Nov 25, 2025 – Anchored
We had a driving rain in the middle of the night. The horrible sound woke us up. It wasn’t the sound of lighting though, nor the sound of thunder that got us out of bed. I said, “That’s a new sound.” Don replied, “And not a good one.” It was……..dripping! Fast heavy dripping. It was coming from the picture window. We’ve (apparently) let our siding project sit on hold for far too long. It’s important to keep up maintenance (on our homes, bodies, and relationships) because playing catch up can be costly (financially and emotionally).
I thought I also heard a little hail which made me think of my new car in the driveway, that I pray still looks new, and the mobility van, that we are trying to sell. (I pray for God to show us, or to bring to us, the person who needs this van.) It was just this time last year, before we got our own van, that I was arranging a ride in a mobility van through a company that provides such so that we could bring my father to the house for Thanksgiving (since he wasn’t able to get in and out of my car anymore). No matter how trying efforts like these can potentially be, it is worth whatever it takes to bring people together to make memories and preserve bonds.
From the 5/6/24 issue of Woman’s World “Health News” page, there is a little block entitled, “Celebrating the little things makes you happier!” It goes on to say, “Celebrating the little things makes you happier!” It goes on to say, ” Spending time with loved ones boosts joy by strengthening your bonds. To make those ties even stronger, Duke University scientists advised this: when gathering in person or via video chat, celebrate a positive achievement of yours or someone else’s (such as winning a raffle or planting a tree) walk consuming food or drinks. Marking a special occasion while eating and drinking together (even if it’s virtual) shows how much you support one another, making you feel closer.”
JC – Thank Me frequently as you journey through today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught…. When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining…. negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace.”
Utmost – “When a man is first born again, he becomes incoherent, there is an amount of unrelated emotion about him, unrelated phases of external things. In the apostle Paul there was a strong steady coherence underneath, consequently he could let his external life change as it liked and it did not distress him, because he was rooted and grounded in God. Most of us are not spiritually coherent because we are more concerned about being coherent externally…. The great basis of [Paul’s] coherence was the agony of God in the Redemption of the world, viz., the Cross of Jesus Christ. Re-state yourself to what you believe, then do away with as much of it as possible, and get back to the bedrock of the Cross of Christ. In external history the Cross is an infinitesimal thing; from the Bible point of view it is of more importance than all the empires of the world.”
Power – Proverbs 16:23-24 – “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Joyce writes, “These verses show us…our words come from our thoughts…. It is not possible to think bad thoughts and then speak good words, for out of the heart, the mouth speaks (see Matthew 12:34). Many people think they cannot control their thoughts, but that is not true…. When a thought comes into your mind that you know will not bear good fruit or is not pleasing to God, cast it out. Refuse to take it and meditate on it, but rather replace it with something that will produce joy and peace in your life.”
Streams – Ephesians 3:20-21 – “To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory.” Cowman quotes The Alliance when she writes, “In no other place does the apostle Paul use these seemingly redundant words: ‘immeasurably more than all.’ Each word is packed with God’s infinite love and power ‘to do’ for His praying believers. Yet there is the following limitation: ‘according to His power that is at work within us.’ He will only do as much for us as we will allow Him to do in us. The same power that saved us, washed us with His blood, filled us with the power of His Holy Spirit, and protected us through numerous temptations will work for us to meet every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary.”
Prevail #329 – Hebrews 6:19 – “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Larson writes, “Imagine! Though the storms rage and the winds about knock us over, we’re anchored to God almighty…. Remember that God’s hold on you is stronger than your hold on Him…. God wants you to partner with Him to accomplish His purposes on earth. You’ll have to fight for some of the things God has promised you. You’ll have to stand on His word even when it doesn’t feel true. But the battle will be worth it…. Having to contend for the things God puts on my heart while the enemy works to steal my joy, kill my dreams, and destroy my sense of purpose – well, this fight has made me a fiercer woman of prayer…. God’s got you. Live by faith. Pray with power. You’re secure.”
JA – “Remember that your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. This is why it’s so important to be self-controlled and alert! When you let your mind drift out of focus, you are much more vulnerable to the evil one. However, the remedy is simple. As soon as you realize what has happened, you can drive away the enemy by thanking and praising Me. This is worship warfare – and it works!”
