“By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. ‘This is a remote place,’ they said, ‘and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ ” (Mark 6:35-36)

I'm writing this on my laptop as the battery quickly drains. I had a good plan to be productive today. Then the power went out. All the electronics beeped and buzzed and flickered and went dead. Now I have this sense that I'm using up the very last bit of electrical energy before I can't go on any more.

The disciples felt that way, too. Remember the reason earlier in this day for the Plan A to get away with Jesus to a solitary place? Everyone was too busy to eat! Then the plan changed, Jesus went back to teaching, hours went by, and the disciples were likely still hungry — along with more than 5,000 people — far from the nearest drive-thru.

So the disciples came up with a Plan B, a very reasonable idea to send everyone hiking to the closest food they could find before their collective blood sugar dropped to critical levels. It sounds like a fine plan — and we'll see tomorrow that Jesus immediately nixed it.

Sometimes every plan falls through and all you're left with is trusting God to take care of the problem, to include you in His plan, to make sure you get fed and have the power to go on.

Think: How do you respond when every plan you make seems to fall apart and the problem doesn't seem to be getting fixed? Is it harder for you to trust God when you're really hungry? Have you found a way to let go of your broken plans and trust God to provide what you need?

Pray: Ask God to help you to keep trusting Him even when all your plans keep getting changed.

Do: Notice this week how much impact feeling hungry has on your attitude and your courage to trust God in the moment.

P.S. The lights just came back on! (Now I need something to eat.)

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mark 6:34)

Sometimes our plans get changed no matter what we do. Other times we have choice: Will I stick to my plan or change course for this other person? It takes wisdom to know which choice to make. How do you decide? For Jesus, the answer in this case was summed up in a word: compassion.

Compassion is letting another person's need penetrate your heart, your emotions. Jesus and the disciples needed rest — and made a plan to get it. The people needed to be taught by a shepherd. Motivated by compassion, Jesus put the needs of the crowd above His own need — and above the plans of His tired disciples.

Whether the wisest choice is to stick to the plan or throw it away, compassion is almost always the right motive and Jesus-like servanthood is always the right response for those who want to live like Him.

Think: How easy is it for you to feel compassion for people in need? Has genuine compassion ever caused you to change your plans to help someone else out? Has false compassion (or selfish, false guilt) ever caused you to change your plans for someone in an inappropriate way? How can you tell the difference?

Pray: Ask your compassionate God to help you to feel appropriate compassion for people in need and to be willing to change your plans — or stick to them — to serve those people.

Do: Pay attention to your heart's response to people in need this week and remind your heart to motivated by compassion for those who are hurting or lost.

“So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.” (Mark 6:32-33)

Ever feel like your best plans are doomed from the start because someone can't take a hint? Your sibling. Your parent. Your best friend. Anyone who decides they need something from you right now no matter what else you've got going on.

This was Jesus' idea, remember? He's the one who said to the disciples in yesterday's passage: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” I wonder if the disciples got discouraged when they saw the crowds they just left behind on shore waiting for them at their “solitary place.”

It takes wisdom to know how to respond when other people try to change our plans for us. Sometimes, the plan is important enough to push through the attempts to steal away our time. Sometimes, the people are more important than our personal agenda. We'll find out tomorrow which was happening here.

The bottom line, though, is that we've got to be open to the fact that the person holding that “help me now” sign might be God's way of providing His own direction in our lives.

Think: How do you decide when to give your time and attention to someone who interrupts what you're trying to get done? How often do people change their own plans to help you?

Pray: Ask God for the wisdom and insight to know when to change your plans to get involved with someone who wants your time — and when to stay on the task you set out to do.

Do: Notice this week how often your plans get changed by other people — and how often your needs cause others to change their own plans.

Our life is a journey and we go through many seasons to test and mature us.

The Bible give us hope and peace when our world comes crashing down.

As we watch the horrors of war and violence on the news, we feel sadden
and sometimes afraid of the future.

In the days of Ezekiel the prophet, God was angry with his people because
they had walked away from him and worshipped false gods.

Ezekiel gave a stern warning from God…
Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel;
and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance,
and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.
Ezekiel 36:12

God loved his people, but purposely sent the enemy to persecute
them, so they would repent and cry out to him in despair.

God said, I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land,
and for their idols wherein they had polluted it: and I scattered them among the
heathen and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way
and according to their doings I judged them. Ezekiel 36:18-19

Like a loving Father, he was angry, but also pitied them, because they
were his children.

God instructed Ezekiel to say…

But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen,
whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus said the Lord God; I do not this
for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among
the heathen whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name which was profaned among
the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know
that I am the LORD, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
Ezekiel 36:21-24

God had promised to give them a great land and bless them far above all people, but
was ashamed of their behavior toward one another. They embarrassed him in
front of the heathen, and it grieved him.

We see this vicious cycle of war and bloodshed happening our world today, and we
must cry out to God for mercy and deliverance.

We fight and war, but have not, because we refuse to ask the only one who
holds the power to help us.

God loved us so much that he sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins on the cross at
Calvary. In agony, as he bore the weight of our sins, he cried out to his Father,
Why have you forsaken me?

God allowed his Son to die to pay the penalty for our sins and on the third day
he rose from the grave conquering sin, death, and the powers of the devil.

Today you may be paralyzed with fear because of terrorists or an abusive
husband or parent. You may be suffering with a tormenting disease
or enslaved by an addiction like alcohol, cutting, pornography, or cocaine.

Beloved, God sent me to tell you how much he loves you.
He promises to never leave or forsake you.

He wants to gather you in his arms and restore the years the
enemy has stolen from you.

Let him sprinkle you with the blood of his Son and cleanse you from all
your sins.

He stands at the door of your heart knocking…

Will you open the door and let him love and heal you?

Give him your shattered dreams and broken heart.

The Bible says…
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away
the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my
spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them. Ezekiel 36:26-27

As far as the east is from the west, he’ll forgive your sins and remember them
against you no more.

God says…
I will also save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the corn,
and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. Ezekiel 36:29

You are a chosen generation. God has called you out of darkness
into the light.

Walk in the light of Jesus and let him guide and protect you.

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For this promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39

Father in heaven,
We are so grateful for your amazing grace which is new every morning.
Forgive us for disobeying your commands and for not teaching them
to our children. We have slaughtered innocent people with war,
violence, and abortion. The anger and unforgiveness in our
stony hearts have blocked our prayers and brought your
hand of correction upon us. Thank you for loving us enough
to warn and chastise us for our rebellion. We invite you to
do surgery on our hearts. Give us new and pure hearts,
filled with love, compassion, and mercy. Wipe the slate
clean from our past and help us to begin this day new,
empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Ignite a holy fire in our world, to boldly preach and publish
your word with power. If you are for us, no one can stand
against us. We are strong, the word of God is in us, and
we have overcome the evil one. Take away all pride and
prejudice from us. We are all your children, the descendants
of Adam and Abraham. The blood of Jesus makes us one.
Unite us in faith and prayer. Heal the sick, mend the broken
hearts and families, take out of power the wicked, and confuse
the plots of our enemies.

Let the people come and find hope in you, the Creator of heaven
and earth. Only you can make the war and bloodshed to cease.
LORD, in your mercy, and for your name’s sake, hear and help.

We ask for healing and strength for all who are suffering from sickness,
disease, or depression. You have said, the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and you will raise them up. Whatever your will, we accept it, trusting
you know what’s best for us all. Help us to be faithful unto
death, where we will receive a crown of life.

Thank you for the rain and snow to nourish our land and for sunshine.
May your name be magnified in heaven and earth, so
all people will know that you are the one and only true God.

Bless our troops, our leaders, pastors, missionaries, and teachers.
Keep us safe from evil and temptation. Guide our path and
help us to complete our missions in life with excellence.

Carry this message to every nation, prison, school, tribe, and tongue.
Send laborers, translators, and prayer warriors into the harvest.
Bless Steve, and all our partners in the ministry. Give us a fresh vision
and help us to be men and women of honor and integrity. With you,
all things are possible.

In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

O Give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the
hand of the enemy; and gathered them out of the lands, from the east,
and from the west, from the north, and from they south. They wandered in
the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and
thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their
trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:1-6

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau

Luke 24:17-32

…two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

When you’re studying the Word and the Spirit of God opens up those verses, doesn’t your heart burn within you? It’s the Father’s good pleasure to expound the Scriptures which give us understanding of things present and things to come.

God reveals Himself to us when we constrain Him with entreaties. He communes and reasons with all who love His Word. Let’s earnestly strive to know more about Him so our hearts will burn.

The men on the road begged Christ to tarry longer. How often do we stretch our hands to Him seeking for more Truth? Christ tarries and “sits at meat” with those who constrain Him. Let’s ask Christ to commune with us every time we open His Word which is Spirit and Life.

Possessing an ardent passion for the Saviour’s Bread of Life causes one to grow in grace and knowledge. He’ll break us up to make us whole even as He blesses us. The best part is that He’ll never vanish out of our sight as He did on the Road to Emmaus. He said He’ll be with us always, even unto the end of the world.

I love you but God loves you more,

Prayerfully yours,
Lil
You may find the Thoughts of the Day here:

http://www.lillagreen.com/tod/

With rising food, energy, and gas prices, and the financial crisis throughout the world,
it often leaves us feeling helpless and afraid of the future.

In times like these we need to turn to God’s word, to find encouragement
and answers to help us face our fears and exchange them for faith.

The Bible is filled with stories about people who faced poverty
and adversity. God lovingly spared their lives and helped them
not to give in to depression and despair.

In 1 Kings 17 the Prophet Elijah had just been asked by God to deliver
a depressing message of doom to King Ahab, that there would be no
rain in the land.

God then told him to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith so he
could have fresh water to drink each day.

The LORD divinely commanded a raven to bring Elijah bread and meat
in the morning and at night.

Imagine what faith it took, to trust God for this divine provision and
eat food from a scavenger bird.

Elijah was all alone in the wilderness, with only God and a bird to keep him
company.

After a long season of drought, the brook dried up, and God told Elijah
to travel to Zarephath to the house of a widow and he would be
cared for there.

When Elijah found the widow woman, she was outside gathering sticks.

Elijah had to swallow his pride and asked this poor old woman for a drink
of water.

The woman was willing to be kind to this stranger, but as she went to get
him a drink, he then asked for a morsel of bread.

The woman was very poor and said, As the LORD your God lives, I don’t have
a cake, but only a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse.

I was about to gather 2 sticks that I could make a meal for me and my son,
eat it, and die.

Elijah said to her, Fear not, go and do as I said, and make me a cake first,
bring it to me, and afterward make food for you and your son.

For thus says the LORD God of Israel, the barrel of meal and oil will not run
out until the day the LORD sends rain upon the earth.

The woman believed God and did as Elijah asked without grumbling,
doubting, or asking money from this stranger.

She and her son, Elijah ate for many days, even during a horrible season
of drought and famine in the land.

After a while, suddenly the woman’s son grew ill and died.

She became bitter with Elijah and thought God had brought
judgment upon her because of her sins.

Elijah took the boy up to the loft where he had been staying,
and laid him upon his bed.

Elijah cried out to God asking why he had brought evil
upon the woman and her son.

He then stretched himself upon the child 3 times and prayed for
God to breathe life back into the boy.

The LORD heard the voice of Elijah and the child revived.

When Elijah brought the boy down to his mother, she was
overjoyed and said, Now I know that you are a man of God
and the word of the LORD in your mouth is true.

We are so blessed to have the wonderful and encouraging
stories of scripture, to strengthen our faith when times
get tough.

We must remember, that God may bring seasons of trials
and hardship into our life, so we can witness and minister
to the needs of the poor and remind them of his love…
even when we’re hurting.

God didn’t want Elijah or the widow and her son to be
alone and depressed, so he united them during the
hard times, to test and strengthen their faith.

The LORD wants us to share our gifts and talents with others
and be a witness of his great and mighty power.

During seasons of heartache and fear, we sometimes would
like to dwell on our problems and feel sorry for ourselves,
but God shows us in his word, that when we give from
the heart, he will give to us.

Psalm 41:1 says…

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord
will deliver him in time of trouble.

The Bible often speaks of God’s care for the weak, poor and needy
and of His blessing on those who share His concern. God wants our
generosity to reflect His own free giving. As He has blessed us we
should bless others.

Proverbs 14:31 reminds us…
He who oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker,
but that honoureth him that mercy on the poor.

God has a special concern for the poor. He insists that people who have material goods
should be generous with those who are needy. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion
in the Bible; it is a command that may require a change in attitude.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD: and that
which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17

It is hard for human’s to understand the concept of giving, as lending to the
LORD. He is the one who repays us in many ways…the most important being
a softened heart, sensitive to the needs of others.

It is through giving, we are blessed and receive God’s joy and peace,
because we have not refused to lend the LORD our worldly possessions.
All things are HIS and we are merely the stewards He has loaned His goods to.

We are tested with these gifts of stewardship.

If we are faithful with little things, he can trust us with greater wealth and blessings.

We are blessed, not be rich…but to be a blessing to others.

King David wrote…The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the
fatherless and the widow. Psalm 146:9

Today you may be facing financial hardship, sickness, or adversity.

God loves you so much and has promised to never leave or forsake you.

The same God who provided for Elijah, the widow and her son, is well able
to help and heal you, if you only trust, pray, and believe.

King David wrote…The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

God knows if we’re hurting and no good thing will he withhold from
those who trust him.

We, like the widow may walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
but our loving Father will be with us to comfort and provide for all our needs.

Jesus said, In the world you will have trouble, but we can be of good cheer,
he has overcome the world.

One day soon, he will come back to get us, and take us to our heavenly mansion
in the sky…

He will dry every tear and there will be no more pain or sorrow.

Until that day, let’s be always waiting, watchful, and willingly
serve the LORD and others with gladness, knowing he is
a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

All things are possible for those who believe.

Father, we thank you for joining us in friendship today, to study
your word and find hope and encouragement.

Many are struggling with sickness or financial problems.
You are the Great Physician and Provider of all our needs.
We ask you to lay your hands upon each one who is hurting
and make them whole. Provide jobs for all who are in need
and show us how to invest, spend, save, and give wisely,
so we can lend to many nations and not borrow.

Bless our President, vice-president, and leaders of government.
Help them to govern and rule according to your will. Instill in them a
desire to be men and women of honesty and integrity. Their hearts
are in your hands and we trust Jesus, the Prince of Peace to guide their
path and keep us safe from evil and temptation.

We love you and ask you to help us to minister to the needs of the
poor. May all who are in need receive hope, help, healing, employment,
and Jesus as their LORD and Savior. Help us to work together
in love, unity, and peace.

If you are for us, no one can stand against us.

Thank you for fixing the mail machine and for bringing Stephen home safely from
his mission trip.

In the Almighty name of Jesus your Son we pray.
Amen

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ ” (Mark 6:30-31)

How do you handle it when your plans get changed, even for good reasons? Does it stress you out? Do you feel disappointed, angry even? We're going to learn along with Jesus' disciples this week some big ideas about how to handle an unexpected change of plans.

Being one of Jesus' disciples was a crazy life. They were worn out, too busy from ministry with Jesus among the huge crowds to even find time to eat. Jesus saw the problem and said, “Let's get away; we need rest.”

I'd guess that sounded really good to them. They'd just come back from a mission away from Jesus; they probably felt like they needed some time with him that didn't involve hordes of needy people. You might feel that way sometimes. Time alone with God is important. Rest is essential. We're not built to just keep going — even in serving God — without stopping until we fall over.

So the plan was to get a break — but the break didn't happen. Come back tomorrow.

Think: On a scale from 1 to 10, how busy has your life been, lately? Have you been busy doing good things — or just doing? Do you ever get too busy to eat properly? How are you at resting and taking some time to just be alone with God once in a while?

Pray: Ask God to help you to be busy in your life doing things that are worthwhile. Ask Him, too, to give you enough times of rest and being alone with Him to keep from getting too worn out.

Do: Plan some restful time alone with God in the next week or so.

“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)

Did you ever pick teams for a football or basketball game or something? If you're the one doing the picking — and you really care about winning the game — you pick the strongest players you can get first, right? You know you'll get stuck with a few weaker players, and you'll have to figure out how to keep them from making you lose.

Way too many people think God works the same way, that He stands in heaven picking those He wants on His “team” (in “fellowship with his Son”) based on how good or strong we are, but that's exactly backwards.

God looks for people weak enough to know they can never do anything to earn a spot on God's team — and then He gives us a spot and makes us strong enough to do exactly what He wants done.

God wants people who need Him to be faithful to them, not people who think they are strong enough on their own to be perfectly faithful to Him.

Think: Do you sometimes feel like you're always trying to earn God's approval by being strong or good or faithful? What's wrong with that idea?

Pray: Thank God that He called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ and that He is faithful.

Do: Read what Paul wrote about our weakness and God's strength in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

What Is That Sound? (Part 1)

Psalm 89:15

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

What is that sound that I hear?

It is the sound of the people of God, coming up out of the muck and mire of their trials…coming out of the quicksand of financial difficulties… out of the Red Sea of hardships… out of their sicknesses and diseases…

The Lord is calling His people as He looks upon them. He is purifying us unto Himself. He is calling us unto responsibility and zeal.

The sound that I hear is the sound of the people of God coming up. These are those who have been put on the “back burner,” shoved aside and ignored. It’s the sound of those who have endured as they’ve learned to be longsuffering and loving. It is the sound of faith mounting up in the footsoldiers of God.

Through many dangers seen and unseen, through the storms of life and the lions’ dens, we have already come by the Word of Jesus Christ. We’re going to make it, for the Lord is on our side. Christ has purified us for Himself that we might be peculiar people – zealous of good works.

The sound we hear is the sound of the troop of God in the earth. They’re being labored over and birthed out. The travail is bringing forth sons and daughters, who will in turn, bring in more sheaves. These are the people that know the joyful sound as they walk in the light of God’s countenance.

What Is That Sound? (Part 2)

Psalm 89:15

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

God’s countenance is upon all who are coming forth through the valleys of Sudan, the Nile, across the sea, out the wilderness, through grasslands, deserts, villages and suburbs. They’re coming from the Far East, the West, the North and the South.

What is that sound? It’s the sound of beautiful feet washed in His blood, marching and treading the works of sin. Those who are joyful are coming over with great strength into victory.

The sound that is heard is the sound of love triumphing over evil. It’s the sound of the manifested ones for whom Christ is interceding, as they publish the good news of the Gospel.

What a great sound – a beautiful sound – to our Master’s ears, as we go forth without the camp into the highways and hedges. It’s the sound of love, obedience and humility. Only His sheep can produce this glorious sound.

The Saviour’s ears are turned in our direction as we carry on the great commission.

Dearly Beloved, be ye encouraged as ye share Christ and Him crucified. The sounds you are making are noted and your heavenly account abounds with notable entries. You have the attention of your heavenly Father and His beloved Son as you are led by the Holy Spirit of God. Continue on as an indeed disciple of Jesus Christ, the Righteous!

In prayer, the Lord brought this prophecy for His people…Amen.

I love you but God loves you more,

Prayerfully yours,
Lil
You may find the Thoughts of the Day here:

http://www.lillagreen.com/tod/

Lower Your Voice And Shut Your Mouth!

Proverbs 20:3

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

“How do I keep away from strife? How do I shut my mouth? I feel my blood boiling and my temper rising, and I can’t control myself.”

Well, if you have a Bible handy, see what it says about quarreling. You already know that quarreling can affect your heart and lungs, causing even a heart or an asthmatic attack. If one is overcharged with emotion, they might even suffer a seizure!

On the other end, ulcers can form when people strive on a regular basis. It’s unhealthy, isn’t it?

One translation in God’s Word says that “avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.” God gives us wisdom and with it, we can back off from arguments and strife.

We know when the temperature between others and ourselves has gone from warm and friendly to cold and calculating. God counsels us to be slow to anger for that helps everyone to carefully weigh the discussion and see where it’s going.

We must study to be quiet and mind our own business. When we’re quiet, we can reason things out and see where the conflict lies. If the other party is heated up, we must be the one to cool off. We can’t let that hot temper take over. Somebody’s got to speak soft words to turn away the anger! It may as well be you!

God wants us to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving even as He forgave us for Christ’s sake. As we humble ourselves the tension will cease. God works on behalf of that party who stands for peace. So when we make up our minds to please God, and not ourselves, we’ll “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

I love you but God loves you more,

Prayerfully yours,
Lil
You may find the Thoughts of the Day here:

http://www.lillagreen.com/tod/