Posted by: judyhitson | March 20, 2023

Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace
by Judy Hitson

Is. 9:6 NKJV For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The most profound memory of God ministering to me as Prince of Peace was when I first heard the hymn, Wonderful Peace by Warren D. Cornell, 1889. A precious sister and friend in Christ, Ruth Dowler, sang this song and it went deep within my being by the Spirit of God. The anointing of the Holy Spirit was upon her. As she sang, it brought me to tears. The lyrics assured me of God’s peace with us.

While Ruth was with us in our small women’s group gathered for Christian Writers Circle, we often asked her to lead us to sing, Wonderful Peace. Ruth is now Home with the Lord but passed on to us her anointing. To this day there are times we sing this wonderful hymn of God’s peace. We think of Ruth and at times sense her presence from the great cloud of witnesses, Heb. 12:1.

There are many other ways the Prince of Peace ministers to us. Perhaps you have a testimony of your own to share with others. I encourage you to do so.

May the following verses from NKJV on peace bless you as they have blessed me:

 John 14:27a Jesus said, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives….
 John 16:33a,c Jesus said, ….in Me you may have peace….. I have overcome the world.
Acts 10:36b ……preaching peace through Jesus Christ-He is Lord of all.
Rom. 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Rom. 16:20a And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly…
1 Cor.14:33a For God is not the author of confusion but of peace….
Phil. 4:9 The things that you learned and received and heard and saw in me, those do and the God of         peace will be with you. 
1 Thess. 5:23a May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely….
Heb. 13:20a Now may the God of peace…..:21a make you complete….

Prayer: Thank You Father in Jesus name for Your peace that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus as we refuse anxiety, pray with thanksgiving and let our requests known to You God. Amen. (Phil. 4:6-7)

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Posted by: Administrator | March 6, 2023

My First Encounter with God’s Holiness

My First Encounter with God’s Holiness

by Brenda D. Flowers

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, 

Who was and is and is to come!(Revelation 8b, NKJV)

When I was a young child, I often thought about how great and wonderful God is. I loved nature and intuitively realized there had to be a God who created everything. His works to me were amazing! I questioned how anyone could not believe in God if they took the time to look around to see nature’s intricacies. 

The first vivid memory I have of recognizing the holiness of God was when I was about 10 years old. I participated in a children’s choir at the church I attended in Cincinnati, Ohio. One special Sunday, all the choirs, dressed in flowing choir robes, entered the sanctuary singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! ”  a well-known hymn written by Reginald Heber (1783-1836) and sung to the melody of “Nicaea” by John Bacches Dykes, 1861.

As I entered the sanctuary and walked down the aisle towards the front of the church, I was awed by the beautiful flowers, the powerful pipe organ music and the joyful harmonizing voices of the older choir members standing on risers around the altar. 

It is difficult to describe the beauty of that moment as I experienced the reality of God’s holiness.

 In my white robe, I felt like an angel approaching the throne of God. I can still recall the intense emotion, the great happiness and reverence, I felt as I participated in the glory of worship. 

Later in life, after I became a born again follower of Christ, I read in Isaiah about the holiness of God (Isaiah 6: 1-9). My mind immediately took me to that treasured memory of my childhood experience of God’s holiness. Truly every time I read Scriptures regarding God’s holiness, I recall this turning point in my life.

Have you experienced the holiness of God, His purity, His goodness, the absence of evil? God is revealing who He is and wants us to know and understand His holiness.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the ways You reached out to me when I was a child. You are still showing me who You are. Thank You for special memories which helped to form who I am today. Times I treasure! You are Holy and call us as Christ followers to be holy, separated unto You in intimate relationship, led by Your Holy Spirit. 

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Posted by: judyhitson | February 20, 2023

The Great I AM

The Great I AM
by Judy Hitson

Exodus 3:14 NLT God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”

Revelation and understanding can only come from God and is a treasure to share with those who believe in Him to give Him all the glory.

Wow! I see the Great I AM with Moses at the burning bush asking God His name in Ex.3:13 and God said, I AM WHO I AM in verse 14. This captivates my heart and mind in Christ Jesus along with the declaration of Jesus in John 8:58 NKJV Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM,” as well as the “I am” statements of Jesus through the Gospel of John.

As the Lord prompted me to write on the name of God,” I AM WHO I AM,” in the Old Testament, the
 I am’s related to Jesus in the New Testament kept coming to mind. As I researched the verses and prayerfully considered what the Lord was saying, I treasured this perspective revealing the Deity of Jesus Christ.

From the Gospel of John, consider the following “I am” statements of Jesus:

John 6:35 I am the bread of life.
John 8:12 I am the light of the world. 
John 10:7 I am the door…..
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd.
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life.
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life.
John 15:1, 5 I am the vine…..

Now consider the saying, “No man is an island.” None of us can be self-sufficient. God alone is
self-sufficient, self-existent, ever-present and possesses all authority. With that in mind, consider the following verses revealing Father has given all authority to Jesus:

Matthew 11:27 NKJV All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Matthew 28: 18 NKJV And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Finally consider Jesus as “I AM” commissioning us as His followers in Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.   
Are you willing to be a bold witness for Jesus Christ as “I AM?”

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Posted by: Administrator | February 6, 2023

Know Him as Promise Keeper

Know Him as Promise Keeper
by Brenda D. Flowers

 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Hebrews 6:11-15 (NKJV)

One Wednesday morning in January, I volunteered at my local Bible Study Fellowship’s elementary-aged children’s class. Two other teachers and I had the opportunity to share God’s Word with these precious children. During a sharing time, one of the teachers asked the children to share something they knew about God.

One of the youngest boys (maybe age 6 or 7), bravely raised his hand. His eyes twinkled behind his round glass lenses and he confidently exclaimed, “God’s a Promise Giver and He’s a Promise Keeper!” We three adults looked at each other with wonder, realizing the wisdom this little one had expressed.

I often listen to Bott Radio. Sometimes, short excerpts or messages spoken by pastors and speakers from past recorded broadcasts are shared. Several years ago, I heard the following powerful words spoken boldly by Adrienne Rogers. Like this little boy’s proclamation, Pastor Rogers’ words penetrated my heart and have encouraged me over the years: 

“If God said He will do it, He WILL do it!”

God keeps His Word. He cannot lie. That is not part of His nature.

 In fact, Jesus is the embodiment of Truth. He proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, the life. …”

 (John 14:6a)

The more I read and study the 66 books of the Bible, the more I see God’s fulfillment of His promises. I realize too that I can trust God with the promises that are not yet fulfilled.

He has given me promises personally during my intimate times with Him. I try to write them down in my yearly prayer journal. Occasionally, I review these promises and answered prayers, reminding myself that God is at work bringing to completion what He said He would do.

Let’s meditate on His promises that have been answered and are still to be answered. He wants us to be found faithful to His Word.

Stand on His Word. God is trustworthy! Know Him as Promise Keeper!

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Posted by: judyhitson | January 24, 2023

El Shaddai

El Shaddai
by Judy Hitson

Genesis 17: 1 NLT When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am
El-Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

God Almighty, the All Sufficient One is El Shaddai. My first introduction to this name of God was when I heard the rendition sung by Amy Grant. Reading God’s word of El Shaddai – God Almighty appearing to Abram in Genesis 17 and His exhortation to serve Him faithfully and live a blameless life, I think of how God as the All Sufficient One recently ministered to my husband and me.

My husband had a positive COVID and Flu test with symptoms of low grade fever, congestion, cough and malaise. His blood pressure became extremely high and his pulse was rapid and irregular. I sought the Lord in prayer and heard Him say, “Go to St. Thomas Hospital Emergency Room.” I hesitated but soon heeded His instruction having our oldest son, visiting us from CA, to drive us to the hospital.

The Lord, God Almighty, gave me clear instructions. It was astounding to have a nurse come to the entrance, get a wheel chair and help us get my husband straight in to admit him to the Emergency Room without a wait.

Keeping my eyes on Jesus, I asked Him for the doctor who would be best to see my husband. I was grateful for the immediate care and assured we were where the Lord wanted us to be. After examination, the emergency room doctor diagnosed my husband with crisis A Fib and admitted him to the hospital to a Cardiac Step down Unit. A Cardiologist ordered an intravenous medication to regulate his heart. He said they would treat him for his heart condition but not treat him for COVID.

Because I had natural supplements to follow a COVID protocol as well as other supplements my husband was taking, it was a blessing the Cardiologist said it was ok if I wanted to give my husband the supplements I brought. This was like a miracle to be granted permission to give supplements and medication from home in the hospital. I sensed this was El Shaddai – God Almighty, the All Sufficient One leading the staff and me to care for my husband. As the Lord said for us to go to this particular hospital, He also guided me step by step in prayer in this emergency situation.

It’s amazing to learn to hear the voice of God, the All Sufficient One. My dependency was on Him. I was grateful for His presence, His power and His peace in this storm of life. God kept His promise to me with my husband as He kept His promise to Abram with his son in Genesis 17.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for reminding me that You are El Shaddai – God Almighty, the All Sufficient One.  

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Posted by: Administrator | January 16, 2023

God’s Love Given

God’s Love Given
So The World May Know Him
by Brenda D. Flowers

Jesus Prays for All Believers

I do not pray for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 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. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. …(John 17: 20-23, NKJV)

January 21st is an important date for me. On this date in 1976, Jesus’ prayer for me was answered. My spiritual eyes were opened and I understood God’s great love for me in sending His Son to the world. I understood how God longed for me to be His child. Jesus completed His mission on earth so that I would not have to pay the penalty of my sin and remain separated from God forever.

I became a new creature in Christ that beautiful January night, and God gave me His Spirit as a guarantee of His everlasting love life with Him. By surrendering my life, my will, my way, and by trusting and confessing Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I began my journey as a follower of Christ. I was 22.

When I think back to that moment of surrender…the stillness, the revelation of God pursuing me, I realize it was a Holy moment. Holy God loved me as His daughter. He whispered to me that He wanted me to know Him. He had created me for purpose.

Forty-seven years have passed since that night but God has continued to pursue me. He loves me.

He loves you, too!

As I look back over these years, I can see how God has used circumstances and people in my life to help me grow closer to Him and to become more like Him in my character. To grow in unity with Christ takes a lifetime of daily surrenders, “not my will, but Yours, Lord.”

I still treasure the realization that Jesus prayed for me and is still actively interceding for me. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7: 25, NKJV)

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Posted by: judyhitson | January 11, 2023

Freedom to Worship

Freedom to Worship
by Judy Hitson

Hebrews 12:28 NLT Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe.

How blessed we Christians are in the United States of America to have freedom to worship while there are nations in the world where Christians are being persecuted even unto death in some instances. May the Lord continue to bless us as people of God in this nation to have a voice declaring the only true God who is worthy of all praise, honor and worship. Then let us tell others of the mighty things He has done.

Changes are occurring rapidly not only here in our country but in the nations of the world. One thing that deeply  troubles me is the decline of Christianity. We were known as a Christian nation. No longer is that the case. In fact, we are in a post Christian era, some say. This is something I find very disturbing.

Sound the alarm! Let us who believe in Christ and His coming Kingdom fully follow Him in true worship and adoration. Let us not fear man but fear God with reverance and awe of who He is. Let us share with others the hope we have for the future as we wait for the return of Christ and occupy until He comes.  

I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. What a day of rejoicing it is to receive life in the Spirit through Jesus Christ and be free indeed in Spirit and truth. Only then can we truly be free to worship which I see leads us to freedom in prayer by the Spirit, not only for ourselves but for others.  

What result should we Christians expect as we worship the Lord?

Is it not to know God and make Him known?

Is it not to know Him intimately and pray His will on earth as it is in heaven?

Is it not to know Him and pray down heaven’s blessings on earth that men will be saved and mature in Christ?

Is it not to be filled with His Spirit to pray in the Spirit and do nothing apart from the Father like Jesus did on earth?

Prayer: Father in heaven, Help us come boldly to the throne of grace and draw near to You in Jesus name by Your Spirit. Help us worship You and give You pleasure Lord. Then teach us to intercede for Your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

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Posted by: Administrator | December 10, 2022

Freedom in Christ to Give

Freedom in Christ to Give
Treasure His Transformational Gift

by Brenda D. Flowers

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (which is precious beyond words)! (2 Corinthians 9:15, AMP)

In recent times in America (2012), the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been labeled “Giving Tuesday”. Since its origin, many organizations (including Christian non-profits) have embraced this day as a wonderful opportunity to reach out to possible donors to raise funds for their causes.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about “Giving Tuesday”, I welcomed the shift of focus from buying and selfish getting to a focus on giving.

On “Giving Tuesday” this year,  I thought about the many ministries seeking funds, many through my email box. I felt somewhat overwhelmed…There were so many requests for donations!

A part of me wanted to give to all the ministries requesting donations, but I knew that wouldn’t be wise. I prayed about which ones to support. I didn’t want to impulsively give, just to check off my “Give” box on my “To Do List.”  I could feel myself being tempted to not even consider giving.

As I prayed, God’s peace guided me to which ministries to support. 

Yet, deep down, I felt challenged. Was I supporting them in ways that could truly impact them?

God gives us freedom to give, but He counsels us by His Spirit so we may give wisely. He gives each of us resources to steward. As our provider, I believe God wants us to see opportunities to give every day of the year. God will guide us as to whom and how to give, when we ask Him.

Many individuals, schools, organizations and companies long to receive transformational gifts, especially during “The Giving Season. ”Transformational gifts go beyond the basic transaction of large amounts of money. Often such a gift is given so the donor may be involved and have a great impact on an organization or an individual’s mission.

I wonder how many people truly realize the transformational gift God, Our Heavenly Father, has given to us in His Son, Jesus.

Many non-Christians have most likely heard or seen these words somewhere, especially during the Christmas season:  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV)

I wonder how many people, even professing Christians, have heard or read the next verse:  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17, NKJV)

I pray Holy Spirit will soften hearts so these words will be grasped as truth.

We can trust God’s Word. I have faith there is One True God who wants to give this transformational gift of Jesus Christ to each human being.

.

He is more valuable than large sums of money or any other gift we can imagine.

God’s gift truly transforms us. When we trust and profess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we become new creatures in Him, receiving His Resurrection Life to rule and reign with Him in His glorious Kingdom.

We must receive God’s gift by faith. He gives us the freedom to believe in Him, embrace His mission and accept that He can transform us into His image, reflecting His character.

God invests in us by giving His Spirit to help us mature in faith and complete our mission as His Image-bearers. He provides Grace to share the Gospel message and the power to live our lives faithfully, giving Him all the glory.

I love times of peace and quiet this time of year when I have moments away from the hustle and bustle to focus on God in praise, thanksgiving, prayer and journaling what He teaches me. These intimate times with Him are a treasure!

God is revealing to me the importance and value of not only these intimate times but also getting out of my comfort zone to invest in people.

When on earth, Jesus invested in people, following the will of His Father. He completed His mission on earth and passed the torch.

Reader, Jesus loves you this I know and I do, too. May the joy of the Lord fill your heart to overflowing this Christmas.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your transformational gift in giving Your Son to the world. Please draw many to Jesus to be His faithful followers. In His mighty name I pray. Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | November 25, 2022

Glorious Freedom

Glorious Freedom
by Judy Hitson

Romans 8:21 NLT the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.

Are you looking forward to this day of glorious freedom?

I sure am! What a day of rejoicing it will be. As the song says by Mercy Me, “I Can Only Imagine.”

For now, we seem to be living in a day like in the book of Judges when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. When I read the succeeding verses to our key verse, Romans 8:22-23 NLT, it was alarming to me. We need to realize and understand the groaning of creation as well as our groaning  as believers. Look toward the future with me and know the best is yet to be as children of God.

Yes, we live in troubling times, experiencing the high rate of inflation, increasing crime, open borders, a divided nation and I am sure you can think of other examples to add to this list.

As Christians, let us look forward to the Lord’s appearing and occupy until He comes. We have so much to look forward to. Think about it. There is a great harvest of souls for us to win for Christ. We need not fear what man can do to us. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. God is conforming us to the image of His Son. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our hope is to be in the Lord to walk free from fear and filled with faith as we partner with Him to advance His Kingdom on earth.

Praise God for the Holy Spirit in us giving us a foretaste of future glory. We long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. As followers of Christ, let us persevere in our trials and tribulations and follow in His steps. Remember Jesus’ words of John 16:33 NKJV These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Prayer: Father in heaven, bless us to think of the things above, not the things of earth, that we may be about Your business. In Jesus name and by Your Spirit. Amen.

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Posted by: Administrator | November 9, 2022

Freedom within Safe Boundaries

Freedom within Safe Boundaries
by Brenda D. Flowers

Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; … (Psalm 16: 5-6a, CSB)

I recall when I was a child how my mother would let my sister and me play freely in the back of our apartment building in Cincinnati, Ohio as long as we stayed in the designated area which she considered safe. She watched us from a distance; but if we wandered out of the predetermined play area, she would come to us to stop our play for a time out. If we were disrespectful to her,  we no longer had the freedom to play outside at all that day.

Most caring parents or teachers realize the value of setting and enforcing boundaries for their children or students.

When I taught school, I often had recess duty, being responsible to watch several classes of young students as they played freely. I was very thankful for the fence around the playground to protect the students from going too close to the busy road nearby. The fence helped keep the children safe.

Children’s understanding of the reason for house, school or playground rules is essential for maturation to occur. Children show maturity by learning to respect boundaries.

Some children learn the benefits of staying within safe boundaries more quickly than others and earn greater freedom as a result. Others disrespectfully challenge boundaries and suffer consequences or great loss of freedom.

Our Heavenly Father knows our need for guidance and boundaries. He loves us so much He has given us moral rules to follow and safe places to dwell. When people ignore or disobey His Word, their freedoms are limited or sometimes totally removed. God disciplines out of love.

God wants people to see the freedom we gain as we trust Him and the safe places He provides for us. He wants us to mature as His sons and daughters, developing His character.

I see so many people in our culture who are challenging God’s clear boundaries. I pray they realize the error of their ways and will turn in repentance to the safe place God has prepared for them, a place guarded by Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Freedom does not exist when anarchy exists. Safe boundaries are for our good.

I am thankful God has prepared a safe place for us to dwell. We can trust Him.

Our Heavenly Father rewards His faithful children with greater freedom and responsibility. One day, we will reign with Jesus in His glorious Kingdom.

 Praise the Lord!

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