"I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." ~Rom 12:1~
What is my reasonable service? To love God, to keep Him first, to obey all His commandments, not just those I choose. How well do I do any of these?
As we approach the new year, we all will be filled with resolutions to do better, to be better...I just want to be closer. To live closer to God in 2010 than I did in 2009. I want to touch twice as many lives for Christ, 3 times as many. I just want to dwell in His presense, live in His favor, hover under His covering. I owe Him my life, I owe Him everything.
My devotion this morning had the following quote from Joni Erikson Tada:
"You are about to turn the corner into a brand new year. It is my prayer that the plans, decisions, and choices you make, the way you will spend your time, the thoughts you entertain and the company you keep, the manner in which you live before others, all of it will point to Jesus. May His glory go before you in the new year, friend!"
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Journey Back
"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered...So all that went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child" ~Luke 2:1-4~
As we watched the movie The Nativity, I thought so much about the journey Joseph and Mary made together. They knew each other, but had not spent much time alone. It was a difficult journey, long in travel, especially for a pregnant girl. I'm sure she was self-conscious of all her body changes in front of this man she was to marry, and she probably wondered how she would deliver a baby with this man she barely knew. I imagine this was a great time of bonding for them, learning each other, seeing what it would be like to dwell together as life partners.
The journey back for all of us can be filled with unknowns. But it can be an intimate time of bonding with our Heavenly Father, our partner for life. Take the journey set before you. Embrace the challenge. Trust the One who holds your future in His hands.
As we watched the movie The Nativity, I thought so much about the journey Joseph and Mary made together. They knew each other, but had not spent much time alone. It was a difficult journey, long in travel, especially for a pregnant girl. I'm sure she was self-conscious of all her body changes in front of this man she was to marry, and she probably wondered how she would deliver a baby with this man she barely knew. I imagine this was a great time of bonding for them, learning each other, seeing what it would be like to dwell together as life partners.
The journey back for all of us can be filled with unknowns. But it can be an intimate time of bonding with our Heavenly Father, our partner for life. Take the journey set before you. Embrace the challenge. Trust the One who holds your future in His hands.
Monday, December 21, 2009
At Any State
"So the men said to her: 'We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household to your own home" ~Josh 2:17-18~
This is the story of Rahab. And oh what a powerful story it is! Our pastor preached an awesome message on it recently and the Lord led me back there tonight.
Joshua was the new leader of the Israelite people. God promised him that they could overtake the land as an inheritance. So, Joshua sends two spies into the land. He wanted man's opinion to be sure it could be done!
You have to remember, this is the same promised land that Moses led the children of Israel searching for in the wilderness for 40 years--40 years searching! Now, with Moses passed away, and a new leader in command, God reinforces the promise. I can certainly understand the hesitation!
So, the spies go to the home of Rahab the harlot. She recognizes that these men belong to the God of Israel. She takes them in, hides them, and bargains with them to spare her family in the process.
Up to this point, Rahab was not a child of God. But she was a believer! She had heard how God's hand of protection was always with the children of Israel. She knew their God to be all powerful, always victorious. Something in her spirit was drawn toward God. She knew He had the power to save her and her entire family. And she was willing to step out in faith to request salvation. The story of the scarlet cord she tied in the window would forever be a symbol of her faith. That faith transformed her life forever, so much that she would become the great-great grandmother to a king named David, a man after God's own heart.
God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, because she was so pure, so humble. Yet He chose Rahab to be in the lineage of Christ too(Matt 1:5-6)...a harlot, saved by faith. God chooses you, God chooses me. We can be used by Him at any stage of life, regardless what state our life is in. The moment He can begin using us is the moment we surrender to let Him take over.
This is the story of Rahab. And oh what a powerful story it is! Our pastor preached an awesome message on it recently and the Lord led me back there tonight.
Joshua was the new leader of the Israelite people. God promised him that they could overtake the land as an inheritance. So, Joshua sends two spies into the land. He wanted man's opinion to be sure it could be done!
You have to remember, this is the same promised land that Moses led the children of Israel searching for in the wilderness for 40 years--40 years searching! Now, with Moses passed away, and a new leader in command, God reinforces the promise. I can certainly understand the hesitation!
So, the spies go to the home of Rahab the harlot. She recognizes that these men belong to the God of Israel. She takes them in, hides them, and bargains with them to spare her family in the process.
Up to this point, Rahab was not a child of God. But she was a believer! She had heard how God's hand of protection was always with the children of Israel. She knew their God to be all powerful, always victorious. Something in her spirit was drawn toward God. She knew He had the power to save her and her entire family. And she was willing to step out in faith to request salvation. The story of the scarlet cord she tied in the window would forever be a symbol of her faith. That faith transformed her life forever, so much that she would become the great-great grandmother to a king named David, a man after God's own heart.
God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, because she was so pure, so humble. Yet He chose Rahab to be in the lineage of Christ too(Matt 1:5-6)...a harlot, saved by faith. God chooses you, God chooses me. We can be used by Him at any stage of life, regardless what state our life is in. The moment He can begin using us is the moment we surrender to let Him take over.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Likeminded
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" ~Phil 2:5~
Lord, give me Your mind! When life is busy, and when there isn't enough rest, give me Your mind! When trouble comes and my heart searches for peace, give me Your mind! When satan attacks, and others persecute us, give me Your mind! When I need help, but there is no help to be found, give me Your mind! When the devil reminds me of all my past, and wants me to believe the worst, give me Your mind! When everything seems too urgent to let go, and I need more time to gaze into my kids faces, give me Your mind! When my life becomes out of balance, too focused on job or the world, give me Your mind!
Open my mind to see all the good. Remind me of every single blessing. Show me Your strength in every situation of my weakness. Let me feel the covering of Your peace. Let me feel the lift of Your forgiveness. Lay me down in sweet rest when I need it, and refresh me with courage in the morning light. Draw me into Your presence every day. Give me Your mind, I pray.
Lord, give me Your mind! When life is busy, and when there isn't enough rest, give me Your mind! When trouble comes and my heart searches for peace, give me Your mind! When satan attacks, and others persecute us, give me Your mind! When I need help, but there is no help to be found, give me Your mind! When the devil reminds me of all my past, and wants me to believe the worst, give me Your mind! When everything seems too urgent to let go, and I need more time to gaze into my kids faces, give me Your mind! When my life becomes out of balance, too focused on job or the world, give me Your mind!
Open my mind to see all the good. Remind me of every single blessing. Show me Your strength in every situation of my weakness. Let me feel the covering of Your peace. Let me feel the lift of Your forgiveness. Lay me down in sweet rest when I need it, and refresh me with courage in the morning light. Draw me into Your presence every day. Give me Your mind, I pray.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mainstream
"...be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh...in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men" ~Eph 6:5-7~
It's very easy to get caught up in reputation, in other's opinion of us. It's easy to feel pressure to be more socially, to have more, to out-perform others. The need to fit in often makes us cowardly quiet regarding our faith. Yet the other end of extreme is to be defiantly different, to go against common rules, or to think yourself in a league more holy than others and thereby withdraw from society. No matter how faithful we think we are being, we can be unapproachable, unwelcoming, and never close enough to share our faith with anyone.
God never intended either one. Listen to Him leading your heart, and follow it with all sincerity. He wants us to be decent obedient people, the very best employees, desirable to have on the work team, setting a positive role model in our environment. He wants us to be bold, strong, rooted and grounded, natural leaders. He also wants us to be humble, real, easy for others to get close to, so they can see Him closer thru our lives. He wants us to enjoy our lives, and then be a joy to everyone around us. He calls us to be mainstream, so we can make Him the Main Scene.
It's very easy to get caught up in reputation, in other's opinion of us. It's easy to feel pressure to be more socially, to have more, to out-perform others. The need to fit in often makes us cowardly quiet regarding our faith. Yet the other end of extreme is to be defiantly different, to go against common rules, or to think yourself in a league more holy than others and thereby withdraw from society. No matter how faithful we think we are being, we can be unapproachable, unwelcoming, and never close enough to share our faith with anyone.
God never intended either one. Listen to Him leading your heart, and follow it with all sincerity. He wants us to be decent obedient people, the very best employees, desirable to have on the work team, setting a positive role model in our environment. He wants us to be bold, strong, rooted and grounded, natural leaders. He also wants us to be humble, real, easy for others to get close to, so they can see Him closer thru our lives. He wants us to enjoy our lives, and then be a joy to everyone around us. He calls us to be mainstream, so we can make Him the Main Scene.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Whatever!
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things" ~Phil 4:8~
Ever noticed how you feel after time in conversation with someone? Some close friends leave you with a smile, a laugh, a warm fuzzy-yellow feeling, like you've just been hugged by the sun. Other times, you may leave the company of a friend or acquaintance feeling uneasy, heavy, or burdened. It's likely that the way you feel is a direct result of what your conversation has been.
When we dig up the past, brew over past hurts, & dissect the thing that God has already healed and forgiven in our lives, it brings all those old feelings of bondage back again. If we bring them up, it should only be as a brief testimony of what God has healed us from...not in detail. Otherwise, if we linger too long there, the enemy will try to enslave us once more.
Make a purposeful attempt to engage in new, exciting conversations. The conversations I enjoy most are with my best friend. She calls them our "meaningless chit-chat". We discuss sales on meat, share recipes, vent our frustrations at the check-out line. But we also pray for each other's deepest requests. We share praise reports of what we just saw God do in someones life, often our own. We have both been through our share of storms--we praise God for His mighty deliverance! But now, we keep moving forward, engaged & enjoying daily life!
If any of you have been held by satan's tightest strings to a past God desperately wants to free you from, cut the strings! Make the first move by changing your conversation habits. It will be mind over matter in the beginning, but with time, it will become second nature. Let your mind meditate on all the lovely, true goodness that the Lord wants to open your eyes to every morning.
Ever noticed how you feel after time in conversation with someone? Some close friends leave you with a smile, a laugh, a warm fuzzy-yellow feeling, like you've just been hugged by the sun. Other times, you may leave the company of a friend or acquaintance feeling uneasy, heavy, or burdened. It's likely that the way you feel is a direct result of what your conversation has been.
When we dig up the past, brew over past hurts, & dissect the thing that God has already healed and forgiven in our lives, it brings all those old feelings of bondage back again. If we bring them up, it should only be as a brief testimony of what God has healed us from...not in detail. Otherwise, if we linger too long there, the enemy will try to enslave us once more.
Make a purposeful attempt to engage in new, exciting conversations. The conversations I enjoy most are with my best friend. She calls them our "meaningless chit-chat". We discuss sales on meat, share recipes, vent our frustrations at the check-out line. But we also pray for each other's deepest requests. We share praise reports of what we just saw God do in someones life, often our own. We have both been through our share of storms--we praise God for His mighty deliverance! But now, we keep moving forward, engaged & enjoying daily life!
If any of you have been held by satan's tightest strings to a past God desperately wants to free you from, cut the strings! Make the first move by changing your conversation habits. It will be mind over matter in the beginning, but with time, it will become second nature. Let your mind meditate on all the lovely, true goodness that the Lord wants to open your eyes to every morning.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Postcard from Heaven
"Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter..." ~II Thes 2:1-2~
There are so many things that can trouble our spirit and rob us of our peace! The enemy loves to torment us, to remind us of our past, to worry us of our future, to steal the joy of our present. He loves to entertain our minds with fear...fear of death, fear of disease, fear of tragedy, loss or the unknown. Fear of the end of time.
But we have a letter from Heaven reminding us that we never have to fear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is The Wonderful, Counselor, our friend. Anything from our past, can be confessed and is under the blood of Jesus our Redeemer. Anything in our future is in the hands of the all-knowing, ever-present, Creator of the universe Almighty God. And we can rest in our present with The Holy Spirit, our personal Comforter.
Shield, protector, defender, mighty fortress. Close to Him is the safest place to be.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ~Ps 18:2~
There are so many things that can trouble our spirit and rob us of our peace! The enemy loves to torment us, to remind us of our past, to worry us of our future, to steal the joy of our present. He loves to entertain our minds with fear...fear of death, fear of disease, fear of tragedy, loss or the unknown. Fear of the end of time.
But we have a letter from Heaven reminding us that we never have to fear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is The Wonderful, Counselor, our friend. Anything from our past, can be confessed and is under the blood of Jesus our Redeemer. Anything in our future is in the hands of the all-knowing, ever-present, Creator of the universe Almighty God. And we can rest in our present with The Holy Spirit, our personal Comforter.
Shield, protector, defender, mighty fortress. Close to Him is the safest place to be.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ~Ps 18:2~
Monday, December 7, 2009
Broken Vessels
Broken vessels, broken cups
Broken people, of not enough
He has heard your cry for help
He has answered with love's greatest depth
He has known you all along
He has seen the path you traveled on
He walked beside, carried you some
You never have walked this path alone
The nights you cried yourself to sleep
It was in His chest you buried deep
The things no one could love you for
He gave His life to take away those scars
The nights you couldn't find relief
He laid you down in sweet peace
Then He woke you with morning light
And rallied hope to help you fight
He stayed beside you thru the day
Nursed you gently, each hour of the way
He sent others to lift you up
He knew your load was more than enough
But He knew His plans ahead
To heal you, each and every thread
For wounds of the deepest kind
It takes His perfect healing time
You thought those feelings would never change
Then suddenly one morning, He stopped the rain
The holes and gaps that used to be
Now were filled so suddenly
You'd grown so used to life this way
Now, it's just a normal day
Like quick desert sand filling an open crack
Healing poured out in the quickest act
So complete, no evidence of what has passed
Only a testimony of His love that lasts
From inside out, made brand new
This vessel has kingdom work to do
"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." ~Ecc 3:11~
Broken people, of not enough
He has heard your cry for help
He has answered with love's greatest depth
He has known you all along
He has seen the path you traveled on
He walked beside, carried you some
You never have walked this path alone
The nights you cried yourself to sleep
It was in His chest you buried deep
The things no one could love you for
He gave His life to take away those scars
The nights you couldn't find relief
He laid you down in sweet peace
Then He woke you with morning light
And rallied hope to help you fight
He stayed beside you thru the day
Nursed you gently, each hour of the way
He sent others to lift you up
He knew your load was more than enough
But He knew His plans ahead
To heal you, each and every thread
For wounds of the deepest kind
It takes His perfect healing time
You thought those feelings would never change
Then suddenly one morning, He stopped the rain
The holes and gaps that used to be
Now were filled so suddenly
You'd grown so used to life this way
Now, it's just a normal day
Like quick desert sand filling an open crack
Healing poured out in the quickest act
So complete, no evidence of what has passed
Only a testimony of His love that lasts
From inside out, made brand new
This vessel has kingdom work to do
"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." ~Ecc 3:11~
Sunday, December 6, 2009
No Room
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" ~Luke 2:7~
Uh-oh, it's Sunday morning...I really meant to read my Bible this week, but it's just been so busy....(No room)
I meant to set aside my tithes, but that sale at the mall was too good to pass up...I'll catch them up next week...(No room)u
That family really is having a tough time right now, somebody needs to help them...I've just got my hands full with my own life though...(No room)
I know all the guys in the locker room where sharing some pretty rough, graphic things, it did make me uncomfortable but I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb so I just kept my mouth shut...(No room)
Everybody was laughing at the new girl's clothes, and I couldn't help but laugh a little myself, but I felt really bad when I heard her crying in the bathroom later...(No room)
I know everybody at church has a good point, people have to know their proper place. And after all that she has done in her past, she has no business volunteering for anything...(No room)
I'm so uncomfortable with the environment at my job, but I don't want anyone to think I'm just a "goody-two shoes", so I just keep quiet...(No room)
Oh, yes, I'm a member of the First Baptist Church. And it's just great! Well, no I wasn't there Sunday, but it had been such a hard week and Sunday was the only day I could get some rest! Well, no, I don't usually make it to Sunday school...they start it too early! Um, I'm not sure what that discipleship class is about on Sunday night, I don't usually make it for that. I'm not sure what time Wednesday night service is....Yes, we had a great time at the lake this weekend!...(No room)
I know, it's a good idea to have those family devotions, but it's so late by the time we get homework done, and supper, and baths, and laundry. I might start doing it when the new year comes...I know, I've been saying that since the kids were little and now, well, I'm not so sure how they will take me "preaching" at them, you know teenagers!...(No room)
I know many of my family isn't in church, I'm not sure if they are saved or not. It's not an easy conversation in our household! I'd hate to offend someone...Yea, we always watch the football game, about half of us are MSU fans and about half are Rebels all the way! Somebody always gets their feathers ruffled before the evening's done! haha....(No room)
Well, I'm going to work things out with the Lord, one day, I really am. I mean, I believe in God, and I'm a really good person. I'm still young and trying to get my education, my career, my future lined up. I figure there will be time to sort all that out later. God understands how it is to live in 2009!...(No room)
"And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement" ~Heb 9:27~
"But there shall by no means enter it (heaven)anything that defiles...but only those whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life" ~Rev 21:27~
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity" ...(No ROOM)...
~Matt 7:21-23~...
Uh-oh, it's Sunday morning...I really meant to read my Bible this week, but it's just been so busy....(No room)
I meant to set aside my tithes, but that sale at the mall was too good to pass up...I'll catch them up next week...(No room)u
That family really is having a tough time right now, somebody needs to help them...I've just got my hands full with my own life though...(No room)
I know all the guys in the locker room where sharing some pretty rough, graphic things, it did make me uncomfortable but I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb so I just kept my mouth shut...(No room)
Everybody was laughing at the new girl's clothes, and I couldn't help but laugh a little myself, but I felt really bad when I heard her crying in the bathroom later...(No room)
I know everybody at church has a good point, people have to know their proper place. And after all that she has done in her past, she has no business volunteering for anything...(No room)
I'm so uncomfortable with the environment at my job, but I don't want anyone to think I'm just a "goody-two shoes", so I just keep quiet...(No room)
Oh, yes, I'm a member of the First Baptist Church. And it's just great! Well, no I wasn't there Sunday, but it had been such a hard week and Sunday was the only day I could get some rest! Well, no, I don't usually make it to Sunday school...they start it too early! Um, I'm not sure what that discipleship class is about on Sunday night, I don't usually make it for that. I'm not sure what time Wednesday night service is....Yes, we had a great time at the lake this weekend!...(No room)
I know, it's a good idea to have those family devotions, but it's so late by the time we get homework done, and supper, and baths, and laundry. I might start doing it when the new year comes...I know, I've been saying that since the kids were little and now, well, I'm not so sure how they will take me "preaching" at them, you know teenagers!...(No room)
I know many of my family isn't in church, I'm not sure if they are saved or not. It's not an easy conversation in our household! I'd hate to offend someone...Yea, we always watch the football game, about half of us are MSU fans and about half are Rebels all the way! Somebody always gets their feathers ruffled before the evening's done! haha....(No room)
Well, I'm going to work things out with the Lord, one day, I really am. I mean, I believe in God, and I'm a really good person. I'm still young and trying to get my education, my career, my future lined up. I figure there will be time to sort all that out later. God understands how it is to live in 2009!...(No room)
"And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement" ~Heb 9:27~
"But there shall by no means enter it (heaven)anything that defiles...but only those whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life" ~Rev 21:27~
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity" ...(No ROOM)...
~Matt 7:21-23~...
Friday, December 4, 2009
I Need You Savior
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, WITH WHOM THERE IS NO VARIATION OR SHADOW OF TURNING" ~Jam 1:17~
One of my favorite verses over the last 3 years...."no variation or shadow of turning"...He doesn't change His mind about loving me! He's always the same!
There is a song I'm singing Sunday by the group Among The Thirsty you've gotta hear...it is an awesome worship song, your heart will soar with praise to our Father! And it contains one of my favorite phrases from the verse above..."You're always the same"
I'd Need a Savior
How many names
Can I use to explain
The love of my Jesus
The life that He gave
And so many times
Will I praise You today
I lift up my life
Cause You're always the same
And my offering
To You I bring
Chorus
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
How many songs
Can I sing to proclaim
Your wondrous love
Oh and beauty so great
Oh and what would I say
If You brought down the rain
And everyday I walked through the pain
My heart would still say
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
I need You Savior
One of my favorite verses over the last 3 years...."no variation or shadow of turning"...He doesn't change His mind about loving me! He's always the same!
There is a song I'm singing Sunday by the group Among The Thirsty you've gotta hear...it is an awesome worship song, your heart will soar with praise to our Father! And it contains one of my favorite phrases from the verse above..."You're always the same"
I'd Need a Savior
How many names
Can I use to explain
The love of my Jesus
The life that He gave
And so many times
Will I praise You today
I lift up my life
Cause You're always the same
And my offering
To You I bring
Chorus
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
How many songs
Can I sing to proclaim
Your wondrous love
Oh and beauty so great
Oh and what would I say
If You brought down the rain
And everyday I walked through the pain
My heart would still say
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
I need You Savior
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Call to Worship
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save the people from their sins" ~Matt 1:21~
No matter how much you've been thinking about the kids wish list for this holiday season, few things will re-focus your gaze on the Christ of Christmas like this verse.
"She will bring forth a Son..." Every mother, and every woman holds dear the event of childbirth. It's an awesome experience like no other, to be used by God to give life to a baby.
"...and you shall call His name Jesus" THE Christ child, foretold for so many generations, here, now, finally on the earth.
"...for He will save the people from their sins" The magnitude of this delivery, the power of this one single birth. The majesty of His presence, God the Son, here on earth with us, here only to save us. All creation had waited for this birth. All creation will forever marvel at this birth. Complete humility in His arrival, a servant's heart in the purest form. Yet, even kings bowed to worship this babe in a barn.
We are called to celebrate this season of His great arrival. We are called to worship the King of kings that chose human form to save us from our sins. We are called to worship our Savior.
No matter how much you've been thinking about the kids wish list for this holiday season, few things will re-focus your gaze on the Christ of Christmas like this verse.
"She will bring forth a Son..." Every mother, and every woman holds dear the event of childbirth. It's an awesome experience like no other, to be used by God to give life to a baby.
"...and you shall call His name Jesus" THE Christ child, foretold for so many generations, here, now, finally on the earth.
"...for He will save the people from their sins" The magnitude of this delivery, the power of this one single birth. The majesty of His presence, God the Son, here on earth with us, here only to save us. All creation had waited for this birth. All creation will forever marvel at this birth. Complete humility in His arrival, a servant's heart in the purest form. Yet, even kings bowed to worship this babe in a barn.
We are called to celebrate this season of His great arrival. We are called to worship the King of kings that chose human form to save us from our sins. We are called to worship our Savior.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Be Warmed & Filled
"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" ~James 2:15-17~
We can't work our way to heaven. Jesus paid that ultimate price for my salvation on Calvary's hill over 2000 years ago. But He saved me for a purpose. If the only purpose was to spare me from hell, I would have been called to heaven the minute I accepted Him as Savior-Poof! Mission accomplished! But there is more...so much more.
It's very easy to become complacent. Several of my devotions lately have talked about the ebb & tide of emotions. Some days we are up, some we are down. Some days we feel motivated to conquer the world, other days we do good to crawl out of bed. That's just life. So what do we do on those hairy days? We still do what we know to do...serve others in Jesus' name. It does no good to only speak words, there is action required to be the hands & feet of Jesus to our friends, our neighbors, our community, our co-workers.
And busyness is another monster satan loves to use. This morning God brought me to the verse in Luke 16:13-"No servant can serve two masters..." We can't be loyal to both God and the world. We still have daily tasks to complete, but our mindset is to be on Christ first, and last, and all during the middle. Ouch! He is stepping on my toes! I've let busyness (recent job changes, ballgame schedules, holiday planning)rob me of more intimate times with Him.
I beg for God to speak to me, use me. But I have to be tuned in to hear His reply! I've got to be in a state of constant prayer(I Thes 5:17). He IS my best friend, and I have to invite His presence to be first in everything, every where, every time. I can have as much or as little of God as I desire. Oh, Lord, I want all of You! I want You to use me! Tug at my heart when my life is getting out of balance...nudge me until my eyes turn back to You. Warm my heart, fill me with Your Spirit. Let me warm the hearts of others, and fill the needs in their life in Your name.
We can't work our way to heaven. Jesus paid that ultimate price for my salvation on Calvary's hill over 2000 years ago. But He saved me for a purpose. If the only purpose was to spare me from hell, I would have been called to heaven the minute I accepted Him as Savior-Poof! Mission accomplished! But there is more...so much more.
It's very easy to become complacent. Several of my devotions lately have talked about the ebb & tide of emotions. Some days we are up, some we are down. Some days we feel motivated to conquer the world, other days we do good to crawl out of bed. That's just life. So what do we do on those hairy days? We still do what we know to do...serve others in Jesus' name. It does no good to only speak words, there is action required to be the hands & feet of Jesus to our friends, our neighbors, our community, our co-workers.
And busyness is another monster satan loves to use. This morning God brought me to the verse in Luke 16:13-"No servant can serve two masters..." We can't be loyal to both God and the world. We still have daily tasks to complete, but our mindset is to be on Christ first, and last, and all during the middle. Ouch! He is stepping on my toes! I've let busyness (recent job changes, ballgame schedules, holiday planning)rob me of more intimate times with Him.
I beg for God to speak to me, use me. But I have to be tuned in to hear His reply! I've got to be in a state of constant prayer(I Thes 5:17). He IS my best friend, and I have to invite His presence to be first in everything, every where, every time. I can have as much or as little of God as I desire. Oh, Lord, I want all of You! I want You to use me! Tug at my heart when my life is getting out of balance...nudge me until my eyes turn back to You. Warm my heart, fill me with Your Spirit. Let me warm the hearts of others, and fill the needs in their life in Your name.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Spirit Speaks Supernatural Strength
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come"
~John 16:13~
The Holy Spirit really does speak. He speaks to you and He speaks to me. His voice is still and small. We have to be close to hear Him. It's more that just an idea or intuition. His voice is a whisper into our spirit, drawing us toward something. He covers us with His Spirit like a blanket as we pull closer & obey. He tells us of things to come. He speaks words of encouragement about our future, giving us hope when we feel like giving up. He speaks words of warning when danger is near. He speaks words of peace when we are scared to death. He speaks words of comfort when our heart is absolutely broken. He holds us, and loves us when we believe no one else does. He sends us to comfort others, to bring peace to others, to warn others, to give hope to others, to love. He IS hope, protection, peace, comfort, love. He IS the Spirit of truth. He comes in the authority of God our Father, and in the authority of Jesus Christ our Savior. You have the greatest wonder of the world dwelling inside you, The Holy Spirit of our creater. Walk in His supernatural strength today
~John 16:13~
The Holy Spirit really does speak. He speaks to you and He speaks to me. His voice is still and small. We have to be close to hear Him. It's more that just an idea or intuition. His voice is a whisper into our spirit, drawing us toward something. He covers us with His Spirit like a blanket as we pull closer & obey. He tells us of things to come. He speaks words of encouragement about our future, giving us hope when we feel like giving up. He speaks words of warning when danger is near. He speaks words of peace when we are scared to death. He speaks words of comfort when our heart is absolutely broken. He holds us, and loves us when we believe no one else does. He sends us to comfort others, to bring peace to others, to warn others, to give hope to others, to love. He IS hope, protection, peace, comfort, love. He IS the Spirit of truth. He comes in the authority of God our Father, and in the authority of Jesus Christ our Savior. You have the greatest wonder of the world dwelling inside you, The Holy Spirit of our creater. Walk in His supernatural strength today
Friday, November 27, 2009
Are you looking?
"...and (he)said to his servant,'Go up now, look toward the sea.' So he went up and looked, and said,'There is nothing.' And seven times he said, 'Go again'."
~II Kings 18:43~
Have you quit praying for it? Have you quit seeking? When is the last time you went to see if your blessing is on the horizon? Do you look with great faith, anticipating the answer to be on it's way?
Don't give up! Go expecting 7 times, or 70 times if needed. Whatever God has promised, whatever you stand in need of, keeping asking God for it! Can you hear it? There is a an abundance of rain coming your way!
"Then Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up,eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain" ~II Kings 18:41~
~II Kings 18:43~
Have you quit praying for it? Have you quit seeking? When is the last time you went to see if your blessing is on the horizon? Do you look with great faith, anticipating the answer to be on it's way?
Don't give up! Go expecting 7 times, or 70 times if needed. Whatever God has promised, whatever you stand in need of, keeping asking God for it! Can you hear it? There is a an abundance of rain coming your way!
"Then Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up,eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain" ~II Kings 18:41~
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Time to Awake
"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday night, or should I say Tue morning at 2:00am, I was suddenly awakened...I mean wide awake. I couldn't decide why. I pulled out my devotion books and went ahead and did Tuesdays since I had to leave at 6:30 am for meetings anyway, but still couldn't sleep. I heard my pups outside a time or two, and figured they were chasing off a stray dog. At 3:00 am, I still couldn't sleep, so I tried praying, asking God if He was keeping me awake for some reason, what was I missing? What couldn't I hear clearly?
Then I heard it loud and clear! A pack of coyotes, right outside my window at the edge of the woods. I jumped up and ran to wake the boys. Blake grabbed the shotgun while Elijah & I got our puppies inside. They were gone, no harm done.
That must have been it. The reason I needed to be alert and awake. Danger was near. We all laid back down and slept like babies.
How many times do I sleep when God tries to awaken me? How many times does He shake me, saying: Danger is near! Be alert, be prepared. How many times is His voice muffled in my drowsy spiritual state?
Lord, awaken me! Shake me until I am alert! Let me focus on Your voice so I can hear Your instructions, Your warnings clearly. Raise me from a drowsy spiritual state into a purposeful state of keen awareness. Thank You for warning me of troubles I can avoid. Thank you for saving me from many things I never even realize. Thank You that once the danger is gone, you let me lay down in sweet rest.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday night, or should I say Tue morning at 2:00am, I was suddenly awakened...I mean wide awake. I couldn't decide why. I pulled out my devotion books and went ahead and did Tuesdays since I had to leave at 6:30 am for meetings anyway, but still couldn't sleep. I heard my pups outside a time or two, and figured they were chasing off a stray dog. At 3:00 am, I still couldn't sleep, so I tried praying, asking God if He was keeping me awake for some reason, what was I missing? What couldn't I hear clearly?
Then I heard it loud and clear! A pack of coyotes, right outside my window at the edge of the woods. I jumped up and ran to wake the boys. Blake grabbed the shotgun while Elijah & I got our puppies inside. They were gone, no harm done.
That must have been it. The reason I needed to be alert and awake. Danger was near. We all laid back down and slept like babies.
How many times do I sleep when God tries to awaken me? How many times does He shake me, saying: Danger is near! Be alert, be prepared. How many times is His voice muffled in my drowsy spiritual state?
Lord, awaken me! Shake me until I am alert! Let me focus on Your voice so I can hear Your instructions, Your warnings clearly. Raise me from a drowsy spiritual state into a purposeful state of keen awareness. Thank You for warning me of troubles I can avoid. Thank you for saving me from many things I never even realize. Thank You that once the danger is gone, you let me lay down in sweet rest.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday, November 23, 2009
Homemade
"For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." ~Ps 32:6-7~
Time. Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
Friday night we had our ladies prayer group. Lori had prepared delicious Italian beef subs, some extra sweet desserts, and her home was warm and welcome, a place we could share our hearts and prayers.
Yesterday the kids & I had grilled cheese sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes for lunch. For my family, it requires 14 grilled cheeses, and 10 baked potatoes. Now, when we are in a rush, I often will a cookie sheet with all the bread slices and cheese, then toast them in the oven one side at a time. But, my teenager just really wanted the old fashioned kind, buttery on the stove top. So I did, fixed all 14 on the stove top. Then, I cut and fixed all 10 baked potatoes, yes even for my teenagers. My fork finger was worn out! We ate by the fireplace watching a good movie.
Last night was Metamorphosis at our church, where the teens hang out, eat and play games. And they had corn dogs. Not the store bought kind I warm up at home, but the homemade kind, where some of our church members took the time to make the batter! Even kids really appreciate the extra time spent on them & spent with them.
God is just like that with us. He spends direct time with each of us when we let Him. He hand crafts the plans for our life, to meet His greatest desires for us, giving us what we need most, and even adds many of our desires along the way. You can SEE his love for us by His actions toward us, His protection over us, His forgiveness of us, His guidance to us, and His light shining through us. Thank You, God, for giving me Your homemade, Heaven made, love & time.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" ~Ps 32:8~
Time. Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
Friday night we had our ladies prayer group. Lori had prepared delicious Italian beef subs, some extra sweet desserts, and her home was warm and welcome, a place we could share our hearts and prayers.
Yesterday the kids & I had grilled cheese sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes for lunch. For my family, it requires 14 grilled cheeses, and 10 baked potatoes. Now, when we are in a rush, I often will a cookie sheet with all the bread slices and cheese, then toast them in the oven one side at a time. But, my teenager just really wanted the old fashioned kind, buttery on the stove top. So I did, fixed all 14 on the stove top. Then, I cut and fixed all 10 baked potatoes, yes even for my teenagers. My fork finger was worn out! We ate by the fireplace watching a good movie.
Last night was Metamorphosis at our church, where the teens hang out, eat and play games. And they had corn dogs. Not the store bought kind I warm up at home, but the homemade kind, where some of our church members took the time to make the batter! Even kids really appreciate the extra time spent on them & spent with them.
God is just like that with us. He spends direct time with each of us when we let Him. He hand crafts the plans for our life, to meet His greatest desires for us, giving us what we need most, and even adds many of our desires along the way. You can SEE his love for us by His actions toward us, His protection over us, His forgiveness of us, His guidance to us, and His light shining through us. Thank You, God, for giving me Your homemade, Heaven made, love & time.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" ~Ps 32:8~
Friday, November 20, 2009
Be My Pillar
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people" ~Ex 13:21-22~
I just had one thought on my mind this morning as I prepared to do devotion: Columns. Yep, doesn't sound very spiritual, does it? But then again, maybe it does.
Columns are a support system, designed for strength, to hold up something. Without them, the structure caves under pressure. If the columns become damaged in a storm, like mine did this spring when a tree fell on my house, they must be replaced to ensure the integrity & safety of the dwelling. Or, if columns are exposed to the elements-wind, rain, heat, cold-without being properly sealed & maintained, they will decay from the inside out.
God is like a column to us. He is our complete support system. He is our strength. He holds us up when we couldn't get out of bed alone. Without Him, our spirit caves under the pressures of life. If our dwelling becomes damaged in the storms of life, we can depend on His presence in the form of new columns, new reinforcements He lines up to ensure our safety. When we are exposed to the elements-sin, persecution, sorrow, heartbreak, financial need, divorce, sickness, death-He seals us with His love and His salvation. He maintains us by His hope and His promises if we will turn to Him. Without Him, we would decay from the inside out.
When I think of a cloud, I think fluffy pillow. But when I think of pillar, I think of column, mighty tower. That's what led the children of Israel-A mighty tower, a support system, unwavering strength, sealed protection. He went before them. He never took His provision away.
He does the same for us every day. Those columns we see in the daytime, standing strong, are still there in the night, when you face the darkest of times.
I just had one thought on my mind this morning as I prepared to do devotion: Columns. Yep, doesn't sound very spiritual, does it? But then again, maybe it does.
Columns are a support system, designed for strength, to hold up something. Without them, the structure caves under pressure. If the columns become damaged in a storm, like mine did this spring when a tree fell on my house, they must be replaced to ensure the integrity & safety of the dwelling. Or, if columns are exposed to the elements-wind, rain, heat, cold-without being properly sealed & maintained, they will decay from the inside out.
God is like a column to us. He is our complete support system. He is our strength. He holds us up when we couldn't get out of bed alone. Without Him, our spirit caves under the pressures of life. If our dwelling becomes damaged in the storms of life, we can depend on His presence in the form of new columns, new reinforcements He lines up to ensure our safety. When we are exposed to the elements-sin, persecution, sorrow, heartbreak, financial need, divorce, sickness, death-He seals us with His love and His salvation. He maintains us by His hope and His promises if we will turn to Him. Without Him, we would decay from the inside out.
When I think of a cloud, I think fluffy pillow. But when I think of pillar, I think of column, mighty tower. That's what led the children of Israel-A mighty tower, a support system, unwavering strength, sealed protection. He went before them. He never took His provision away.
He does the same for us every day. Those columns we see in the daytime, standing strong, are still there in the night, when you face the darkest of times.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Family Ties, The Remnant Saved
"At the same time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people" ~Jer 31:1~
This chapter is titled in my Bible: "The Remnant of Israel Saved". I always think about people without a family during the holidays. I know how it feels to be estranged from family members, or to lack the close family relationships others share with extended family...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, all packed in one house, catching up on things, sharing good stories and laughs, crowded around the table, grateful to be together for another season of thanks.
I feel so blessed to have my children! We have a table full every day of our life. We share meals, stories about our day, and always plenty of laughs. I think we value each other's presence and company more now than ever. We plan things, just for us. The bonds we share, the relationships we have built, they are for a life time. There is nothing like hearing your children pray, thanking God for our time together as a family, to do things together that we enjoy, supporting one another. Regardless of riches, regardless of what obstacles we face, regardless of what goes on outside that door, we are family. We are home with each other. These are the ties that bind. This is our remnant being saved.
But you don't have to look far to see how God can use you to be someones extended family. Start family traditions of your own! We go to the Salvation Army and serve every Thanksgiving. Look for neighbors that have no one to celebrate the holidays with. Nursing homes always have a lonely someone that needs a visit. Think of a family in your community that has really had a tough year, maybe sickness,or job loss...they could probably use some groceries, or even a meal cooked for them. Sometimes the invitation to a friend's house in a lonely season of life is like receiving a life-line.
Be help. Be hope. Bind up your family ties. Build new ones. Let God use you to save the remnant.
"Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-Israel, when I went to give him rest...yes, I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt..." ~Jer 31:2-4~
This chapter is titled in my Bible: "The Remnant of Israel Saved". I always think about people without a family during the holidays. I know how it feels to be estranged from family members, or to lack the close family relationships others share with extended family...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, all packed in one house, catching up on things, sharing good stories and laughs, crowded around the table, grateful to be together for another season of thanks.
I feel so blessed to have my children! We have a table full every day of our life. We share meals, stories about our day, and always plenty of laughs. I think we value each other's presence and company more now than ever. We plan things, just for us. The bonds we share, the relationships we have built, they are for a life time. There is nothing like hearing your children pray, thanking God for our time together as a family, to do things together that we enjoy, supporting one another. Regardless of riches, regardless of what obstacles we face, regardless of what goes on outside that door, we are family. We are home with each other. These are the ties that bind. This is our remnant being saved.
But you don't have to look far to see how God can use you to be someones extended family. Start family traditions of your own! We go to the Salvation Army and serve every Thanksgiving. Look for neighbors that have no one to celebrate the holidays with. Nursing homes always have a lonely someone that needs a visit. Think of a family in your community that has really had a tough year, maybe sickness,or job loss...they could probably use some groceries, or even a meal cooked for them. Sometimes the invitation to a friend's house in a lonely season of life is like receiving a life-line.
Be help. Be hope. Bind up your family ties. Build new ones. Let God use you to save the remnant.
"Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-Israel, when I went to give him rest...yes, I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt..." ~Jer 31:2-4~
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jesus Glitter
"The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is it's light" ~Rev 21:23~
Won't that be a breath-taking day? When we are finally walking the streets of glory, where we do not need the sun or moon or any light, because the Lamb of God, Jesus, will illuminate the entire place!
Our lives can be just like that now. We may be a plain-jane person, lacking in glitter or glamor, but when we spend time in the presence of the Lamb, He will illuminate through us, until our very presence in a room brings others in contact with His light. No matter how busy your schedule, don't neglect time with God.
And when someone asks, what's different about that girl, that guy? Just tell them that sparkle in your spirit is Jesus glitter.
Won't that be a breath-taking day? When we are finally walking the streets of glory, where we do not need the sun or moon or any light, because the Lamb of God, Jesus, will illuminate the entire place!
Our lives can be just like that now. We may be a plain-jane person, lacking in glitter or glamor, but when we spend time in the presence of the Lamb, He will illuminate through us, until our very presence in a room brings others in contact with His light. No matter how busy your schedule, don't neglect time with God.
And when someone asks, what's different about that girl, that guy? Just tell them that sparkle in your spirit is Jesus glitter.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Necessary Change
"For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law" ~Heb 7:12:~
Sometimes change is necessary. And with change, we have to grow and learn to adapt. Sometimes, God allows change to occur as His way to protect us from something much worse down the road if we stayed on our current path. We may never know all He has spared us from.
If you are staring in the face of some life-altering decisions, don't be afraid! Don't back down, don't shy away. Take a good deep breath, focus on what is right before you, and ask God to open your mind to this. Ask God to show you one step at a time each move to make, each way to prepare for all that is about to take place. When you reach the other side, when you arrive at your assigned destination, you will be amazed how much you learned, how you grew, how you accomplished things through Christ that you could never have even faced alone.
Be up for the challenge! God knows you can do this, believe in yourself! Enjoy your journey!
"For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" ~Heb 7:19~
Sometimes change is necessary. And with change, we have to grow and learn to adapt. Sometimes, God allows change to occur as His way to protect us from something much worse down the road if we stayed on our current path. We may never know all He has spared us from.
If you are staring in the face of some life-altering decisions, don't be afraid! Don't back down, don't shy away. Take a good deep breath, focus on what is right before you, and ask God to open your mind to this. Ask God to show you one step at a time each move to make, each way to prepare for all that is about to take place. When you reach the other side, when you arrive at your assigned destination, you will be amazed how much you learned, how you grew, how you accomplished things through Christ that you could never have even faced alone.
Be up for the challenge! God knows you can do this, believe in yourself! Enjoy your journey!
"For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" ~Heb 7:19~
Friday, November 13, 2009
No Orphans
"Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him"
~John 14:23~
It's just been one of those kind of weeks! A week full of challenges as a mom, and changes on my job as a nurse. The limits of my frail human abilities have been painfully obvious. My mind battled to be everything to everybody, fix everything, have all the answers, and to do it all with a smile and a perfectly positive attitude...you can imagine how far that got me! No where, in my own strength.
But praise God, I don't have to do it alone! I don't have to rely on my own strength. I have Him.
I have been given blessings overflowing right in the midst of stress. Our needs are met, and many of our wants. I have beloved friends, companions, co-workers, & a church family that love me (there for constant advice!). I have 5 amazing kids I adore raising...my 5 favorite folks in the world to be with (I wouldn't trade a million bucks for our crazy sports schedules, snuggles in bed, late night movie treats, groceries to feed an army, being the neighborhood kid hang-out, and even for all the homework wars!).
And I'm blessed that along the way, our paths cross with folks who need more Jesus. It's an honor to love on somebody else that, like us, would be orphans & outcasts without Him.
Stay with me, Jesus. Keep making Your home with us, Abba Father.
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" ~John 14:18~
~John 14:23~
It's just been one of those kind of weeks! A week full of challenges as a mom, and changes on my job as a nurse. The limits of my frail human abilities have been painfully obvious. My mind battled to be everything to everybody, fix everything, have all the answers, and to do it all with a smile and a perfectly positive attitude...you can imagine how far that got me! No where, in my own strength.
But praise God, I don't have to do it alone! I don't have to rely on my own strength. I have Him.
I have been given blessings overflowing right in the midst of stress. Our needs are met, and many of our wants. I have beloved friends, companions, co-workers, & a church family that love me (there for constant advice!). I have 5 amazing kids I adore raising...my 5 favorite folks in the world to be with (I wouldn't trade a million bucks for our crazy sports schedules, snuggles in bed, late night movie treats, groceries to feed an army, being the neighborhood kid hang-out, and even for all the homework wars!).
And I'm blessed that along the way, our paths cross with folks who need more Jesus. It's an honor to love on somebody else that, like us, would be orphans & outcasts without Him.
Stay with me, Jesus. Keep making Your home with us, Abba Father.
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" ~John 14:18~
Monday, November 9, 2009
What Has Been& What's to Come
"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God" ~II Corinth 9:10 & 12~
I love the song "Every Season" by Nicole Nordeman. She describes with such depth & emotion the seasons of our life. When she talks about fall, a time of change, she says: "I will offer thanks for what has been & what's to come."
Did you wake up this morning to find yourself facing change? Change can be good, but it can also be very unsettling. Embrace with thanksgiving what has been in your life. Look back at all the many blessings, prayers answered. See God's hand there, how He crafted open doors for you, and met every need you had. Live in this moment, even full of uncertainty, and rest in the not-knowing. Trust the Savior that loved you enough to die for you, surely loves you enough to hold you safe now. And give thanks for what's to come. He who has supplied seed to the sower, and bread for food, will surely continue to multiply your seeds and fruits to meet your needs in the days ahead. This great service not only meets your needs, but it stirs up thanksgiving in all who watch with wonder at His works!
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" ~II Corinth 9:15~
I love the song "Every Season" by Nicole Nordeman. She describes with such depth & emotion the seasons of our life. When she talks about fall, a time of change, she says: "I will offer thanks for what has been & what's to come."
Did you wake up this morning to find yourself facing change? Change can be good, but it can also be very unsettling. Embrace with thanksgiving what has been in your life. Look back at all the many blessings, prayers answered. See God's hand there, how He crafted open doors for you, and met every need you had. Live in this moment, even full of uncertainty, and rest in the not-knowing. Trust the Savior that loved you enough to die for you, surely loves you enough to hold you safe now. And give thanks for what's to come. He who has supplied seed to the sower, and bread for food, will surely continue to multiply your seeds and fruits to meet your needs in the days ahead. This great service not only meets your needs, but it stirs up thanksgiving in all who watch with wonder at His works!
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" ~II Corinth 9:15~
Friday, November 6, 2009
Perfect Love
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" ~I John 4:18~
Well we girls like to daydream. We love a good sappy love story, where the knight in shining armor rides in on a white horse to gave the girl of his dreams! Aww...makes our heart melt. And, on the other end of the spectrum, we don't usually like scary movies. We don't like to be afraid. We want to feel protected. Guys love the drama and action of a good thriller. They like to imagine their strength in a good battle, or snuggle in close with the gal they love during a scary scene.
Fear is an unwelcome emotion, for man or woman. No matter how strong and independent your personality, there is still a part of us that appreciates security. Whether it's finances, retirement, home ownership, living debt-free, the economy, the government, our health, healthcare, our children's safety, job security, a trusting relationship, or just a settled peace about our spot in life, we all need a place to rest without fear. That place is in Jesus.
He is the only One with power to make the most frightening things in life bearable to face. He is the only One who has any authority over those things you and I can't control. He is the only place peace can be found when you are scared to death. He is the only One that can breathe life into the deadest of situations. He heals. He protects. He opens doors that no human could open. And He closes doors that looked certain to be our final demise. He is God. His love is perfect. No other love we will ever encounter has the perfect ability to cast out all fear. Wow...life without fear. Because He makes all things beautiful in His time. Because He works out all things for the good of those that love Him. Because He is God, and He loves you so much. Walk freely, dear child, no fear!
Well we girls like to daydream. We love a good sappy love story, where the knight in shining armor rides in on a white horse to gave the girl of his dreams! Aww...makes our heart melt. And, on the other end of the spectrum, we don't usually like scary movies. We don't like to be afraid. We want to feel protected. Guys love the drama and action of a good thriller. They like to imagine their strength in a good battle, or snuggle in close with the gal they love during a scary scene.
Fear is an unwelcome emotion, for man or woman. No matter how strong and independent your personality, there is still a part of us that appreciates security. Whether it's finances, retirement, home ownership, living debt-free, the economy, the government, our health, healthcare, our children's safety, job security, a trusting relationship, or just a settled peace about our spot in life, we all need a place to rest without fear. That place is in Jesus.
He is the only One with power to make the most frightening things in life bearable to face. He is the only One who has any authority over those things you and I can't control. He is the only place peace can be found when you are scared to death. He is the only One that can breathe life into the deadest of situations. He heals. He protects. He opens doors that no human could open. And He closes doors that looked certain to be our final demise. He is God. His love is perfect. No other love we will ever encounter has the perfect ability to cast out all fear. Wow...life without fear. Because He makes all things beautiful in His time. Because He works out all things for the good of those that love Him. Because He is God, and He loves you so much. Walk freely, dear child, no fear!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Courage
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." ~Deut 31:6~
Where has God asked you to go? Where has He asked you to stay? What instructions has God asked you to follow that make no sense at all in human eyes?
There will be moments that you are sure, when your spirit just knows it's His voice leading. Then there will be other moments that the enemy will invade your thoughts, you won't feel sure of any thing, you will feel foolish, alone & fear will almost overtake you. Be strong in these moments! Be of good courage! The Lord YOUR God...He is The One that goes with you. You are not alone, whether you're standing still trusting Him to move, or moving to follow Him...just obey. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you.
God has promised an inheritance to each of us. For some of us, it's a chance to find love again and rebuild a family. For some, it's strength to lead and carry a family alone. For one, it's healing from disease. For another it's home to heaven for a grand eternal healing. Whether your promised inheritance is forgiveness, deliverance from finances, from addictions, from bitterness...whatever you stand in need of, God has the answer. He has a promised inheritance for you.
Sometimes God asks us to walk with someone & help them find their promised land. Be strong for that person when they can't stand alone! Be courageous when they can't find the courage to keep going! Be someone's Joshua. Be the one that causes them to inherit it.
"Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them in inherit it"
~Deut 31:7~
Where has God asked you to go? Where has He asked you to stay? What instructions has God asked you to follow that make no sense at all in human eyes?
There will be moments that you are sure, when your spirit just knows it's His voice leading. Then there will be other moments that the enemy will invade your thoughts, you won't feel sure of any thing, you will feel foolish, alone & fear will almost overtake you. Be strong in these moments! Be of good courage! The Lord YOUR God...He is The One that goes with you. You are not alone, whether you're standing still trusting Him to move, or moving to follow Him...just obey. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you.
God has promised an inheritance to each of us. For some of us, it's a chance to find love again and rebuild a family. For some, it's strength to lead and carry a family alone. For one, it's healing from disease. For another it's home to heaven for a grand eternal healing. Whether your promised inheritance is forgiveness, deliverance from finances, from addictions, from bitterness...whatever you stand in need of, God has the answer. He has a promised inheritance for you.
Sometimes God asks us to walk with someone & help them find their promised land. Be strong for that person when they can't stand alone! Be courageous when they can't find the courage to keep going! Be someone's Joshua. Be the one that causes them to inherit it.
"Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them in inherit it"
~Deut 31:7~
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Comfort a Friend
"Then Job answered and said: 'I have have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all! Shall words of the wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you,and shake my head at you; but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief" ~Job 16:1-5~
The power of our words! Job was really suffering. He had lost everything. And now, even his friends begin to find fault with him, looking for a way to blame him for all that has happened. How heavy a burden to feel guilt for your children's death, or for other great losses.
Not all suffering is the result of someone's sin. Yet sometimes we as humans make really bad choices, and suffering does result from the consequences. But either way, you and I can bring comfort and encouragement into the life of a hurting soul.
Job reminds us to consider, "if your soul was in my soul's place..." What words would we long to hear? What words would we crave to feed our soul with just a little peace? A little relief of our grief? You and I can direct others to Christ in their time of need. We can pray. We can share a verse of hope. We can speak a verse of restoration into a destroyed life. It is not our job to bring conviction, as judge and jury. That is the Holy Spirit's job. We are to be a light house, allowing God's love to shine through our every word and every action, drawing weary wandering people that have lost their way safely home. Help others find strength in Christ to rebuild beyond the pain.
The power of our words! Job was really suffering. He had lost everything. And now, even his friends begin to find fault with him, looking for a way to blame him for all that has happened. How heavy a burden to feel guilt for your children's death, or for other great losses.
Not all suffering is the result of someone's sin. Yet sometimes we as humans make really bad choices, and suffering does result from the consequences. But either way, you and I can bring comfort and encouragement into the life of a hurting soul.
Job reminds us to consider, "if your soul was in my soul's place..." What words would we long to hear? What words would we crave to feed our soul with just a little peace? A little relief of our grief? You and I can direct others to Christ in their time of need. We can pray. We can share a verse of hope. We can speak a verse of restoration into a destroyed life. It is not our job to bring conviction, as judge and jury. That is the Holy Spirit's job. We are to be a light house, allowing God's love to shine through our every word and every action, drawing weary wandering people that have lost their way safely home. Help others find strength in Christ to rebuild beyond the pain.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wearisome?
"And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright-words of truth. the words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" ~Ecc 12:9-13~
Ever had a crazy week? Schedules wide open for every family member? This has been my week! We have been wide open for the last 7 days, and still have some busy days ahead. It's been good things, fun to enjoy, but excessive busyness can divert our mind away from God.
Ecclesiastes is a unique book, great at moments, difficult to read in spots. Solomon, the wisest many that ever lived, wrote this book in his search for what life is really all about. And here in the last few verses, he sums up what God has taught him on this journey to find purpose: God & His commandments are our ALL.
My devotion today was so good, redirecting my thoughts back to "my All", Jesus. She described her day alot like my week has been. She showed up to the airport, in a mad dash, exhausted, hoping for a moment's peace before boarding her plane. But the Holy Spirit let her path cross a young lady in need of a word. This young lady was on a spiritual journey, searching for something, not sure what. God led Joni there to be sure that journey led Jane to Christ.
You and I are God's mouth piece, we are His workman. It's not just preachers that should study, and share knowledge from the scripture. You and I are called to do that too, everyday, everywhere, everyone we meet. Actually, everyone we meet is already on a spiritual journey, they may not even know it. They are either headed for heaven or hell. God sends you & me there to lead their path to Christ.
Even when you're weary, stop to share a word of encouragement to someone. Use technology for God's favor! Text or call or email someone a verse, a prayer, or a note to remind them God loves them. Be alert for "divine appointments" with complete strangers, even when you're rushed- in line at the grocery store, in an aisle at Wal-Mart, in a bleacher at the ballgame. It may turn out to be one of God's greatest blessings to you both. And, as Joni reminded me today, my few moments of rest are nothing compared to the eternal destiny of one restless lost soul.
"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not"
II Tim 4:2
Ever had a crazy week? Schedules wide open for every family member? This has been my week! We have been wide open for the last 7 days, and still have some busy days ahead. It's been good things, fun to enjoy, but excessive busyness can divert our mind away from God.
Ecclesiastes is a unique book, great at moments, difficult to read in spots. Solomon, the wisest many that ever lived, wrote this book in his search for what life is really all about. And here in the last few verses, he sums up what God has taught him on this journey to find purpose: God & His commandments are our ALL.
My devotion today was so good, redirecting my thoughts back to "my All", Jesus. She described her day alot like my week has been. She showed up to the airport, in a mad dash, exhausted, hoping for a moment's peace before boarding her plane. But the Holy Spirit let her path cross a young lady in need of a word. This young lady was on a spiritual journey, searching for something, not sure what. God led Joni there to be sure that journey led Jane to Christ.
You and I are God's mouth piece, we are His workman. It's not just preachers that should study, and share knowledge from the scripture. You and I are called to do that too, everyday, everywhere, everyone we meet. Actually, everyone we meet is already on a spiritual journey, they may not even know it. They are either headed for heaven or hell. God sends you & me there to lead their path to Christ.
Even when you're weary, stop to share a word of encouragement to someone. Use technology for God's favor! Text or call or email someone a verse, a prayer, or a note to remind them God loves them. Be alert for "divine appointments" with complete strangers, even when you're rushed- in line at the grocery store, in an aisle at Wal-Mart, in a bleacher at the ballgame. It may turn out to be one of God's greatest blessings to you both. And, as Joni reminded me today, my few moments of rest are nothing compared to the eternal destiny of one restless lost soul.
"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not"
II Tim 4:2
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Provoke Love
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" ~Eph 6:4~
This verse goes for us mothers, too. Have you seen a change in your child lately? Pray over it, talk to him / her. Don't just turn a blind eye to it, dig into the matter. But be cautious how you approach it. As difficult as it is, you and I are to be the examples of Christ's love to our children. We are to be the physical display of Our Heavenly Father's unfailing love, His never-ending support.
Do our children know we love them unconditionally? Do we speak to them in short, aggravated phrases, or raise our voice often in frustration? Do we separate the mistakes they make from the person God has called them to be in our mind? Do we look at them through the eyes of Jesus? Or do we see them as a check-list, something to just get finished with, to tolerate, or even as a disappointment because they failed to meet the standard? Do we look into their precious eyes everyday, to connect the sweet child within?
If illness or an accident took them home from us today, what would we regret most? Would we have peace that they knew our heart, and the love shared between parent and child? Or would we struggle to remember the last time we even hugged them?
Sometimes we provoke our children when our life doesn't hold up the example we preach to them.
Either way, our children are God's gift to us, our reward. Don't let the devil make you forget that sweet baby that once nuzzled close on your neck, and the bond created over all these years. Take the hard road less traveled. Stay close to your kids. Raise them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward" ~Ps 127:3~
This verse goes for us mothers, too. Have you seen a change in your child lately? Pray over it, talk to him / her. Don't just turn a blind eye to it, dig into the matter. But be cautious how you approach it. As difficult as it is, you and I are to be the examples of Christ's love to our children. We are to be the physical display of Our Heavenly Father's unfailing love, His never-ending support.
Do our children know we love them unconditionally? Do we speak to them in short, aggravated phrases, or raise our voice often in frustration? Do we separate the mistakes they make from the person God has called them to be in our mind? Do we look at them through the eyes of Jesus? Or do we see them as a check-list, something to just get finished with, to tolerate, or even as a disappointment because they failed to meet the standard? Do we look into their precious eyes everyday, to connect the sweet child within?
If illness or an accident took them home from us today, what would we regret most? Would we have peace that they knew our heart, and the love shared between parent and child? Or would we struggle to remember the last time we even hugged them?
Sometimes we provoke our children when our life doesn't hold up the example we preach to them.
Either way, our children are God's gift to us, our reward. Don't let the devil make you forget that sweet baby that once nuzzled close on your neck, and the bond created over all these years. Take the hard road less traveled. Stay close to your kids. Raise them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward" ~Ps 127:3~
Monday, October 26, 2009
You Complete Me
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power" ~Col 2:9-10~
Have you ever seen the movie Jerry McGuire? Remember that scene, toword the end, when he goes back to get his girl? He begins this long soliloquy, how he began to understand his feelings for her, to fall in love with her, what drew him to her and then he ends it with, "You complete me".
I look back over my life the last few years, and realize this is the story between me and God. He has worked overtime to care for me, to bless me, to love me when my love for Him was humanly half-hearted. He has stood in the background, cheering my victories, crying over my defeats, and rising with vigor to fight my enemies, and always careful to fill my heart with hope to keep striving. He has stayed in my corner, regardless of how silly I looked, how unbelievable my dreams were to everyone around. I know I've needed Him, I depended on Him constantly, knew I couldn't make it without Him. ..... But I've just realized how much He completes me.
No human could ever complete me like He does. No person could ever make me as happy. No one could be so quick to forgive me, and overlook my many faults, always seeing the best in me. No friend could ever be this loyal. No significant other could ever love me this deeply. No bond could make me feel so safe and secure. No presence could ever make me feel such peace regardless of the storm around me. No other would dare to believe in me so much, to care about my deepest desires and dreams, to have unfailing confidence in me to achieve difficult tasks. No other being could fill me with hope and help me to enjoy life, except Him. No other piece could fit my puzzle like God.
Jesus, You complete me. I'm sorry it took me so long to see the depth of this love we share. I love You.
And, I'm sure, just like the girl in the movie...I had Your heart and undivided attention with just my "Hello"...
Have you ever seen the movie Jerry McGuire? Remember that scene, toword the end, when he goes back to get his girl? He begins this long soliloquy, how he began to understand his feelings for her, to fall in love with her, what drew him to her and then he ends it with, "You complete me".
I look back over my life the last few years, and realize this is the story between me and God. He has worked overtime to care for me, to bless me, to love me when my love for Him was humanly half-hearted. He has stood in the background, cheering my victories, crying over my defeats, and rising with vigor to fight my enemies, and always careful to fill my heart with hope to keep striving. He has stayed in my corner, regardless of how silly I looked, how unbelievable my dreams were to everyone around. I know I've needed Him, I depended on Him constantly, knew I couldn't make it without Him. ..... But I've just realized how much He completes me.
No human could ever complete me like He does. No person could ever make me as happy. No one could be so quick to forgive me, and overlook my many faults, always seeing the best in me. No friend could ever be this loyal. No significant other could ever love me this deeply. No bond could make me feel so safe and secure. No presence could ever make me feel such peace regardless of the storm around me. No other would dare to believe in me so much, to care about my deepest desires and dreams, to have unfailing confidence in me to achieve difficult tasks. No other being could fill me with hope and help me to enjoy life, except Him. No other piece could fit my puzzle like God.
Jesus, You complete me. I'm sorry it took me so long to see the depth of this love we share. I love You.
And, I'm sure, just like the girl in the movie...I had Your heart and undivided attention with just my "Hello"...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Blossom
"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice. Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Says to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you." ~Is 35:1-4~
How do we blossom as the rose? When our life has resembled a wasteland, a wilderness of wandering, searching, dry as the desert...how can we blossom abundantly, and sing and rejoice? How?.... Jesus.
It is only by the power of Jesus, the sweet protective, forgiving hand of God Almighty that we have persevered and overcome, are still overcoming day by day. It is only by focusing on the blessings in the middle of our storms that we can find His divine hand in the midst of it all...He was always there, all along. He IS here, always. When we see, and realize this, we want others to see it too...
How can we make the barren body of Christ blossom? By strengthening the hands of those weaker than us. By wrapping our arms around them and helping them push forward when they have lost the strength to reach for themselves. By holding up feeble knees...knees of a dear person, whose life has been wounded by the enemy, scarred by sin, devoid of hope,... lost.
Last night I watched the forgiveness of Christ between the victim & a drunk driver. I was humbled to witness that victim lead that driver to accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior...only God can do this.
Only He can forgive the unforgiveable. Only He can save the unsavable. Only He can repair broken hearts and rebuild wasted lives. Only He can lift depressed spirits. Only He can fill a heart with hope. Only He can save an entire family in the process, and give some kids a future. Only He can make the desert blossom like a rose.
I'm so thankful He sent folks to hold me up along the way. Reach out to hurting people! They need you! They need the Lord! They need YOU to CARRY them to the Lord!
Let Him blossom through you.
How do we blossom as the rose? When our life has resembled a wasteland, a wilderness of wandering, searching, dry as the desert...how can we blossom abundantly, and sing and rejoice? How?.... Jesus.
It is only by the power of Jesus, the sweet protective, forgiving hand of God Almighty that we have persevered and overcome, are still overcoming day by day. It is only by focusing on the blessings in the middle of our storms that we can find His divine hand in the midst of it all...He was always there, all along. He IS here, always. When we see, and realize this, we want others to see it too...
How can we make the barren body of Christ blossom? By strengthening the hands of those weaker than us. By wrapping our arms around them and helping them push forward when they have lost the strength to reach for themselves. By holding up feeble knees...knees of a dear person, whose life has been wounded by the enemy, scarred by sin, devoid of hope,... lost.
Last night I watched the forgiveness of Christ between the victim & a drunk driver. I was humbled to witness that victim lead that driver to accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior...only God can do this.
Only He can forgive the unforgiveable. Only He can save the unsavable. Only He can repair broken hearts and rebuild wasted lives. Only He can lift depressed spirits. Only He can fill a heart with hope. Only He can save an entire family in the process, and give some kids a future. Only He can make the desert blossom like a rose.
I'm so thankful He sent folks to hold me up along the way. Reach out to hurting people! They need you! They need the Lord! They need YOU to CARRY them to the Lord!
Let Him blossom through you.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Choice
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" ~Josh 24:15~
We often overlook one power we have...we have the power of choice. We may live in a land that is not always Christian based, but we can still choose to live our life with Christ first. We may have come from a family that lacked Godly women to teach us, or Godly men to lead us...but we can choose to break that heritage. We don't have to be victim to the gods of lies and bonds our parents served. We can choose to hand down a better legacy to our children. We can become students of the Bible, and teach them to our children as we walk, as we talk, as we lie down, and as we rise up (Deut 6:7).
And, we may not be in the greatest circumstances at this moment. We may be in a situation we did not choose. We may even detest the things we presently have to face each day. But guess who did choose this for us? God. He allowed us to be here, even if it's the result of our own poor choices or the choices of others. He still allowed it. And because we know God, we can trust He has a purpose for us being here. There is a reason that He allows us to face these daily stresses. We can trust that if He has us here, the end will be good because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
So once again, we can choose. We are not bound to a dreadful future without hope. We are promised the greatest hope of all. We can get up every day determined to beat the odds, to persevere with a positive attitude, to be grateful for the blessings in the midst of the storm, and focused on encouragement--both to receive it, and to give it! We can choose to worship while we wait for things to be different, to be better.
Our faith is strengthened here, believing with all hope in the things unseen. We do not serve a God of evil, but a God of love, even in the darkest of days. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
We often overlook one power we have...we have the power of choice. We may live in a land that is not always Christian based, but we can still choose to live our life with Christ first. We may have come from a family that lacked Godly women to teach us, or Godly men to lead us...but we can choose to break that heritage. We don't have to be victim to the gods of lies and bonds our parents served. We can choose to hand down a better legacy to our children. We can become students of the Bible, and teach them to our children as we walk, as we talk, as we lie down, and as we rise up (Deut 6:7).
And, we may not be in the greatest circumstances at this moment. We may be in a situation we did not choose. We may even detest the things we presently have to face each day. But guess who did choose this for us? God. He allowed us to be here, even if it's the result of our own poor choices or the choices of others. He still allowed it. And because we know God, we can trust He has a purpose for us being here. There is a reason that He allows us to face these daily stresses. We can trust that if He has us here, the end will be good because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
So once again, we can choose. We are not bound to a dreadful future without hope. We are promised the greatest hope of all. We can get up every day determined to beat the odds, to persevere with a positive attitude, to be grateful for the blessings in the midst of the storm, and focused on encouragement--both to receive it, and to give it! We can choose to worship while we wait for things to be different, to be better.
Our faith is strengthened here, believing with all hope in the things unseen. We do not serve a God of evil, but a God of love, even in the darkest of days. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Filled
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen." ~Ps 72:18-19~
Friday was a busy day. Get through with work, and then get ready for the Women's Prayer group meeting at my house that night. This was our third monthly gathering. We rotate hosting them in our homes. It's exciting for God's girls to get together! It fills such and important need in my life. The warmth of the home setting-Sharing food, laughs, prayers, and tears. Such a strengthening experience! To be in the midst of such love!
I can surely tell our bonds are growing stronger, our friendships growing deeper. Bro. Scott had such a good message yesterday, from Ecc 4:9-12, about the value of a Godly companion. We all fall down, and we all need someone to help us up. We all grow cold at times, and need the warmth of a friend's love. There is much more kingdom work done by 2 or 3 than 1 could ever do alone, and there is a much greater reward for their labor together. A two-strand cannot be overpowered, and a three-strand cannot be easily broken.
Get involved in your local church. Find a body of believers to walk beside you on this journey of faith. As you grow, you will be as big of an encouragement to others as they are to you. We ALL need the Lord, and we all need each other. Find a place to love on somebody! Be filled with His Spirit.
Friday was a busy day. Get through with work, and then get ready for the Women's Prayer group meeting at my house that night. This was our third monthly gathering. We rotate hosting them in our homes. It's exciting for God's girls to get together! It fills such and important need in my life. The warmth of the home setting-Sharing food, laughs, prayers, and tears. Such a strengthening experience! To be in the midst of such love!
I can surely tell our bonds are growing stronger, our friendships growing deeper. Bro. Scott had such a good message yesterday, from Ecc 4:9-12, about the value of a Godly companion. We all fall down, and we all need someone to help us up. We all grow cold at times, and need the warmth of a friend's love. There is much more kingdom work done by 2 or 3 than 1 could ever do alone, and there is a much greater reward for their labor together. A two-strand cannot be overpowered, and a three-strand cannot be easily broken.
Get involved in your local church. Find a body of believers to walk beside you on this journey of faith. As you grow, you will be as big of an encouragement to others as they are to you. We ALL need the Lord, and we all need each other. Find a place to love on somebody! Be filled with His Spirit.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A New Song
"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy" ~Ps 33:3~
Play...play and have fun! Enjoy life with a shout of joy! Begin today...sing a new song to your God. Let your life sing Him a new song of the purest thanksgiving and excitement to be His child! Live like you are the child of a king...because you are! Live life on purpose...live skillfully! Live, love, laugh, run, play, dance, sing...spill out His love on everyone you come in contact with.
"He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to uor God! Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord" ~Ps 40:3~
Play...play and have fun! Enjoy life with a shout of joy! Begin today...sing a new song to your God. Let your life sing Him a new song of the purest thanksgiving and excitement to be His child! Live like you are the child of a king...because you are! Live life on purpose...live skillfully! Live, love, laugh, run, play, dance, sing...spill out His love on everyone you come in contact with.
"He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to uor God! Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord" ~Ps 40:3~
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Power of Christ Upon You
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" ~II Corinth 12:9~
I'm telling you, when the enemy comes, he leaves no stone unturned! He can make me feel weak in the knees, and without hope to crawl out of the bed sometimes. But you know, he is not all powerful and he does not have the last word on my life! When I'm at my weakest, ready to throw in the towel and give up, something surges from deep within me...subtle at first, just enough strength to reach for my Bible while still in bed, my soul searching to be filled. And then He takes over with, pulling me toward hope's light once again. A sigh with just enough strength to pull out of bed, then just enough to get ready, slowly. A few tears wiped away, put some make up now...make myself smile...better. Focus on today's tasks. Better yet, focus on what God's voice is telling me. Meet someone else's need, trusting Him to meet my own.
Rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! He must flee from you. God's grace is sufficient for you and me, one day at a time, one task at a time. When I'm at my weakest, the power of Christ rests upon me...and there's never a time I'm stronger!
I'm telling you, when the enemy comes, he leaves no stone unturned! He can make me feel weak in the knees, and without hope to crawl out of the bed sometimes. But you know, he is not all powerful and he does not have the last word on my life! When I'm at my weakest, ready to throw in the towel and give up, something surges from deep within me...subtle at first, just enough strength to reach for my Bible while still in bed, my soul searching to be filled. And then He takes over with, pulling me toward hope's light once again. A sigh with just enough strength to pull out of bed, then just enough to get ready, slowly. A few tears wiped away, put some make up now...make myself smile...better. Focus on today's tasks. Better yet, focus on what God's voice is telling me. Meet someone else's need, trusting Him to meet my own.
Rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! He must flee from you. God's grace is sufficient for you and me, one day at a time, one task at a time. When I'm at my weakest, the power of Christ rests upon me...and there's never a time I'm stronger!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ponder
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established."
What has God set before me? What am I overlooking? Lord, don't let the devil deceive me into believing his pastures are greener than the blessings You have for me. Keep my mind focused on You and the way You have chosen for me. Let my heart be filled to overflowing with the joy of Your way for my life. Let me be so content and enraptured with Your love and what You have for me, I don't even notice the things around me the devil would use. The things he sends only bring confusion, discontentment, and destruction in the end. Your ways are much higher than my ways, Your thoughts are much greater than mine. You see ahead. You always know best.
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" ~Prov 4:23~
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths" ~Prov 5:21~
What has God set before me? What am I overlooking? Lord, don't let the devil deceive me into believing his pastures are greener than the blessings You have for me. Keep my mind focused on You and the way You have chosen for me. Let my heart be filled to overflowing with the joy of Your way for my life. Let me be so content and enraptured with Your love and what You have for me, I don't even notice the things around me the devil would use. The things he sends only bring confusion, discontentment, and destruction in the end. Your ways are much higher than my ways, Your thoughts are much greater than mine. You see ahead. You always know best.
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" ~Prov 4:23~
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths" ~Prov 5:21~
Friday, October 9, 2009
Drawing From the Well
"Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" ~Is 12:3~
I love it when the Lord follows a really stressful day with a peaceful day full of joy. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it most.
Looking back over this year, I'm amazed how abundantly He has met our needs. He even met many of our wants. He protected us from countless things. Strengthened us to endure many others. Wow. What a testimony 2009 holds for God Almighty already, and I see even more ahead before this year is complete.
Reading the prayer of Jabez last night, the author focused on one phrase: Fill me with Your Spirit! What a pleading cry for us, even at the end of a long hard day. Refill me Lord, when I'm all used up and empty and think there is not another drop left to give. Refill me with Your Spirit! That's one request that He always grants, quickly and completely.
He is our well of salvation. From Him, we can draw waters of replenishing joy.
I love it when the Lord follows a really stressful day with a peaceful day full of joy. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it most.
Looking back over this year, I'm amazed how abundantly He has met our needs. He even met many of our wants. He protected us from countless things. Strengthened us to endure many others. Wow. What a testimony 2009 holds for God Almighty already, and I see even more ahead before this year is complete.
Reading the prayer of Jabez last night, the author focused on one phrase: Fill me with Your Spirit! What a pleading cry for us, even at the end of a long hard day. Refill me Lord, when I'm all used up and empty and think there is not another drop left to give. Refill me with Your Spirit! That's one request that He always grants, quickly and completely.
He is our well of salvation. From Him, we can draw waters of replenishing joy.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Be Blessed
"Now the Lord had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your fathers' house to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing" ~Gen 12:2~
The promise to Abraham is the promise to us too. We are the seed of Abraham, and we can inherit the promise. When satan battles us with discouragement, we can count our blessings and claim them into existence, even the ones we cannot see yet. We can focus on what He has set right before us, rather than on what is just outside our reach. It's a choice to let God rule our spirit and mind, to let Him use us every day to bring blessings to others around us.
Sometimes the enemy fights us hard! But you can bet the times of your greatest battles to claim your blessings are moments you are the closest to receiving them! When satan sees God lining up a delivery with your name on it, he tries to get you out of line so you won't receive it.
Don't let the devil rob you of your blessing! Stand up and claim today for the Lord! Both to receive whatever He has in store for you, and to be the blessing He has in store for someone else.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going"
~Heb 11:8~
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" ~Acts 20:32~
The promise to Abraham is the promise to us too. We are the seed of Abraham, and we can inherit the promise. When satan battles us with discouragement, we can count our blessings and claim them into existence, even the ones we cannot see yet. We can focus on what He has set right before us, rather than on what is just outside our reach. It's a choice to let God rule our spirit and mind, to let Him use us every day to bring blessings to others around us.
Sometimes the enemy fights us hard! But you can bet the times of your greatest battles to claim your blessings are moments you are the closest to receiving them! When satan sees God lining up a delivery with your name on it, he tries to get you out of line so you won't receive it.
Don't let the devil rob you of your blessing! Stand up and claim today for the Lord! Both to receive whatever He has in store for you, and to be the blessing He has in store for someone else.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going"
~Heb 11:8~
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" ~Acts 20:32~
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Diligently Rich
"He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich" ~Prov 10:4~
God has really taught me some lessons about diligence over the last 2 yrs. Yes, this verse can mean literally a person who works, verses a person that will not work. But it can also mean other areas of our life.
What has God placed on your heart and mind lately? It may be a visit to someone, a call or a card that you need to deliver. It may be a class or job change you need to pursue. It may be a change in your schedule or your attitude to bring more peace. It may be cleaning out clutter in your home to make your life less stressed. It may be going through old pictures, to organize and file away the former things, and make room for new memories.
A slack hand will leave you poor in the very area God is trying to lead you to richness in. Whatever He has led you to do, be diligent to see it through to completion. You can bet there is kingdom value to it, for you and others!
God has really taught me some lessons about diligence over the last 2 yrs. Yes, this verse can mean literally a person who works, verses a person that will not work. But it can also mean other areas of our life.
What has God placed on your heart and mind lately? It may be a visit to someone, a call or a card that you need to deliver. It may be a class or job change you need to pursue. It may be a change in your schedule or your attitude to bring more peace. It may be cleaning out clutter in your home to make your life less stressed. It may be going through old pictures, to organize and file away the former things, and make room for new memories.
A slack hand will leave you poor in the very area God is trying to lead you to richness in. Whatever He has led you to do, be diligent to see it through to completion. You can bet there is kingdom value to it, for you and others!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Today
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it" ~Ps 118:24~
Today is here...we made it! We have the beautiful gift of today. We can't do anything about yesterdays mistakes, or missed opportunities, they are history. Tomorrow may never come, just as it didn't come for one man's mother in our church...she passed away in the night last night. But today is here now.
Today, we have life within our body. Today we have a clear mind to make new and better decisions than yesterday. Today we have breath to praise the Lord. Today is His gift to us. Today His presence is with us, His mercies are new this morning. Today, He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Lord, thank you for my today with You. I choose to rejoice and be glad in my today.
Today is here...we made it! We have the beautiful gift of today. We can't do anything about yesterdays mistakes, or missed opportunities, they are history. Tomorrow may never come, just as it didn't come for one man's mother in our church...she passed away in the night last night. But today is here now.
Today, we have life within our body. Today we have a clear mind to make new and better decisions than yesterday. Today we have breath to praise the Lord. Today is His gift to us. Today His presence is with us, His mercies are new this morning. Today, He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Lord, thank you for my today with You. I choose to rejoice and be glad in my today.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Not So Serious!
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" ~I Tim 6:17~
I had a funny thing happen to me Thursday and Friday. Well, we made ourselves laugh about it to keep me from crying. Ever tried something new? Only to realize that you made the wrong choice? Well, that happened to me. (aka hair color!)I looked back over Thursday and asked God, "Hey, You usually warn me of these things--did I miss something?" But by Saturday, I realized that God absolutely allowed that, He wants me to loosen up a little, quit taking myself so seriously. He allowed me to look a little silly and laugh instead of crying. Things have been way to serious in our community and church lately, lots of sickness, injury, other problems...they needed a good laugh, and so did I! Even if it was at my expense!
It's a growing process to be able to laugh at your own blunders. Every since my divorce 2 & half years ago, I've struggled to regain the confidence I used to have. God has been pushing me further and further to overcome this area. He reminds me that I really am something kind of silly, and awkward, and lanky...nothing to be haughty and prideful in my own existence. But He is beautiful, and graceful, and strong. I don't possess one thing that could stand the test of time, all my own riches and resources are uncertain at best. But the Living God that dwells within me fills me with riches to enjoy. In Him, I can be bold, and confident, and enjoy all things without hesitation.
Jesus Christ is the source of my strength, I never have to rely on my own ability. Through Him, I can be confident to step into the life He has for me...serious about His purpose for me, but not so serious about myself! It's good to laugh, it's good to live and enjoy!
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations,'The Lord has done great things for them!' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!" ~Ps 126:2-3"
I had a funny thing happen to me Thursday and Friday. Well, we made ourselves laugh about it to keep me from crying. Ever tried something new? Only to realize that you made the wrong choice? Well, that happened to me. (aka hair color!)I looked back over Thursday and asked God, "Hey, You usually warn me of these things--did I miss something?" But by Saturday, I realized that God absolutely allowed that, He wants me to loosen up a little, quit taking myself so seriously. He allowed me to look a little silly and laugh instead of crying. Things have been way to serious in our community and church lately, lots of sickness, injury, other problems...they needed a good laugh, and so did I! Even if it was at my expense!
It's a growing process to be able to laugh at your own blunders. Every since my divorce 2 & half years ago, I've struggled to regain the confidence I used to have. God has been pushing me further and further to overcome this area. He reminds me that I really am something kind of silly, and awkward, and lanky...nothing to be haughty and prideful in my own existence. But He is beautiful, and graceful, and strong. I don't possess one thing that could stand the test of time, all my own riches and resources are uncertain at best. But the Living God that dwells within me fills me with riches to enjoy. In Him, I can be bold, and confident, and enjoy all things without hesitation.
Jesus Christ is the source of my strength, I never have to rely on my own ability. Through Him, I can be confident to step into the life He has for me...serious about His purpose for me, but not so serious about myself! It's good to laugh, it's good to live and enjoy!
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations,'The Lord has done great things for them!' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!" ~Ps 126:2-3"
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Hear Me in the Morning
"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." ~Ps 5:3~
How would I even get through the day without You, Lord? There isn't enough strength or courage within me to face the snares of the enemy all day long. I seek to know that You are with me, guiding my footsteps, making my path way clear. I need You to protect my mind from confusion that the devil would bring. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation! Fill my heart with hope and my life with purpose. Keep me from evil that I might not cause You pain. Focus my thoughts on You and Your kingdom's work all the day long.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" ~Ps 51:12-13~
How would I even get through the day without You, Lord? There isn't enough strength or courage within me to face the snares of the enemy all day long. I seek to know that You are with me, guiding my footsteps, making my path way clear. I need You to protect my mind from confusion that the devil would bring. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation! Fill my heart with hope and my life with purpose. Keep me from evil that I might not cause You pain. Focus my thoughts on You and Your kingdom's work all the day long.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" ~Ps 51:12-13~
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Awake
"I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" ~Ps 3:5~
Sleep is a funny thing. When we are hard pressed, we avoid it to keep pushing ourself harder and longer. When your mind is so burdened you cannot rest, it is desperately longed for. When you are depressed, feeling without hope, it is a hiding place. When we are sick, it helps heal. When the sickness or the pain is too great, it is severely missed!
I have seen the Lord lay me down in sweet sleep, when He knew I needed rest worse than anything else at that moment. I've had Him wake me in the middle of the night, to draw me into His word, to speak to my heart, or burden me to pray for someone or something.
I have also seen the devil bring nightmares to try and rob me of my peace. I'v also seen the enemy fight me with fatigue when the Lord is trying to push me diligently to accomplish something of kingdom value.
The Bible says to test the spirits, to know where they come from. Listen to your body, but listen to God. There is a time for rest, there is a time for labor. But above all, be alert to the tactics of the enemy to divert you from God's path...be awake in your spirit!
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" ~I John 4:1~
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" ~I Peter 5:8~
Sleep is a funny thing. When we are hard pressed, we avoid it to keep pushing ourself harder and longer. When your mind is so burdened you cannot rest, it is desperately longed for. When you are depressed, feeling without hope, it is a hiding place. When we are sick, it helps heal. When the sickness or the pain is too great, it is severely missed!
I have seen the Lord lay me down in sweet sleep, when He knew I needed rest worse than anything else at that moment. I've had Him wake me in the middle of the night, to draw me into His word, to speak to my heart, or burden me to pray for someone or something.
I have also seen the devil bring nightmares to try and rob me of my peace. I'v also seen the enemy fight me with fatigue when the Lord is trying to push me diligently to accomplish something of kingdom value.
The Bible says to test the spirits, to know where they come from. Listen to your body, but listen to God. There is a time for rest, there is a time for labor. But above all, be alert to the tactics of the enemy to divert you from God's path...be awake in your spirit!
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" ~I John 4:1~
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" ~I Peter 5:8~
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My Season
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" ~Ecc 3:1~
As the kids prepared to leave this morning, each one of us had to go to the front door and just feel the outside weather. One kid would tell another, "Go feel outside!" With sun shining, it brought a smile to each one of our faces to feel how quickly the cool fall air had settled in...just overnight. Each one was excited to pull the light weight jackets from the closet and slip them on, familiar warmth to snuggle in that had been tucked away since last fall.
Some found that last year's jacket just didn't fit any more, time to try on something new. It's so exciting to see how much we have grown, and to look forward to something new.
As I prayed the kids out the door, I couldn't help but think about this verse. It's one of my favorites, I go back to it often.
Change can be scary at first, but we don't have to remain afraid. Trust that God is beginning something miraculous in your life! Feel the cool sudden change in the wind and know that it is blowing in your direction for a change. Smile with anticipation as you pull out a new wardrobe, get dressed up for the occasion of a fresh start! Snuggle up, warm and covered with familiar comforts that you packed away and feared you would never feel the security of them again. Let go of things that no longer fit the new you, and the new life God is creating for you. Expect something grand and better to take it's place! Step out the open door He has opened...from your old life right into the fresh new one He is giving you. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in...it's finally here. This is your season!
As the kids prepared to leave this morning, each one of us had to go to the front door and just feel the outside weather. One kid would tell another, "Go feel outside!" With sun shining, it brought a smile to each one of our faces to feel how quickly the cool fall air had settled in...just overnight. Each one was excited to pull the light weight jackets from the closet and slip them on, familiar warmth to snuggle in that had been tucked away since last fall.
Some found that last year's jacket just didn't fit any more, time to try on something new. It's so exciting to see how much we have grown, and to look forward to something new.
As I prayed the kids out the door, I couldn't help but think about this verse. It's one of my favorites, I go back to it often.
Change can be scary at first, but we don't have to remain afraid. Trust that God is beginning something miraculous in your life! Feel the cool sudden change in the wind and know that it is blowing in your direction for a change. Smile with anticipation as you pull out a new wardrobe, get dressed up for the occasion of a fresh start! Snuggle up, warm and covered with familiar comforts that you packed away and feared you would never feel the security of them again. Let go of things that no longer fit the new you, and the new life God is creating for you. Expect something grand and better to take it's place! Step out the open door He has opened...from your old life right into the fresh new one He is giving you. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in...it's finally here. This is your season!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Riches of Grace
"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn" ~Zeph 12:10~
Does it grieve our spirit the price that Jesus paid for our sins? Does it grieve us when we do things that grieve His spirit? We pierced Him. I pierced Him. The price of my forgiveness was on Him. The cost for me was His blood. He paid it willingly. Do we even understand or comprehend the Spirit of His grace and supplication? I fail Him so many times. I could find no way to redeem myself. I'm so incapable of keeping a constant list of laws to perfection that would earn my own righteousness...I'm way too weak and flawed for that. It's only His grace that could redeem me. Thank you, Lord, for loving me endlessly, and forgiving me tirelessly. Strengthen me to bring You glory and not grief all the days of my life.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" ~Eph 1:7~
Does it grieve our spirit the price that Jesus paid for our sins? Does it grieve us when we do things that grieve His spirit? We pierced Him. I pierced Him. The price of my forgiveness was on Him. The cost for me was His blood. He paid it willingly. Do we even understand or comprehend the Spirit of His grace and supplication? I fail Him so many times. I could find no way to redeem myself. I'm so incapable of keeping a constant list of laws to perfection that would earn my own righteousness...I'm way too weak and flawed for that. It's only His grace that could redeem me. Thank you, Lord, for loving me endlessly, and forgiving me tirelessly. Strengthen me to bring You glory and not grief all the days of my life.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" ~Eph 1:7~
Friday, September 25, 2009
Shall Be Filled
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. For they shall be filled" ~Matt 5:6~
Shall be filled...not maybe so, or hope so. God, You have promised when I seek You in all Your righteousness, You will fill me. When I call out to You, seeking only Your will for my life, You fill me up. When I pray like Jabez did, to bless me and bless me indeed as only You can, You answer. When all I seek is Your perfect will, You honor that and fill the deepest hunger and thirst of my soul. And when I'm weary or weak, and don't know what to pray as I should, but lift up my soul to You for direction, You intercede and fill me up anyway. Hallelujah!
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." ~Rom 8:26~
"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You" ~Ps 143:8~
Shall be filled...not maybe so, or hope so. God, You have promised when I seek You in all Your righteousness, You will fill me. When I call out to You, seeking only Your will for my life, You fill me up. When I pray like Jabez did, to bless me and bless me indeed as only You can, You answer. When all I seek is Your perfect will, You honor that and fill the deepest hunger and thirst of my soul. And when I'm weary or weak, and don't know what to pray as I should, but lift up my soul to You for direction, You intercede and fill me up anyway. Hallelujah!
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." ~Rom 8:26~
"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You" ~Ps 143:8~
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Rest in Him Today
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ~Matt 11:28~
Where ever you are, what ever you are facing...run to Jesus with it! Take a time out from all your laboring, from all your worrying. Fall into His arms, cry with your face buried in His chest, fall asleep there with His arms wrapped around you. Let Him lift that burden off you for just a while and cover you like a blanket with the peace of His presence. He will guide you from there, direction will come later. But just for now...rest in Him today.
Where ever you are, what ever you are facing...run to Jesus with it! Take a time out from all your laboring, from all your worrying. Fall into His arms, cry with your face buried in His chest, fall asleep there with His arms wrapped around you. Let Him lift that burden off you for just a while and cover you like a blanket with the peace of His presence. He will guide you from there, direction will come later. But just for now...rest in Him today.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
His Authority
"And He said to them,'It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority" ~Acts 1:7~
I kept trying to navigate away from this verse today. It has been a command that God has used many times over the last 2 years in my life..."It's not for you to know when, Kristie..."
But today I finally noticed that this verse is just before the great commission to the mission field Acts 1:8! (God's probably thinking like you are, that this should have occurred to me long before now, HELLO-7 comes before 8!..) But sometimes I can have tunnel vision. Sometimes I'm so busy looking for the detail I seek, I miss the bigger picture God is trying to show me.
My friend Nicole sent me a quote today: "We often do not recognize gifts from God because they come wrapped in packages we hadn't expected" (Patsy Clairmont)
Am I like that? Am I so narrow minded that I cannot accept gifts from God unless they come in packages I pre-approve? Am I missing the greatest blessings in some unexpected packages?
It is only when I surrender control to the Holy Spirit that He can come over my life. It is only through Him that I can receive the power to move from this season where I am, into the next time of my life. He ends seasons and times as He wills, as He knows best...His authority...His authority...His authority.
Through this situation, this season, He will use you to be witnesses to everyone around you. Your surrendered life will lead others to Him.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" ~Acts 1:8~
I kept trying to navigate away from this verse today. It has been a command that God has used many times over the last 2 years in my life..."It's not for you to know when, Kristie..."
But today I finally noticed that this verse is just before the great commission to the mission field Acts 1:8! (God's probably thinking like you are, that this should have occurred to me long before now, HELLO-7 comes before 8!..) But sometimes I can have tunnel vision. Sometimes I'm so busy looking for the detail I seek, I miss the bigger picture God is trying to show me.
My friend Nicole sent me a quote today: "We often do not recognize gifts from God because they come wrapped in packages we hadn't expected" (Patsy Clairmont)
Am I like that? Am I so narrow minded that I cannot accept gifts from God unless they come in packages I pre-approve? Am I missing the greatest blessings in some unexpected packages?
It is only when I surrender control to the Holy Spirit that He can come over my life. It is only through Him that I can receive the power to move from this season where I am, into the next time of my life. He ends seasons and times as He wills, as He knows best...His authority...His authority...His authority.
Through this situation, this season, He will use you to be witnesses to everyone around you. Your surrendered life will lead others to Him.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" ~Acts 1:8~
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My Keeper
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber...The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand." ~Ps 121~
From the valley where you are now, you don't have to fight your own way out. You don't have to be crafted in gorilla warfare. You don't have to be a skilled swordsman. You don't have to be a master in strategic battle planning or have a black belt in karate. All you have to do is look to the hills.
Can you just picture it? The enemy has you surrounded on all sides. You're wounded, discouraged, outnumbered and scared. The sky is dark in your life at this moment, and it looks as if the end is near. You are sure there is no way out of this, not this time. It feels like the enemy has finally won. But then, a light begins to rise, just over the hill...brighter, and brighter. Fast, swift, you hear the sounds of an army rushing in. Angels wings, horse hoofs and a battle horn valiantly blown. They are here for you. And then you see Him...there He is, your Savior, your King riding in as Knight in shining armor. He is here to save you.
You don't have to lift a riffle, you don't have to lift a finger. All you have to do is lift your eyes to see the salvation of Your Lord...your Keeper has arrived.
From the valley where you are now, you don't have to fight your own way out. You don't have to be crafted in gorilla warfare. You don't have to be a skilled swordsman. You don't have to be a master in strategic battle planning or have a black belt in karate. All you have to do is look to the hills.
Can you just picture it? The enemy has you surrounded on all sides. You're wounded, discouraged, outnumbered and scared. The sky is dark in your life at this moment, and it looks as if the end is near. You are sure there is no way out of this, not this time. It feels like the enemy has finally won. But then, a light begins to rise, just over the hill...brighter, and brighter. Fast, swift, you hear the sounds of an army rushing in. Angels wings, horse hoofs and a battle horn valiantly blown. They are here for you. And then you see Him...there He is, your Savior, your King riding in as Knight in shining armor. He is here to save you.
You don't have to lift a riffle, you don't have to lift a finger. All you have to do is lift your eyes to see the salvation of Your Lord...your Keeper has arrived.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Endurance
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" ~Heb 12:1~
Everything You have done in my life is a resounding witness to Your power, Your love for me, and Your promises held true. Help me lay aside every thing that weighs me down, burdens my mind, causes my countenance to fall, saddens my spirit....strengthen me to avoid the sin that so easily ensnares me. I want to run this race with endurance, this race, this path that You have chosen & set before me. Keep my eyes focused Lord to endure.
Everything You have done in my life is a resounding witness to Your power, Your love for me, and Your promises held true. Help me lay aside every thing that weighs me down, burdens my mind, causes my countenance to fall, saddens my spirit....strengthen me to avoid the sin that so easily ensnares me. I want to run this race with endurance, this race, this path that You have chosen & set before me. Keep my eyes focused Lord to endure.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Trust
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" ~Ps 62:8~
Everything about my morning devotions brought me here. Even the book I've been reading. It examines areas of your life that lack confidence, including your spiritual life. As I read the list, I was shocked to reveal my trust level is lacking...do I give God full trust, full control of every area of my life? What fears do I cling to? What areas do I need to surrender? Do I trust Him at ALL times?
Lord, remind me that You are always a refuge for me. I'm pouring my heart out before you. I will keep practicing trust until I learn to surrender everything to You and to trust You at ALL times. Strengthen my ability to let go.
Beth Moore quote: I have put the devil on alert. He may make my life difficult but he cannot make me quit, for I am one of God's dear children.
Everything about my morning devotions brought me here. Even the book I've been reading. It examines areas of your life that lack confidence, including your spiritual life. As I read the list, I was shocked to reveal my trust level is lacking...do I give God full trust, full control of every area of my life? What fears do I cling to? What areas do I need to surrender? Do I trust Him at ALL times?
Lord, remind me that You are always a refuge for me. I'm pouring my heart out before you. I will keep practicing trust until I learn to surrender everything to You and to trust You at ALL times. Strengthen my ability to let go.
Beth Moore quote: I have put the devil on alert. He may make my life difficult but he cannot make me quit, for I am one of God's dear children.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Still Know
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah" ~Ps 46:10-11~
Be still...the hardest commandment He ever gives me to obey. There is a song on American Family Radio that has this verse in the chorus. It says: Peace be still, Peace be still, PLEASE be still...and know that I am God.
I figure that's how God feels with me often. Kristie, peace! Be still. Kristie, peace! Be still. Kristie, PLEASE BE STILL...don't get ahead of me. Wait, I'm working something out.
But look at the next commandment in this verse: Know. To "know" is believing without doubt. It claims a promise to be absolute & concrete. No moments of uncertainty. To fill your mind with so much assurance there is no room for a second thought. No question marks, only exclammation marks!
Know is a present tense verb. It is built on what we have known in the past, His faithfulness proven over and over, but we have to exercise that proven knowledge today. He is. His word is. That is what we know to be sure, here, today. No time for a quick glance back over our shoulder at what is behind us...like Lot's wife, we could become frozen in the past: "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" ~Gen 19:26~
This is the same God of Jacob, your God, my God. Jacob wrestled with God until the breaking of day because he "knew" God would indeed bless him, and Jacob refused to let go or move until God blessed him right there (Gen 32:22-32). Jacob knew how to be still.
We know God will be exalted among the nations. We know He will be exalted on the earth...and that exaltation will come through your life, and mine. Know that He is here with us, as we stand still, in silence. Know that He is our refuge, here, even as He works out the things that lay ahead of us, just like He did for Ruth. "...Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day" ~Ruth 3:18~
Selah...stand in awe and amazement. Ponder on the still small voice and the power of His presence in this still moment. Let the depth of your soul praise Him in the stillness.
Be still...the hardest commandment He ever gives me to obey. There is a song on American Family Radio that has this verse in the chorus. It says: Peace be still, Peace be still, PLEASE be still...and know that I am God.
I figure that's how God feels with me often. Kristie, peace! Be still. Kristie, peace! Be still. Kristie, PLEASE BE STILL...don't get ahead of me. Wait, I'm working something out.
But look at the next commandment in this verse: Know. To "know" is believing without doubt. It claims a promise to be absolute & concrete. No moments of uncertainty. To fill your mind with so much assurance there is no room for a second thought. No question marks, only exclammation marks!
Know is a present tense verb. It is built on what we have known in the past, His faithfulness proven over and over, but we have to exercise that proven knowledge today. He is. His word is. That is what we know to be sure, here, today. No time for a quick glance back over our shoulder at what is behind us...like Lot's wife, we could become frozen in the past: "But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt" ~Gen 19:26~
This is the same God of Jacob, your God, my God. Jacob wrestled with God until the breaking of day because he "knew" God would indeed bless him, and Jacob refused to let go or move until God blessed him right there (Gen 32:22-32). Jacob knew how to be still.
We know God will be exalted among the nations. We know He will be exalted on the earth...and that exaltation will come through your life, and mine. Know that He is here with us, as we stand still, in silence. Know that He is our refuge, here, even as He works out the things that lay ahead of us, just like He did for Ruth. "...Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day" ~Ruth 3:18~
Selah...stand in awe and amazement. Ponder on the still small voice and the power of His presence in this still moment. Let the depth of your soul praise Him in the stillness.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Pleasant Places
"O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope" ~Ps 16:5-9~
Lord, You promise me a good inheritance. It's You maintaining my lot in life. You promise the lines fall to me in pleasant places. You give counsel to my heart in the night seasons, even when I cannot see the path I'm on...You still stay before me, leading me, holding my right hand. No matter how unclear this area of the journey is, You won't let me be moved from the course that leads to my future. Even the dark areas where I cannot see can be pleasant places full of rejoicing. My heart chooses to be glad...I can rest in my assured hope!
Lord, You promise me a good inheritance. It's You maintaining my lot in life. You promise the lines fall to me in pleasant places. You give counsel to my heart in the night seasons, even when I cannot see the path I'm on...You still stay before me, leading me, holding my right hand. No matter how unclear this area of the journey is, You won't let me be moved from the course that leads to my future. Even the dark areas where I cannot see can be pleasant places full of rejoicing. My heart chooses to be glad...I can rest in my assured hope!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Temperate
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." ~I Corinth 9:24-25~
Temperate...this word was on my heart this morning.
This word is also found in I Tim 3:2 listing the qualifications of church leaders: "A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach."
What does it mean to be temperate? How does that word relate to runners / athletes, church leaders & us in our Christian walk?
Webster defines temperate as:
1 : marked by moderation: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire : moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship
So, as we run this race of life, we are to be focused on the eternal prize of living for Jesus, and leading others to Him. That is the eternal prize. We are to be trained, disciplined, held within limits...not by laws for the sake of perfection but by grace for the sake of love. We are to train ourselves in prayer, discipline ourselves in The Living Word, and limit how we act...keeping our hands wide open for His love and blessings to flow through our hands and be poured out on everyone around us.
Can you see the prize of being His beloved? Can you feel that crown as He places a jewel for every life you touch for His name? That crown we will lay at His feet one day, knowing every jewel we have obtained was His to begin with. He just let us share His treasures of life, love, family, friends, ministry. Keep your eye on the prize. Don't waste today's treasure.
Temperate...this word was on my heart this morning.
This word is also found in I Tim 3:2 listing the qualifications of church leaders: "A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach."
What does it mean to be temperate? How does that word relate to runners / athletes, church leaders & us in our Christian walk?
Webster defines temperate as:
1 : marked by moderation: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire : moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship
So, as we run this race of life, we are to be focused on the eternal prize of living for Jesus, and leading others to Him. That is the eternal prize. We are to be trained, disciplined, held within limits...not by laws for the sake of perfection but by grace for the sake of love. We are to train ourselves in prayer, discipline ourselves in The Living Word, and limit how we act...keeping our hands wide open for His love and blessings to flow through our hands and be poured out on everyone around us.
Can you see the prize of being His beloved? Can you feel that crown as He places a jewel for every life you touch for His name? That crown we will lay at His feet one day, knowing every jewel we have obtained was His to begin with. He just let us share His treasures of life, love, family, friends, ministry. Keep your eye on the prize. Don't waste today's treasure.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Examine Myself
"But let each one examine his own work and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load" ~Gal 6:4-5~
Do I examine myself enough? How close do I look? Do I see myself as God does? I love the great feeling when my "works" please Him. It is our calling to minister to others, each of us...
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" ~Jam 1:27~
I know it makes God smile when He sees us loving on others, regardless of whether we think they are in the wrong place in their life, only the love of God poured out on them can change their life.
But what about that last phrase? "To keep oneself unspotted from the world"...I'm ashamed at how many times I've failed to do this part. I'm afraid I've let the world leave it's mark on me often. How do we get past that? How do we forgive ourselves for falling short yesterday and move ahead today?
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I hope in Him! Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every mourning; Great is Your faithfulness" ~Lam 3:21-23~
That's how...when we failed yesterday, we get up today and start over in Him. And that's how we share the hope with others.
Do I examine myself enough? How close do I look? Do I see myself as God does? I love the great feeling when my "works" please Him. It is our calling to minister to others, each of us...
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" ~Jam 1:27~
I know it makes God smile when He sees us loving on others, regardless of whether we think they are in the wrong place in their life, only the love of God poured out on them can change their life.
But what about that last phrase? "To keep oneself unspotted from the world"...I'm ashamed at how many times I've failed to do this part. I'm afraid I've let the world leave it's mark on me often. How do we get past that? How do we forgive ourselves for falling short yesterday and move ahead today?
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I hope in Him! Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every mourning; Great is Your faithfulness" ~Lam 3:21-23~
That's how...when we failed yesterday, we get up today and start over in Him. And that's how we share the hope with others.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Great Gulf Fixed
"And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us" ~Luke 16:26~
This is the story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus. The rich man spent his life clothed well, and ate well. The beggar laid at his gate, full of sores, begging for the crumbs from the rich man's table. Both men died, and the rich man looks up from Hades and sees Lazarus in heaven, in Abraham's bosom. The rich man cries out to Abraham, being tormented by flames, begging for a drop of water. He also begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers of this place of torment that they might not go. But Abraham cannot. He replies to the rich man with the verse above...that there is a great gulf fixed between us, the living and the dead, and between heaven and hell. Once our decision is made, there is no going back.
A rich man now turned beggar. A beggar now living in the riches of glory.
One day, we will each face that gulf. Which side are you standing on? Where do your brothers and sisters stand? Your friends? Do you even know?
Fix your eyes on the things that matter in this life...the eternal things. The only things in this life that are eternal are people. Don't miss your chance.
This is the story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus. The rich man spent his life clothed well, and ate well. The beggar laid at his gate, full of sores, begging for the crumbs from the rich man's table. Both men died, and the rich man looks up from Hades and sees Lazarus in heaven, in Abraham's bosom. The rich man cries out to Abraham, being tormented by flames, begging for a drop of water. He also begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers of this place of torment that they might not go. But Abraham cannot. He replies to the rich man with the verse above...that there is a great gulf fixed between us, the living and the dead, and between heaven and hell. Once our decision is made, there is no going back.
A rich man now turned beggar. A beggar now living in the riches of glory.
One day, we will each face that gulf. Which side are you standing on? Where do your brothers and sisters stand? Your friends? Do you even know?
Fix your eyes on the things that matter in this life...the eternal things. The only things in this life that are eternal are people. Don't miss your chance.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Endless Dancing
"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers" ~I Pet 4:7~
None of us know when the end of time will come, for our individual lives, or for the entire world. Many Christians look at the difficult state of our world today and wonder how much longer it could go on this way.
But we all experience endings to seasons in our life...the end of our childhood, the end of teenage years, the end of high school days, the end of college years, the end of a job, the end of a relationship, the end of a life. The end can be full of sadness, but it can also be full of promise for something new to begin. Or a new purposed ministry from the lose you just experienced. A new dance in the music of your life.
When we are faced with an unwelcome end, and watch helplessly as it takes place, be serious and watchful in your prayers. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in this end. Ask Him to help you see that He is still in control, regardless how out of control things feel. Ask Him to help you grieve, but then let go when the time comes, looking ahead to new beginnings. Ask Him to make this a time of great closeness with the Holy Spirit and something to build a great testimony you will use to both glorify Him, and help others as they pass through unwelcome endings.
I promise, there are other happy beginnings. And sometimes the most unexpected things turn out to be blessings in disguise. God promises too. Stay serious about receiving that blessing, watchful in prayer to see His hand.
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" ~Ecc 3~
None of us know when the end of time will come, for our individual lives, or for the entire world. Many Christians look at the difficult state of our world today and wonder how much longer it could go on this way.
But we all experience endings to seasons in our life...the end of our childhood, the end of teenage years, the end of high school days, the end of college years, the end of a job, the end of a relationship, the end of a life. The end can be full of sadness, but it can also be full of promise for something new to begin. Or a new purposed ministry from the lose you just experienced. A new dance in the music of your life.
When we are faced with an unwelcome end, and watch helplessly as it takes place, be serious and watchful in your prayers. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in this end. Ask Him to help you see that He is still in control, regardless how out of control things feel. Ask Him to help you grieve, but then let go when the time comes, looking ahead to new beginnings. Ask Him to make this a time of great closeness with the Holy Spirit and something to build a great testimony you will use to both glorify Him, and help others as they pass through unwelcome endings.
I promise, there are other happy beginnings. And sometimes the most unexpected things turn out to be blessings in disguise. God promises too. Stay serious about receiving that blessing, watchful in prayer to see His hand.
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" ~Ecc 3~
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Persevere in Love
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." ~Rom 5:3-5~
I am drawn to these verses often in times of my own struggles, my own tribulations. But this morning, I am drawn to them to persevere with others during their times of tribulation.
Yesterday afternoon, one of our church members, a minister, was hit by a drunk driver...The driver is also from our community. A lady God has crossed my path with often, close to my own age, with children close to my children's age. Interestingly, we have had many of the same trials in our past, from childhood through adulthood. We have talked and shared the hope of Jesus several times. I know now that as my heart aches for the dear minister and friend as he looses one of his legs and faces a life-time of changes, so will this young mother face a life-time of changes. Both will still need to be ministered to, and loved, and to hear the hope of Jesus.
These verses also remind me to persevere when friends abandon you. Forgive them anyway, love them anyway. Life is too short to waste it angry all the time. They need you, and you need them. Life takes people from you without choice that you can never get back...Just be ready to love the ones who return, forgetting the past.
And these verses remind me of my kids. If there is anything I know about raising 5 kids, it's the fact that they go through rough patches. Different tribulations for each of them. And at times it will scare you, take you by surprise to see what area of attack the enemy has devised. But their struggles are not who they are. They are not defined by their weaknesses, but rather by who God created them to be. That's our job as parents, to remind them of that, and to persevere with them in love, to help them get through this rough patch back to smooth sailing. It's our job to help God mold character in them through this tribulation.
Persevering with others in difficult times, through the love Jesus has placed in your heart and in my heart....that's the hope that never disappoints.
I am drawn to these verses often in times of my own struggles, my own tribulations. But this morning, I am drawn to them to persevere with others during their times of tribulation.
Yesterday afternoon, one of our church members, a minister, was hit by a drunk driver...The driver is also from our community. A lady God has crossed my path with often, close to my own age, with children close to my children's age. Interestingly, we have had many of the same trials in our past, from childhood through adulthood. We have talked and shared the hope of Jesus several times. I know now that as my heart aches for the dear minister and friend as he looses one of his legs and faces a life-time of changes, so will this young mother face a life-time of changes. Both will still need to be ministered to, and loved, and to hear the hope of Jesus.
These verses also remind me to persevere when friends abandon you. Forgive them anyway, love them anyway. Life is too short to waste it angry all the time. They need you, and you need them. Life takes people from you without choice that you can never get back...Just be ready to love the ones who return, forgetting the past.
And these verses remind me of my kids. If there is anything I know about raising 5 kids, it's the fact that they go through rough patches. Different tribulations for each of them. And at times it will scare you, take you by surprise to see what area of attack the enemy has devised. But their struggles are not who they are. They are not defined by their weaknesses, but rather by who God created them to be. That's our job as parents, to remind them of that, and to persevere with them in love, to help them get through this rough patch back to smooth sailing. It's our job to help God mold character in them through this tribulation.
Persevering with others in difficult times, through the love Jesus has placed in your heart and in my heart....that's the hope that never disappoints.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Wise Prepare
~Matt 25:1-13~
~~~"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered,'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." ~~~
Whatever God is leading you to do, please do not delay. Whatever thing in life you are called to prepare for, do it today. Whatever family or friend doesn't know Jesus as Lord & Savior, make today the day you tell them about Him. If you don't know where you stand with Him, clear it up today.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" ~II Peter 3:9~
~~~"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered,'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." ~~~
Whatever God is leading you to do, please do not delay. Whatever thing in life you are called to prepare for, do it today. Whatever family or friend doesn't know Jesus as Lord & Savior, make today the day you tell them about Him. If you don't know where you stand with Him, clear it up today.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" ~II Peter 3:9~
Monday, September 7, 2009
Labor of Love
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God" ~I Thes 1:2-4~
It's important to know where you are in life, and more importantly where you're headed. Knowing your election by God, your calling, should make you move constantly toward that direction. God places people in your life to help move you along this path of faith. Remember to cover them in prayer, thanking God for them, praying a special blessing on them for standing by you, for helping you up when you feel hopeless to keep going.
It is a never ceasing work of faith to step out into God's future. It's a labor of love...keep working! Your patience of hope, your patience to see that hope, will never go unrewarded. You are in the sight of Jesus. He knows.
It's important to know where you are in life, and more importantly where you're headed. Knowing your election by God, your calling, should make you move constantly toward that direction. God places people in your life to help move you along this path of faith. Remember to cover them in prayer, thanking God for them, praying a special blessing on them for standing by you, for helping you up when you feel hopeless to keep going.
It is a never ceasing work of faith to step out into God's future. It's a labor of love...keep working! Your patience of hope, your patience to see that hope, will never go unrewarded. You are in the sight of Jesus. He knows.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sure & Steadfast
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil" ~Heb 6:19~
Well, times come and go. Moments of great Holy Spirit leadership call you into deep prayer. Times that God warns you of a great delusion of satan ahead, threatening to lead you astray. When God is working on something great in your life that will further His call on your life to serve Him, you can bet the enemy will devise something so similar, it will almost fool you. But dig deep into prayer. Whatever the devil wraps up into a neat package can only be surface beauty, because there is no way that he can touch the deep beauty of what God has for you...full of character, and holiness, strength, and security. Only things sent from God can be this pure, this sure, this safe.
Sometimes we have to be silent. That was God's greatest advice to me this last week as the enemy tried to deceive me. Silence is supposed to keep the enemy from knowing too much detail about our areas of weakness, longing, neediness...that is ammunition for him to prepare a greater strategy of attack. He will create something you long for and need so much to confuse you. Carry those needs to God instead of man. Never let the enemy have too much information to use against you! Be silent to let God reveal Himself as The Light in the darkness of smoke & mirrors the enemy is presenting. There will be moments it's hard to tell exactly which way to go, but He will reveal it to you. His Spirit is interceding with the Presence behind the veil on your behalf...Be silent and still until He does.
My best friend sent me this quote Wednesday night at a moment I really needed a word from God: "Wherever you are now is God's provision not His punishment. Celebrate this moment, and try very hard to do it with conscious gratitude." ~Luci Swindol~
So, my friend, remember God is sure and steadfast, the hope that anchors our soul...we need to be sure and steadfast to wait for that which God is preparing as perfect for us. The wait will SO be worth it!
"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" ~Heb 6:15~
Well, times come and go. Moments of great Holy Spirit leadership call you into deep prayer. Times that God warns you of a great delusion of satan ahead, threatening to lead you astray. When God is working on something great in your life that will further His call on your life to serve Him, you can bet the enemy will devise something so similar, it will almost fool you. But dig deep into prayer. Whatever the devil wraps up into a neat package can only be surface beauty, because there is no way that he can touch the deep beauty of what God has for you...full of character, and holiness, strength, and security. Only things sent from God can be this pure, this sure, this safe.
Sometimes we have to be silent. That was God's greatest advice to me this last week as the enemy tried to deceive me. Silence is supposed to keep the enemy from knowing too much detail about our areas of weakness, longing, neediness...that is ammunition for him to prepare a greater strategy of attack. He will create something you long for and need so much to confuse you. Carry those needs to God instead of man. Never let the enemy have too much information to use against you! Be silent to let God reveal Himself as The Light in the darkness of smoke & mirrors the enemy is presenting. There will be moments it's hard to tell exactly which way to go, but He will reveal it to you. His Spirit is interceding with the Presence behind the veil on your behalf...Be silent and still until He does.
My best friend sent me this quote Wednesday night at a moment I really needed a word from God: "Wherever you are now is God's provision not His punishment. Celebrate this moment, and try very hard to do it with conscious gratitude." ~Luci Swindol~
So, my friend, remember God is sure and steadfast, the hope that anchors our soul...we need to be sure and steadfast to wait for that which God is preparing as perfect for us. The wait will SO be worth it!
"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" ~Heb 6:15~
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Changing & Revealing
"And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him." ~Dan 2:21-22~
Father, in cloudy moments, we know it is You who change the times and seasons. You raise up men & women for Your glory, for Your will to be done. You give us wisdom and knowledge for us to understand. By Your light, deep and secret things are revealed. Speak a word of truth to me today. Speak to me some words to light my way.
Father, in cloudy moments, we know it is You who change the times and seasons. You raise up men & women for Your glory, for Your will to be done. You give us wisdom and knowledge for us to understand. By Your light, deep and secret things are revealed. Speak a word of truth to me today. Speak to me some words to light my way.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Out of Weakness, Made Strong
"...out of weakness, were made strong..." ~Heb 11:34~
This passage in my Bible is titled: By Faith They Overcame
Heb 11:32-34 "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens....God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us"
Lord, out of my weakness, make me strong. Deliver the promise that will close up the gap, provide protection, provision, good reward for our labor. That which lifts us up in fallen moments, lays us down in peace at night & keeps us warm. A two-strand able to withstand the devil's attacks against Our Lord's work, and a three-strand, or more...not easily to ever be broken again! (Ecc 4:9-12) Provide something so much better for us, prepared just for us, me and my children...that apart from us, they should not be made perfect. A place cut out just for us. ...by faith YOU did all these things for the men of the Bible. By faith, I know You will do this for us, too. I believe.
This passage in my Bible is titled: By Faith They Overcame
Heb 11:32-34 "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens....God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us"
Lord, out of my weakness, make me strong. Deliver the promise that will close up the gap, provide protection, provision, good reward for our labor. That which lifts us up in fallen moments, lays us down in peace at night & keeps us warm. A two-strand able to withstand the devil's attacks against Our Lord's work, and a three-strand, or more...not easily to ever be broken again! (Ecc 4:9-12) Provide something so much better for us, prepared just for us, me and my children...that apart from us, they should not be made perfect. A place cut out just for us. ...by faith YOU did all these things for the men of the Bible. By faith, I know You will do this for us, too. I believe.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Your Heritage
"Shepherd Your people with Your staff, the flock of Your heritage, who dwell solitarily in a woodland, in the midst of Carmel; Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders" ~Nahum 7:14-15~
God, we are Your people. Shepherd us with Your staff. You have promised us to be the flock of Your heritage. Even when we live in solitary moments, feeling alone, You feed us by Your Spirit. Show us Your wonders here.
God, we are Your people. Shepherd us with Your staff. You have promised us to be the flock of Your heritage. Even when we live in solitary moments, feeling alone, You feed us by Your Spirit. Show us Your wonders here.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Simple things
"The law of the Lord is perfect,converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" ~Ps 19:7~
The testimony we have is sure. What He did in our life, no one can take that from us. And no one can tell my testimony but me. His law is perfect, converting the soul. And He uses the simple things of this world to bring us wisdom.
Let God use your testimony today. He can't use it if you won't share it. You and I are some of the simple things He wants to use to give someone else His greater wisdom.
The testimony we have is sure. What He did in our life, no one can take that from us. And no one can tell my testimony but me. His law is perfect, converting the soul. And He uses the simple things of this world to bring us wisdom.
Let God use your testimony today. He can't use it if you won't share it. You and I are some of the simple things He wants to use to give someone else His greater wisdom.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God laid it on him
"Let him sit alone and keep silent, because God has laid it on him" ~Lam 3:28~
God led me to this verse in the midnight hour. As I turned to it, I realized God has brought this verse to me 3 times in the last 3 months: June 27, July 17, and now Aug 27. The first time was at a women's conference. The second time at youth camp. And today, just by Him.
When God keeps sending you the same message, it's important to examine why. Stop and listed. Sit alone, keep silent, let Him do the talking. Let His Spirit tell you something He has been trying to. God has laid it on you. Listen. Look closer. He will open up something, some piece of knowledge and instruction right before your eyes.
"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" ~Lam 3:26~
God led me to this verse in the midnight hour. As I turned to it, I realized God has brought this verse to me 3 times in the last 3 months: June 27, July 17, and now Aug 27. The first time was at a women's conference. The second time at youth camp. And today, just by Him.
When God keeps sending you the same message, it's important to examine why. Stop and listed. Sit alone, keep silent, let Him do the talking. Let His Spirit tell you something He has been trying to. God has laid it on you. Listen. Look closer. He will open up something, some piece of knowledge and instruction right before your eyes.
"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" ~Lam 3:26~
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Normal
"Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common" ~Acts 2:44~
Last night, as I went to our church league men's softball games, I was struck by how great it is to feel "normal". I hadn't really missed the feeling, I'd forgotten about it. Sometimes we go through so much in life, feeling "just ok", or surviving becomes the usual way we feel. Often we feel burdened with responsibility, maybe even when there is nothing wrong. Many times our minds are overloaded with all we have left to accomplish for the day, the checklist heavy with chores, homework, bills, problems we can't seem to release from our thoughts. Sometimes, we have been through things that make us loose our place in society, and the new common feeling for our life is "odd and out of place". We get so adjusted to it sometimes, we just forget what normal feels like...
Webster has many terms defining normal. Associated words: standard conditions, mainstream, temperance, equilibrium, stability, peace, health...my favorite definition: free of all spoilage or obvious defects.
Mainstream-not living life on the sidelines, but jumping right in the middle of the action. To sit and enjoy a meal or a ballgame with no rush, no distraction. Just living in that moment. Free of all spoilage or obvious defects...wow. Only Jesus can bring us to a place free from the spoilage of our past, and to a place where we are only seen for who we are, not the obvious defects life has hit us with-that is a place of equilibrium, stability, peace & health. A place where being with the body of Christ, the church sharing fellowship, believing together, having all things in common, once again finds your place of normal.
Last night, as I went to our church league men's softball games, I was struck by how great it is to feel "normal". I hadn't really missed the feeling, I'd forgotten about it. Sometimes we go through so much in life, feeling "just ok", or surviving becomes the usual way we feel. Often we feel burdened with responsibility, maybe even when there is nothing wrong. Many times our minds are overloaded with all we have left to accomplish for the day, the checklist heavy with chores, homework, bills, problems we can't seem to release from our thoughts. Sometimes, we have been through things that make us loose our place in society, and the new common feeling for our life is "odd and out of place". We get so adjusted to it sometimes, we just forget what normal feels like...
Webster has many terms defining normal. Associated words: standard conditions, mainstream, temperance, equilibrium, stability, peace, health...my favorite definition: free of all spoilage or obvious defects.
Mainstream-not living life on the sidelines, but jumping right in the middle of the action. To sit and enjoy a meal or a ballgame with no rush, no distraction. Just living in that moment. Free of all spoilage or obvious defects...wow. Only Jesus can bring us to a place free from the spoilage of our past, and to a place where we are only seen for who we are, not the obvious defects life has hit us with-that is a place of equilibrium, stability, peace & health. A place where being with the body of Christ, the church sharing fellowship, believing together, having all things in common, once again finds your place of normal.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Until Now
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" ~John 16:24~
This verse struck me yesterday. I often talk to close friends about what I need, what I desire most. But do I ask God for this need? In times past, I have prayed about it, but how fervently do I pray about it now? Did I give up asking?
Bro. Matt brought up these scriptures in the sermon yesterday:
"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" ~Jam 5:12~
"Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day...And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' And He blessed him there." ~from Gen 32:22-32~
Wow...Jacob wrestled with God all night. He would not let go until God blessed him. Have I let go? Have I let go without my blessing? Have I asked, but not asked in Jesus' name? Have I relied on the power of asking in my name alone?
Has all my asking been for selfish reasons and not for the reason of how God's ministry might be furthered through this blessing? That's where my heart's focus should be. I should storm the gates of heaven, crying out for the blessing that will add help to the kingdom's work. The blessing that will add holiness to my testimony. The blessing that will fuel the gospel in my life.
Father God, I come now, seeking Your face. I'm knocking-I'm banging on the doors of heaven. I pray for Your will to be done in the lives of all who are reading this. Line up our will with Yours. For each of us that stands in need, I pray for this blessing that our joy may be full, serving out Your called purpose in our life. I come boldly before Your throne to request it, expecting to receive it as You promised. God, I do not ask in my name, but in the name above all names...the name by which all men MUST be saved...In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
This verse struck me yesterday. I often talk to close friends about what I need, what I desire most. But do I ask God for this need? In times past, I have prayed about it, but how fervently do I pray about it now? Did I give up asking?
Bro. Matt brought up these scriptures in the sermon yesterday:
"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" ~Jam 5:12~
"Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day...And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' And He blessed him there." ~from Gen 32:22-32~
Wow...Jacob wrestled with God all night. He would not let go until God blessed him. Have I let go? Have I let go without my blessing? Have I asked, but not asked in Jesus' name? Have I relied on the power of asking in my name alone?
Has all my asking been for selfish reasons and not for the reason of how God's ministry might be furthered through this blessing? That's where my heart's focus should be. I should storm the gates of heaven, crying out for the blessing that will add help to the kingdom's work. The blessing that will add holiness to my testimony. The blessing that will fuel the gospel in my life.
Father God, I come now, seeking Your face. I'm knocking-I'm banging on the doors of heaven. I pray for Your will to be done in the lives of all who are reading this. Line up our will with Yours. For each of us that stands in need, I pray for this blessing that our joy may be full, serving out Your called purpose in our life. I come boldly before Your throne to request it, expecting to receive it as You promised. God, I do not ask in my name, but in the name above all names...the name by which all men MUST be saved...In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
Friday, August 21, 2009
He Called Out My Name
"For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me" ~Is 45:4~
Today was my day. Thirty six years ago today, He breathed my first breath into these lungs. He named me His daughter, born for His purpose. And close to this day, 27 yrs ago at age 9, He called me to accept Him as Savior and Master of my life, to live out that purpose. What a journey we have had, me and the Lord!
Once, in 2006, He spoke my name, and just said, "I love you"....He knew the things that lay ahead of me to face in the next 3 years. He knew I'd need that strength.
I got plenty of Happy Birthday wishes from family and friends this morning, but I sent myself a text that just said: "Hey B'day girl-Jesus loves you!"....I'm reminded more than ever this year, He is why I'm here. I have never been alone.
This journey's not over yet! Still got many ways He's called me to serve Him! Still got many blessed promises to receive!
Celebrate the day He called you by name.
"...You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married...as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you..." ~Is 62:2-5~
Today was my day. Thirty six years ago today, He breathed my first breath into these lungs. He named me His daughter, born for His purpose. And close to this day, 27 yrs ago at age 9, He called me to accept Him as Savior and Master of my life, to live out that purpose. What a journey we have had, me and the Lord!
Once, in 2006, He spoke my name, and just said, "I love you"....He knew the things that lay ahead of me to face in the next 3 years. He knew I'd need that strength.
I got plenty of Happy Birthday wishes from family and friends this morning, but I sent myself a text that just said: "Hey B'day girl-Jesus loves you!"....I'm reminded more than ever this year, He is why I'm here. I have never been alone.
This journey's not over yet! Still got many ways He's called me to serve Him! Still got many blessed promises to receive!
Celebrate the day He called you by name.
"...You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married...as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you..." ~Is 62:2-5~
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