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"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace, the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."  - Isaiah 55:12 Dear Friends, A few weeks ago I posted a blog entry entitled "Clap, Clap, Clap Your Hands."  Isaiah 55:11-13 was the scripture cited.   The Lord lifted up verse 12 again today in my spirit: Go out with joy Be led forth with peace The mountain and hills shall break forth before you into singing All the trees of the field shall clap their hands  My Lord and My God.  These words make me want to run and shout.  They fill me with a new determination.  By the grace of God and through the power of His Word and the anointing of the Holy Spirit: I WILL GO FORTH WITH JOY TODAY I WILL BE LED FORTH WITH PEACE TODAY THE MOUNTAINS AND HILLS SHALL BREAK FORTH BEFORE ME INTO SINGING TODAY ALL THE TREES OF THE FIELD SHALL CLAP THEIR HANDS TODAY God is

" Who is like  unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high" - Psalm 113:5 Dear Friends, There is no one like the Lord Our God. There is no Savior but Jesus Christ. There is no lasting peace other than the peace the Prince of Peace bestows.  There is no one like the Lord Our God.   If you are looking for deliverance, look to the Lord.  If you need guidance, look to the Lord.  If you are seeking refuge, look to the Lord. Whatever you need, the Lord can provide. Look to the Lord. In Christ, Sis.  Stephanie

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" -                   - Amos 3:3 Dear Friends, Today my husband and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary.  It seems like a long time. Yet, the years have flown by.  We both agree that there have been good times and some very difficult times. We couldn't have imagined a thirty seven year road on July 28, 1979. God has blessed us! I have learned through marriage, motherhood and as I reflect on all of life's journey thus far that it is only the grace of God that keeps us.  When we begin new chapters in our lives we cannot anticipate all of the challenges that may present themselves or the joys. However, the certainty we have is that God will be Our Ever Present Help. "Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come.  Twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me on." in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

" Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength and honour, and glory, and blessing."    - Revelation 5:12 Dear Friends, Let us give all honor and praise to the Lord who paid the ultimate sacrifice that we might have eternal life. in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"Except the  Lord  build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the  Lord  keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."    - Psalm 127:1 Dear Friends, A young lady said to me recently that she is working on getting her life together.  I have heard those same words often over the years.  I have even said them many times myself.  However, I have learned that it is impossible to "get one's life together" apart from the counsel of God. My grandmother used to say: "The Lord made me and He knows all about me."  Her words ring true. God the Master Builder has the blue print for our lives.  It is up to us to check in with Him regularly for updates.   Ephesians 2:10 tells us: " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Trust God  to finish what He has started in your life. in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."    - Psalm 50:23 Dear Friends, Today let us offer the Lord our praise.  Glorify Him.  Make His praise glorious! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

" From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens." - Psalms 113:3-4 Dear Friends, This morning my daughters, the photographers rose before day and went together to the beach to "capture the sunrise" with their cameras. There is something special about early morning. In order to capture the sunrise, one must get it before it rises or rise with it.  The Psalmist tells us from the rising of the sun until the going down of the same we are to praise the Lord. Let us purpose to capture the sunrise! Let us begin our day,  move through our day,  end our day praising Our Lord Jesus Christ. "Evening, and  morning , and at  noon , will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."    - Psalms 55:7 Morning, noon and night...praise the Lord! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men."    - I Timothy 2:2 Dear Friends, Prayer changes things.  Let us continue to pray one for another. in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

" If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."  - Psalm 66:18-20 Dear Friends, I remember a time many years ago when I was walking through my house in tears crying out to God about things that concerned me.  All of a sudden I could hear the Holy Spirit whisper to my spirit: "Get yourself and keep yourself in a position where your can get a prayer through."   That experience took place over thirty years ago. Yet I have never forgotten in.  Psalm 66:18 provides an explanation.  I cannot harbor resentment, ill will or anger in my heart and expect the Lord to hear me.   I have to be forgiving and seek God's forgiveness.  I must confess my sins and remain in right relationship with God.  Just as God heard my prayer on that day, I thank Him for continuing to hear and answer prayer. Bles

"But  thanks   be   to   God , which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57 This song is dear to my heart.  When I listen to the words I am humbled.  I marvel at the personal journal and am grateful for what the Lord allows me to enjoy each with Him. It is because of the love of God in the Person of Jesus Christ that I can declare with Neville Peter, "This Time It's Personal." in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.   For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.    Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the  Lord  for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." - Isaiah 55:11-13 Dear Friends, As I was driving through the city today I was in awe as I studied the majestic beauty of the trees lining the streets.  As I stopped at each red light there appeared to be a tree whispering: "Look at me Stephanie I am having a great day."  Wow, if trees could talk!  It was then that the  Holy Spirit brought the verse in Isaiah 55:12 to mind:  "For ye

" And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou was angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me." - Isaiah 12:1 God bless you! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"        - Colossians 2:10 Dear Friends, I thought I had followed the recipe exactly as it was written. I couldn't figure out what went wrong.  Did I measure the sugar or flour incorrectly.  Did I get distracted and leave out the baking powder.  Perhaps, this recipe called for three eggs and I only used two.  Whatever happened my cake did not turn out right.  Something was missing. As Christians the recipe for our life and the direction we seek can only be found in Jesus Christ. In Him we are whole, We are complete.  In Jesus there is no lack.  We can bring all that we feel is broken.  Broken hearts, broken dreams and broken promises can be cast at feet.  He is the Christ of restoration and He alone has the power to "fix' what ails us. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." -  Psalms 147:3 We are complete in Christ.  Nothing left out.

"A time to cast stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing." - Ecclesiastes 3:5 Dear Friends, Time. There is a time for everything. Focusing on the second portion of the scripture text "a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing" I am encouraged. I am encouraged to embrace what is right and reject the lies; embrace love and cast off hate; embrace faith and cast fear away. Time. Embrace the seconds. Praise God for the miraculous moments. Embrace the journey. Do these things while you have time.  In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

Dear Friends, Psalm 64 is powerful. It is my prayer that the written word will encourage you as well as the  recording by Smokie Norful. in Christ, Sis. Stephane

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." - Proverbs 21:2 Dear Friends Have you every tried to convince yourself that you were right about something. You wanted your opinion to be heard. Yet, deep on the inside you knew you were wrong.  Being right in our own eyes, sticking with our personal opinions, standing on them in lieu of God's Word is dangerous. Moreover, it is sin. God is ALWAYS right.  The songwriter wrote: "Tell me whose side are you leaning on?" The correct response   "I'm leaning on the Lord's side." God searches our heart. He separates the right from wrong. He reveals truth to those who seek it. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." - St. Matthew 6:6 in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

" Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" - Phillipians 1:6 Dear Friends, No matter what, you can believe that God has a purpose and a plan. He works in each and every situation for your good and His glory. Be encouraged. Continue to work strong! in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - I Corinthians 13:6-7 Dear Friends, God is love. His love never falters. His love never fails. This love of God is true love.  With God there is no hidden agenda. He loves unconditionally. His love is pure. Evil is not present. The love of God always protects. True love always trusts. True love is unfailing in hope and always endures. "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." - St. John 3:16 Pure love. in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper."      - Psalms 123:3 Dear Friends, Hear the Word of the Lord: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - II Chronicles 7:14 "I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior." - Isaiah 43:11 "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." - Psalms 147:5 Let us continue in prayer for grieving families and communities across the country. Let us look to the Lord who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ask or think. In Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?"    - Proverbs 18:4 Dear Friends, In Louisiana a wife mourns her husband. A son mourns his fathers.  Spirits are wounded and a community asks how can we bear this?   Heavenly Father we come to you asking that you would grant comfort to those who are grieving tonight.  We ask that you would speak peace to troubled hearts.  We ask that you would move in a manner that only You can Lord. The burdens increase yet we know You to be the lifter of burdens.  There is nothing too hard for you to do. in Jesus name we pray. Amen. in Christ, Sis. Stephanie "Lord have mercy. Have mercy Lord.  Lord have mercy. Have mercy Lord. Lord have mercy. Have mercy Lord."

And I gave  my   heart  to seek and  search  out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.  - Ecclesiastes 1:13 Dear Friends, It is not enough for me to talk about being a Christian.  It is not enough to think about being a Christian. I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart I desire to be more loving. In my heart, I want to be more holy. Lord in my heart I want to be more like Jesus.  If we would lead others to Christ my brothers and sisters let our prayer daily be: Create   in   me   a   clean   heart , O God;  a nd renew  a  right spirit within  me .   - Psalms 51:10 The words of the African American spiritual ring true today.   Lord I Want to Be a Christian @1750's - Public Domain  1 Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart. Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. 2

"The  Lord  is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my  song  will I praise him."   - Psalms 28:7 Dear Friends, There is something to be learned from the old hymns of the church. May the words of this great standard inspire you today: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah - Wiliiam Williams @1745 Public Domain Guide me, O Thou great *Jehovah, [*Redeemer] Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer, Be Thou still my Strength and Shield; Be Thou still my Strength and Shield. Lord, I trust Thy mighty power, Wondrous are Thy works of old; Thou deliver’st Thine from thralldom, Who for nau

"There is none holy as the Lord; for there is none beside thee; neither is there any rock like our God."       -  I Samuel 2:2 Dear Friends, When I was growing up it seemed like I was always tripping, stumbling or bumping into things.  Somehow I managed not too fall too often but I still sustained bruised. My mother used to say I could be clumsy.  I still trip and stumble when I don't pay attention to what I'm doing. Bruises are still the result.  All of the bruises are not physical. Some of the bruises are spiritual.  I trip over my words when I fail to take heed to James 1:19 "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."  I get bruised when I forget that "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) God is Our Rock. He can steady us. By focusing on Him and holding onto His word, we can avoid many of the things that cause us to trip and stumble.  &qu

"But the  Lord  is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation."  - Jeremiah 10:10 Dear Friends, The songwriter penned: "There are some things I may not know there are some places I cannot go. Yet, I am sure of this one thing. Yes, God is real for I can feel him in my soul."   One of my dear friends Myrtle used to sing this song with such power and conviction until tears just streamed down her face.  Yes! God is real!  I can feel Him in my soul! She would bellow the words out with awesome power.  The Lord is the true God.  The Lord is the Living God.  It is the True and Living God we worship and give all honor and praise.  He is the Everlasting King.   "O  magnify   the   Lord   with   me , and let us exalt his name together."      - Psalms 34:3 in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

"I called upon the  Lord  in distress: the  Lord  answered me, and set me in a large place.  The  Lord  is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"     - Psalms 118:5-6 Dear Friends, Last night I dreamed a song that was very popular many years ago.  "If it had not been for the Lord on my side where would I be, where would I be?"  As in the past with my song dreams, the song played over and over in my spirit all through the night. I would not be. I would not exist if it were not for the Lord. I owe everything to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The song goes on to say: "He kept my enemies away.  He let the sun shine through a cloudy day.  He rocked me in the cradle of His arms when He knew I had been battered by the storm." The Lord reminded me once again, that always --at all times He has been, He is and will continue to be with me. The  Lord  is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" Don't fear Christian