Hello,
Friend, it is good to bring you Good News this month and as I do, I pray it will bring joy and peace to your heart and good health to your body. I am, of course, referring to the BEST news from the living Word of God in written form & from hearing the Spirit speak.
We have to be in a place of listening if we are going to hear Him speak. Two weeks ago, I had a knowing in my heart that the Father was asking me to tune in more and unplug from other voices constantly in my ears this month. Even good things can keep us from hearing the ONE we need to hear from most.
I do love listening to music, podcasts, uplifting Christian messages on YouTube and other positive input as I go about my day. But I was suddenly aware the Lord was asking me to clear the clutter in my mind so I could hear from Him and draw closer to Him in this season, so I have obeyed His precious voice of instruction. And this is what I’ve learned…
I began to realize that as it feels like an increase of impending difficulties, world disasters, and political distrust is attempting to bring fear and chaos into our midst, I was letting my my mind become consumed with how to prepare and with what people are saying. Then my eyes landed on Isaiah 7:9b in the NLT Bible I’ve had for a long time. I had previously underlined the words: “…Do you not believe me? If you want me to protect you, you must learn to believe what I say!”
And then it hit me! My focus has got to be more on filling my mind with the promises of God than on any other voices trying to get my attention. I knew that already BUT I had gotten distracted. Does that sometimes happen to you too? Friend, if you want to know the secret to peace of mind…it is this truth: When we dwell in the shelter of the Most High and when we learn to trust Him and believe what He says in the Word and by His Spirit, He fills our hearts with peace and joy. He satisfies our souls & refreshes our spirits. He gives us rest & transforms our minds so we can stand firm & be filled with faith instead of fear.
So what exactly are we suppose to focus on? A friend told me last week as we were visiting and praying together, that she heard the Spirit speak to focus on the BENEFITS of the Lord each month. We are not to forget them. I remembered Psalm 103 as David also reminds himself not to forget all His benefits.
I thought about the need to make a list of things to be grateful for. I began to think of the good things the Lord has done & of the promises He has already fulfilled. And then the word DWELL was on my mind and I immediately thought of my favorite, Psalm 91. As I read it, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart & said, “Write down all the benefits you read of the Lord in this Psalm” and so I did! WOW!! For those who love God and trust in the name of the Lord by taking refuge in Him…the personal benefits are amazing!
Try it for yourself. Get a piece of paper or go to your prayer journal like I did and as you read Psalm 91, record all the benefits of DWELLING in the secret place, or the shelter of the Most High God. And then share it with someone. I bet you find your faith rising up in place of fear and I believe you will experience peace of mind and the sweet rest of God as He brings joy to your heart and health to your bones.
Benefits of GOOD NEWS:
Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; Good News makes for good health.
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Benefits of Dwelling with God:
Psalm 91
Whoever DWELLS in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom
I trust……” (read more)
DWELL: To be fully present in a place or with a person. To settle in or engage with someone other than oneself.
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Forget not all His Benefits!
Psalm103:2-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
REFLECT on His Goodness! REMAIN in His Promises! REMIND yourself of all His Benefits! And REST in the shadow of the Almighty, our Most High God! I pray the Shalom Peace of God to cover you. The Good News is If you have surrendered your heart to Jesus, you too are able to hear the voice of the Spirit of God who lives inside your heart, calling you to listen to Him speak. Tune in ~ He is your friend.
As always…If you have a specific prayer request you’d like to me to pray, I’d be honored. Just send to this email.