Fret-Free Friday: Nothing Has Stopped in Heaven

Fret-Free Friday: Nothing Has Stopped in Heaven
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Grace still abounds.
Mercies are still new this morning.
Blessings are still being poured out.
Prayers are still being heard and answered.
Promises are still being kept.
The love of God is still being shed abroad in our hearts.
Angels are still ministering.
Jesus is still interceding.
The Holy Spirit is still working.
God is still on the throne.
The return of the Lord is still on schedule!

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns" (1 Chronicles 16:31).

The Painter
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1: 6 NLT).

Life's like a landscape and God has the brush,
His work is in progress, He's not in a rush.
Each stroke has a purpose, and nothing's by chance,
to learn of His wisdom takes more than a glance.
The bird in the nest with its mouth opened wide,
is just a reminder that God will provide.
Now look at the sheep in the meadow so green,
The waters nearby are both calm and serene.
The parts of the picture which now seem unclear,
will take on new meaning with each passing year;
Yes, God is still working in His perfect way,
as He paints the landscape of your life each day.

...

#fretfreefriday #fret-freefriday #fretbusters #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Come to the Waters

Fret-Free Friday: Come to the Waters
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Let us move with trusting hearts into the lush green meadow of God's will. Let us graze upon the promises that keep our souls from want. Let us listen to the voice of the Shepherd who never speaks an uncaring word. Let us drink of the waters that quench our deepest thirst. Let us simply and peacefully walk upon the pathway of good things. Let us be refreshed within the resting places that He prepares for us along the way.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake
(Psalm 23:1-3).

Lord,
I don't know what will happen,
and I don't know what will be...
But teach me to live each moment,
with a heart that's worry free!
...
#fretfreefriday #fretbuster #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #psalm23 #23psalm

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Shannon Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Stay Seated

Fret-Free Friday: Stay Seated
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

You are seated with Christ. That means you are in a place of rest. To be seated with Him means you are in the place of HIS rest and the place of HIS victory. His call to you is not "Work hard to get to where I am," but rather, "Live today where I have placed you—with Me at My Father's right hand."

Are you waiting on God for an answer to something you've prayed about?
Stay seated and rest in His answer.

Do you have a need you can't meet?
Stay seated and rest in His provision.

Are you facing a problem you can't solve?
Stay seated and rest in His wisdom.

Are you wondering how you're going to make it through?
Stay seated and rest in His strength.

...

God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him (Ephesians 2:6 GW).

...

#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin 

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Roy Lessin, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: God and You

Fret-Free Friday: God and You
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God created you, shaped you, and brought you into this world.
Thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel...

God wants you to live without fear because the ownership of your life is in His hands.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you...

God knows all about you. He knows your name and has set His claim upon you.
I have called you by your name; you are Mine...

God is with you. He will bring you through every difficult circumstance and trial.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

God has His eye upon you. You are precious to Him and well loved.
Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you...

God is with you and doesn't want you to be in fear.
Fear not, for I am with you...

God wants you to put your trust in Him and Him alone.
[You are] My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no other God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior...

God is in absolute control.
Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?

(Scriptures taken from Isaiah 43 in various translations. You can read it here.)

#fretfreefriday #fret-freefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #photobymarinabromley

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©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: God, the Healer of Hearts!

Fret-Free Friday: God, the Healer of Hearts!
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

To the saddened heart, He pours the oil of gladness;
To the discouraged heart, He brings a song of hope;
To the lonely heart, He comes with the nearness of His presence;
To the disappointed heart, He speaks a promise of better things;
To the drifting heart, He secures the anchor of His steadfast love;
To the wounded heart, He applies the healing ointment of His grace;
To the soiled heart, He washes with the rivers of His mercies;
To the troubled heart, He soothes with the quiet strength of His peace.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing pains and their sorrows] (Psalm 147:3 AMP).

Beautiful in all your splendor,
I yield to you in full surrender.
I take your yoke,
there is no toil;
Lord, pour on me
your healing oil.

...

#fretbuster #fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #Godthehealer #Godhealshearts

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: God's Word

Fret-Free Friday: God's Word
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God's Word can be fully trusted!

• God does not speak lies (John 3:33).
• God cannot lie because He is holy (Psalm 89:35). God's holiness does not allow Him to lie.
• God's words are wise (Psalm 19:7). He never has to correct Himself or say He misspoke.
• God's words will not change (Psalm 119:89). He always has it right from the beginning!
• God's words are unshakeable. You can build your life upon them with absolute certainty and confidence (Matthew 7:24-25).

There is...

For ever hectic workday, there is a quiet rest.
For every painful moment, there is a healing touch.
For every hurtful feeling, there is a deeper joy.
For every disappointment, there is a love that means so much.
For every doubting question, there is a guiding truth.
For every wounding heartache, there is a healing balm.
For every pressing deadline, there is a boundless grace.
For every tribulation, there is a peace that brings calm.
...

#fretfreefriday #fretfree #fretbusters #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Nothing

Fret-Free Friday: Nothing
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God's plan for you and care for you have nothing to do with chance, fate, or luck. His plan and care for you are solid. They're built upon a Rock—Jesus Christ—and established on truth, grounded in love, carried out by omnipotence, secured by providence, watched over by omnipresence, and determined by omniscience.

"We labor to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to take it for us...Anxiety makes us doubt God's loving-kindness, and thus our love to Him grows cold, we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God...If through simple faith in His promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon Him, and are "anxious for nothing" because He undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to Him, and strengthen us against much temptation." - C.H. Spurgeon, Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, Morning, May 26

I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27 AMP)

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#nothing #anything #fretfreefriday #fretfree #fretbusters #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Because

Fret-Free Friday: Because
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Because...

Because God's kingdom is unshakeable, we don't need to steady it.
Because God's provision of salvation is complete, we don't need to improve it.
Because God's love is boundless, we don't need to hoard it.
Because God's way is the best way, we don't need to change it.
Because God's Word is truth, we don't need to spin it.
Because God's hand can open any door, we don't need to force it.
Because God's timing is perfect, we don't need to rush it.
Because God's plan for us comes from a Father's heart, we don't need to fight it.

He Giveth More Grace

When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

-Annie Johnson Flint
(1866-1932)

.....

#meetinginthemeadow #because #fretbuster #fretfreefriday #fretfree #roylessin #anniejohnsonflint #hegivethmoregrace

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: All He Is, He Is for You

Fret-Free Friday: All He Is, He Is for You
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Everything God is today He has always been; everything that He has always been He will always be.

Yesterday, God was with you. Today, God is with you. Tomorrow, God will be with you.

Was He your peace yesterday? He will be your peace today. Is He your peace today? He will be your peace tomorrow. Is He your provider today? He will be your provider tomorrow.

The psalmist wrote:
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages] (Isaiah 26:3-4 AMP).

...

God is
all that is good,
all that is right,
all that is love.
He's in control of
all that concerns you!
-Roy Lessin
...

#fretfreefriday #fretbuster #allheis #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Peace Beyond Our Understanding

Fret-Free Friday: Peace Beyond Our Understanding
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 GW).

We don't need to know everything, have everything, or figure everything out to experience peace. In this life on earth, not everything will be known, understood, explained, or resolved. We need to let go of the idea that we must be in control of our lives, our families, and our future. God's control over us is enough. We can trust Him and walk in His peace.

...

Gaze into the mirror
    at the look upon your face.
Is it tense and full of worry
    or calm and full of grace?
Gaze into the mirror
    and see what's shining through.
Does it show a heart that's trusting
    in the One who cares for you?

-Roy Lessin

...

#peace #meetinginthemeadow #Godspeace #roylessin #fretfreefriday #fretfree

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: A Proclamation of Hope

Fret-Free Friday: A Proclamation of Hope
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

A Proclamation of Hope

[We] rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).

God, You are glorious! Because of who You are, I have hope in what You've promised to do. My future truly is as bright as the light on Your face that reflects it, as sure as the words upon Your lips that proclaim it, as powerful as the strength of Your right hand that performs to bring it about.

I am confident there are desirable things ahead because You are good. There are perfect things ahead because You are without fault. There are abundant things ahead because You are generous. There are undefiled things ahead because You are holy. There are amazing things ahead because You are wondrous. There are huge things ahead because Your heart is so big.

...

#roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #proclamationofhope #fretbuster #fretfreefriday

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: God's Promises

Fret-Free Friday: God's Promises
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God's Promises
You can trust God's promises absolutely!

• He will never forget a promise He's made. (God knows all things.)
• He will never promise more than He is able to do. (With God, nothing is impossible.)
• He will never promise something He has no intention of doing. (God can't and won't lie.)
• He will never fail to fulfill a promise because of distractions. (With God there is no shadow of turning.)

Thinking "What will happen to me?" can move you away from God's grace by opening the door for your imagination to fill in the blanks with fear and worry.

You need grace for each issue you face. God is the source of all the grace you need, and He will not skimp or hold back any portion you need for today's journey. Tomorrow's grace will be yours tomorrow, and it also will be more than sufficient.

God is able to make all grace abound toward you. -2 Corinthians 9:8
...

#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #fretbusters #grace #godspromises

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: To Be Still

Fret-Free Friday: To Be Still
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

To Be Still...
    Trust is a must.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3-4).

    Rest works best.

One handful of peace and quiet is better than two handfuls of hard work and of trying to catch the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:6 GW). 

    Peace brings release.

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me (Psalm 55:18).

My Shepherd

There's a roadblock on my pathway,
And I fear that I will stray.
I must walk where You are leading,
Oh, my Shepherd, clear the way.
There's a pace that's very hectic,
That pursues me through the day.
How I long for quiet waters,
Oh, my Shepherd, lead the way.
There's a call to bring You glory,
But I'm just a jar of clay.
Lord, you know my every weakness,
Oh, my Shepherd, be the way.

-Roy Lessin

...

#myshepherd #fretfreefriday #fretbuster #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: He Is

Fret-Free Friday: He Is
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

The Lord's presence in your life is not a small thing or a big thing—it is everything. The Lord's presence with you today is your rest!

He is...
the guardian to keep you
the shade to cover you
the shield to protect you
the warrior to defend you.

He is...
before you as your guide
behind you as your guard
beside you as your friend
around you as your shelter
above you as your watchman
underneath you as your foundation.

He is the peace that keeps you, the song that fills you, and the love that holds you through every moment of every day.

...

Should I be anxious if God has all power?
Should I worry if He knows all things?
Should I be afraid if He is always present?
Should I doubt if His promises are true?
Should I disobey if His ways are best?
Should I strive if He gives more grace?

...
#heis #shouldi #fretbusters #fretfree #fretfreeliving #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: This Is the Day...

Fret-Free Friday: This Is the Day...
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8).

God is good to you! Enjoy the blessings that come from trusting Him.

His character is flawless, His worth is priceless, His power is endless, His faithfulness is ceaseless, His grace is boundless, His ways are blameless, His name is changeless, His blessings are countless, His glory is fadeless.

This Is the Day the Lord Has Made

Your theme song for the day is "Rejoice!"

"This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

Today is a fresh start in His mercies. Live free from the cares of tomorrow.

"The reason I can still find hope is that I keep this one thing in mind: the LORD's mercy...His compassion is never limited. It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great"; so don't ever worry about tomorrow." (Lamentations 3:21-23 GW; Matthew 6:34 GW).

Carry hope in His promises all through the day. At night, God's faithfulness will be there to tuck you in.

"Be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day"; "it is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High...to declare your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night" (Proverbs 23:18; Psalm 92:1-2).

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#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #fretbuster #roylessin

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Refuse Anxiety

Fret-Free Friday: Refuse Anxiety
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23 AMP).

When an anxious thought comes knocking on the door of your mind, you can refuse it entrance. If you invite it in, it will have dinner with you, and if it has dinner with you, it will quickly move in and want to spend the night.

...

Believers have much to gather along the way, while doubters travel with empty baskets.

...

Without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

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#fretfreefriday #fretbusters #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Has He Ever?

Fret-Free Friday: Has He Ever?
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Has God ever left you?
Will He leave you now?

He Himself has said, "I will never leave you..." (Hebrews 13:5).

Has He ever forsaken you?
Will He forsake you now?

He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Has He ever failed you?
Will He fail you now?

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you for forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP).

Has He ever stopped watching over you?
Will He watch over you now?

The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever (Psalm 121:8 NLT).

Has He ever turned His love away from you?

Will He turn His love away from you now?

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP).

Has He ever ceased to be faithful?
Will He be faithful now?

The Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you against the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3 GW).
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#fretfreefriday #fretbusters #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #hasheever

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Count on God

Fret-Free Friday: Count on God
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Do not fret...it only causes harm (Psalm 37:8 NKJV).

If you don't have peace about what you're doing, stop doing it. Most likely it's not the right or best thing to do, or it's not the right time.

"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).

Count on God in everything you do, in every circumstance you're in, in every need you face, in every decision you make.

...

#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #countongod #1cor1023 #notbeneficial

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: Either

Fret-Free Friday: Either
Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, "You will be proved right in what You say" (Romans 3:4 NLT).

Either God is all-powerful or He is not. If He is not, we are sunk. If He is, we have nothing to fear.

Either God is all-knowing or He is not. If He is not, we'd better figure out what is best for us. If He is, we can be confident He will not make mistakes with our lives.

Either God is all-present or He is not. If He is not, we need to find a way to protect and take care of ourselves. If He is, we can be assured His eye is watching us, His hand is upon us, and His covering is over us.

Either God is the Father of mercies or He is not. If He is not, we should work hard to find a way to appease His wrath. If He is, we can, by faith, receive the forgiveness He's provided for us through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

...

Upon His Shoulders, Close to His Heart

Jesus, your High Priest, carries you on the strength of His shoulders to bear you up in all your trials. He keeps you close to His heart with the deepest attention and affection. He represents you before the Father with compassionate and sympathetic understanding.

Jesus, your High Priest, strengthens you and helps you; upholds you and undergirds you; carries you and cares for you; represents you and remembers you. He is praying that you will be fruitful in everything by remaining within the will of God.
...
#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #fretbuster #either

©2022 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Fret-Free Friday: The Government

Fret-Free Friday: The Government
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

The Government (the rule and reign of your life) is upon Jesus's shoulders. He hasn't placed any of it on yours. He has a plan and purpose for your life. He not only knows where He is taking you, but He also knows how to get you there.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3-4).

God won't say or do anything for the purpose of frustrating you, making you anxious, causing you panic, or filling you with fear.

The Government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6).

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#fretfreefriday #meetinginthemeadow #roylessin #fretbuster #fretfreegovernment #government

©2021 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley, used with permission. All rights reserved.