thoughts by Roy Lessin Archives - Page 3 of 12

Published November 3, 2022

Calm

I recently read …

Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor!
Psalm 107:26-30 (NLT)

Which led me to read this…

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:37-39 (NKJV)

Which led me to this…

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw Him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking He was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw Him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, Mark 6:47-51 (NLT)

Which brought me to this…

How are we doing in our little boat of life—as we sail upon the sea of culture’s changing tide, upon the strong winds of adversity that batter against our sides, upon the coming and going of people’s views and opinions that seek to redirect our course, upon the highs and lows of the world’s pressures and demands that put stress upon our sails, upon the churning waters of rebellion and discontentment that seek to overturn us, upon the undercurrents of opposition and persecution that want to push us back, upon the riptides of the devil’s schemes that want to keep us from advancing, and upon the choppy onslaughts of misunderstanding, misrepresentation and false accusation that want to sink us before arriving on the other shore?

Let’s pray for one another and encourage one another to stay in the boat…and always remember that it is not our boat…it belongs to our Captain. His hands are on the wheel, He has set the course, He has trimmed the sail and knows how to use the winds for good. His compass is true, His bearings are right. The boat won’t sink! He will never abandon His post, and He will safely bring us to the other shore.

Do you find yourself battling against a storm of emotions or opposition that is beating against your soul? Ask your Captain, Jesus, to speak to the storm…He still has the power to quiet the winds and bring calm the storm.

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Light of the Lord

Take time to pray this prayer for ourselves, and for the children in our lives.

Promise

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They relish and feast on the abundance of Your house; and You cause them to drink of the stream of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light. Psalm 36:7-9 AMP

Prayer

I thank You, Lord, that You are Light and in You there is no darkness, no shadows, no confusion, no lies, no deceit. Thank You that You are the Light of the World and the Light of Life. Thank You that Your light never flickers, grows dim, burns out, or goes out.

I pray that my children will see the splendor of Your light—that its beam will shine upon their pathway; that its flame will warm their hearts; that its beauty will lift their spirits, that its glow will shine upon their faces.

Send Your light, Lord, to inspire my children, to build their faith, to renew their hope, to strengthen their courage, to lighten their steps, and to encourage them on their spiritual journey.

Give them clear direction, make straight paths for their feet, give them enough light to take the next step, and lead them in the way everlasting.

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Differences

To be a Christian is to be divinely different.—Rev. Ivan Murray Rose

Among you it will be different. Luke 22:26 (NLT)

To live the life God wants you to live means that your life will be different.

It will be different from the times when you lived independent of His lordship, it will be different from the way the world system wants you to live, it will be different from the way the devil wants you to live, and it will different from the way many of the people you know want you to live.

The life God has called you to live is one that is set apart. It is not a life that is different for the sake of being different, but different because of righteousness sake. To walk in step with God’s way means that you are no longer walking in step with your own way or any other way. It means that you are placing your feet in the exact footprints of the One you are following and not running off to follow side-trails.

There are many differences to be found in a life that is following Christ. These differences are seen in our relationship with God, in our place in the world, in our purpose in life, in our personal goals, in our commitments, in our motives, in our values, in our choices, and in our beliefs.

One of the greatest differences is found in the attitudes of our hearts:

We are lovingly different—extending His love freely and unconditionally to others so they might be reconciled to the One whose love is unfailing.

We are truthfully different—believing the truth and loving the truth, we speak the truth and live the truth so that others will come to know Him who is the Truth.

We are mercifully different…knowing that God’s mercies are new every morning, we extend His mercies to those who have sinned against us, with the desire that each life may be reconciled to God through His Son.

We are prayerfully different…we pray in faith, we pray because of who God is and what He can do, we pray because of what God has said in His promises, we pray because we have the assurance that God hears us and answers prayer, and we pray because God has made a way for us to come to Him through the blood of Jesus Christ.

To open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in Me. Acts 26:18 (NLT)

So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 (AMP)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

God’s Awesome Hand

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:29 (NKJV)

The other day I was helping clean some valuable antiques that had gotten covered with soot from a house fire. I approached the cleaning job very carefully, making certain none of the pieces got damaged. The first piece was a tea pot with a floral design. I placed it in some warm, soapy water, rubbed it down with a wash cloth, and watched it clean up nicely.

The second piece was a pottery container with a removable lid. It was made in England and was over a hundred years old. I started with the container. After dipping it in the warm, soapy water and applying the wash cloth, the container began to sparkle. When I finished, I picked up the lid. “This should clean up easily,” I thought.

I put the lid through the same cleaning cycle as the tea pot and the container. The soot began to disappear. On the top of the lid was a small raised knob that was part of the design. As I put some pressure on it to wipe off the remaining soot, I felt it move in my hand. I couldn’t believe it! This lid, that had survived more than a hundred years of use, met its end while in the grip of my hands. I felt terrible.

When I began the cleanup project, I was excited to be able to bring these antiques “back to life.” Even though I tried my best to do a good job, and took extra care not to damage anything, I failed to deliver. It was a powerful reminder that even though we have the best of intentions and try our best to please, we can still fall short. None of us has the power to completely control the things we hold in our hands.

Like those antiques, our lives are fragile, but with a far, far greater value. Into whose hands can we place our lives? Who can we trust to keep and protect us? Many have taken the risk of placing their lives into the hands of someone they trusted, only to have that person fail them and leave their lives broken. When someone we’ve trusted fails us, it can be hard to trust again.

Regardless of what our experience has been with people, God calls us to trust Him. People fail. It is God alone who never fails. People err. It is God alone who does not make mistakes. People disappoint. It is God alone who remains faithful.

It is God alone who calls you to place your life fully in His hand. How awesome is God’s hand! His hand formed the heavens, touched and cured a leper, opened the eyes of one born blind, blessed the children, lifted the lame, washed the disciples’ feet, broke bread and fed a multitude.

It is in God’s hand alone that you will be kept, cared for, and protected. It is God alone who can say, “No one can pluck you out of my hand.”

by Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

If you don’t know Jesus in a personal way you can begin a relationship with him today. The first step is a prayer telling him you believe He is who He says He is and a second step is surrendering control of your will and life to him. These can be communicated in a simple prayer (prayer is talking to God):

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

Mercy – Christ Showed Us the Way

With a dead end before us, Christ showed us the way;
When we walked in the nighttime, Christ brought us the day.
With our faces all hidden, Christ carried our shame;
When we felt so unwanted, Christ called out our name.
With a cup that was empty, Christ brought us His well;
When facing destruction, Christ saved us from Hell.
With our fate like a leper, Christ reached out to heal;
When we lived like a phony, Christ brought what was real.
With our fists in defiance; Christ stretched out His hand;
When our footsteps were sinking, Christ helped us to stand.
With no hope of heaven, Christ came from above;
When our hearts were so empty, Christ poured out His love.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

As You

As you lean upon the Lord, lean trustingly.
As you call upon the Lord, call confidently.

As you wait upon the Lord, wait quietly.
As you depend upon the Lord, depend completely.

As you cast your cares upon the Lord, don’t take them back.
As you look upon the Lord, you will see the face of a caring Father.

As you make a decision, have His approval.
As you hear God’s voice, listen with your heart.

As you abide in the vine, you won’t produce sour grapes.
As the deer pants for water, let righteousness create your thirst.

As you ask God for help, know how helpless you really are.
As you ask God to weed the garden of your heart, allow Him to pull up the roots.

As you use your hands to serve the Lord, moisten them with the lotion of joy.
As you pray, speak as a child, not as an orator.

“The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], Proverbs 1:5 AMP

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

When We Need Him Most

“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things ,may have an abundance for every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

His strongest grace
Is for your weakest moment;
His sweetest fellowship
Is for your loneliest journey;
His richest supply
Is for your neediest hour;
His closest embrace
Is for your deepest sorrow;
His brightest light
Is for your darkest day.

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

God’s Hands

Today is in God’s hands and so are you.

His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.

The hands that hold you will never let you down.

by Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, you can start today. Simply say this prayer and your journey with Christ will begin:

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to trust you from now on. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Thank you for enabling me to trust you in these uncertain times. Amen.

If this prayer expresses what you desire, take this step to respond to God’s invitation. He will forgive your sins, be with you always, guide you each day and give you eternal life. If you do pray this prayer of faith, God will be faithful to his promise and come into your life.

Just as the introduction is the beginning in any relationship, getting to know God is just the beginning. To grow in your relationship with God, talk to him daily through prayer, start reading the Bible beginning with the gospel of John and seek out others who have a personal faith in God. A relationship with God provides an unchanging foundation of hope in a world of unprecedented change. God will give you the strength to face the challenges of each day and to anticipate the future he has a planned for you.

He is God!

Come to Me,
Separate yourself unto Me,
Know Me,
Trust Me,
I Am here:
My love is here,
My goodness is here,
My righteousness is here,
My grace is here,
My strength is here,
My ways, My works, My wisdom, My wonders are here!
Is there anything too hard for Me?

“Know that the Lord, He is God.” Psalm 100:3

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Strength through Prayer

Promise

I love You, LORD; You are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:1-2 (NLT)

Prayer

Almighty God, You are the Mighty Warrior. You are our strength. You who have all power! The omnipotent One. God of majesty. God of truth. God of every victory. Thank You that Your promises can be completely trusted. Your throne is in the heavens and Your rule and reign is over all.

May my children look to You, trust in You and lean upon Your resources every day and every moment. When facing temptation, make them strong to resist and say “no” to everything that would draw them away from You; help them to say “yes” to everything that will draw them closer to Your heart.

When facing lies, protect their minds with the shield of Your powerful truth. When facing deception, keep their feet on Your pathway of righteousness and peace. When facing false accusations, draw close to them with Your all-encompassing, all-embracing love.

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Knowing the Shepherd; The Shepherd Knows You

“I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:14-15 (NKJV)

Knowing His voice means you will hear the voice of clarity and not confusion; you will know the voice of peace and not the voice of anxiety; you will be instructed by the voice of wisdom and not the voice of folly; you will be told the way of holiness and not the way of sin; you will be instructed with the voice of good counsel and not the voice of bad advice; you will know the voice of light and not the voice of darkness; you will know the voice that takes you on a straight path, and not the voice that brings you to a dead end; you will hear the voice of truth and not the voice of deception.

Knowing that He knows you means that He knows you personally and will not confuse you or your needs with another sheep in His flock. His eyes see all the sheep of His fold and yet His eye is personally on you. He knows where you are and will guide you; He knows your fears and will keep you safe; He knows your hunger and He will feed you; He knows your weariness and will give you rest; He knows your valleys and will bring you through; He knows your enemy and will defend you; He knows your dwelling place and will safely bring you home.

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Roy Lessin

Twelve Things God is to Me

Published August 2, 2022

Twelve Things God is to Me

God is…

My Tower that never crumbles;

My Light that never flickers;

My Hiding Place that never closes;

My Shield that has no chinks;

My Guide who never gets lost on the trail;

My Guardian who doesn’t take naps;

My Eternal King whose banner I joyously wave;

My Ocean of Love that never has a low tide;

My Provider whose shelves are never empty;

My Physician who still makes house calls;

My Father who is never too busy to be with His child;

My Creator who knew what He was doing when He made me.

“O God, Your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as You? You are the God of great wonders!” Psalm 77:13-14 (NLT)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Roy Lessin

Refuse Anxiety

Published July 21, 2022

Refuse Anxiety

“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

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

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Prayer for God to Make a Way

“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm]”. Deuteronomy 31:8 (AMP)

Jesus, You are the Way and You are the way-maker. I will follow You as You go before me and prepare the way for what is ahead in Your plan.

I know that You will see to every detail so that what needs to be done will already be done before I arrive…the path revealed, the direction confirmed, the way established. I trust in You to unlock the doors that need to be opened, loosen the things that need to be untied, and remove the hindrances that need to be taken away.

I ask You to provide for all that is needed as I walk along your appointed path. Open my eyes to see the way You are leading, give me the understanding to take the right steps, strengthen me with the patience to move at the right pace, and work within my words and actions to say and do things in the right way.

I trust in You to do what no one else can do, in ways that no one else can work, doing the wonders no one else can perform. Lord, I thank You that You will make a way!

Our Father is always trying to get us to the place of spiritual discoveries…
God has challenging futures for us.
—William Brattle Oliver

God will make a way where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
—Don Moen

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Roy Lessin

Prayer for the Thirsty

Published July 6, 2022

Prayer for the Thirsty

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)

Prayer

Lord, I thirst for You. I long for more of your life-giving, spirit-refreshing, heart-fulfilling, thirst-quenching, life-changing waters of life. In this thirsty land, in these dry places, amidst these empty wells of this world I come to you and drink.

Thank You for promising to satisfy my thirst, to fill my cup, and to cause it to run over. Thank You for giving me pure, undefiled, living water. Thank You for the water that comes from beneath Your throne, from the well of Your Son, from the river of Your Spirit, and from the water of Your Word.

Lord, I come to You, the Fountain of living waters. I turn from every broken cistern which cannot hold water. I welcome Your gracious invitation to come to Your waters and drink freely— without money, without price, without labor, without strife. I drink of You, I drink from You, I drink because of You.

Lord, I drink now. I drink by faith. I drink with thanksgiving. I drink because You have said, “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.”

Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-2, Jeremiah 2:13, Revelation 22:17, Revelation 22:1, John 4:4-15

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

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Calm

Further Reading

Light of the Lord

Take time to pray this prayer for ourselves, and for the children in our lives.

Further Reading

Differences

To live the life God wants you to live means that your life will be different.

Further Reading

God’s Awesome Hand

Further Reading

Mercy – Christ Showed Us the Way

Further Reading

As You

As You

Further Reading

When We Need Him Most

Further Reading