Nehemiah 4:6 NKJV
"So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."
Nehemiah is known as "the rebuilder of broken walls & lives". I'm going to share with you some powerful points our pastor has taught on Wednesday nights.
I know I've watched my family be torn apart in the past, & have worked to rebuild us over the last 4 years. I know the discouragement that we face from the enemy of our soul when we try to step forward into God's promised future for us. But we must remember we are not just fighting for today, but for tomorrow. Not just our tomorrow, but our children's tomorrow, and their children. What we rebuild today will affect generations.
Together we CAN rebuild this wall. Us & God. Get the vision, see the need, and find your place on the wall with me as we step into the story of Nehemiah.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Glow, My Firefly!
I received this quote in an email from my dear firefly Heather today :
"Do not give in into sadness or desperation for what you are going through today. God knows how you feel . . . God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to you in your life at this percise moment. God's purpose for you is simply perfect. He wants to show you things only you can understand by living what you are living and by being in the place you are now."
These words are profound. It was the kind of statement that commands you to slow down & re-read it with complete attention & full reverance to appreciate the depth of it. DON'T GIVE IN TO THE SADNESS & DESPERATION FOR WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TODAY!
GOD KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL, whether it's not undrstood by others or old news to them or whether it doesn't even make since to anyone else at all. GOD KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL.
And the the last part of the quote made me notice the most. I expected it to read "to show you things you can only understand by living what you're living". But it doesn't. I had to read it several times to catch it. Look at the placement of the word"only". . . ."He wants to show you things ONLY YOU can understand by living what you're living". Yes, your life affects many around you. Yes, your testimony will impact countless individuals as you go through this. . . But ONLY YOU can understand it. It's your life lesson from God. It's you The Almighty chose for this. You. He has all the confidence in the world in you to handle it well. Yes, you can, my firefly. Your glow will light the path for countless others that must walk a similar path, too. Glow, my firefly, glow!
"Do not give in into sadness or desperation for what you are going through today. God knows how you feel . . . God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to you in your life at this percise moment. God's purpose for you is simply perfect. He wants to show you things only you can understand by living what you are living and by being in the place you are now."
These words are profound. It was the kind of statement that commands you to slow down & re-read it with complete attention & full reverance to appreciate the depth of it. DON'T GIVE IN TO THE SADNESS & DESPERATION FOR WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TODAY!
GOD KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL, whether it's not undrstood by others or old news to them or whether it doesn't even make since to anyone else at all. GOD KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL.
And the the last part of the quote made me notice the most. I expected it to read "to show you things you can only understand by living what you're living". But it doesn't. I had to read it several times to catch it. Look at the placement of the word"only". . . ."He wants to show you things ONLY YOU can understand by living what you're living". Yes, your life affects many around you. Yes, your testimony will impact countless individuals as you go through this. . . But ONLY YOU can understand it. It's your life lesson from God. It's you The Almighty chose for this. You. He has all the confidence in the world in you to handle it well. Yes, you can, my firefly. Your glow will light the path for countless others that must walk a similar path, too. Glow, my firefly, glow!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Know any lost sheep?
Luke 15:4-7 NKJV
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."
Lost sheep may be those bound for hell, lost from Christ, in need of salvation. But, as my dear friend Ann shared,lost sheep may lost on the path of life, discouraged, beaten down by the trials & storms they have faced, now distant from theflock, unable to see the shepherd anymore, not sure where to go next. Have we even alerted the Shepherd our fellow sheep has been left behind? Have we reached out to that sheep to show them the path once agaon? Be help. Be encouragement.
And if you are that lost sheep? Know the Shepherd is looking for you now.
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."
Lost sheep may be those bound for hell, lost from Christ, in need of salvation. But, as my dear friend Ann shared,lost sheep may lost on the path of life, discouraged, beaten down by the trials & storms they have faced, now distant from theflock, unable to see the shepherd anymore, not sure where to go next. Have we even alerted the Shepherd our fellow sheep has been left behind? Have we reached out to that sheep to show them the path once agaon? Be help. Be encouragement.
And if you are that lost sheep? Know the Shepherd is looking for you now.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
God Is Faithful
Isaiah 40:29 NKJV
"He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength."
Can I tell you this? GOD IS FAITHFUL. . .
He is still on the throne, He is still in control. He still answers prayers . . . Prayers for direction, instruction, understanding of circumstances, peace, comfort, healing, to calm worries & anxieties, and to breath HOPE into areas of depression & lift our countenance. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
He will send you a messanger of hope when you need it most. Ask Him, for whatever you stand in need of today, to keep pushing forward one more day. He WILL answer.
"He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength."
Can I tell you this? GOD IS FAITHFUL. . .
He is still on the throne, He is still in control. He still answers prayers . . . Prayers for direction, instruction, understanding of circumstances, peace, comfort, healing, to calm worries & anxieties, and to breath HOPE into areas of depression & lift our countenance. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
He will send you a messanger of hope when you need it most. Ask Him, for whatever you stand in need of today, to keep pushing forward one more day. He WILL answer.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Potter's Pause
Isaiah 64:8 NKJV
"But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand."
I'm not sure when or how, but life just pauses & plays as God wills it. Sometimes, you're in slow motion, soaking up every drop of emotion related to this place in life, good or bad. Other times, life spins out of control, you meet yourself in the road, everything is a blurr & you hardly have time to think or catch your breath. Then there is yet another mode - PAUSE. Someone pushed the pause button on your mission, your dreams, your plans. And the silence of the wait can be deafening. You have no idea how long life will stand still or when it will resume some normalness. Sometimes you wonder if it ever will. You look back & wonder when you will feel & look & act like yourself again. Or has this place changed you forever?
I wish I had answers for all these questions, but I don't. The truth is, I have more questions than answers for myself. But what I do know is The Potter. I know that every time I'm about to face some great change in my life, as some life-altering season is emerging, The Potter holds His creative hand close to the wheel of my life. He breaks down the vessel I am now, adds just the right amounts of water to keep me soft & pliable, to keep me moving in the right direction of His new creation in me. Even when I feel like the plans for my newly created vessel are either spinning out of control, or inslow motion, or put on hold all together- He has once never removed His hand from the muddy form of me nor lost sight of my blue print design. I am being fashioned in The Artist's hand, in the likeness of my Creator's image. No vessel ever knew on the wheel the value of himself as a finished product. That only comes from The Potter's hand shaping & molding, adding color & curing, firing & shining to His perfect reflection. If He pauses, it's only to see if we are ready yet, to be function as His masterpiece.
Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV
"To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord."
"But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand."
I'm not sure when or how, but life just pauses & plays as God wills it. Sometimes, you're in slow motion, soaking up every drop of emotion related to this place in life, good or bad. Other times, life spins out of control, you meet yourself in the road, everything is a blurr & you hardly have time to think or catch your breath. Then there is yet another mode - PAUSE. Someone pushed the pause button on your mission, your dreams, your plans. And the silence of the wait can be deafening. You have no idea how long life will stand still or when it will resume some normalness. Sometimes you wonder if it ever will. You look back & wonder when you will feel & look & act like yourself again. Or has this place changed you forever?
I wish I had answers for all these questions, but I don't. The truth is, I have more questions than answers for myself. But what I do know is The Potter. I know that every time I'm about to face some great change in my life, as some life-altering season is emerging, The Potter holds His creative hand close to the wheel of my life. He breaks down the vessel I am now, adds just the right amounts of water to keep me soft & pliable, to keep me moving in the right direction of His new creation in me. Even when I feel like the plans for my newly created vessel are either spinning out of control, or inslow motion, or put on hold all together- He has once never removed His hand from the muddy form of me nor lost sight of my blue print design. I am being fashioned in The Artist's hand, in the likeness of my Creator's image. No vessel ever knew on the wheel the value of himself as a finished product. That only comes from The Potter's hand shaping & molding, adding color & curing, firing & shining to His perfect reflection. If He pauses, it's only to see if we are ready yet, to be function as His masterpiece.
Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV
"To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Redeeming the Time
Colossians 4:5 NKJV
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
Tonight, I watched one chapter of my son's life close. Tonight after a hard fight, we lost our division game. This ended our season for the year. And since Blake is a senior, it ended his last season. Through tear filled eyes, we gave thanks for all that has been- health & safety & 6 years of basketball to enjoy as a family. Wow- it's been a great journey! Just 2 years ago this young skinny boy had open heart surgery. We have truly received a gift.
Today at the senior pep rally, as the slide show played baby pictures & remembered a lifetime of growing up for these kids, we parents sat in silent tears (and smiles) for all we have been allowed to behold & participate in. We have a few important milestones that lay ahead before this chater completely closes- our last baseball season, one final prom, & the grand parade in cap & gown.
This last weekend, reality began to set in on him as he participated in 5th quarter, working at the Good Samaritain Center food distribution center & worship services, all part of our Discipleship Now weekend. Through it all, God kept bringing the same scripture to him, and reminding him of a prophecy someone spoke into his life a few months before: Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV-"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
God does have a plan for each of our lives. Today, as we hear about the 2 school buses from Akerman that wer hit by an 18 wheeler, we are reminded how short life is & how quickly it can change. My heart aches for the single partents left behind & all the grief & hardships they will face.
Enjoy the moment. Make the most of every good thing & be patient thru the ruff spots. He is working all things out for ypur good & for His glory.
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
Tonight, I watched one chapter of my son's life close. Tonight after a hard fight, we lost our division game. This ended our season for the year. And since Blake is a senior, it ended his last season. Through tear filled eyes, we gave thanks for all that has been- health & safety & 6 years of basketball to enjoy as a family. Wow- it's been a great journey! Just 2 years ago this young skinny boy had open heart surgery. We have truly received a gift.
Today at the senior pep rally, as the slide show played baby pictures & remembered a lifetime of growing up for these kids, we parents sat in silent tears (and smiles) for all we have been allowed to behold & participate in. We have a few important milestones that lay ahead before this chater completely closes- our last baseball season, one final prom, & the grand parade in cap & gown.
This last weekend, reality began to set in on him as he participated in 5th quarter, working at the Good Samaritain Center food distribution center & worship services, all part of our Discipleship Now weekend. Through it all, God kept bringing the same scripture to him, and reminding him of a prophecy someone spoke into his life a few months before: Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV-"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
God does have a plan for each of our lives. Today, as we hear about the 2 school buses from Akerman that wer hit by an 18 wheeler, we are reminded how short life is & how quickly it can change. My heart aches for the single partents left behind & all the grief & hardships they will face.
Enjoy the moment. Make the most of every good thing & be patient thru the ruff spots. He is working all things out for ypur good & for His glory.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Silenced by the Spirit
"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
~Mark 4:39-40~
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit silence you? It's a powerful thing. Sometimes, we have a really hard time submitting to this. But we should really fear the consequences if we don't. God is already at work in the area He silences you. He may have used you as a mouth piece here to get to this point, but now He needs us to "be still & know that He is God." Allow the Holy Spirit a quiet place to work. Allow Him to penetrate the hearts & minds through seeds planted. Don't be the distraction that quenches His power. Don't be the stumbling block that destroys all He is working to build. Trust what you do not understand & believe what you cannot see. You know His voice & you can trust His direction. Release this into the hands of The Most Mighty Almighty. He's got it from here.
~Mark 4:39-40~
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit silence you? It's a powerful thing. Sometimes, we have a really hard time submitting to this. But we should really fear the consequences if we don't. God is already at work in the area He silences you. He may have used you as a mouth piece here to get to this point, but now He needs us to "be still & know that He is God." Allow the Holy Spirit a quiet place to work. Allow Him to penetrate the hearts & minds through seeds planted. Don't be the distraction that quenches His power. Don't be the stumbling block that destroys all He is working to build. Trust what you do not understand & believe what you cannot see. You know His voice & you can trust His direction. Release this into the hands of The Most Mighty Almighty. He's got it from here.
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