The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4
"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
As January ends, I am very grateful for the devos this month. So far, January is my favorite, especially January 23rd. I hope that we enjoy February's devos just as much!
Have a blessed Sunday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord."
Psalm 112:7
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."
1 Corinthians 13:11
Living in such uncertain times, when up is down, left is right, and right is wrong, it is prudent to "guard your thoughts" and turn your mind toward Christ. What a week!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor."
Psalm 8:5
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,[a] 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
"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
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character],
Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].
Isaiah 26:3 (AMP)
QOTD: Do you have a favorite go-to Bible verse that makes you feel less stressed and more at peace? (Mine is Isaiah 41:10.)
I hope you have a peaceful weekend, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"...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
"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
Jesus promised us that he is with us always, and in today's devo I was convicted about:
"Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living."
I don't want to be that Christian because I will miss out on countless blessings.
Thanks for praying for the tornado victims in my state. I have received the nicest emails. Y'all are truly a blessing to me!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
This is the only Christmas decor that is still up. The book tree really brightens-up our bookshelves in the family room, and I think I'll keep it up for a little while longer.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"
John 14:1-2
"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
Good Morning, Friends! I have a prayer request today: Please pray for the people of Fultondale, Alabama as they clean-up from the tornado that hit Monday night. Thank-you! I am so grateful for the prayer warriors who read this little blog!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord."
Psalm 112:4, 7
It's a very good thing indeed that in a world filled with bad news, our peace comes from a loving God.
Has your week started-off on the right foot? My prayer for us is that we have a very peaceful and productive week, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."Hebrews 13:15
"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 3:18
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory."
Psalm 73:23-24
Interesting how today's devo says, "Bring me the sacrifice of your time..." I always consider it a luxury because I am blessed I have the time to spend in prayer and Bible study! I love today's lessons.
Side note: I have read several Christian anti-mask commentaries based on scripture, including
2 Corinthians 3:18. Read them with discernment, friends.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"...who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matthew 13:46 (NKJV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..."
James 1:2
“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
I think it's helpful to be reminded of the parable from Matthew 13:
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matthew 13:45-46
I hope you have a blessed Sunday, Sweet Friends!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Before I read today's devo, I had taken this graphic from my blog file because this has been my prayer life lately. I've had lots to pray about, lots of prayer requests, and I have not been able to focus. I had to giggle when I read today's devo because it literally spoke to me, and made me feel much better about my current prayer status.
I want to thank Rita for sending it to me! I love the graphic.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."
1 Peter 3:4
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
...but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)
I love you, Friends! I hope you have a very blessed and restful weekend.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
Psalm 52:8
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)
My favorite aspect of today's devo: It's a reminder of the confidence we should have in Christ's sovereignty and power in all aspects of our lives.
I keep going back and re-reading January's devos, and so far I have not done the same for the other months. What about you? Do you have a favorite month?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"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
"...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 8:39
Today's devo is short but sweet! Do you have any prayer requests? Thanks for praying for my SIL. She is much better! My only prayer is to continue to pray for our country and the transition to a new government.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Are you a planner? Do you write things down on a calendar and make lists in notebooks? Or do you keep up with your to-do list electronically?
These notebooks are from Shabby Chic, and I love writing in them because of the paper quality; I'm old school!
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:9-11
Today's devo is another one I'll bookmark. I like the lesson that when our plans are thwarted, we should lookout for what God's plans are for us for the day: He's the boss!
Let's pray for Carla's son Sam as he is in the WI NG and is on standby for riots in their state.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I loved the imagery in today's devo. It inspired the photo, above:
"I am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind."
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)
"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)
NOTE: I know that the devo only mentions verse 7, but I included verse 6 as well.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13
My only prayer request for today is to please pray for our country. We know that our country is divided; it's a travesty! I am praying for unity as well as 2 Chronicles 7:14. Praying scripture is powerful!
"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
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
John 21:19
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17
Thank-you for praying for Lundy, my SIL. She is still very sick, and she says it is like a very bad flu. Her eyes and head hurt. Please continue to pray.
Also, our state has been hit hard by the virus, and the vax roll-out has been a train wreck. Please pray for Alabama and all our states struggling with the China virus.
Do y'all have any prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad."
Psalm 118:24
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
This is the second time this week we've read Psalm 118:24; let's claim the promise in that verse and rejoice on this Sunday!
Please continue to pray for my SIL. She is having a difficult time with COVID.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:5,9
Today's lesson in the devo reminds me of a study I just read claiming that of the study's participants, 91% of things they worried about never even happened. Science and the Bible are in agreement about worrying. Stop it! (I'm literally yelling that to myself internally this morning!)
I hope y'all have a lovely Saturday! I do have a prayer request: My SIL has the China virus. Her eyes are hurting and she's having bad headaches, but they are only treating it with over the counter meds.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Thanks for the prayers. The paints are working out very well, and I feel great!
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:30
"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2
I will take the challenge in today's devo and "laugh at the future." It beats crying! I hope all my Friends have a wonderful, peaceful, and joyful weekend!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I have a praise! I was able to purchase new paints that have walnut oil as their binder: it's better for my allergies. Da Vinci and Durer preferred walnut oil to linseed oil.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
"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 8:38-39
If Romans 8:38-39 doesn't give you the confidence you need to face a confused world, then nothing can. January devos rock out loud so far, don't they!
Prayer requests? I have one: Please pray that these paints work out for me. Thank-you!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad."
Psalm 118:24
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
1 Peter 2:21
Lots of goodness in today's devo, and this is my favorite sentence:
"Thank me for this day of life, recognizing that is a precious, unrepeatable gift."
Thoughts?
I started this book back in the summer, and January might end up being my favorite month of devos!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Today is National Hot Tea Day, and I am VERY THANKFUL for hot tea!
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14
"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
John 15:4-7
I think today would be a great day to post this neat Fruits of the Spirit graphic. I have found that whispering Jesus's name throughout the day can help with achieving them.
"Against such things there is no law."
Have a blessed and fruitful day, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 (AMP)
I posted this graphic a couple of days too soon!
Colossians 4:2
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
2 Peter 1:3-4
Today's devo is a practical process for prayer:
1. Articulate concerns via prayer requests;
2. Thank God for the answers already in motion; and
3. Continue with thankful prayers to reduce tension and increase positivity.
This makes two devos in a row I'm bookmarking! I have already prayed the prayers of gratitude for our most recent requests. I'm looking forward to seeing how God is working!
Speaking of prayers....do y'all have any specific prayer requests today?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Today's devo is a special January gift for us. I have bookmarked it!
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Psalm 56:3-4
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:20-21
I love the advice given in today's devo and companion scripture. It is a new take on treasures in heaven for me, and I like it: "Store up for yourself treasure in heaven, through placing your trust in me."
I have seen several posts early this morning urging us to pray 2 Chronicles 7:14. This is my prayer request for today. I hope you have a blessed Sunday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I thought this graphic appropriate for today's post since we're reading from Psalm 46.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:31
"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling."
Psalm 46:1-3
"For no word from God will ever fail."
Luke 1:37
Hold tight, Friends. God is in control: He is FOR US! Be fearless! This, too, shall pass.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."Romans 12:12
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
Sometimes I am amazed at how these devos offer insight right at the very moment I need them. I truly needed today's message this morning!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
"Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."
Psalm 146:1-2
I am choosing to thank God today and trusting in His Sovereignty.
I hope you have a blessed day, Sweet Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Epiphany, Friends!
"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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."
Romans 8:6
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NKJV)
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
Revelation 5:13
"Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for my glorious intervention."
Amen! I believe in divine intervention, and I'm praying that God will intervene in Washington, D.C. today and protect all the people of opposing factions, and that they will all protest peacefully. I thank God for that right in our country! I'm also praying 2 Chronicles 7:14 as well.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:17-18
Today's devo truly hit home with me because I'm notorious for starting a project or something else in my life and then asking for God's blessing. :/
I have a prayer request: Tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of Patriots are planning to protest election fraud in our nation's capital. Please pray for their safety, and that there won't be any violence with opposing factions. I will continue to pray 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
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