It has always been my delight to scribble in my Bible. Capturing a word given, a moment in time, as the Lord revealed Himself alive in Scripture. On Sunday, December 8, 2024 — to record this memory, randomly, I just happened to open my Bible to page 1011. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:16

I found a note written down on December 3, 2010. A special thanksgiving was recorded after a visit to the hospital.  The Comforter was present as my son was in ICU, and I prayed. Our Father did save my son by the blood of His Son, Jesus. Years later, on his own, Jason Newell chose to get baptized. Shortly after, he joined Jesus in heaven. Be very encouraged to write down precious memories in your Bible to remember all that God has done.

The day I learned my son took his last breath, the Lord gave me a swift gift. Jason’s distinct voice said, “Don’t worry, momma, I’m walking with Jesus!” Faith is a tangible, fantastic gift. It is an unseen but fully known substance. It is our daily choice to indulge our soul, and devour the Word like we would a banana split. Savor the verses like deep chocolate. Scoop up His Word like the cherry on top. Allow the Holy Spirit to crack your skull like a hard walnut. “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:21

Birthing pain is a sign of spiritual growth. As we mature, more and more we are repulsed by the wicked ways of this world.  As we wait for the reutrn of Jesus, we count all suffering joy. The woman at the well had suffered the pain of much rejection. Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 Saturate your hunger for intimacy with God’s love and truth. Without coming to the alter of our Father’s grace, we can easily find ourselves addicted to many substitutes. Anything that we give more time to than God becomes an idol.

Avoid the devices of the devil’s schemes. Humble yourself in a position of prayer. Cherish your identity as a child of God. Connect and commune with the Holy Spirit and receive His glorious assignments. “Walk this way. Do not turn your eyes to the right or the left. Focus on Me, and I will lead you.” Abba Father, forgive me for I have sinned against You, the Holy one.

Increase my desire to spend more time alone with You. Help me to store up lasting treasures in heaven. Guide my steps into the way of the everlasting. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness.

“Praise the Lord, o my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to God while I have my being. Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, and he returns to ash; on that very day, his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. Whose hope is in the Lord, his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever.” Psalm  Gratitude Journey

We were called out of this world, set apart by God. This is why as His remnant, we are repelled by the wicked ways of the world. This blind culture thinks that the children of God are against everything. Well, as the Bride of Christ, we are against evil.  We live FOR God, and we expect persecution.  The fact is that we serve a risen Savior, and He loves everyone. Under the old covenant the priests would work from east to west when doing the sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The door to the temple always faced EAST and the holy of holies was in the WEST part of the temple  God’s word declares that as far as the EAST is from the WEST, Jesus removed our sins from us. To repent means to turn around, to go against our feelings, and trust God. Our Father calls us higher, to be caught up in His elevated thinking. He saved us, filled us, and calls us to proclaim the Gospel to those who are caught up in the system of this world. The world labels us as fanatics.

They mock, block, cancel, silence, and persecute us.  They killed Antipas, Chrst’s faithful martyr.  He is mentioned in the book of Revelation.  Antipas was not his name but a nickname given to him by the people of Pergamum. Antipas, a Godly man thar appeared to be anti everything.  We are called to love the people of this evil system. “For God so loved the world that He gave us His one and only Son.” So we must continue to love the world just as God does.  Keep moving towards God and loving those who are heading the wrong way. By the grace of God, we  turned around, and called up higher.  We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood (people) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against all wickedness. 

God’s plan and purpose for your life is a plan to prosper you with treasures in heaven. If there is anything that is hindering your walk with God turn towards Him, REPENT and follow HIM with all your HEART.  Grace and peace to you in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:16

Revelation 2:13 “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to My name. You did not renounce your faith in Me, not even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”