Timely Tidbits of Truth 22

Timely Tidbits of Truth 22
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I see consistency as something in movement. A river is consistently flowing, turning, growing, shrinking, yet it is consistently what it is—water on the move—bringing life and refreshing to fish, foliage, firs, and fishermen. I love the freedom and fruitfulness in that kind of consistency! Who but the Spirit can bring the joy and adventure of consistency to our lives?
 

He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], 

as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water (John 7:38 AMP).

 
Face the day, but not anxiously-
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
 
Live your life, but not fearfully-
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
 
Trust in the Lord, but not halfheartedly-
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

#timelytidbitsoftruth #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Does Your Work Matter?

Does Your Work Matter?
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

This Scripture is packed with significance regarding your work. Here are five things to consider…
 
1. “Whatever you do…” From God’s point of view, whatever it is that you are doing is significant. God does not want any of us to struggle with insignificance. Your name may appear at the bottom of a work flow chart, or you may be at the low end of the pay scale, but that has nothing to do with significance. What you do, however big or small, is an assignment from the Lord and that makes it significant.

2. “Do it heartily…” The attitude in which you do your work is important to God. God is saying, “Put your heart into the work I’ve given you to do.” God wants you to approach your work wholeheartedly, with thankfulness and not complaint. Having the right attitude can make all the difference in your day.

3. “As to the Lord and not to men…”  There is a huge trap that awaits you when you do your work to please people instead of God. When people don’t give you the recognition you are seeking, you can easily get discouraged with your work. Trying to please people can also create striving within you and rob you of your joy. God’s way to freedom and joy is for you do your work as unto Him.

4. “From the Lord you will receive the reward…” Getting a paycheck is a great reward for your work, but the reward you will receive from the Lord is far greater. Paychecks will help you with your temporal needs, but your eternal rewards will far outshine and outlast them all.

5. “For you serve the Lord Christ…” You work at a business but you don’t work for a business. You work for the Lord. He is your real boss. Your highest purpose at work each day is to please Him, to bring a smile to His face, and to have Him say over your life “I am well pleased.” At the end of the day, that is what really matters.

#devotional #devotion #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #work

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: The Lord Will Use You

My Morning Prayer: The Lord Will Use You
-Roy Lessin and Marina Bromley

The Lord Will Use You
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

When we say to God, “Yes, use me,” that does not mean that our obedience of faith is complete. We, by faith, have the opportunity to add this commitment to our prayer, “Yes, Lord, use me now, in this moment, if it is Your time.” God wants to use us in His appointed time, not ours. We cannot live a life of faith and put things off for another day if God says, “Do it now,” and we do not want to rush ahead if God says, “Wait.”

He [God] said, “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.”… I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Acts 26:16, 19 NKJV

My Morning Prayer
-Marina Bromley

Father, You are my Creator, my Healer, my Provider, and the lifter of my head, and I trust You with my day-to-day and all of my tomorrows. Help me to discern when opening doors are from You, and to know when Your perfect timing is. Prepare me to receive the changes and challenges placed before me so I might be changed to become more like You. You love me like no other, and I want to share that love with others who don't yet recognize You as Savior and Messiah. Equip me to love and serve like You have. In Jesus' name, amen.

#mymorningprayer #prayer #thelordwilluseyou #discernment #timing #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #aplaceathistable 

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo and prayer by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Timely Tidbits of Truth 21

Timely Tidbits of Truth 21
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Traveling this summer? Be sure and pack Psalm 121 in the suitcase of your heart.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]—From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever (Psalm 121 AMP).

#timelytidbitsoftruth #devotion #devotional #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Please Him!

 
Please Him!
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow
 
Jesus said, “And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” John 8:29 NLT
 
Live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT
 
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 NKJV
 
I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 NLT
 
Live to Please Him, not yourself.
Live to Please Him, not others. 
Live to Please Him, please!

Begin your day with one goal, one aim, one purpose, one plan, one motivation…to please God!
 
To carry that desire above all others means that your heart loves Him above all other things. 
 
Pleasing the One you love will fill your heart with its greatest joy.
 
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:9-11 NLT

#devotional #devotion #pleasehim #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Not Ability but Availability

My Morning Prayer: Not Ability but Availability
-Roy Lessin and Marina Bromley

 Not Ability but Availability
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NKJV
 
When we say “not me” we place the focus upon ourselves, our limitations, and weaknesses. However, faith says, “God can.” God can use me, gift me, empower me, and be to me all I need.
 
Gideon told God, “I can’t,” but God told Gideon, “You can because I have sent you and I will be with you.” When you have Him you have all you need!

My Morning Prayer
-Marina Bromley

Lord, You are gracious and generous, and give us all good things. You walk with us through difficult seasons and provide for our every need. Thank You for Your faithfulness.

When we face new opportunities, help us to discern Your hand and Your voice leading us. Let us not fear, knowing that You can use us, gift us, empower us and be all that we need. You will not leave us, and will grow us through new seasons and situations. Father, help me to feel Your presence in the midst of my every-day and as the foundation in all my tomorrows. I love You and want to serve You with all that I have. In Jesus' name, amen.

#meetinginthemeadow #mymorningprayer #notabilitybutavailability #aplaceathistable #roylessin 

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo and prayer by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Timely Tidbits of Truth 20

Timely Tidbits of Truth 20

-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Enjoy your day…
You get to spent it with Jesus!

In Your presence is Fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

#timelytidbitsoftruth #roylessin #devotional #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

He Is With You...

He Is With You...
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

He is with you—

As your feet bring the gospel, as your heart carries the kingdom, as your hands help the needy, as your voice speaks His words. 
 
He is with you—
As you walk through the valleys, as you climb to the heights, as you endure various hardships, as you live with eternal values in view.
 
He is with you—
As you bind up the broken, as you welcome the stranger, as you build up the weak, as you give a cup of water, as you do all in Jesus’ name.
 
I am with you always.
Matthew 28:20

#devotion #Heiswithyoualways #Heiswithyou #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Don’t give up!

My Morning Prayer: Don’t give up!
-Roy Lessin and Marina Bromley

Don't Give Up!

-Roy Lessin
 
The tree in the foreground of the photo below has a story to tell…
A year ago this tree didn’t look good. In fact, I was ready to have it cut down and removed from our backyard. The top was brown without any greenery. Some of the lower branches were also turning brown. The tree had no density and you could see right through it. So sad!

 
The person scheduled to cut the tree down last fall was delayed and needed to reschedule. Thankfully, I decided to wait. 
 
This spring we’ve had a lot of rain, and the “little tree that could” has been renewed, revived, refreshed, and restored! (The picture is worth a thousand words).
 
What a clear and simple reminder this tree has provided. Never give up on what God can do in your life. Barren places and brown spots are not indicators of final outcomes. Dry times do not mean all is lost. Wait on the Lord. Rivers of living water will come. And when you are flourishing again, remember to never give up on those you know who look brown and parched…and please don’t cut them down and have them removed from your life.
 
The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived (Isaiah 35:5-7 NLT).

My Morning Prayer
-Marina Bromley

Lord, as I look at this tree and read Roy's account of the work You have done, I'm convicted of my lack of faith. Help me to see that the seasons of barren places are intentional to show Your glory and miraculous work in the future. Help me to cling to You during those times, and to not give up hope. You are not surprised, and You will use all situations and circumstances to grow me. Help me too, to show grace towards other people and their situations that You are working in. You never give up. Extend Your grace in me and through me to others. Be at work in us, heal us, build us, grow us! In Jesus's name, amen.

#don'tgiveup #isaiah35 #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #mymorningprayer #prayer #devotional

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo and Prayer by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Timely Tidbits of Truth 19

Timely Tidbits of Truth 19
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Very Good
 
I find I often shy away from things I’m not very good at. There are times when I need to remind myself that God has assured me (and reassured me) that He’s very good at all He does! 
 
 
 ‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You... (Jeremiah 32:17 AMP).

#timelytidbitsoftruth #roylessin #devotional #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

The Lord Is...

The Lord Is...
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

The Lord is... 
My God- my authority and Father. 
My Rock- my security and stability.
My Shield- my defense and covering.
My Strength- my “can do” and “keep doing”.
My Fortress- my hiding place and home base.
My Deliverer- my way maker and difference maker.
My Stronghold- my safe place and higher ground.
The horn of my salvation- my victory and banner.
In whom I will trust- my hallelujah and my amen!

Based upon Psalm 18:2 NKJV:
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

#psalm18.2 #psalm #theLordis #devotional #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

My Morning Prayer: Petitions and Praise

My Morning Prayer: Petitions and Praise
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Some time ago a friend of mine shared this thought with me... 

“The Scriptures we use for our petitions are also the Scriptures we can use for our praise.” 

There is great wisdom and helpful insight in this thought.

Petitions based upon the Word of God are important for us to pray. We must cry out to the Lord in times of need and difficulty.

This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:6 NLT).

In difficult times, we can find the Scriptures to be the source of our petitions as we cry out to God for help. Psalm 121 can be an example of this. 

1I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?

2My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth!

3He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

4Indeed, he who watches over Israel

never slumbers or sleeps.

5The LORD himself watches over you!

The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.

6The sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon at night.

7The LORD keeps you from all harm

and watches over your life.

8The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever.

In this Psalm God assures us of the following:

Our help comes from Him.
He will not allow our foot to slip.
He will keep us.
He will not slumber or sleep as He watches over us day and night.
He will protect us from all evil.
He will keep our soul.
He will guard our coming in and going out.
 
Basing your petition upon this Psalm our prayer can be:
 
Lord, I cry out to You for help. You have promised You will keep me from falling. Watch over me day and night. God, protect me from all evil and keep my soul. Guard me wherever I go and keep Your hand upon me. In Jesus' Name, amen.

 
In times of need and difficulty it is important for us to not only offer to God our petitions, but to also offer to Him our prayers of praise.  It can be difficult for us to find things to praise God for while we are going through difficult circumstances, but we can take the Scripture of our petition and use it as our praise.
 
Here is how you can use Psalm 121 as your prayer of praise:
 
Lord, thank You for being my help in this difficulty. I praise You for watching over my life and for keeping me from falling. Thank You that You never take Your eye off of me, that You protect me from all evil, and that You are the keeper of my soul. Thank You for the comfort I find in knowing You are guarding me wherever I go. In Jesus' name, amen.
 
May the Lord help you to turn your prayers of petition into prayers of praise!

#prayer #mymorningprayer #prayingthepsalms #praisingthepsalms #psalm121 #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2024 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.