I keep a notebook of favorite scriptures; dreams, (I don’t have many dreams I remember) unusual experiences and conversations relating to God and prophecy. This old RITAN thread is written in my notebook. It was written on September 10, 2012. I was going through a very challenging time and I wrote: “Later at work, I read the “RITAN” blog and the discussion was “If you have been brought to your knees, the devil knows you are close to your redemption – Rejoice! Your redemption draws near. They were saying that this is the point where the attacks get worse because he is trying to distract you to keep you from your destiny because you are so close. It is always darkest before the dawn. If you’re praying and things are getting worse, rejoice! Your redemption draws near!” The ensuing conversations, as I recall, were also uplifting as members shared their experiences. I’ve read, re-read and reflected on those words so many times through the years. Those words have been so rejuvenating to me when in the wilderness. It still amazes me how reading and contemplating scriptures first thing in the morning, renews my spirit. I can totally lose that feeling within the first ten minutes at work and then the rest of the day, but I know that when I sit down the next morning, I can feel renewed again with His word. Engraven on the bathing tub of King Toching-thang: “Renew thyself completely each day; do it again, and again, and forever again”. Henry David Thoreau For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 Christ is risen, and in Him we also have been raised from the dead, first in spirit and then in later in the body. 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33 Being "in Christ" is the key. Though others may abandon us, it doesn't matter. We have the source of life within us. All springs from Him, and despite outward tribulation we have peace. Jesus could triumphantly proclaim He had overcome the world even before cross and the resurrection. Amen. It is done. Likewise, He could extend that peace to us at that time, because that faith in who He is was sufficient to make us a new eternal creation. Thanks, Seeking Illumination. Your comments bring to mind one of my favorite hymns, "In the Garden." My favorite as well! It beautifully captures those moments of intimacy and a heart relationship that speaks beyond what words can describe. Truly this is what are called to, created for and despised by the enemy for! We renew our vows on a daily basis. Asking for Christ's forgiveness moment by moment. And long to love Him more each day! TR You said "...It still amazes me how reading and contemplating scriptures first thing in the morning, renews my spirit. I can totally lose that feeling within the first ten minutes at work and then the rest of the day, but I know that when I sit down the next morning, I can feel renewed again with His word." I feel the exact same way. I know I have to use my little pea brain at work and think on work things, which takes me from my sweet place that I had been in that morning with the Lord. I keep thinking about how wonderful it will be when all I do for all existence will be done in that sweet place and I will no longer have to remove my mind from beautiful things to do my work :yes: :yahoo: I have found it makes such a difference spending time in Scripture each morning. No matter what happens throughout the day, my thoughts have already been affected by being in the Presence of God. Does that make me a perfect angel that day? Oh, absolutely not, but it does keep me going down the right path even if I run over a mailbox or two. 😉 Our flesh will ALWAYS fight against our spirit but having the Word lodged into my head earlier in the day makes it much easier to win that daily battle. Yohanan said “ ... it does keep me going down the right path even if I run over a mailbox or two. ;)” :mdrmdr: Hmm ... I think its a result of drinking waaay to much coffee! 😉 Yohanan- I agree, I don’t feel ready to fight the battles of the day without spending time reading God’s Word first thing in the morning and I work on committing one of the verses memorized to use for the battle and meditate on throughout the day. With the spiritual warfare heating up, it is essential to start the day in full armor per Ephesians 6:10-18 :prayer-hands: :agree Nah! The coffee keeps me alert! 😉 Tammie said "With the spiritual warfare heating up, it is essential to start the day in full armor per " :amen: That is so true! We've been hearing all of our lives to "put on the full armor" but how often did we not and seemingly got away with it. Well, not any more! It has become imperative if we want to stand in today's climate. ~ ~Morning wakeups and nighttime moments with our Lord is amazingly real, .. Christ's very Spirit as our Comforter stirs us for Jesus, meant to know, . resurrection power indwelling the King's kids, , is our Father's delight to have relationship with us . . a most amazing Truth, . . . . God sure did give all He could, deliberate and utterly Sacrificial so that we could experience true dependence on our God and be 'arrested' in Christ's Love . 
very much as close as God's Heart moves us, He shall keep close His own . . ~ ~
