"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17
"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a groom puts on a turban,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10 (NASB)
"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in."
Proverbs 3:11-12
I love today's devo: What a positive way to end the month of February! I like the comparison aspect of judging in the lesson as well as from where we need our affirmation:
The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love.
Have a blessed Sunday, My Sweet Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
First coat of another teacup painting
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand."
Psalm 73:23
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:13
I am enjoying these devos lately (including today's) reminding us to focus on today, and to not worry about tomorrow.
I hope y'all have a fun Saturday, Friends, and let's not worry about Sunday!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I've been meaning to share this with y'all. This is a lovely Lent devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. I have her Advent devotional entitled Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, and it is fantastic, too!
"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
Deuteronomy 29:29
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
Psalm 32:8
Because the "secret things" in Deuteronomy 29:29 is future events, we aren't meant to worry about them because they belong to God. I found today's devo very comforting and reassuring. What about y'all?
Have a wonderful weekend, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:2
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)
*Press play*
From today's devo:
Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven's throne room when they are permeated with Thanksgiving.
Have a blessed day, Friends! It's almost Friday! :D
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I thought that this quote from Anne Graham Lotz was appropriate for today's devo.
"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
...from today's devo:
[Christ's Love] is limitless: it fills all of space, time, and eternity.
Have a blessed day, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
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
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews:12:1-2 (NASB)
I like the lesson in today's devo: Stay close to Jesus and away from the "pit" of self-pity. Let's walk in the light of His presence today, friends!
Do y'all have any prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
It's Monday morning. Have coffee with me, Friends!
"Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete."
John 16:24 (AMP)
We are called to pray continually, and I don't think it's a coincidence that these last few devos have been about prayer. Thanks for sharing your prayer requests with us! God is so good to us, and one reason is answered prayer!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:6-7
"But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord;
in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death."
Psalm 141:8
Cast ALL your anxiety... not just some of it. This takes practice, and I'm willing to try!
I hope you have a blessed and peaceful Sunday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Good morning, Friends! I borrowed this graphic from a friend on Clouthub. I love the verse and the photo. It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Central Alabama!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27
So much to be thankful for today! My sweet friend Jen in San Francisco gave birth for the first time last night, a beautiful baby girl named Hannah Clare. She looks like a doll! Jen is several years younger than I: She's 47, and handled the pregnancy and birth like a boss. God is so good!
What are your praises for today, Friends?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Camellia japonica L
This late bloomer blooms throughout the winter in Alabama, and it's our state flower.
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
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
I've always gotten a kick out of the verse from Exodus. I've often wondered if God was trolling Moses, and I think it's a wee bit funny. What do you think?
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
These are the same pansies I shared with you on February 11th. I hope they make it...I should've covered them!
"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
"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.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:23-26
I am encouraged today, Friends, because I'm seeing God work by answering prayer. We are so blessed that "the Mighty Warrior who saves" is willing to fight our battles for us.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Snow on dried limelight hydrangeas
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Matthew 28:5-7
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
Good morning, New Creations! :D Yesterday was an exercise for today's devo because we had unpredicted snow here in Central Alabama: lots of delays and closings, and no chance for "idol routines." Today I'm praying for Americans who are cold and without fresh water (especially Texans).
Have a blessed day!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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
...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 am completely blown away by the timing of today's devo because I was just lamenting about how I feel like I am doing nothing to serve His kingdom lately. I am very grateful for these lessons today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Today is Shanley Belle and Christopher's 1st wedding anniversary. These are some of the alter flowers from the ceremony.
One of my sorority sisters and I arranged the flowers for worship at our church on Friday. It made me so sad because we don't have in person worship. Not being able to worship at church is breaking my heart!
"For no word from God will ever fail."
Luke 1:37
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 Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
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 23:1-4
There's lots of encouragement in today's devo. Christ can't fail, and he can do more than we can even imagine. He's working right now, Friends!
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Happy Valentine's Day, Friends!
"...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
"For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13
We have the best Valentine in the world, holding our right hand! I hope you have an extra-special Valentine's Day!
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
I need lots of coffee today: We haven't been sleeping well the past few nights for different reasons each night! I might take a nap today, seriously....
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:19, 21
"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
John 14:27 is one of my favorite promises in the Bible. Please pray for rest and peace for all of our friends here on the blog! {thank-you}
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
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
Today's devo touches my heart even more than usual. I also appreciate the companion scripture: I could read the story of Christmas everyday and not get tired of it.
I hope you have a blessed and peaceful weekend, My Sweet Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].
John 1:4-5 (AMP)
Today's devo is wonderful because it has been a dark winter here in Central Alabama, so I appreciated the visual of sunlight and how Christ's light and peace overpowers darkness. Jesus is the Light of the World!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12
Sweet Friends, I hope Christ's Light and Peace brightens your day today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
After two days of sunshine, I don't know how to act. Yesterday I sat outside in three quarter length sleeves and no jacket. It was glorious! Yet our pansies must love gray, cold, and wet winters because they are the prettiest this year they've ever been!
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will advise you with My eye upon you."
Psalm 32:8 (NASB)
"I am able to bend time and events in your favor."
I am definitely claiming the quote above from today's devo for my day....what about y'all? When is your favorite time of the day for Bible study and prayer? I'm being nosy today...I'm just feeling it! ;P
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
As much as I love coffee and tea, sometimes nothing is more comforting than hot chocolate and marshmallows!
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)
"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 4:7
"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
Speaking of the "shimmering" discussed in today's devo, I have a praise! I saw *sunshine* yesterday, and beautiful blue skies! :D Do you have any praises and/or prayer requests?
Have a blessed Tuesday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
More of the café au lait roses that no one else in the store liked...but I love them.
"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..."
Ephesians 2:6
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
Matthew 14:28-32
I know we've talked about whether or nor we're more of a Mary or a Martha, but are you more of a Peter or a John? I'm definitely a Peter!
I absolutely loved today's devo. I just hope I don't need to cry out to Jesus a thousand times today, but it's good to know that I can (and I will)!
Have a blessed week, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I wanted to share these café au lait spray roses with you. My camera didn't quite capture their color, but they are the color of coffee with lots of cream in it. They also look more like an heirloom rose, and they are new to me.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose."
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
"Why are you in despair, my soul?
And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will again praise Him
For the help of His presence, my God."
Psalm 42:5 (NASB)
When I turned the page and saw the length of today's devo, I thought it looked like a dissertation because it was so long compared to the short and sweet lessons we've been reading so far this month. ;P
I loved today's lesson, and the timing is perfect because I have felt more tired lately than normal. I've even been going to bed earlier, too. This made me feel so much better: "Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion." It goes on to explain how this is the perfect opportunity to let Jesus take over: It sounds like a great plan to me!
Have a blessed Sunday, Friends!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I received the graphic above in an email, and I felt led to share this today.
“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.
Matthew 11:28-29
"Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing."
1 Timothy 2:8
I apologize for posting so late this morning. I slept in!
From today's devo:
"Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My Precious Presence."
We're lifting our empty hands this morning, and I also want to lift each other up in prayer. Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."
Romans 8:6
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea..."
Psalm 46:1-2
If the choice is between worrying and trusting Jesus like today's devo says, then I will trust Jesus because the Bible says the fear is from the enemy.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
I hope you have a peaceful day, Friends! Thanks for praying for Christopher and Shanley Belle.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace."
Psalm 29:11
‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
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 6:24-26
"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation."
Psalm 13:5
salvation = peace
We are blessed, Friends!
Please pray for my daughter and sweet SIL as they travel to the cold Midwest for house hunting. Thanks, y'all!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Today I am thankful for our houseplants that clean the air of our home. I have been tidying them up, cutting off dead leaves, and they all seem happier!
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:31
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 16:13-14 (AMP)
So grateful for today's devo and its focus on the present. I am so thankful for your being here today, praying for each other and focusing on the blessings of THIS day.
Prayer requests?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"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 12:2
When our children were little I taught at a Christian High School, and the theme verse for one of the school years was Romans 12:2. It's amazing to see God work when you pray scripture or focus on particular scripture for an extended period of time.
I hope your local groundhog doesn't see his shadow, Friends! Have a blessed day!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall."
Psalm 18:29
Psalm 18:29
"For He will command His angels in regard to you,
To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
They will lift you up in their hands,
So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone."
Psalm 91:11-12 (AMP)
(NKJV)
Happy February, Friends! Thanks for sticking around for another month. :D
Some of you have shared prayer requests with me, and I want you to know that I have been praying. Please let me know if you have any updates or new requests.
I have a prayer request this week: Our daughter and precious SIL are trying to sell their house in Baton Rouge, and they will be traveling to Ann Arbor, MI Thursday to hopefully find and purchase a home. Please keep them in prayer as this is a big move for them. Thank you so much!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
