. He also realized God doesn’t reveal himself only in powerful, miraculous ways.

 To look for God only in something big like rallies, churches, conferences and highly visible leaders may be to miss him rather than find Him.

In the presence of the Lord there is always peace. What joy it is to discover, the secret place, the hiding place is found in our Rock―Jesus. He is the cleft in which we are hidden away and there we discover all the refreshing and recharging we need to carry on in our busy lives.

 “Lord, when my soul is weary

And my heart is tired and sore,

And I have that failing feeling

That I can’t take it anymore;

Then let me know the freshening

Found in simple, childlike prayer,

When the kneeling soul knows surely

That a listening Lord is there.”

-Ruth Bell Graham

 

“Seeking to be Refreshed and Recharged” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 10, 2014

Who Do You Say I Am?

Light through the Gate by Dee Kamp

Who Do You Say I Am

Several years ago now, I was a guest at a book store to “meet the author” hour. A young man and his wife began to share their story of a year long journey to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and from this they wrote a book. I listened with great interest as their vividly shared with great eloquence their travels in Israel.

But soon I found myself becoming quite restless in my seat. What was going on? Something didn’t fit with their message, something was out of place but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

When it came to a time for the audience to ask questions several eager people raised up their hands. I had nothing in mind to ask, but all of sudden―up popped my hand!  

When the author turned my way and said, “And what is your question?” I asked him without hesitation, goodness, the words seemed to fly out of my mouth, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 NIV

In Matthew 16:15 Peter was faced with the same question from Jesus. In Matthew 16:16 Peter answered without hesitation, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

When my question was presented to the author he stood very still not saying anything for a long time as if puzzled.

I realized then, this is what was missing in all those accounts of his trip following in the footsteps of Jesus. The true identity of who Jesus was. This well-educated man called Jesus a teacher, a scholar, a good man, but never did he say, He was Christ, the Son of the Living God! I was stunned the author could not say who Jesus really was.

There is an identity crisis in our country today. Not of people, but of who Jesus truly is. The question today of Jesus’ identity rises above all the rest and is of great significance. Many books are written, but only the Bible tells us the truth in which we all can depend on who Jesus truly is.

I learned a huge lesson that night.  Discernment and wisdom come from the Lord when we keep our eyes and hearts wide open to Him.  And it’s eternally important we make no mistake in understanding who Jesus really is and to be able to say so with joyful, truthful conviction.  

“Who Do You Say I am?” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 9, 2014

Highly Treasured

Photo Boy Making Sandcastle by Dee Kamp

 

Highly Treasured

I enjoy the Antique Road Show. I often wonder if there might be something stashed away in my grandmother’s old trunk that could possibly be a treasure, even a priceless treasure! The value of material things old and rare may increase or decrease in value at the whim of what the market demands. Who can foretell what will be considered junk or a treasure one day to the next?

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should,  how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 4: 18-19 NLT

It is wonderful to know we are of great worth, highly valued and loved, nothing in the eyes of God can diminish how priceless is our life to Him. God’s adoring love never depends on appearance, wealth, works, accomplishments, or thank goodness-current market values!   

We are not under pressure from the spotlight of man’s evaluation but always and forever held as His priceless creation. His love for us goes way beyond our imagination, beyond our understanding, but immediate and available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  All explanation of the world’s idea of love pales in comparison to God’s love for us.

There are tough times in life when by the world’s standards we don’t feel like a treasure of great value. But the Good News is-we are! When we are facing the challenges and the testing life tosses at us we can be assured by God’s faithful promise, we are His beloved― highly treasured one.

 In this quote God is speaking of how we are the greatest miracle in the world…..”Be proud. You are not the momentary whim of a careless creator experimenting in the laboratory of life. You are not a slave of forces that you cannot comprehend. You are a manifestation of no forces but Mine, of no love but Mine… My pride in you knew no bounds. You were my ultimate creation, my greatest miracle. A compete living being.”-Og Mandino― The Greatest Miracle In The World

 

“Highly Treasured” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries—December 5, 2014

Angel in the Christmas Globe by Dee Kamp

 

The Delightful and Surprising Receiver

A few Christmas’ ago we watched with others as a three year old, knee deep in torn and ripped up Christmas paper, squealed and jumped for joy with every gift she received. But after opening a gift, this darling child did something unusual and unexpected catching us all by surprise.

 “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

One by one the child picked up her gifts and ran to give them away to those sitting around room. She then stepped back clapped her hands, jumping up and down calling out, “Presents, presents for you!”

We all tried to hand back her presents back, but she would say “No! No!” She even began to cry when we insisted!

 “She’s all mixed up,” her big brother grumbled.

Then we finally understood what she was doing― it was the joy on our faces at receiving the gift she sought! When we each thanked her profusely, and gave her a hug we were rewarded with her infectious laugh making us all delightful receivers too!

Even at such a very young age, this little child understood the joy of giving was doubled when being able to witness the delight of the one receiving it.

God’s amazing gift of love is the perfect gift for everyone. Oh, if we could hear heaven sing with echoes of joy flowing down when someone chooses to be the delightful receiver of God’s most precious gift of all- His Son, Jesus Christ.

"God, the Eternal God, is Love. Covet therefore that everlasting gift, that one thing which it is certain is going to stand, that one coinage which will be current in the universe when all other coinages of all the nations of the world shall be useless and unhonored."― Henry Drummond

 

“The Delightful Receiver” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 2, 2014

God's Surprise at Sunrise

sunrise over Hood Canal with Mt Rainier by Dee Kamp

 

God’s Surprise at Sunrise

A song heard and enjoyed, no matter how many years have passed by, can stir up beautiful memories stored in the heart. This morning I experienced this very thing when I heard the song-On Eagle’s Wings.  The Lord brought to mind that morning long ago when He blessed me with a surprise at watching the sun rise.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 29-31 NIV

It was a cold predawn morning and as I sipped my morning coffee I could see the sky turning vivid shades of pink. I called to my dog Rosy and we both hurried out the door to catch the moment when the sun would rise above the Cascade Mountains. There wasn’t a breeze and the skies clear, as I stood on a high bluff overlooking the Hood Canal. The view was breath taking.

The Cascade Mountains filled the horizon with its jagged peaks. Mount Rainier glowed pink and to the north Mount Baker glistened with snow. Rosy paused in her sniffing about and sat down close beside me staring off to the east as if waiting for the sun to rise too. I sang songs of praise to the Lord, I recited Psalm 23 and I rejoiced in His creation. But we weren’t alone.

I turned as something caught my eye in the sky. Oh my! It was a Bald Eagle and now it was landing on top of a huge Douglas fir tree not far from us. The eagle folded his huge wings, glanced over at us in his noble way and turned his head east to watch for the sun to rise too. I could not help be feel so connected to God and to His creation and my heart leaped with joy at God’s perfect timing and His surprise at sunrise.

And once again I remember that time I stood on the bluff as I hear those words from the song On Eagles Wings, “He will bear you on the breath of dawn and make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of His hands.”

“We all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God’s appointed order. Be ready to discover His divine designs anywhere and everywhere. “Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest.

“God’s Surprise at Sunrise” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 26, 2014

Honesty Is the Best Policy

Sonoma Vineyard Grapes Photo by Dee Kamp

 

Honesty Is the Best Policy

It was a quick stop at Costco-honest.  The basket wasn’t bulging with bargains and I felt like I had feathers instead of feet as I unloaded my mere three items purchased that day. It was a day of accomplished errands done as planned ―or so I thought until I got home!

“But as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 NIV

Whenever I walk into my kitchen my eyes always look above the window and rest with on those words from Joshua 24:15.  

On this particular day, after driving several miles and several hours away from home on my errands, the discipline and obedience to keep my promise to God would mean a special effort, time and inconvenience.

Glancing at the sales slip from Costco I noticed that one item had not been rung up! How did it get missed by the person at the door? “Oh, well, I said to my husband, “I’ll just take care of it when I’m back that way in a couple of days.”

 But I was completely unprepared for the response at the checkout line when I got there to pay for the item! I explained what happened and showed the checker the item she needed to ring up was missing. She just stared at me and said, “Why? Why did you bother to come back?”

Out of my mouth flew, “Because my mother raised me right I guess." I said with a nervous laugh.

She was so perplexed that she called over her supervisor. Now people were stretching their necks to see what the holdup was and I felt the pressure of delaying them.  The supervisor stared at the sales slip, and then up at me for some time. I really felt the line behind me closing in and the man who boxes up things seemed to be enjoying all this tremendously nodding and smiling oddly.

Shaking her head the supervisor said, “Really? You came back all this way to pay for this? Well okay then, we hardly see such honesty.”

Goodness, now I’m embarrassed at all the attention and the supervisor made me feel foolish besides. The cashier rung up the unpaid item and said, “My goodness, you just made my day.”

T’was not to be the end of this surprising reaction by so many. I got the to the door where the person marks off your sales slip and sure enough the woman stopped and looked at me puzzled. I filled her in to the oversight.  She too shook her head and looked up at me and said, “Thank you for your honesty. It’s refreshing!”

I started laughing at all the fuss on the way to my car, but in a way this all made me feel sad too. I know lots and lots of honest people in our family and our community, but it was obvious to me now the world out there sees less and less of it.

I had no idea the Lord was going to use me as an example that day. Certainly it was a good lesson for me to realize even the smallest oversight of a payment matters to God. Nothing is missed by God, and He is able to use our obedience to serve Him in many unique and surprising ways. Honesty is still is the best policy to show others Jesus is in our hearts every day.

 “Honesty Is the Best Policy” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 20, 2014

Our Stops as Well as Our Steps

Ellensburg Farm Land North Cascade Mt by Dee Kamp

 

Our Stops As Well As Our Steps

Little Blue has been one of the best investments our family has made in a little pickup truck. There are a ridiculous number of miles on it, but it always starts up and is a mighty little work horse. That is until one rainy day while driving along the defroster for the windshield stopped working and the heater quit. You could run one or the other but not both! And sometimes we had many stops before going again.

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love

 for I have my trust in You.

Show me the way I should go,

for to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV

 

We took Little Blue to our local mechanic, but he was unable to help us and suggested another fellow across town. Just driving there took two people! The passenger had to wipe and clear the windshield so the driver could see enough to stay on the road. The second fellow who worked on Little Blue did so for three days and he tested everything he could think of—but to no avail. Was this end of the best truck ever?

 

Once again we were sent to another mechanic who was said he loves electrical challenges. By now we had little hope, but we took what felt like a very long trip several miles out of town out into the rural countryside. There we met a man who looked more like a farmer than a mechanic. He waved to us to follow him as we bumped across a pasture watching him swing open the doors of a cavernous old barn.

 

The farmer-mechanic fellow kept Little Blue more than week.  Though he was a bit untraditional his fine reputation preceded him and we waited in hope he could fix what no one else was able to do.  

Finally the call came and he was shouting so loud into the phone Bill had to hold it away from his ear! We wondered—can this be good or what’s really wrong? But then the words we waited long to hear came through loud and clear, “Your little blue pickup is fixed! I dug around and found one burnt out wire! Come and get your truck!”

 

Though it often takes much effort for a person to seek in many places and peoples to get something fixed up and running again— isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus alone is the only one we need to go who gives us hope we there is something burnt out and missing in our lives? He is able to heal and restore what is broken in our lives with a single prayer of faith.  Before we go on line and google, or call family or a friend, it’s awesome to realize one call to our Lord and Savior is all we need for our stops as well as all our steps in life.  

 

“Our Stops as Well as Our Steps” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 17, 2014

He Heard My Prayer for Company

Big Leaf Maple Brinnon WA by Dee Kamp

 

He Heard My Prayer for Company

The November wind storm blew gusts shaking the branches of the giant maple trees like a dog with a bone. With each heavy handed gust streams of leaves colored gold, crimson and orange sailed by me. I headed down a steep hill with the wind to my back all the while keeping alert should any cars be coming up behind me. There are no sidewalks here, so one needs get way off the road onto the grassy shoulder to be safe.

That morning I felt a little cloud of worry and loneliness. As I walked I whispered a little prayer, “Please Lord Jesus, join me on my walk today, I could sure use the company.”  But I certainly wasn’t prepared for the surprising way in which He would show me we never walk alone.

 “Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord, for he is coming! ”Psalm 96:11-13

I stopped walking soon after this because I heard a car coming up behind me.  I moved off the road and on to the shoulder and stood waiting for it to pass by. But no car appeared.

That’s odd, I though, and without a glance back figured the car turned into a driveway somewhere. But then I heard a sound like people shuffling their feet along the road. That’s when something next to me caught my eye and I spun around to see what it was.  It was not a group people hurrying along, or even bicyclists coming by, but something quite surprising instead.

There in the middle of the road was a large collection of dry fallen leaves whirling and fluttering about and settling down right beside me.

Guessing the wind quit for a moment and the leaves lost their lift to travel, I began walking again. But how very strange, as I began to walk the leaves rose up and began there noisy shuffling keeping pace with me. I did this off and on several times. I was mesmerized by the mystery of the leaves picking up and shuffling along beside me whenever I moved along.  

I knew there was a logical explanation for all of this, really. But I couldn’t help enjoying this walk with the shuffling leaves for company. With simple, childlike faith I enjoyed every minute of it, forgetting all my cares.

For surely my mind resisted such frolic, but my heart acknowledged, the Lord in His mysterious ways is able to do more than we can ever imagine. He knows what delights our heart.  And today I know, that I know― He heard my prayer for company.

 

“He Heard My Prayer for Company” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 10, 2014...

Real Best Friend



Best Friends  by Dee Kamp

 

Real Best Friend

When he was a little guy, about four years old or so, our son announced one day that he had an imaginary friend. Well we did what all loving parents do, we welcomed this imaginary friend and included him in all our family events.

When we grow and mature our imagination doesn’t’ go away, in fact imagination will evolve into creative thinking to produce beautiful things from music, art, hand crafts, writing and more.

But one thing we don’t want to focus on in our imagination are the troubles we think may come to us in the future.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world

 so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. John 17:13 NIV

 

 Jesus speaks in the present tense. Jesus prayed for His disciples to experience the full measure of his joy-now. And He prayed for us to be living in His joy even in the middle of rush-hour traffic, crying kids, long appointments, health challenges and whatever else life throws at us. Jesus doesn’t want us to wait for heaven to be full of His joy―its right now!

As we reflect on Jesus’ prayer, that no matter if we are very young or 100 we are not to let those imaginary troubles of the future cloud the Truth of His Word and dim the joy He so desires for us.

I’m happy to report the imaginary friend our son ha was short lived. That one day as a young adult he asked Jesus Christ to come and live in his heart as his Savior and be his real best friend for life.

“Real Best Friend” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 4, 2014

With God Expect the Unexpected

pretty quilts by Dee Kamp

 

With God Expect the Unexpected

Have you ever felt the Spirit nudging you to take another way to your destination? Perhaps even a side road, one less traveled? When you do, expect God to surprise you and perhaps, bless another.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV

I had been browsing a local book store and about to turn right up the hill to go home on the freeway when I heard, not an audible voice, but surely a clear prompting that said, “Go left”. Well, sure enough at the same time the voice of reason tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Certainly not!” But again, there it was, a very strong feeling I should go left down the road past the little church on the corner.

As I drove along I was surprised to see a woman sitting all alone at a table in the parking lot of the church with hanging displays of beautifully handmade quilts.

“Lord,” I said to myself, “I don’t have enough cash on me to buy a quilt!” But I turned into the parking lot anyway. There I discovered the quilts weren’t for sale but were being raffled off to raise money to benefit the homeless in the area.

I chatted with the woman a moment, and we shared our faith and our love of serving the Lord. I bought tickets with what cash I had and then she shyly asked me a question that did surprise me!

“Would you sit at my table a moment? I really need to go into the church and use the restroom. I’ve been out here for hours. I was just praying someone would remember me out here and come and help me out from the church, but here you are instead!”

Well of course I offered to watch the table and sell the tickets. I chuckled to myself at this delightful turn of events and the meeting of a new friend. What a good feeling to help another in such a humble and simple way. With God, we can always expect the unexpected.

 “O My child, let Me speak to thee, and let My Spirit direct thy life. I may lead you in unexpected ways, and ask things of you that are startling, but I will never guide you amiss. Across thy path shall fall the shadow of My hand, and wheresoever I direct thee, there shall ye see My power at work, there shall come forth from thy ministry that which shall glorify Me.” ―Frances J Roberts from: Come Away My Beloved

“With God, Expect the Unexpected” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 3, 2014

 

Be Still

 

Be Still

Ever have that Holy Spirit nudge that you need to pause and pay apt attention to something you are reading, something in the world around you, or something someone is saying?

 

That’s exactly what happened for me this morning when by chance I found an old yellowed piece of paper tucked away in a forgotten file.

 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

In those moments when we are called to pause, a light flickers on in our heart and we realize, God has something He wants to say to us. For He speaks to us through His Word, His creation and in many delightful ways as He desires.

 

 And why not? For isn’t it to Him we daily seek for enlightenment and encouragement? Isn’t it He who desires nothing more than for us to come away and be alone with Him?

I share it with you now and pray you too will be blessed by God’s perfectly timing, in His perfect love in His amazing ways.

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
God, what does it mean to be still and know You are God?
My child, what I mean is:
Though the earth be removed,
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with swelling,
Though the wind blow, Though the storms rage;
IN OTHER WORDS:
Though your bills are due,
Though they give you a hard time on your job,
Though your husband won't act right,
Though your wife won't act right,
Though your children are disobedient,
Though there's sickness in your body,

Though your enemies get on your NERVES;
Stop your WORRYING!
Stop your COMPLAINING!
Stop your DOUBTING!
Stop your FROWNING!
Cease your fears, and dry up those tears!
For I'm right here to comfort you,
I'm right here to guide you,
I'm right here to hold you up,
I'm right here to heal you,
I'm right here to deliver you.
So cast your cares upon me for I care for you.

My child this is what I mean by being still
And knowing I AM GOD.” ~Author Unknown~

 

“Be Still” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 30, 2014

We Never Stand 'It' Alone

Soaring bird in sunrise cloud by Dee Kamp

 

We Never Stand It Alone

How fantastic it is to be so close to another person, that when we have an appeal, or a great need, we only need to turn their way and without words they already know and understand.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

James 4:8 NLT

 
There is this wonderful mystery of God, that before we speak one word to Him, He knows our words, our greatest need. Even in our weakest appeal, when no words can form, His hand has slipped into ours and His comfort strengthens us. God doesn’t need our spoken words, He always hears the heart’s cry. 

We need never to analyze, specialize, or compromise unique words of prayer for our greatest hour of need—God already knows it.  He is closer than a whisper away.

No matter where we stand today, no matter what we face we do it all, hand in hand in with Jesus.  Confident of a His Divine nearness and faithful companionship we have His reassurance of the sweetness and joy of His presence.

When we know others are too busy, and some too far away, we are able by God’s Holy Spirit to feel His peace. That peace which passes all understanding, knowing we never face or stand whatever it is― alone. God hears our heart long before worry ever reaches our lips.

“Never fear, never lose heart. Draw nigh to Me, and in the nearness is all you need. My presence alone can transform conditions and lives—bring Harmony and Beauty, Peace and Love.” From God Calling, September 23.

“We Never Stand It Alone” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 28, 2014

 

 

Thankfulness Instead of Busyness

Thankfulness Instead of Busyness

 

“The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Psalm 28:7 NLT

“I’m packing more than my things for this trip, I’m packing all my anxieties too. I have so many people that need me right now, and I just feel overwhelmed,” I overheard the woman in line at the drug store say the other day.

As I pondered this woman’s situation I felt the Lord nudge me to pay attention. There was a lesson for life here He wanted me to focus on.

And sure enough that very evening as I was putting away some books on the shelf and an old and tattered copy of Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts just happened to fall off and into my hands. I’ve learned this; there are never coincidences with God, only opportunities to see Him at His best work.

I flipped the book open and glanced at the titles and one held my attention and drew me to read it.

 “Oh My child, be not overcharged with the cares of everyday living, and let not thine energies be consumed by the humdrum tasks. Such as is needful, ye must do, but if ye put the ministry of the Kingdom in first place, My strength shall be yours for the other tasks, and time shall be given thee for both.” -Frances J Roberts, Come Away My Beloved

A prayer to God today:

“Father, help us to keep every message and promise in Your Word and pay attention to Your calling on us to come away with You. With all the demands on us let us hear You speak in our heart and always put you on the top of our to-do list.

Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who gives us the gift of discernment to know when to say yes, when to say no, and when to let go.

We can trust You in all things knowing Your timing is perfect and you will give us time for everything that is important to You.

May Your grace and blessings help us to focus on thankfulness instead of busyness as we lean on You more and more every day.

“Thankfulness Instead of Busyness” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 23, 2014