Author: Judy Elmer

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5

I think it’s interesting that God picked David’s head to anoint when He could have picked his feet or even his hands. Maybe because David was at a feast with his enemies and worrisome thoughts and fear can steal our joy. Anointing David’s head was indeed a honor. To be anointed in the presence of his enemies was a powerful reminder for David that he was valued, strengthened, and protected by God. Let’s ask our Shepherd-King to anoint our thoughts too with the same powerful reminder…we are valued, strengthened, and protected by God.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

I was reading in God’s Word about how Jesus is ruling all the nations with an iron scepter. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Rev. 12:5 This was a good reminder to me that despite the problems around us, King Jesus is still ruling with power and authority. Our Warrior-Messiah-King and His strong wonder working power is moving, transforming and reigning with justice and grace.

“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job. 42:2

I cannot look at this picture with a straight face. I have to smile every time I look at it. Our son and grandchildren were ready and waiting for the call to begin the annual neighborhood 4th of July parade. They’re ready to celebrate the freedom and love we have for our country. Parades, friends, food and fireworks are fun ways to celebrate our nation’s freedom. All that celebrating reminds me of what could go on in heaven when someone accepts the true freedom God offers through Jesus Christ.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Years ago when I heard someone say that God spoke to them, I thought, Really? But as I studied the Bible I discovered…Yes, God really does speak! You might be asking like I did, “How in the world do you hear Him?” I found that as you study God’s Word you can sure hear God’s heart in His living and active Word. If you’re in a Bible study you know the blessing of hearing God’s encouragement, guidance, love, and power. If you’re not in a Bible study, you don’t want to miss the blessing of hearing God speak through the pages of the Bible. His Word produces change, saves, gives peace, delivers and makes satan run.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12

I need to be reminded often of how powerful God is. One sure way is to watch Carl at the potter’s wheel take a lump of clay and shape it into a beautiful vessel. As I watch, I can’t help but think of God’s grace and transforming power. The gradual transformation as the clay is prepared, centered, pulled up and then fired in the kiln helps me see what it may feel like being in the hands of Our Master Potter. When I think of myself being transformed, it sure would be nice if becoming more like Jesus was spontaneous and without the firings. Although it’s interesting that in the firings the clay is transformed into a stronger vessel. I’m encouraged knowing that becoming more like Jesus in a life-long, gracious, transforming process. Will you climb up on God’s potter wheel with me? Let’s experience together His transforming power of remaking, renewing and rejoicing.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Phil. 4: 19:20

When we feel we can’t go one more step, He supplies the strength to go on.

When the money runs out, He still takes care of us.

When we’re scared, He give us the courage to face our biggest fear.

When weakness sets in and obstacles are big, His power enables us to overcome.

Thank You Jesus.

She is clothed with strength and dignity. Proverbs 31:25

This morning I read a devotional called “The Past is Over.” I was encouraged. I hope in some way you’re encouraged too.

When we turn from our sins and place our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our past sins are forgiven and forgotten. He can help us not to dwell on the past wrongs some people have done to us. Jesus can take the sting away from past hurts and give us a new future.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18-19

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Hab.3:19

Has there ever been a time when you felt weak but you had to be strong? I’d have to answer, “Yes, many times.” Like when I felt weak but knew I had to be strong when caring for a newborn, dealing with the death of Mother and when my husband had a stroke. Looking back I am amazed how the Lord gave me physical and emotional strength. God is teaching me that weakness can provide an opportunity for God’s divine power to be felt and seen. If you’re feeling weak but you need to be strong, choose to roll your weakness onto God’s strong shoulders. Giving God your weakness ushers in His strength. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

My fraternal twin sister gave me this doubled squash. This picture makes me smile and reminds me of how twins do life together. Before birth we shared life “squashed together” for 9 months. God determined when we would share the same birthday and make our entrance together into the world. My sister was first and I followed 10 minutes later. We are still connected in many ways and our love for each other is forever.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever. Psalm 100:5