Roy Lessin/Meet Me in the Meadow

[Judy Harder]

Without Jesus...
May 09, 2012 06:00 am | Roy


The power of the Gospel is found, not only in Jesus' words, but in Jesus' life. The Gospel is revealed both in what He said and what He did. In the Gospel we see that Jesus not only came to give us His teaching, He came to give us Himself; He not only came to give us the kingdom, He came to give us the King; He not only came to give us salvation, He came to give us the Savior.

If we, as believers in the Gospel, tried to follow Jesus' teaching without Jesus' life we would be attempting the impossible. If we tried to live in the kingdom without the King we would be powerless. If we sought salvation without the Savior we would still be in our sins.

Jesus told us to obey His word, but He also said, "Follow Me."  We cannot follow His word without following Him. The Gospel means that Jesus is everything to us.

Where would we be without Him? We would be...

Without every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
Without salvation (Ephesians 2:5-8)
Without His working in us (Ephesians 2:10)
Without intimacy with God (Ephesians 2:13)
Without peace (Ephesians 2:14)
Without encouragement (Philippians 2:1)
Without consolation (Philippians 2:1)
Without light (Colossians 1:13)
Without His kingdom (Colossians 1:3)
Without redemption (Colossians 1:14)
Without forgiveness (Colossians 1:14)
Without fullness (Colossians 1:19)
Without reconciliation (Colossians 1:20)
Without holiness (Colossians 1:22)
Without hope (Colossians 1:27)
Without all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)
Without a spiritual walk (Colossians 2:6)
Without edification (Colossians 2:7)
Without completion (Colossians 2:10)
Without spiritual life (Colossians 2:13)
Without purpose (Ephesians 1:11)
Without love (Ephesians 3:19)

Thankfully, He lives and all things are yours when you are in Him! There is nothing you lack when He is your all.

[Judy Harder]

Blessed
May 11, 2012 06:00 am | Roy


Seen any spectacular sights lately? Heard any beautiful sounds that touched you deeply? Imagined anything that stirred you to the depths? You haven't seen, heard, or even scratched the surface of imagining what God has prepared for you.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

[Judy Harder]

Counterfeit and Genuine
May 14, 2012 06:00 am | Roy


...Not as the world gives do I give to you. John 14:27

Today, there is a freedom that still leaves people bound; a life that still leaves people in grave-clothes; a fulfillment that still leaves people unhappy; a busyness that still leaves people empty; a security that still leaves people fearful; a camaraderie that still leaves people lonely; a wealth that still leaves people bankrupt.

Not so with Christ! His is the freedom that still brings people liberty; the life that still brings people righteousness; the fullness that still brings people joy; the purpose that still brings people fulfillment; the shelter that still brings people peace; the companion that still brings people completion; the wealth that still brings people eternal riches.

[Judy Harder]

What If...
May 16, 2012 06:00 am | Roy


What if we gave thanks in everything ...would not our spirits be free of ungratefulness?
What if we rejoiced evermore...would not the sounds of grumbling and complaining be silenced?
What if we count it all joy...would we not have more pleasant dispositions?
What if we drank of the fullness of His Spirit...would not our cups run over?
What if we sought first His kingdom and His righteousness...would we not have changes in our priorities?
What if we cast all our cares upon Him...would we not be free of our burdens?
What if everything was by prayer...would we not be released from our anxieties?
What if we let the Lord fight our battles...would we not walk in victory?
What if we let not our hearts be troubled...would we not live free of fear?
What if we delighted ourselves in the Lord...would not our hearts be satisfied?
What if we let Christ be our life...would we not be fulfilled and completed?
What if our minds were stayed upon Him and our hearts trusted Him fully...would we not walk in the peace that passes understanding?
What if we took His yoke upon us...would we not find His rest?
What if we said "yes" to what He is asking of us in this moment...would we not know the joys of pleasing Him?

What if we did it now?

Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT

[Judy Harder]

The Kingdom and The Church
May 18, 2012 06:00 am | Roy


And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: Colossians 1:18 KJV

The kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28 AMP

Here are a few examples of how we may view the Church and the Kingdom...

As the Church we are members of Christ's body; In the Kingdom we are royal subjects of the King.
As the Church we are humble servants; In the Kingdom we are mighty warriors.
As the Church we surrender all; In the Kingdom we are more than conquerors.
As the Church we take up a towel; In the Kingdom we take up a sword.
As the Church we kneel in prayer; In the Kingdom we stand our ground.
As the Church we are His bride; In the Kingdom we are His ambassadors.
As the Church we build up one another; In the Kingdom we pull down strong holds.
As the Church we rescue the perishing; In the Kingdom we reign in life.
As the Church we demonstrate His love; In the Kingdom we demonstrate His power.

[Judy Harder]

That Which is Precious, Part 1
May 21, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


"Precious" means what is beautiful, what is great, what is the best—that which is precious is greatly treasured, highly valued, and intensely sought after. That which is precious is regarded as worthy of the highest price and praise.

That which is precious:

Precious are the rare gems of the earth—

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 1 Kings 10:2

Precious are the things that come to us from God to help sustain life—

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills, And for the precious things of the earth and fullness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren. Deuteronomy 33:13-16

Precious are the Words of the Lord—

And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 1 Samuel 3:1

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

Precious is the ointment that anoints God's people in unity—

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; Psalm 133:2

Precious are God's thoughts toward us—

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17

[Judy Harder]

That Which is Precious, Part 2
May 23, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Precious are God's ways and wisdom in our lives—

She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Proverbs 3:15

Precious are the lives of God's people—

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Isaiah 43:1-4

Precious are God's promises to us—

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Precious is our faith in the Lord—

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Peter 1:1

Precious is the devotion poured out upon the Lord by those who love and highly value Him—

There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. Matthew 26:7

Precious, Above all, is the Precious One—

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  1 Peter 1:18-19

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. 1 Peter 2:3-4

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 1 Peter 2:6

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner. 1 Peter 2:7

[Judy Harder]

Pray This...
May 25, 2012 04:00 am | Mandy


Prayer for change

Father, change me. Change my heart to love You more deeply, change my mind to know You more fully, change my will to serve You more completely. Change me from the inside out. Change my interests, my motives, my desires—may the things that are the most important to You, be the things that are the most important to me.

Jesus, change me. Bring Your mighty rivers to the dry places of my soul. Feed me with the living bread that can satisfy my hungry spirit. Immerse my heart in the fountains of Your all redeeming love. Change my ashes into beauty, my sorrow into song, my restlessness into peace, my darkness into light. May the pathway You want me to walk, be the pathway I fully follow.

Holy Spirit, change me. Be my Teacher— if I am to know truth it must come through Your revelation; if I am to have understanding it must be heard through Your voice; if I am to have clarity it must be seen through Your light; if I am to have wisdom it must be known through Your instruction; if I am to experience change it must come through Your power. May the anointing of Your abiding presence be the oil that is poured upon me.

Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Psalm 40:3, Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15

[Judy Harder]

Your life is blessed when –
May 28, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Peace is in your spirit,
Perception is in your decisions,
Patience is in your trials,
Purpose is in your work,
Purity is in your character
Praise is in your soul,
Power is in your witness,
Passion is in your calling,
Prayer is in your heart.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NLT

[Judy Harder]

Sudden Fear
May 30, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. Psalm 56:3 AMP

Sudden fear is one that comes at us unexpectedly, like a thunderbolt.  It is a fiery dart that comes to our minds to terrify us or paralyze us. It can quickly move into our emotions and can even impact us physically. It can come from reading a newspaper headline, facing a difficulty, hearing a bad report, getting an unexpected phone call, or getting no phone call when one is expected.

What should we do when sudden fear comes upon us? We must take control of it before it takes control of us. How do we take control? We don't take control by logic or reason, or by trying to be brave. We take control by acknowledging that God is in control. By faith, we look away from sudden fear to the One who is greater than all our fears, the One who sits upon the throne, above all and over all.

Our freedom and deliverance from sudden fear is found in the Lord, the Almighty God. The psalmist tells us, "I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." When does this freedom from sudden fear come? It comes as we renew and reaffirm our complete trust in the Lord, and our complete reliance upon Him.

It is the Lord who said, "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."

Affirm, by faith, that the Lord has redeemed you, that you are now His possession and you are no longer your own.
Affirm, by faith, that He is responsible for you and will care for you.
Affirm, by faith, that God knows you by name, that He has not abandoned you, and that He knows every detail of your life.
Affirm, by faith, that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
Affirm, by faith, that God is your Father, that He loves you, and He knows how to provide for His children.
Affirm, by faith, that your life is in God's hands.
Affirm, by faith, that your circumstances are under His control.
Affirm, by faith, that the Lord has delivered you and will deliver you from all your fears.
Affirm, by faith, that you trust in God's mighty power.
Affirm, by faith, that He is able to keep you and all that you have committed into His keeping.
Affirm, by faith, that His peace is your portion.