The Secret

 ^"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:12-13

Deep contentment is generally found when we step away from all of the expectations of others, and the fog of mayhem that permeates this world, to see the saving hand of a loving God working in your daily life as only He can! Contentment is found in the simplicity of a grateful heart embracing blessings received with a clear understanding that Jesus is in control, and that the grace of God is sufficient for you in every circumstance.

Yes, when you come to truly believe that the Lord is with you, working tirelessly on your behalf and paving the way in every situation, burdens great and small seem to fade and fall by the wayside. You are more able to care for the plight of others in most need, and reach out to others in new ways. As your life focus changes from self to God, you are transformed like never before in thought and deed for all the world to see. Even in need, you will reap the benefits of feeling blest!

May you be profoundly blest this day with deep contentment in Jesus Christ, 

and reap the many blessings He holds for you this day!

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Adele M. Gill  2013  Copyright

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

 Recently, I met an amazing, very talented, young musician. From his awesome stage persona to his heartfelt, upbeat musical lyrics to his personal conversations, everything about him seemed joyous, and I knew right away that the joy of the Lord was his strength.

There is a big difference between happiness and joy. Sure, all of us have seen and experienced happiness in our lives in so many ways. Have you ever personally experienced or met someone who has contagious joy like my new friend? If you have, you will never forget the experience...

Happiness is most often a fleeting, personal experience you have when you celebrate an event, revel in a new relationship, or experience something enjoyable. By all accounts, happiness is a temporary state. Joy, however, though similar, is more lasting, and enduring, and is a deep rooted faith experience. To the naked eye, the two seem to be very similar, but consider this truth: The joy of the Lord is your strength. 

Joy beckons you to put aside all judgement of others, all heavy burdens, all skepticism, all hesitation in which way you should go, replacing it with a childlike trust that all is well, and belief that God is in control. It allows you to fully experience sunrises and sunsets with complete abandon, and awe in God's creation.With joy, patience and persistence, blessed discernment is often revealed that is able to swiftly simplify issues with unsurpassed clarity. With joy comes the understanding that there is strength in weakness, and weakness in strength...Best of all, with discernment, a fruit of joy, comes extraordinary trust, and strength in the Lord, in all things!

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Adele M. Gill 2013  Copyright

Beating All the Odds

"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

Life is full of surprises, unpredictable,and can, sometimes, even be overwhelming. Yet when your inner foundation is in Jesus Christ, the waves of the ocean of life will ebb and tide, but there is nothing to fear, as he carries you safely on His shoulders through uncharted waters.

Like you, when I am "prayed up," steeped in prayer, and striving with peace in my soul and with Jesus close at my side, I am confident like no other time. I can see the positive possibilities and envision beating all worldly odds. I can take tough medical news, and face the future with peace in my heart, with sublime confidence that all is well.

By the grace of God, Jesus gives each of us the necessary strength to figuratively hop hurdles of 'what ifs' and hike mountains of fear to reach to the heights to proclaim the Lord's Good News for the glory of God in word and print. All the while feeling ever so blest, while walking in His Light, it is possible to envision healing in my mind for myself and others, to pray for those in most need of His love and mercy. And that would be all of us!!!

For when you believe that your strength comes from Jesus, and that He is with you until the end of time, your life is never again the same... Infirmity is but a passing annoyance, and life's difficulties fade in comparison with His great love! / amg

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Adele M. Gill 2013  Copyright

Getting Rid of Heavy Burdens

 Hebrews 12:1-4

"Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith."

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Let's face it...This life has many ups and downs, twists and turns, storms and burdens, and we are truly limited by our own human imperfections. In a way, we were designed to need God's help in life. For those who keep their eyes on Jesus, there is blessed relief from the day to day happenings that can so easily rock our world. In fact, the closer you become to Jesus, the more empowered you are to easily hop over the hurdles that surround you and those that await you... It's true!

 

Getting closer to Jesus is easier than human relationships, and is a matter of choice...It starts with a powerful, prayerful decision to live a blessed new life, leaving behind your old life . 

 

So go on...Say a quiet prayer and ask Jesus to come into your life today. Let your prayers and subsequent actions bring you closer to Him. Go to The Lord's house on Sunday, help His flock by being there for someone in need, feed and/or clothe the poor, take time to listen to someone hurting with a heavy heart... Guaranteed, if you move closer to Jesus, He will move closer to you, and your life will never be the same!

Dear Lord, 

I pray for all who read this today, may they embrace new life in You, and be profoundly blest with Your unconditional love and an unquenchable hunger and thirst for You! May they receive Your Holy Spirit and become a lighthouse, a beacon of light, lovingly leading others to you You and your flock. 

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

Time to Enlarge Your Territory?

"Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain."

 I Chronicles 4:10 / Prayer of Jabez

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Over the past 2 weeks, this Scripture has repeatedly come to mind. Looks like it's time to join hands with my readers to 'grow' this online Blog Ministry and spread the Good News... 

With readers from Maryland to California to missionaries in Pakistan, to Italy, to missionaries in Africa, Thailand and beyond, this blog has readers sprinkled across the globe! Written simply, as the fruit of quiet prayer, the Lord has allowed "The Inspiration Cafe' Blog" to be read by people of all ages, from every walk of life and diverse cultures, all over the world... even missionaries in Muslim countries!

Sent out by email and posted on Facebook and Twitter to ~ 1000 people each time it is written, the Christian message in this blog is simple, clear and easily shared: The Lord is kind and merciful; Almighty, Omnipotent and He loves each of us unconditionally. Let's work together, to do something really great for God!!!

Helping this ministry is easy...Simply click on  "Like" "Share" and "Retweet" to help get the word out, and pray for all who read this devotional Christian blog. That's it! Please know that your help and prayer support is most appreciated!!! Blessings to You & Yours, Adele

He Helps Me

 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me."   

Psalm 28:7

 There is a beautiful simplicity in today's Scripture passage that is, at the same time, both calming and compelling. After all, who does not like someone that can be depended upon when needed, who helps them when life gets difficult? 

As Christians, we understand that Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit--strengthens and protects all who call upon His Holy Name, like no one else can. For Jesus is The Way, The Truth and the Life, that goes before you to pave the way for you when needed. He goes behind you and has your back in every circumstance. Best of all, He walks beside you, shoulder to shoulder, as your Savior, your closest Confidant, your Advisor, Protector, Comforter, Guide.

But remember this...It all hinges on trusting Him and believing that He has a Divine Plan for your life, because He does! You see, beyond the physical pain and discomfort of infirmity and disability--Beyond broken hearts and relationships on the brink--Beyond the isolation and sadness that can accompany mental illness-- Jesus is there, ever ready to help ease your pain and suffering, to lift you to higher ground, to protect you from all harm... He is there for Y-o-u!

Like any relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ is all about trust. Probably one of the easiest ways to begin your new relationship with Jesus is to pray this simple life-changing prayer: "Jesus I trust in You!" Repeat it until you begin to feel deep inner peace in your soul; then watch your life begin to change and blossom in blessed ways. You will become less anxious as your fears fade  away; more loving and peace-filled. I promise!

May you be profoundly blest with trust in Jesus, and subsequently, 

healing, hope, peace and joy this day. Amen!

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Adele M. Gill  2013  Copyright

Sublime Confidence

"If you proclaim with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him 

from the dead, you will be saved."  Romans 10:9

Clearly, faith is a process, a work in progress throughout one's life. My early faith was initially born by attending Catholic Church weekly on Sundays with my mother and my 2 siblings. Yet, my faith really did not come alive and take root until decades later in my life. Well there's a reason for that ...

There is a big, though sometimes subtle, difference between practicing a religion and having a believing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I am a shameless promoter of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. I pray throughout the day and night and ask for help for many that the Lord lays on my heart, with sublime confidence. The Lord responds by answering these prayers PROFOUNDLY in His own special time and way. In fact, I have seen the Lord answer so many prayers relating to physical and mental health health, employment, relationships, etc..., in so many blessed, countless ways for so many people, I am completely in awe and overwhelmed by His generosity on a daily basis. In response, I find it privilege to continually come back in prayer often, to thank and praise Him for blessings received, regardless of whatever outcome transpires; and the blessings continue to sprout, blossom, and surprise for all involved...Including me!

When you say the above Scripture out loud, you are essentially saying to the Lord that you believe in  Him, and lay your life in His hands, which, according to the Bible, is His greatest desire. Try it, and you will just be amazed at the likes of your new life! Soon you will see His loving, healing hands all over your life and those you pray for, as you embark on a new, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Similar to the song, "You Are Mine," your heart will soar as you revel in His Light, as you begin to hunger and thirst for Him in your life!!! I promise!!!  /

 Christian Song Lyrics: "You Are Mine" by David Haas

"I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear. You will hear My voice, I claim you as My choice; be still, and know I am near. I am hope for all who are hopeless. I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in Me..."

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Adele M. Gill  2013  Copyright