Fret-Free Friday: Fret Buster 4

Fret-Free Friday: Fret Buster 4
-Roy Lessin

Stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds. They don't plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?

Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers...So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith? Don't ever worry and say, "What are we going to eat?" or "What are we going to drink?" or "What are we going to wear?" Everyone is concerned about these things, and our heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you (Matthew 6:25-33 GW).

Needy

Jesus, You spoke the word and the storm became still (Mark 4:39). Lord, I need a word like that.

Jesus, You healed—those who touched the hem of Your garment were made whole (Mark 6:56). Lord, I need a healing like that.

Jesus, You gave the spiritually hungry the bread of life (John 6:48-51). Lord, I need to be fed like that.

Jesus, You placed Your hands upon the children and blessed them (Mark 10:16). Lord, I need to be touched like that.

Jesus, You blessed the bread and the wine as You communed with Your disciples (Mark 14:22-24). Lord, I need fellowship like that.

Jesus, You go before Your sheep, and they follow You (John 10:2-4). Lord, I need guidance like that.

Jesus, You promised Your peace and said don't be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). Lord, I need assurance like that. 

Jesus, You lived to please Your Father (John 8:29). Lord, I need a relationship like that.

#FretFreeFriday #MeetingintheMeadow 

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This post originally appeared in Roy Lessin's book "Fret Busters" published by Harvest House Publishers. The book is exclusively available through Blessings Marketplace at a discounted price of $7.99 each +shipping. You can contact them by text any time, or call 318-323-7440 Tuesday-Saturday 10 am- 6 pm. They are located at 110 Splane Drive, West Monroe, LA 71291.

The e-book is available through your favorite e-book online retailer.

©2015, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. All rights reserved.

Jesus: Physician

Jesus: Physician
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

When the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with the tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." -Matthew 9:11-12 NKJV

Jesus is like no other physician you will ever visit. As your Great Physician, Jesus examines you and then prescribes Himself as the way to get well. He is the best thing that could ever happen to your body, your soul, your mind, and your emotions. He can bring healing to every area of your life that needs to be made whole.

As your Physician, Jesus has faced every form of heartache and human emotion. He was a man who was despised and knows how to heal the pain of disesteem. He was rejected and knows how to comfort those who have been ignored. He was a man of sorrows and knows how to lift your heavy burden.

Jesus experienced utter pain and knows how to touch every hurt within your heart. He was acquainted with grief and knows how to calm the storm of anxiety and calamity. He bore your sicknesses, distresses, and weaknesses, and knows how to turn your ashes into beauty and your mourning into joy.

As you come to Jesus, your Great Physician, bring Him the burdens you carry, the pain you feel, or the hurts that have wounded you. Allow His healing balm to pour over you—to soothe, to calm, and to comfort. Receive from Him the tender ministry of His restoring hands.
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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Heather Lee. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus: Rabbi

Jesus: Rabbi
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" -John 1:49 NKJV

Not only is Jesus the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords, the Master of all masters—He is the Rabbi of all rabbis, the Teacher of all teachers. We find His teaching to be very different than that of most teachers we have known. Jesus does not teach us so we can get a good education, get good grades, establish a career path, or get a good paying job. He teaches us so our lives will be changed and will honor His Father.

Jesus' teaching points us to the facts and even more so to the teacher Himself. His teaching brings change to the heart not just knowledge to the mind. Our Rabbi does not want us to simply gain more knowledge, He wants us to know more about who He is so that we can be transformed into His image. As your Rabbi, Jesus is saying, "Know My words and learn of Me; learn of Me and you will become as I am."

The next time you study the Bible, hear a sermon, or attend a Bible class, keep this prayer on your lips: "Rabbi, Jesus, move what I hear from my mind to my heart, to my understanding, and to the way I live my life."
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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: The Shepherd's Call

The Shepherd’s Call
-Roy Lessin

Wait quietly;
Wait patiently;
Wait perseveringly;
Wait expectantly;
Wait eagerly;
Wait hopefully;
Wait courageously.

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord. -Psalm 27:14

Wait with Me...beside still waters, in quiet resting places, within green pastures, as we break bread together at My table, while I restore your soul.

I am your sheltered place. The enemy will flee, the present storms will pass, the howling winds will be stilled, the raging rivers will subside, the darkness will be overcome by heaven’s glorious light.

Wait upon Me...fix the eyes of your faith upon Me. Receive of my mercies. I will be as the dew to you. I will bind your wounds. Let healing come. I will restore. You will be strengthened. Weariness will depart. You shall be renewed. Take heart, it is My Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Wait for Me...with patience, faith, hope, and a trusting heart. My Father is making all things ready. I await His appointed time for the marriage supper of the Lamb. I will return. The things you have wondered about will be known. They will leave you in great wonder and amazement when you see them unfold. Your place will be with Me. You will never be apart from me. I have sent my Spirit to be in you so you can be reassured that what I say is true. 

Be patient, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 
-James 5:7-8

If we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 
-Romans 8:25

#meetinginthemeadow #fretfreefriday
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©2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. All rights reserved.

Jesus: King of Glory

Jesus: King of Glory
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. -Psalm 24:7-8 NKJV

Think of your life as a city that is surrounded by gates. The gates represent entryways into your heart, mind, emotions, thoughts, will, attitudes, motives, and spirit. Now think of Jesus as a conquering King who wants to enter the city of your life. He doesn't enter to occupy one or two areas of your life, but He comes to conquer the entire city—every low place, every high place, every secret place, every guarded place, and every busy place.

As the King of Glory, Jesus is strong and mighty in battle. However, His entry into your life is not a forced entry. He enters your gates as you throw open the doors. He manifests His strength and might not by knocking your gates down buy by conquering every enemy that has laid siege to your life. 

As your King of Glory, He comes to you with the brilliance of conquering love. He comes to free you from every battle the Enemy has waged against you, every lie that seeks to defeat and destroy you, every bondage that has robbed you of your joys, every sin that has darkened your soul, every stubbornness that has blinded your way, every stronghold that has oppressed your mind, every heaviness that has been a weight upon your heart. Lift high your gates, and let the King of Glory come in!

#namesofjesus #jesusnameaboveallnames #meetinginthemeadow #kingofglory
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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus: Tabernacle

Jesus: Tabernacle
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. -John 1:14 AMP

The word tabernacle brings to us one of the clearest revelations of the love and care of God for His people. It says to use that God has chosen to come to us in our need, to draw close in intimacy and compassion, and to cover us with His presence.

When God's people go through great hardships and heartaches we often wonder what can be said that will bring true comfort and hope. One thing we can say with strong affirmation is that God is there, in the midst of it all. This is at the heart of Jesus, our Tabernacle. Jesus didn't stay away from us, hiding from our sorrows in heaven. He came to us and tabernacled among us. In the midst of our deepest sorrows, tears, and struggles, God spreads the tent of His presence over us!

How close is God to us when we face our greatest trials and difficulties? The Bible tells us that God collects our tears in His bottle (Psalm 56:8) and that one day He will wipe away all the tears from our eyes (Revelation 7:17). How close is God to you? No one can collect someone's tears from their eyes while standing at a distance. To be a collector of tears means that God is not even an eyelash away.
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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow, all rights reserved. Photo by Tommi Webb, used with permission.

Fret-Free Friday: Jesus’ Call

-Roy Lessin

Follow Me-
To a place you haven’t gone before,
At a time that seems inconvenient,
Needing resources you don’t possess,
For a reason you don’t understand,
That will cause you to be 
Even more dependent upon Me...
Up the steep mountain,
Through the dark valley,
Upon the stormy sea,
Into the isolated wilderness...
Lean upon Me,
Let Me work wonders through you...
Doing My will,
For My sake,
To the Father’s glory,
With the Spirit’s power.
No sound, no matter how loud, can keep My voice from being heard;
No influence, no matter how strong, can keep Me from working;
No will, no matter how persuasive, can overrule My plan for you.
Let My footsteps be your pathway...
My way will not bring failure, but favor;
Not restlessness, but rest; 
Not regret, but My Father’s approval.
Let Me work wonders through you.
 
“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” Habakkuk 3:19

©2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. All rights reserved.

#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #followme

Jesus: Dwelling Place

Jesus: Dwelling Place
Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

LORD, YOU have been our dwelling place and our refuge in all generations. Psalm 90:1 AMP

One of the saddest stories in life is the plight of the homeless who live on city streets and parks throughout the country. These are people with a thousand different stories to tell but who all have one thing in common: the absence of a place they can call home.

Even more sad is the story of someone who is spiritually homeless. There is no greater emptiness, loneliness, or isolation than this. Jesus Christ came to make His home within our hearts. His presence makes it possibly for every one of us to find our true and eternal home with Him.

The home that Jesus wants to establish within us is a home of splendor, beauty, and tenderness that will always make us feel welcome. A home of love where His arms are extended to help, support, encourage, and embrace. A home of acceptance where we are valued and celebrated; where He is genuinely happy to be in our company. A shelter, a refuge from life's storms. A place of fellowship where our hearts can open up in sweet communion with Him. 

"In God the blessed man finds the love that welcomes. There is the sunny place. There care is loosed and toil forgotten. There is the joyous freedom, the happy calm, the rest, the renewing of our strength—at home with God." -Mark Guy Pearse

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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Christi Slaton. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus: The Image of God

Jesus: The Image of God
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

God...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. -Hebrews 1:1-3 NKJV

Years ago there was a movie titled The Invisible Man. The main character lived and moved about like everyone else, but no one could see him. Even though this man had thoughts, feelings, desires, and a will, no image appeared in the mirror when he stood before it.

The Bible tells us that God is also a spirit and that no one has ever seen Him. Still, He is a person who thinks and feels. He has a personality, a nature, and a character. He is love, He is holy He is good, He is faithful, and He is true. One of the many differences between God and the invisible man is that when God looks in the mirror, and image of His likeness does appear. It is Jesus Christ, and exact representation of who God is in His nature, His character, and His person.

We do not need a physical image of Jesus to know what God looks like. The Image of God is Jesus Christ, seen through the words He spoke, the works He performed, the attitudes He expressed, the mercy He extended, the love He demonstrated, the sacrifice He made, and the gifts He has given.

Because Jesus Christ is the express image of God's person we can gaze upon Him with the eyes of our faith; we can walk with Him in daily obedience, and we can talk with Him in constant communion.
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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Hearing His Voice

Fret-Free Friday: Hearing His Voice
-Roy Lessin

“Is the voice of Jesus the loudest sound within you?” -Don Lessin

In Mark 9:7 God speaks these words, “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” Today, many voices want to be heard. They speak through social media, film, publications, podiums, public squares, the halls of government, and the chambers of justice. Daily we hear the cries of culture demanding change and conformity to its will.

There is another voice-a greater voice, a true voice, a righteous voice, a wise voice. It is the voice of light, the voice of love, the voice of hope, and the voice of salvation. Jesus, the Word, is that voice.

His voice healed the sick, raised the dead, stilled the storm, cast out demons, and forgave the sinner. He alone could say, “I am the way. I am the Truth. I am the life. Come to Me and I will give you rest.” No one else can speak as Jesus spoke.

Jesus’ voice is above all other voices, and His name above all other names. In a time of so much commotion, may His voice of “peace, be still” quiet every troubled heart.
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©2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow, all rights reserved.

Jesus: Unsearchable Riches

Jesus: Unsearchable Riches
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. -Ephesians 3:8 NKJV

Do you know who you really are in Jesus Christ? Have you discovered your true identity, and are you living in the reality of it today? You are the Lord's person and possession. He made you and He owns you. He has ownership of you through creation and redemption. Isn't it good to know that you are doubly His? You are no small thing to Him and your life is no small matter in His loving hands.

You are His, wholly and completely. There are no doubts in His mind or in heaven's records. The Devil has no lien against your life. Because of the purchase price that Jesus paid upon the cross, Satan has no rightful claim upon you. You are now God's child. You have been adopted into God's family. He is your Father and you are a joint-heir with Jesus Christ.

In Jesus Christ, there are no ties to your past to pull you back, no fears to hold you back, no chains to keep you back. The Son has set you free—you are a new creation, the old has passed away and the new has come.

Don't ever say, "Poor me." Instead say, "Rich me!" You have been lavished with riches—riches of grace, riches of mercy, riches of kindness, riches of faith, riches of love, riches of salvation, riches of glory, now and forever.
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©2011, 2021, Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Heather Lee. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus: Good Shepherd

Jesus: Good Shepherd
-Roy Lessin, Jesus Name Above All Names

I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me. -John 10:14 AMP

Few names have been more endearing to the hearts of God's people than the name Shepherd. It is the name that invokes thoughts of comfort, tenderness, care, watchfulness, protection, provision, guidance, safety, shelter, and security. The name also creates strong emotion within us because at its root it means "to keep company with, as a friend."

To shepherd is never part-time work. The Good Shepherd will never take His eye off you or leave you unattended. You are personally His and He is personally yours. He dries your tears and expels your fears; He cares for you more than anyone else and loves you more than anyone ever could. The Lord is the shepherd of your soul, the keeper of your life, and the guardian of your way.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23 NLT).

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©2011, 2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission. All rights reserved.