Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; He will protect and deliver it; He will spare it and rescue it. Isaiah 31:5

Just getting over pneumonia, I am realizing how much my day to day routine was affected. My priority was been getting better, so medicine, doctors and advice from family became something I clung to. After a few days, I began to feel better but something was missing. I felt discontent. How could that be since I was getting better?

The answer? My illness messed up my time with the Lord. I am not really “well” if I am not in the Word. I am not “well” if my source of help is all flesh and not Spirit. Isaiah tells us in chapter 31, verse 3 that Israel was looking to the Egyptians for help. They trusted in horses, their many chariots and on strong horseman. That makes sense, right? Not exactly. Isaiah is saying that GOD will rescue them.

The Bible says, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.” (vs. 1)

GOD is our ultimate help. We are to trust in the Spirit, God our Father, who hovers over us like a hen and her chicks. (How sweet!) I wonder if the Israelites felt “off” like I did, by depending on human help but neglecting God?

Here are a few questions if you are a person who likes to journal…

1. Where do you go for help first? Flesh first, then Spirit? Do you need to tweak that? How so?

2. If you were to write “time with God” on your calendar every day, where and when would it be?

3. What are the physical and spirtual effects of not leaning on God, but solely on ourselves and others?

2. Friends, I hope you enjoy the day God gave us today. I am praying for you as well as myself, that we make EVERY day, HIS completely, fully relying on His Fatherly love for us. It is a great big love!

Tina

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Upon reading this (for about the thousandth time!)…my heart suddenly melted. HOW MUCH our God loves us! HOW MUCH our Savior left behind for us!

After reading this, came a poem…

“He Left Exalted”

Though highly exalted by heaven and throne
He sacrificed kingship to make earth His home.

How much did Jesus give for us? Everything. ALL God wanted Him to. ALL that His huge love compelled Him to do.

Father God, King Jesus, Holy Spirit,
Make us so full of Your love that it doesn’t drip out of us occasionally, but POURS onto everyone we meet. Help us to see that obedience and sacrifice is more important than ALL else we do in Your name. Help us to care about people’s souls more than anything in the world. We love and praise you! Thank You for sacrificing for us. Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a wonderful, loving day!

Tina

Moms, here’s my poem just for you!❤️ A Mother’s Love

A mother’s love, a baby’s touch

Are gifts from God who blesses much

He sees our want and gives us more

Than anything we’ve asked before

A mom’s desire, a calling dear

To choose and serve the Lord in fear

He gives us grace to lead and pray

Our children follow him each day

A tearful heart when things go wrong

When trials don’t produce a song

Still, moms are known to do their best

To praise the Lord in every test

That children learn what matters most

Is nothing that a mom will boast

But seeking help from up above

She’ll show her children God’s pure love

Thank you God for moms You make

Whose selfless hearts serve for our sake

Whose lofty goals aimed at the throne

Help guide us to our second home

Tina Crute

Thinking about how God designed you especially like He wanted. A poem I wrote about that:)

The Design

An oak tree can’t become a pine

by wishing it were so.

A pine cannot become an oak,

its leafy bowers grow.

But in the wishing dawns a truth

that just amazes me.

Our God has made us all with care

just as He’d  have us be.

We’re beautiful, our Father says,

with purpose and design.

If we become like someone else,

we miss His plan divine.

So if you start to doubt your worth,

remember what is true.

You’re custom-made by God alone,

to be uniquely you.

Much love to all! Enjoy being YOU today and always!

Tina

Do you check the weather report daily so you know what to wear? I do! It makes me feel prepared for the day if I am dressed for what I know may come. Rain, snow, sun and wind require different clothing and being prepared may prevent some problems.

It’s the same way with our spiritual lives, only maybe we don’t check the conditions of our soul as often? Why is that, seeing as our soul weathers all kinds of trials, temptations, storms, hurts and sins?

We know these things will come, but why are we not more prepared?

In my humble opinion, it’s because we cannot control the weather, but we seem to think we can handle most of what life throws at us, on our own, until we can’t.

Then, we (myself included) look to God for help. And, of course, He is always there for us.

Maybe, just maybe, we could prevent the jolt of these surprises by praying for wisdom ahead of time, patience before we encounter a difficult client, and strength, before ours runs out. Maybe the storms would not be so bad that we feel drenched?

Here’s a verse for some inspiration for today!

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Just a thought for today:) With love from the Father to you, have a “prepared by prayer” kind of day!

Tina

It’s a poem day! Sometimes we need a little refreshment, rest and recharge in a busy world, agreed? That’s what this poem is about. Nothing in the world can satisfy like time alone with God!

Freshen Me

Make me fresh with rivers of Your love

And give me rest from all my worldly cares

My soul needs only Your help from above

Release my being from the stress it wears

Show me light that only pure can give

And guide me right to holiness and good

For You alone can teach my soul to live

Deliver healing now where hurt has stood

Take my cup that’s full of shallow thought

And empty it for portions of Your grace

I want to give up all that I have sought

And make my mission just to seek Your face

And…Because the enemy and world will seek us often, daily and forever, we need to seek God often, daily and forever!

With love from the Father to you, have a great and refreshing start to your week!

Tina

Good morning! It’s a poem day! This picture stirred my heart, as Jesus loves us, His little lambs, so very much.

             I Love You, Lamb

I love you, lamb. I’ve got you now.

I’m joyful that you’re home.

Where did you go, my little lamb?

Why did you want to roam?

Did something lead you far away?

What did you hope to find?

Did somewhere else seem better than

The pasture that is mine?

The world out there is scary lamb.

Things aren’t all that they seem. 

Though shiny things will catch your eye

Don’t fall for things that gleam.

Let me be your guide, my lamb.

I truly know what’s best,

For I was once a lamb myself,

My life put to the test.

You’re worth my life, oh precious lamb

So that you live what’s true

At times you’ll have to suffer some

But then I’ll carry you.

I’ll protect you always, lamb

And if you graze with me,

You’ll feed on truth and joy and love

For all eternity.