SIGNS FROM ABOVE

~Take Heart~

This devotional, from Dr. Jack Graham, came to my inbox today...A wonderful follow-up to the theme I was writing about yesterday about trusting in the Lord during all circumstances, even in the worst possible circumstances and trials we go through here on earth. And the comfort and peace He bestows upon us through His Spirit and knowledge that He, our Savior and Lord, came here to save us and overcome the world. And He did. Not only did He overcome the world but He provided THE WAY for all who come to Him to overcome the world too.

^{Jesus answered, "I am THE WAY and THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~ John 14:6}

If we have Christ in us, we too have the assurance and the guarantee from our Lord, our Father and the Holy Spirit that we too shall overcome the world and all that is in it through Him. Now that truth has caused me to pause and"Take Heart" and reflect on the power and greatness of our God, my Savior and His Spirit. He rescued me from the pits forever and ever. Thank you for saving me Jesus and providing me a way to be a conquerer over the world through you!!! ~ cj patterson

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Romans 8:37-39

What to do when you're in the pits
 
May 28, 2009

And they took him [Joseph] and threw him into a pit.

--Genesis 37:24

Like Joseph in the book of Genesis, you and I are guaranteed to experience some failure on the road to fulfilling God's plan for our lives. 

That's why you and I need to prepare ourselves for the times of testing that are certain to come our way. Because, if you have a God-given dream, as Joseph did, I can guarantee you that your dream will be challenged.

So what do we do when those challenges come? More than anything, you and I need to remember this: God is in control!

Are you, or is someone close to you, facing great difficulties? Are you struggling financially? Do you have marriage problems? Are you suffering a spiritual crisis of doubt? 

One of the first things we do as human beings when these challenges collide with our lives is to wonder why. But let me tell you something important. It is more important to trust the plans of God for your life than it is to try to make sense of a crisis.

So, my friend, you and I need to be prepared for times of testing. The next time you feel like someone has thrown you into a big old pit, don't despair. Don't panic or try to run away. God is in control even in the darkest situations!

Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b).

Jesus has overcome the world, so take heart! And hold onto your loving God with all your might. He is holding onto you.

IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO TRUST THE PLANS OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE THAN IT IS TO TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF A CRISIS. 

---

For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

~A Tree Planted by Waters~

 

link to artist of image above

“ Blessed is the man(woman) who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he(she) shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8

Here is another wonderful encouraging verse from the Word of God for those who trust in the Lord and has the Lord as their hope. His promise to us is that if we trust Him and put our hope and faith in Him, we will be like "A Tree Planted by the Waters". And no matter what the circumstances surrounding us are, we will still continue to flourish and yield fruit even in the most unlikely places or circumstances. I interperet this to mean many things. From our spiritual relationship with the Lord, to our own individul personal lives and livelihood and our relationships with others.  And, I am sure others will have additional intrepretations that I haven't even thought of. 

For me, I understand this to mean that no matter where we are standing in our lives, whether we are prospering or suffering, good times or bad times, He has promised us in this one verse (among many many others throughout His Word), if we trust in Him, we will continue to grow and flourish and produce good fruits, no matter what the conditions are...even under the most dire of circumstances. Good fruits, in my intrepreation doesn't necessarily mean just material things. In fact, the more fruitful things have nothing to do with material things or possessions. Yes, every good and perfect gift (both materially and spiritually) is from God above (James 1:17). But, it is our spiritual relationship with the Lord is what matters infinitely more than our finite material blessings. The learning and knowing that He is taking care of all of our needs, every single one of them, both materially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Not only in the present, but for all eternity. His blessings and gifts are immeasurable. All we are called to do is trust Him, even in the worst most "dry" and "un-fertile" places. 

This verse also gurantees us the comfort and knowledge that we will not be anxious or fearful no matter what is coming our way. I intrepret this to mean the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells with us will provide us with a peace within that is beyond human understanding, beyond what the world is capable of providing. Beyond our own natural tendencies and inclinations toward fear and worry and strife. The power of the Holy Spirit helps us and guides us to be at peace knowing that we will yield fruit, no matter what the outer appearance may look like...i.e., we are not only okay but flourishing no matter what, as long as we trust in Him. Jesus promised that once He left the disciples to go back to the Father, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) would come to dwell within them and all believers and He promised to leave us His peace. A peace not of this world but a peace from Our Lord.

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."~ John 14:25-27 

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."~ John 16:13-15

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."  ~ Romans 5:1-5

Nor cease to yield fruit. Nor cease = Never ceasing. Never ceasing to yield fruit, means never ceasing to yield fruit. This is an eternal promise and free gift from our Lord God, a foreshadowing in the Book of Jeremiah, of His Son, Jesus Christ, and an insight into eternity to those of us who trust and put our hope in Him. Meaning, we will drink from the Waters of Life and eat from the Tree of Life that never ceases to yield fruit.

Revelation 22:1-3 ~ "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."

Revelation 22:17-18 ~ "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."

 

Proverbs 11:30 ~ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he(she) who wins souls is wise. 

 

Thank you Lord, for blessing us with so many wonderful gifts. Help make Your power real to me and to all believers. Help all believers to grow and flourish in all circumstances. Help us to see beyond the appearance and surface of things and see into the deeper matters of You, Our Father and Our Lord.  Help us to see, feel, trust and know that You are in control of all and hold a promise for us, a gift of eternal life in Your Precious Son, Our Savior, and a multitude of spiritual blessings and fruits beyond our very short-sighted and limited viewpoint. Help make it real to us. Help us to trust. Help us to know that wherever we are and whatever is happening around us, that You have given us the power of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray...Amen.

 

by cj patterson

 

"But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

 

~Wings as Eagles~

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There is a multitude of comfort in this verse alone. Every time I meditate on it, I receive a different message or insight.  "Wings as Eagles" conjures up images of a noble eagle flying with wings widespread and just soaring fearlessly across the sky atop the highest mountains. The promise is those of us who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed by Him and will be as eagles without fear, mounting up to leap out into the unknown and soar to the highest points, with perfect strength and endurance.  We shall walk and not faint if we wait on the Lord.

For me, this verse is very encouraging and comforting. Because there have been many times in my life that I felt faint and weary and felt as if I did not have the strength do it all. Be a mother, a wife, a friend, having a full-time job, having a part-time business that became a full-time business, daughter, daughter in-law, housewife, etc. The list goes on and on. All the while fainting without the Lord in my life. Trying to do it all on my own. Failing miserably. 

For me, this has taken on a special meaning. I have sought the Lord and He has renewed my strength. I am not soaring to mountaintops just yet. But, I am comforted in the knowledge that if I wait on the Lord, He will renew my strength to do all He plans for me to do, providing everything I need to accomplish all of the things I must do and priortize the things in accordance with His will so I can have "Wings as Eagles". by cj patterson

 

note: these lovely images are not mine...i found them on photobucket

~Making Changes~

Below is another devotional from Dr. Stanley that came in my inbox this morning. A follow up from yesterday's devotional. This is sometimes the hard part.  Well, it is for me and most Christians I talk to. For me, I think its the part where you just take it day by day. Allowing God to reveal those places where you need to change and allowing Him to work within you to make those changes. And having the peace of mind and heart KNOWING that if you fall off track, you can get back on track at any point and God is right there working it all out for you to His purpose no matter where you are in life or whether you stumble or get off track. He is working it all out to fulfill His ultimate purpose and plan for you and for Him. ~ by cj patterson

Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

 

May 26, 2009
Making Changes to Fulfill God's Plan
Matthew 16:24-27

As God's adopted children, we have been given a new purpose: glorifying Him through righteous living. Yesterday we saw that this means making certain modifications in our life. Let's consider two more changes that may be necessary for followers of Jesus.

One potential adjustment has to do with our belief system: a Christian's thinking ought to match Jesus'. The world's influence is strong, and if we listened to the culture, we'd push ahead of others, take all the credit for our accomplishments, and keep material possessions for our own use. But students of Scripture know that the last shall be first (Mark 9:35), God is the one who deserves our praise (Psalm 96:4), and Christians are to be generous people (1 Tim. 6:18). What we believe needs to match what the Bible says is true.

Lastly, we may have to redefine our commitments to be sure the Lord comes first. His desires for us should take precedence over what we want and what others ask us to do. We must evaluate our choices in light of God's plan for us. This may mean letting go of a favorite activity, taking on a new responsibility, or remaining where we are despite yearning to leave. Our Father wants and deserves His children's full devotion (Matt. 22:37).

These changes do not all happen instantly at salvation; rather, they take place over a lifetime. Whenever the Holy Spirit reveals a deeper truth or calls us to a new work, we will have additional "alterations" to make. But such changes are  accompanied by the confidence of knowing that God will use us to fulfill His plan.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

~Following His Plan~

Below is a wonderful devotional, from Dr. Charles Stanley's In-touch ministries, that came in my in-box this morning. Perfect for where I am at right now. ~ cj patterson

May 25, 2009
Adjusting to the Lord's Plan 
Matthew 4:18-22

I have been a Christian for many years, and not once has God asked me, "Charles, what do you want to do?" The Lord doesn't change His plans to suit my purposes or yours. Instead, He asks us to adjust our lives to align with His will.

One change He often requires has to do with lifestyle. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen before they became Jesus' disciples. Their lives revolved around the details of their occupation--weather conditions, equipment repair, catching fish, and turning a profit. But when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they willingly and suddenly made a dramatic change.

In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away sad when he realized what he'd have to give up to follow Christ (Matt. 19:21-22). An invitation from the Lord usually means modifying our way of living. Whether this involves switching jobs or altering habits, God expects us to adapt to His plan.

At times the Lord may call for a shift in our relationships. Before being invited to travel in Jesus' company, James and John worked in the family business with their father. Saying yes to God meant seeing friends and relatives less frequently. Pursuing His plan may mean the same thing for us. But Christ promises a great return on any sacrifice we make (Matt. 19:29).

Our heavenly Father's plans are based upon His goodness, justice, and mercy. Because of His perfect character, we can trust the direction He gives us. Adjusting to God's design--accepting His will and making the needed changes in our circumstances and relationships--is always the wisest action we can take (Prov. 3:5-6).

Extra Column:

A hymn about following God's plan

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, 
What a glory He sheds on our way! 
While we do His good will He abides with us still, 
And with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, 
But His smile quickly drives it away; 
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, 
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, 
But our toil He doth richly repay; 
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross, 
But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love 
Until all on the altar we lay; 
For the favor He shows and the joy He bestows 
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, 
Or we'll walk by His side in the way; 
What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go-- 
Never fear, only trust and obey.

(Refrain)

Trust and obey, for there's no other way 
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 
Words: John H. Sammis, 1887. 
Music: Daniel B. Towner

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

 

As I read the above I am reminded of my own thoughts and prayers regarding following God's plan.  Here is an excerpt from my prayer journal that I keep...

May 6, 2009

"I have loved you with an everlasting Love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." - Jeremiah 31:3

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank you for loving me with a Love that will never fade and never end.  A Love that is all encompassing and infinitely more than I can ever fathom with this finite human mind.  You drew me and designed me with your loving hands in the MOST HIGH of kindness and Love.  I am so thankful for your Love. I need your Love.  Without your Love and Grace I would be nothing. Completely nothing. Destined for dust. Yet, You alone saved me and I pray that I will fulfill your purpose and plan You have for me.

I know I am stubborn and have been very hard of heart. A heart of stone I have had. But, I know your Mercy and I know your Grace and I know with your Love, you can melt this stone of heart away and create in me a new heart. One of softness, kindness, and compassion. One full of Love and Light and Joy.  Help me to fulfill your purpose and plan for me. Help me to "fill-in" your drawing of me. Fill me in completely with Your loving-kindness and Love.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen. ~ cj patterson

I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

~Let Us Rejoice~

Hello, my name is CJ Patterson. Most people know that I am a photographer and owner of Angel Eyes Photography by CJ. For several years now, I have planned to start this blog. So, finally, WELCOME to my Christian Blog, SIGNS FROM ABOVE.  The title in and of itself is indicative of how I got here.  The journey here has been a long and ever so winding one with many many detours along the way. Yet, finally, here I am.  I have had this on my heart to do for several years now but the world had a hold of me in lots of different ways and kept me from starting this for too many moons. The past several years I have gone through some major spiritual transformations in my life, running a whole multitude in ways of thinking.  All leading me down the wrong path.  All along, it was, God, the Father, guiding through my detours and leading me back to His truth and ultimately reminding me of His Son, my Savior, whom I accepted as such at the tender age 16, yet soon went astray. Thankfully, the Lord never loses one of His...He always brings them back to His fold. Thank God, he has a hold on me when most of the time I am not holding on. I can rest easy knowing He's got me and won't ever let go. "My Father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; noone can snatch them out of my Father's hand." - John 10:29

So....Let us Rejoice...

 

The purpose of this blog is to share some of my experiences and thoughts that have led me to this point in my life. This amazing point in my life. And, also to share with others what I have learned and hopefully pass along. There have been many resources that have been a great help to me and many ministers who are very much anointed with the Holy Spirit and have been an excellent source of understanding God's word. But the greatest resource of all has been God's Word. I have read and studied the Bible all through my life in fragments. Verses here and there. But, when I was searching for Truth, (in quite a few unsavorry places I must admit), I finally turned back to the Word of God and began reading and truly studying His Word. So far this year, I have read the Bible in its entirety two times and still read it everyday. I meditate on His Word. Studying the Bible has been more fruitful for me than anything else I have ever encountered.

I receive daily devotionals as well from several ministers and pastors whom I have a great deal of respect for as being anointed with the Holy Spirit and giving out the true Word of God. I will be posting some of those and also writing some of my own devotionals as well. For those of you who are familiar with my photography, I plan to post some images here as well to go along with my writings.

I pray that you will find this helpful or that this will bless you in some way. The best gift we can give is ourselves and the best gift believers can give is to pass on the truth of the greatest gift we have ever received and that is the truth of our Salvation in accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Giving out the good news is what I feel called and led to do. And, one way I know how is through "blogging" (since I am familiar with it and have a great network of friends) and my photography (since I feel my photography is a God-given talent and blessing that He wants me to use somehow). 

I am certainly no angel. I just am who I am.  A woman who has been lost for a really long time but now saved. Yes, I have struggles. I am sure some of the same struggles as many. I am so far from perfect or just plain good that its just not even funny. Yet, God loves me as I am and He loves you too. His wish is for all of us to come to Him through His Son and accept His Son as our Savior and Redeemer. I pray that someone out there will be touched and led to the Lord through this Blog or Links to the Bible or Links to Ministers or whatever. I just hope that somehow some way, God uses this for His purpose and will. Not mine but His Will.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep checking back. There will be daily posts or at least every other day.  :)

by cj patterson