The Morning Watch

The Morning Watch


And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,

Exodus 14:24 ESV

Picture taken during my vacation with loved ones in New Hampshire 

God is ever vigilant, ever watchfully of you. In this verse the Israelites are fleeing from the Egyptians and God has parted the Red Sea to make for their escape. During this time as the children of Israel were leaving Egypt, God had a visible pillar of fire and cloud in front and behind the people constantly, day and night. This was a visual comfort for the Israelites to reassure them of God's presence. The verse says in the morning watch, God looked down. The morning watch as you may know is when someone is posted to guard others in the early morning time, to be observant and to be on the look-out. And when God saw the Egyptians pursuing His people, He sent them in a fury of confusion, sabotaging their efforts to recapture the Israelites. This is the same Lord God who looks over you and fights for your freedom, safety and health. Sometimes these old Bible stories are so familiar to us we loose the real truths nestled between the lines. God in His almighty power looked down from His throne and saw His people in trouble and rescued them. My God, He is a more than a Superhero, He is the epitome of power, love and strength. "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" Psalms 121:7,8
He protects us because He knows we need protecting, He considers you to be His child, we are not left alone to fend for ourselves in this wicked world and what a comfort it is to know that! The daily news reports are saturated with crime and natural disasters that strip the world and leave us feeling vulnerable and alone. "If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent" Psalm 91:9, 10 Those with small children worry about the world that they are exposed to BUT we have God!! God who has redeemed you is a very present guardian, watching over you by His Holy Spirit. Trust in God, cast your cares on Him for He is listening and watching, eager to hear from you. He will protect you from your enemies and shelter you from anyone who wishes you harm. He is our protector and Saviour. In Him we have everything we need.

Dear Jesus, we come to you in a time of turmoil. Our world is full of wars, riots and crime. People do ill to one another and wickedness overflows. But we know that you reign oh Lord and that you see everything and you dispense justice and protection. Protect us as we sleep, protect our loved ones and the precious children. We call upon the Word of God which shows your promise of shelter and we hold true to it. Thank you Lord for looking over us and gracing us with your presence.

Freedom in Choices

"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments" Exodus 6:6.

Bondage -
The state of one who is bound as a slave or serf.
A state of subjection to a force, power, or influence.


What weaknesses keep you bound? Are you a slave to anything in your life? Is it a drug addiction, a bad habit of smoking, eating unhealthy, always in a state of fear and worry, insecurity, negative thinking or even addicted to a destructive relationship? We have so many choices in our lives, but sometimes instead of choosing God's best for us, we choose what is familiar, comfortable and easy. God encourages us to choose life, "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction" Deu 30: 15 I knew I had a choice and I knew that God's way was best for me, but sometimes I would just ignore the truth and chose to do what I wanted to do. Instead of trying to stop smoke you just give in, it feels good so why stop? Or have a physical relationship with someone who does not treat you right, or who you are not married to. Isn't it easy to just give in to the pleasure and have some fun? Don't let the devil deceive you into choosing death over life. Yes it is easier but afterwards the shame, guilt and regret sets in and soaks your soul. But be encouraged! God can and will set you free, He WILL rescue you. When you make that first initial decision to make a change in your life and follow God's will - you will be amazed at how much easier it is each time. Saying no becomes easier to say :) Say No to addiction, brokenness and passivity! Say Yes to God and stand up against those things that hold you down, look to Him for guidance and His power to help you overcome. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you". Luke 10:19 You have the Power of God on your side. Nothing can keep you from the perfect, loving and happy life He has planned for you - you need only look to Him and let Him guide you. Let's choose life together friends, let us all choose to follow Christ!


Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for being my best friend and savior. Holy Spirit please remind me that Jesus did not die on the cross to save me once, but remind me that Jesus continually cleanses and saves me. Thank you for your good and perfect will and help me live according to it and have a life of happiness, love and prosperity. Amen 

Your Body is a Temple

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in  you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought  at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

This is such a lovely verse that speaks to our hearts and souls about the sanctity of our bodies by the Holy Spirit. It is phenomenal that God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, allows His Spirit to reside in us and become a part of our mind, body and heart to ensure we live in love and guidance. Just consider that verse a minute, you have the Spirit of the Living God residing in you. You have the ability and power of the Holy Spirit in you, this is not a gift you have to achieve or earn. This is a blessed gift of love that you receive from believing. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" Ephesians 1:13. The power of the Holy Spirit is immeasurable favor poured out on to you from God. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:23 And these gifts are all available to us through Him.
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you". Romans 8:11. We are sealed by God, for God. This verse is reminding us of that saving power, that against all odds you are bound to Christ and are a part of Him. Therefore honor God with your body, respect it and take care of yourself. Your body is the vessel of which you live in on earth, and we only have one - that is reason enough to take care of it the best that you can and to not abuse it. You are purified in your body, mind and heart by Jesus, so remember that and treat it as such. No matter what you have done you are made perfectly clean and whole by Jesus. Give thanks to God for His abiding presence in our lives and thank Him for the power and grace that is available to us through His Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, we thank you for your amazing sacrifice that led us back to God's presence. It is through you we are healed and you made the way for us to have the Holy Spirit. The cross you embraced was the bridge made to reinstate us to God and we thank you that we belong to you for you are a good God and a great Father. Help us to honor our body and to not pollute it with abuse, immoral sex and bad health. Teach us how to love and honor your presence in our lives.

You Can Be Healed

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD. Jer 30:17

 

This verse is short and simple and can be taken literally. As Jesus walked upon the earth doing God's will - he healed many people. "He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" Psalm 107:19-21. God sent Jesus in to the world to save us, to heal our every hurt. Not just physical pain, but emotional, mentally and spiritual healing. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147: 3. The Lord God who made you, can heal you and cleanse you of all sickness and disease. Jesus' stories of healing people in the Bible are not mythical, magical stories from the past, this is a truth that you can take hold of today. "For I am the Lord, I change not" Mal 3:6. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". Hebrews 13:18. I think everyone at some point asks the question, "Can God really heal me?". Even small things - if you have a headache in the morning, is your first response to ask God to remove the headache or show you what is causing the headache, or do you automatically reach for a aspirin. Sometimes Christians are not sure about the question on medicine or seeing a doctor. For example, one might think, if I am asking God to heal me should I show my faith by not taking my medicine and wait for God to heal me? God wants to heal you, He wants to bind up your wounds and release you from the bondage of sickness. God gives doctors and scientist the knowledge and wisdom to produce medicine, procedures and treatments that help us heal, be strengthened and cured. I think God treats each of us individually and lovingly, every case is different, ask Him to establish your steps and help you. If you pray and seek God for answers for a on-going problem you have, there is no doubt He will guide you to truth and put people in your life that can help you."If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" James 1:5. Inquire of God, hold fast to His truths and believe that He can do miracles in your body and mind just as He has done before and is doing today. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 And in the end, let God's will be done, we can not question His ways but I do know He is in charge and will comfort you and love you no matter what the circumstances are. I pray blessings, peace and good health to you in the Name of Jesus. Amen. Don't stop believing.

Also here are some great books I read on healing:

 - Healing Promises by Joseph Prince

 - Christ the Healer by F.F. Bosworth

 - Be Healed in Jesus' Name by Joyce Meyer

Bright New Skies

What a beautiful day. The sun graced the sky this morning with hues of pink and lavender, the waves rolled with morning vigor, the trees swayed in the lazy sea breeze and I celebrate my 26th birthday today!! I've been in valleys and I have been on top of some mountains and I thank God for every trail and trouble for they made me stronger. I have suffered pain, but every morning brought joy and gladness to see another day. To know that whatever happened the day before - was in the past and it is my gift (and yours) to start over on a new day. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 I thank God for every blessing in my life, my family, my friends, my readers, my job, my home, my writing and my health. Everything good in my life comes from Him and I am so blessed. Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them. Psalm 17:7 Maybe not with riches and material things (they're coming soon though! lol), but with a love so strong it has helped me to move past sorrows and scares. .I am in a place of freedom now because He has taught me how to forgive and how to love, which was something I could not do on my own. So on this bright morning give thanks for all that you have and all that God has in store for you. In our broken world with wars and countless victims, children fighting for their lives and hate, let us learn to love each other and fight for the greater good, to give of ourselves as we can and to stand up for peace and love. Surround yourself with like-minded people who encourage you and inspire you, respect those you work for and if you are in a valley right now -stay in His Word and be encouraged, He has never lost sight of you and is working in the background. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. Psalm 89:33

 I pray His blessings, peace and love be on you and yours, now and forever.

- Krystal
(Broken to chosen)

Desires of Your Heart

"Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"

Psalm 103:5

Photo source by me (Krystal H. Cartwright) Taken in Nassau, Bahamas (Eastern part of the island)

In today's world there is so much focus on desire, money, power, lust, sex, pleasure and gratification. Married couples fall off the foundation of "keeping the marriage bed holy Heb 13:4" and into the "excitement and thrill" of affairs. Young people subject their bodies to sexual lusts that leave them unsatisfied. People use mind alternating drugs, which leave them miserable after the high has faded. We have all put ourselves in jeopardy in some way or another in pursuit of unbridled happiness. Drinking the night away, waking up saying "Oh I'll never drink again", sleeping with people who don't treat us right just for the physical pleasure or just simply for the fleeting comfort. We search and search, we give ourselves away to our lusts, leaving a piece of ourselves in each unfulfilling pleasure. The only true pleasure, the only true love, the only real satisfaction and contentment you will ever experience is in God and God alone - not in a career, another person, money or material things. "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" Psalm16:11. It is only in our Creator we have that peace of being enough just the way we are. Come to Him and open your heart up to that exhilarating truth and love that only He can give unconditionally. "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4. God knows the desires in your heart, come to Him, learn of Him, in His word and your heart will be restored and grateful. "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14 You were not made to live apart from God, you were made to be loved and it is God's love that will sustain you, cleanse you, release you from the world's harshness and bondage. Spend time in His Word, make an effort to pray every day and see for yourself how those pleasures of the world that seemed so important and vital before, can never compare to what you will find in Him. "Casting the whole of your care -- all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all -- on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully" 1 Peter 5:7. Spiritual freedom, supernatural provision, freedom from anxiety and worry, powerful protection, contentment and rest in knowing you are completely loved.

-Krystal H. Cartwright

(broken to chosen)

Revengful, hurt, angry?!

 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”. Luke 6:27-28

 

Whooooa those enemies! This is definitely one of those controversial statements that Jesus made to the people during His ministry. Love your enemies! Pray for those who hurt, abuse, curse, treat you horribly, take advantage of you and make fun of you. Pray for those people! Pray for them to be successful, safe and happy. After recovering from the initial shock of reading this verse we tend to consider who our enemies are. Our minds fly to the office bully, the frienemy that stays in our life even though they continual hurt us or even a family member who puts you down any chance they get. We are taught to love these people, not just tolerate them but love them. Do nice things for them, speak highly of them, be nice to them and respect them. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephe 4:32 I think this is a powerful and beautiful lesson. Jesus endured torture and a horrible death by His own people, but with blood in his eyes and nails in his hands, He looked up to God and said “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34. Mocked, beaten, ridiculed, betrayed and abandoned – Jesus turned around and prayed to God to forgive those same people. Jesus’ words are profound “forgive them, they do not know what they are doing”. The people who upset us most times don’t know the effect they have on our feelings. When we pray for them and love them anyway, we open the door for God to take care of the situation while leaving you in peace, “if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you” Prov 25:21.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are my perfect example. Your life was one of love and forgiveness. Teach me and change me to love others despite the way they treat me. Help me to be your representative on earth so they may see You in me. Help me Lord to give you my battles, to not sit in bitterness and plot revenge. You are My God and I know you will protect and care for me. Thank you Lord for the freeing truth of your love.

Quality Time

Spending time in God's Word is so restoring. It is packed with true stories of sorrow and triumph, epic wars and victories, heroes and justice with His love and forgiveness prevailing over all. He cleanses us with the Truth of His love for us and the knowledge of His grace. There are so many resources out there that can help with your Bible reading - reading plans, Bible Apps, even a small Bible that can fit in your pocket can be a window of hope when things get hectic at work or if your stressed out in a situation and you can't find a quiet spot. Let Jesus and His love for you be your quiet spot. But if you do have time to spend with God - do it! Don't get distracted, spend that time, read the Word and whisper a prayer. You will feel so light and relieved afterwards.

Also for my people out there who don't really like to read, there is a awesome line of comic/ graphic novel Bibles that are reader friendly and are guaranteed to keep and peak your interest, the graphics are awesome! 

Light & love,
Krys

Let Him Bind Your Wounds

 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 

Photo source: Passion of the Christ Movie

Depicting Jesus reaching out to a woman who was about to be stoned for adultery 

Behold this amazing love from God. The God who created the heavens and the earth sent His only Son to die for you. He died for every sin, for every wicked, evil thing you have ever done or will do. First off, when you commit sin, you commit it against God. When Adam ate the forbidden fruit and unleashed sin into the lives of every man after that, God immediately initiate a redemption plan to bring us back to Him. The Bible is a epic story of reconciliation. Jesus suffered a horrible, torturous death so that we might have everlasting life with Him, but also that we might have freedom from the bondage of sin in this life as well. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corin 5:21. God paid the ultimate price for you, for all of us, even His enemies so that we may all have the chance to be reconciled with Him in eternity. We don’t deserve it, we could never thank Him for it, but we can do our part and live our lives in honor and glory of Him. God gives and gives, He holds nothing back for us, in fact He encourages us to seek Him for anything we need. (read Matthew 7: 7) God is a gracious God, do you not see He will go to the ends of the earth for you. You are cherished and beloved, honor God's love with your life. 


Prayer:
Heavenly Father you have shown me so much love. You raised my life from the pit and set my feet on solid ground. You have saved me from a life of misery, loneliness and sin and have given my freedom, grace and abounding love. Help me to know you more, to know the great I Am. As I draw nearer to you, I know by your Word, you will draw nearer to me. I need you every day of my life Lord. Without you I am
aimless in a lost world. You lift me up and call me beloved and treasured. Teach me how to show that love to others in honor of you.

Bring Your Weakness

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."2 Corinthians 12:9 

 

 

Grace is such an amazing reality. To us humans it is a hard concept to grasp. We are born in a world that says do this, do that and do some more, if you want anything you better do what you can to get ahead, besides, no one is going to hand it to you. Grace was a gift from God that took me years to understand and accept. You would think we would be tired of this demanding world and quickly accept God’s grace, but its not always that easy with the mindsets we have developed over the years. How often do you try to be good, how often do you feel completely defeat at the end of the day because you cursed, gossiped, etc. We can try and try but we will never be good enough. But that is ok! We are not meant to be perfect on our own, only Jesus is perfect and if you set your sight, focus and love on Him you will see extraordinary changes in your life. The Holy Spirit will take you over and guide you, He will convict you when you make a mistake and then comfort you with the everlasting knowledge of God’s forgiving grace. Grace by definition is a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior. Only God has the authority to judge you and He declares that you are under no condemnation Romans 8:1.

I am

Copied from Isick Alba via Facebook

Ughhhh One of Those Days??

Stressed out?

 Had a long day at the office? 

Miserable or angry? 

Go outside and spend time in nature's beauty!! 

Look up at the immense sky and consider God, looking down on you in love and care. Take a stroll on the beach, stop and look at flowers, feel the sun on your skin. It's so important that we slow down and soak in life. You won't be sorry. Everyone deserves and needs time to relax, let go and enjoy the moment, surrounding yourself in nature is one of the best ways to do it. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2. Come to God and let him give you rest.  

^_^ -Krys 

Lighting Darkness

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ”John 8:12 

  

Sometimes the world can seem so dark. Children dying, wars going on, violence and murder in our country. There seems to be no regard for life. Mothers are heartbroken, fathers are frustrated or absent. Children have to grow up quickly in order to survive in a world riddled with sex, drugs and violence. But do not fear tomorrow, for Jesus said I am the light of the world. Although we are attacked by darkness everyday, remember your Lord and Savior. Rest in His truth and light. Follow Him and He will direct your path to honor. Goodness and mercy will follow you. He has the light of LIFE, He died so that you can have life and enjoy it, abundantly. John 10:10  Even in your “thought life”, I battled with negative and dark thoughts for many years. Thoughts about your self worth, your future, even how you look at people. Don’t let the darkness turn you into a miserable, bitter person. Let Jesus’ light shine in your life, learn to think like Him. Tell yourself “I am a new creation, God does not hold my past against me so I won’t hold it against me”, 

Receiving Strength

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. Joshua 1:9 
 

My Lord, My Father. My vindicator, my fortress, I come to you in my weakness. Shower me with your strength, purge my fear with faith in you. As the world closes in around me and my fear breeds more fear I will trust in you. Although things seem to be overwhelming and I might be at the end of my rope, help me to always see your light, for you are ever before me. “For the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard” Isaiah 52:12. In you alone I can rest, you lead me to stillness and tell me to look at all you have done for me. My past with you is filled with miracles and hope. You have encouraged me through this trial with kinds words from people and the sweet peace of Jesus that passes understanding. I will get through this! This is a temporary issue and my victory will be in your hands today and I believe in you for a good, healthy and happy future. Are you not the God who rose Jesus from the dead?! Are you not the God who healed many sick, blind, lame and desperate people? You are that same God, you are the same generation to generation. 

Silencing Worry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phili 4:6-7

  

Sometimes fear grips us, fear of the unknown. Waiting for test results, wondering if someone is going to pull through a sickness, wondering if someone is going to come home safe, worrying if you’re going to get that job, worrying how you’re going to provide for your family, how you’re going to keep above the water with bills weighing you down. You sit down and try to figure out everything, calculate your bills over and over and you’re still coming up short. You are not suppose to take care of yourself alone! It was such a release for me when I learned how much God cared for me, while I was a sinner. I don’t mean after I was “good” or after I did something “good” I mean before I became a committed Christian. He cared for me, protected me and provided for me.