Roy Lessin/Meet Me in the Meadow

[Judy Harder]

Whomever"
Sep 26, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


With God, there is no "whomever you choose to believe in is fine."



God doesn't tell us that our spiritual life is open-ended and we can seek our spirituality with whomever we like. Our spiritual life is not multiple-choice, it is not a smorgasbord of options, it is not a variety pack we can pick and choose from based upon what looks good to us.

We cannot go to the world, because God's kingdom is not of this world; we cannot go to the deeds of the law because by them no flesh will be justified in His sight; we cannot go to false gods because we are to have no other gods before Him; we cannot go to idols because they have ears but hear not, eyes but see not, and mouths but speak not; we cannot go to philosophers because they do not have the words of eternal life or know the mind of God for our lives.

Jesus said, "Come to Me." God calls us to have faith in Him, to receive His Son, to trust His Word, to follow His footsteps, to walk in His way. Today, it is Jesus who has the Words of eternal life to speak into your life. It is in Jesus that the full blessing of God rests upon you.

John 18:36, Romans 3:20, Exodus 20:3, Psalm 135:15-18, Colossians 2:8

[Judy Harder]

Whenever"
Sep 28, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


With God, there is no "whenever you want to do it is fine."



Time, as well as timing, is important to God's plan and purpose for our lives. God is never late in anything He does, and He keeps every promise. He is never a "no-show" for His appointments. He never "just misses" an opportunity or comes short of the goal. God never needs to send us an apology letter that states, "Sorry I missed you, but something came up!"

God doesn't say, "Get saved whenever you want. I know you have some wild oats you want to sow, but when you get it out of your system keep me in mind." God does tell us, "Today is the day of salvation. Seek the Lord while He may be found."

Our times are in His hands. To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son into the world. Jesus came at the perfect moment in history and you are here in His perfect time to make Him known in your generation.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Galatians 4:4, Isaiah 55:6, Acts 13:36

[Judy Harder]

Today Is Your Best Day Because Of Mercy, Peace and Love.
May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace, and love. Jude 1:2 (NLT)

What a day this is! You have never gone this way before. Today may be the start of an anticipated vacation, the day of a planned event, or it may be a normal day spent around the house or at the office. What you have planned for today is not what makes it meaningful. What makes your day meaningful is that God is in it.

He was in it when you first opened your eyes. He has sustained you through the night, greeted you with new mercies at morning's light, given you the breath of life, and promised to direct your steps until day's end.

Because of God's mercies you can follow Him with all of your heart today, assured that there is nothing being held over your head to condemn you; you can take each step today with a quiet heart knowing that His peace keeps you steady and sure; you can move ahead today with great confidence of faith knowing His love keeps you close to His heart, mindful of His promises, and confident of His care. God's mercies declare that you are covered in His compassion; His peace proclaims that you are renewed in His rest; His love heralds that you are bathed in His blessings of joy.

Are you tired or weary today? Allow God to renew you with His strength. Are you discouraged or downhearted? Allow God to lift you with His love. Are you carrying a burden of sin? Allow God's mercies to restore you. Are you in need of reassurance? Allow God to hold you in His embrace. Are you in need of healing? Allow God to mend you with His touch.

Today, you are His child and He is your Father—you belong to Him and He belongs to you; He matters to you and you matter to Him; you are committed to Him and He is committed to you. Today, there is mercy, there is peace, and there is love for your faith to receive.

Find this excerpt and many others in Roy's new Devotional Book, Today is Your Best Day!

Congratulations to the following 5 winners of a copy of Today is Your Best Day! Winners, I will be contacting you by email shortly. The winners are..

Tiffany Farr
Harold Witte
Judy Kutchen
Barb Bernskoetter
Mary Geekie

Thanks so much to all who entered! Even if you didn't win a free copy, you can still purchase an autographed copy of Today is Your Best Day at DaySpring.com for only $12.99 through October 31st! Just click here to add the book into your shopping cart, then enter this code at checkout: BestDay for the discount to apply.

God bless!

Mandy Butler







However"
Oct 01, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


With God, there is no "however you plan to do it is fine."



God doesn't tell us to serve Him in a way that is acceptable to us. He doesn't want us asking for advice from His adversaries on how He should do things. There might be a way that seems right to others, but if it's not God's way, it will bring death instead of life.

God tells us that He does His work and accomplishes His will, "Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts." God doesn't tell us to do His work according to what our flesh, our efforts, our talents, or our resources can do.

How do we do God's work? We do it under His guidance, in His strength, by His Spirit, with His wisdom, from His resources, through His grace, by His love, and for His glory.

Zechariah 4:6, Joshua 22:5, Jeremiah 5:19, Numbers 3:4, 2 Chronicles 14:2

[Judy Harder]

Wherever"
Oct 03, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


With God, there is no "wherever you would like to go is fine."



God wanted Jonah in Nineveh, not in Tarshish; God wanted Abram in Canaan, not Haran; God wanted Saul in Europe, not Asia. At God's right time, we need to be in God's right place. Where you live and when you live there are important. You cannot reach the people God has prepared for you to reach if you are not in the place He wants you to be.

It is also important where you are in your attitudes and in your character. When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord. When God walked in the garden He called out, "Where are you?" The question was not limited to their location, but also to their relationship with God. We can ask ourselves, "Where am I in my thankfulness? Where am I in my praise? Where am I am my obedience? Where am I in my trust in the Lord?"

Today, may you be exactly where God wants you to be, doing what God has called you to do, at the time God wants you to do it, in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Jonah 1:1-3, Genesis 12:1-4, Acts 16:7-10, Acts 8:26-27, Genesis 3:9

[Judy Harder]

Until He Will"
Oct 05, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35-36 KJV

I recently drove to the airport to pick up a friend. I left the house allowing enough time to get to the airport by 12:30 in the afternoon. I arrived on time and so did the plane. I could have gone to the airport at 9:00 AM but I would have been early. I could have gone to the airport at 3:00 PM but I would have been late. My trip was dependent upon the time the airline had scheduled the plane's arrival, not upon when I wanted to go to the airport.

As we obey God and do His will, it does not mean that things will go according to our timetable. God has His own timetable and He is never late. He does not set His clock according to our schedule; He does not make His plans according to our counsel; He does not fulfill His promises according to our understanding.

Years ago, my dad was anxious to see God open a specific door of ministry for him. Often, as a matter of prayer, he would petition God to answer the desire of his heart. The answer didn't come as quickly as my dad had hoped and he began to fret about the matter. One day, while in his quiet time, he heard the Lord speak these words, "Until I will, be still."  Immediately, God's loving assurance quieted his fretting heart. These words made such an impact upon him that he wrote them down and tacked them up on his office wall. For many years this note was as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and to God's timetable in my dad's life.

The lasting fruit of "Until I will, be still," became evident to me many years later when my dad came to visit us in Arkansas. We had a great time together, and my dad had many opportunities to minister to many of God's people who lived in our area.

When the day came for my dad to return to Los Angeles, we drove him to the airport. Upon arriving at the gate, we discovered that the flight he was scheduled to take had been canceled. I will never forget his response. There was no complaint, no sigh of disgust, no murmuring, no protest. Quietly and calmly he turned to me and said, "That's okay, God must still have some ministry for me before I leave." It was evident that my dad had fully learned to rest in God's timetable, and it turned out that God did have one more ministry opportunity for my dad before returning home.

Are you waiting on God to fulfill a dream or to bring about a promise? Joseph had a divine dream that his brothers would bow down to him, but it took 20 years before Joseph saw that dream fulfilled; Abraham was given God's covenant promise that through his heir all the families of the earth would be blessed, but it took 25 years before Isaac, the child of promise, was born. Both Joseph and Abraham saw God's answer in God's appointed time.

What do you do while you are waiting upon God's answer? Here are a few things not to do—don't be discouraged, don't lose hope, don't cast away your confidence, and don't set out on your own to try and make things happen.

Here are a few things you can do— continue to do God's will, continue in your appointed place, continue to be faithful, continue to trust and be thankful, and continue to rest in His unfailing promises. "Until He will, be still."

[Judy Harder]

Complete
Oct 08, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Jesus is the Redeemer
You are rescued!
Jesus is the Bread of Life
You are fed!
Jesus is the Light of the World
You are guided!
Jesus is the Door of the sheep
You are accepted!
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
You are cared for!
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life
You are filled with hope!
Jesus is the Mighty God
You are safe!
Jesus is the Way
You are secure!
Jesus is the Life
You are whole!
Jesus is the Truth
You are certain!
Jesus is the True Vine
You have everything you need!

You are complete in Him. Colossians 2:10 NKJV

[Judy Harder]

Drawing From the Well, Drinking at the River

Sometimes I am foolish, and in my need I assume that the well is far away. I knew a farmer who for a generation had carried every pail of water from a distant well to meet the needs of his homestead. And one day he sunk a shaft by his own house door, and to his great joy he found that the water was waiting at his own gate! My soul, your well is near, even here! Go not in search of Him! Your pilgrimage is ended, the waters are at your feet!

But I must "draw the water out of the wells of salvation." The hand of faith must lift the gracious gift to the parched lips, and so refresh the panting soul. "I will take the cup of salvation."

The refreshing waters are offered to "everyone" that is thirsty...all that we have to present is our thirst. And yet we spend and spend, we labor and labor, but the waters of satisfaction are far away. The water of life cannot be taken from a cistern; it must be drunk at the spring. Without the river our souls shall be as an unwatered garden. Everything shall live whiter the river comes... "There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God," and that river is for you!

-J.H. Jowett

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. Psalm 46:4 AMP

THEN HE [my guide] brought me again to the door of the house [of the Lord—the temple], and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple was toward the east; and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the temple, on the south side of the altar. Ezekiel 47:1 AMP

He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. John 7:38 AMP

WAIT and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; Isaiah 55:1 AMP

[Judy Harder]

Today begins a new series of postings called The Joy of Being Forgiven.

There are three main reasons for this series:

To help those who are burdened by sin to enter into the joy of being forgiven.
To remind those who have been forgiven to live each day in thankfulness for the gift of His forgiveness and the joy it has brought your heart.
To provide for those who know the joy of being forgiven, a way for them to share the message of God's forgiveness with others.
Please feel free to print out these postings or share them online as the Lord may lead you.

Loved with Everlasting Love

Jesus loves you as no one ever could. His suffering, His sacrifice, His death, and His resurrection demonstrate that love. When you look at the cross you will never need to question if He loves you.

He came for you, He died for you, He lives for you.

When you look at His shed blood you will never need to question how much He cares for you. What a tremendous price He has paid for you, more than all the riches, of all the kingdoms, in all the world. It is because of Jesus' shed blood that we can be forgiven and know the joy of that forgiveness each day.

Darkness
Sin brings darkness. It is the world of darkness within us that the light of Jesus Christ seeks to invade.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. To open their eyes, and  to turn them  from darkness to light, and from  the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the DaySpring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in  the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

1 John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Acts 26:18, Luke 1:78, Luke 1:79

Spiritual darkness is the presence of sin and the absence of truth in our hearts and lives. We can have an education and still be in darkness. We can study philosophy and religion and still be in darkness. We can go to church or do social work in our community and still be in darkness. We can be sincere or be tolerant of others and what they believe and still be in darkness.

Darkness is deception, keeping us from the knowledge of God; Darkness is separation, keeping us from the fellowship of God; darkness is isolation keeping us from the presence of God.

Darkness is something we should treat as an enemy, yet many treat as a friend. We like darkness because we feel it hides us from being exposed for who we really are. The sin in us runs deep. The darkness is our cloak and covering from being found out.

Jesus seeks us out in our darkness. Although we may be hiding from Him, He is not hiding from us. He is standing near us—clothed with white garments...covered with glory...reaching out with arms of mercy...inviting us into the marvelous light of His forgiveness and love.

Lord, deliver me from the darkness of my own way. Place Your truth within me so that I may know You and Your ways. I want to come out of my hiding and walk with You in Your light. I know that nothing is hidden from You and that You know me inside and out. I let go of every lie and deception that has kept me from You. Thank You that You can take me from the kingdom of darkness and place me into the kingdom of light. I welcome Your light and love into my life.

[Judy Harder]

The Joy of being Forgiven: Guilt
Oct 15, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Guilt
Each of us is responsible for the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: But he was  wounded for our transgressions, he was  bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was  upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans3:10, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:21

It was the darkness and rebellion of our sin that sent Jesus Christ from heaven to earth on a mission of redemption. He came as light into the darkness, but those in the darkness were not able to understand it.

He came even though we didn't know how desperately we needed Him.

He came to pay the debt we owed but couldn't pay. He came as a physician who didn't wait for office calls, but lived among us to seek and to save those who were being destroyed by the plague of sin.

He didn't die as a martyr or as a reformer; He died as a sacrificial lamb, willing to make atonement for our sin. The mallet and the spikes were in our hands, goodness and mercy were in His; rebellion and deceit were in our nature, grace and truth were in His; hardness and coldness were in our hearts, tenderness and compassion were in His.

He was the perfect offering for our imperfections—taking our judgment, bearing our sorrow, tasting our death, triumphing over our hell, and seeking to take us captive with the awesome power of resurrection life.

Lord, I know it was my sin that sent you to the cross. I thank you that you didn't just die for the world, but that you died for me.

I know I am the guilty one. Everything that I deserve was placed on You. I come to you without excuse knowing that I am fully responsible for my own sin. Thank you that through your wounds I have found mercy, and that by them I can be healed.

—

This post in part of a series called The Joy of Being Forgiven.

There are three main reasons for this series:

To help those who are burdened by sin to enter into the joy of being forgiven.
To remind those who have been forgiven to live each day in thankfulness for the gift of His forgiveness and the joy it has brought your heart.
To provide for those who know the joy of being forgiven, a way for them to share the message of God's forgiveness with others.

[Judy Harder]

Today Is Your Best Because Of Jesus' Name
Oct 16, 2012 04:00 am | Mandy


Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philippians 2:9-10 (KJV)

Jesus' name is above every name. His name is so great that the bible gives Him many other names to help us understand how mighty He truly is. Every name that Jesus bears and everything that Jesus is, He is for you. As you go through this day consider His glorious names, and the impact they have upon your life.

The Last Adam—Through His obedience He came to restore to you everything that the first Adam lost through His disobedience.
The Advocate—He is your defending attorney in the courtrooms of heaven.
Almighty—He knows no limits to what He can do for you because He is without limitation.
Alpha—He is the first word in every issue that concerns you.
Omega—He is the final word in every issue that concerns you.
Amen—He is the 'so be it" to all He directs you to do.
Anointed—He is the one God has chosen to be your all in all.
Apostle—He is the one who established you and upon whom the foundation of your faith is built.
Author—He is writing every chapter of your life and is preparing future editions.
Beloved—He brings you the Father's heart.
Bishop—He watches over you soul.
Bread of Life—He nurtures and sustains you.
Bridegroom—He's preparing you for His wedding day.
Bright Morning Star—He is the bright spot in your day.
Captain—He is charting your course and guiding your rudder.
Carpenter—He is preparing a place for you in His Father's house.
Chief Shepherd—He is leading you to still waters and quiet resting places.
Christ—He is the Lord of your life.
Cornerstone—He is the one you are building your life upon.
Dayspring From On High—He brings new hope to every morning.
Deliverer—He is one who sets you free from the bondage of sin.
Emmanuel—He is God with you.
Express Image of God—He allows you to see the beauty of the Father's face.
High Priest—He is praying for you and standing before God on your behalf.
Holy One—He is your purity.
Jesus—He is your Savior.
Lamb of God—He is your sacrifice.
Master—He is in control.
Messiah—He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and He is your God.
Passover—He has provided your redemption.
Propitiation—He has made atonement for you.
Rabbi—He is your teacher.
Refuge—He is your hiding place.
Resurrection—He is your eternal hope.
Vine—He makes you fruitful.
Wonderful—He is the one who is worthy of all your worship.
Way—He is the pathway and the destination of your day.

–
Excerpt taken from Roy's new devotional book, Today is Your Best Day. You can purchase a discounted autographed copy for only $12.99 HERE through October 31st (regular price: $18.99). Just add the book into your shopping cart and enter this code at checkout: BestDay for the discount to apply.