Just a friendly reminder to pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 for our country. We need healing prayers!
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10
"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
Are you a planner? I am, and I truly need to focus on the present. Jesus has the future already planned out, and since he is God, he is already there!
For those of you who are praying for our country, thank you! Please leave me a comment if you have a specific prayer request.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Today is National Coffee Day. I'm thankful for coffee!
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them."
Psalm 34:4-7
"For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' "
2 Peter 1:16-17
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:3
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."
Psalm 139:14
I like the concept in today's devo that the primary function of our minds is to know Christ!
Please share any prayer requests you may have, and Happy Coffee Day!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Late season limelight hydrangea
"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
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4: 14-16
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
John 8:44
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
James 4:7-8 (NKJV)
Today as you confidently approach God's throne, know that the King of Kings understands our struggles. He loves us and prays for us! "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25
Have a wonderful week!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Close-up of an eye drawn with graphite
"The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’ "
Deuteronomy 33:27
"I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:13-14
My prayer for you today is to relax in Christ's Almighty Presence and find peace! Have a blessed Sunday, Sweet Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed."
Isaiah 50:4
"Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David."
Isaiah 55:2-3
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
John 19:30
"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split..."
Matthew 27:50-51
We have VIP 24/7 access to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, also known as the King of the Universe! Pretty cool, huh? Have a blessed Saturday, and as always, please share your prayer requests either below or via email.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 7:1-2
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
Proverbs 29:25
Wow, today's devo is very involved. Lots of juicy nuggets, and it is definitely one I need to read multiple times during the day today. One thing I took away from it is that we aren't to judge others' struggles.
I have an urgent prayer request: Our sweet little neighbor Braxton (6 years old) has just been diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. Please pray for him! His parents are devastated and frightened.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness."
Psalm 89:15-16
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Psalm 16:8
"Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
2 Peter 1:2
One of the best things we can be is an encourager. Today's devo gives us a roadmap on just how to do it, by constantly living in Jesus' presence.
Let's go out and encourage someone today!
Until next time,
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Another orchid drawn with silverpoint
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens."
Psalm 68:19
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:7-9
"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
There truly is freedom in forgiveness. I had a "frenemy" at one time, and I started to pray for her because I'd tried everything else. I could forgive her with God's help. Also: I love the principle of 1 John 4:18.
Please share your thoughts and prayer requests below or via email. I hope your week is going well so far!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him."
Exodus 15:2
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23
I am really liking these September devos because so many of them focus on the present, and how we are not to participate in unbelief by worrying about tomorrow.
Have y'all noticed the same thing about the September devotions? Thoughts?
Also, please share any prayer requests you may have. I have been so encouraged to hear from y'all about how God is working in your lives. He is so faithful to answer prayer!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"...and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice."
1 Kings 19:12 (NKJV)
"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly."
Psalm 5:3
I loved today's devo even more than normal. Trying fervently to find the quiet times during the day to hear that still, small voice.
NOTE: This verse was also included in the Kid's Jesus Calling:
"This is what the Lord says:
'Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?' "
Isaiah 66:1
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Another orchid drawn in silverpoint
"A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?"
Proverbs 20:24
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
So if I'm reading the devo and scripture correctly, we shouldn't sweat the small stuff, and it's ALL pretty much small stuff and temporary compared to the eternal glory of heaven. Got it.
:O
Proverbs 20:24 is very humbling, isn't it!
Don't forget to share prayer requests either here in comments or via email.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Flowers in a sunny window at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..."
Ephesians 2:6
"My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!'
Your face, Lord, I will seek."
Psalm 27:8
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."
Romans 8:6
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
1 John 2:15-17
The battle for our minds is real, and it is vicious. I'm praying this verse over us today, and asking Christ's help:
“Finally, brothers, 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).
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Only a vibrant relationship with Me can keep you from becoming unraveled, too."
~from today's devo
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33
" 'Abraham is our father,' they answered.
" 'If you were Abraham’s children,' said Jesus, 'then you would do what Abraham did.' "
John 8:39
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24
So many good nuggets from today's devo. Which one speaks to you the most?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6
"In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps."
Proverbs 16:9
"Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass."
Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
Today's devo really convicted me because I am such a planner. I know that a little planning is important because of the principle in 1 Corinthians:
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." 1 Corinthians 14:40
I suppose that I haven't found the proper balance yet.
Also, I wanted to add that the verse before Psalm 37:5 (Psalm 37:4) is one of my favorite verses:
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (NKJV)
We're praying for our friends and others affected by Hurricane Sally. Do you have any other prayer requests? Leave a comment!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"
Mark 8:36
"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:13-16
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Christians are meant to have unveiled faces. We should never wear masks, as it says in the verses from 2 Corinthians, above. We should certainly NEVER wear them in church, because when we wear them in church, they reintroduce the veil which was torn the moment Jesus died on the cross. When the veil tore, it meant that there was (and is) no longer separation between God and his people. When we wear a mask, it reverses this order.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2 states: "Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God." (MSG)
Plus, satanic rituals involve the wearing of masks. Masks have been a mark of slavery throughout history, and they are dehumanizing. This is just one step to force us to accept ID 2020. I admit I have had a huge problem with the mask mandates.
I know that this doesn't really apply to today's devo, but God placed it on my heart to share. And I don't want you to think I am criticizing anyone for wearing them because I have family members who must wear them to work, and I have had to wear one myself on a couple of occasions.
Again, I just wanted to share my thoughts and concerns about the mask mandates.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Orchids drawn with silverpoint
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:13
"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
"...the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:25-26
My favorite lesson in today's devo is how time spent with Christ isn't meant to be difficult or hard. Our time with Jesus is a stress-free zone. So nice and needed in the times in which we're living!
Any prayer requests for today?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord."
Psalm 89:15
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:1-2
It is difficult not to conform to the pattern of this world, but we are called to be different, to walk in God's light.
Let your light shine today!
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
Matthew 7:1
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:3
"But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9:20-21
"...which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords..."
1 Timothy 6:15
Well, if today's devotion doesn't put you in your place, nothing will! I guess we need to lay off the judgment not only of others, but also of God's purpose for our lives. But if we're focusing more on communication with Jesus, then the former won't be as big of an issue.
I'll admit that today's devo made me cringe just a wee bit. On that note, I hope y'all all have a blessed Sunday!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
PS If you have the time, please read the Pray page. It's at the top of the page in the menu bar.
"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
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
'In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.' "
Isaiah 30:15
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
2 Corinthians 10:4
Today's devo really hits home. I have a Twitter friend who invites everyone to pause at 7:14 (both AM and PM, depending on your time zone) to pray for our country. I have been doing it, and I'd like to invite y'all to do the same. It's very easy, just set your alarm on your phone and pray when you can. If you miss the time, that's okay, too, but know that thousands of other people in your time zone are praying along with you.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
Have a blessed weekend, Lovelies!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:12
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
Psalm 102:27
Today is a day in history we shall never forget. I've been praying for safety for our nation, especially on this day. I don't think it is a coincidence that Philippians 4:4 is part of the devo today. Let's rejoice in what God has already done for us: God wins!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This is called a prayer plant. The leaves turn upward in the evening, like the little plant is praying evening vespers.
They're little reminders for us to pray at the end of the day.
"...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."
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
" 'I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.' "
Genesis 28:15
"...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20
The scripture from Genesis is part of the story when Jacob saw the stairway to heaven with the angels ascending and descending (Jacob's ladder). He was definitely a trickster in his early life, but he was still blessed once he wrestled with God and admitted to his dependence on Him. Praise God for his compassion!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
We've had so much rain that our encore azaleas have never been prettier.
Since I''m not at home and don't have access to my studio, I will post a few photos from around our garden this week.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5
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
Lots of focus on the word "trust" in today's scripture. I can think of several areas in my life where I need to let go and let God. Like the devo says: the quickest way from point A to point B is a straight line, and Jesus leads us along a straight path. I love geometry, so I love the visual from today's devo.
I can't believe it's mid-week already! I hope your week is going well.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
There is power in the cross
"Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:5
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:5
"For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you."
2 Corinthians 13:4
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Jeremiah 31:25
I don't know about you, but I need to be refreshed from the weekend. I also need to take a break from the news for a little while, too.
Do y'all have any prayer requests? We will pray for you today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"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
"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
Thank God for His Grace today and everyday! I hope y'all have a lovely Labor Day!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
This is a quick sketch I drew during a drawing class, and I wanted to add some red to my mood board since I drew it in graphite.
" 'I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' "
John 15:5
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
Ephesians 6:10
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them."
Genesis 1:26-27
I hope to bear fruit now and for many years to come. Our key to success: remain in Christ and depend on his mighty power.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Playful acorns on watercolor stripes
"They will be called oaks of righteousness."
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
John 15:13-15
"...and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:3
"...sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
2 Corinthians 6:10
Today's devo is quite the lesson in dualities; it is a very deep lesson full of mysteries. My favorite part is that the King of Kings is also my best friend. Pretty cool!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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