Psalm 86:11-13
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
I wrote the following poem October 27, 2005 after reading these verses in Psalms. Find that quiet time to be alone with the Lord and you will be amazed at how your creativity will flow forth. Have a wonderful day!
Love, Nan
An Undivided Heart
Lord, as I picked up the Bible
and didn't know where to turn
You brought me to a special place
taught me a lesson I needed to learn
it comes from the book of Psalms
here was the place I needed to start
the more I read, the more I learned
Lord, only you can give me an undivided heart
all emotions, thoughts and attitudes
flow from it's center
good, bad or indifferent thoughts
let only goodness enter
I return to you from whence I came
Lord, ready and willing to praise Your name
Amen
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Precious Promises
2 Peter 1:3-11
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness 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 and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
First, remember that salvation is God's work. It is not our work. I can't remember not having faith in my life. Faith is believing in something good I can't see in front of me at that moment I believe. I can remember from times long ago, I have always wanted to be good and to do good. Mine is a continual hunger for knowledge of the Lord. I have a highlighter especially made for highlighting words in the Bible. I highlight passages when they jump off the page at me and cause the beat of my heart to quicken. I know I will need those passages again. Yes, the verses I've shared with you today are highlighted. They were already highlighted when I opened my Bible a few minutes ago. It's a mystery how long ago I highlighted them.
We can only exercise self-control in a situation that would influence us otherwise. We persevere when we are going through a difficult time and feel like giving in or giving up. We can change our feelings if we don't like the way we feel about something or someone. We will get through; we must get through; we persevere; we believe this difficult time is temporary and we will overcome what ever is holding us back. It is a daily endeavor to be more godly; something we have to put into practice each and every day. Spending quality time in solitude with the nose in the Bible, learning and applying God's plan and the very nature of God trains us to be more godly in our words and our actions. You are my sisters and brothers, one and all. Every kindness I extend is because of the love of God in my heart and because of my love for you. Love. It is more than romantic. It is more than sensual emotions. It is more than a pretty card and gift on Valentine's Day. Love is an action word. We have 365 days to express our love and countless ways to show it. I believe "Lord" and "love" appear in the Bible more than any other words printed therein. God is love and love is of God. I want to be an effective and productive disciple of God. It's easier than one might think. Keep the desire alive and burning in your heart. Take care and keep smiling. Love, Nan
A bell is no bell 'til you ring it
a song is no song 'til you sing it
and love in your heart
wasn't put there to stay
love isn't love 'til you give it away
(lyrics from Oscar Hammerstein)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness 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 and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
First, remember that salvation is God's work. It is not our work. I can't remember not having faith in my life. Faith is believing in something good I can't see in front of me at that moment I believe. I can remember from times long ago, I have always wanted to be good and to do good. Mine is a continual hunger for knowledge of the Lord. I have a highlighter especially made for highlighting words in the Bible. I highlight passages when they jump off the page at me and cause the beat of my heart to quicken. I know I will need those passages again. Yes, the verses I've shared with you today are highlighted. They were already highlighted when I opened my Bible a few minutes ago. It's a mystery how long ago I highlighted them.
We can only exercise self-control in a situation that would influence us otherwise. We persevere when we are going through a difficult time and feel like giving in or giving up. We can change our feelings if we don't like the way we feel about something or someone. We will get through; we must get through; we persevere; we believe this difficult time is temporary and we will overcome what ever is holding us back. It is a daily endeavor to be more godly; something we have to put into practice each and every day. Spending quality time in solitude with the nose in the Bible, learning and applying God's plan and the very nature of God trains us to be more godly in our words and our actions. You are my sisters and brothers, one and all. Every kindness I extend is because of the love of God in my heart and because of my love for you. Love. It is more than romantic. It is more than sensual emotions. It is more than a pretty card and gift on Valentine's Day. Love is an action word. We have 365 days to express our love and countless ways to show it. I believe "Lord" and "love" appear in the Bible more than any other words printed therein. God is love and love is of God. I want to be an effective and productive disciple of God. It's easier than one might think. Keep the desire alive and burning in your heart. Take care and keep smiling. Love, Nan
A bell is no bell 'til you ring it
a song is no song 'til you sing it
and love in your heart
wasn't put there to stay
love isn't love 'til you give it away
(lyrics from Oscar Hammerstein)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
No Room For Doubt
Mark 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is that 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 'The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied, "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God," and from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
There are mysteries in the Bible, such as the one associated with the last part of this passage "and from then on no one dared ask him any more questions." I wonder why they didn't dare to ask more questions of Jesus. It's a mystery, but I don't doubt Jesus' motive at all for the way he responded to the teacher. That's the bottom line for me....I don't doubt Jesus period.
I wrote the following poem July 2008 and want to share it with you. Have a wonderful day and take care of you for me. Love, Nan
No Room For Doubt
in my life, there's no room for doubt
my Savior, Jesus Christ, has ultimate clout
developing my faith has taken a lifetime
for years I was silent as a mime
buried so deep inside, words I couldn't express
life was a complete and utter mess
I've fought my battles, that's for sure
each time, I turned to Jesus, holy and pure
through all my trials, I've learned
embers of faith always burned
yes, faith - ultimate and absolute
stronger now - my thoughts, Satan can't pollute
I don't worry and doubt what God can do
with Him, nothing is impossible for me and you
through Him, I'm saved - of that, I truly believe
He gave me power to tell Satan to leave
God has given me a voice to speak
I'm here to encourage - at times, we're all weak
to doubt my God, I'm not inclined
I won't allow negative thoughts to linger in my mind
in my life, there's no room for doubt
all I have to do is tell Satan to get out
he's a thief, a liar and a mocker
from a worldly view, he's no debaucher
to God, I submit a prayer of supplication
lead, guide and direct our great nation
though Satan has his day
close to me he will not stay
Jesus is mine - He's my all in all
He catches me each time I start to fall
in my life, there's no room for doubt
Jesus, my Savior, has ultimate clout
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is that 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 'The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied, "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God," and from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
There are mysteries in the Bible, such as the one associated with the last part of this passage "and from then on no one dared ask him any more questions." I wonder why they didn't dare to ask more questions of Jesus. It's a mystery, but I don't doubt Jesus' motive at all for the way he responded to the teacher. That's the bottom line for me....I don't doubt Jesus period.
I wrote the following poem July 2008 and want to share it with you. Have a wonderful day and take care of you for me. Love, Nan
No Room For Doubt
in my life, there's no room for doubt
my Savior, Jesus Christ, has ultimate clout
developing my faith has taken a lifetime
for years I was silent as a mime
buried so deep inside, words I couldn't express
life was a complete and utter mess
I've fought my battles, that's for sure
each time, I turned to Jesus, holy and pure
through all my trials, I've learned
embers of faith always burned
yes, faith - ultimate and absolute
stronger now - my thoughts, Satan can't pollute
I don't worry and doubt what God can do
with Him, nothing is impossible for me and you
through Him, I'm saved - of that, I truly believe
He gave me power to tell Satan to leave
God has given me a voice to speak
I'm here to encourage - at times, we're all weak
to doubt my God, I'm not inclined
I won't allow negative thoughts to linger in my mind
in my life, there's no room for doubt
all I have to do is tell Satan to get out
he's a thief, a liar and a mocker
from a worldly view, he's no debaucher
to God, I submit a prayer of supplication
lead, guide and direct our great nation
though Satan has his day
close to me he will not stay
Jesus is mine - He's my all in all
He catches me each time I start to fall
in my life, there's no room for doubt
Jesus, my Savior, has ultimate clout
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Peace and Joy
What wonderful peace and joy come into our heart and soul when we know Jesus has made us whole.
It is the most awesome feeling in the world to know that I am, indeed, whole. It wasn't always so. I remember a long time ago, before I met Allen, I lived through a time in my life when I was just a shell of a person. With Allen's love and encouragement, I began to grow and blossom. Mr. Bob was the angel from God who helped me through my growth spurts. A number of years ago, I realized that my spirit had finally healed and I had grown enough in my faith to the point of being whole again. I love Allen with all my heart and soul. He and his wonderful family are a blessing from God. None of the good things in my life would have been possible without Jesus abiding in my heart.
Yes, there will be trials in life that lead us to the point of feeling empty inside if we dwell on the negative aspect of the trials long enough. I know some of you are hurting inside and may feel the void in your life that nothing else has been able to fill. It is the deliberate development of an intimate relationship with Jesus for which you've been searching. You may not have even realized it at the time. Satan will try to cover your ears from hearing the truth. This is why I tell you the importance of being among a body of believers on a continual basis. Jesus and your church family, collectively, will help to strengthen you more than you can imagine.
I can't say that I am always happy, but I do have peace and joy in my heart. Happiness is fleeting, but joy clings to the spirit. Take care, dear friends. I pray for peace and joy in your heart and soul. Love, Nan
It is the most awesome feeling in the world to know that I am, indeed, whole. It wasn't always so. I remember a long time ago, before I met Allen, I lived through a time in my life when I was just a shell of a person. With Allen's love and encouragement, I began to grow and blossom. Mr. Bob was the angel from God who helped me through my growth spurts. A number of years ago, I realized that my spirit had finally healed and I had grown enough in my faith to the point of being whole again. I love Allen with all my heart and soul. He and his wonderful family are a blessing from God. None of the good things in my life would have been possible without Jesus abiding in my heart.
Yes, there will be trials in life that lead us to the point of feeling empty inside if we dwell on the negative aspect of the trials long enough. I know some of you are hurting inside and may feel the void in your life that nothing else has been able to fill. It is the deliberate development of an intimate relationship with Jesus for which you've been searching. You may not have even realized it at the time. Satan will try to cover your ears from hearing the truth. This is why I tell you the importance of being among a body of believers on a continual basis. Jesus and your church family, collectively, will help to strengthen you more than you can imagine.
I can't say that I am always happy, but I do have peace and joy in my heart. Happiness is fleeting, but joy clings to the spirit. Take care, dear friends. I pray for peace and joy in your heart and soul. Love, Nan
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Love and Prayers of Intercession
Love comes out of Heaven, unasked and unsought. Pearl Buck
Just as love comes out of Heaven, unasked and unsought, so to are these daily messages of love and encouragement coming your way. This is the same way it is with blessings from God when He surprises us with an unexpected delight. The greatest gift of all is when we realize it came from Him and we thank Him for it.
Some of you are very new to Nan's Calendar, while others have received my love notes regularly since God called me to share them with you in 2007. With each comment you send my way, I am also encouraged and uplifted; yes, for myself, though not in a selfish way. Rather, the encouragement you channel my way is turned around and sent to someone else. What goes around comes around. We are making a difference in the world, one person at a time. I don't expect that you would forward all these messages to others in your address book, but when you do, God is glorified and others are encouraged. I am so humbled to know God is using me to lift up another person, regardless of how insignificant one may perceive it to be. Your quality of life is important to me. I do pray for you and I do want you to live in peace.
I am including for you a comment regarding yesterday's message. I am so thankful to hear from this dear lady and to share her peace with you. She and I live on opposite sides of the country and have never met in person. I surely do consider her a sister in Christ. We have grown together spiritually since we met on the internet several years ago. I am also including her prayer request for a friend of hers. May God bless Sharon in ways we can not even imagine at this moment. Believe in miracles. Expect miracles. God is in the business of performing miracles. The dominant thought wins. Make yours a positive one today.
Take care and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nan
Nan,
Thank you for sending me this Calendar. It has so much meaning to me. After many years of difficulties and challenges, I am now in a place where I feel comfortable, calm, and peaceful. And while situations still upset me, I go to the Lord more quickly than I did in the past. This verse from Proverbs has echoed in my heart - especially the last two verses - countless times through the years.
I sent this day's Calendar on to a friend of mine, Sharon, who needs prayer. She needs a hysterectomy, is facing foreclosure, and doesn't know how she will survive financially after getting the surgery since she is self-employed and feels she can't get any kind of disability. Please pray for her. If you could send this prayer request on to others, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Rose
Just as love comes out of Heaven, unasked and unsought, so to are these daily messages of love and encouragement coming your way. This is the same way it is with blessings from God when He surprises us with an unexpected delight. The greatest gift of all is when we realize it came from Him and we thank Him for it.
Some of you are very new to Nan's Calendar, while others have received my love notes regularly since God called me to share them with you in 2007. With each comment you send my way, I am also encouraged and uplifted; yes, for myself, though not in a selfish way. Rather, the encouragement you channel my way is turned around and sent to someone else. What goes around comes around. We are making a difference in the world, one person at a time. I don't expect that you would forward all these messages to others in your address book, but when you do, God is glorified and others are encouraged. I am so humbled to know God is using me to lift up another person, regardless of how insignificant one may perceive it to be. Your quality of life is important to me. I do pray for you and I do want you to live in peace.
I am including for you a comment regarding yesterday's message. I am so thankful to hear from this dear lady and to share her peace with you. She and I live on opposite sides of the country and have never met in person. I surely do consider her a sister in Christ. We have grown together spiritually since we met on the internet several years ago. I am also including her prayer request for a friend of hers. May God bless Sharon in ways we can not even imagine at this moment. Believe in miracles. Expect miracles. God is in the business of performing miracles. The dominant thought wins. Make yours a positive one today.
Take care and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nan
Nan,
Thank you for sending me this Calendar. It has so much meaning to me. After many years of difficulties and challenges, I am now in a place where I feel comfortable, calm, and peaceful. And while situations still upset me, I go to the Lord more quickly than I did in the past. This verse from Proverbs has echoed in my heart - especially the last two verses - countless times through the years.
I sent this day's Calendar on to a friend of mine, Sharon, who needs prayer. She needs a hysterectomy, is facing foreclosure, and doesn't know how she will survive financially after getting the surgery since she is self-employed and feels she can't get any kind of disability. Please pray for her. If you could send this prayer request on to others, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Rose
Monday, January 24, 2011
Love and Faithfulness
Proverbs 3:3-6
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I think this passage is so important to us today. There are so many mysteries of life we don't understand. God wants us to acknowledge him and trust him with every fiber of our being. When we give him the honor and glory he so richly deserves, our lives will be richer and fuller than we can even imagine. If you think your life is full to the brim right now, just wait, it gets better! When you think life can't get better than this, it will.
On the flip side, if you are somewhere on the bottom, between a rock and a hard place, keep that flicker of hope burning inside your heart. Help is on the way! When we are on the bottom, there's only one way to go and that way is up! Believe me, I know what I am talking about. I've been on the bottom! Look where God has brought me! I'm just an ordinary person God is using to help others. With God, nothing is impossible! Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. He will bring you up out of the pit of despair! Take care and know you are loved by a God who loves you beyond anything you can imagine! Love, Nan
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I think this passage is so important to us today. There are so many mysteries of life we don't understand. God wants us to acknowledge him and trust him with every fiber of our being. When we give him the honor and glory he so richly deserves, our lives will be richer and fuller than we can even imagine. If you think your life is full to the brim right now, just wait, it gets better! When you think life can't get better than this, it will.
On the flip side, if you are somewhere on the bottom, between a rock and a hard place, keep that flicker of hope burning inside your heart. Help is on the way! When we are on the bottom, there's only one way to go and that way is up! Believe me, I know what I am talking about. I've been on the bottom! Look where God has brought me! I'm just an ordinary person God is using to help others. With God, nothing is impossible! Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. He will bring you up out of the pit of despair! Take care and know you are loved by a God who loves you beyond anything you can imagine! Love, Nan
Friday, January 21, 2011
Heavenly Escort
This poem is dedicated to those who grieve
your escort's arm now take hold
yes, this story must be told
he is ever by your side
trusted friend and worthy guide
in the good times and bad
times when you're happy and sad
through victory or sorrow
he's with you today and tomorrow
when your heart's heavy and burdened with grief
only he and no other can give you relief
Jesus Christ is your heavenly escort
your source of comfort and support
always there to hold your hand
when you stumble, he'll help you to stand
through your long night of tears and pain
remember the victory is yours to gain
he's beside you through rain and shine
even if your faith would be supine
he'll take your weakness and give you strength
Jesus goes the extra distance, whatever the length
you're in my thoughts, you're in my prayers
trust your escort to relieve you of your cares
In Jesus' name I pray
today and alway
written by Nan Forehand
Friday, January 21, 2011
your escort's arm now take hold
yes, this story must be told
he is ever by your side
trusted friend and worthy guide
in the good times and bad
times when you're happy and sad
through victory or sorrow
he's with you today and tomorrow
when your heart's heavy and burdened with grief
only he and no other can give you relief
Jesus Christ is your heavenly escort
your source of comfort and support
always there to hold your hand
when you stumble, he'll help you to stand
through your long night of tears and pain
remember the victory is yours to gain
he's beside you through rain and shine
even if your faith would be supine
he'll take your weakness and give you strength
Jesus goes the extra distance, whatever the length
you're in my thoughts, you're in my prayers
trust your escort to relieve you of your cares
In Jesus' name I pray
today and alway
written by Nan Forehand
Friday, January 21, 2011
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