[Faith-talk] Fwd: Morning Thoughts for March 1, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: March 1, 2011 7:08:27 AM CST
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for March 1, 2011
> 
> Family: For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
> (Genesis 18:19, NIV)
> 
> - From Bible Promises for iPhone
> http://biblepromises.reigndesign.com/
> 
> Good morning blessed families!!  My heart is filled with joy this morning because I believe I encountered God last night - all night long!  Went to bed at my normal hour thinking I was in for a long, peaceful night's sleep, but God had other plans.  I awoke about an hour after retiring and spent the next 5-6 hours experiencing a vast array of thoughts, desires, hopes and prayers for people the Lord brought across my mind.  What a beautiful time it was!!  At first, out of habit, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but my mind was wide awake, my body felt energized, and I felt led to focus on specific individuals, situations of life, and opportunities for growth.  I sensed a genuine familial connection with each thought, regardless of the physical relationship involved; a strong desire never to allow the relationships die or go dormant.  Psalm 139 kept my attention - the fact that God never leaves our sides.  He knows all things about us, and even so, stays by our sides no matter where we go or what we do.  This is everlasting love!!  Sometimes it is manifested in blessing, sometimes in punishment; sometimes in reward and sometimes in rebuke.  Whatever the manifestation, it is all for His glory and our benefit.
> 
> The joy I feel is the joy of knowing there is a plan, organized and filled with promise of fruitfulness, ordained just for us.   My joy is complete knowing that God has breathed into life a plan for each one of us.  These plans, when executed, will bring God the glory, and us the benefit of His great power, everlasting faithfulness, and magnificent wisdom.  He has established an order and a process for every plan that is completely harmonious with His Word.  His Spirit will lead us to an understanding of that Word, resulting in salvation for many who don't know Him, haven't accepted Him, or are running from Him.  Prayer begets direction which leads us to success!!  Prayer led one couple to give up their home, move into an commune of sorts to pay down their student loans in preparation for a season of missionary service to parts unknown.  Prayer has led others to open their homes to the orphaned, the abused, the lost.  In these homes there is love and hope, a future and a new life!  Prayer has focused the directions of many into specific offices of service: law enforcement; nursing; preaching; teaching; cleaning; building; repairing and more.  Prayer will bring to memory all that is necessary to succeed in the ISATs.  Prayer will open the doors to growth for the 13-year old who does not yet have a focus for a life goal.  Prayer will quicken the heart and resolve of the life-long drug addict to a new and productive experience.  Prayer can open the mind to the cleansing blood of The Lamb, which takes away the sins of the world, creates new life and erases memories of the degradation that preceded salvation.  Prayer is the tool of intercession and the vehicle of praise to God the Father for all things!!
> 
> The order and growth of the Family of God is built on the prayers of the faithful, the righteous.  Righteousness comes only from our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is our Hope, our Salvation, our very Future.  Blessings to you in the Name Above All Names, Jesus Christ!!
> 
> <3Steve:-))