THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE

Photo taken by Bobbie Dale Cotton-Arkansas

Created by Sherry Long

Digging a Well Ministries

THE LORD WILL BE YOUR GUIDE

 

 

Photo by Bobbie Dale Cotton - Arkansas

Created by Sherry Long

THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE PRAISED

 

Photo by Amanda Randolf- Kermit, TX

Design by Sherry Long

Digging a Well Ministries

 

 

 

THE CHINESE LANTERN SHOWS US THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT'S INSIDE

     Have you ever seen a Chinese Lantern Flower?  I never realized it was actually a real plant.  I thought it was a plastic ornament used around for fall decorations.  This flower has to be one of the most unique flowers ever created.  It blooms a white delicate flower that eventually get enveloped by a hard green pod.  As the pod continues to grow it changes into a soft orange pod and eventually the orange pod begins to fade away, leaving a web looking encasement around an orange heart-shaped pod hanging inside. 

     As I begin to look at this wonderful plant I realized it was a beautiful picture of what the Lord does in our lives.  He created us in his image and we were pure and white.  Satan came along and engulfed our lives and built a hard shell around us to the point that all the beauty was gone.  Over time, change began to take place in our lives as we allowed the Lord to soften us. After the whole plant has died the orange heart shaped pod within is still alive.  It is the only part of the plant that is not poisonous.  This heart-shaped pod is full of seeds and can be used in various ways. 

     This plant cries out.  "It's not what is on the outside that counts, God looks on the heart."  When all of life has faded away, what will your heart look like?  Will it be filled with seeds that can be planted and lead others to Christ or will it be dried up and withered away like the rest of the Chinese Lantern. 

     I must say I stood in awe as I realized that the Lord created everything great and small to proclaim his deity and his story.  For him to take a plant and for it to grow with that much wonder and amazement shows there is a reason for everything in life.  We were not just placed here by chance.  If the flowers can tell the story of the creation, fall and redemption of man, then why do we struggle so much telling it.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(Psalm 19:1-14)   

YOUR NAME PROCLAIMED

     Today I went for a walk at the park, down by the pond.  There was a bench there so I decided to sit and for awhile.  I began to look around me at all the beauty and then I began to wonder how that some people struggle with the fact that their is a God.

     As I was sitting there I began to see all the different trees growing in that one location.  There was the American Elm, Bur Oak, Red Oak, Cedar and Pecan trees and a spruce of some sort.  They were all mixed together with great vines growing and draping to the ground.  The rainfall here has been so wonderful this year that the grass is almost velvet.  As a child this was the perfect type grass for rolling and doing cartwheels or just lying on the ground watching the clouds pass by. 

     The wind was blowing briskly forcing ripples on the water to move westard along the pond, as the birds swooped down into the water for a drink.  The butterfies fluttering all around the pond, drinking up the nectar, from the dainty flowers that embrace the banks of the pond.

     As I listened closely I could hear the birds singing several different tunes yet in a melodious harmony.  The bullfrogs chummed in, filling in the base notes, as the crickets sang soprano when it came to their scale in the song.  The ducks somehow must have felt neglected or avoided because all of a sudden the air was filled in unison with several loud quacks.  Instantly a glorious sound of a Bobwhite began to resignate from the trees, as the crickets cherped along.  The pigeons softly cued as they strutted around on the grass.  All of this wonder caused me to stop in awe at what God had orchestrated. 

     All of nature was working together to perform the greatest musical of all times right there before my eyes.  My mind can't fathom that someone could doubt the existence of a God, someone who can orchestrate the whole universe to be filled with such majesty and wonder. 

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy,

is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
(Isaiah 6:3)

HOW EXCELLENT IS THY NAME

 

 

Photo provided by Machelle Fischer

 Kermit TX



THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD

    
     Do you ever feel God isn't there?  Do you feel he doesn't love you or has pulled away from you for some reason?  Do you feel his existence is so far from you that you can't feel his presence any longer.  A quite walk in nature can give you a whole new prospective. 

     Today as I was walking in the park I actually had the thought pass through my mind, "Lord I long to feel your presence to know you are here and not so far away." 

     I really do know he is with me wherever I go and whatever I do but today I was just feeling a bit empty and down trodden.  I know I'm not the only one that feels this as I have talked with many who experience these emotions on a regular basis.

     As I walked along the pathway, the trees began to rustle and I gently heard the Lord say, "I am here, can you sense my presence?"  I walked further and the clouds began to take on different forms.  The Lord gently said, "I put those clouds in the sky today for you to see their movement and enjoy the different forms taking place."  The longer I walked the more I saw.  The birds were singing a glorious melody and the hawk was souring the sky with majestic beauty.  As the flowers waved and sent a fragrance or aroma through the air I sensed the Lord was saying, "I painted this canvas for you my child.  I filled it with aroma I knew you would love."  I filled the river with a calming ripple that would proclaim my glorious name.  Can you feel me?  Do you know how much I care?

     There was a squirrel running and jumping with joy and a butterfly fluttering from place to place, painting a beautiful picture of his majestic love.  The grass was so soft and luscious to soften the pathway.  It made me realize how very loved I must be. 

Did he take the time to paint this scene for me today?
 

Did he know that I would turn and walk this way?

Do you know just what I need? 

Oh Lord of all, "You are my King!" 

You are the Father and maker of life. 

The creator and redeemer of strife. 

You gave yourself to set me free. 

Oh you're my Savior, and you love me. 

You love me when I feel unloved. 

You clothe me in redemptive blood. 

You came to set my weary heart free.

Yes, You painted this canvas just for me. 

FALLING INTO THE ARMS OF LOVE

A few years ago during my deepest darkest sorrows and pains I learned to have a closer more intimate walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.  He longs for us to fall into the arms of love and be healed by His almighty power and grace. 

And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:  And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.  When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;  The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me.  In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.       (II Samuel 22:1-7)

ARE YOU READY FOR THE BATTLE?

     An event took place yesterday that raised the statement, "We just need to have faith."  I believe this statement but something seemed to be missing.  As I was lying in bed last night I began to ponder on why this statement was so unfulfilling to my heart. 

     As a very young child I learned that faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.  Also the verse was quoted often in our home, if you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed you can say to the mountain be moved and it shall be moved.  These are great verses but we need to take both of those verses one step further. 

     As I was discussing this faith issue I made the statement, "I feel we need to have faith but with that faith, God expects us to keep certain things from entering into our lives.  As I spoke this sentence I was not fully convinced this was scripturally sound but my heart said it was.  The person I spoke this to disagreed and felt all we need is faith alone. 

     After I spoke that sentence I felt the Lord gave me some new insight to the word faith. 

     Ephesians 6:16 tells us to put on the Shield of Faith.  This verse doesn't say speak words naming and claiming what you want.  It says stand up and be ready for the battle because there is going to be a fight. 

     There are so many people that say, "Just keep the faith."  We need to make people aware that it's not something that is so simple as just a thought process.  In order to accomplish this you have to prepare for battle.

     Now let's look at it even closer.  If you want a "household of faith," then you need to realize that in the battle Satan is going to be throwing darts at your family.  Those darts consist of fear, doubt, discouragement, anger, and the list goes on.  It's easier to stand against these darts when they are coming from an outer circle but what happens when the fear, doubt and turmoil comes from within the home. 

     When one member of the family allows Satan to enter into the home and dwell in the presence of the family it becomes even harder to withstand and fight the battle.  In order to have a household of faith we must all stand with the shield of faith, ready for battle.  We must keep fighting the battle together. 

     If you believe that the other warriors are holding their shield and fighting Satan with you; only to find out that they put their shield down and are dancing and playing with Satan himself than they have deceived you.  They left a part of you exposed to demonic attack.  This demonic attack can wound you and can even destroy your life. 

    So the next time someone tells you to just keep the faith, remind them that it's a battle and it's not easy to keep the faith but that you plan to study out Ephesians Chapter Six and prepare for battle.  Don't forget that the shield of faith is just one piece of the armour and before going to battle, we need to be totally equipped to fight against the wiles of Satan.  It also says above all put on the shield of faith.  This is an extremely important piece of armour or the Lord wouldn't have said, "Above all put on the shield of faith." 

     If you are one of the people who has let Satan into your home and attack your mate and children, it's time you stopped and realized how detrimental it is to have you as part of that home when you are deceiving the family and allowing them to trust you to fight against the wiles of Satan when you are actually wanting to party with him.  It would be better for you to tell the truth so the other members of that family can stand strong and be prepared for his attacks than it would to pretend and then open the door and allow Satan destroy your family while you dance with his angels. 

    For those of you who have had a mate that has put his shield down repeatedly, then it's time you prepare for battle knowing your mate isn't going to cover your back.  You need to be prepared and ask the Lord to cover your back for you.  He says in Isaiah 52:12 that the Lord will go before you and also cover you from behind.  We are all responsible for our own armour.  Be sure yours is ready when the battle comes your way.  One thing is certain, you will have to fight for your faith.
    
     Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  (Ephesians 6:11-19)

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (I Timothy 6:12)