How Your iPhone Can Help You Memorize Scripture

Here's a tip that will help you memorize Scripture fast: 

Make the passcode on your phone the corresponding numbers to the Bible verse you're memorizing. 

For example:

• if you're memorizing Jeremiah 29:13, your passcode would be 2913

• if you're memorizing Romans 8:1, your passcode would be 0801

• if you're memorizing Matthew 6:33, your passcode would be 0633 

A few other tips that help me memorize Bible verses are:

• writing the verse

• making the verse my lock screen

•  taping the verse I wrote on a place I look often, like on a mirror or a wall.

I was excited when God gave me the idea to memorize Scripture by using it as my passcode, because if you can't get into your iPhone or iPad without remembering it, you're gonna memorize it pretty fast.  Do this once a week, changing to a new verse weekly. Remember that while memorizing Scripture is very beneficial, applying it to your life is of utmost importance.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

- James 1:22 NLT

Autumn Leaves

Don't you just love the color of the leaves changing in the fall?

As I sat outside one morning, praying, enjoying the cool breeze, admiring the paints God had chosen for the leaves, He brought my mind back to a quote I read the night before. It read, "It's funny how beautiful autumn is when everything is dying".

Allow the green leaves represent the unsaved and the autumn leaves represent the saved. 

As Christians, we are to die to ourselves and live for Him. Just as the leaves are most beautiful as they are dying, we are the most beautiful to God when we die to ourselves.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

- Galatians 2:20 NIV

What's one way you can die to yourself today?

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To read more Bible Verses on dying to self, living for Him, hover over the below Scripture references:

Ephesians 4:22-24

Luke 9:23

John 3:10

Photo credit: Memogram, instawrite

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked: Wait on God

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

- 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

Singles, wait on GOD & HIS TIMING to bring you the right person. As the saying goes, "Wait on the one who pushes you closer to God, NOT closer to sin. I challenge you to defy the urge to take matters into your own hands out of fear of being alone and obey Song of Solomon 3:5, "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.". God's Timing is perfect. 

The person He has for your will help you guard your purity. Chase hard after God, and when it's the right time, He will bring "the one" into your life.

I love what Heather Lindsey said of her single days, "As I grew closer to God while I was single, I grew further away from wanting to marry someone who did not have a relationship with Him." She also said she wanted one of God's sons, not one of satan sons. Don't allow satan a foothold to interfere with who and what God wants you to be and do by marrying or even being in a relationship with someone who is not a Christian. (If you're in a relationship with them, you can fall in love and end up marrying them- being unequally yoked which is exactly what God does NOT want you to do). Marrying a non-Christian will not only hinder you, but any future children you may have.

Trust God. Wait on His Timing. He is faithful.

Look Like Love

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 

- John 3:30 (NLT)

When Jesus becomes greater in us, we begin to look like love.

As He becomes greater inside of us, we aim to please Him and not ourselves. We seek His will and not our own. We develop in the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

- Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

A couple months ago, my mom saw this on facebook and shared it witih me. It gave me a totally different perspective on this Scripture. We are all familiar with the "Love Chapter" in the Bible, frequently read at weddings. But this perspective challenged me:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
- 1 Cor. 13:4-6 (NIV)

We should consider this Scripture daily and keep it in the front of our minds. This is a mirror to show us what we look like spiritually-- we can easily see what areas are our strengths and what areas we need to work on. Think on this Scripture each morning and ask God to help you “look like love”

My purpose of sharing this is to challenge you to become more like Jesus. When you subsittue your own name, you can easily see what areas you need to work on (Oh yeah, I was convicted when I inserted mine!) It is also good to insert the name of the person you're in a relationship with. This can be very eye opening to the character of others, as well as our own character. Don't get overwhelmed by this list. Joyce Meyer simplifies our walk with God and all that it entails by "walking in love".

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

- Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

As the definition of love is evident in our lives, our light will shine brightly for Jesus. We will be humble, not arrogant. We will be servants, not demanding to be served. Jesus Christ humbled Himself before God. He came down from Heaven… if the Son of God left His comfort zone, how much more does He desire that we leave ours? He calls us to committed, not comfortable. Jesus left Heaven, where He was constantly praised and acknowledge to be despised, rejected, beaten, humiliated, and hung on a cross. He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). I love the way Kimberly Jones-Pothier puts it, Jesus got off His throne and went to the cross. Jesus humbled Himself before God in doing this. Then, God exalted Him when He was resurrected. 

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

- Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

I pray we have the humble attitude of the tax collector, not the Pharisee.


In humility, Jesus calls us to take up our cross, deny ourselves and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We die to ourselves and our own desires to live for Him. Yes, Psalm 37:4 says He will give us the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in Him. However, as we grow closer to Him, His desires become our desires. As we die to ourselves, we make room for more of Him. We have to put off the old self & put on the new self: 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires: to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

- Ephesians 4:22-24

Put off impatience, rudeness, envy, boasting, arrogance, rudeness, selfishness, and unforgiveness to stay afloat on the ship to the place God is taking us. 
As we draw near to Jesus, there will be no room for jealousy, boasting, pride, and self-centered ways.

P. S. - Yes, I got the title for this message from Britt Nicole's song, "Look Like Love". 

Don't forget, you can also follow me on the following social media sites:

Facebook.com/RachelMarieMinistries

Instagram: RachelMarieMinistries 

YouTube.com/RachelMarieMinistrie (OR go to YouTube and type in "Rachel Marie Ministries")

Google+ Rachel Marie Ministries

Pinterest: Rachel Marie Ministries

Are you putting God in a box?

They spoke against God; 
they said, "Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? 
True, he struck the rock, and water gushed out, 
streams flowed abundantly, but can he also give us bread?
Can he supply meat for his people?"
- Psalm 78:19-20 (NIV)

They even spoke against God himself, saying,
"God can't give us food in the wilderness.
Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out,
but he can't give his people bread and meat."
- Psalm 78:19 (NLT)

It's easy to read this Scripture and think WHAT?? The Israelites have seen God do many signs and wonders to deliver them from Egypt, part the Red Sea, guide them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire by night, split open rocks in the wilderness to give them water as abundant as the seas, and fed them with the bread of angels (see Psalm 78). Even after seeing all this, they still limit God? They still doubt His ability? They still doubt that He cares for them? Seriously?? The Israelites trust in God was limited. As many do today, they put God in a box saying, "This is what God can do; this is what He cannot do".

How often do we do this? Not necessarily with our words but with our attitudes and actions. When we take a step back, it's easy to see that we are not so different from the Israelites today. In Philippians 4:19, God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. Not only is it a promise in His Word (which should be reason enough to believe it!), but you have seen Him supply your needs 1,000 times (okay, if you're honest, more times than you could count), yet you still worry that somehow this time will be different-- that somehow God will fail you, that He won't come through this time. You believe God has saved you but you don't believe He will heal you. You believe God has redeemed you from eternal damnation, but you don't believe He desires for you to have a more abundantly life, that His plans are to prosper you and not to harm you. God has healed your body, but you struggle to believe He will heal your broken heart. You believe God created you, but you don't believe you're beautiful. God has brought you through things time and time again, but you just don't believe He will do it one more time. You believe God is bigger than your problems but you insist on carrying the burden yourself-- burdens you were never meant to carry. 

Why do we limit God? Why do we tend to have this "God can do this, not that" mindset? We have to cast down imaginations and every lofty thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive EVERY THOUGHT and make it obedient to Christ (See 2 Cor. 5:10).

We learn from Mark 11:24 that we have to believe BEFORE we receive. 1) Ask. 2) Believe. 3) Receive. We have to believe not just that He can, but that He will. We have to build our faith by hearing the Word (See Romans 10:17). Stay in His Word daily. Listen to Bible-based preaching often! Build yourself up in the Word to keep the faith!

So as you face your current "impossible" situation, take time to reflect on what He's already done for you. Won't He do it again? His mercies? New every morning.

Trust God. Stop limiting what God wants to do in your life with your lack of belief.. Let God out of the box in your mind and see the power He will unleash in your life.


Scripture Reading:

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

- Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

...for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? 

- Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMP)

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

- 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. 

- Isaiah 53:4-5 (AMP)

This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” 

- Matthew 8:17 (NLT)

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

- John 10:10 (KJV)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

- Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

- Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

- Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation! Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

- Psalm 68:19 (AMP)

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 11:29-30 (NIV)

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).

- Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

- John 14:27 (AMP)

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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 (NIV)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

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Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

- Mark 11:24 (NIV)

God is Faithful,

Rachel Marie

Begin Again

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

No matter who you are or what you've done, if you repent, turn from your sin and make CHRIST your Savior, you will become new! Spiritually, you're an entirely new person! You are reconciled to God! The blood of Christ wipes away all the mistakes of your past! GOD LOVES EVERYONE! GOD IS LOVE, but He is also just. If you don't repent and turn from sin and begin a relationship with Jesus, hell is your eternal destination. Being a "good person" doesn't get you into Heaven. God judges you based on HIS STANDARDS not yours! The Bible says ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD! The wages of sin is death (hell). But you can Begin Again & start a relationship with Christ. Right now, wherever you are you can pray something like this, "God, I confess that I'm a sinner. I repent of my sins. I believe that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins and that You raised Him from the dead. Teach me Your ways so I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus' Name. Amen." Begin to seek God daily in His Word (a good place to start is in the book of John) & in prayer. Find out what His Word says & LIVE BY IT! 

Safe Haven

For you are God, my only safe haven...

- Psalm 43:2 (NLT)

When problems overwhelm you today, just look to Jesus: the author and finisher of our faith.  In light of Him, our light and momentary troubles quickly dissipate. Remember, in these uncertain times, God is our only safe haven. There is no need to fear, because if you are a child of God, the creator of the universe is on your side. If you walk according to His Word, "When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you" (See Proverbs 6:20-22). Though we walk through the valley of the shadow, we will fear no evil for He is with us (Psalm 23:4). Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of The Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

Make sure you build your house (life) on the rock (Word of God), because only then will your house stand. Building your life on anyone or anything else is like building your house on sand- it won't last. 

Don't forget to put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground (Eph. 6:13). No doubt, we all need to put on the full armor of God more than ever. 

Relentlessly pursue Jesus and not the things of this world.

Scripture Reading: 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

- Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

- Romans 8:18 (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

- Romans 8:31 (NIV)

When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

- Proverbs 6:22 (NIV)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

- Psalms 23:4 (NKJV)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. 

- Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

- Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

- Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

THE TRUTH ABOUT PAUL'S THORN

Many people use “Paul’s Thorn” to use against healing. Let's see what the Bible says about it:

 

2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

*The Bible tells us exactly what Paul’s Thorn was. It was a messenger of Satan, not a sickness.

 

In “Christ the Healer” by F. F. Bosworth, he states, “The expression thorn in the flesh is not once used in either the Old or New Testament EXCEPT as an illustration. The figure of the thorn in the flesh is not in one single instance used in the Bible as a figure of sickness. Every time, the expression was used in the entire Bible, it is specifically stated what the thorn in the flesh was.” Bosworth continues by pointing this out in Numbers 33:55 and Joshua 23:13, as well.

Numbers 33:55 (KJV) But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which yet let remain of them shall be PRICKS IN YOUR EYES, and THORNS IN YOUR sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Bosworth points out: “The pricks in the eyes” and “thorns in the sides” of the Israelites were inhabitants of Canaan, not eye trouble or sickness. God was only using an illustration. Again, in Joshua 23:13, the Lord says of the Canaanites, “they shall be… scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes”. Again, the scourges in their eyes and thorns in their sides are the Canaanites.

 

Looking back at 2nd Corinthians 12:7, Paul specifically says that his thorn was a messenger of Satan, sent to buffet him. Bosworth concludes this portion of his sermon on Paul’s Thorn by saying, “Since Paul specifically says that his “thorn”was a messenger of Satan, sent to buffet him and make trouble for him wherever he went, why should we say it was something else?”

For the rest of Bosworth's sermon, read the 14th chapter of Christ the Healer (this book can be found on amazon). Jesus healed me when I read this book. For more on healing, check out the follow videos on my YouTube: MY HEALING TESTIMONY, JESUS HEALS, & JESUS STILL HEALS EVERY SICKNESS & EVERY DISEASE. My YouTube channel is "Rachel Marie Ministries", or click the above tab "My YouTube". Most importantly, if you need healing, read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John in the Bible). All through the Gospels, Jesus was moved with compassion for the sick & He healed them. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God revealed His will through the life of Jesus, so the best way to find out God's will is to read what Jesus did in His life on earth! He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposes in Christ (Ephesians 1:9).

BE RENEWED BY THE LIVING WATER

Even a tree has more hope!
If it is cut down, it will sprout again
and grow new branches.
Though its roots have grown old in the earth
and its stump decays,
at the scent of water it will bud
and sprout again like a new seedling.
- Job 14: 7-9 (NLT)

If you've been walking with God very long, you know that sometimes dry seasons come. Times when you are doing everything you are supposed to (i.e.: Spending time with God daily, living according to His Word, etc.), yet He still feels so far away. This can also happen if we have sinned (be sure to confess your sin to God & repent & turn from it) or if we have let some sort of idol take up residence in our lives (An idol can be anything that takes your focus off of Christ. Yes, idols can be the so called "gods" of false religions, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a relationship, an addiction, or something as simple as spending too much time on facebook or watching tv. God is jealous for our time and attention. He doesn't want us to put anything before HIM). Regardless of the reason, if you are in a dry season, this is for you:

So maybe spiritually you feel like the tree described in Job 14:7-9-- cut down and decaying. DO NOT GIVE UP. Keep on seeking Him. We will seek Him and find Him when we seek Him with ALL of our hearts (Jer. 29:13). Chase after Jesus as hard and as fast as you can. At the mere SCENT OF WATER, the tree will bud and sprout again like a new seedling. Use this dry season to show God just how desperate you are for Him by continuing to relentlessly pursue Him. If a cut down, decaying tree will bud and sprout again like a new seeding at the scent of water, how much more will we blossom by drinking in the LIVING WATER (John 4:10, 13-14)? 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Father, I pray for everyone reading this. I pray for those in a dry season spiritually. I pray that they would be encouraged. May they draw near to You, and feel You drawing near to them in return. I pray they will walk by faith, not by sight until they get their spiritual breakthrough. May they blossom daily, as they seek You, The Living Water. Bring a tsunami of Your Presence into every part of their being. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In His Compassion,
Rachel Marie

THE LORD IS MY PORTION

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 

- Lamentations 3:24 (NIV)

The LORD is our portion! How wonderful is that? Jesus is more than enough for us. In Him, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing! No purpose, no hope, no salvation, no healing, no peace. We need to seek Him to be healed, fulfilled, joyful. Any other source of these things are only temporary. The world pursues happiness in money (money is not evil; the LOVE OF MONEY is), alcohol, drugs, parties, fame, premarital sex... They pursue happiness in a variety of sinful things, never looking to JESUS. They are looking for LOVE in all the wrong places, looking EVERYWHERE except to our Creator. Psalm 43:4 teaches us that God is the source of all our joy.

There I will go to the altar of God, 

to God—the source of all my joy. 

I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! 

- Psalms 43:4 (NLT)

In HIS PRESENCE, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).Worldly happiness is circumstantial & always leaves you empty. The joy of Jesus? -- It comes with no regrets, only benefits. We see this in Psalms 103.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

- Psalm 103:2-5 (NIV)

So today my question for you is this:

Are you allowing God to be the source of ALL your joy? Or are you still seeking happiness in sin or in idols? Remember that:

 "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him."

- 1 John 3:6 (NIV)

Idols are not just other (so called) "gods" like Buddha or Muhammad. An idol can be anything. An idol is anything you put before Jesus. It can be sin or addiction, yes, but that isn't always the case. It can be a spouse or a boyfriend/girlfriend.It could even be something as simple as spending too much time on Facebook. I've said it before, and I will say it again: If you have time for social media, you have time to read your Bible. We need to spend time with Jesus daily in prayer, in His Word, & in worship. We need to renew our spirit daily just like we need to renew our bodies with sleep, food, and water. 

My prayer for you:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that everyone reading this would seek their joy in You alone. Help them allow You to fill any voids in their hearts. Help them

Hide Your Word in their hearts, that they may not sin against You. May they never be lacking in zeal, but keep their spiritual fervor, serving The Lord. Show them

If There are any idols in there lives & if so, help them give them up. Help them put You first always. May they make time with You their top priority every day. May they hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall Be filled. May they relentlessly pursue You. May they realize You are their portion. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You;

Your right hand upholds me.

- Psalm 63:8 (AMP)

This is my lock screen. It reminds me daily to chase hard after Jesus! :) 

Fall In Love with Jesus,

Rachel Marie

THIS RIVER NEVERS RUNS DRY

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

- John 7:37-39 (NIV)

I wouldn't trade the Baptism of the Holy Ghost for anything in this world!!!!!!! There is absolutely nothing like it! I cannot get enough of being filled with His Spirit! Thankfully, the river of Jesus' Living Water NEVER runs dry!!! I love getting filled up by HIM continually, day by day! Glory be to God!!!!! Praise the LORD! You never find true contentment, joy, peace, love, and happiness until you find Jesus Christ. Don't mistake: I'm not saying everything will be perfect, but you can find peace, joy, love, and comfort in every circumstance through Jesus Christ!! I'm so thankful to be filled with the Holy Spirit!!! Though I have been a Christian for quite some time, I didn't receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost until about a year and a half ago & my life has never been the same since. I don't want anyone to miss out on this phenomenal gift from Jesus. My life is forever changed to a million times (PLUS!) better because of this wonderful filling of the Holy Spirit that the LORD God Almighty has given unto me! One of the greatest gifts God has ever given was pouring out His Spirit upon His people. To find out more about being filled with the Holy Ghost, check out the book of Acts in the Bible. Also, you can learn more about the spiritual gifts He gives in 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, 14. In 1 Corinthians 12:1, the Holy Spirits tells us He does not want us to be uninformed concerning spiritual gifts. So, I would like to greatly encourage & urge you to please start learning about them through reading what God's Word says about it through reading the Scriptural references listed above. 

In His Loving Kindness,

Rachel Marie

LAUGHING WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE

SHE is CLOTHED with STRENGTH and DIGNITY and LAUGHS WITHOUT FEAR of HER FUTURE.

- Proverbs 31:25

This is difficult when stress, worry, anxiety kick in. I often struggle with putting this into practice: "laughing without fear of my future". But as Women of God, clothed with STRENGTH and DIGNITY, we should be lighthearted. We should not be like a tea kettle, screaming on the inside with constant worry. We have to cast ALL our anxieties on HIM, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Philippians 4:6 says, "BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING". When the devil tempts me with worry, I sometimes have to remind myself that God didn't say "Be anxious for nothing EXCEPT.. This, that, or the other [insert your personal situation here]. He said to be anxious for NOTHING. HE HOLDS EVERYTHING IN HIS HANDS. HE cares for our every need. He cares about everything we are going through. Yet He says to His children: BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING... because He wants us to give it all to Him. And if we do, we don't have to worry.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in hoping and praying certain things will or will not happen that it becomes our focus. The devil can trick us into yielding to our fears. We get caught up into that state of panic, where we are paralyzed, terror-stricken, unable to entertain any thoughts except the "what-ifs". But instead of giving in, we have to LET GOD BE GOD & DELIVER US FROM ALL OUR FEARS (Psalm 34:4). 

Think of it like passing a basketball to and fro. Your mind is the gym. Let the basketball hoop signify Jesus.  The devil keeps bouncing the basketballs labeled, "fear", "panic", and "anxiety" your way. You've got to see past the devil's evil schemes and look up, toward the Light [the basketball goal: Jesus]. When Satan keeps bombarding you by bouncing all the basketballs to you, you may forget to look up to the place where all the basketballs go: in the hoop [Jesus]. So, no matter how many basketballs almost knock you over, you can only solve the problem by tossing each one into the hoop. All you have to do is keep throwing the balls in the hoop.. Keep bouncing them to JESUS. And DON'T pick them back up.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

- James 4:8

God never wants us to live in fear. "God has NOT given us a spirit of fear but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND (2 Timothy 1:7)." He wants us to live in his safety, protection, and perfect peace. "YOU WILL KEEP IN PERFECT PEACE, all who trust in You, whose THOUGHTS ARE FIXED ON YOU" (Isaiah 26:3). We need to read and pray Psalm 91 daily for protection over our families, loved ones, and ourselves. We have to remember that as we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we abide in the shadow of the Almighty. He protects us & covers us with His feathers. Because we have made the LORD our refuge, NO EVIL WILL BEFALL US; NO PLAGUE WILL COME NEAR OUR DWELLING.

Thank You, Jesus, for pointing all this out to me today, not just for me, but for my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ who also need this message.

Too often, we make the negative emotions seem bigger than God by zoning in on them instead of zoning in on HIM.

May we all work to enter that REST IN JESUS.

May we all work to throw all our anxieties to Jesus.

May we all work to take His yoke upon us, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

May we be able to laugh easily, without fear of the future.

In the Love of Christ,

Rachel Marie

JESUS IS COMING BACK: Are you ready or will you get left behind?

by Rachel Marie

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

- Jesus in Mark 13:32 (NIV)

This verse clearly tells us that NO ONE knows the DAY or the HOUR that JESUS is COMING BACK, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but ONLY GOD THE FATHER. What we do know for sure is this: Jesus is definitely coming back. No doubt, whatsoever. It is what the Bible tells us. The day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 16:15).

However, we do not know when the LORD's coming will be. So what can we do? We find the answer in verse 33 of Mark chapter 13.

"Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come"

- Jesus in Mark 13:33

We are supposed to "be on guard"! We are supposed to "be alert". We are to be prepared for HIS COMING! Are you ready? Are you living for Jesus? Are you living in a way that is pleasing to Him? Or will you get left behind when Jesus comes to get His people?

We are to seek God daily. Stay in the Word of God (the Bible). Read the Scriptures every day. It is vital to your walk as a Christian. Regardless of how much you know of the Bible or how much you have read, we have to "feed" on the Word. I love the way Kenneth and Gloria Copeland put it once, "Just as the physical body cannot go for days on memory of it's last meal (physical food), your spirit cannot go for days on memory of your spiritual food (last Bible reading, memorized verses, etc.). That's not verbatim, but that is something I read from them once.

If you just don't have that desire yet to feed on the Word daily, ask God to give you "spiritual tastebuds" for His Word (I learned this in a devotional once). Begin reading the Bible daily. First, it will be something you do daily in obedience to God, but as you persevere to keep this time with God, you will begin to crave it and enjoy it thoroughly. You will look forward to it. You will be refreshed by His Word. It will a relaxing learning experience for you. God will meet you there. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

If you have never received Christ, you can do so now. Regardless of you past, you can start over right now. You can give your life to Jesus. "For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved" (Romans 10:13). This means you make a commitment to serving God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  This means you begin to read His Word. You begin to get to know just who He is (through His Word and as He reveals Himself to you). You strive to live in ways that please Him. The first step though, is just coming to Him. Afterwards, He will help you, show you, and guide you in the way He wants you to live, which is ALWAYS according to what THE BIBLE SAYS! If you are just learning about God, you can begin in the Gospel of John (after Mark, in the New Testament).

Salvation: In the Bible

Here are a couple of things the Bible says about salvation:

That if you CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, "Jesus is Lord," and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART that GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, YOU WILL BE SAVED.

- Romans 10:9 (NIV, emphasis, mine)

For it is with your HEART that you BELIEVE and are JUSTIFIED, and it is with YOUR MOUTH that you CONFESS and are saved.

- Romans 10:10 (NIV, emphasis, mine)

Also, as mentioned above EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Romans 10:13). Not one, not a few, not some, but EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

- Titus 2:11 (NIV)

The grace of GOD offers salvation to ALL PEOPLE! Jesus is the way the truth, and the life (John 14:6). No one comes to the Father, except through Him (John 14:6, continued). If you would like to give your life to Christ, you can do this:

1) Confess that you are a sinner. Ask for forgiveness of your sins

2) Acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and came to die on the cross to offer us salvation through Him, as well as healing (John 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:24)

3) Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Surrender your life to Him.

**Now, begin reading the Bible daily and living according to what the Bible says, as you learn to do so :)

--

Back to the return of Jesus Christ, my LORD and Savior! I hope He is yours, too. If He is not yet, He is willing to be, if you just call on His name and surrender your life to Him. No one knows when the LORD is coming back for His people, as pointed out in the verse above. Here is more of the Scripture:

v. 34) "It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35) Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back---whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36) If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37) What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

- Jesus in Mark 13:34-37 (NIV)

The Day of the LORD

(See 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

According to 1 Thessalonians,

verse 2: "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."

verse 3: "While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

For those of you who are following Jesus:

verse 4):  "But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5) You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6) So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and SOBER.  9) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

- 1 Thessalonians 5: 2-6, 9

Those of us who follow Jesus have nothing to fear. The coming of the LORD is soon. Those of us who are followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will go to Heaven with Jesus when He comes to get us :)

Are you ready?

God's Love is All-Consuming, Passionate, and Fulfilling,

Rachel Marie