Greetings Siestas and a hug to each of you! What a joy and honor it is to share here. Outside my dear family, there is no other group that I have enjoyed doing life with as much as with friends from this dear community. My name is Lora Lovin Osburn, and I live in Tennessee. I have been married to my husband Gary for 26 years and we have two lovely daughters. Our oldest, Audra Elizabeth, was married last year, and Victoria, our youngest, is studying pre-law. I enjoy the beauty of GOD’s creation, architecture, art, lamp lights, gardening, earrings, poetry and walking with my family and Lilly Belle (our 12 year old Maltese). Some of my best days are Sundays at my church with my family seated nearby, serving on the prayer team, and worshiping and applying the word with them.
We have had a year full of major life events including our youngest going to college, my invalid father moving in with us, our oldest getting married. There were numerous hospital trips, then selling our home, and moving to a new town. Many times the circumstances within the major events made me think that a hidden camera must be following me around! Life just seemed crazy at times. Though I would not have chosen the events of the last year to be knitted so closely together, I can say that my faith is stronger, my family is closer, my friends are dearer, and my sweet Jesus seems even nearer. The abundance GOD allowed me to experience through this year is why every phrase in this verse just lept off the page and into my heart:
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest,
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
“You crown the year”
I see GOD giving a crown at the beginning of the year. I cannot imagine any reality TV show that would start the season by announcing the winner or giving the prize at the beginning. Although it would seem to make for a lackluster, anti-climatic season to know in advance who wins; I feel like GOD has done that with us. Why would HE, who holds the highest rank and title, give a reward of victory, before the season begins? Because HE loves us and is for us! This is going to be a glorious year! I believe that every day of the year is encircled with a diadem from HIM.
“With a bountiful harvest”
Growing up working in our family garden, I thought that my dad had planted to feed an army, and not just for our family, because of the abundance; but Dad was able to give generously of the harvest, and I see our heavenly Father doing the same. When I see HIS overflowing cart of good gifts for us, I can’t help but think that this verse applies to us not only as individuals but also to the church. HIS Word also confirms that the harvest is great in the world. In spite of what we are going through ourselves, there is kingdom work to do! Let’s be active in picking up a basket and harvesting the fields where GOD has placed us so that many souls will be added to HIS kingdom. May we witness an outpouring of HIS SPIRIT on all people and may many lives be impacted by and for the Kingdom of GOD.
“Even the hard pathways”
If I had the choice of “two roads diverged”, I would certainly choose the one that resembles a flowery Monet painting, not a hard pathway. Who would choose a hard pathway? But, that aptly describes my last year. The example JESUS gives when faced with difficulty encourages me. JESUS submitted HIS will to GOD at the cross and wore a crown of thorns. GOD did get the glory with JESUS, and I pray HE does from our GOD-ordained steps.
“Overflow with abundance”
When the children were little we’d take walks to the park, and our youngest would stop and pick up rocks along the way. She wasn’t mining gems; but she was finding delight in the daily, ordinary pathway. Sometimes I just want my path to be easy like the walk to the park; but GOD has crowned the year with so much of HIM, so much of HIS glory, that even the hard, the difficult, the part that I think I’d rather not have, overflows with abundance. Even though we may be walking in a busy season, through a complex or challenging situation, or facing intense personal concerns, truth states that hard pathways overflow with abundance. I love that this is present tense! Hallelujah!!! I need that on my pathway today! How amazing is our GOD!!! There is such a sense of celebration here because HE can be seen, felt, experienced, and praised even during difficult days! Glory to HIS Name!
Let us offer thanksgiving, sing, dance and praise:
GOD pours out abundance on our hard pathways!
Believing that many souls will be harvested and saved,
And at the outpouring of GOD’s Spirit, may we be amazed!
I’m living in and looking for HIS overflowing abundance,
So thankful for this year and GOD’s crowning circumference.
Christina Fort Worth
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (â€Proverbs‬ â€4‬:â€23‬ NIV)
Tracy Pratz, Las Cruces NM
Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5 16-18 NIV
Terri, Harrison Township Michigan
Ephesians 4:29 NLV
Watch your talk! No bad words should be coming out of your mouth. Say what is good. Your words should help others grow as Christians.
Patrice McMurtrey, Crestwood, KY
No dicipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Christy from Holland, MI
“She is clothed in strength and dignity.” Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, AR
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 30:17 NLT
Carole From Kingwood “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”
â€â€Proverbs‬ â€4:23‬ â€NASB‬‬
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.Genesis 50:20 KJV
Roseanne, Tacoma, WA
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to (audaciously) stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV
Shannon Pate
Little Rock, Arkansas
Jeremiah 33:3 (NASB)
“Call to me and I will answer you and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” (KJV) says “I will show you”
Margie Rodriguez, San Angelo, Texas
Proverbs 3:9 NIV
Honor the Lord from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;
Tammy Smith
Grayson La.
Psalms 66:11 NLT
You crown the year a bountiful harvest,
Even the hard pathways overflow with abundance .
Allison, Pittsburg, Tx
Grace, mercy and peace from God the
Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s
son, will be with us in truth and love.
2John 1:3 NIV
Emily- Warsaw, IN
Jesus said: ” Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.” Luke 6:37
Amanda Porter. Kansas City, Missouri. “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” -Psalm‬ â€63:3‬ â€ES(ESV$
Deb Hansard, E Tennessee
When you said, “Seek Muy face,” My heart said to you, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 NKJV
Still awaiting a response from the moderator from Monday.
Deb Hansard, E Tennessee
September 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm
When you said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to you, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 NKJV
Woodburn, IN
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesud Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom abd revelation, so that you may know Him better.
He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will not slumber or sleep.
Psalms 121 3-4
Jen from Wyoming
For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18 NET
Jackie Watson from Marietta, Ga. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Mary Newberry – New Smyrna Beach, FL
Luke 10:19 TLB
19 And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them. Nothing shall injure you!
Malinda Guider, Chattanooga, Tn-“The LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.”. Proverbs 18:10-NASB
Liz, Round Rock, TX
Now my soul has become become troubled, and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour. ‘Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice came out of heave: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
John 12:27-28 NASB
Lori Eagen. Windsor Ontario Canada. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Lynda S. from Brockville, Ontario
“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”
â€â€Ephesians‬ â€3:6‬ â€NIV‬‬
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
â€â€Hebrews‬ â€12:1-3‬ â€NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/heb.12.1-3.niv
Kari Hawkins Canton, Ga
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you”
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Ashley
Alexandria, La 71303
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thought and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23 NLT
The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19 :23 NIV
Diane S., Macungie, PA
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
â€â€Joshua‬ â€1:9‬ â€NIV‬‬
Dallas, GA
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV
Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
Psalm 91:14 (NLT)
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
Candice Simpson
Bloomington, Indiana
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Annette Green, Roach, MO
HSCB Psalm 18:14 “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”
Eugene, OR
NKJV James 3:18 “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Jacquie Terada from Mt.Vernon Wa
Lord remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4 NLT
Nancy English, Laramie, Wyoming
Wait for the Lord & be strong & take heart & wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NIV
Alesha, Charlotte, NC
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11 NKJV
Mary Thomas
Lexington, KY
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
-Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. NIV
Forgot to add…
Jenny Fridge
Richmond, TX
Linda – Xenia, Ohio 45385
Ephesians 4:5-6 (ESV)
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Alissa; Lexington, SC:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Susan Jasper, TN
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
South Bend, IN
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”
â€â€Psalms‬ â€19:14‬ â€NASB‬‬
Vickie Gray
Wichita Falls, Tx
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone,
O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalms 4:8 NLT
Karen Stark
Tallahassee, FL
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16 ESV
Kelly, CA
“Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” Jude 1:2 NIV
Following the abundance theme, this will be my prayer for others over the next two weeks.
Karen
Bingham Lake, MN
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:6 ESV
Maureen, Pascoag, RI
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:29
NRSV
Toni Schumacher Amarillo Texas
Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV