The lies the person said about me made my heart race and kept me up at night. Knowing how to make themselves look like the victim, even act like a Christian, the person slandered me to anyone who would listen. No matter how nice I was to them, what I did, or what I said, nothing changed their vehement attacks.

Perhaps you also have been under attack. We live in difficult times where people are offended about most anything, and we are in a spiritual battle. “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life…” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, ESV).

Those who choose darkness are repelled by the light of Christ. “… the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned” (John 3:19-20 AMP).

The devil hates those who are Christians. Lies hate truth. Evil hates good. Unbelief hates belief.

I kept praying about this person’s ongoing attacks, but I continued to struggle and only found temporary relief. I worried about what other people thought about those lies, and I worried how the lies might hinder the ministry the Lord has given me. I worried and then worried about being worried because I know worrying doesn’t please the Lord. Ack!

Jesus said the truth will set us free (John 8:32), and I so needed freedom. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” I needed to trust the Lord, really trust Him. God knows what that person said, what they might say in the future, and God knows the truth.

Therefore, will I trust the Lord will help me, fight for me, and expose the lies? Plus, trust also means trusting God even if the lies continue, even if I don’t see God working, and even if nothing seems to change.

Jesus said to those who would follow Him, “let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]” (Luke 9:23, AMPC).

Denying ourselves and picking up our cross, means we are dead to ourselves, and dead people don’t worry about what other people say about them.

Our perfect, sinless Savior, Jesus Christ said, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John 15:18-19, NASB).

Because we aren’t of the world, the world hates us, and therefore “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV). Yet Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12, NASB).

So, remember “…even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” ( 1 Peter 3:14-16, ESV).

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are truth and thank You for Your promises. Thank You that You know all things. Help me to take my eyes off of this person and look to You. Please help me to trust You, follow You, lay down my life and live in a way that honors You. May the eternal hope I have in You be evident to all so that You may be glorified and honored. I love You, Father. And, I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who is my Savior. Amen.

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17, NASB)

“For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2, NKJV).

God “…will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy, and he will protect you from false accusation and any deadly curse. … For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and wall. God is our rescue and deliverer” (Psalm 91:3, TPT; Psalm 91:3-4, NASB).

The post, Slandered, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

Darkness engulfing, waters rising around their feet, the father picked up his tiny daughter. “Hold on to me. Don’t let go.”

“Daddy, I’m so scared.” Trying to be brave, trying not to cry, the little one shook in his arms.

“It’s okay. I’m right here.” He gripped her tight against his chest. “I know the way. I’ll get you through.”

The night was so very dark, the way was so very difficult, the water so very deep, desperate to stay safe, she clung to him. “But what if I can’t hold on?”

“Oh, little one, even if your grip let’s go, I won’t ever let you go.” His strong arms wrapped tight around her.

In the torrent of wind, rain, and rising water, she screamed as her hands were torn from his back. She couldn’t see him, couldn’t feel him, yet his grip never let go, and never failed.

The father sat her safely on the shore and knelt in front of her. “Little one, always remember, I will never leave you or forsake you, I will always bring you safely through, and I will be with you forever.”

Hold on to God, and even when you can’t hold on, He will never let you go and always bring you safely through.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. … Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2, 5, NIV).

For, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NASB).

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT).

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).

“…I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, AMP).

The post, Hold on, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

Dmitri, a simple man who loved God and loved His word, lived in Russia when the communists took over. When churches were closed and the communists tightened their grip on Christians, Dmitri continued to openly share scriptures with his family. Through his open windows, the villagers would stand outside to listen as Dmitri told the Bible stories and the hymns he knew. When the communist authorities took notice, they threatened Dmitri, yet he continued to share about God. When those outside his window grew to 150 people, the authorities threw Dmitri in jail.

Dmitri was tortured, yet every morning at daybreak, he would stand at attention by his bed and face the east, raise his arms in praise to God, and sing a Heart Song to Jesus. 1500 hardened criminals tormented him, laughing, cursing, doing anything to try to extinguish the one tiny light shining in that horrible prison.

Anytime Dmitri found a scrap of paper, he would sneak to his cell, and using a stub of a pencil or a piece of charcoal he found, he would write as tiny as he could on the paper all the Bible verses and scriptural stories and songs he could remember. When the scraps became full, he would go to the corner of his little jail cell where there was a concrete pillar that constantly dripped water. He would take the paper, reach as high as he could and stick it on that damp pillar as a praise offering to God. When the jailers noticed, they would come in his cell, take down the paper, severely beat him, and threaten him with death. This continued day after day and year after year.

Much more happened in his story, but finally his jailers had enough and dragged Dmitri out for execution. Seeing what was happening, 1500 hardened criminals stood at attention, faced the east, and raising their arms they sang the Heart Song they heard Dmitri all those years sing to Jesus.

The jailers instantly released their hold on Dmitri and stepped away from him in terror. One demanded to know who he was. “Dmitri straightened his back and stood as tall and as proud as he could and responded: ‘I am a son of the Living God, and Jesus is His name!’”[i]

After being in prison seventeen years, Dmitri was released. What happened to him was terribly evil, however Romans 8:28 reminds us that “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Dmitri hadn’t been removed from ministry in his home and village; he had been given a huge ministry field to shine God’s light in a dark prison. For seventeen years, 1500 hardened criminals and guards had the opportunity to hear a Heart Song to Jesus every morning. How many men were saved by Dmitri’s testimony in song? How many guards removed those papers Dmitri gave to God as an offering, and how many read those words and treasured them in their hearts? How many men are in heaven because of Dmitri? How many families were touched when their men returned home? Someday, when we get home to heaven, we will know the rest of the beautiful story of Dmitri’s faithfulness to God.

Until then, let’s be faithful like Dmitri even during times of opposition and hardship to share about God. Let’s trust God’s timing, follow Him, and walk in His ways, spend time with God and His word, and tell others about our wonderful Savior.

Oh, may our lives be a Heart Song of praise to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1-2, NASB). 

“Go ahead—sing your brand-new song to the Lord! He is famous for his miracles and marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength” (Psalm 98:1, TPT).

“O come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with songs” (Psalm 95:1-2, AMP). 

[i] Nik Ripken, The Insanity of God, B & H Books

The Post, Heart Song, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

What we see as a trap, God often uses as opportunities.

The Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea, but God set the trap for the destruction of Pharaoh and his army (Exodus 14). And, God’s power and protection were displayed, and God was honored and glorified.

Elijah looked trapped by a huge army (2 Kings 6:8-23), but God set the trap for that band of marauders never to return to Israel. And, God’s power and protection were displayed.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were trapped in the fiery furnace, but the trap was set for those who had come against the men. And, God’s power and protection were displayed, and God was honored and glorified (Daniel 3).

Daniel was trapped in the lion’s den, but God set the trap for the destruction of those who had come against Daniel. God’s power and protection were displayed, and God was honored and glorified (Daniel 6).

Jesus seemed to be trapped by the Pharisees and Sadducees, trapped on the cross, trapped in the grave, but the trap was set for Satan’s power to be broken, sin’s grasp to be broken, and the power of the grave to be broken for our freedom (John 10:30-39, Mark 15:22-37, Matthew 27:57-66, John 3:16-18, Colossians 2:13-15).

We can look at our circumstance or look to God who parts the sea and sets the captive free, surrounds his children with His mighty army, walks in the fire to keep safe those in the fire, shuts the mouths of lions, and sets us free from sin and death. So next time you are trapped, remember that trap may be the vehicle to set you free and display God’s power, protection, honor, and glory.

“One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’ For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and wall. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; o Of the plague that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that devastates at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the retaliation against the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, The Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will happen to you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. On their hands they will lift you up, so that you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will walk upon the lion and cobra, you will trample the young lion and the serpent. ‘Because he has loved Me, I will save him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a long life, and show him My salvation” (Psalm 91, NASB).

The post, Trapped to Trap, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

In the early 1950’s in Russia, a group of three youth pastors, even in the face of communist opposition, were helping organize house churches. God was moving, and the pastors felt led to have a conference for the young people so they wouldn’t become discouraged and would know they weren’t alone.

Almost seven hundred young believers met in Moscow. None of these young people owned a Bible, their knowledge had come from family members or close friends who had passed down what they had learned. The pastors asked the young people to get in groups, and like a game, write down what they knew of the New Testament Gospels– Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and also make note of any hymns or songs that they knew.

At the end of the conference, the results of each small group were combined and compared. They found that, “the young people had recreated all of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with only a half-dozen mistakes, and also had been able to reconstruct the lyrics of more than twelve hundred songs, choruses, and hymns of the faith from memory.”[i]

Their testimony is amazing and very convicting. How many scripture verses, hymns, and songs do we know, and how much can we remember?

Time is short, and the environment continues to be more hostile toward Christianity. Let’s be diligent to study the Bible, memorize scripture, and fill our minds and our hearts with God’s word along with songs and hymns that honor our Lord.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20, NIV).

“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMP).

[i] Nik Ripken, The Insanity of God, B & H Books

The post, What can we remember, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com
Photo by Rodolfo Quirós from Pexels

Rubbing tired eyes, wiping sweat from dirty brows, the fishermen again hauled in empty nets. Even with years of experience and excellent skills, all night the men had fished, and yet nothing showed for their hard work. Now on the shore, the three men washed their nets and hoped for a better day.

Then a man came, got in Simon’s boat, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. The man, Jesus, began teaching as Simon listened and wondered. After Jesus finished, He asked Simon to go to the deep water and let down his nets for a catch. The fisherman responded, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and letdown the nets.” When Simon let down his nets, fish that alluded him all night, now jumped into his nets. So many fish jumped in, that his friends came and filled their boats with so many fish their vessels began to sink (Luke 5:1-11).

When money was needed to pay a tax, Jesus told Peter “go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me” (Matthew 17:24-27). A need was met by a fish jumping on a hook.

Later, after Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, He stood on the beach and called to His disciples, but they didn’t know it was Jesus. “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” He asked. They answered Him, ‘No.’ And He said, ‘Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.’” So, they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because their nets were full of 153 large fish!

God’s stories, God’s miracles, don’t end in the Bible or 2000 years ago, He continues to work in our day.

Only a few years ago, hunger growled at the stomachs of four young children. Although hungry, Pastor Manuel and his family made their way by canoe to church. Amazon floods had saturated crops and left them without food in the house and unable to fish in the swollen river.

After the service ended, another pastor asked Manuel if he would minister to a church down river. Planning on dropping off his very hungry wife and children at their home before serving the other congregation, they paddled back toward their house.

Manuel assured his wife, “The Lord will take care of us. I know it. We just need to be faithful.” Being faithful on an empty stomach, and worried about your children going hungry isn’t easy. They continued on their journey in silence.

Then, with a mighty splash, an enormous, fish shot out of the water and landed in their boat. With screams of surprise and glee, they wrestled with a three-foot long, God-given fish. This wasn’t just any fish; this Arowana fish is a delicacy in the fish market that fed their family for a week.

God is a God of abundance, and when God tells fish to jump, they jump with joy to follow their Master’s call. 

Whatever your need, remember God’s miracles continue today, and His provision comes in amazing, miraculous ways. The fish are still jumping!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful provision and Your amazing miracles. Thank You that even the fish jump for joy to do Your will. Please open my eyes to see how You provide, and help me watch You work. And Father, help me to be like those fish and joyfully jump when You tell me to jump. Praise You, Father!

To read the original Amazon story about Pastor Manuel, please visit Kelly Minter’s website — https://kellyminter.com/2018/04/12/a-big-fish-story-from-the-amazon/

From Time with The Timeless One by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/31COyiZ

The suffering of the people in Afghanistan, Haiti, the continuance of Covid, and other disturbing happenings in our world, break my heart and have left me feeling like I’m walking in wet concrete. It’s hard to move, hard to breathe, hard to know what to do. I pray and seek God’s face, ask, and beg for the rescue of His children, the removal of evil, for God to work mighty and show Himself as Lord of all. And, I beg again and again and again for the salvation of my lost family members and friends, and the many others who have turned from the Lord. Time is so short.

Then, I remember our God is ALL-MIGHTY, all-powerful, nothing has caught Him by surprise, and nothing is impossible for God. He is the righteous judge and evil will be punished. He is the Savior who reaches out to the lost and offers His unfailing love and eternal life. He is the rescuer and redeemer. He makes the walls to fall, the miracles to come, the seas to part, the mountains to move. He never fails. He is a faithful God. God is the God of all hope. No matter what is happening in the world, He is a good God, He is in control, and He has His children safe in the palm of His loving hands.

So, this morning I sang along with the song, “Do it again”… https://youtu.be/0B_lnQIITxU and then finished with “Believe For It” by Cece Winans. https://youtu.be/n4ggKHAK_xk

Move mighty God! Make a way where there is no way. We believe God. Save the lost, rescue the perishing, move the mountains! We believe You will do it again. We believe for it!

The post, Believing God will do it again, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

At four a.m., from a sound sleep, I heard in my spirit, “Open your eyes.” In the darkness of our room, I could see a black cloud moving toward my side of the bed, toward me.

I had no fear, just watched, then the Lord spoke in my soul…The enemy will come like a flood. Resist. Stand firm. I will be with you.

As I prayed, pondered and listened, more was given during those early morning hours. Some of the prayer time is personal, but other things I think will be helpful for more than just me. At first I wasn’t sure if I should share the long list of Bible verses, but so many friends mentioned they too are in the midst of a battle and need prayer and scripture help.

The verses I found are in relation to the hours I spent with the Lord. Some of the things He spoke into my spirit I believe apply to us all. Nothing is impossible. Be strong (in God’s strength). I will be with you. Nothing is impossible for God. The enemy means to destroy you, I will use it to free you. To set you free. (I thought of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown in the blazing fire, but nothing was burnt off them except the ropes that bound them.) Hold on to Me. No fear. Do not be afraid. Do not worry or let your heart be troubled. I will give you treasures in the darkness. Peace like a river.  Stay in My Word. The truth will set you free. 

The battle plan — #1 Stay close to God. #2 Stay in His Word. His truth will set us free. 

Whatever battle you face, the Lord has given you His words to help you battle, get through, and be victorious. Make notes, spend time with God, write out what you are facing, pray and ask God for His truth to help you. Use your Bible, and if you have the internet (or smart phone), use of the Bible applications to search based on word or phrases. God’s truth will feed your soul and will set you free.

The verses you find below are ones I found for my specific battle. God’s Word is a light to our path, and whatever darkness we face, His light will shine to give us guidance, help, and wisdom.

As you read through, prayerfully ask the Lord to highlight the Bible verses to help in your journey. God never leaves us alone to fight our battles, and He is all-powerful for our every need.

For my battle, the first scriptures that came to mind pertains to the Israelites sending out their praise and worship team before them and God routing the enemy. “When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.” ~ 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NASB) I will praise the Lord and watch the Lord rout the enemy!

Also, I am safe forever in God’s mighty, All-powerful hand. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” ~ John 10:28-30 (NIV)

“Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” ~ Luke 6:47-48 (NASB)

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ~ James 4:7 (NASB)

“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” ~ Isaiah 45:3 (NASB)

“For thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees.’” ~ Isaiah 66:12 (NASB)

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~ John 14:27 (NASB)

“So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” ~ Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

“He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters.” ~ 2 Samuel 22:17 (NKJV)

“The Lord said: I will certainly set you free and care for you. I will certainly intercede for you in a time of trouble, in your time of distress, with the enemy.” ~ Jeremiah 15:11 (HCSB)

“You will free me from the net that is secretly set for me, for You are my refuge.” ~ Psalm 31:4 (HCSB)

“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:32 (HCSB)

“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.” ~ Luke 1:37 (AMPC)

“… now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” ~ Isaiah 43:1-3 (NASB)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” ~ Ephesians 6:11-16 (NASB)

“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.” ~ Jeremiah 1:18 (NASB)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 (NASB)

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB)

“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” ~ Joshua 22:5 (NASB)

“But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” ~ Luke 8:15 (NASB)

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

“Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…” ~ 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NASB)

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” ~ Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB)

“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” ~ Psalm 32:7 (NKJV)

“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and He drove out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’” ~ Deuteronomy 33:27 (NASB)

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me, declares the Lord.” ~ Isaiah 54:17 (NASB)

“For by You I run through a troop; by my God I leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. For who is God but the Lord? And who is a Rock except our God?” ~ 2 Samuel 22:30-32 (AMPC)

“He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, that He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints.” ~ Proverbs 2:7-8 (AMPC)

“For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.” ~ Psalm 37:28 (NKJV)

“The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” ~ Psalm 145:20 (NIV)

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” ~ Psalm 91:14-15 (NASB)

“…the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” ~  2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB)

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.” ~ Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” ~ Psalm 18:2 (NASB)

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” ~ Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

“He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” ~ Psalm 62:6 (NASB)

“On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” ~ Psalm 62:7 (NASB)

“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” ~ Psalm 32:6-7 (NASB)

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my lovingkindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge…” ~ Psalm 144:1-2 (NASB)

“Stretch forth Your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me out of great waters…” ~ Psalm 144:7 (NASB)

“But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” ~ Psalm 94:22 (NASB)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” ~ Proverbs 3:24-26 (NASB)

“It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” ~ Psalm 112:5-7 (NASB)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NASB)

“But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” ~ Proverbs 1:33 (NASB)

“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” ~ Psalm 4:7-8 (HCSB)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’ For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. ‘Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.” ~ Psalm 91 (NASB)

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; 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 nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” ~ Psalm 121 (NASB)

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3ssA3Mh

I won’t force you to love Jesus, but I will beg you. Jesus Christ, Son of God, God in flesh, offers forgiveness, mercy, grace, and eternal life. I’ve never known a love so pure, so tender, so wonderful as the love of Jesus. He took my brokenness and made me whole. He restored my life. He forgave me for my sins and helped me forgive others who sinned against me. Jesus took my life and gave me His life.

There is no love like the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. No love so great, so amazing. John 3:16 isn’t just a sign at the end zone of a football game, it’s a verse that is truth. Truth about a love so amazing, so wonderful, so divine.

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” ~ John 3:16-17 (NCV)

God loved the world, that means you! God is love, so love is inviting you to be loved. He loved you so much that Jesus came to make a way for you to have eternal life. Oh, I want you to come to Jesus. Your heart is forever safe with Him. When you invite Jesus into your heart, when you tell Him to come in to your life, your life changes from the inside out. His love washes you clean, renews, and recreates you to be the best you that was created to be you.

Oh, I want you to know Jesus. I won’t force you, but I will beg you, please don’t pass up the opportunity to love Jesus. For when you love Him, you receive His perfect love.

Jesus loves you, will you come to know Jesus’s love? I won’t force you, but I will beg you. Please come to the love of Jesus.

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/3xR4Fbp

Years ago, I worked with a man who was an avid hunter. During one of his hunting trips, he climbed a tree, tied himself to the trunk, and kept watch. After several hours, his eyes grew heavy and he fell asleep. When he woke, he looked down to discover a plethora of hoof prints circling the base of the tree. I imagine a herd of deer, walking up, seeing a large snoring hunter, and in response having a dance party while he slept.

Which makes me wonder how often in life I’ve grown weary, closed my eyes, and failed to notice how God was working. James tells us every good thing given and every perfect gift is from our Heavenly Father (James 1:17). God’s blessings constantly flow from His throne, but so few pay attention.

I want to do better. I’m finding the more I notice God’s blessings, the more I see God’s blessings, and the more I notice and see and the more grateful I am. And the more grateful I am, the more I notice, which leads to more noticing, seeing, and gratefulness.

I can even take my hunter friend’s misadventure on another fun twist. Our Heavenly Father is greater than any enemy and Satan is a defeated foe. So, we can be like the deer having a dance party because the devil is bound and conquered.

Even through the difficulties of life, God’s goodness and blessings keep on flowing. Pray for eyes to see and notice the blessings of God, and get ready to dance.

“Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change” (James 1:17, TPT).

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11, NLT).

“May all those who seek you be happy and rejoice in you! May those who love to experience your deliverance say continually, ‘May the Lord be praised!’” (Psalm 40:16, NET Bible).

“Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre” (Psalm 149:3, NASB).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NASB).

Watch video on YouTube… https://youtu.be/K73iN67wNE4

Adapted from, We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe, http://amzn.to/2DzTmJe

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Have you ever been completely overwhelmed at the myriad of the world’s problems, our country’s problems, your own problems, family problems, and friend’s problems, and the many, many problems, problems everywhere? Boy, I have!

To change my perspective, I downloaded NASA space images on my computer screen saver. I first looked at a photo of earth from space. I could see the United States, but my problem was nowhere to be seen, and the person who seemed so huge on earth was so very tiny that they couldn’t be seen either.

The same God who created the billions and trillions of stars, counts the stars, knows them by name, and still cares enough to know the numbers of hairs on your head. He knows everything that will happen in advance and nothing will ever catch Him by surprise.

Zooming out from our problems, helps us realize we are only a miniscule spot in the cosmos, and our problems are so very small when we remember how VERY BIG God is!

God is holy, high and lifted up, Creator of all, ruler of all, sovereign over all, and He is always in control. God’s big enough to handle anything that comes your way. Therefore, zoom out from the problems and zoom in on your loving, faithful, all-is-possible God.

“He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:4-5, NASB

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; what is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him? Psalm 8:1,3-4, NASB

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them has [ever] been forgotten in the presence of God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7, AMP

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Isaiah 41:13, NASB, Luke 1:37, KJV

Therefore, “…I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)

Watch the video on YouTube — https://youtu.be/UEzychQGVpA

The post, Zoom out, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

Throughout the Bible God calls to those who are lost, to the sinner, to come to Him and receive forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Many people can readily quote John 3:16, perhaps even add John 3:17. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17, NASB).

However, have we forgotten what else Jesus said? “The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed” (John 3:18-20, NASB).

God’s pure, wonderful, unfailing love resulted in His only Son, Jesus Christ, going to the cross to pay for the sins of those who will believe in His name. The offer is given, but the choice is up to each individual. “And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but [instead] the wrath of God abides on him. [God’s displeasure remains on him; His indignation hangs over him continually.]” (John 3:36, AMPC).

Some choose Jesus, others choose to stay in the darkness. People are perishing, sin is growing more devious, more despicable, and more evil. If we love people, we will warn them of the cost of sin. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14, ESV).

People say “love the sinner and hate the sin” but how many have forgotten to hate the sin? How can we say we love someone yet don’t warn them when they are on a path of destruction? Sin separates from God. “… your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2, NASB). “No one who abides in Him [who remains united in fellowship with Him—deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin. No one who habitually sins has seen Him or known Him” (1 John 3:6, AMP). 

For those who refuse Jesus, their sin results in eternal separation. 

“If we are not changed by grace, then we are not saved by grace.” ~ A.W. Tozer 

“There must be a divorce between you and sin, or there can be no marriage between you and Christ.” . . . “Let those who play at repentance remember that they who repent in mimicry shall go to hell in reality.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

Throughout the Bible God calls to those who are lost, to the sinner, to come to Him and receive forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Please don’t wait another moment. Please come to Jesus, please “repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NASB).

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].” (John 3:16-21, AMP)

Are you looking for peace with God? https://peacewithgod.net

Do you have further questions about Jesus, heaven, and the offer of salvation? https://lisabuffaloe.com/good-enough-for-heaven/

The post, Please warn them, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

The life you’ve always wanted? I have good news! Jesus didn’t come to destroy the life you have or the life you wanted, Jesus came to give you new life, abundant life, joy-filled, love-filled, peace-filled eternal life!

Jesus willingly came to this earth, the God-man Himself, and laid down His life in place of all our sins. Jesus was sinless, yet took on our sins, my sins, your sins, upon His shoulders. He went to the cross as a sacrifice. Jesus died, was buried, and then rose again to give us a life that doesn’t end in death. Jesus Christ gave Himself up for those who will believe in Him so that they could have a restored relationship with God and have eternal life. Jesus is the way, the only way, to God the Father.

There is no greater love, no love like this, that would create heaven and earth, then come from heaven to earth to save His own creation. God’s love is a love like no other. God’s love calls to you, beckons you, to come to His love. Oh, come to the love of your heavenly Father, come to His Son, Jesus Christ. Open your heart to receive His love, and in return His love will come into your heart to free you forever in His love.

If you want to receive Jesus Christ as Your Savior, would you be willing to pray the following prayer? 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I can never be good enough for heaven, good enough to stand in front of a Holy God. God, I am a sinner, I’ve messed up, I’ve failed in many ways. God, I ask for your forgiveness for my sins. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for my sins and that You raised Him back to life. I want to trust Jesus as Savior of my life. Guide me and help me to follow You. I believe, God. I believe. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ who is now my Savior. Amen.

God’s Timeless Truth

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted.” ~ John 3:16-17 (MSG)

Jesus said, “I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” ~ John 10:9-10 (AMP)

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” ~ Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

For those who come to Christ and make Him Lord of their lives, we have assurance that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT)

“What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.” ~ 1 Peter 1:3-5 (MSG)

So now, dear friend…“May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” ~ Romans 15:13 (AMPC)

(Emphasis added on scripture)

From Time with The Timeless One https://amzn.to/3yzyVsH

lisabuffaloe.com

Are you ready to hear what God can do when you say “yes” to Him?

My writing journey began back in 2000. I attended writing groups, conferences, hired editors, and spent time working in ways to learn the craft of writing and become traditionally published. In 2009 I was blessed with a wonderful literary agent and my manuscripts were pitched to major publishing companies.

Then in 2012, during a time of prayer, the Lord directed me to release my agent and self-publish. Y’all that was HARD! I loved my agent and the agency she worked for. I loved the thought of my books being picked up by a major publisher. Later, God directed me to stop marketing my books and let Him do the marketing. To be obedient to God, I had to lay down my ideas of what my journey would look like.

Following God isn’t always easy, but God is an extraordinary God who guides in amazing ways. Since 2012, I’ve released seventeen books (fiction, non-fiction, and devotionals) resulting in over 115,784 books sold world-wide. (Insert shout of praise to God!).

Now, the interesting thing is 113,715 of those books were given away for free. As my first-fruit offering the Lord, when I publish my books, I give away the e-books for free for the five days that Amazon will allow. And as the Lord leads, I’ll have additional free days. God blesses abundantly when I share what He has freely given me to write.

When God calls you to do something out of the ordinary, trust Him to lead you on an extraordinary journey. Dare to take the adventure with God. Say “yes” to God, and watch what He will do that no man can explain.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!” (Ephesians 3:20-21, MSG).

“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God” (2 Corinthians 9:8-11, MSG).

The post, Don’t miss the extraordinary, first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com

During my teenage years we lived in an old farmhouse. Our water supply came from a well far beyond its prime. The rusty water made it difficult to drink, as well as keep clothing, sinks, and the bathtub clean. Replacing the filter on the well helped, but only for a short time. Sediment and rust would quickly overwhelm the system. The battle continued until my parents had enough money to dig a new, deeper, well to reach a clean and clear supply of water.

Society filters through a world-view tainted by the enemy’s lies, clogged by anger, self-righteousness, pride, self-justification, personal agendas, and greed. Obstructions in our lives can be in place from early childhood by family, friends, and what others believe, whisper, scream, or pronounce. Regardless of what the world and society think, says, or does, the only way to find the pure Truth is in the truth of God’s word.

Regardless of how messy your past, how messy your current situation, how overwhelming life may seem, God’s clean, clear, truth filters away the rust and sediment of the enemy’s lies.

Regardless of what others have said about you, pronounced about you, did to you, spoke over you … God’s truth is you are God’s beloved child and He loves you.

True freedom exists in God’s truth, in the reality of who you are in Christ. Check your filter. Daily. Moment-by-moment. Your thoughts are under attack, your perception of yourself and others are under attack.

Check, check, and double-check to make sure what you believe and what you know about yourself and others are filtered through God’s truth, and The Truth will set you free.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

From The Unnamed Devotional by Lisa Buffaloe https://amzn.to/2Omjv5e

At night when I can’t sleep, I’ll often praise the Lord by going through the alphabet to find names and descriptions for our wonderful God. I find joy as I recount His wonders, my mind settles, my soul rests, and peace enfolds as I drift off to sleep.

Praise the Lord God Almighty, the Ancient of days, who is Awesome.
Praise the Lord who is the Builder of everything, who is my Banner.
Praise the Lord who is the Creator of heaven and earth, God of all Comfort.
Praise the Lord for He is our Defender and Deliverer.
Praise the Lord for He is Eternal and Everlasting.
Praise the Lord God who is a Faithful, Forgiving, Father.
Praise the Lord God who is Great and Good, and Gracious.
Praise the Lord who is Holy, High and lifted up, Healer, the Lord of Hosts.
Praise the Lord who is I Am.
Praise the Lord who is Joy and a Just Judge.
Praise the Lord who is King and is Kind.
Praise the Lord, who is Loving Lord of all, Lord our God.
Praise the Lord who is Mighty, the Most High, Maker, and Marvelous.
Praise the Lord who is Name above all names, Jehovah Nissi, the God over all Nations.
Praise the Lord who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Only true God.
Praise the Lord who is Powerful, the Potter, my Peace.
Praise the Lord who Quiets us with His love.
Praise the Lord who is Righteous, my Rock, my Redeemer.
Praise the Lord who is Strong, Savior, Sovereign Lord, Shield, and Salvation.
Praise the Lord who is True, Triumphant, and Timeless.
Praise the Lord who is Unfailing, Upright, with all Understanding.
Praise the Lord who is Victorious.
Praise the Lord who is Wonderful, Way Maker, Wise and Worthy of all Worship.
Praise the Lord who is eXalted and eXtraordinary.
Praise the Lord who is Yahweh.
Praise the Lord who is God of Zion, Zealous for his people.

What descriptions can you add to my alphabet list?

Praise the Lord with me. Let all the earth praise the Lord!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” ~ Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)

From One Lit Step: Devotions for your journey, by Lisa Buffaloe http://amzn.to/2hKKXw3

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Years ago, the company where my husband worked outsourced his facility and he was laid off. For 448 long, long, long days he searched for new employment. When work finally came, we gathered up two weeks’ worth of clothes, my laptop, our dog, and headed north to Idaho. Ten months later, we were still waiting for our Texas house to sell.

Our temporary apartment was a blessing, but I missed my privacy. I missed a quiet room where I could shut the door and spend time writing and talking with God. I missed my books. I missed my stuff. I wanted a couch that didn’t feel like it was stuffed with prairie dog pelts. I wanted things to be different, and I wanted to be settled. Yes, the pity party had hit with full abandon, and the whine mode clung to my shoulders like a wet rag, and, a wet whining Buffaloe is not a pretty picture.

With my million complaints, I tromped to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. Leaning against the counter, I pondered what really was behind my frustrations. Deep in my soul I wondered if I was accomplishing what God wanted me to accomplish?

Why was I so unsettled? And why didn’t I feel like God was with me?

Then, in my soul the still small voice whispered, “I’m always here.”

Tears fell as all my complaints sloughed off and fell in a heap to the floor.

I should have known God would never leave.

During difficulties, unwanted life changes, and the craziness of the day, it’s easy to allow the mind to whirl with frustrations, whines, and complaints. And, far too easy to wonder in hardships if something is missing, something that keeps us from feeling God is near.

Whining and complaining wasn’t the answer for my unsettled soul. However, remembering God’s truth, the truth that He will never leave or forsake us. The truth that Jesus said, “I am with you always even to the end of the age.” The truth that God’s love is unfailing.

The truth of any situation is found in God’s truth.

You may feel as though you are all alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s promises of His presence, His unfailing love, comfort, hope, and peace abound throughout His word. God’s hope, His presence, His love, is with you, even to the end of the age.

Thank You Father that You promise to never leave or forsake us. Thank You for loving me even when I’m a whining mess. Thank You that nothing is impossible for You. Help me to take my eyes off anything that takes my focus away from You.

Quiet my soul to hear Your voice and stand firm in Your loving Truth that You are always here.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” ~ Psalm 42:5 (NASB)

“…the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” ~ Psalm 33:18 (NIV)

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

“…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” ~ Isaiah 43:1-3 (NASB)

“… I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20 (NASB)

(Emphasis added on scripture)

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/377fqeR

When I think of friendships, I imagine we’re all skating through life on roller blades. Some people with wobbly legs cling on the outskirts holding to the wall, others sit on the floor too unsure to move. There are those who skate with confidence, and in the center of the rink are the gifted ones who pirouette, leap, and frolic with ease.

As friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, we can help one another. Those who are afraid are encouraged by those with more confidence. Fearful floor dwellers are uplifted, shaky legs steadied. Stronger ones provide stability, teaching proper techniques. Then, when the weaker one gains strength, they slingshot off and zoom past as their friend’s cheer their success. That person then helps another, and on and on it goes, until we all skate into Heaven with the people we’ve met along our journey.

I laugh quite often with one of my sweet friends, Teena, about this visual. As I’ve traveled around the country with various moves, we’ve watched as God has led us through trials, heartaches, and joyful adventures. One moment she slingshots past me with an amazing opportunity to serve the Lord, and then another year, God opens a door for me. It’s been a grand adventure. We joke that even with our short hairstyles, our pig-tails are flying in the Holy Spirit wind.

You too have a place. Someone needs your hand, needs that extra help in the roller-rink of life. Others are here for you, holding on when you need a little assistance. In the stands, are ones cheering from the sideline and praying.

I (and others) need you in the rink of life. Your friendship, prayers, your hands, help, and encouragement, they are all needed. Link hands and link shields of faith, because you are needed, and let those pig-tails fly!

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NASB)

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” ~ Proverbs 17:17 (NASB)

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB) Emphasis added.

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3BIJHyI

https://lisabuffaloe.com

The Lord has blessed me to be an author and I long for people to know the wonder and beauty of God’s amazing grace to experience His forgiveness, mercy, restoration, and new life. I love sharing about God through my writing. Therefore, I’m offering all my eBooks (that Amazon will allow) for free this week on Amazon.

Drop by my Amazon author page and download as many as you would like –> https://amzn.to/3i6JMVi

FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE     FREE

“So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” ~ Galatians 6:10, NASB

https://lisabuffaloe.com

With everything going on in our world, how would you like Living Joyfully Free? This week stop by Amazon and download a free eBook copy of my earlier devotional Living Joyfully Free — https://amzn.to/3iGsxsY (Click on the Kindle version and buy with 1-click for 0.00)

Living joyfully free is falling back into God’s arms and releasing your worries, problems, concerns, and fears. Living joyfully free doesn’t mean you won’t have trouble or problems; it is allowing God to take full control—trusting and believing He has your best interest at heart.

This isn’t a regular devotion book. Each page is a stepping stone, a place to pause and ponder, a field to run through, a mountain to climb, a river to dive into God’s Living water. A picnic on the Bread of Life with The Bread of Life. Time along a garden pathway in the sun to be Son-kissed by God’s Son.

God invites you to live joyfully free. Explore how you can start today.

The devotional is free from 7/26/2021 – 7/30/2021

“Calming to the soul and a breath of fresh faith.”

 “A great pep talk for living. Sound advice that has been tried and tested. This book was a joy to read. A cure for Down-in-the-Dumpsters.”

“Living Joyfully free is a devotional that is transparent and powerful. Lisa Buffaloe has a way of communicating a life of faith in ways that the reader can easily connect with and draw strength from. The author comes along side the reader to encourage and equip them for the journey of life through faith in God. A very worthwhile devotional that will empower you to live Joyfully Free.” ~ Cherie Hill

Watch a video made from one of the devotions in Living Joyfully Free — https://youtu.be/Lm4JXK57qgM