Tag Archives: Grace

My Bible thoughts for 11Sep24

Exodus 14:14

In The Bible Hub, you have easy access to multiple versions, and can read the verse with slight variances.

KJV – The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
NIV – The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
NLT – The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
ESV – The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

The Amplified combines them:
The LORD will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.”

Yahweh will fight for me, if and when I –
Hold my peace
be still
stay calm
be silent

1 Peter 5:6-7 – after some admonitions to everyone in the church, and before more admonitions to everyone in the church, Peter says this:
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

My battles are often with anxiety.

I wrote a series, or I started a series, about Giants in my Land.

I haven’t written about the giant anxiety.

Today, I was asking the Lord why I was just feeling off.
Because I have things I’m worrying about, that are not things that I can do anything about.

I AM WORRYING ABOUT THINGS THAT I CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT.

These are the battles that I need the Lord to fight in my place.
These are the battles where I need to apply my faith.
These are the battles where I need to fall upon grace.
These are the the battles where I need to be still and know HE is God.

I’ve written about faith – In Advent day 18 – but it’s needed all the time.

I’ve written about grace – so much about grace – but here’s one from a study for Lent – Lent day 20. Grace has been a concept that a friend of mine has pointed out to me for many many (decades?) years.

I’ve written about ‘be still’ – in Be still – wait upon the Lord and in my Marching into Mark – chapter 4

Why do I still need reminded? Because I am human.
The more often that I remind myself, the more often it comes naturally.
I am building habits of taking thoughts captive.

2 Corinthians verse about taking thoughts captive (https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/10-5.htm) follows this one:
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

I am starting to think about the angels given charge over us to guard us in all of our ways! Psalm 91:11

I’m reminded of the prophet Elisha, in 2 Kings 6 – when his servant was worried.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

So, as I think on these battles with anxiety that I am having – I will meditate on Ex 14:14 – The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
and
Romans 8:31 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

And if that’s not enough – we always have Psalm 23 and Jesus’ words – Peace I leave with you – John 14:27.

May I be able to remember to be calm, quiet, and at peace while I allow God to fight my battles – and calm me in the storm.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Marching into Mark Chapter 7

Marching into Mark Chapter Seven

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Marching into Mark Registry,
the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 75, March 16 )

On Facebook, you can join us at Itty Bitty Bible Study Group.

Passage
Mark Chapter Seven

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

The Images that I use are from Knowing Jesus and are available as downloads in every format that I can imagine for screen savers and wallpapers.

  • Mark 7(With cross referencing to Matthew 15)
    • Mk 7:1-23 – What causes defiling
    • 1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Him.
    • They observed the disciples eating with unclean hands which went against the teachings of the Leaders
    • 5 Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why don’t Your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean[b] hands?”
    • Jesus calls them on their hypocrisy
    • 8 Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men.”[d] 9 He also said to them, “You completely invalidate God’s command in order to maintain[e] your tradition!
    • The leaders had made it  so that a son could say his wealth was for God and therefore didn’t need to take care of his parents, invalidating Honor your Father and Mother command.
    • The point –
    • 15 Nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.
    • 18 And He said to them, “Are you also as lacking in understanding? Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? 19 For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.”[i] (As a result, He made all foods clean.[j])
    • That which proceeds out of the man is what defiles the man
    • What actually defiles
    • 20 Then He said, “What comes out of a person—that defiles him. 21 For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, promiscuity, stinginess,[k] blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”
    • Mk7:24-30  Greek woman asking for healing
    • Jesus – “…because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
    • Woman – “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
    • Jesus –  “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.”
    • Her faith wouldn’t take a NO answer, and it seems she understood the heart of God.
    • Mindfully Meditating in Matthew Chapter 15
    • Mk 7:31-35 Deaf man with a speech difficulty
    •  35 Immediately his ears were opened, his speech difficulty was removed,[o] and he began to speak clearly.
    • Mk 7:37 They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”

A place to see the four gospels compared is from Synoptic Gospel Parallels.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Mark 7:37
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 37 They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”
  • HE has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear,
  • He HAS done everything well!
  • He has DONE everything well!
  • He has done EVERYTHING well!
  • He has done everything WELL!

and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Songs for Meditation

All Things Well – A’Men Quartet

This is the Kingdom – Elevation Worship

We Declare that the Kingdom of God is Here – Ron Kenoly

Coloring – I use coloring to help me focus on the fullness of a verse.

Mark Coloring page – Ministry to Children – simple enough to finish in an hour or less

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.  Some thoughts to dig deeper.

  1. Why do you think Jesus went from talking about unclean hands to talking about honoring your Mother and Father?
    1. GotQuestions answers what is CORBAN?
  2. Why did Jesus call the woman a dog?
    1. GotQuestions discusses this from the Matthew account.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

The Cavern

 

On March 8th, some things happened that really shook me, in the middle of my shook life.  It was like a straw that threatened to break this camel’s back.  But with the prayers of friends, and the voices from a mental health group I am part of, I got through it.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Here’s my poem, The Cavern

They say don’t move.
They say we’re going to turn out the lights
They say everything will be alright
Just don’t move.

Darkness hits.
Darkness that surrounds and envelopes your flesh
Darkness that can be felt
Just don’t move.

This is a cavern.
This is a cave.
This is  a place so deep and down
Just don’t move.

No one is near, 
or that is my fear.
Or am I afraid I might spin out and fall
Where was that edge after all?

Cold seeping in
It envelopes my skin
The screams I screamed in the night 
Are pushed down within.

The lights will come back
The day will arise
But right now, I can’t trust my eyes
Just don’t move.

Where is that rail?
Where is that edge?
Did I place myself in the center of 
This death defying ledge?

I hear someone
“Turn on the light’
We have seen what we came for,
Now just stop this fright.”

But the tour guide is gone
He’s left us alone
We realize that we are now on our own.

Where is that switch?
Where can it be?
And do I risk death to move, try to see?

Someone starts to cry
Someone else says “I’m cold”
We reach out to touch each other, to give us some hope.

Where is the light?
Where is the guide?
Why is this tour turning into a fright?

What did I do?
What did I say
That made the tour guide leave us that day?

“I have the rail” says someone in dark,
I think this is where we can get a spark.”
“I’m right behind you, I’ll hold you on land”
“We’ll do this together, and move hand by hand.”

Single file
We walked slowly along
Then someone broke into a song

But it’s dark!
It’s so damp and cold.
Being afraid to move is getting very old.

We know we are here
Together as one
The song lifted up, and 
Marching on, one by one.

“I feel wires behind the rail”
The excitement caused a rustle,
 “Maybe we will get out of this jail!
And some began to tussle

“The thing we need to remember, 
Is we are in this all together.
Calm down, and steady on.”
While the one continued song.

It’s so dark
It’s so damp,
You can’t see your hand, 
not even where you should stand.

The guide let us down.
In the cavern alone
Deep down in the ground
 No idea if we’ll be found.

The tension is rising,
The hope to despair
With each adding moment
Doubts that we’ll be spared.

“Wait! I think I’ve got it,” 
Says the one in the front,
And with that we hear a click,
And the light is on

The guide stood there
Looking proud as could be
“You took on the challenge
From your fears you are free.”

I stood in amazement
Full of anger, and dread
What was he saying, 
Did he get in my head.

I didn’t ask for a challenge
I just paid for a tour
What is this freedom he speaks of
Terror du jour? 

But wait, all those people.
Where are they, I said.
“You were the one walking
This valley of death.”

I was alone the whole time,
So who did I hear?
Did the dark point out parts of me t
That i didn’t know near?

What is this valley, 
This cavern of death?
Where I could hear every heart beat
And taste every breath.

“Your heart that is wounded,
Your thoughts of the end.
 You are stronger together
And over darkness you’ve won.”

“I’ll guide you and teach you,
But I’ll test you to see
If you have been listening
And following me.”

“I know where you are healed,
I know where you are strong.
You were never near the edge
You were in front of me all along.”

“I sent you those voices 
To encourage your walk
And I timed the tests specifically,
So alone you won’t walk.”

“Now rest, my little one
Enjoy the sun
I’m always with you, 
Even when I seem gone.”

“The cavern is your heart
With the wounds oh so deep,
But I have built a path
That will, with time, set you free.”

It was me that walked bravely
It was me that held strong
It was me that spoke encouragement
And from my mouth was the song.

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman, all rights reserved.

I have written about suicide, but here’s my thoughts on what’s the big deal.

If you have come to this page because you are contemplating suicide, please dial 988 or 1-800-273-TALK or visit the National Suicide Prevention LifeLine. Some other Suicide Hotlines are on this page. 

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 24 or MMM24

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter Twenty Four

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Catalogue , the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 55, Feb 24)

Passage Matthew Chapter Twenty-Four

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Holman Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 24
    • Mt 24:1-2 Destruction of the Temple foretold
      • 2 Then He replied to them, “Don’t you see all these things? I assure you: Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!”
    • When will these things happen and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age Matthew 24:3Mt 24:3- 35 When are these things going to happen?
      • 4 Then Jesus replied to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. 
        • wars and rumors of wars
        • nation rise against nation
        • famines
        • earthquakes
      • BIRTHPAINS
        • . 8 All these events are the beginning of birth pains.
      • PERSECUTIONS
        • 9 “Then they will hand you over for persecution,[b] and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.
        • false prophets
        • lawlessness
        • love of many grow cold (believers)
        • 1 Peter 4:14
          • If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
        • MMM5
      • 13 But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.
        • 14 This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world[d] as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.
      • ABOMINATION THAT CAUSES DESOLATION
        • Flee to the mountains
      • GREAT TRIBULATION
        • 21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again! 
        • 22 Unless those days were limited, no one would[i] survive.[j] But those days will be limited because of the elect.
      • FALSE PROPHETS AND FALSE MESSIAHS
        • 24 False messiahs[k] and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 Take note: I have told you in advance. 
      • RETURN OF CHRIST
        • 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
      • AFTER TRIBULATION
        • The sun will be darkened,
          and the moon will not shed its light;
          the stars will fall from the sky,
          and the celestial powers will be shaken.
        • 30 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth[m] will mourn;[n] and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
        • 31 He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
        • This passage alone supports the post tribulation rapture of the saints.
      • Heaven and earth will pass away but my word will never pass away. Matthew 24:35The Fig Tree lesson
        • 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, recognize[o] that He[p] is near—at the door!
        • 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
    • Mt 24:36-44 No one knows the time
      • 36 “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son[q] —except the Father only.
      • I wish we’d all been ready tells this passage of scripture
      • 42 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day[s] your Lord is coming.
      • Be ready for the Son of Man is co ming at an hour when you do not think he will come. Matthew 24:44 This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
    • Mt 24:45-51 be the faithful Slave/Servant
      • Faithful
        • 46 That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded. 47 I assure you: He will put him in charge of all his possessions. 
      • Evil
        •  50 that slave’s master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. 51 He will cut him to pieces[u] and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    • One place where I’ve written my thoughts on the end times is in IBBS Habakkuk , about the tribulation and signs of the End.
    • When I had Covid, I wrote about whether it was one of the final plagues of the End – Covid and Me

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 24:13
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 13 But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.
  • NIV but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • BUT the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • But THE one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • But the ONE who stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • But the one WHO stands firm to the end will be saved.
  • But the one who STANDS firm to the end will be saved.
  • But the one who stands FIRM to the end will be saved.

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Coloring

Matthew the Book coloring page by Ministry to Children

no tribulation coloring pages, sorry

Song to Meditate upon

I wish we’d all been ready – Larry Norman

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What do you think Jesus meant by the temple being torn down?
    1. Bible Ref gives some historical information about this being true.
  2. Have you heard of false Prophets of those calling themselves Messiah?
    1. your answer
  3. Have you done much reading on the Great Tribulation?
    1. In IBBS Habakkuk I talk about some theories.
  4. How do you feel about the second coming of Christ?
    1. In Covid and Me I talk about fear and faith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 4 or MMM4

 

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 35, Feb 4)

Passage

Matthew Chapter Four

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 4
    • Mt 4:1-11 The Temptation of Christ
      • 4 But He answered, “It is written:
      • 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”[
      • 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away,[f] Satan! For it is written:
        • The basis for spiritual warfare – knowing the Word of God
    • Mt 4:12-17 Ministry Begins
      • 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
    • Mt 4:18-22 Calling Peter, Andrew, James and John
      •  20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
      • 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
    • Mt 4:23- 25 Teaching and ministry
      • 24 Then the news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And He healed them.

Image by Scottish Guy from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 4:7
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
  • JESUS told him, it is also written…
  • Jesus TOLD him, it is also written…
  • Jesus told HIM, it is also written…

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Temptation of Christ- digital or print it out (right click, choose save image and put it in your pictures folder to print out)

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What do you think the three temptations stand for?
    1. Biblical Christianity says this, which I agree with, but my answer relates to 1 John 2:16
  2. Who else preached “repent”, and why do you think this is what Jesus was preaching?
    1. your answer
  3. What does the calling of the four disciples tell us about how we should respond?
    1. your answer

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

shepherd with sheep

2023 First 100 days day 23- Wisdom and Praise

First 100 Days – day 23 – January 23

shepherd with sheep

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Wisdom and Praise Collection

Psalms 23, 53, 83, 113, 143 and Proverb 23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    • Ps 23: a Go To Psalm
      • The Lord is my shepherd;
        there is nothing I lack.
        2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
        He leads me beside quiet waters.
        3 He renews my life;
        He leads me along the right paths[a]
        for His name’s sake.
        4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,[b]
        I fear no danger,
        for You are with me;
        Your rod and Your staff[c]—they comfort me.
      • You prepare a table before me
        in the presence of my enemies;
        You anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
        6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
        all the days of my life,
        and I will dwell in[d] the house of the Lord
        as long as I live.[e]
    • Songs for Psalm 23
  • Psalm 53 Fools
    • Ps 53:1 The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.”
      They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds.
      There is no one who does good.
    • Ps 53:2-3 God looking for one who believes
      • God looks down from heaven on the human race
        to see if there is one who is wise,
        one who seeks God.
        3 All have turned away;
        all alike have become corrupt.
        There is no one who does good,
        not even one.

        • Luke 18:8
          • Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith[d] on earth?”
        • Hebrews 10:23
          • Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
    • Ps 53:6
      • Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
  • Psalm 83  Prayer for deliverance from enemies
    • Ps 83:1
      • God, do not keep silent.
        Do not be deaf, God; do not be idle.
        2 See how Your enemies make an uproar;
        those who hate You have acted arrogantly.[a]
    • Ps 83:2-18 complaints and suggestions
  • Psalm 113 Merciful God
    • Ps 113:1-3 Praises
      • Hallelujah!
        Give praise, servants of Yahweh;
        praise the name of Yahweh.
        2 Let the name of Yahweh be praised
        both now and forever.
        3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
        let the name of Yahweh be praised.
      • KJV From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
    • Ps 113:5-6
      • Who is like Yahweh our God—
        the One enthroned on high,
        6 who stoops down to look
        on the heavens and the earth?

        • Psalm 73:2
          • Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
    • Ps 113:7-8 treatment of poor
      • He raises the poor from the dust
        and lifts the needy from the garbage pile
        8 in order to seat them with nobles—
        with the nobles of His people.
    • Ps 113: 8 gift to the barren woman
      • He gives the childless woman a household,
        making her the joyful mother of children.
        Hallelujah!
    • Songs for Psalm 113
  • Psalm 143 from David’s Prayer Journal – prayer for deliverance
    • Psalm 143:1-2
      • Lord, hear my prayer.
        In Your faithfulness listen to my plea,
        and in Your righteousness answer me.
        2 Do not bring Your servant into judgment,
        for no one alive is righteous in Your sight.

    • Ps 142:4
      • My spirit is weak within me;
        my heart is overcome with dismay.
    • Ps 143:5-6 Remembering while praying
      • I remember the days of old;
        I meditate on all You have done;
        I reflect on the work of Your hands.
        6 I spread out my hands to You;
        I am like parched land before You.Selah
    • Ps 143:7-9 Request
      • Answer me quickly, Lord;
        my spirit fails.
        Don’t hide Your face from me,
        or I will be like those
        going down to the Pit.
        8 Let me experience
        Your faithful love in the morning,
        for I trust in You.
        Reveal to me the way I should go
        because I long for You.
        9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
        I come to You for protection.[a]
    • Ps 143:10 prayer for guidance
      • Teach me to do Your will,
        for You are my God.
        May Your gracious Spirit
        lead me on level ground.

        • Psalm 23:3 above
        • Ps 25:4-5
          • Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths.
          • Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.
    • Ps 143:11-12 Summary Request
        • Because of Your name, Yahweh,
          let me live.
          In Your righteousness deliver me from trouble,
          12 and in Your faithful love destroy my enemies.
          Wipe out all those who attack me,
          for I am Your servant.
    • Songs for Psalm 143
  • Proverb 23 – what’s your motive? focus?
    • Pr 23:1-3 don’t be won over by wealth
      • When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
        consider carefully what[a] is before you,
        2 and put a knife to your throat
        if you have a big[b] appetite;
        3 don’t desire his choice food,
        for that food is deceptive.
    • Pr 23:4-5 Don’t focus on wealth
      • Don’t wear yourself out to get rich;
        stop giving your attention to it.
        5 As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears,
        for it makes wings for itself
        and flies like an eagle to the sky.

        • Matthew 6:19
          • “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
        • Mark 4:18-19
          • 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
        • 1 Timothy 6:9
          • But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.
        • Hebrews 13:5
          • Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
    • Pr 23:12
      • Apply yourself to discipline
        and listen to words of knowledge.

        • Pr 12:1
          • Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.
    • Pr 23:15, 17, 19, 22, 25, 26  – My Son
      • 15 My son, if your heart is wise,
        my heart will indeed rejoice.
      • 19 Listen, my son, and be wise;
        keep your mind on the right course.
      • 25 Let your father and mother have joy,
        and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.
      • 26 My son, give me your heart,
        and let your eyes observe my ways.
    • Pr 23:29-35 the Drunkard
      • 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
        Who has conflicts? Who has complaints?
        Who has wounds for no reason?
        Who has red eyes?
      • 35 “They struck me, but[h] I feel no pain!
        They beat me, but I didn’t know it!
        When will I wake up?
        I’ll look for another drink.”

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 My One Word – Let Go January 13

neon letters saying Let Go!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

This morning, I delayed, if not excused, the video I’ve been doing with the Psalms and Proverb a day because I was greatly grieved in my stomach.

It felt like sick, but my head felt heavy, my shoulders felt burdened, my solar plexus felt like many burning knives were dancing there.  My every muscle was tight, and trying to relax them was so far from my thinking because I wasn’t even sure I could survive the “knives”.

There are some situations in my life that are greatly volatile, and chaotic that affect my decisions.  There are people that I have to take into account, and relationships that I have to navigate.  There are wounds that are so deep that they are hard to even vocalize.

Then there are memories, tangible places that pull emotions out of my heart and psyche only to force me to look at them again whether I want to or not.  Some memories are good, but most are overshadowed by deep dark grey with streaks and streams of bitter tears that flow through it but don’t thin it’s thickness.

My mental health does affect my physical health and vice versa.

I am planning a trip in April. There is one specific place that I will be attending, the Psychiatric Service Dog Partners 2023 Convention in Rock Hill, SC.

Another place I’d like to go is my brother’s house in Raleigh, NC.

Ohio is always on my hope and prayer list.

But could all of this be why my body is in rebellion today?

Well, I decided to put some things into practice that I’ve been learning.

Breathe – let go of the tension

Get my internal self more open to possibilities, don’t hold on so tightly to MY plans

Cry out to God for being missing in this (every see how much an object is covered when you hold on tight compared to when you open your hand?) – I couldn’t see past the trip I was clinging t6o.

I placed my worry about the truck on the altar.

I placed my worry about the hotels on the altar.

I placed my worry about managing the suitcases on the altar.

I placed my worry about my anxiety and potential freak outs on the altar.

I placed me on the altar.

This took hours – honestly.

Let Go Let God illustration

2023(C) M. Christine Warren Wildman, all rights reserved

My stomach started to release and open up.  The pain started to subside.  My brain started being clearer, and I could see that God had not left me.  I had focused so much on this trip and all that is wrapped up in it that I lost sight of God.

I’m flying.  Still a few things to work out, but that settles many things.  Yes, Gabby is able to fly AND I still have plenty of time to get all of the paperwork in order before the convention.

So, I start to be almost giddy that God was waiting right there for me to open my hand and look up.  But it gets better!

The Psalms and Proverb for today!

  • Psalm 13
    • Lord, how long will You forget me?Forever?
      How long will You hide Your face from me?
      2 How long will I store up anxious concerns[a] within me,
      agony in my mind every day?
      How long will my enemy dominate me?
    • Consider me and answer, Lord my God.
      Restore brightness to my eyes;
      otherwise, I will sleep in death.
      4 My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,”
      and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
    • But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
      my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
      6 I will sing to the Lord
      because He has treated me generously.

this is almost exactly what happened! I cried out(in my blindness), I prayed for intervention then I was declaring God’s faithful love!

There’s more!

  • Psalm 43
    • Vindicate me, God, and defend my cause
      against an ungodly nation;
      rescue me from the deceitful and unjust man.
      2 For You are the God of my refuge.
      Why have You rejected me?
      Why must I go about in sorrow
      because of the enemy’s oppression?
    • Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.
      Let them bring me to Your holy mountain,
      to Your dwelling place.
      4 Then I will come to the altar of God,
      to God, my greatest joy.
      I will praise You with the lyre,
      God, my God.
    • Why am I so depressed?
      Why this turmoil within me?
      Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
      my Savior and my God.

Again, before I even looked at the Psalms for today, God knew that what HE had planned for me would line up and the deliverance would be confirmed in HIS word!

Eph 2:10 NKJV For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

I wrote about Ephesians 2 in Itty Bitty Bible Study – so it just kind of jumps out at me!

Even more – another Psalm!

  • Psalm 73
    • 2-3 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
      my steps nearly went astray.
      3 For I envied the arrogant;
      I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
    • 13 Did I purify my heart
      and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
    • I exposed my authentic self in my despair.
    • 23 – 24 Yet I am always with You;
      You hold my right hand.
      24 You guide me with Your counsel,
      and afterward You will take me up in glory.[h]
    • 25-26 KJV Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
    • 25 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Then came

Psalm 103: 8-9 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.

 

And that is preceded by Psalm 103:1-5 KJV

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

One more Psalm to go for today – well? Yes, God did show up again!

Psalm 133:1-3 A beautiful Psalm about being in the presence of God.

How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 It is like fine oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down Aaron’s beard
onto his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon[a]
falling on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord has appointed the blessing—
life forevermore.

I had been holding onto something so hard that my heart was hardening to the Lord’s voice, and I wasn’t even seeing that I wasn’t entering into the joy of the Lord!
Rememeber I said that my eyes had gone dark with despair?
Psalm 13:3 – restore the brightness to my eyes with Proverb 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly.

Proverb 13:12 KJV is very well known to me –

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life.

A promise, or a desire that takes more time than I want it to makes my heart sick. Of course, there’s the lesson of patience, but I want that desire. I wanted that Eastern trip. I wanted it since I got back from my western trip.
I had to let go of the big idea when I had to sell(let go) my RV trailer.
Today, I had to let go of the middle idea when I had to let go of the driving idea.
There is a sad in my heart that I’m not driving to Ohio. I really want to see my kids and grandkids. But there is a peace in letting God guide my path.
Proverb 13:14 A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
and
Proverb 13:20 The one that walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
By spending time every day in the Psalms and Proverbs, I am listening to a wise man’s instruction, and I am walking with the wise.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 4 Reading Wisdom and Praise

2023 First 100 days – Wisdom and Praise day 4

(first 100 days day 4)


Ps 4, 34, 64, 94, 124 and Proverbs 4

Today’s readings in Psalms have similarities. They all deal with crying out in distress, asking for help and answered prayer, and they end with a beautiful declaration.

Proverbs continues to give us counsel on how to be wise.

  • Psalm 4 – a cry in distress with a declaration of faith
    • 1 Answer me when I call,
      God, who vindicates me.[a]
      You freed me from affliction;
      be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
    • 7 You have put more joy in my heart
      than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
      8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
      for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.
  • Psalm 34 – Response to Psalm 4
    • 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me
      and delivered me from all my fears.
  • Psalm 34 – many “go to” verses to hide in our heart
    • 1-2 I[b] will praise the Lord at all times;
      His praise will always be on my lips.
      2 I will boast in the Lord;
      the humble will hear and be glad.
    • 7 The Angel of the Lord encamps
      around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
    • 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
      How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
    • 13-14 Keep your tongue from evil
      and your lips from deceitful speech.
      14 Turn away from evil and do what is good;
      seek peace and pursue it.
    • hope when in despair – The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
      He saves those crushed in spirit.
  • Psalm 64  – a longer version of Ps 4
    • 1 God, hear my voice when I complain.
      Protect my life from the terror of the enemy.
    • 10 The righteous one rejoices in the Lord
      and takes refuge in Him;
      all those who are upright in heart
      will offer praise.
  • Psalm 94 – God is a just God
    • fair is that every gets equally, just is that it’s based on legal requirements
    • God is a judge, and He judges good and evil based on His laws.
    • mercy is that we are not dealt with according to our transgressions, no punishment is applied.
    • grace is that we are able to come before a Holy God and make the requests and out cries of Psalm 4, and Psalm 64 or any other out cry in distress, because if we were judged according to our transgressions, we would not be able to stand before a Holy God.
    • Psalm 94 training
      • 12 Lord, happy is the man You discipline
        and teach from Your law
        13 to give him relief from troubled times
        until a pit is dug for the wicked.
    • Psalm 94 my defender
      • 16 Who stands up for me against the wicked?
        Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
    • Psalm 94 My protector from suicide
      • 17 If the Lord had not been my helper,
        I would soon rest in the silence of death.
        18 If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
        Your faithful love will support me, Lord.
        19 When I am filled with cares,
        Your comfort brings me joy.
  • Psalm 124 – declaration of Deliverance
    • 6 Praise the Lord,
      who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
      7 We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net;
      the net is torn, and we have escaped.
      8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh,
      the Maker of heaven and earth.
  • Proverbs 4 – Still talking about listening and learning to be wise.
    • Pr 4 – the beauty of wisdom
      • 5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
        don’t forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
        6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
        love her, and she will guard you.
        7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.
        And whatever else you get, get understanding.
        8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
        if you embrace her, she will honor you.
        9 She will place a garland of grace on your head;
        she will give you a crown of beauty.”
    • Pr 4 two paths of which to choose
      • 18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
        shining brighter and brighter until midday.
        19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;
        they don’t know what makes them stumble.
    • Pr 4 the most important point
      • 23 Guard your heart above all else,[a]
        for it is the source of life. 

 There are  many “go to” verses to memorize in today’s readings.  What I mean by a “go to” verse is something that touches my heart and is important for me to remember in times of trouble, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, pain and many more.  

Another reason is Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

The cries for deliverance in these psalms also point out the need to be in a right relationship with the God of the universe through His son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.  

Is there something from today’s readings that you would like to memorize?  Let me know.  If you have trouble with memorizing, ask me for help.  I have several methods I’ve used over the years.  The most successful one, though is having the verses put to music and singing it all day long.  

Psalm 63:7  NIV

Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 first 100 days – day 1

2023 first 100 days day 1 – January 1

Yesterday, January day 1, I wrote a blog about something very painful to let go of.
I’m waiting for some wisdom from others if this is something that I should share based on my promise to live life real.

sometimes God doesn’t decide to slowly ease you into His path. Sometimes it’s screeching brakes, quick look to see if there is anyone you are going to run over, and a turn before you crash into the exit barrier!

This is what January 1, 2023 had for me.
Something that has been brewing for many years.
Something that affects relationships that are over half of my age old.

And something I did not want to let go.

Is letting go giving up? No.
sometimes letting go is letting God.

and sometimes you realize that the thing in God’s way is ME!

Maybe I will be given freedom to share that post – in the mean time, if God is asking you to let go of something extremely painful, maybe it’s because you are holding on too tight with both hands and need some freedom to see the situation with different eyes.

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2022 One Word – LET GO

One Word that will Change Your Life


In 2017, I started following the concept that was written about in this book.
in 2017 it was number my days.


In 2018 it was – well, see how I figured it out.

In 2019 it was Guard your heart.

In 2019, I shattered my shoulder and stopped blogging because I could not sit at the desk and type.

In 2020, my arm was still in rough shape, and we were focusing on Jim’s battle with cancer AND the world wide issue with COVID.

In 2021 – I was focused on becoming the Widow Wildman

In 2022 – I took a journey, entitled “Widow Wildman Wanders West wondering what God wants of her”

In a few days, it will be 2023.

And God has given me another phrase (I don’t get one words like others).

LET GO.

Let go of what?

Let it go??? no, that is too small. I did have times over the past few years that I would find myself singing the Frozen song Let it Go, but that was more ‘in the moment’ type of letting go. This was bigger.

All preconceived notions

All assumptions

All perceived rights

All wounds that control me

22 You took off[i] your former way of life, the old self[j] that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed[k] in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on[l] the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,[m] because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin.[n] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,[o] so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him[p] for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you[q] in Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-32, Holman Christian Study Bible

Let Go –

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,[a] the source and perfecter[b] of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him[c] endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2, Holman Christian Study Bible

Let Go of control.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10, English Standard Version.

Me? in Control? HA!

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 Holcom Christian Bible Study

So, let go of what I thought my life would be. Let go of what I wanted my life to be. Let go of my ideas about what I’m supposed to be. Let go of my assumptions and preconceptions of other people, even me. I guess it’s a deeper look at Let Go, and Let God.

I’m going to try to write something for the first 100 days, write something a week about my one word, work on sharing my books, work on Itty Bitty Bible Studies, and finishing out some series. I’m

going to let go of things that do not matter, and put on things that do. Join me, please!

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.