Heaven's Grocery Store

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago,
One day I saw a sign that read Heaven's Grocery Store,
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
And when I came to myself I was standing inside.





I saw a host of angels they were standing everywhere,
One handed me a basket and said "My child shop with care,"
Everything a Christian needed was in that Grocery Store,
And all you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for more.





First I some PATIENCE, Love was in the same row,
Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go,
I got a box of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH,
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost for it was all over the place.


I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.


I didn't forget SALVATION, for salvation that was free,
So, I tried to get enough to save both you and me.
Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had everything to do my Father's will.


As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER and I just had to put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into Sin,
PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near so I just helped myself.



Then, I said to the Angel "Now, how much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again I smiled at him and said, "How much now do I really owe?"


He smiled again and said, "My child JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG TIME AGO."




This author is unknown.
These words needed to be repeated.

Another New Year! Stand Fast in the LORD

Every New Year's eve I make it a point to be in church on my knees praying that the new year will be far better than the last.

I believe the way I start out the year determines how my year will go.

Well from the looks of things so far, it has started out the same as last year or maybe even worse.

But God said, in His word, do not look at the circumstances, but look at me. However, I need to understand just what is going on; if it is me that is causing the onslaught of doom and gloom. Maybe I need an attitude check. My faith is hanging by a thread attached to His garment. He reminded me that's all I need to believe that He has not forsaken me and never will.

Therefore, having said all that, all I need is to TRUST HIM! He has a plan worked out for me all I need to do is relax and check the attitude. As the book of Proverbs says; Get Wisdom! Get Understanding!

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace, in the world you shall have tribulation:but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:333 New KJV

RESTORATION

Psalm 23:3

"He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake." ( KJV)

God's word is true. In November I took a long moment to be still. To rest from my striving. To wait on the LORD.

Father God promises in Isaiah, Chapters 30 & 32, that if you are still you will be strong, peaceful, and assured, because you will hear a word behind you saying ,"This is the way. The LORD shall cause His glorious voice to be heard."

I heard the word Restoration, and I rejoiced. All that was stolen from me by the enemy is being restored. Praise The LORD!

He is:

Jehovah-Jireh- The Lord our Provider;

Jehovahh-Nissi, The Lord our Banner;

Jehovah-Tsidkenu, The Lord our Righteousness;

Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord our Peace;

Jehovah-Shammah, The Lord Who is there;

Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts;

He is the all-sufficient One, The self-existent One, The One who upholds all things by the word of His power. He is The Lord our sanctifier. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Lily of the Valley; He is the Bread of Life; He is the True Vine; He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

He is more than enough for any situation that I/you find ourselves in. He cares about and He loves all of His children.

Remember who He is this Christmas and the reason you have to celebrate.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A RESTORED NEW YEAR!!

Be Still

Trust In the LORD

Proverbs 3:5

In Christ we are either going into a storm or coming out of one. The cross of Calvary levels the playing field and makes all of us examine ourselves.

He may intend to bless us abundantly when we come out of the storm, if the storm has prepared us to bear the blessing.

He is the same God that brought you out of your past storms. They do not come to stay. They only come to make you stronger.

Glory comes into your life through suffering. Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Pray for a spirit of obedience.

Holy Downsizing

Psalm 119:71

It is good for me that I Have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.

During this time of trials and tribulations that have come recently into my life, I have learned to lean on the LORD more and more. I have learned to do without and to know what the word sacrifice really means. The worldly word for cutting back and reducing expenditures called (downsizing), has become very vivid in my current situation.

Yet, I will still call upon the LORD and believe in His Word and promises that, "this too shall pass."

It did not come to stay. It is only here to try my faith to see if I will believe God's Word. Therefore, I can say with joy in my heart, that it was good for me that I have been afflicted.

In Naves Topical Bible I counted 28 and one half pages of Biblical scripture on the word Afflict, Affliction, and Afflictions. It has become very clear to me that I must suffer something in order to gain spiritual mastery of the mystery that is hid in Christ.

Consequently, I can count this present affliction as a joyful time to get to know my God more intimately. To increase my measure of faith and become more like Jesus.

Walking on the waves of affliction teaches me to keep focused on Jesus and prayer.

A Time of Preparation

Psalm 112:7

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."

In other words, I shall not be filled with fear from all the radio, TV, and printed news reports that warn of a depression, recession in the land.

My heart is fixed on the Word of God that says , "My God shall supply all my needs.." Philippians 4:19.

Therefore, I believe God's Word and I trust Him in every circumstance. God is my source. He is all I need. If I loose everything and have only Him, I can start over again. Without Him I am nothing and I have nothing.

The manual for the development of my life is called the Bible. I can not fail if I do what it instructs me to do every day of my life. I will walk by Faith and not by sight.

There is a season for all things. This is the season for trials. Count it all Joy!

The Virtue and Power of Patience

James 1:3-4

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

• Many times I do not want to be patient. I want prayer to hurry up and be answered. I don't want to wait like Hannah for years for my answer, but God... He knows that only to the patient observer does nature reveal her secrets. Like the patient squirrel cracking a nut, or the cat stalking and waiting for its prey, and forget not the ant.

• In my study of scripture I came across the formula for developing patience. First faith,(in time of persecutions and tribulations), then suffering, then endurance produces the fruit to fulfill the promise of God. The weeds of impatience rob me of the promise every time. Fear is a weed. Fear gives the devil power to rob me of my blessings. In proportion to my faithfulness to God's word will be the development of my patience.

Luke 21:19 "In your patience possess your soul."

• Set patience as a guard to keep out all fear, doubt, discouragement, and negative thoughts from the enemy. Put on the full armour of God, Ephesians 6:10-18, and stand in victory.