Roy Lessin/Meet Me in the Meadow

[Judy Harder]

You are Not Alone (a repost)
Jun 26, 2012 04:00 am | Mandy


You are Not Alone was originally published on June 28, 2010. It is one of the most popular posts here on Meet Me in the Meadow, and I hope it's a blessing to you once again. -Mandy Butler

You Are Not Alone

You are not alone–
For God is with you.
You are not defenseless–
For God is your protector.
You are not inadequate–
For God is your sufficiency.
You are not useless–
For God has a purpose for your life.
You are not worthless–
For God sent His Son to die for you.
You are not without hope–
For God has a place prepared for you.
You are not unloved–
For God loves you with an everlasting love.
You are not rejected, or abandoned–
For God calls you His own.

"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." So we can say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"Hebrews 13:5 NLT

[Judy Harder]

Our Steps


We should be sure that each step we take leaves a footprint we want others to follow—Psalm 17:5

God orders our steps so that every step we take will be one that is pleasing to Him—Psalm 37:23

God's word keeps us from taking a step on slippery ground—Psalm 37:31

Each step of obedience moves us into God's prepared place—Psalm 40:2

We need to keep alert and follow the road signs that point our steps in the right direction—Psalm 119:133

Steps ordered by wisdom will keep us from sounding the distress signal—Proverbs 4:11-12

We don't have to rush our steps. It is wise for us to consider and carefully weigh each step we take in the light of God's word—Proverbs 14:15

Our steps can be clear and confident when we know they have been guided by
God's wise direction—Proverbs 16:9

We are not asked to take big steps or small steps, but we are asked to make every step a step of faith—Romans 4:12

There is only one place we need to place our next foot step, and that is in the most recent footprint of Jesus—1 Peter 2:21

[Judy Harder]

Our Walk, Part 1
Jun 29, 2012 04:00 am | Roy




Walk before the Lord, in a way that is pleasing to Him—Genesis 17:1
Walk in the ways of the Lord, knowing His word and His will—Deuteronomy 8:6
Walk after the Lord, with a heart that seeks to follow—Deuteronomy 13:4
Walk with the Lord with all our heart, without compromise, holding nothing back—1 Kings 8:23
Walk in the good way, which is always the righteous way—1 Kings 8:36
Walk in the fear of the Lord, departing from evil and growing in wisdom—Nehemiah 5:9
Walk in integrity, maintaining truth and honesty—Psalm 26:11
Walk uprightly, always going after the highest and best—Psalm 84:11
Walk in truth, always being teachable and a good student of the Word—Psalm 86:11
Walk in the light of His presence, desiring His approval upon your choices—Psalm 89:15
Walk at liberty, knowing true spiritual freedom—Psalm 119:45
Walk in clarity, free from all confusion—Psalm 143:8
Walk away from the path of sinners, not being deceived by sin—Proverbs 1:10-15
Walk safely, in wisdom and understanding—Proverbs 3:13-23
Walk without being spiritually hindered, making straight paths for your feet—Proverbs 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Our Walk, Part 2

Jul 02, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Walk in the light of the Lord, free from all darkness—Isaiah 2:5
Walk on the highway of holiness, as one who has been redeemed—Isaiah 35:8-9
Walk without fainting, renewed in the strength of the Lord—Isaiah 40:31
Walk victorious through testing, knowing God will bring you through—Isaiah 43:2
Walk in the old paths, in the ways established by the Lord—Jeremiah 6:16
Walk humbly, daily realizing how much you need Him—Micah 6:8
Walk in newness of life, free from sin and selfishness—Romans 6:4
Walk according to the Spirit, in righteousness, peace, and joy—Romans 8:1
Walk properly, as children of the day—Romans 13:13
Walk in the steps of faith, confident of the Lord's promises—2 Corinthians 5:7
Walk in good works, according to the things God has prepared—Ephesians 2:10
Walk worthy of your calling, seeking God's approval—Ephesians 4:1
Walk in love, knowing the heart of God toward others— Ephesians 5:2
Walk purposefully, having your wits about you—Ephesians 5:15
Walk to please God, seeking to hear His "well done."—1 Thessalonians  4:1
Walk orderly, doing your work as unto the Lord—2 Thessalonians 3:11
Walk as Jesus walked, letting Him live His life through you—1 John 2:6

[Judy Harder]

Classic Tuesday- a Reader Feature
Jul 03, 2012 04:00 am | Mandy


Hi there!

Every Tuesday here on Meet Me in the Meadow, I'm going to pop in and add an extra post to Roy's weekly devotions. I'll be announcing any new products inspired by Roy, re-posting a few popular posts, and hosting the occasional giveaway!

This week, I'd like to share a piece of art work created by Terry & Pat Lampel that was inspired by Roy's Post, Peace is Yours. We love what Terry & Pat shared with us about spreading the love of Christ with others:

"If I've learned one thing during recent years, it is that we are a huge community and need all the connection points possible to further the kingdom!"
(Click here to view the full sized version, it's much easier to read)



If this inspires you to share a post from Meet Me in the Meadow in your own unique way (or already have!), will you share it with us? We may feature your creative works in a future Classic Tuesday post! You can email me with your one of a kind piece.

I encourage you to share the love of Christ with someone today. Maybe it's a quick prayer for a stranger or a kind act for someone in need– we're called to continue to further the Kingdom of Heaven!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Praying a blessing over your day,
Mandy Butler

[Judy Harder]

He Will Not
Jul 04, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me]. John 6:37 AMP



If you come to Him, He will not cast you out; John 6:37
If you trust in His mercy, He will not condemn you; Romans 8:1
If you are His child, He will not abandon you as your Father; Psalm 94:14
If you lean upon Him, He will not pull away; Matthew 11:28
If you call upon Him, He will not turn a deaf ear; Psalm 50:15
If you drink from Him, He will not leave you thirsty; John 7:37-38
If you ask Him for bread, He will not give you a stone; Matthew 7:9-11
If you receive of Him, He will not leave you empty; Psalm 23:5
If you dine with Him, He will not ignore you; Revelation 3:20
If you walk with Him, He will not lead you to a dead end; Psalm 16:11
If you depend upon Him, He will not forget about you; Isaiah 49:15
If you seek Him, He will not forsake you; Psalm 9:10
If you do His will, He will not do you wrong; Psalm 84:11
If you stand with Him, He will not let you fall; Psalm 41:2
If you trust in Him, He will not allow His faithfulness to fail. Psalm 89:33

[Judy Harder]

Receive From the Word
Jul 06, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


When we read the Scriptures we approach them differently than any other book. The Bible has many dramatic and powerful stories, but it is not a page-turning novel that we speed-read for entertainment.

The Bible is filled with historical information, but it is not a history book for us to merely study and examine so we can become more educated and fill our minds with facts, events, and dates.

The Bible is filled with a wide variety of amazing themes, but it is not like a magazine that we casually flip through to find something of interest.

There is so much for us to receive from the Word of God. The Scriptures are living words that feed, nourish, nurture, and enrich us. They have the power to change and transform, heal and restore, direct and guide, inspire and renew, up build and up lift, separate and sanctify, convict and convince, train and equip, gladden and delight, teach and correct, enlighten and edify.

The Scriptures are given to us by God so we may meditate (chew) upon them, reflect upon their meaning, and allow the Holy Spirit to make the Word alive within us.

To help you slow down and meditate upon the Word of God, here are ten questions to ask as you read a passage, a chapter, or a larger portion of Scripture:

Is there something that reveals who God is?
Is there something that reveals what God does, has done, or will do?
Is there something that reveals how God thinks or feels?
Is there something that reveals what God wants to do in me?
Is there something that shows how I need to respond to God?
Is there something I need to believe?
Is there something I need to obey?
Is there something new I have discovered?
Is there a key word I would like to study?
How can I turn this Scripture passage into a prayer?
The following is a quote from F.B. Meyer about reading the Word of God...

"If a cluster of heavenly fruit hangs within reach, gather it. If a promise lies upon the page as a blank check, cash it. If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it, and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you. If a truth is revealed in all its intrinsic splendor, entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate the hemisphere of your life like a star."

[Judy Harder]

This Present Grace
Jul 09, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Today's guest posting is by DaySpring's senior writer, Bonnie Jensen...may it be a blessing to you.

Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Matthew 11:28-29 MSG

I have a wooden block sitting in front of my keyboard with a word carved in it: grace. I have journals filled with references to its meaning. I recently read one of my favorites from a Bible study I sat in years ago—there is no grace for what may be, and no peace for wandering imaginations. But, there is grace and peace for what IS.

Staying in the here and now is a constant challenge. We tend to visit our past mistakes and worry about our coming days. God's grace can only sustain us one day at a time. It is beautifully present. It is daily needed. It is the continuous and constant reminder that we've been given something in this world we don't have to earn. It is ours simply because we are loved. We are valued. We are worth the suffering and sacrifice of a Savior.

One of my favorite songs urges, "...Leave to thy God to order and provide, in every change, He faithful will remain; be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend, through stormy ways leads to a joyful end; Oh be still my soul, the waves and wind still know, still know...His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below....." I don't think I've ever been able to get through that last line without tears.

God knows. God knows you. God knows what you're going through. There's purpose in every grace-filled breath you take—and storms will give way to a joyful end and a changed heart—one more saturated with faith in the One who proved you are absolutely priceless.

Bonnie Jensen

[Judy Harder]

Classic Tuesday- Feed My Sheep
Jul 10, 2012 04:00 am | Mandy


On this Classic Tuesday, I'd like to share an excerpt from Roy's book, Meet Me in the Meadow. This excerpt is taken from today's date, July 10th. You can read an extended version of this post by clicking here.  You can purchase an autographed copy of Meet Me in the Meadow here.

Have a blessed day,
Mandy Butler


***




"...He who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing]. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [the profuseness of spiritual joy]." Isaiah 55:1-2 AMP

How do we, as the sheep of His pasture, eat His spiritual food?

First, we eat by coming to His table and asking. God has promised that if we ask for Bread He will not give us a stone.
Second, we eat by surrendering to the Word and yielding to its authority.
Third, we eat by receiving the Word by faith with gratitude and thanksgiving.

As long as we have a hungry heart we will always find God's banqueting table filled with everything that is needed to sustain us and delight us. He has freely given us all things to enjoy.




Download a FREE preview of the first several pages of Roy's new devotional, REpurposed!

[Judy Harder]

20 Things Jesus Claimed (And No One Else Can Claim)
Jul 11, 2012 04:00 am | Roy


Some say Jesus was a good man, an influential man, a wise teacher, and a good example to follow. Some even call Him a prophet of God. But the claims that Jesus made about Himself go far beyond that. Here are 20 of those claims:



1. Jesus claimed that before He came to live and die on earth for our salvation, He was living in heaven.

"No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:13-15 [NKJV]

2. Jesus claimed that He is the giver of Living Water.

"Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10 [NKJV]

3.  Jesus claimed that He was the promised Messiah.

"The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." John 4:25-26 [NKJV]

4. Jesus claimed that we should honor Him in the same way we honor the Father.

Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. John 5:19-23 [NKJV]

5.  Jesus claimed that the Scriptures testified of Him.

"But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish–the very works that I do–bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." John 5:36-39 [NKJV]

6.  Jesus claimed that Moses wrote about Him as the one in whom we should believe.

"For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me." John 5:46 [NKJV]

7.  Jesus claimed He had God the Father's seal.

"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." John 6:27 [NKJV]

8.  Jesus claimed that we should believe in Him as God's sent one.

"Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:29 [NKJV]

9.  Jesus claimed He was the bread of life.

"And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." John 6:35 [NKJV]

10.  Jesus claimed it was God's will to believe in Him.

"And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40 [NKJV]

11.  Jesus claimed to be the only way to God.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 [NKJV]

12.  Jesus claimed to be the light of the world.

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12 [NKJV]

13.  Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." John 11:25-27 [NKJV]

14.  Jesus claimed He came to give abundant life.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."  John 10:10 [NKJV]

15. Jesus claimed He was the door to salvation.

"I am the door If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9 [NKJV]

16. Jesus claimed He would send the Holy Spirit

"But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:5-7 [NKJV]

17. Jesus claimed that the Holy Spirit would glorify Him.

"He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." John 16:14-15 [NKJV]

18.  Jesus claimed He was the source of peace.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 16:33-17:3 [NKJV]

19.  Jesus claimed He was one with the Father.

"Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:11, 21 [NKJV]

20.  Jesus claimed He bore witness to the truth.

"Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:36-37 [NKJV]

...because Jesus bore witness to the truth, then everything He claimed to be is true!