Today's devo reminds me of Job 8:14:
"Their confidence is gossamer,
a spider’s house their trust."
This was a terrible thing Job's friend said about him; let's pray that our hope isn't gossamer.
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.' "
James 4:13-15
"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding."
Proverbs 3:5
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31
Basically what I take from this devo is that we are fragile, and our lives are like vapor. Yet God is everlasting and loving, and he never grows tired. He will give us strength; these verses do inspire confidence and hope.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
These are photos I took when I was working on a vignette for a post about The Secret Garden.
We can lock people out and hide secrets, like Mr. Craven from the book, but there are no secrets from God.
"But the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, on the road to [Egypt by way of] Shur. And He said, 'Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where did you come from and where are you going?' And she said, 'I am running away from my mistress Sarai.' The Angel of the Lord said to her, 'Go back to your mistress, and submit humbly to her authority.' Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, 'I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.' The Angel of the Lord continued,
'Behold, you are with child,
And you will bear a son;
And you shall name him Ishmael (God hears),
Because the Lord has heard and paid attention to your persecution (suffering).
He (Ishmael) will be a wild donkey of a man;
His hand will be against every man [continually fighting]
And every man’s hand against him;
And he will dwell in defiance of all his brothers.'
Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are God Who Sees'; for she said, 'Have I not even here [in the wilderness] remained alive after seeing Him [who sees me with understanding and compassion]?' Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi (Well of the Living One Who Sees Me); it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Genesis 16:7-14 (AMP)
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10
"The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Our God loves us and sees no fault in us: "He will no longer rebuke you." Yes, he knows all of our secrets we hide away from the world, and he sees us as white as snow, as blameless.
I enjoyed today's devotional because it's full of hope. How about you?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
One positive thing that's come from the pandemic is that it has given many of us more time to spend with Christ via Bible study. This has been a blessing to me!
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?' "
Luke 12:22-26
Luke 12:22-26
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3
Although my planner has been rather blank since Mid-March, I am trusting that God will "establish my plans" as I commit and submit to him.
Do you plan your devotion time with God? Do you have a set time each day for your devo?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Speaking of light...
This was a fairly quick drawing I drew using a silverpoint stylus. Silverpoint is literally silver, and it leaves its mark on paper that has been treated with silverpoint drawing ground.
It will tarnish in time to a pretty sepia-like color.
My mood today is sunny and bright! Let your little light shine!
"Many, Lord, are asking, 'Who will bring us prosperity?'
Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:6-8
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp."
Revelation 21:23
I absolutely loved today's devo, especially the verse from Revelation. God's glory illuminates!
My prayer for you this weekend is that it will be peaceful and restful!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Sometimes the chaos in our own lives is of our own making.
Take my art studio, for example...it was one hot mess, but a thoughtful gift from a friend helped me better organize it so I can create and get work done. She encouraged me to organize! Thanks, Patti!
While I was cleaning and organizing the chaos called my art studio, I was reminded of this verse:
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
1 Corinthians 14:40
"Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 62:7-8
"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Psalm 119:105
If there is chaos and confusion in our world that isn't of our own making, thank God we can focus on Christ who enlightens our way.
Today I am praying for less chaos and more structure and discernment. What are you praying for today? Share in comments section below and we will pray with you!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Today's mood
Thinking hopeful thoughts due to a peaceful devo
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
"Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always."
Psalm 105:4
"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 14:27
I love today's devo because it legit has three of my favorite Bible verses featured. I love the Book of John...my very favorite in the Bible!
May the Peace of the Lord be with you today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Red Apple on Linen Napkin"
6" X 6"
Oil on Canvas Board
I've been in the apple mode because this is the first week of school. I won't post another for a little while, promise!
"God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” "
Exodus 3:14
"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
1 Corinthians 3:16
"The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare."
Psalm 25:14-15
What God said to Moses still baffles me and makes me giggle a little....and maybe it isn't supposed to make me giggle, but it does anyway. I always felt sorry for Moses, telling his people: "I am has sent me to you." I would have loved to have heard all their comments!
I hope your week is going well so far!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"A Pair of Apples"
6" X 6"
Oil on Canvas Board
Another back to school apple painting
"You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely."
Psalm 139: 1-4
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Ephesians 2:13
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21
Not that we need yet another Bible verse to go along with this lesson, but I'm reminded of a verse shared I think during June in Jesus Calling:
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
1 John 4:18
This verse has resonated with me more than just about any other one since I started this daily devo in May. Although it doesn't really relate at all to today's devo, praying for the new school year is still on my heart for all the kiddos, PreK-College.
Has God placed anything specifically on your heart to pray about today? We will pray along with you! Share in the comments section below!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This rose is in a pot on our deck. It is called a Coat of Many Colors, and I thought it would be appropriate to post photos of it for today's devo.
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him."
Genesis 37:3-4
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."
Ephesians 3:20
"The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
Exodus 33:14
This lesson really hit home for me. I am the very definition of a helicopter mom, I admit. I know I've put myself through unnecessary stress because I did not place our daughters in God's capable hands. As school is starting back for both girls, I pray that God will bless their efforts and keep them on the path He has chosen for them.
Have a blessed Sunday, everyone!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I love sunflowers because of their little faces: they follow the sun throughout the day.
We need to be like little sunflowers and keep our hearts focused on Jesus throughout the day.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:1-2
"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2
Today's devo is a wonderful reminder that fear comes from the enemy, and he flees from us especially when we pray.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This is a "Fruits of the Spirit" entry from my journal. The apple was drawn with Caran d'Ache colored pencils.
"...and said:
“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way..."
1 Kings 8:23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
"...against such things there is no law." Not only that, but "abundant fruit will be borne." I pray today that I will continue "wholeheartedly in your way." Amen!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Today is the first day of school for the children in our neighborhood.
Seeing the little ones in masks breaks my heart. I pray that this nonsense will cease soon, and that the virus will be eradicated from this earth.
The pretty ribbon was hand-stamped by a sweet artist from California. At least as Christians we know that our "Happily Ever After" is guaranteed.
"...who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases..."
Psalm 103:3
"Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not."
James 4:2 (KJV)
"...or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7
I am fervently praying today that God will heal this nation: not only from COVID-19, but also I pray he will heal our hearts and minds.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Water feature from Jim Scott's Gardens, Lake Martin, Alabama
From the devo: "Knowing Me intimately is like having a private wellspring of joy within you."
"But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content."
Psalm 131:2
"Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence."
Psalm 21:6
"Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Psalm 37:7
Psalm 37:7 has been resonating with me lately. So many evil people get away with crimes against children. It has made it difficult for me to sleep at night. I am waiting patiently, and praying for justice.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I will be sharing some photography and a few journal entries and drawings this week.
"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
'Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God...' "
Revelation 19:1
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty..."
Psalm 91:1
Impossibilities in life enable us to call for God and his power to fight our battles for us.
Full disclosure: It has been hard for me today to focus on the devo because guess what? I get to go to my church on Sunday for the first time since March! It will be outside, but that's okay. Now I'm praying for pretty, sunny weather!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:9-11
"But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1
During the midst of a storm, acknowledging Jesus Christ is Lord and crying out to him is the best way to weather it. When do you feel closer to God?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"...but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31
"One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8
God has given us a heart with a desire to know him. If we can focus on him and worthwhile things like the adjectives in Philippians 4:8, then we can better cope with these unprecedented and uncertain times.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice."
Psalm 55:17
"Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them."
Psalm 32:6
"Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:8
It's easier for me to trust God when I pray throughout the day. I tend to pray more throughout the day when I begin my day with prayer. I like to give God the best part of my day which is early morning. What about you? Do you have a special time of the day when you like to spend time with God?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I chose these full roses because they reminded me of clouds. We've had storms all over Alabama this week!
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'"
Revelation 1:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end."
Psalm 102:25-27
"For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end."
Psalm 48:14
Today's devo reminds me of the one from August 11th because both describe aspects of God's character beyond our comprehension. Today's lesson focuses on God's almighty power, his timelessness and his steadfastness.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
“ 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means “God with us”).”
Matthew 1:23
" 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' "
John 10:10-11
My prayer for us today is that we will enjoy this day to its fullest in thankfulness and praise to God. I loved reading about Christmas today, too. It has made me feel cooler in this oppressive heat we've been having lately!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;"
Isaiah 42:3
" 'Though the mountains be shaken,
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,'
says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Romans 8:26
Often my prayers resemble the one depicted above, but thankfully I have the intercession of the Holy Spirit. A friend sent me the meme above, and I love it!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
As pretty as these invitations are, none is as precious as Christ's invitations to us.
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."
Revelation 22:17
"All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
John 6:37
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:16-19
How wonderful are today's verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I'm sure it was as encouraging to them as it is to us today, although I'm having difficulty fathoming the depths of Christ's love. What a wonderful thing to ponder!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV)
"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Psalm 119:105
Today's verses are short and sweet!
Time spent with God's word is never a waste of time, and we shouldn't feel guilty when we choose it over other activities. Psalm 119:105 is a favorite!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
The artist who made this cross uses architectural salvage in her work.
"I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:22-24
We truly are new creations in Christ Jesus. As the ancient Israelites rejoiced over the coming Messiah (Isaiah 61:10), we as Christians can rejoice in his second coming as we wear the garment of his salvation, the clean robe paid for by his righteous blood.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
The waterfalls featured above do not have a deep noise, rather they are peaceful.
These photos were taken at Jim Scott's gardens, Lake Martin, Alabama.
"Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me."
Psalm 42:7 (NKJV)
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song."
Psalm 95: 1-2
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Matthew 7: 24-25
When the storms come, and they will, a firm foundation in Christ allows us to weather the storm with thanksgiving and praise.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Trust the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding..."
Proverbs 3:5
This heart-shaped floral arrangement photo was taken at our daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner, February 14, 2020.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Romans 5:1
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
My prayer for us today is to find peace that goes beyond all understanding.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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