Malachi Speaks

His love, His glorious and amazing love

2011-06-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Upon awakening this morning the Spirit guided me to read Psalm 65. Specifically starting in verse 7 - confirmation and an interesting follow-up to yesterdays post. Read it all if you have a chance and praise Him, He is so worthy!

Just a little while ago while I sat to spend time with Him and hear from Him, He showed me something. Yes, maybe something you know or have heard before but it so resonated with my heart today. I was thanking Him for my children and telling Him that though they each have their "issues" I wouldn't trade them for anything, I love them so! They are my beloved, little ones, precious in my sight and no matter what they may do or say, I will always love them.

And here it comes - He loves me & you like that! Steeped in sin, failing, falling, lazy, anxious, sick, you name it - whatever, we come with - He takes us as we are and He loves us. No, because He loves us so much He will not leave us that way... He will in every way possible seek to teach us; guide us to live righteously; to make right choices; to be and live healthily; to love - Him & others; to care for others and their needs; to be healthy in every way. That is His desire and heart for us and for any good parent - right!?!

He loves us. He loves YOU, let that sink in. He loves us so much that He planned from before time a way to have me and you with Him forever. He came to the cross knowing my sin and your sin. Having that sin laid upon Him, He took it and then carried it away - away, as in as far as the east is to the west. As my Pastor once pointed out... You can travel north and at some point you start going south or the other way around BUT if you travel east you will always be heading east, it does not become the west. You can not do it! Our sins are so far away we will not even have a chance of running into it again! Amazing is it not!!! Back to what I was saying - He loved me and you there in our sin, He didn't love us only after He removed our sin and carried it away - the bible says that while we were STILL in our sin He died for us. Think about it... while in our sin we are separated from God, enemies - and yet, He chose to come and die for us that we might be with Him forever, that He might save and redeem us, ransom us from the captivity we were in... THAT IS LOVE!

He did all of that to call us beloved, the apple of His eye, His child, precious, wanted, accepted, embraced, forgiven, cared for ... He will NEVER leave me (or you), nor forsake me. His Word tells us that as a nursing mother cannot forget the child at her breast nor can He forget us. When I think of the amazing love and bond between a mother and child - wow! YET it PAILS in comparison to the love He has for us!!!

How can you not sing His praises, love Him, worship Him - our Redeemer, Creator, Provider, our ABBA!?! How can you not want to please Him? Young children seek and long for their parents praise and approval, should we and do we not also want to hear that from Him?! Affirmation, well done... What great, amazing, unfailing, faithful, never ending, hard to fully fathom love He has for us, His children!

Run to Him today - cry out to Him, Abba! Fall into His open arms and love Him. Sit with Him and listen to Him, lean on Him and obey Him. Bask in the glow of His love and affection for you, His grace, mercy, peace and joy! He shines so much brighter than the sun... true warmth that fills and transforms and saves!

May He be your first love and may you love Him with the child like faith and love that children have... How wonderful and precious that is.

Riding out the storms

2011-06-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier, there came a sudden storm. The wind was blowing & some rain was splattering about and I felt God was speaking to me through it. There is no storm now. It is as if God whipped up one to teach me something and then once I got the gist of it the storm stopped. However, He kept right on showing me things... and I just kept writing it all down. And at the end the tug came on my heart to write it out for you here.

First off let me ask - when the storms of life hit you, where do you seek shelter? Are you already sheltered under His wings or are you running in the opposite direction hoping you can ride this one out on your own?

I love storms... that was my first thought strange as it may seem but I do. There is something about sitting safe and sheltered inside and watching a storm (rain, snow, wind, whatever it may be) raging outside. Storms can be beautiful and tragic. But what came to my heart was the beauty of watching a storm while safe & secure, with peace & calm surrounding and filling me. It is a poetic example of our spiritual life in and apart from God. With God we are sheltered under His wings, safe, secure, at peace, calm in the midst of a storm raging around us. Whatever those storms may be (uncertainty, loss, confusion, etc.). Whatever comes against us we are sheltered, shielded, safe and surrounded by Him who loves us, who is faithful, sure, true, strong - Mighty is my God to save!

Now without Him, you are out in the storm... needless to say let your imagination run with what all that means. It brings to mind the story of Jonah who instead of obeying God ran in the opposite direction and well a big storm came a brewing! (Just read through Jonah ch. 1-2). It is amazing to me that even when we have deliberately disobeyed Him, He still will look after us. Yes, there may be consequences - being thrown over board into a raging storm, that suddenly stops and being caught safe in the belly of a fish. Um consequence - your in a fishes belly surrounded by stomach acid, stink and ... ugh! But you are still alive and once repentant and willing to obey you are spit up safely on land back where you need to be to get going in the right direction! How awesome is our God!

It also brings to mind other stories of storms raging & Jesus calming them. Check out Matt. 8:23-27, 14:23-33. It even reminded me of Elijah when all the "storms" came by but God was not in them... He was in the gentle blowing. (1 Kings 19) God made sure Elijah was cared for, He came and spoke to Him and told Him what to do... He provided. God is near, are you listening expectantly? Do you believe He cares about you and will take care of you? In Christ we are His beloved, cherished, the apple of His eye... How amazing is His love! How great is His faithfulness! How tenderly He deals with us... we who are not deserving are chosen, blessed, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, accepted and continually being transformed to be more like Christ Jesus! Amazing! Inspiring!

But will this do more? Will it... Not only amaze and inspire you but also provoke you to action?! To love? To faithfulness? To obedience? To not stand still in complacency? Will it get you moving, going forward to walk with Him, follow Him, obey Him?! There is so much more - are you ready?! Can YOU wait EXPECTANTLY on Him? Will YOU CHOOSE TO OBEY? When all is said and done and you leave this earth what will be said of you? What will be remembered? What is your legacy? Where did you invest your heart, time and giving...? Was it in the eternal, the lasting? Was it in doing Kingdom living? Was it for Him? Loving and serving others? I am not by any means where I would like to be or think I have attained it... oh no, but God is working on me! And what I cannot do, what you cannot do on your own - we have a God who can! He can do anything! And we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us!

Jesus - God made flesh, came to earth - amazing in itself is that fact, but even more He came for us! To serve us. He lived for us. He came to teach us, to save us, to heal us, to help us, to redeem/ransom us. He literally gave His life while living and in death and in rising again to life for us. What is my response to that? How will I live? Love? Serve? Where is my treasure? Is my greatest treasure Him or in earthly things? I know and you should know that He is our greatest treasure! Will I, will you - choose Him? My portion and inheritance - all I ever want and need... all you could ever want and need too!

He who paid so great a price to ransom us all - to call us His children, His beloved, to take away our sin and make us pure, holy and right before God. In Christ we are a royal priesthood, given power and authority to bind up the enemy, to tear down strongholds, to fight the good fight (that is not against flesh and blood), to stand firm and be equipped with every offensive and defensive weapon and shield we need - we are victorious!!! We can be strong and courageous because God is for us, so therefore who can stand against us! Certainly not the defeated enemy... Think about it! Believe it and live it out! Through Him we can do the impossible because we are not doing it, He is! We are partnered with Him and a vessel used to do the miraculous! What is more, He does the miraculous in us... making us a new creation in Christ Jesus... free from sins hold and alive, victorious - free! Wow! How much better can it get!

In this world let me not cling to old ways, thoughts or be held back from full out victorious, abundant living! Not because I can do it but because He who is in me is greater & HE CAN! Let's do it - no holding back, but holding on to Him as we take the most exciting and wildest, most wonderful ride of our lives! And the thing we cannot even imagine or fathom is there is soooo much more ahead. When we see Him face to face, when we are with Him in His kingdom - everything we now know or see pales in comparison! Are you ready - grab on and hold on tight to Him, cling to the Rock and follow Him for the greatest adventure and more to come! To His glory and for His name and His purpose and plan and Kingdom... Come Lord Jesus, come!

Waiting and Believing

2011-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a while huh!?! To say the least, though I have been silent on this blog God has not been silent in my life... He has kept me busy & growing. He has been challenging me and showing me things about myself, sin, love, faith, trust, forgiveness, patience, humbleness, persistence, perseverance, helping, abiding, knowledge & understanding and so many other things in between.

Does God sometimes seem to be silent to you, especially when you want to hear from Him? The prophet Habakkuk felt the same way. Sometimes He is speaking and we are not listening, sometimes He is active all around us but we overlook His hand, sometimes we have to wait because He is waiting on us to have ears to receive what He wants us to know... It may be a hard lesson, it may be difficult for us to understand. But His word reminds us that His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isa. 55:8). We are told to wait on Him, to believe Him, to rest in Him, to trust Him, to be strong and courageous... Yet are we? Are we doing those things or are we impatient, unbelieving, and set on things going the way we want them to?

The waiting can be hard, but that might be why we should be strong and courageous, patient and keeping the faith. Waiting, because in the waiting God can mature our faith and walk, He can change our hearts and our minds, He can do any number of things that seem impossible or unfathomable at the time... The main thing is HE CAN! Do you believe that? Do you believe that He hears you; that He cares; that He answers; that He desires what is above all best and right? Do you believe Him, His Word, His promises? Because without faith we are told we will not receive. And even more if we don't believe He will answer us then how will we listen to hear Him? I just started (as in finished the 1 chapter of) Discerning the Voice of God by P. Shirer. If you open this book up it will speak to many of these things... Several months back I read her book, One in a Million - fabulous and God so used it to speak to me over and over again!

One thing I know is I do not want to stay where I am, I want God to continue to grow and mature me in Christ and His Word assures me that He will. He's not done with me yet. I want to hear from Him. I want to obey Him. I want to be strong and courageous... and so I chose to be. I chose Him, to believe Him and to let Him be my strength and the one who enables me to be more than I can be on my own. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me, and so can you...

I have learned that waiting is a great opportunity to see God grow me, change me; to see God do things I couldn't have imagined and to even know He is right there with me and He is working on things, on me and He is faithful. I have no idea where all this is going except to say, He prompted me to write today and I am being obedient to do so. Maybe in some of this rambling is encouragement to you or for someone you know... I am not sure but what I do know is that God can use anything or anyone to serve His purposes. May you be blessed today - seek Him, believe Him, trust Him, listen and obey... wait at His feet.

I am waiting on Him, I am believing Him and I am being changed... Praise Him!

2010-06-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:1,6 - NASB

There are so many thoughts swirling through my head…Thoughts of scripture urging me to live the life Christ set me free to live upon this earth – to live for eternity. Thoughts of where I fail and yet reminders that His grace is sufficient and it is He who strengthens, lifts me up and leads me on.

I haven’t written in a while, I haven’t felt too up to writing as I have struggled with morning sickness that seems to be now passing. And today I felt the urge to write… First to be honest and transparent with you because I struggle and struggle with perfectionism… and in its own way it is pride asserting itself because I want to be in control, I want to do it! Just like a two year old tells you at times – no, I can do it by myself! But I can’t… I can’t do (as Paul describes) what I want to do, instead I do what I don’t want to do… You know why – because I am trying to do it in my own strength! And I am weak! It is Christ in me that makes me strong. It is through Christ that I can do all things, nothing is impossible with Him. On my own I can do nothing… I cannot change my heart – positive think all you like but that isn’t what changes you from the inside out, it is the Spirit at work in you – It is Jesus! All this striving to do right, to love others on my own – I can’t do it! Not in a perfect love, not in truth… it is futility at work in my strivings.

When I let go and let God step in things happen; amazing, wonderful things happen! Not out of my own strength or ability but knowing as I do that it is all Him who enables me to walk rightly, to love, to serve… in truth and love. Sure I will mess up but He is faithful to be there to redirect me and lead me in the right direction, at times He has to carry me in the right direction but I know this, He is faithful and He will not leave me where I sit, He will not fail me, He will get me going in the direction I need to go. My future is secure in Him.

Do you have that assurance, that hope, the absolute conviction – faith – believing Him and His promises are true… not just in general but for you?! All His promises are true – ALL of them. Do not let the enemy or yourself convince you otherwise… do not let fear hold you back. Be strong and courageous and walk by faith not by sight! He is right there with you every step of the way! He is there!

I have been reading Hebrews 11 and it is perhaps such a read or known chapter that you can over look the significance, the promise, the hope, the truth that it teaches… God has again used it to speak to me in a new and fresh way… yeah, some of it I have gotten before… but maybe just in my head and not in my heart (?). Take a look at it for yourself with fresh eyes, pray for the Spirit to speak to you through it… to show you, teach you, rebuke you and mature you in your walk, in faith, to go deeper with Him… Because to these men and women listed in Ch. 11 God was much more than a religion or a standard of living – He was LIFE! They were surer of Him than of anything they could see, feel or have upon this earth. They knew Him, His Word – His promises and they believed God. They chose Him, they chose faith, they chose even in the face of pain and death to cling to what is true and lasting than the pleasures and sin of this world. They believed in our promised future that is with Him, our great reward that is everlasting. A far greater treasure than the fleeting and often harmful (to ourselves) pleasures of this world, that do not last but are here today and gone tomorrow. The world and what it offers cannot fill that void in you, it cannot transform you into the perfect you… it is surface and shallow and you will find it to be empty. For only God can and does complete us, make us whole, healthy, transformed… Only He can bring about true and lasting peace and joy. He is the real deal and yet often we choose what we see (this world) over Him, we lack faith, we lack focus, and it is heartbreaking.

Maybe that is enough of my wandering thoughts for today… I will ended it saying this – I don’t want it to be for earthly praise or reward that I live but for LOVE – for GOD… in the end it is not the praise of men I want to hear but the praise of God – well done My good and faithful servant. For those of you out there living it – press on… for those of you who struggle – seek to draw closer to Him and holdfast to what is true… for those of you who do not know Jesus – seek Him in truth and you will find Him – and there is no greater reward than to know Jesus! He is life changing!

Thank you Jesus for loving us so!

From Darkness to Light

2010-03-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Early this evening we had a snow storm hit … My hubby was late getting home and once he got here we were preoccupied doing things and had put off dinner. Wouldn’t you know that as I am heading to prepare a quick warm meal we lose power! Outside the snow is blowing hard and coming down heavy… it is a blanket of white in the sky and on the ground. Trees are swaying in the wind and visibility is low inside and out. Thankfully we already had the fireplace on and it gave us enough light to stumble around finding the lighter and candles. Many minutes later most of the main floor has candles lit all over. I was then able to assemble a cold dinner that we ate by candle light barely able to see what we were eating! An adventure and exciting for our son…smile… and fond memories for us all.

Did I mention yet, no I didn’t, that my son had an “accident” in his bed earlier and his bedding, bear, etc. were all in the washing machine and a load of clothes in the dryer when the power went off. So by candle light I fold and hang up the mostly dry clothes and try to pair up socks … as my hubby holds a flash light that isn’t all that bright – you would not believe how difficult this task was. Of course, the bedding and sleep toys would have to wait to dry.

My hubby and son then make a pallet by the fire place and read books by flashlight. It is getting really late so we decide that it is time to get our son ready for bed and just let him sleep on the pallet by the fire place with us till the power comes back on… wouldn’t you know that is when the power decided to come back on! Yippee! My son gets his bath; his teeth brushed and again rests on the pallet while I dry his bedding… Finally we get the bed made and my son in it and it is after 10pm (I should mention that my son is a toddler).

With that task accomplished we take a deep breath and head up stairs. The lights are all on and it is soooo bright! Wow, I mean it is just unbelievably bright… I keep thinking how it doesn’t normally seem this bright but then after walking around in almost complete darkness it is a stark difference!

I mean we went from almost blindly stumbling through our home, unable to see all the obstacles (toys and such) on the floor and in our path. Unable to discern details, colors and more… we go from shades of gray to bright, defined colors, lines… able to walk without stumbling or injuring ourselves.

Maybe you see where I am heading with all of this…Walking in darkness, walking in the Light.
How we live…

When you accept Christ as Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit comes to live in you it is like this – this “switch” being turned on and you are alive – you can see! You are walking in light and color, able to see the way, the path and to see the obstacles to avoid to keep from stumbling. It is such an amazing differences this Light – WOW! How can you live without it?

I am sure for those who haven’t accepted and embraced the Light they have no idea what they are missing out on. But for those who have walked in the Light you know, you crave the Light. It is possible at times that we can come to take this Light for granted and in doing so we can step off course… we could try to “hide” or “dim” our light and live like the world, but we can’t do this for long…. Because the Light will pursue us… we will miss the Light and desire to repent and return and shine again, filled and walking the path lit for us. We are awed by the Light – awed by the power, the transformation, the love, grace and beauty of the Light – that surrounds and fills us.

Thank you LORD! Thank you for being the Light, the Lamp for our feet, the Light for our path… the one who brings us out from darkness and enables us to see. You illuminate all … joy, beauty, truth – are all found in You!

Meditate on God’s Word below and walk in the Light!

1 John 1:5-10
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Ephesians 5:8-17
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Breaking Christian News - "Abortion Changes You" Campaign

2010-03-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Check out this news article I just read - Click HERE. This is the article title: Non-Political, Non-Religious: Massive "Abortion Changes You" Campaign Greets New York Subway Riders

Give me Ears to hear, Give me Eyes to see - Truth

2010-03-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

As I sat down today and opened up my quiet time with prayer the LORD laid upon my heart to read the first portion of Isaiah 59 and then blew me away. What He spoke to my heart is not something new to me however; it is very pertinent to what is going on in our Nation. I am here LORD, I am listening, I will obey… Here is what He shared with me:

(During the time of Isaiah the prophet there were parents sacrificing their children to idols. Today our Nation condones the sacrifice of the unborn to the idol called Choice. It is an industry that is full of lies and greed, it is corrupt and it leads the people astray – in its wake follows desolation, destruction and certainly not peace. –This is my side note).

Isaiah 59:3 – For your hands are defiled with blood
And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood,
Your tongue mutters wickedness. (NASB)

I have seen in our Nation a great evil called Choice (i.e. Abortion). It covers our Nation’s hands in blood. It is corrupt, this industry that tells falsehoods and lies (“it is not a baby”, “it feels nothing”) to make money never mind the destruction in its wake... The hurt, desolation, grief, guilt, and shame it reaps upon our Nation’s men and women. It tells them lies that they will be fine – that everything will be normal again (as it was before this choice) once this procedure is done. An untrue statement if I have ever heard one. This choice ends a life – no one in the Choice camp wants to admit this but it is true. And even if you don’t want to admit it somewhere deep inside you know it is true. This choice will often leave in its wake physical, emotional, and spiritual damage. It manifests itself in the lives of men and women in different ways… none the less the damage is there.

There are fathers who grieve the loss who had no choice. There are fathers who come to grieve who did. There are mothers who are led astray, who are fed lies and platitudes and who then are the ones who have to deal with the aftermath. The child is not the only victim in this sin we call Choice. Now our Nation wants to call this Healthcare!

LORD how far we have fallen from You! How can Your eyes bear to look upon this Nation steeped in sin, covered in the blood of babies?!

Verse 4 – No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion and speak lies; They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity.

How true are these words for the abortion industry. Show us LORD the truth, open our eyes to see – our ears to hear – LORD forgive us, may this Nation return to YOU in repentance. I grieve… As I know You must grieve too.

Verse 6b – 8. Their works are works of iniquity, And an act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Devastation and destruction are in their highways. They do not know the way of peace, And there is not justice in their tracks; They have made their paths crooked, Whoever treads on them does not know peace.

WOW! LORD wow – it is so true. Why can people not see? Are their hearts so hardened and their eyes blinded to the truth!?! Let them SEE, HEAR and KNOW – Make them understand LORD please!

This is not what I expected to hear from you today LORD – yet I know it is right and it is exactly what needed to be read and heard. As our Nation’s elected leaders refuse to listen to the voice of the people and are pushing through their agenda. It seems the abortion industry and many in D.C. are walking hand in hand – their plan – their profit. The profit of the wicked made upon the blood of the unborn. It is wickedness!

How? How can this be?! How is this healthcare? How is this even allowed? Condoned? We are speaking of lives here – babies – humans! And yet it is as if they cannot see – they are blinded to this truth…hearts hardened and peace will not be found in this. How can it, when the cries of the unborn are heard by You LORD?! You hear, You know… Just as Abel’s blood cried out to you (Gen. 4:10) so does the blood of the millions of unborn sacrificed to the idol of Choice. You see … nothing is hidden from You. LORD I cannot get over it – and nor should I be able to.

O LORD if only we would turn to You in repentance, if only we would seek redemption and You would roll away the reproach of this Nation (Joshua 5:9)! LORD if we would repent and come to You there is forgiveness without measure and redemption. There is healing to be found under Your wings… Healing for men and women who are desolate and in pain… Healing for this Nation gone astray. You offer healing to hearts, minds and more… If we would but turn to You.

Forgive us and lead us in the ways and paths of righteousness. LORD make our paths straight and light the way before us that we man not stumble and fall. If we do You are faithful and You are there to lift us up and set our feet again on solid ground.

(Isaiah 6:9-10).

LORD awaken this Nation. Bring healing to our land. Great are our trespasses but they cannot surpass Your grace and Your unfailing love to those who call on Your Name. Call on Him!

Joy

2010-03-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Food for thought – I have been reading and thinking about joy today. According to Holman’s Bible Dictionary the definition of Joy is “state of delight and well being that result from knowing and serving God”. You can find the word joy used over 150 times in the Bible, if you include words like “joyful” or “joyous” you will find the number to be well over 200 times. Joy is the fruit born of a right relationship with God. Joy is different than pleasure. “Joy in the Christian life is in direct proportion as believers walk with the LORD” (Holman’s Bible Dictionary).

In thinking about all of this and in reading through several scriptures on joy… things have popped into my mind. How often do you experience joy? Have you given up on experiencing joy? As believers joy should be a part of our daily lives. Joy is not dependent upon circumstances… we cannot bring about joy on our own. Joy is a gift, a fruit born of the Spirit and is dependent upon our walk/relationship with God.

I know that to be true… and yet I know there are times that I don’t feel this joy. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy – The enemy comes to steal our joy. Often that is forgotten that we are in a battle here not against flesh and blood but against the enemy of God. Often times we let the cares of this world keep us from living the abundant life and yes, in that abundant life there should be great joy.

Have you put on the full armor of God today? Have you pulled out the Word of God and prayed to fight the attack? Have you abided in Him today that you may bear much fruit? I ask myself and you this… And I cannot say that every day I guard myself … My intentions start off right but sometime after I awake and pray and start my day … breakfast, my to do list, etc… I can get off track… and I can lose my joy.

We have to be; I have to be purposeful, alert, and prepared each hour of everyday. And that is possible by walking with God, by abiding in Him every moment, by praying about everything… and by knowing God’s Word. He has given us every tool we need, He has given us access to Him… there is power given in us to live, to overcome… He is our strength and He is our joy.

Today take a moment and be still… Calm yourself and sit at His feet and listen. Ask Him – ask Him what He wants to show you today; what He wants you to read in His word; what He wants you to do today; to open your eyes to His opportunities… But mostly just listen and then obey. Ask and receive, ask and even if you hear silence for now trust that He is at work and loves you… Draw near to Him and may your joy be complete.

“The joy of the LORD is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10

Opportunities to be Present

2010-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hi! I know it has been a while... lots going on lately and not too much spare time for postings. I just wanted to drop in and share a few things that have been on my mind of late.

My Pastor recently challenged us to be very PRESENT in this New Year... I won't give you the whole sermon, but the jest is to be present - involved, available, open, serving, loving, etc with your family, friends, church, and beyond. We are the Church and as such we are to be the hands and feet of Christ... He is our example and who we should imitate ourselves after.

Maybe that seems overwhelming to you?! But in truth it should be like breathing... it should become our nature... For we are not, nor can we be all that this encompasses on our own, in our own strength it is not possible. However, we are not to rely on our own strenght but on the strength, the power, the nature of the Holy Spirit who indwells in us. Through Him all things are possible, not through our own efforts...

I am not striving here for perfectionism... I am striving to be pleasing to God and to glorify Him. I admit now that on my own I can't do it! It is by His grace, love, and Spirit that if anything I write (or do) resounds with you on a deeper level, it is all Him.

So basically it comes down to keeping your eyes on Him, loving and growing in your relationship with Him and allowing His love to be poured out through you onto others... Be open, available; & take the opportunities He gives you.

Which brings me to another thing I have been thinking about... Opportunities. Sometimes opportunities come to us in joyous occasions, in new friendships, births, ministries, jobs... However, sometimes opportunities, maybe more than sometimes they come in the times of loss, trails, temptations, broken relationships, sickness, and such. In these times if we can look beyond our present pain and grasp and cling to the hand of God, He will not only carry us through these times He will grow us, He will show us more of Him, of His glory. Maybe at the time we can't see that He is there but He is... He is present... maybe we are standing in the cave and His hand covers us so we cannot see His face, but when the time is right He will reveal to us that He has been with us all along. He is present. He does not forsake... When we grieve He grieves, when we are rejoicing He is too!

Opportunities... We don't often think of them as such. We want to quickly get through these times ... we want that mountain top experience... we want to have a pain free, easy life. A life like that does not produce within us the character of God because we then come to rely on ourselves and we can become prideful... stop seeking. In the hardships of our lives we are given opportunities to grow... Closer to God, to grow our character to be more like Christ. Opportunities to deepen our faith and to bring Him glory.

Don't get me wrong... I am not perfect and I do not always grab at these opportunities as I should... I don't always acknowledge what they really are and I bemoan them. But there are times that I recognize them even when I can't see the fruit... I choose to trust and to believe and cling to my Rock.

So it comes down to this... we have rung in a new year... many are making goals and promises that they will not keep... but let us do the one thing we can do - choose to be fully PRESENT in this year, choose to keep our eyes on Him and to believe Him, in all the opportunities we are presented with - the hopes, the challenges, the ups and downs.... Lay it all down at His feet and choose to walk with Him this year.

It will be a journey you will never forget. Right now pause, close your eyes and envision a road ... You can't see where all it will take or how smooth or bumpy it will be but you can see who you will travel the road with - Jesus. Do you see Him standing there with His hand stretched out, inviting you to come and walk with Him... take that hand and never let go. It will be a walk to remember, to cherish, to celebrate and to give much praise for.

Remember you are His.

Reign in Me

2009-11-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

My Savior, My God – desperately do I need you… always. You are my Strength and all that is good within me … Desperately, continually I need you.

When I think I am doing good; I have things under control… I am so wrong. That is my pride talking because I am not in control… I cannot work all things out for good… only God can. It is God at work in me that brings forth the good. When I abide it is the fountain over flowing and when I try in my own strength I am drained and dry. Maybe I am speaking to you right now or maybe you have no idea what I am talking about…?

Recently, I have been diving back into the Book of Romans … and today really what I want share with you is from Rom. 7 and 5. If you can take a few minutes to read them for yourself before continuing on… I will include some excerpts below for you.

4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:4-6 (NASB)

Have you died to the Law? Things to think about … Am I living for the Law or for God? Am I under the Law or under Grace? Where is my heart here… Am I striving for perfectionism, being legalistic, seeking my own glory? OR is my life, my passion about love – about God, for His glory?

Verse 6 says serve in the newness of the Spirit not in oldness of the letter…. What does that mean to you?! The law does not deliver you, it does not save you…It shows you your need for God, your sin. It is in Christ we are saved, redeemed… it is the Spirit who gives us a new and divine nature… the Spirit that enables us to overcome, to persevere. The Spirit that frees us from sins hold and from death. Freedom from the law does not mean we are free to sin; freedom from the law instead frees us to truly serve. Freedom to experience grace and to show it to others… To know love and to give love… Serve in newness of the Spirit is what will happen; it is fruit that will be born from a redeemed life. A redeemed life is Spirit filled and led and thus it will say “Yes” and be in agreement with the Law. You will see a life that is the spirit of the Law, one that seeks the best – the utmost. Not out of legalism and condemnation but of love, truth and righteousness … desiring that others know and experience that which can only be found in Christ.

Have you read Romans 7:15 18-19, 21-25 … If you have that is me! That is my struggle… especially when I am trying to live rightly for God in my own strength… I can’t do it. I need God! When I abide and live according to the Spirit the LORD is my Strength and my guide and places my foot upon the right path. I am free and at peace, I do not fear… For I know who I am (Rom. 8:15-17).

So that brings me to my choice – today when I wake and tomorrow and the day after that… will I awake and say LORD reign in me today, have Your way?! That is my hope and my prayer and my choice that Christ will reign in me. May my life show that Christ reigns and I am living victoriously. Am I living as if I am defeated? If so arise, that is a lie of the Enemy for we are victorious through Christ Jesus who has given us the Holy Spirit. We have been set free… We are now conquerors… We are a Royal Priesthood… We are heirs… Stand up, Stand in the gap and remember we are called to pray! Remember that you are a warrior of the Most High and put on your full armor (Eph. 6:10-18) and take up your offensive weapons which is the Sword (The Word of God) and prayer! It is power!!! It is like dynamite to the enemy when you pray and pray speaking the Word, promises of God… The Enemy trembles and the heavens rejoice! I encourage you and myself today to reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ!

17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 (NASB)

Beauty in the Storm

2009-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

As I sit here now snow is falling down upon us… It is a beautiful, majestic sight to behold, this winter storm with all its beauty & might. Outside my window is a blanket of white upon the ground and a wall of white in the air … So much symbolism. When you look you can’t see all the flakes just the wall and blanket but in it are individual flakes – all unique and different, Created by God just like you and me. A closer look and inspection would show you the beauty and finger print of God on each one, just like us. Close to my window you can see the flakes blowing and swirling around… it really is beautiful! I wonder and have to think is that how God sees us, His children, as we go about our daily lives… He sees the flakes the individuality and He sees the whole big picture and He thinks we are beautiful.

The Storm also reminds me that it is a display of God’s glory – His beauty – His majesty, power, might… We have such an awesome God! He is even more beautiful and mighty than this… We can only catch a glimpse and it is enough to awe us as we await what our eyes cannot now behold.

I am thankful to be sheltered/shielded from the storm. I am warm and protected in my home. It is another reminder to me of how God is our safe shelter, our shield, our protector and provider. The LORD surrounds us and even when we are surrounded by the storms of this life (our current circumstances, trails, etc.) we can be safe, secure, at peace, shielded under the wings of the Most High God! We can behold the storm and yet we are protected from it… Reminds me of the fiery furnace (Dan. 3) and Elijah in the storm. They were not harmed, though they were in the mist … instead in the middle of these times is when they had a personal encounter with God. Awesome! God is with us, He surrounds us… How amazing is His love… that Christ would come and die for me, cleansing me of my sin and rising to life that we may live with Him forever! I cannot get over His love nor do I ever want to… Cling to Jesus and let Him be the Rock and Shelter for you in all the storms of life and in all the joyous times too.

Two News Stories

2009-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

I had to share these two news stories with you that I received from Breaking Christian News! Please click on the titles below and check them out!

Non-Gravitational Fifth Force

Law & Order Episode "Dignity" (Video clip)

Trust in Him

2009-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

The LORD is so good to me... I cannot even fully wrap my mind around the vastness of His love, grace and mercy. Even when I am not, He is always faithful! Praise Him!

I sat down today and wrote in my journal before opening up my Esther Workbook and listening to Session 7. I don't know if what I am going to say will touch you as it does me but I feel the need to share this.

As I sat down I thought where has the time gone... I am almost to the end of this study! Not only that but just a brief thought to how quickly my life is flying by. It seems as if it wasn't that long ago I was in college or then a newlywed or even still that my son was just born... I thought Lord where has the time gone?! It goes by so quickly.... and I wrote: ...As I sit here LORD I think of how true Your Word is... Our days are fleeting, we are but dust. Why worry and be anxious, what does it gain us?! Trust in the LORD O my soul - all my being, trust Him and praise His Holy name... for He alone is worthy! LORD forgive me and my earthly (now) focus, help me to remember I am but dust and to live for Your glory.
Amen.

Even now as I sit here and type it brings tears to my eyes... I am so touched by how much the Lord loves me (and you)... by how He knows and works all things out for good... by how He ordained today that after this was upon my heart I would listen to Session 7... the timing, wow - glory to Him!

As I listened to Beth speak at the intro to the Session she reminisced over these same thoughts of how quickly time has flown... and then the lesson began. We had previously learned about reversal of destiny and today looked at how every turn around starts with a step... So as we looked more closely at what this means and at Esther 7-8:2 so many things came to mind... I felt at one part the Spirit opening my heart and mind to thoughts that were triggered by things she was saying but were not what she was discussing. I wrote in the margin: Think of others in terms of all eternity... Love them! Love them to Jesus! (How many times do I try to logic them to Jesus and well if their heart is hardened and their mind closed it isn't going to happen... LOVE THEM!!! Love them as Jesus would - hate the sin but love the person).

Later in the Session Beth is discussing how trust reverses the detours of adversity into the highways of destiny. So here begins the trust part... so key! Trust the Lord O my soul... He is so faithful! She brings up what we had mentioned at the end of last session: It is tough being a woman who feels responsible for the "how". Then she brings up some verses:
(May this bless you!)

"The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment." 2 Peter 2:9, HCSB

"For He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." Ps. 103:14

Please remember my journal entry! If not most of the session speaking directly to me ... this verse leapt off of the page at me!!! Wow! The chance of me writing that in my journal twice and in conjunction with trust and that verse being in the lesson... It had to be God! I got chills just now thinking about it. Beth went on to say that we should remember that God knows how - Trust Him! Faith is the victory...Trust comes before it happens - it is saying I believe you now (even when you can't see it/how)!!!

She then brought up Isa. 30:18. And talked about how longing and waiting are the same word in the original language and how when you are waiting longing is part of that...just as we wait on the Lord and long... He is waiting and longing too ... If we are waiting there is something we are waiting for - God has a reason, a plan... He knows and we need to trust and wait on Him. She said "Trust turns it all around"... as I even sit here thinking about that statement it occurs to me how true it is... because as we trust and wait on the Lord, He is faithful to not only bring good out of the bad, etc. but He is faithful to turn around/change us, our heart, our minds... that we can even yet praise Him in the storm we are in ... in our current circumstances. Even though nothing has changed yet outwardly - inwardly our faith grows and we are being transformed. We turn from thoughts that lead to a destructive pattern and turn to thoughts that are truth and life and give us peace and joy amid the circumstances we are in!

Wow! I know that it has been true in my life. How about yours? If not will you choose today to say "Lord, I will wait upon You. I will trust You and believe you are at work!"

One more thing, this is my verse of the day that was emailed to me from K-Love:
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. ~ Psalm 37:7, NLT

As I said, this may seem like a jumble of random thoughts but I pray the Holy Spirit will pull forth from them a gleaming truth and plant it in your heart and mind for His glory.

Information & Guidance

2009-10-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thought I would make note of the post today on The Mars Hill blog ... It is about Birth Control. Check it out and pray about it:

Pastor Mark on Birth Control

Coins Found in Egypt Bearing the Name and Image of the Biblical Joseph

2009-10-11T14:48:00.001-07:00

Coins Found in Egypt Bearing the Name and Image of the Biblical Joseph

Shared via AddThis

Reflections

2009-09-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week for me... conflicts, surprises (not of the fun kind), changes, stressors... on and on I could go. Yet in the face of all this I know there is the Lord who is seated on His throne and who reigns... He reigns and is in control... And it is my hope, my prayer that He reigns in me. I should also mention that I have seen God show up for me, strengthen me and help me through these times... He is faithful, He is my Strength and my help.

I fail at times, miserably, to be that lamp on a stand, city on a hill... yet He is always faithful and He is always there - with me. He has never failed me and He never will. The enemy may come at me but the enemy will not prevail because Christ has defeated the enemy ... When all is said and done the enemy can not snatch me away from my Heavenly Father... my destiny is sealed. I am a child of God. I am a daughter of the King of kings, Lord of lords... I am loved, accepted, blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven... My Father knows my name. He knows everything about me... and He loves me. My Abba will not forget me nor forsake me. His love surrounds me and I pray it will fill me... and overflow.

How mighty is our God! How mighty He is to save! Full of grace, love & truth... He came to set the sinner free... to redeem us and now He is preparing a place for us to live with Him for all of eternity. I think about that and I try not to skim over it because as I ponder it, it occurs to me that He is preparing a place specifically for me, for you, and what that means... To me it means it will be full of special touches that He uses to speak to me of His love, of who He created me to be ... it will be personal. Personal! He is a personal God, not a God far away... And just look at nature or our complex make up and you will see that He is a God of details, depth, beauty and so much more... Does it thrill you to know that to Him you are special, you are beloved ... His treasure?! Wow! Let Him be the treasure of your heart, of your life.

Thrill me O Lord - You thrill me with Your love, grace and beauty... You awe me and delight me to the depths of my soul. Thank you Lord for choosing me, for loving me, for redeeming me, for calling me Yours, for accepting me yet not leaving me in my sin but transforming me continually to reflect you - to be holy, to be set apart.... There is no one like You, You alone are God and You alone are worthy of all praise! Glory be to You forever!

I must remember... Remember and turn to You and trust You completely. Why worry or be anxious? These things shall pass, they are not eternal and You are in control. Help me Lord to find the joy and blessing you have for me in these opportunities... to see what You see and to live in a way that pleases and honors you. Help me to not be consumed with fleshly things like bitterness, worry, anger... but to instead grow in Christ likeness ... Open the eyes of my heart Lord... Open my heart, mind - all, to more of You, to Your will... for Your name's sake and glory, let it be. Thank you Jesus - My Redeemer and the lover of my soul.

Video Trailer

2009-08-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Individuals and family members are often hurt emotionally following an abortion. If you, or someone you know, needs help, please contact Abortion Recovery InterNational
1-866-4-My-Recovery

Pray, Stand and be Heard!

2009-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Please go to this link Stop The Abortion Mandate and not only watch the short video but get the facts and take action! Above all please pray!

Digging In with Excitement

2009-08-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am sooo pumped... Have you ever started a bible study and right off the bat you know this is exactly what you need to hear & learn about, etc... It strikes a deep cord within you. Well that was me yesterday... I read through the forward and the introduction to Beth Moore's bible study on Esther and then listened to the intro session.

It hit me in a personal way and I knew the Lord was using it to speak to me, to my heart. This doesn't always happen when I start a study but I love it when it does... I am sooo excited to dig into the Word and this study and to see what He wants to show me about Himself, about me... to learn, to grown and to praise Him. I just know He is up to something good (isn't He always) ... what I mean is I know He is going to do something amazing through this time - to me, to my heart... in revealing more of Him in a unique and special way.

As you may realize God isn't really mentioned in the book of Esther or as it is also known as the Megillot (The Five Scrolls, Megillah). Even though He isn't mentioned His hand is obviously at work throughout the book... it is showing us the character of the unseen God. In a way this book should help us to look at our lives - the ordinary days and see that God is there as promised, He is very involved and is working all things out for good according to His plan and purpose for those who love Him. (See Romans 8:28). Praise Him!!!

Ok, I just had to share & now I am off to dig in!

Joyfully,

Wastelands, a Devotional by E. Elliot

2009-08-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this devotional this morning and it was so good, true, & encouraging that I had to post it. May it speak to you in whatever circumstance or place God has you.

Elisabeth Elliot's Daily Devotional

Title: Wastelands

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

There are dry, fruitless, lonely places in each of our lives, where we seem to travel alone, sometimes feeling as though we must surely have lost the way. What am I doing here? How did this happen? Lord, get me out of this!

He does not get us out. Not when we ask for it, at any rate, because it was He all along who brought us to this place. He has been here before--it is no wilderness to Him, and He walks with us. There are things to be seen and learned in these apparent wastelands which cannot be seen and learned in the "city"--in places of comfort, convenience, and company.

God does not intend to make it no wasteland. He intends rather to keep us--to hold us with his strength, to sustain us with his sure words--in a place where there is nothing else we can count on.

"God did not guide them by the road towards the Philistines, although that was the shortest...God made them go round by way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea" (Ex 13:17,18 NEB).

Imagine what Israel and all of us who worship Israel's God would have missed if they had gone by the short route--the thrilling story of the deliverance from Egypt's chariots when the sea was rolled back. Let's not ask for shortcuts. Let's keep alert for the wonders our Guide will show us in the wilderness.
___________________________________________________

See http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html for more. Also if you click on the link titled Daily Devotions at the bottom of the devotional page it will take you to more useful tools and other devotionals.

Abundantly Loved

2009-08-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

~ Psalm 92:4, NLT

The LORD is my God and the lover of my soul...

He pursues me with His love...

He surrounds me with it...

He calls me to come away and meet with Him... to be with Him always...

He rescues me...

He has saved me...

He brings me forth a bride dressed in fine linen, bright and clean... adorned & beautiful...

He rejoices over me...

and has prepared a place for me to come and be with Him forever...

What more could I ask for? There is nothing good He has withheld from me...

I have been blessed beyond measure because of His love and kindness towards me.

I rejoice & sing of His love!

Praise Him for He alone is worthy!

Changed Life or Just Words

2009-07-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just some thoughts that have been running through my mind of late... I was thinking about how often we read the word of God and we in our minds believe it... but do we believe it in all truth? Do we believe it in our hearts?

For example read the following verse in the NIV & NASB:

Psalm 138:8, NIV -The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8, NASB - The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Thy hands.

Do you believe in your heart, your subconscious: that God will fulfill His purpose for you, that He will accomplish all that concerns you in this life? That no matter how many time you stumble and fall you are secure in His love? That He will not forsake you? I ask this because as you may certainly realize what we really believe, deep down - that is what we live out. Our beliefs affect our thoughts, words, actions... So when it comes to crunch time and things are out of control... does your life reflect that you are rooted in your faith, secure in His love and your salvation? I ask this because sometimes I get so frustrated with myself... I believe it, I believe it and yet I say Lord help me with my unbelief!!! I am like Paul when he says he does what he doesn't want to do but what he wants to do he doesn't do... in other words I am not perfect. I have my moments where I am standing/walking in the light and reflecting Christ... and I have my moments where I am not reflecting my beliefs... I have come to realize, at times it is perfectly clear that my faith is so small... and my God is so big! However He is faithful to remind me and encourage me in this ...(See Luke 17:6 & Matt. 17:20) that He can take what is small and do wonders... that His power is made perfect in weakness... For if I will realize it, confess it and let Him ... what I can't do on my own is possible to overcome, to do in His strength! Praise Him!

Believe me I am not saying that we will not have our moments, our failures... I will say that when we do we can confess and have the assurance that we are forgiven. I am not saying that we can use this as an excuse to sin either because we know that is not right (See Romans 6:1-14) ... I am just trying to provoke some thought here, some soul searching... because there are many who may profess to know God but by their deeds they deny Him (Titus 1:16) ... and might I add make nonbelievers think what is the big deal about Christianity - they are no different than me. Well in our flesh we are all sinners but in Christ we are redeemed, saved and empowered to overcome sin... to live righteously! In a nutshell remember it is always about Him not us! And in saying that when we have the Holy Spirit in us we should be different... we should have a changed heart, life... if there is absolutely no change then we might want to question ourselves as to if we are in the faith - or if what we have is a head knowledge but not one that penetrates our heart - faith? As it says in James even the demons believe there is a God and they shudder... while mentioning James I should add to check out James chapter 2 on faith without works... Our changed condition (salvation) should not only propel us, it should absolutely bring about fruit! There should be action ... not just words but deeds born of this love and faith we have. Not because the actions save us but because what saves us propels us to act!

As I said earlier, I am not perfect but praise the Lord I am a changed person! I give no credit to myself for this for it is entirly by the power of the Lord that I live differently. This dying to my fleshly self is hard but it is not impossible - because with Him anything is possible!!! Step by step He is leading me, teaching me, showing me, changing me... I am saved but I am in the process of being sanctified moment by moment, day by day... all to the glory of God. I can never get over how amazing is His love for us... We have an awesome, mighty, loving God! Thank you Jesus ... you are my Savior and the lover of my soul, I rejoice in You!

Let me know your thoughts ...

Lastly a few verses to encourage you in all wisdom - Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:23-26.

Who I am ... In Christ

2009-06-15T13:48:00.001-07:00

A few thoughts ...

LORD, who am I that You should love me; that You should care? Who am I that you would save me...? I am Your creation - You knew me before the foundations of the world - You knew me in my mother's womb and brought me forth safely.

You created me with a purpose... I am unique and created in Your image. I am a child of God, bought with a price (the blood of the Lamb of God, my Lord & Savior - Jesus Christ). Through You I am loved, blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, forgiven... I am part of Your royal priesthood, made pure, blameless, a bride. I am gifted, filled with Your Spirit - my body is your Temple - a dwelling place of the LORD God Most High!

O LORD great is Your mercy, love and faithfulness! I am not worthy of You, of any of this... Yet You call me Yours, You know my name. You love me! There is no greater love than Yours. There is no greater treasure than You - to know You, to love You, to serve You - my LORD, my God, my King. I rejoice in You, in Your love forever! Amen.

Thank you Jesus!

Thoughts after reading Psalm 77:19-20:

At the Red Sea's parting God's footprints may not have been visible but He was there! He was there leading His people like a Shepherd leads a flock. God was there - He is here now - He surrounds us, protects us, saves us, delivers us, redeems us, leads us in the righteous path... He leads us to our glorious inheritance in Christ Jesus!

Blessed, blessed are we to be called His! Praise Him!

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit

2009-06-05T10:18:00.001-07:00

This is so unbelievable (see story link at bottom of post)... to see where our country & our freedom is headed... The Bible tells us we will be hated, we will be persecuted because we are followers of Christ. Can we really expect any less? Even though we live in the U.S.A... It doesn't mean what it use to mean to live here... we now have a President who tells the world we are not a Christian nation, who is quoting from the Quran, who is anti-family (pushing gay marriage and more), anti-pro-life, and more... Our country is being led by anything but the Word. It is sad, it is grieving but it is the fallen world we live in. Let us not forget what the Word tells us:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt. 5:11-12

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matt. 5:43-48

Check out this news story below:

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit - Local News News Articles National News US News - FOXNews.com

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Greater Love

2009-05-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to figure out how to put in to words all that has been going on ... I am going to try to say it as simply and concisely as I can but knowing me it may not come out that way. I know I have told you before that I have felt the LORD refining me... it has been a journey of walking through the valley and seeing my own sinfulness... not fun but necessary.

For the last few days I have felt as if I am truly being emptied out, hollowed out if you will... and I am in a numb state at the moment... caught between the grief of my sin and the joy of my salvation. I wish I had better words to explain it in than in these terms... even to my own ears they sound pitiful at best in capturing what I wish to express.

I am the LORD's... I was bought with a price, not one I paid but one that was paid for me on the cross. And who am I but dust, flesh, sin... yet I am called, chosen and loved! The Maker of all that exist called my name, loves me and desires for me to know & love Him intimately. I have chills just thinking about it.

I have a few things I want to say here - one being I am sinful - I am prideful & I hate pride, even more God hates it! Too often I cling more to my own comfort, life if you will in this world instead of living for what counts - instead of living for the eternal purpose for which God created me. It grieves me... & I do not want to live this way. I want so badly to love God with all my heart and to live fully for Him... to walk in His ways & bring glory to His name... after all, all of "this" is all about HIM! It is all about God - if there is anything you take away from this post let it be that this life we are living is all about God, it is about a love greater than we can comprehend ... A God who loves us beyond measure and wants a relationship with us. I mean grasp this - the God who created us and doesn't need us wants us... and we the created thing who need God, most of the time think we can live and love without Him. I have been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan... and in it he made a point about this... along with some other really great points... mostly about self examination and our love relationship with God. If you haven't read it yet you should... I have been convicted and again back to where this post started ... letting God empty me out... cleaning house so to speak.

I want to be rid of my fleshly/sinfulness and to be filled to over flowing with the Spirit - with love. I want less of me and more of God. I want God to come in and reign in my heart & mind - in every area of my life ... I want Him to take all of me, break me, make me and help me to live free... To love Him as He desires - absolutely, completely in awe, love and submission to Him... desiring Him above all else. And by doing so enabling me to love others. As Chan pointed out if I have trouble loving a perfect God, how can I possibly love sinful man... I need God's love in me to love others as I should.

I don't need more "positive" thinking, I don't need more "help" books, I don't need more head knowledge, I don't need all the things the world tells me I need... when all I need is God. I need to just sit at His feet and listen, I need to dwell upon His truth, I need to pray & pray & pray (and when I say this I do not mean a litany of prayer request but intimate prayer with God - loving Him, listening to Him..... again it is all about Him & not me). I need God's love, I need His mercy & grace... I need God. Not the blessings of God but God - the One & Only... He is life to me. He is God and there is no other. He is love. He is my Savior.

I am not sure what else to say - Except that I hope you come away from this with a desire & intent to get alone with God. To open up your heart and life fully to Him - to His love.

Do so and be blessed.

New Gallup Poll is out...

2009-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hello friends ~I wanted to let you know about a new Gallup poll - More Americans "Pro-Life" than "Pro-Choice" for First Time. (Just click on the title and it should take you to the article). For those of you who have been following the Life/Choice posts & the Changing One Heart for Many this is a very interesting poll. With a President who is so obviously Pro-Choice, it looks as if many Americans may be waking up to the realization of what that really means. And maybe for the first time are deciding to make a choice - a choice for life. A choice to get involved, to pray, to not sit on the sidelines any more... I hope. Our God is a mighty God, a righteous God, a Holy God & He is at work!

Fear of the Lord, that is wisdom

2009-05-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have been reading in Job lately... and there is so much that has stood out to me but I don't have time to write it all today. I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you.

How prideful we (humans) can be -look at how we judge and seek to exalt ourselves (our thoughts, actions, etc.). How little is our understanding and awe of God (for the most part)...

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
And to depart from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 (NASB)

Sometimes I just miss it... I am too wrapped up in myself, my plans, my thoughts, etc... and I miss what this life is really all about. And it isn't about me! My friend, Lisa and I were talking yesterday about a multitude of things - but this blog brings to mind our discussion of the Church... how often times now the churches are trying to bring in the masses... and in doing so, often are catering to them - pleasant messages, emotional ones... Not that in our spiritual journey we do not need milk but we also need the meat. We need to progress... and to not take only pieces of the message presented in the Word but we need to present the Word in its entirety. Yes, we need grace and mercy but we also need to be convicted and rebuked. If you only do one you are missing it - you are missing the big picture. You are missing out on who God is fully and missing His message. A great example of this is parenting... I am sure you have seen examples of both where parents go to one extreme or another - and I am sure like me you have seen the results... You need both!

I have noticed too that we try to reason our way to who we think God should be and what He should do... but who are we to do that!?! We are the clay and He is the potter! How can we even think that we, the creation could tell our Creator what is best!? How can we think to judge our Creator - to judge what He does or doesn't do?! PRIDE - people it is pride! If we fully grasped what we were doing we would fall on our faces and beg forgiveness! Look to the Word and believe what it says - Who God is, Who you are in Christ...

12“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this,
For God is greater than man.

13“Why do you complain against Him
That He does not give an account of all His doings?

14“Indeed God speaks once,
Or twice, yet no one notices it.

15“In a dream, a vision of the night,
When sound sleep falls on men,
While they slumber in their beds,

16Then He opens the ears of men,
And seals their instruction,

17That He may turn man aside from his conduct,
And keep man from pride;

- Job 33:12-17, NASB

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:9, NASB

Which brings me back to judging others... As I read Job's friends' commentary to him ... and how sure they were that this calamity that had befallen him was because he had sinned... I just thought wow - I am sure there has been an occasion or more that I have done this same thing myself... However, as I read I noticed they had no example, no action to rebuke Job with. They had nothing they could point to, to reprove him (let me point out reproving and judging are not the same thing - see a previous post of mine on this). No, they just had conjecture and the prideful assurance that they must be right and Job must have sinned - that they fully grasped who God is and all His ways, thoughts and actions.

Let us remember not to judge, let us remember we are not God who can search and see the hearts and minds of man...

“I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind, ..." - Jeremiah 17:10a, NASB

"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7, NLT

Seek wisdom and understanding - for it is far more valuable than gold, diamonds or pearls... clothe yourself in righteousness!

Alert: today is...

2009-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Just in case you didn't know already or forgot... =)

Today is the National Day of Prayer (for us in the USA)! Join me and others in prayer and petition today to our Lord!

"They all joined together constantly in prayer..." Acts 1:14a

Our Creator & laminin!!!

2009-04-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Please, please take the time to watch this video (about 8 mins.)... it is sooo worth it! We have such a creative, awesome Creator!!! Be blessed!

Also, you can google laminin.

Victorious!

2009-04-24T15:02:00.001-07:00

Last night before I went to be I felt led to read out of Ps. 32... Verses 7-8 stood out to me and I wanted to share my thoughts on it with you.

For you are my hiding place;

you protect me from trouble.

You surround me with songs of victory.

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advice you and watch over you."

Psalm 32:7-8 (NLT)

When I read verse 7, Col. 3:3 immediately came to my mind.

"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

Col. 3:3

It also reminded me of the victory we have in Christ:

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Cor. 15:57

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Romans 8:37

"for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 John 5:4-5

First let me encourage you to look up these verses and read them all in context... there is so much more to all this than what I have time to say right now... But in the simplest way - these thoughts, these words brought me peace, hope, and a joy beyond my understanding. I am hidden with Christ in God, the LORD is my hiding place!!! He protects me and in the NIV v. 7 says he protects me from trouble and surrounds me with songs of deliverance! NASB says God preserves me from trouble and again says deliverance. God delivers, God saves, God gives us victory!!! Oh, let that sink in!

In Christ we are more than conquerors! We are victorious!!! Victorious over death, victorious because there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! We can overcome the world! Victory! Victorious - shout it out, let it sink in deep into your heart & mind & spirit... We are free - we are loved - we are safe - we are secure - we are protected - we are victorious in Christ Jesus!!! Oh how sweet is that! Again, I say let that truth penetrate deep into your heart!

And lest I forget v. 8 - He will guide us along the best pathway for our lives, He will advice us and watch over us. What have we to fear?! Oh, blessed, blessed are we! Open your ears to hear and your eyes to see... abide & let the Spirit led you & advice you. He will show you the best way!

My prayer for you & I today comes from Phil. 1:9-11.

How great and awesome is our mighty God! He who saves! He is the Eternal, Everlasting God - full of mercy and a love so great we can not even fathom it! Seek Him, know Him and love Him more and more every day!

To Him be the praise and the glory forever! Amen!

Boldness in Truth

2009-04-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hello! I hope you had a blessed Easter - praising our Risen Lord!!! I have been reading in Thessalonians the last few days... and many things have stuck out to me. Alas, I do not have time to really get into the meaty stuff right now with you... but there are some awesome insights and instructions!

I just wanted to share with you briefly a few that stood out to me...

"but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:2-4

"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

These verses made me think about how we (in the US) as Christians have so much freedom to be bold in speaking the gospel... it shamed me to think how weak I have been at times - letting myself, fear, or something hold me back from what I should share. I have no excuse... How I pray for a boldness from God to speak Truth in Love no matter the circumstances, the person... to do as He has commanded. After all what we are sharing is GOOD NEWS! It brings life to those who embrace it... and even if they do not we at least in hope and in love shared... & hopefully planted a seed that will bloom later in their heart.

Here Paul mentions after being mistreated & suffering they were still bold even amid much opposition! Desiring to tell others the great gift and message we as Christians have been entrusted with - and they spoke not as pleasing to men, speaking words that make them feel good about their sinful state... but speaking truth that has the power to save & bring good to those who believe. They spoke not for their own glory... they spoke to please God who examines and knows our hearts.

There are those (as I have mentioned before) who like to take bits of truth and mix it with deception... misleading people away from the Truth. I love how we are exhorted to examine everything carefully! EVERYTHING! And to hold fast to that which is good - not meaning that which we like to hear but that which is truth- good. Too many times we can become guilty of just believing whatever we hear, read or are taught... Humans are fallible... and some seek to deceive (knowingly or unknowingly). We have to examine what others claim to be truth against what is truth - the Word! If you hear something in a sermon and get this feeling like it just doesn't sound right... check things out for yourself... If you are reading a book and it is instructing you or teaching you something that does not coincide with Scripture even though it says it is a Christian book... put it down and search out the truth of the Word. Whatever the case may be (by hearing, reading, seeing...) check it out, examine it carefully. Not seeking to find or prove what you want to hear but what is the black and white truth of the Word. Remember to always look at the Word in context... There are those who like to take a verse and twist it this way or that so that the way they interpret it does not even resemble the intent and meaning of the verse.

I know I may seem to be stressing this point a lot but I really don't think you can stress it too much. In our current times we are being bombarded with half truths, deception, lies... We have to choose to search out for ourselves, to educate ourselves - that we may know and understand and have great insight into what is TRUTH and what is best... Not what the world or even those who claim to be shepherds say.... because there are false teachers out there! Believe me I have heard them speak, I have seen their words... and it doesn't line up with the Truth!

This is something that troubles me, that really gets me going... these false teachers. When I think of the many who are seeking and are being mislead it just tears me up. Please, please read the Word for yourself. Study it, know it, live it! Cling to what is good and abstain from every form of evil, as this is right & pleasing to God. Not to mention it is so much more freeing living in the Spirit than living a life of the flesh/sin.

Seek, Study, Know & Live it!!!

PS- ok I know I said briefly, but - well I tried!

Set to Seek the LORD

2009-04-02T15:16:00.001-07:00

Hello! - sorry it has been a little while. I wanted to share my musings from reading in 2 Chronicles today... I was reading and meditating on Chapters 11 & 12.

I will highlight a few things and then get down to what has been replaying through my mind...
When Solomon's son, Rehoboam came into power he did a foolish thing - he rejected the wisdom/advice from the Elders and instead decided to take the advice of his guy friends/peers so to speak... (See ch. 10 - v.8...). This is where the division comes into play between Judah (& Benjamin) from the rest of Israel.

In Ch. 11 we learn that the priests & Levites from all of Israel stood with him from all their districts. In part because Jeroboam (leader of Israel) decides to setup his own idols and priests (v. 14-15). Verse 16 tells us that those who's hearts were set on seeking the LORD God of Israel followed the priests & Levites to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD God of their fathers!

There appears to be this little side note in v.17 - and they strenghtened the kingdom... remember this for later. It also says for 3 years... I kept thinking why just 3yrs... well we are getting there.

In Chapter 12 the very first verse tells us something important - a life lesson. It says that when the kingdom of Rehoboam was established & strong that he and all of Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD! Don't pass that by... remember verse 17... these people came with hearts to seek and sacrifice to the LORD God... and sometime after things got good they forsook the LORD! What happened from the time of their coming to the forsaking??? Where did their heart focus/seeking go? Did they get too comfortable? Pride maybe?

It brought to mind how at times when things start going good, we can stop focusing on the LORD like we do in times of distress... How we can start to think everything is fine, I am good, look at what I have accomplished, I am in control - whatever, you get the point! However, we should know that is most certainly not the case. God is always in control & He is the one who helps us, blesses us and provides for us. (It reminds me once again of the path our nation is heading down...).

Ok, so back to my earlier mention about the 3 years... enters verse 2 - It says in the 5th year of King Rehoboam's reign... So from the earlier verses we know they followed and sought the LORD for 3 years... and then they started straying away... so here we are two years later- They had been unfaithful to the LORD, and because of this enters the enemy. It made me think of our spiritual battle between the flesh & spirit and the enemy we face. When we take our eye off of God, when we go our own way, when we sin and seek other things to place before God in our lives.... our guard is down, our heart is wrong... and we are an easy target for the enemy, when we have left the shelter and protection of God's wings...no longer under his covering. They forsook God! It didn't really take all that long...to go from being on top to the bottom as you will see.

So faced with the enemy - the King and people humble themselves and proclaim "The LORD is righteous.". And because of their humbling themselves God does not destroy them but gives them some measure of deliverance. They had brought disaster upon themselves but the LORD still helped them. They were not destroyed but they had to learn a lesson... (oh if we would only learn from history, from our mistakes and seek the LORD with all of our heart for all of our days!!!).

Verse 8 tells us that God allowed them to become slaves that they might learn the difference between His service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries (the world). Boy, is there a big difference between being in the service of the LORD - true freedom, life, blessings, love, forgiveness... and being in the service- enslaved, in bondage to sin, to the world!

This brought to mind (here and in other cases) as there is a moral decline/move away from God/righteousness, things going really well to seeing a decline not just morally but culturally... Things get good, we move away from God - we become prideful, things then start going bad..... v. 9 tells us that the enemy took all the gold (all, everything of value) ... it made me think of what that represents. Gold being of high value, a pure and precious metal... is stolen, taken away. We have within us something far more precious and valuable than gold - for those in Christ Jesus- that can NEVER be taken away! Praise the LORD!!! However maybe it is represenative of those perishable things we treasure above our God... They are a gift from him to be enjoyed and for His purposes, but never to be worshiped or sought after/desired above Him. These perishable things can not give us security - only God is our security.

God is so good, even when we are not... He loves a repentant, humble heart... in Him we find salvation and mercy. Check out 12:12... the king humbled himself & was not destroyed and then conditions in Judah were good.

To sum it all up... I have been thinking of how people can seem to start out going the right way & then along the way they forsake the LORD... ex. Solomon with all his wisdom and knowledge of God, in his last days worshiped other gods... and here his son (v.14)- did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. There are so many other examples... but just focusing on this lesson for today - I see people who left their tribes (Israelites) to go to Jerusalem with the priest & Levites to worship the LORD... they had set it in their hearts! Of course these are OT believers... and they did not have the advantage we have in Christ - the gift of the Holy Spirit within us.... Yet, we are warned and encouraged in the NT to not live by the ways of the flesh but of the spirit, to run the good race, to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul & strength... and so on. I do not in any way believe that if you are saved and have received the Holy Spirit that you can loose your salvation... So don't misunderstand what I am saying in this regard. I just think about the parable of the seeds... and other such things. About people being led astray from their sincere and pure devotion to Christ.... and I don't want that!

It seems to me that we have to choose, to seek - with all our heart to stay the course - to be obedient; to live & walk in obedience; to know, understand, believe & love with all our hearts, minds, soul & strength. Daily we must choose... in our flesh we wander, we have no strength... however, as we abide in the Spirit we have incredible power at work in us! We can live transformed lives all our days... The other big thing I keep thinking about is how we have to have the RELATIONSHIP with G0d - to know & love Him... Having a real, on going relationship gives us the heart/love, focus and ability to do these things - because we are not doing it for ourselves but out of love for God. We need a healthy balance of the Word/Truth... some don't like correction and only want to hear pleasant things... have warm fuzzy feelings. But I tell you those warm fuzzy feelings will fade at times as crisis arise, sort of like the seed that grew up on the rock but had no roots and withered. These chapters also make me think of those who were chocked by the weeds -they let the cares, worries and pleasures of this world keep them from maturing! We have to be rooted in Christ... in the Word - in Truth, because our heart is deceitful above all else. The Word grounds us and shines a light into our hearts, lives and shows us the way... Hand & hand... How blessed we are in Christ - we have been given so much!!! Love, forgiveness, salvation, the Word, the Holy Spirit - we can pray/talk to God directly (us sinners, who have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb!), we are set free & empowered to live beyond ourselves - to live for God!

I say all this to encourage you (& myself) to keep our eyes, hearts and minds on the things that are eternal & lasting - to keep our focus on Christ!

Answered Prayer & the LORD's Provision

2009-03-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

I was crying earlier as I thought upon the LORD's faithfulness... His love, answered prayers, provision... Below you will see the verses I have been getting lately, (I get verses sent to me daily from K-LOVE)... any way I wanted to share what I have been getting ... just follow the flow and let the Scriptures speak to you! They have been speaking to me!

And even more so after I realize the Lord has been providing me ahead of time with the verses I need for the events of today (and always really). Doesn't He do that for us... For He knows what is coming and He knows what we need... and He wants to prepare us (Spiritually) to be ready!

Today a huge storm hit our area... There are accidents all over... I am praying for these people and their lives, health & safety... I and others were praying too for my husband to make it home safely. After road closures, accidents, the weather, etc... about 2 hours later he made it home safe! The Lord totally showed up right when he needed Him and opened up a path & provide away for him... not once but twice! I would go more into detail but I think suffice it to say that without the Lord's perfect timing and provision my husband would not be safely home now... This brought me to tears! The LORD is near... The LORD is listening, He answers ... at times even before we know to call out! Praise Him for He is soooo worthy! Praise Him for who He is! The Everlasting God, Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Our Peace), The God of Miracles, a Forgiving God, a Faithful God, the God who answers prayer....

To Him be the glory forever!

Then when you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," He will quickly reply.
~ Isaiah 58:9, NASB

I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
~ Isaiah 65:24, NLT

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
~ Jeremiah 33:3-4, NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
~ Psalm 23:1, NLT

But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT

Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.
~ Matthew 5:15, NLT

You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
~ Psalm 73:24, NLT

How precious, sweet and powerful is the Word of God!!! Think upon the goodness, kindness, love, mercy & grace of the LORD... and praise Him!

Action - Get invloved!

2009-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I just wanted to remind you all about Red Envelope Day - the 31st! If you don't know what I am talking about click here... also if you are interested in using their service to mail - click here.

As I have written before we can all get involved in the Pro-Life movement in many different ways - prayer, donations, advocacy, etc. I encourage you to pray about what the LORD is calling you to do. Also, check out Care Net!

Have a blessed week!

A Patient & Forgiving God

2009-03-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

As I was praying & praising God, praising Him specifically that He is a Forgiving God. There is a reference to Neh. 9:17, that I looked up. It says:

"And they refused to listen, And did not remember Thy wondrous deeds which Thou hadst performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But Thou art a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness; And Thou didst not forsake them. ~Nehemiah 9:17 NASB

God's love and forgiveness is so amazing! I think sometimes it is taken for granted... we understand but give it fleeting thought... when if we really meditate on it, we are stunned, astounded, in awe, humbled and moved beyond words.

There is so much that came to me as I read this verse... Starting with And they REFUSED to LISTEN! These are God's chosen people, who saw amazing wonders... All the signs and plights God sent to the Egyptians to free them... The passover... The Red Sea being parted... A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night... the bread of heaven, water from a rock... on & on...

Yet they refused to listen AND they became stubborn (original word meaning - bitterness, rebellion - a masculine noun meaning obstinacy, stubbornness, rebelliousness). They decided to rebell against God!!! God who had done all these things for them! They decided to appoint their own leader & RETURN TO THEIR SLAVERY!

Wow, just let that sink in... Do we not at times do the same thing? God shows Himself to us (to me) in big and small ways... He is faithful, loving, forgiving... if we were truly to meditate on all He has done for us the list would be too long. And maybe that is part of the problem we stop focusing on what God has done and instead focus on what we think He should be doing, what our problems or circumstances are... We forget that we are not promised that this earthly life will be easy... we forget we have to be refined and sanctified... to continually put off the old self (the sin & flesh) and to put on the new - to be made more and more like Christ. Not that we will attain perfection on earth but on the day that we go Home we will be all that we were created to be. We forget in Christ we are a new creation... we sometimes still see ourselves and our life through human/temporary eyes instead of eternal ones.

There will be times when things get rough and we don't understand why God allows somethings to happen, we may become weary in doing good but let us not!!!! God knows what is best... God knows where He is taking us & what He is preparing us for... and it is of far greater value than our temporary pains. Let us not forget - and fall back to our old fleshly/sinful ways. To desire to be slaves again to what Christ has set us free from!!! We can choose to be free & in Christ we have the power to live free! It is like a child who wants to only eat junk food... when the parent knows it is not healthy for them... and they have for them the finest foods, healthy, tasty, filling... Our lives are like that we can try to fill ourselves up with "junk" which never satisfies us or we can let God grow us and fill us with what sustains, what strengthens, what enables, what gives us all we will ever need.

Our perception...what impact! Our faith... what is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Do I live my life with & in my heart is that the kind of faith I have? It is a eternal, God perspective. That is my desire.

If you get a chance take a look at Philippians 2:5-11. It is one of my memory scriptures... and is something to really meditate upon.

LORD, I praise You - You are a forgiving God, Gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness. You do not forsake me - You do not forsake those called by Your Name. How sweet is Your love and mercy towards me... it fails me not. You are the Giver of every good gift - The One who saves and redeems me... Who prepares a place for me to dwell with You forever. You know my name, You know everything about me & you love me, bless me, chose me and forgive me. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet Lord - You light my path & give me the hope, strength and peace to do so. Praise be to You forever - You are the Everlasting God, the King of kings, my Prince of Peace! Praise You! To You be the glory forever & ever - Amen.

Constant, Unchanging - God

2009-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today I learned that my last Pastor (from the city we moved from) is being called to another Church in another State... It had me thinking about change. How we don't really love change, but it is good for us. How change should be viewed not as a negative but a positive - an opportunity & blessing!

Also, how change can and does draw us closer to God. To trust Him and His provision... to seek His will and for guidance, etc. God knows what is best and where we need to be - to minister and to be ministered to.

It makes me think too of the early Church and apostles... thinking of Paul and his journeys... lots of change, moves, transitions... and I am sure it wasn't easy. However, because of their willingness to go and be obedient to God - many came to Christ and were blessed & we are blessed through them... all to the praise and glory of the LORD!

As much as our world, circumstances, etc. change around us or things change within... we have one unchanging constant and that is God. He never changes! His Word and promises are true & He is faithful. Praise Him! We can always count on Him.

So today I wanted to meditate on some truth, on God and who He is:

JEHOVAH (YHWH) - "I AM" The One Who Is The Self-Existent One

Application - God never changes. His promises never fail. When we are faithless, He is faithful. We need to obey Him.

Bible References - Exodus 3:14; 6:2-4; 34:5-7; Psalm 102

Pronounced: juh-HO-vah

YHWH - "I AM," The One Who Is The Self-Existent One

Application - Same as above

Bible References - Exodus 3:14; Malachi 3:6

Pronounced: YAH-way God's personal name given to Moses. Also called the tetragrammaton ("four letters"). Occurs about 6,800 times. Translated "LORD" in English versions of the Bible, because it became common practice for Jews to say "Lord" (Adonai) instead of saying the name YHWH.

*From Names of God, Rose Publishing

God is who He says He is, His Word and promises are true, He is unchanging and all His ways are right and just. Praise Him for His unfailing love, mercy and grace towards us... Praise Him for no matter where we go, He is near... He is our Strenght, Provider and Help... and He is the One who gives us peace (not wordly peace but the peace that surpasses all understanding - no matter our circumstances!) - Praise Him!

Belief & Prayer

2009-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note... When the Bible says to pray about everything and to not worry... do it! The Lord is in control and He does hear and answer our prayers!

I hate how at times I struggle with unbelief... really believing that God really wants to answer my prayers... praying but not always believing He will come through for me! It is so wrong... that attitude of my heart! I have many assurances in the Word, of God's love, of His provision - that He listens, answers, provides... as the Word mentions if we parents can give good gifts to our children how much more will our Heavenly Father do for us! Yet, do we always believe that!?

LORD, thank you for Your steadfast love, Your faithfulness... thank you for Your forgiveness... and for the mercy and grace you show towards me continually! Thank you for hearing me and answering my prayers.... All my worry is for not, it is sin - and I am sorry to hurt you in such a way. Thank you for providing for me in sooo many ways this past week!!! You are always there, my constant Strength & Help!

LORD there is no other like you... teach me Your ways, & help me to walk in them all the days of my life. Give me a heart that is undivided - that I may know, love, serve, obey, believe and honor You. To You be the glory forever - Amen.

Power of Prayer

2009-03-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

I just recently finished reading Frank E. Peretti's book This Present Darkness. If you haven't heard of it, basically it is fiction that deals with evil & good at war in the world... the side we see as we go about our daily lives and the side we don't see (demons & angels).

I came away from it really thinking about the power of prayer. I know that at times I do take for granted the great power we have in prayer... Do I really believe that prayer is powerful?! Do you? We are told in Scripture that it is so... and yet do we live prayerful, power filled lives? The Word exhorts us to pray at all times, in all circumstances, to pray for the Saints... to pray! To put on the full armor of God wielding the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word and to pray!!! Combined together as I have heard Beth Moore say it is like wielding a stick of dynamite! It is powerful!

Prayer keeps coming up .... and I have to say, Lord I hear you and I am listening! The LORD is waking me up so to speak in regards to prayer... to really seeing prayer the way He sees it, to be faithful in prayer... to understand we truly are at war here - and it is an unseen war that is being waged... flesh/sin against the Spirit, and if you will - yes, even the angelic against the demonic.

Realizing we are at war is only the beginning... from there we must take action. We must learn how to fight this unseen war... How to put on the full armor, to pray. We must not only learn it in our heads but in our hearts and then be faithful, obedient to do it!

I encourage you to look up verses on prayer... and to believe! Believe in our Mighty God and that His Word and promises are true... believe that He listens, believe that He answers... believe even when you can't see ... Prayer is powerful!

Standing on the promises of God!

Petitions for Life

2009-03-08T13:12:00.001-07:00

Please take a look at this weeks post on Changing One Heart for Many. You will find four links on there... Actions you can take to do your part. One is the petition against FOCA, one is stating you do not want tax payer money to fund abortions and one is stating that Doctors should have the freedom/choice to not perform abortions. There is also a link for Red Envelope day!

Check it out & have a blessed day!

Action - Heritage & Lessons Part 2

2009-03-04T15:15:00.001-08:00

A follow up to my last post and in response to the comment left.... (Thanks for the questions and making (me) us think!).

If all we do is complain and get angry it accomplishes nothing...just as worry doesn't add a day to our life.... we have to actually do something, even if we are not seeing results at least we are doing our part.

I believe first and foremost we have to PRAY and go to the WORD! We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us ... from our boss at work to our President. Pray for them, pray for our nation, pray for hearts to be turned back toward God. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY... Go to the Word and see the examples of how we should live. A good example being Daniel, but there are many others. As a friend pointed out today, first Daniel resolved not to ... basically live like the unsaved but to live for God, according to His Word and His ways. Daniel was obedient to the authority placed over him unless it conflicted with what he knew was right- what God commanded. He served God first even if that meant he might lose his life. He prayed, he studied God's word, and he strived to live it out... to be a light shining in the darkness.

We have to stop thinking someone else will do it, say it, etc. and look in the mirror and start with doing our part. Get involved... in the things that the LORD lays upon your heart/conscience. As people are fond of saying "put your money where your mouth is"... Donate to your cause, volunteer, educate yourself and others... take action!

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE - Study up on the issues, the candidates and vote according to your conscience. There are issues that are right and wrong... and vote accordingly, to be obedient to God and what is right. One day we do have to answer for what choices we have made... our vote does count. And even when we vote and things do not work out the way we would like... it isn't over. There are issues, bills, etc that come up... email your Representative and voice your thoughts and concerns. There are websites that can send you updates on current issues and that have contact info on them. (Check out Dr. Dobson/Focus on the Family)

Even if our country continues down this current path it is on at least we are doing our part and being honoring/obedient to God. We know in end times things will continue to get worse but we as Christians must continue to be a light in the darkness, speaking truth in love, and living righteously... not to please man but to please & glorify God.

Please leave a comment if you have more ideas or suggestions... I and others would love to hear them!

All in all - the main point is to take ACTION! We just need to do our part... and let God do the rest. At the end of the day (or at the end of this earthly life)... I just want to hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."

Check out James 1:19-27

Heritage & lessons to be learned

2009-02-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Earlier I began reading the book of 2 Kings... as I was reading the intro to 2 Kings... these words below really stood out to me (bringing to mind our nation and the path it is heading down).

"In addition to the important lessons of I Kings, the Book of Second Kings teaches that once a nation abandons its heritage it loses the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. The very makeup of the national and individual conscience is affected. Superficial reforms and mere lip service accomplish little. The Lord demands true repentance. The final result of continued sin is always total collapse. However, God's love is so persistent that He will never give up on His people."

- Key Word Study Bible, NASB (AMG Publishers)

This then reminded me of a quote from George Duffield, Patriot Preacher, 1776:

"Whilst sun and moon endure, America shall remain a city of refuge for the whole earth, until she herself shall play the tyrant, forget her destiny, disgrace her freedom, and provoke her God."

I am saddened because when I look at our nation who is continually trying to take God out of everything, when He is in all things - He made all things, and sustains, and provides. When we turn from God, you have to expect things are going to start going wrong. How can a person or a nation survive when they are not connected to the One who made them and sustains them... Who is their protective shield and help....??? You can not... history continually teaches us this lesson & yet it is one that we have not learned in this country. I think of our founding fathers & how they fought and established this country ... I do not believe that we are living out their original design and intent in this matter. I pray that we as a nation would repent and turn back to God. That the words above would not be true for us..... Even so if this is the course we are heading down... it in many ways points to the end coming. Bring to mind the prophecies that are being fulfilled and will be before the return of Christ. Be ready, keep your lamps burning (let your light shine bright).

It rears it's ugly head again - Pride

2009-02-25T15:20:00.001-08:00

This morning as I was talking with some other ladies, I had a break through moment. Do you know what I mean? One of those lightning bolt moments... the ahhh... LORD I am hearing you kind of thing.

For a while now (around 2 1/2 to 3 years) I have been praying for the LORD to help me to die to myself and to live for Him... as I have previously stated He has certainly been busy keeping up His end ... I have been being refined, broken and it is in the strangest way (only someone who understands what I am saying here can get) an incredible blessing.

I know I have mentioned the book I read on changing my attitude - using the example of the Israelites wandering for 40 yrs in the wilderness... along with that are other things He has been teaching and showing me. Any way all of it culminated this morning into that ahhh moment.

We were talking about as women who have moved the sense of identity loss we feel... and how we should not have our identity wrapped up in our job, friends, ministry, etc.... but that our identity (self worth) should be found in Christ. As we were talking all of these things God has been showing me, teaching me, verses kept popping into my mind... And there went off the light bulb!

PRIDE!!! Pride, it had me in it's grasp again... Pride in the things I had done, people's admiration, etc. I wanted to (silently, in my heart) boast in myself and not in the LORD! It was all about me and not about Him!!! Oh it just makes me sick... yet, I rejoice for my eyes have been open and behold I see my sin and I repent- Lord, I repent! Forgive me! Who am I that I am worthy of praise... I am nothing but dust, sinful flesh - saved by grace!!! I praise Him for His mercy, love & forgiveness... I praise Him for He is worthy! He is the Eternal, Everlasting God!!!

And even though I know this I have been desiring the praise of men, more than the praise of God - oh let it not be so! I feel like Paul when he said "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Rom 7:15 - see more click here). It is a continual battle with my flesh... However, I know that in Christ I can do all things, in Christ I have forgiveness, He supplies my strength and has given me His Spirit that I can overcome the flesh and walk in the Spirit... That I can live free! Abide, we have to abide - we cannot bear fruit apart from Him.... What good is a well if it has no water? He is the Living Water!!! He is what we all need... I am just a well... I can never be to anyone what they need nor can another be to me what I need - for all that I need is found in Christ Jesus!

Oh, LORD forgive my sinful pride... Thank you for opening my eyes to see this sin and thank you for your love and forgiveness. By Your power and Your strength enable me to walk rightly with You... to be Your humble servant, who loves you with all my heart, mind, soul, strength and who has the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus - bearing much fruit for Your glory!!! Amen.

You alone oh LORD are worthy of praise and to You be all the glory! I praise You my ever faithful, loving and present God!

Attitude

2009-02-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Something to meditate on ... These verses have been on my mind and heart of late:

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)

I don't know about you but I am not there yet... However, as the Word says: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13 - NASB. I know that the Holy Spirit is working on me... from glory to glory... He will continue to transform me more and more to be like Christ - until the glorious day He takes me home. Oh, what rejoicing there will be on the day when we all get to go home to be with Jesus forever... To an eternal kingdom, to see face to face, to worship & adore the One & Only God, who reigns forever - praise Him!

Until then may we continue to walk by faith, to stand firm, to love in truth.... to be the Body of Christ (the Church) upon this earth - light in the darkness... with a message that offers true hope, love & healing.

My prayer for all of you today:

The LORD will give strength to His people ; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 NIV

LORD help us to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus... Give us strength & bless us with peace, may we abide in You and bear much fruit for Your glory. Amen.

For the Hurting

2009-02-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

This post is for anyone who has been hurt by abortion, be you woman or man... Take a look at today's post on Traveling the Road Home. We can become so focused on the unborn and their rights that many times we forget those who have been hurt and scared by this ... especially the men. There are resources available for you if you have been through such a situation and desire healing ... & more. Even more if you turn to Jesus, as cliche as that may sound... He is there with open arms!

Please take a look at the post and watch the video!!!

Prayer

2009-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever told someone you would pray for them? Did you do it? And if you did was it a fleeting thought type prayer or a down on your knees praying? Did you wield the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and is so powerful when used in prayer? Lots of questions...

I am asking all of this to myself as well as to you.... Yes, if I tell you I will pray I mean it. However, depending upon what I deem to be the seriousness of the matter... it may be just that a prayer quickly said or one where I am speaking the Word, on my face and humbled before the Lord. I do believe that in either case the Lord hears my prayers... However, I do believe it is more honoring to God when we are bowed before our Lord and are focused in prayer. Someone once said that our posture in prayer can be an indicator to our heart and where we see ourselves before our God. Maybe that is true.... I do believe that the Lord is thrilled when we come to Him, when we seek Him, when we desire to talk with Him & especially listen ... When we draw near... so if you are praying as you walk or sit or drive or kneel - you are praying! You are staying continually in tune with the Lord.

What I am getting at more hear is about how we feel about prayer and think of it in our heart of hearts... Do we believe that God is listening? Do we believe that prayer is powerful? Do we believe that God cares and answers? Are we awed and humbled that we can speak to our Lord and Creator!? Is there reverence, love, respect, honor... do we cherish it? And even more do we believe that prayer can make a difference?

Recently, some thing has happened that made me think about all of this... and along with that two of my daily scripture verses have been as follows (I want to put them in two different versions and you will see why):

Ephesians 6:18-

(NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(NASB) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints

Colossians 4:2-

(NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful

(NASB) Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving

As you can see we are to pray at ALL TIMES in the Spirit! Which of course begs the question are you abiding - are you abiding in Christ? Are you letting the Spirit have His way in you so to speak? At all times?

It also brings to mind that big or small (in our mind) God wants to hear it all! He wants to show up and be very much a part of your life - in the little daily things as well as in the big ones. In all circumstances should He be glorified! In the NIV it says be alert and in the NASB it says be on the alert (with all perseverance & petition)... does that speak to you? Be alert when you pray, and/or be on the alert - the alert from what? From the enemy, from our flesh... & be focused, devoted... persevering and continually praying for whom? Our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wow, do we ever need it!

I find that it says persevering to be of interest... indicating that in our view persistent prayer might not always be easy?! Do we tire of praying continually? Do we feel as if our prayers are not being heard or answered? That it might be hard to pray at times... because of circumstances, hurts - because we are to pray for our enemies...? Yet to preserver means we must press on, in effect triumph over these things and continue to pray - continue to honor God, to see Him glorified, to believe, to walk by faith and not by sight, to be blessed!

To be devoted to prayer - devoted! What does that mean to you? Not just getting up early to pray, or so on ... but in your heart is there devotion? Not a ritual but joy... that you have thankfulness, praise no matter your circumstances. When you pray do you REALLY believe that you are speaking to the LORD - the Creator of the heavens and the earth; the giver and sustainor of life - the One who came wrapped in flesh and died for our sins, to reconcile us (in Christ) to Himself? Is there even the remotest part of you that feels as if your prayers are just floating in air... and are not heard? If so it is a lie of the enemy! God is listening!!! For one such reminder just take a look at the verse heading the top of my blog... there are so MANY MORE! Search them out for yourself and claim them!

I just want to encourage you to continue, to preserver in prayer being watchful, on the alert, with an attitude of thanksgiving... bring glory & honor to the Father & being as one in the Body of Christ. Be devoted in prayer and always keep on praying for the saints (your brothers & sisters in Christ)!

There is great power in prayer! Go forth mighty prayer warrior - putting on the full armor of God and praying at all times!!!

Changing One Heart For Many

2009-02-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

I hope you will join us tomorrow (Monday) morning in prayer ... Please look for the widget on the right side of my page that says "Changing One Heart for Many" it will take you directly to the blog or click here. The post is already up with the prayer and updates for tomorrow, so check it out!

Also take a look at the two newspaper articles she has on the post! One of them is a disturbing story of a botched 23 week abortion in FL and the investigation that is going on... The baby girl was born alive and well I will let you read the rest (click here). The other deals with decisions that President Obama has made on this issue already, those he is facing and how he is trying handle them (click here).

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom. 12:12)

Change for Life

2009-02-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

It must be God, & heavy on His heart because every where I turn this same subject (Life) keeps coming up... I was on a fellow blogger's most recent post and it directed me to this blog and the Challenge for Change post - Check it out & start praying! If you decide to not check out the blog, check out this video - it is an ad that was suppose to run during the Superbowl but was rejected by the network.

My heart goes out to these women who are suffering with past choices... I am not here to condemn them... As I mentioned at the bottom of my last post, my heart & prayers go out to them... if you are someone that has been hurt by this issue and you desire prayer please leave me a comment... you can leave it anonymously or ask me not to publish it and I won't, but I will be praying for you. Again I am not here to condemn you... and remember that if you are in Christ there is no condemnation - He has forgiven you your sins... when you repented and came to Him, He removed them as far as the east is from the west... and there is nothing that can separate you from His love. My point in all of this is for the present & the future lives ... that can be impacted & saved. And to pray for those who need it.

May His will be done -

Ps. Also check out the article in the USA Today about Obama reversing the US funding policy on abortion

Woe to those who call evil good

2009-01-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

As I write this post, I am trying to hold tears back from my eyes ... my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed with sorrow. Early, early this morning I woke up for no other reason than God wanted my attention... What came to mind was the plight of the unborn. The Holy Spirit brought several things to mind and I wrote them down... I sit here now to put all of this to words. Before doing so however I went to a website that gives you all the information on abortion... how it is done, how many, etc... Grief, sorrow, and tears now flow as I think of these precious little ones.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness... Isaiah 5:20a

There are many arguments out there for women to have the right to choose... but the question is what are they choosing? The choice they have been given is to choose to give life or to take a life. You can call it what you want and try to cover it up in many ways to make it seem like something it is not... for in the end the truth is bold - when you take a life, you commit murder. As a Christian we are commanded by the LORD our God: You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13. Once our country believed this... they honored the ten commandments... however times have changed and so has this country - sadly not for the better.

For all of us that are alive, we were once a cluster of cells developing with our own unique DNA into the person we are... Did you know that by day 20 of our life our heart, brain, spinal column, and nervous system were almost complete and our eyes began to form. And by the 22nd day our heart began to beat. We are all uniquely created by God... and it is there in the womb that God forms us... He knows us and He sees us. Just as He knows and sees and forms these babies. God does not make mistakes, we do. And in this country we have made a great travesty... for "we" now call what is evil good (choice) ... Since when did it become ok to murder a child, to take their life, to cause them pain and death... How twisted has our thinking become that we can say this is ok. When is it ok to take a life for convenience sake, because we don't feel ready or want to deal with "consequences" and so on...(let us remember there are alternatives to abortion!). If what was done to these babies was done outside of the womb or even days after birth, we would all be up in arms saying "oh how horrific, how could someone do something like that to a baby?!" I could go on and on here but I think you get my point. (see Psalm 139:13; Jer. 1:5; Isa. 43:6, etc.)

I was reminded last night of the Israelite children who were killed/sacrificed in the Old Testament. They were burned to idols, slaughtered to these idols... this was sin against God and detestable in His sight. In Ezekiel when He talks about these things He calls them His children and that is what they are ... we all are, children of God... and woe to him who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD and calls what is evil good and good evil. (See 2 Kings 16:3; 17:7-9, 15-17, 31; Jer. 32:35; Eze. 16:20-21). And that is what is going on today, children are being sacrificed to the idol of (choice) self... we esteem our lives, our goals, our wants, etc. more than we esteem life.

We cannot hide sin from God... He knows what is upon our tongue before we even say it; He knows our hearts and minds, nothing is hidden from Him. Jesus said: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matt. 5:28 - did you catch that... he didn't commit the physical act but in his heart he sinned... What is in our hearts that we can say in this country (and around the world) that to take the life of a child is ok, it is justifiable? How? How? HOW is it!?!

The Enemy has blinded many to truth & their eyes are closed & their ears don't hear and their hearts are hardened... So that they call what is evil good; they call it choice yet the unborn have no choice or voice except for ours. How I pray that hearts would be softened, that eyes would be opened and ears would hear and that this nation would turn in repentance to God ... that life would once again be sacred and that we would put an end to this sin called abortion! We would tear down the idols of self and greed... and would agree with God that this is wrong (sin).

Sadly, it is not only the unborn who are hurt by abortion... but even the women who so many fight to give this right to are hurting, and some have been killed physically while others are dying on the inside... They need hope... They need forgiveness, they need love, but most of all they need Jesus! Not the cultural Christianity but the real thing... they need a Savior, they need to know He is waiting with open arms to love and forgive them, to heal the wounds and to bring them to Himself. He is present!!! He is waiting!!! For in Christ there is no condemnation.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! Rom. 6:1-2a

(See Rom. 6:1-14)

For more information click on the words below:

Life in the Womb

Methods of Abortion

Idols of Self & Greed (statistics)

Lord have mercy and I pray that you would open up the eyes of those who are pro-choice, that you would soften their hearts ... Lord God, I entrust all to you knowing that even if there is not justice upon this earth for these little ones, there will be justice for them one day... For we will all have to stand before you and give account... Again I pray for mercy and repentance now Lord!

I ask that you my brothers and sisters in Christ would PRAY and walk faithfully & in obedience!!! That you would do all that is within you to honor, obey and glorify the Lord...

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

My God, Who is my Strength

2009-01-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

1 Samuel 30:6 NASB

The word strengthened here is chazaq - it means to fasten upon; hence to seize, to be strong [figurative] courageous [causative] strengthen...to bind.

In times of distress we must choose to strengthen ourselves in the LORD our God. We must fasten upon, seize, cling to and be strong in the LORD. Hold fast to Him, believe Him, trust Him, depend upon the One who is our Rock and our Salvation... He is God alone and there is no other. He is the supreme God; the one true God - our Creator, Lord, King...

Praise be to You our Abba Father who is our Strength & our Shield in times of distress and always. You who goes before us to prepare the way and You who is our rear guard - You who is always present, always near... who carries us ... Glory be to You!

I have been doing the scripture memory verse challenge and how it has blessed me... that combined with just being daily in God's word... and in prayer... The Holy Spirit has brought to mind exactly what I needed to remember and think upon at just the right time... I have had a peace and a joy that surpasses my understanding and I know it is from the Lord...

He has touched my life and my heart so tenderly and has been speaking truth to me and teaching me... I am so humbled and grateful. I have so much to be thankful for...

Thinking upon my many blessings - counting them one by one at night and remembering them in the morning... How it has changed my attitude, my outlook, my heart and peace.

I just want to praise my Savior who has been so good to me!

LORD lead me by Your will & in Your light & ways... Steady my feet upon Your path. You are my hope and my strength all day long... I cry out to You & know that You hear me and answer. Thank you oh my LORD & faithful Savior! All praise belongs to You ... forever and ever. Amen.

Walking in the Light

2009-01-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

There are times that I get so upset or should I say angry about the way things in this country have changed ... taking prayer or God out of almost everything they can, abortion (which is really murder but they call it choice - which I have to say that except in the cases of rape, these women had a choice and they choose not to abstain... as in all life with certain choices come consequences... but this is the wrong way to deal with those consequences... after all we are talking about life, the life of a small baby. Even animals have more rights and protection in this country than an unborn baby). It is so sad!

On from those things to things like not saying "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas Tree" ... all these things and more have got me going... it is almost laughable because we are hated because we are viewed as intolerant... when it is those who hate us who are intolerant of Christians (not that there are not modern day Pharisees out there mind you) ... you can believe almost anything in this country and it is ok... well, unless you are a devout Christian. The irony...

But as I pause to reflect I remember what scripture tells me and why should I be so shocked...

Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

- 1 John 3:13

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ - John 15:18-25

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. " - Matt. 5:10-11

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

- John 3:16-21

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. - 2 Timothy 3:1-5

We have been told ... why do we expect to be loved, respected, to have justice... When our Lord and Savior who was blameless, pure, without sin did not receive these things from the world. Yet when you look at his example, how He reacted and what His actions were, what does that say to you?

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

- Matt. 5:43-48

Now I am not saying that we do not stand up for what is right and speak truth... Jesus did these things... Let's remember Him in the Temple driving out the money changers declaring "My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’ ” Matt. 21:13.

He always spoke truth to the Pharisees, and we are told to look after, protect, defend, help the "helpless" (widows, orphans or modern day - the unborn)... However we should check our agendas at the door and seek to do God's will and to do these things in God's way... To ask what will bring more glory and honor to God? What will show the world truth in love?

Let us also remember forgiveness, mercy and love... Anyone can come to Christ and be saved... their sins forgiven and walk in the light... a child of God, loved and cherished - ANYONE! It does not matter what sins you have committed - in Christ you become a new creation... a new person, cleansed, free, loved!

Hummm - things to ponder, things to believe, things to live for... choices to make!

Obedience is better

2009-01-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Take a look at 1 Samuel 15. As I was reading several things came to mind... so I want to highlight some key verses for you and do a sort of commentary as we go...

We see in verse 3 the command of the LORD given to Saul.

3 ‘Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

Maybe this seems pretty harsh to you but remember we are not God and we do not know fully or know what is ultimately best. This command is in keeping with the promise God had made to avenge the Amalekites (see Ex. 17:14-16). The time had come for this to take place and Samuel gave this command to Saul to utterly (totally) destroy them, that is, to "place them under the ban (herem) of holy war".

8 He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

Here we see that Saul did not follow through on what he had been commanded to do... This is where it hit me. How many times have we been led, called or commanded to do something by the Holy Spirit and yet maybe we did it in part but not fully... and we thought well at least I did something ... and that is ok. But as we will continue to read and see no it is not... it is better to obey! Half way measures are not obedience... it is like telling our child to come here and they come half way and then decide they want to stop and sit... well yeah they did start to come but they didn't ever actually come to you.... and maybe where they decided to stop half way was a dangerous place (like the middle of the road)... to them they don't see the danger in not fully obeying us but we can. Like my poor example here God can fully see, and He fully knows what is best for us, where we can fall into a dangerous trap, etc... There are reasons we are called to do things or commanded and it is for what is ultimately best... we might not can see it in the here and now or yet but one day we will.

11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night.

In a moment he (Saul) choose to turn his back and not follow the LORD but to do things his way, for his glory... he chose self/pride over God and obedience.

12 Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal.”

See here is where maybe we will start to see more of the "heart" of the matter... Because you see in bringing back Agag, king of Amalek, as prisoner and all of the other stuff... well this would enhance his own glory and prestige... they would be exhibits of his leadership... you can see this intent more clearly as you look at verse 12, in which it tells us that Saul went and set up for himself a monument to his own honor (not God's).

Look at me, look at what I have done, what I can do... When really it isn't about us, but is all about what God has done... it is all for His glory not our own. And when we are obedient that is exactly what happens God is honored, God is glorified and God is praised. However, when we seek to do things our way... half-heartedly following God, and acting on selfish, prideful motives... well that is when we, like Saul, turn and go our own way and stop following God. We are disobedient, sinful... When we think we know better than God, we know best, glorify self... NO, NO, NO... it is SIN, it is wrong!!!

13 Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.”

Here I have to say "oh, come on", Saul knows he has not carried out the command of the LORD. It is like the water example... Let's say I have a jug of pure water and a jug of urine.... and let's say you ask for a glass of pure water and I pour you one half way but because that I don't want to run out of the pure water & have plenty of pure water for myself, I then decide to put oh just a splash of the "other" jug into your glass... and say here you go, this is just what you asked for... well is it? NO, of course it's not! It is disgusting and you wouldn't event think to drink it!!! Well, that is sin, & it is disgusting... and half measures don't measure up.

17 Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed you king over Israel, 18 and the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’ 19 “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?”

Here we have it again... disobedience, rushing upon the spoil (selfishness/pride)... doing what is evil in the sight of the LORD!

20 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 “But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

I am sort of laughing at him here because I can see myself maybe trying to plead my case, and make myself feel better... "but I did do that but these people..." oh it isn't me it is these people.... I was obeying the Lord.... Blame, blame, blame... it is as old as Adam and Eve (seriously). And it isn't even just the blame but hey really we had good intentions for not fully obeying... we didn't fully obey God because we thought it best to offer these things up to Him as a sacrifice, hum yeah that sounds good; yep that is why we did it. LOL - get real here people! Can you see how ludicrous this is! Well, Samuel has a few words for us when we do that ... it is better to obey!

22 Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He has also rejected you from being king.”

To obey is better than sacrifice... even if we like to think that what we are doing is ultimately going to be a gift for God by not fully following Him ... He doesn't want it! He wants obedience! Rebellion, insubordination... it is sin!!! And you guessed it, God hates sin! That is why we need a Savior... and praise Him because He sent us one! Thank you Jesus! Thank you for redeeming us, thank you for forgiving us, thank you for you loved us even in our sin!

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.

Ok, I am sure you can think of a time (I know I can) when we have let the fear of other people (what they might think or want) influence us from doing what we know we should do... from what God has commanded or called us to do.... Maybe if I say that then they won't want to be my friend any more, maybe if I tell them that it will keep them from coming to the Lord... on and on we can come up with stuff... but the truth is, well the truth ... and what sets us free??? The truth! How can a person come to salvation if you don't tell them the truth? Well any way just an example... There are many, many more...

29 “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”

I am so thankful that God is nothing like me because if He was well people would probably still be dying in sin... God's ways are sooo much higher than ours, His thoughts are... He is not like us and He does not change His mind. Praise you Lord!

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”

Ahhh, and here is again another struggle... recognizing our sin and desiring to worship the LORD but at the same time still concerned over what others will think... We have to really get this... it does not matter what any other person thinks... what matters is what God thinks about you!!! Thankfully, in Christ we know that we are accepted and loved! Cling to that and walk faithfully with the always present and ever faithful, loving and merciful God!!! To His glory - Amen!

Friendship

2009-01-12T20:00:00.001-08:00

My heart is heavy as I write tonight... I am not even sure what I came on here to write about except that I felt compelled to come here tonight and write... I guess what I am thinking about on a positive level is the great friendship that God has extended to us... that we can come and know Him; love Him; fellowship with Him... talk with Him (pray), on and on... Also, I feel so blessed by the godly friends that the Lord has brought into my life... being that we are eternal beings in Christ... I know that we are linked together and will share this love (of Christ); this fellowship for eternity even if on this earth they have been brought into my life for but a brief time... there are others however that the Lord has placed, etched deeply into my earthly life, into my heart... they are a treasure... a joy and a blessing.

Have you ever experienced such deep and true friendship? The kind that encourages; the kind that helps you become the you God created you to be; they speak truth in love to you; they celebrate with you; mourn and grieve with you; it does not matter the distance that may separate you, for they are in spirit there with you.... They pray for you; stand up for you; laugh with you; rejoice with you; cry with you... and they desire the absolute best for you (what the heart of God desires for you). Precious, precious are these treasures... those who come along side you in prayer, fellowship, bible study, encouraging you always in Your walk to keep your eyes, your heart focused upon Christ.

These friendships are a true treasure, a special gift... they are what the Word calls us to and a glimpse of the something more than the ordinary in our human lives. And the thing is that with God we have been given even more than this... what He offers us is so much more than this, that it is mind boggling! Praise be to the Father who has blessed us His children with every good thing in Christ Jesus. Praise be the Savior who laid down His life for us... that we might be saved, that we might know Him. Praise be to our Lord Jesus who intercedes for us ... Who has bathed us in prayer, who knows our names, who knows our hearts, who knows our needs, and who listens to us when we call! Praise be to Him for He is worthy of all praise!

Yes, my heart is heavy for I am grieving for a loved one right now but I am not defeated ... I am thankful for I know my God is in control; I have joy because I know He works all things out for good and that nothing can ever separate us from His love; I am content despite circumstances because I know He knows what is needed and He is our Provider and our Rock... I choose faith, I choose love, and I have hope... My God is a mighty and an awesome God... there is no other - He is the Great I AM! Praise you Father, Praise you!!!

And if you are one of those treasured friends in my life reading this right now... know that you are loved, you are treasured and you are prayed for... Our God is good, all the time - Our God is good!!!

Praise Him,

Living beyond our Flesh

2009-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

Have you read in the OT about God bringing His people out of Egypt and taking them through the wilderness? ... They were headed to the Promise Land. However, not all of them made it... because even though God provided for all their needs and was with them, even though He had rescued them, even though He was going to greatly bless them... they didn't appreciate it, they didn't appreciate Him, they grumbled, they complained, they worshipped other gods, and they didn't believe... just to name a few.

Have you read the book of Hosea? In it is represented the story of God and His people... The Lord & His Bride - Hosea represents God and Gomer represents God's people... The book tells of Hosea being told to find a wife, and even beforehand he is warned that she will be unfaithful... and yet he will take her back. If you have a chance check out the Francine Rivers book called Redeeming Love, it is a fictional account based upon the book of Hosea and is so good. Any way... maybe you can see where I am heading with all this???

It is amazing to me the love and faithfulness of our God! His ways and thoughts are so much higher than our own! Because if that had been me I would have long ago said let me forget these people and move on... I wouldn't have wanted to take my unfaithful spouse back... no in our flesh we want what is easy, what makes us feel good even if it is just for the moment... we do not have an eternal grasp/big picture here... it is the here and now and I want, I want, I want... I don't deserve this, gratify me, serve me, please me, I am right, on and on I could go...

I have been reading James MacDonald's book LORD, CHANGE MY ATTITUDE - Before it's too late. If you have a chance it is a very good read and more importantly has a lot of biblical & applicable truth in it. He talks in the book about how God is displeased with (our unholy) attitude (our heart), and how we can never enter His rest, or our promised land when we are continually bringing this sin before Him. It is not just enough to see & recognize these attitudes that displease God but we also have to replace them with godly attitudes or we are worse off than before... Out with the "sin" in with the "spirit" so to speak... any way...

I have been thinking about all these things and I confess I need the Spirit to do some work on me... I can see now how I have been like these Israelites in my heart, attitude... when things are not the way I want them, when things are hard going through the "wilderness"... I want, I want. When I should be so thankful for what I have, for what God has done, is doing and is going to do!!! I have decided to believe God, not my flesh, not the lies of the enemy but God who is truth and love. God who is faithful, God who has promised me so much more than I can ever deserve... GOD IS FAITHFUL!!! Believe Him and hold tight to the promises He has given! Believe Him for your promised land and do not get waylaid now or permanently in your wilderness time...

The world and our flesh tell us differently... we are so temporal... but this life is nothing, and I mean nothing if we can grasp that, compared to eternity with our Heavenly Father! Oh the riches of that!!! I know someone going through a difficult time right now... and she was given some advice that just stopped me in my tracks... she was told to pray (yes that is good) but then she was told she deserved better and she should get a divorce! Whoaaaa! Wait a second... When we get married (in a Christian marriage) it is a vow, a COVENANT between you, your spouse and GOD!!! God takes this very seriously... this is not something to take lightly. God HATES divorce... When you vow to love, honor and cherish for better or for worse ... well God expects you to mean it. It doesn't mean as long as it is convenient for you, as long as you are happy, as long as you feel "love" .... Remember you vowed for better OR WORSE. Well right now might be a worse time... it might be an unbearable time to you but I tell you please take it to God... pray, pray, pray... pray blessings over the one who has hurt you, I ask you to do this not just for their sake but mostly for your benefit that you do not become bitter and hardhearted. Arm yourself .... put on the full armor of God. Take memory cards with verses that speak to you every where you go... and pray them! Do not let the enemy have a foot hold here... as much as you can - love that other person. We are commanded to love our enemies, we are told to preserver... it will not be easy!!! But you are not doing it for them... you are doing it for God and for you! Remember that you can do ANYTHING through Him who gives you strength - anything!!!! (See Phil. 4:13)

If you are struggling in your marriage or in any other difficult situation take it first to God and if you get counsel, make sure it is from a godly Christian and that what they advice you lines up with scripture!!! If it doesn't well think again... Do not take your commitments, vows, covenant lightly... God had told us as much as we can on our part to forgive, to love... He made the allowance for divorce in the case of adultery but even in that it was only because of our hardheartedness... He still doesn't want divorce... “I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel" Mal. 2:16a. "Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning." Matt. 19:8. Notice Moses permitted it... because of what? Their hearts were hard! These are the same people who grumbled and complained and worshiped other gods and did not enter into the Promise Land!!!!

Remember that this life really isn't about us - you or me... It is all about GOD!!! We are not promised that living on this earth will be easy... However we have promises that we can take to the bank... Memorize scripture, pray it, pray, pray... God's word does not go out and come back void... Remember you have a mighty God who can do ANYTHING... believe Him, trust Him... and walk faithfully and obediently with Him no matter what circumstances you are in. Remember that what we do we are doing for God! Not to please man, not to make ourselves look better, etc... Please do not think that I do not understand how hard and difficult many of the circumstances are that surround the body of Christ - marriages, sickness, death, persecution, on and on... Go to the Word, get on your knees and pray... Remember that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God - not trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, death, life, angels, demons, on and on... nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). He is always near... however we can by our thoughts, actions, hard hearts distance ourselves from the Lord.... we do it, not Him... if we turn around (repent) He is right there, open arms, loving, forgiving. But when our focus is not on Him, we should be careful... it is easy to stumble or fall. The great news is He is there waiting to lift us back up... arm out stretched and waiting ... Oh that we could just keep our eyes on Him!

Remember none of us are perfect, all have sinned... Yet in Christ we are forgiven a debt greater than we can ever repay... how can we then not forgive another (see Matt. 18:21-35). Love one another, pray and encourage one another, forgive... and give your burdens over to the Lord leave them with Him. We can not change another person, we can not even change ourselves - we need the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us for that. Honestly it is not our job... we are to called to love - yes that means speaking truth to others (in love), but we are not called to change them, we can not save someone, we cannot make them repent... all of that is between them & God. We are just called to be witnesses, to love - to do our part... we cannot do God's.

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you today... I hope that this may encourage you or benefit you in some way.... all to the glory of God!!!

Are YOU up for Change?

2009-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

I want to encourage you to go over to Beth Moore's blog and think about doing something that I am sure will be life changing... if you will do it and stick to it! It starts today but I am sure if you don't read this till tomorrow you can still jump in... even if it is next week - do it!

You say - what is this all about? It is about arming ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17). Pray about doing this!!! The challenge is to memorize (or meditate) a verse of your choosing (one that speaks to you and what God is doing in your life right now) for two weeks. You check in on the 1st & 15th of the month with your name, city and verse (version of your choice)... and you do this for all of 2009. So at the end of 2009 you will have memorized 24 verses! (You don't have to have a blog to do this but can set up an anonymous account or such). Or even do it with a friend - that way you can both hold each other accountable!

I just know that if you do this, it will be life changing! God's word is life changing... and storing it in your mind and upon your heart is powerful!!! (check out Isa. 55:11).

Let's start this year off as we should every day... and let's focus our hearts and minds, our eyes upon what is TRUE and what is lasting!

Blessings to you,

Amazing Love

2008-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

God's love is so amazing to me... I don't even know if we can fully grasp it in our humanness?! I was reading in Hosea 11 & 14 today as well as in Ps. 81 ... and it so touched my heart.

If you have time please read all of these chapters if not please at least read the ones I paste below, notice my emphasis on certain verses:

Hosea 11

1“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
2But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baalsand they burned incense to images.
3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.
4I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.
5“Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? 6Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans. 7My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them. 8“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.
9I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man—the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.
10They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 11They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes,”declares the LORD.

Hosea 14

1Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
2Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips....We will never again say ‘Our gods’to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.”
4“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.

9Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Psalm 81

9You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not bow down to an alien god.
10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. 11“But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. 12So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
13“If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,
14how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!
15Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever.
16But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

The LORD has loved us, He has called us and He forgives us... He has led us with cords of kindness, ties of love... He has fed us. And yet we are a rebellious people, prone to wander from Him, prone to turn from Him... Yet He is full of compassion and when we turn to Him, His arms are flung wide open welcoming us home! He heals our waywardness and loves us freely - for He is GOD and not man - the Holy One among us!!!! How amazing is His love!

Let His love wash over you today... call out to your 'Abba' Father!

The Reason for the Season

2008-12-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about the reason we celebrate this season... What it is really all about! The big picture... Why God came wrapped in flesh, as a baby ...

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—
so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Praise and glory be to our Savior! Who has come and shed light into the darkness, light into our hearts, who has set us free and given us the knowledge of the glory of God! (2 Cor. 4:6) Thank you cannot even begin to say enough ...

Merry Christmas to you and yours! May you treasure and ponder these things in your heart!

Compelled by Truth

2008-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... I just want to share with you what has been on my mind and heart ... It grieves me to no end when people are led astray or mislead in some way about Jesus, God, the Word... I am consumed with a righteous anger. I am grieved for those who are misled and for the one misleading them, who has been led astray. (Isa. 9:16)

Scripture tells us that teachers will be judged more strictly... It warns those that teach/shepherd to be very careful, true to the Word and message of the Gospel, for you will be held accountable.

Paul said "...for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor. 9:16). For me, I am compelled to truth... that people know, understand and believe what is true... Woe to me if I do not speak Truth! That is how I feel... sometimes this burns so strong in me, it is almost consuming... and hard for me to keep my mouth shut. I have to be careful though that when I speak I am speaking in truth & love... that I am speaking in accordance with the will of the Father and not out of my fleshly self ...

It is interesting that Scripture declares “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, (Jer. 23:29)... It is absolutely... however Scripture also says that "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:6) The Word of the LORD is a holy, righteous fire... one that separates light from darkness, truth from deception.... James is talking about a different kind of "fire"... how we stumble in many ways and need to learn self control - esp. over our tongues... because our words can either build up or tear down, they can be light and truth or full of evil poison.... May the fire that I am consumed with be a righteous one and may the Holy Spirit enable me to control my tongue and speak only truth in love... rebuking but encouraging... not judging but restoring...

I pray that if I am ever led astray in what I believe that a brother or sister will come along side and speak truth to me & gently restore me. We are called to do that... and we should be prepared to do that with a right heart, not a prideful heart... careful too least we stumble. It says in 2 Tim. 4:2 - "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction."

I say all this just to share with you who I am, what I have on my mind, and for you to pray and keep me accountable.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me!

Beloved Children of God

2008-12-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

I want to share something so sweet that has touched my heart ... If you are in Christ you are God's Beloved!!! You are a child of The Living God!!!

“I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’” “AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,’THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.” - Romans 9:25-26

Oh please let that sink in to your heart!

Now take a look at these verses (emphasis mine) from Eph. 1:3-14:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment–to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession–to the praise of his glory.

Oh sweet one you are God's Beloved, He loves you! He chose you, you are God's special possession - His treasure! He has redeemed you, you are forgiven, adopted, and richly blessed in Christ Jesus!!! You have a inheritance, an eternal home, you are cleansed from all sin and have been made holy, set apart... you are part of a royal priesthood to the praise of the Father!

Oh sweet ones rest in Him who loves you... Seek Him and draw near to the One who knows your name and who desires an intimate relationship with you. It is not by our works and busyness that cause Him to look upon us with favor (remember Martha and Mary)... it is by grace, it is by faith...

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written,“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE,AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 9:30-33. Please also see 1 Peter 2:4-8!

Sweet ones He has done it all! His grace embraces us and we are set free from works... the works we produce are not to attain but out of love and thankfulness. May His love and kindness touch your heart in a special way today and always.

Speaking Truth & Love

2008-12-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ~ Gal. 4:16

This has been heavy upon my heart today... Whoa to us who knows what we should do but we do not do it! (See James 1:22-25) There are areas that people call gray areas... that might be true, however there are areas people would like to say are gray areas that are not according to the Word. I pray that the Holy Spirit would convict us of any of these areas, gray or otherwise that grieve Him! When we are confronted with sin may we repent.

Following the path of righteousness may not be easy; it will go against worldly and mainstream ideas, even against what our own flesh desires... but still it is what we should and are called to do. We are called to live differently than the world. We are called to glorify God... we should desire to be pleasing, honoring and obedient to Him. In living for God and following the path of righteousness we will be blessed... maybe in the here and now, definitely when we come into His Kingdom. Not that we should do the right things for blessings... We should live righteously because God came wrapped in flesh, He lived among His Creation, He suffered, He died and He rose again that we might have eternal life with Him... that our sins would be forgiven and we would be put in a right relationship with Him... that we would love, obey and glorify Him, our Creator.

After all He has done for us is this asking too much?! Is it too much for us to obey Him? Is it too much for us to strive to please Him and not grieve Him? I think not.

I say this that the Holy Spirit might be at work among us... that we may encourage, build up, strengthen, and bring glory to the Father. Please take a moment to read some of the following verses:

Prov. 10:17; Matt. 18:15; Luke 17:3; Eph. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:1-2, 20-21; Eph. 4:15; Phil. 3:1; 1 Th. 5:14; 2 Tim 4:2; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 3:13

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ~ Ps. 139:23-24

Learning from our Past

2008-12-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

As I sat down to write in my journal today this is what was all the sudden on my heart... not what I would have thought but well here it goes...

I heard this morning a reminder that today is the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And as I sat down to write hours later it came to the fore front of my mind. It brought to mind the loss our country suffered on 9-11. How real, how shocking these times were for Americans... the unthinkable had happened.

We will never forget these moments... but with time, the emotions pass. They are not as strong, dormant maybe, ready to surface if provoked... but not like they were following these events. Our memories fade some what... we remember but have forgotten some of the smaller details that seemed so fresh, real and unforgettable to us at the time. These moments are tragedies for our country, especially for those who lived through it and lost loved ones. For them it is more personal, more real, more tangible.

We are to learn from history, so as to not repeat it - you know the mistakes and such.... & as I sit here I ponder these things... which brings to mind other thoughts of a spiritual nature. In our spiritual life- our walk, our journey... how at the moment of salvation or even moments where we are on a spiritual mountain top, things are so alive, real, vibrant... We are on fire, spiritual speaking.

Now maybe there are those who can attest to having never lost that... that fire has for years burned bright and strong. However for many of us the fire is still there burning steady but it has become more tame as we have come down from our mountain top moments and gone to the valley, as we should. I do not believe that our whole spiritual journey was meant to be a mountain top experience... why even the disciples who witnessed the transfiguration had to come down and go through the valley... and you know what - it was worth it! What Jesus taught, claimed, did and commanded them to do became something that transformed them... from the disciples who just didn't seem to get it, the ones who wanted to be the greatest, the ones who wanted to call down fire upon the Samaritans, on and on... to the men who lived out what Christ had spoken, who proclaimed His message unashamed; who loved; who were merciful; who were servants & humble; who would suffer & die for their faith.

Getting back to my point - God will take us through times of great joy & times of trails - we should learn from both of these experiences. Yet, don't we at times on our walk... well those moments can fade and seem less real to us. In our times of joy do our trails seem to fade and in our times of trail do we "forget" what all we have seen and experienced - what God has done for us... the miraculous; the faithfulness; the grace; etc. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit who will remind us, who will teach us and guide us. Because we need to remember & we need to learn.

I have been on the mountain top & I have traveled through the valley, & no matter what the Lord is always with me. He is my Strength & my joy... He is my Rock - upon which I stand and hold fast. Circumstances come & go; this world will one day fade away but the Word of the Lord lives on forever. What is eternal will not fade, it will be transformed. We will be transformed. What a precious gift we have in Christ Jesus.

Holy Spirit never let us forget... let the things that are eternal be very real & present upon our hearts & minds... That our actions would bring you glory. Amen!

Conversations with God (Prayer) - Part 1

2008-12-06T15:09:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning with this upon my mind... Conversations with God - Prayer. I have so many different thoughts here and could go all over the board with this... & I know there are many, many books written on this subject. But I feel compelled, led if you will to search God's Word here on this subject matter... to dig deeper and draw closer to my "Abba" Father.

So today I started doing just that... & WOW! Of course I know how important prayer is.... which means of course there should be lots for me to read up on concerning this subject... & there is! However for me to full grasp what I think the Lord wants me to here, this may take some time...
Which means I am sure that this will be a subject I am sure to be writing more about in the future... stay tuned! =)

Something to meditate upon:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col. 4:2

2008-12-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

I got this award from my dear, sweet friend, Jenny...

As part of the award I am suppose to answer a few questions...
So here it goes... =)

Answer the following questions with single word responses. (or, if you're like me, answer them with as many words as you want!)

1. Where is your cell phone? beside me

2. Where is your significant other? at work

3. Your hair color? varying shades of light to dark blond

4. Your mother? probably at home

5. Your father? probably at home

6. Your favorite thing? my bible & chocolate with caramel

7. Your dream last night? that I might actually get sleep (ha ha) - Don't know

8. Your dream/goal? to write a book.

9. The room you’re in? living room

10. Your hobby? Bible study, blogging, facebook, reading, and a few other random things...

11. Your fear? Missing out on the opportunities God has for me on earth... & that loved ones may not know Jesus.

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Where God wants me... Hopefully in a deeper walk with Jesus - maturing in Christ.

13. Where were you last night? At our church's women's Christmas event

14. What you’re not? perfect.

15. One of your wish list items? black, winter boots (Warm & Comfy)

16. Where you grew up? Alabama

17. The last thing you did? prep for dinner

18. What are you wearing? a long sleeve shirt & sweatpants.

19. Your T.V.? off

20. Your pet? dog

21. Your computer? on my lap

22. Your mood? peaceful

23. Missing someone? YES!

24. Your car? Escape

25. Something you’re not wearing? lipstick

26. Favorite store? Amazon!

27. Your Summer? Fun!

28. Love someone? YES!!!

29. Your favorite color? blue & green

30. When is the last time you laughed? last night

31. Last time you cried? humm I am sure it wasn't that long ago... I did tear up last night but no crying.

And now I am passing this on to my friend - Amy & Eryn - who I am so excited has joined the blogging world!!!

GIVE ME YOUR EYES, YOUR HEART & YOUR FOCUS LORD

2008-11-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

Rush, rush, rush... it is that time of year again, when things get busy. When we as people get busy... parties, travel, events, gatherings... They can all be wonderful things but sometimes we can become so carried away by it all that we miss the really important stuff.

We can forget what it is that we are celebrating and why... we can forget to reach out, serve, love and help others... we can forget or maybe I should say not be focused on what is really important. It is not that our focus should be any different during this time of year than any other but that we have marked occasions to give thanks and to celebrate Christ.... However, it should be all year long that we give thanks to the Father for all He has done, for Christ's sacrifice, for love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, redemption, acceptance, hope... It is all year long that we should have a God focus... it is all year long that we should love & serve others... that we should be giving, caring, helpful... Yet sometimes we lose sight of these things even at the moments we are meant to celebrate and remember them... and sadly we can loose sight of these things in our hurried daily lives.

I was listening to the Brandon Heath song "Give Me Your Eyes" earlier ... & why haven't I cared... why? Lord I do pray you would give me your heart, your eyes, help me to reach out with your hands not just during this time of year but daily Lord... May I slow down and be purposeful... May I think about me less, and more about You and what you care about... more about others...

I just have this vision of me standing still while life is so busy it is blurring around me but God gives me the ability to stop and focus on the things or the people I need to at the right time... otherwise life is just chaos... That is not of God... no God has a purpose, He has a plan - for you & for me - Throughout our day there are a multitude of opportunities He gives us if we would just open our eyes and look for them, if we would just open up our hearts and ourselves to be used of Him for His purpose, for His Kingdom, for His glory.

The truth is we are in Christ - One Body... we all need each other and we are all to serve each other...no part is needed more than another... and that being said we as the Body are to be a light to the world... to be witnesses... to reflect Christ... It happens, it truly does...but there are times when we not only let each other down but we don't shine our light... times when we can be confusing to the world because we look too much like the world and less like Christ.

I grieve for the opportunities I have missed but I am grateful that each day the Lord's mercies are new, there are new opportunities and blessings He has in store for us... He loves us so... He longs to be gracious to us, He longs to gather us to himself... if we would but let Him!

Forgive me Lord for all the times I stand in the way (with my pride, self-focus, unbelief...) of what you desire for me and for my life... and more importantly for the Kingdom... I know Lord that you don't have to use me to accomplish what you desire but Lord I am honored & humbled that you want to! I thank you most gracious and loving Father for your mercy and grace that cover me... I thank you for never letting me go and for pursuing and loving me ... even when I am a wayward child. Thank you for all the times you have carried me, strengthened me and given me a deeper faith and hope... There is so much to be thankful for Lord... It is all about you and anything good in my life is a gift from you, not to be treasured above you but to draw me closer to you. Thank you Jesus, thank you! I am forever yours...

BEWARE, IT'S A TRAP!

2008-11-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I was reading in Matt. and several things hit me... but for now let me just focus on this one (or two).
Matt. 16:23 -
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

(I encourage you to please read this passage in context... it will make much more sense)...
Do you ever have those moments when friends or family are trying to tell you about something that has happened to them... and you say what you think they want to hear but not always the truth... Or flip that around and you are the one being pumped up so to speak by someone when your chips have fallen... Beware! Sometimes it is what you need to hear ... because it is truth, but sometimes is it just flattery or derailment from the course you need to take (I hope I am making sense here).

We can be and others can be to us, a dangerous trap... when we do not speak truth (in love). It is not easy to always hear the things others want to share with us or to accept the truth for what it is, when it is not pleasant. But sometimes (actually more than sometimes) life is just not pleasant. We have to look at our situations and others not from a human point of view, but from God's perspective. When we don't we must beware because it is a trap! The enemy would love to see us get off course and sink into pity, selfishness, bitterness, on and on... to where we have such a worldly view and miss the opportunity God has given us in that moment... For that is when with a God perspective, we truly live, we have great victory in Christ and bring glory to the Father.

Another thing that I have been thinking about is in v. 21 where it says that from that time on (after the feeding of the 5,000+ & the 4,000+ and explaining about watching out for the yeast of the Pharisees - false teaching)... it says in the NLT - Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he had to go to Jerusalem, and he told them what would happen to him there.... (Note emphasis mine).... I started thinking about that... that Jesus had told them not in parables or analogies but plainly what was going to happen to him... So in the back of their minds from the time the went to Jerusalem they knew what was coming...When Jesus was worshiped as the entered in... as they had the last supper, in the garden when Jesus asked them to keep watch with him and pray, when he was betrayed and carried off... on and on... Maybe it was as mentioned above too unpleasant to imagine so they fell into the trap of unbelief, maybe it was shock, I cannot even begin to say that I know what was going through their minds... but I find it very interesting.

Interesting because when God tells us something - it happens! Yet we don't always live as if we really believe that.... Believe all the prophets foretold, all that Christ has said... we don't even live every moment (as we have been empowered to do by Christ) for the glory of the Father... Our lives would look so different if we would really believe and were living out the Word!

Maybe in our minds we say yes I believe but does our actions, which flow out from our heart mesh with that? Do you live as if Christ could return at any moment? Do you study the prophecies that tells us what the signs are for his return and look for them... and live for that moment!? I know I do not always do this... How I wish I could get my act together - Amen! That I would die to self and live for Christ, that I would live with an eternal perspective and care more about the lost... That I would be like minded with Christ in my heart and mind and actions... That I would be prepared for the day that we all have to give account... The DAY is coming, Christ will return... Oh that we may live as if we truly believe it and all that He has promised us!!! We have a great inheritance awaiting us... but for others - well, that is what we should be praying and living lives that witness, share and minister to the lost.

Lord give us willing and obedient spirits, that are fully devoted to you and your will & to loving others more than ourselves. Amen.

I AM NOT PERFECT, BUT SOMETIMES I LIKE TO THINK I AM

2008-11-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! My small child has been a little clingy this weekend... my husband and I were gone for about 5 days, we came back and my parents left, and later that evening my son lost his "wooby"... He has had this monkey blankie since he was born and slept with it constantly. He loves it! So suffice it to say he has had a rough week... and he wants his security blankie back!

The short version of the story is that my husband took my son out to dinner at the food court in the mall and well, monkey got left in a chair... 15 minutes later my husband remembered he had left him and went back to find people sitting at the table but no monkey. They had no idea where the monkey was, nor did the clean-up crew or the lost & found... So, I get a phone call during the end of my girl's night out movie ... and find out the bad news. I go back to the mall, and still no luck... My son screams and cries for his monkey for an hour and a half till he finally falls asleep... only to wake up searching his bed for him several times during the night and crying some more... this continues on all weekend, naps, bedtime... He is waiting, hoping, searching, then crying for it!

We searched and or called all over the area... only to find out that the stores have the same brand but no monkeys... and well our son is particular... he has rejected all other blankies and animals... He is no dummy and a substitute will not do. Don't worry we found it online and ordered two that should arrive here on Tuesday!

Here is where I have a confession to make... I have learned several things through this experience... One being that even though I know I am not perfect I still sometimes like to think I am. I say this because (my confession) here is my husband upset, broken, feeling sooo bad that he lost this blankie and I am, well mad! I am ... I think to myself "how could he have lost it!?" "I wouldn't have set it in a chair! I would have put it in his diaper bag..." Well, you get the point. So I try not to be upset and I try not to treat my husband as if this is all his fault, which in my mind it is... When in truth it is an accident and one anyone could make... But I have high standards and expectations... ones I am not sure any human even myself could live up to, at times. I like to think I am perfect and in my perfect world this would have never happened if I had been in control.

PRIDE! How ugly it is.... I can't stand it! I pray and I ask for forgiveness... because I am not perfect and thankfully the Lord not only knows it but He loves and forgives me. Which by the way is exactly what I should do... God forgets my sins and remembers them no more... He does not make snide remarks, rub them in my face or continue to make me feel guilty even after I have confessed my sin and repented... No He shows me mercy and grace and love... And that is what we are all called to do.

I know this may sound so silly ... all over a monkey blankie. But hey I would rather learn this lesson this way than with a much more serious one... I forgive my husband even though really he doesn't need my forgiveness... He did not intentionally do anything to cause me or my son harm. He loves us and he tries so hard to be the man God has called him to be... the husband and the father Christ desires ... he is a good man.

I have noticed that in marriage and maybe in other relationships as well... sometimes expectations can be a harmful thing... Especially when we set people up so high that they have to fall... because lets face it they are not God and they never will be. They are human and full of human frailty...

The other thing that this has taught me is how true it is not to cling to the things of this world but instead to cling to what is eternal. To cling to God! He is who we should hope in, search for, love, and cling to with all our strength. God is so good and His love fails not! Praise Him! There is no substitute for Him... He is the real deal and only He will do! Amen!

One last random note... My husband & I got to get away on a marriage retreat... what a blessing! Our speakers were Gary & Barb Rosberg. The Lord, as always, did amazing things... even to move our retreat location so that another couple who was not attending and were just heading in the direction of divorce - their marriage could be healed and restored! God is soooo good! One thing that I kept hearing over and over again... and even heard today at church was to be intentional! Be intentional in your marriage, be intentional in your walk... A building does not build itself, you make plans, you take action... It is that way with our marriage... Great marriages don't just happen unless you intentionally try to pursue your spouse, to continue to draw near to them, to talk with them, to listen, to share, to take time for each other... The same is said for our walk ... We can go about our day and not even share it with the LORD, or we can be intentional and seek Him, be in His Word, etc... Well you get the point. So BE INTENTIONAL!!! And be blessed!

Philippians 2:1-18

2008-11-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

I am back from our trip and wish I had more time to write ... but for now I just want to encourage you to take a look at the first half of Philippians 2.... Dig in deep, it is so good!

Chapter 2
Imitating Christ's Humility
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like–minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Stars
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

May our Lord bless you as you seek Him!

America Has Chosen a President

2008-11-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Check out Dr. Mohler's Blog titled America Has Chosen A President... I would say more but I think he covered it pretty well.

He Reigns

2008-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

This morning my thoughts turned to the LORD and thinking upon His Sovereignty... He is sovereign - over all things - they rest (we rest) in His hands. He knows every hair upon your head; the number of stars in the sky; the sand upon the shore... There is nothing that He does not know and He is always in control.

Nothing happens by chance, luck or fate... God is working out His plan (not to say that He in any way promotes the evil in this world... that is not of God because He is light and no darkness resides in Him). What I am trying to say is that even the Enemy (Satan) has to ask for permission to sift Job, to which God allowed but commanded that Satan could not lay a finger upon Job, himself. And no the sifting was not fun but Job was faithful and he was blessed.

I guess what I am trying to say is that in all the turmoil in this world... many people are afraid. However, for those of us in Christ, what have we to fear? Yes, we should have a holy, godly, reverent fear of God... but if God is for us, what have we to fear?!

May the God of all Creation, the One who knows your name and has it engraved upon His hand, the Prince of Peace let peace reign in your hearts and minds today and always as you trust and walk with Him! Amen!

On a separate note I heard a great message this morning - The Glory of the Lord, check it out! If you prefer to read the transcript click here.

Messages to Encourage

2008-10-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

This morning I heard two really great messages I would love for you to check out. The first one was from Dr. Charles Stanley and it is titled Contentment In All Circumstances; the second one was from John MacArthur and is titled The Authenticity of the Risen Savior.

Even if you don't have time to listen to but one now... come back and try to listen to the other one later! They are worth the time!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…
~ Psalm 42:11, NLT

May you be encouraged and blessed!

Standing Firm

2008-10-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

A peek inside my "strange" mind... Yesterday, I saw a piece of my hair attached to something...blowing... I saw it, then I didn't... it would at times blend in with the background and then I would see it again... Any way this led me to thinking about something....
About how at times in our lives we can be "blowing in the wind" or "tossed among the waves"... Are we blending in with our culture? Are we being swayed? Do you have times you feel like you are drowning in your circumstances or life? See Eph. 4:14 & James 1:6.

Honestly, if we are not standing firm (Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 16:13), putting on the full armor... if we are not abiding in Christ, it can be so easy for us to start to blend in... It wouldn't be all at once but little concessions here and there and all the sudden we are all the way down a road we are not even completely sure how we got on... Am I making sense to anyone? Allowing ourselves to be swayed by persuasive speech or our fleshly desires... To be swallowed up by the cares of this world and drowning in our present circumstances with no thought for our eternal future.

I pray my brothers & sisters you are standing firm and holding fast to what the Word has taught us (2 Thess. 2:15)... Be on guard and put on the full armor of God... that is how we can truly live, live free and experience the abundant life Christ came to give us. Seek Him and hold fast!
(Check out Jesus's comments on John the Baptist and his standing firm in Matt. 11:7-10).

Listen to the Word

2008-10-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

First off let me say how incredibly good the Lord is to us... How faithful & loving... He knows what we need and when we need it and He provides! Just walk faithfully with Him, trust Him and lean not onto your own understanding! I pray He will strengthen and support you today and always to walk in His ways and to know Him more. On another note I heard two really good messages today:

Please go and take a listen to Jim Andrews message today on 1 Tim. 6:3-4. Especially take a listen to the end part! You can go to the 15 min. mark ... It is so true!

Also take a listen to Alistair Begg's message from today - Bring Out the Book, Part B - Nehemiah 8:1-12.

Have a blessed day!

A hope and understanding that fails not

2008-10-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Psalm 25 -
2in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame...3No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame...4Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
5guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long...
7Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.
8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great...
15My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
18Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins...
20Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

Have you come to a point in your life where you felt as David did? Have you ever had a time in your life where you wondered "Why God?"... why me (as maybe Moses wondered), why now, why here, WHY....? David cries out to God... he places his hope and trust in Him and he tells us that no one who does so will ever be put to shame (v. 3). He prays for the LORD to guide him and teach him to walk in His ways and His truth... to teach him. He prays and ask for forgiveness and declares that the LORD is good and upright... that all of the LORD's ways are loving and faithful for those who keep His covenant. ALL of the LORD's ways are loving and faithful for those who are truly seeking Him and endeavoring to walk in His ways! ALL OF THEM... even if we can't see it at the time. Even if we like David feel lonely and afflicted and have great troubles upon our heart... God can and will free us - He is the only one who can, the only one who saves.... He is who we take refuge in and trust in and hope in ... He is all that we need, because our hope is in Him we will not be let down!!! Trust Him!

That is what I keep hearing from the Word and what the Spirit keeps leading me back too... Trust, hope, faith... love. I keep getting another reminder... His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isa. 55:8). He is not a human that He would think like us; that He would become tired or weary in doing good ... we cannot fathom His understanding (Isa. 40:28). He is the LORD, the everlasting God, the Creator... his ways are not ours...

I say all of this to say... we cannot always know or understand why we are going through what we are going through, or where the Lord has us today... but that we can trust Him to do what is best for us, as we are seeking Him and following His ways (Rom. 8:28)... He desires the greatest good for our lives... not the fleeting temporary happiness, but our greatest good - for all eternity and upon this earth.

Do we think that we serve a Lord who does not understand? (Heb. 2:10-18; Heb. 4:15-16). I say to you He not only understands... for us He endured much more! (Isa. 52:13- Isa. 53:1-12). Are you lonely, despised, afflicted, rejected? Are you suffering? Oh beloved He understands!!! Cry out to Him, cry out to Jesus! May He comfort you, free you from your anguish and be gracious to you. May you rest and take shelter in Him who intercedes on your behalf and who has endured and done much for you to live free, to know and to love him! Call out to Him today... He is near!

Oh most gracious and loving Father, come and comfort us now and draw us ever closer to you. Help us to trust in you to guide us and to provide for us and to lead us...even when we cannot see what lies ahead... let your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path; that with each step we take, we take it in faith and following so closely to you that we cannot stumble. Hold us close and bring us LORD deeper and deeper into a loving, growing relationship with you. For you oh LORD can do anything! Nothing is impossible with you!!! You can even bring life to dried up bones! Breathe a fresh word of hope and life into us today! Amen. (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 119:105; Luke 1:37).

Healing... and the Word

2008-10-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

First let me start off by asking you to pray for me... I am not feeling very well today and so this will be a brief post. Also I would love to encourage you to scroll down on the right side of my page to Things you should check out and take a listen to Walk in the Word (James MacDonald's message) from yesterday and today. Also interestingly enough John MacArthur has a message that ties into it - see the link Grace to You and go to today's message. Or click on the titles I listed and that should take you there too.

Feeling as I do ... how appropriate for God to take this opportunity to point a few things out to me in Scripture... I was reading Matt. 9:1-8 earlier, when it came to me in regards to this passage... What do I desire more of God... to be healed (physically) or spiritually? When I am seeking after God what am I seeking after Him for? Is my prayer time and time in the Word constantly for myself (my current condition, circumstances) or is it for eternal purposes? I know that the Lord cares about me and about my day and the things I am going through... but what do I care more about? Myself or Him? I guess what I am trying to say is that the heart of the issue that is bugging me is am I seeking God out of wrong motives? Am I seeking God for what He can do for me, through me, or in me; more than I am just seeking to know Him and love Him more?

LORD forgive me for those times when I am so self-focused and my motives are wrong as I come to you... I can be so selfish and fleshly at times and it grieves me because I know it grieves you. Lord I stand back and question myself ... what is it that I do for you? Do I love you wholeheartedly? Honor you? Obey you? Serve you? Live for you? LORD I want too do all those things and I pray and ask for you to empower me to do so! Help me to daily die to self and to live for Christ. Gal. 2:20. LORD let it all be for the glory of YOU!!! Amen.

Fear...

2008-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, yes this is my second post of the day... sorry! I have to first thank my dear friend, Jenny who has now taught me how to link scripture verses!!! Oh Jenny, my blogger teacher.... THANK YOU! Wow great stuff...so now if I type in a scripture verse or passage you can just click on it and it will pull up the verse/passage! You may have to hit the back button to come back to my blog to finish reading... but isn't that a time saver! =)

Ok now on to the title... Fear. I was reading the end of Matthew 8 on the demon possessed men... and what hit me the most was in v.34, where they asked Jesus to leave. Here Christ had come and done a miracle... He had rid these men of demon possession (who had been terrorizing the area)... You would think at this point there would be a lot of rejoicing, but there was not... Instead the whole town came out to meet Jesus and in fear of what they didn't know or understand asked him, pleaded with him to leave their region. How incredibly sad is that! Jesus was there among them ... when I think of what could have transpired in their region but was lost because their fear had a greater hold in their lives than their hope.... or trust. We see it still ... people who fear (losing their position, family, friends, others opinions... on & on we could go) Christ, fear change... and in the process they lose out on the greatest thing that could ever happen to them. It is more than sad, it is a travesty! Even those of us in Christ have our moments when we let our fear win out more than our faith... Oh that it would not be so!

Storms in our lives - Part 2

2008-10-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

I read Matthew 8 again today on Jesus calming the storm and what stood out to me this time was in v.26b "and suddenly there was a great calm" (NLT). And it hit me ... how just as suddenly as the storms can come upon us in our lives, Christ can just as suddenly bring calm and peace to us in our circumstances. Oh, sure we may still be sitting in the water out on a boat (your circumstance) but there is now calm/peace.
Oh Lord you do that for us, time and time again... You amaze us & awe us (v.27)! Why do we have so little faith... to not fully see you for who you are? Calm me now Lord Jesus... help me to trust, rest & abide in you. Thank you Lord, thank you for all you do and even more praise you for who you are!

Storms in our lives

2008-10-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading last night and today about Jesus calming the storm... (see Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:22-25) and it struck me things happen, life happens without warning or suddenly things change. In the blink of an eye our circumstances can change... but does our peace, our faith all of the sudden flee us? In these times do we hold fast to what we know to be true? (Isaiah 54:10) Do we keep our focus on Jesus? (Heb. 12:2) Do we panic; is our faith shaken? Or as Jesus put it: "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

You understand that a good number of the disciples had been fishermen, they had endured storms... I am sure this one was a sight to behold! However, had they not been with Jesus, witnessed miracles? Was he not even then among them!?! Yes! And that applies to us as well... for we know that He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). As a believer I am sure you can testify to times you have seen the Lord at work in you and your life... but some how, just like the disciples, when the storms come they can overwhelm us and make us forget all of that.... Of course this isn't always true ... but we each have our moments, right?

Yes, we should go to the Lord and cry out to Him in our distress... that is not the issue. The issue is when we cry out to Jesus are we crying out in fear or in faith? Do we believe in our God more than we do our circumstances? Are we believing in His promises and believing that we have nothing to fear? (1 Jn. 4:18; Rom. 8:31) We should because the God of all Creation is on our side!!! And he has told us not to worry or be anxious, not to fear... (Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:6).

Another way to look at this, or example I should say is to look at Luke 1:18-20 & 34-38. As you read these verses do you see the difference? Mary asked a question about what seemed to most an unbelievable thing... but she believed, she just wanted to understand how this would happen to her! However, when Zechariah questioned the angel it was not in faith but in unbelief that such a thing could happen. And that is the point I am trying to make... Cry out to Jesus but do so in faith, believing that He is in control... ( You should check out Daniel 3:16-27, as a good example).

(Prayer) - Oh LORD forgive me and help me to over come my unbelief. Grant me LORD faith that is great enough to move mountains and a steadfast spirit within me. May I not let my circumstances dictate my reactions but my faith in you determine my course. Let it all be for your glory! Amen. (Ps. 51:10; Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:24)

Following Jesus

2008-10-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was reading this morning in Matthew 8 on the Cost of Following Jesus... It is so easy to say I will follow you where ever you go Lord. It is however, much harder to live out, as Jesus pointed out in this scripture passage (v.18-22). Because are we really willing to follow Him at all cost... even if it means we loose some friends, comforts, are rejected, despised, abused, neglected, scorned, treated unfairly, have to leave (home, friends & family behind), or even if it means we lay down our life literally?

This made me think of John 21:18-19, where Jesus told Peter what kind of death he would have that would glorify God. It made me think of Paul and the other apostles, prophets & believers who laid down their earthy lives for something far greater than themselves. (See also Hebrews 11:35-40). We seem to have too great a view of this, our earthly life and too little a view of what is eternal... the promises, the Kingdom, our God! This life is nothing in comparison to what lies ahead!

I was at a Beth Moore conference not too long ago where she spoke on our inheritance in Christ... it was amazing... one of the key points she hit home was that we are inheriting a real kingdom, we will be in the presence of God, surrounded by other people... we will not just sit around on clouds and play harps ... we will truly live! We have an inheritance in eternity, we have a portion (lots), there are eternal rewards... but all of this is nothing in comparison to fully knowing & seeing God! This life is but a shadow of what is to come... Believe it!!!

Oh that we would be encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us (Heb. 12:1, but please go ahead and read the whole chapter-so good!). That we would press on and run the race that is before us (1 Cor. 9:25-27), to win a prize that lasts! Oh beloved ones, follow Jesus in truth and give Him your all... every corner of your heart, mind...self. When He ask you to follow Him my prayer is that you will immediately follow & obey (Matt. 5:19-20). You will be greatly blessed... Believe Him, believe His Word, His promises... believe that He can make all things new and that includes you! Oh may you be blessed, to live fruit filled lives to glorify God!

Expectations & Faith

2008-10-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

I was reading this morning in Matt. 8:5-13 and a few things hit me... Yes, the faith of the Roman soldier, but also Christ's amazement at his faith... there is more I want to say here but first let me start off with a personal story...

Don't you love how God teaches us in our everyday circumstances. Well, the scripture passage this morning reminded me of one such a time. I remember being at the airport a while back... I was flying by myself and I remember it hadn't been the best of days, so as I stood there I took a moment to look around and people watch. As I looked around I wondered who I would be sitting next to on the plane ... As I was thinking about this there she stood... this young woman, who looked like she lived in a very different world than me. She was dressed in all black (Gothic look), black nails, shoes, clothes (well you get the picture). She had piercings & tattoos all over her body... and I thought oh please don't let me be seated next to her. This was definitely not one of my shining inner-self moments, it was so fleshly. Ahhh... Well wouldn't you know that of course that is exactly who I sat next to on the plane! I am smiling now as I write this...(God I love you!) She sat down next to me - me who had my bible out and wanted some quiet time... She dug through her bag below her feet and I started to notice that her tattoos were all about Christ... and instead of a horrible smoke aroma that I expected, was this pleasant scent. She pulled out her ipod and put her headphones in and leaned back in her seat, I think she closed her eyes. She apparently didn't want to have a conversation either... All of the sudden though I was enthralled by her. I wanted to stare at her and investigate all of her tattoos & I was curious about her, about her life... I wish I could say that I started up a conversation with her but I didn't, apparently I wasn't curious enough.

Any way it was at this opportunity that God taught me I shouldn't judge others by their appearance... Who says that you have to be clean cut to love Jesus, to serve Him or to minister to others. Maybe by her appearance she can far better minister to people that I could not... I say all of this to say that it is not what is on the outside that counts but our heart within.... This girl may have a much deeper knowledge & understanding of Christ, than I do... She may be bearing much fruit in her life for Christ... Sometimes it is the unexpected who have great faith, passion, love, devotion and live very fruitful lives for Christ. This reminds me of the Apostle Paul and the early Church... who when he was persecuting the Church could have imagined all that he would one day do for Christ. What a deep faith and love he had for Christ!

Which brings me back to the passage this morning... Here was this Roman officer coming and saying to Jesus "Lord"...not teacher, healer, etc. He acknowledged him as Lord... and what is even more amazing (because you realize that Christ came and was preaching to the Jews not the Gentiles, although there were Gentiles who believed and were saved) is his great faith & humility! Many times those Christ came to preach to looked down on him and did not offer him even common courtesy. (Example - Luke 7:36-50, [esp. v.46]) They were not humble... Yet, here was this Gentile saying, I am not worthy to have you come into my home but if you say it I believe it will be done! Wow! It is amazing! (By the way check out Luke 7:1-10 for a little more insight).

Here was this Gentile calling Jesus Lord, showing humility and great faith. Jesus is amazed, that here in this Gentile is such a great faith, greater than he has found in all of Israel! He then goes on to say that many Gentiles will come from all over the world to sit down at the feast in the Kingdom with Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob... but that many Israelites, for whom the Kingdom was prepared will be cast out into the darkness... Why? Because they did not believe... they did not have a heart for or faith in their true Messiah! It is not just those who will proclaim a right to be in the Kingdom that will be cast out; there are many others who claim by heritage or by their cultural Christianity that the know the Lord but He will say He knows them not. (See Matt. 7:21-23)

I say all of this to say, do not discount those who seem far removed from what you expect of a Christ Follower... God can save and use ANYONE! In Him we can all be made new (2 Cor. 5:17)! Praise Him!!! Love Him! Serve Him! And love others...

A Life Worthy... (Part 2 of Growing in the Knowledge of God)

2008-10-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

I hope you have taken the opportunity to read 2 Peter 1:1-12. There is so much here ... I cannot do this Scripture passage justice... I hope you will study it and dig into it for yourself & edify us further.

Let's start at the beginning where it reminds us that it is through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ that we have received this precious faith... It is not by our own works/good deeds but by His ... and it is precious!!! Let that soak in...all that Christ has done for you and is doing for you and will do for you... We have & serve an awesome & mighty God! Secondly, we can have an abundance of grace & peace through the knowledge (personal knowledge) of God & of Jesus our Lord! Praise Him!

And here is where we need to put forth all effort to know & understand all that God has given us in Christ! We are so blessed, loved and cared for... There is nothing & I mean nothing that He has not done for us or provide us with to live a holy & pure life upon this earth... He has given us everything we need to live godly lives! But in comes our part... do we seek after, pursue, follow, obey, use & employ all that He has given us to do so?

In verse 3 we are reminded that He has supplied us with all we need for life & godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his glory & goodness, not our own. First stated in v. 2 & repeated in v. 3, through in greek can be translate to "in" & knowledge in greek, "full knowledge"... would mean that in full knowledge we can have all of this... it is attainable as we grow in our knowledge, understand & relationship with the LORD we will be changed (transformed) to bear much fruit in our lives (See Gal. 5:22-25).

As a commentary pointed out to me on the life & godliness, you 1st need a spiritual life before there can be true godliness. Having knowledge of God is the first step to life (Jn. 17:3) & it is not by godliness that we attain life but by life that we attain godliness! (See Commentary Critical & Explanatory the Whole Bible). We are called by God to live for Him & His purpose, to live lives worthy of God (Rom. 8:28; 1 Th. 2:12), & in doing so He works all things out for good.

In verse 4 it mentions great & precious promises... Can you think about what a few of these are? How about eternal life for starters (Jn. 3:16), an eternal kingdom (2 Peter 1:11), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), the promise that we will one day be made perfect (1 Jn. 3:2) like Christ and these are just a few... I am sure you can think of many more. We are through Christ & by the power of the Holy Spirit able to participate in the divine nature and in doing so escape corruption of the world ("moral decay"), caused by evil desires (lit. "lust"). By our relationship with the Lord we can & are enabled to do this... this growing relationship & how it changes us from the inside out is how we keep ourselves from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). We can participate in this divine nature, which means we can become more like Christ because we have as believers the: Promise of new birth - 1 Peter1:3 & 2 Cor. 5:17; Promise of God's protecting power - 1 Peter 1:5; Promise of God's enabling power - 2 Peter 1:3 That is a lot to think about summed up in just one verse! (Also check out 2 Peter 2:19-20; 1 Jn. 2:15).

It then further goes on to state that for this reason (v.4) we should add to our faith (belief & trust in Christ as our Savior)...

Goodness- (lit., "moral excellency", or "virtue")

Knowledge- (Spiritual knowledge which come through the Holy Spirit & is focused upon the person & Word of God). (See The Bible Knowledge Commentary) See also Col. 2:2-3.

Self-Control- (having your passions under control)

Perseverance- ("staying under" - used in the NT frequently to refer to steadfast endurance under adversity, not giving in or giving up)

Godliness- (refers to piety, man's obligation of reverence toward God)

Brotherly Kindness- (care & concern for others and their needs)

Love - (agape- desiring the highest good for other's, the kind of selfless love God has shown to us).

It is interesting to note how each of these builds upon the other... We must first have faith that causes us to desire to live virtuous lives and seek to know God more... which is where Knowledge comes in, and this then gives us the tools we need to practice Self-Control and in doing so to Persevere, all culminating into a life lived for God, exhibiting godliness! These first five have to do with our inner life & relationship to God and the last two have to do with others... Because we have lives that love & honor God we are now able to love others, not just those that love us but to love others with a true & selfless love, desiring what is best (of the highest good) for their lives. (Check out the following verses in relation to the above: Heb. 10:36; Rom. 12:10; 1 Th. 3:12).

In verse 8 it goes on to talk about us having these qualities in increasing measure... In other words this is not a one day & we are done deal... it is a daily, on going, ever learning and drawing near to God... we will not know all, or be perfect until Christ's return. Verse 8 also states that these qualities will keep us from being ineffective & unproductive in our knowledge of Christ. For we can have a knowledge that bears no fruit (John 15:2)... The more we know the LORD the more we should desire to live lives worthy of the Lord & bear much fruit for His glory! And by seeking to add all the above (daily) we should bear much fruit. (see Col. 1:10 & Tit. 3:14).

However, if anyone does not have these qualities verse 9 then tells us they are nearsighted, blind and have forgotten that they have been cleansed from past sin. Christ did the work...walk in the light as He is in the light! See 1 John 1:7 & 9. Christ came and set you free from the darkness, He gave you spiritual sight, He came to set you free! (See Luke 4:18; Gal. 5:1; 1 John 2:11)

We are then encouraged in verse 10 to be all the more eager in living out our calling and election, that by doing this we will not fall. God is more than able to keep you from stumbling, submit your heart, life & will to Him! (Jude 24) He will bring you into His glorious presence cleansed/pure and with great joy! We have an eternal home with Him! (See v.11; 2 Tim. 4:18; 2 Peter 3:18). It is good for us to be reminded of these things (v.12) even though we may know them... it is good to remember & to let the Word do it's work in us daily... to let it sink deep into our hearts because we are eternal beings and we (should) live for an eternal purpose. What has been entrusted to us lives on forever (See 2 John 2).

In summary... Praise be to our LORD who has so richly blessed us in Christ... who has given us all that we need to know & love Him, and live fruitful lives ... Who protects us, keeps us and enables us as we go through life in this dark world. Who has given us a hope and a future... Do you get how incredibly loved and cared for you are!?! Oh I pray that you do... that you know deep down in your heart and soul the great love of God! He knows you by name... You are His, you are precious in His sight. Praise Him!!! (Eph. 1:3; Jer. 29:11; Eph. 2:4-10; Jn 3:16; Ps. 17:8; Zech 2:8)

Growing in the Knowledge of God (Part 1)

2008-10-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have more to write on this & will be back later...but for now check out - 2 Peter 1:1-11. Study it & dig in deep... I would love to hear your thoughts!

You can type the Scripture into eBible.com (scroll down to it on the right side of my page) to read it online.

Chosen & Loved...

2008-10-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1 ~Spiritual Blessings
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.*7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

I have heard Beth Moore speak on these verses before and found them to be so amazing... Today I sit here and think of how personal our God is... He is not some God that sits off far & away looking down upon us. He is here, very present in our daily lives. God cares about all the details of our lives (Ps. 37:23) and that is so amazing. Amazing that the God of all creation loves me, chose me even before the creation of the world to know Him and love Him...to live a holy & blameless life for His glory. (See also Phil. 2:15) That God's plan has always been to adopt me into His family & bless me through Jesus Christ, my Lord & Savior... and this greatly pleases Him!!! God our great treasure, treasures us - wow, how humbling is that! Knowing that God's sweet love has saved me, redeemed me because of Christ...he has accepted me & sees me as pure and blameless. God has so blessed us!! He has given us kindness, love, mercy, grace, wisdom & understanding that we may know Him (more & more); and that we might live for & love Him in return.
Praise you LORD! Oh, let this sink in deep to the marrow of your bones - that God LOVES you (and not in a human faulty way but in a sacrificial and true love that does not fail). God cares deeply for you and about all the details of your life. He will not forsake you & nothing and I mean nothing can ever separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Glory!
(See Ps. 37:28; Ps. 94:14; Hebrews 13:5; Rom. 8:39)

The Narrow Gate

2008-10-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Jesus) Matthew 7:13-14 - (emphasis mine)

As I was reading this these words really stood out to me... Many will choose the easy way, it will be a choice they make... because let's face it, in this fallen world we live in it is hard to go the narrow way (to walk righteously, to live for God)... the world entices, it promises us fun, prosperity, and all that our heart desires... it can't fulfill these things (maybe temporarily but nothing lasting).

What stood out even more is that there are the few who FIND the gateway to life... I started thinking about this, what it means to find it. Sure there are those times that we stumble upon or encounter something of great value... but really to find something of great value we search for it, seek it out... there is an action, a choice associated. You actively seek out this great treasure... the treasure that has been there waiting for you all along.
Take a look at these verses: Jeremiah 29:13; Proverbs 2:4; Matthew 7:7-8
God's word tells us that if we seek we will find... that we should search out wisdom/truth (God) as if we were searching for lost money or a hidden treasure. See also Colossians 2:2-3; Matthew 13:44-45. I don't think that we should just write off these verses as if they are only meant for nonbelievers to come to Christ... For those of us in Christ, we have a great treasure (2 Cor. 4:7)... Should we become saved & that is it, we stop seeking to know & love God more? I don't really call that a relationship. Do we then keep to ourselves and hoard this great treasure we have been entrusted with instead of sharing it with others? We should value this great treasure we have and seek to know and love the LORD more and more every day... we should desire for others to hear about & know this great treasure we have found. We still have a choice to make... a daily choice to live for God, to seek to know Him more and to love others. Let your light shine in the darkness!!! God will be glorified, praise be to our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ!

The Golden Rule - Matt. 7:12

2008-10-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Ok now that I have been REAL with you... (see previous post) let me be a little more real in what God is teaching me. Sure most of us have heard the Golden Rule and maybe we think we are living by it...
This morning as I was meditating on this nugget of truth when it hit me... deep down I have a fundamental problem here. See I may in general do unto others as I would have them do unto me BUT... ah there in lies the problem, "in general" is not always. I may be polite, courteous, kind, thoughtful, loving but I am not always all of those things... I can at times be critical, judge, put myself (my wants, needs, desires) ahead of others and even more importantly God. See most of us recall the first part of the verse but do you remember the last part? It says that all that is taught in the law and by the prophets is summarized in this... ALL OF IT! Just think about some of the things that are in the law and the teachings of the prophets... It really all does come full circle back to this (see Matt. 22:37-40) to loving (putting) God first and loving others... which Christ has told us and shown us by his self-sacrificial love...
It sounds so simple (loving others) and yet why do we find this so hard to do? Maybe because none of us are perfect and we are all different... but more importantly maybe it is because we are more self focused than God & others focused. We have a greater love for ourselves than we do God and others (that may sound harsh but I have found it to be true)... When we view it in that light, oh what grievous sin it is!
How am I any better than the prideful ones who came before me... How am I any less sinful? As you think back to the beginning and the fall of Satan, what was his great sin? PRIDE! He had such a great self love and put himself above God... He thought he was greater, mightier and more powerful than his Creator!!! WOW! Maybe we like to think oh we don't ever do that... but let's call sin what it is sin and pride when we see it... For pride is sin and it is deadly... and are we not prideful when we seek our own way and reject God's.... when we say no to Kingdom things and yes to worldly ones... When I think I know what is best for me above what God has said and that I have a better plan and outcome for my life than what God desires for me. How prideful to think that way... that I who am but dust can even come close to the sovereignty of the Living God- the Creator of all things! Oh LORD forgive me!
God beyond a shadow of a doubt knows what is best for my life... He can see the BIG picture and not the microscope view I have upon this earth... Do not believe the lies of the enemy, God does have what is best in store for you, he does have plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jer. 29:11)... God does work out all things for good (Rom. 8:28) for those of us in Christ.
Give God all of your heart, mind, soul & strength (Mark 12:30) - love Him whole heartily and give Him all the glory for He alone is worthy! He will not fail you and He will not forsake you... Our God is good all the time - He is good!

Being REAL

2008-10-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

The LORD has been teaching me and refining me a lot of late... I started praying a little over a year and a half ago for Him to open my eyes to the sin in my life/heart and to change me... to help me to live for Him and not for myself... WOW! You better believe that if you ask God for something in accordance with His will He is going to do it! It has been a hard, humbling road I have been traveling... He has been showing me sin in my life previously overlooked, glossed over or ignored... and it hasn't been pretty. He has been challenging me and changing me... I am being refined.
So in that I would love to come and type you uplifting notes and really not open up to you about what is really going on inside... well, He just won't let me do that right now. It is not where He has me for this season or what He is doing... He wants me to be REAL, real with Him, myself and others... even if it isn't pretty or maybe what you want to hear (however maybe it is something we all need to hear). I am sure the enemy would love for me to hide my sin and pretend I am some perfect human being that I am not... The enemy would love for me to listen and believe the lies that are pushed my way... but I refuse and will not - for I know Christ has come to set me free and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... I know I have victory in Christ and that the enemy is defeated! Praise Him!!!! May God be given all the glory...
See these verses:
Gal. 5:1; Phil. 4:13; 1 Cor. 15:57; Isa. 61:1-3; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:23-24; John 8:36

God of gods

2008-10-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

Check out this video a friend sent me, that was created at her church... it is awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyO0HYhPd6Q

Judging Others - Matt. 7:1-6

2008-09-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.ebible.com/bible?source=NIV&query=matthew+7%3A1-6
Take a look at Matthew 7:1-6 (click link above to see verses).... Not too pleasant a thought is it; as you read the first two verses (well maybe not for you but for some of us)... I like to think "oh I don't judge others", but if you peel back the layer of sin/self and look for it, yep there it is - the truth! Maybe by "worldly" standards I might not judge others but according to the only standard that really matters (God's) I do. Believe me I don't want to be judged by the measure I sometimes impose upon others... So what do I do - I pray and know that God is faithful to help me overcome this "speck" or "plank" in my own eye...

I also took note while studying this scripture passage that it is not teaching that judgements should not be made (see v. 5) but it is pointing out to us not to be a hypocrite... do not be habitually critical and condemning of others when you yourself have a "plank" in your own eye! Do you focus more on others inadequacies than their good qualities and yet expect others to over look your failings and see you in a gleaming way? Humm... maybe that is something to think about if so... however I know that there are those of you that this does not apply to at all - so I ask you to pray for those of us that fall behind in this area. Your prayers are always needed and appreciated. I would love to hear your feed back on this and any thoughts you have on verse 6!

Matthew 5:13-16

2008-09-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Matthew 5:13-16. Ponder it for a bit...
http://www.ebible.com/bible?source=NIV&query=matthew+5%3A13-16

What does salt do? Preserve & enhance... We as Christians are the salt of the earth... We should create a thirst - a deep desire for others to want to know our God & what sets us apart. These verses ask us to stop and examine ourselves... what good is "salt" if it doesn't enhance? What good is "salt" if it doesn't preserve? Maybe you ask...enhance what, preserve what?

The "world" is watching let them see that you are different. Make your light shine bright for all the world to see - do NOT hide it! Encourage your brothers & sisters in the Faith; be an active & useful part of The Body of Christ (The Church); seek to bring the light that we hold and cherish to the lost... that they may be saved by the power of the Spirit and the grace of God... we should desire to tell the Good News! But do we? Do we deeply desire to see others saved (to see them come to know God)? Do we care about loving and serving our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ (The Church)? Or do we care more about ourselves and the things of this world?

I ask this because I desire to be God-focused; to live for Him; to obey & follow His Word... And yet, like Paul stated in Romans 7 - many times I find myself doing what I do not want to do instead of what I desire to do. I fall into the trap of self/worldly focus... and oh how miserable that is! However, when I am abiding and living according to the Spirit... what joy, what peace, love, thanksgiving - fruit is born in my life & walk! I am given strength to do and be who I could not in my own fleshly self & fleshly desires be... For the Holy Spirit comes and enables me to be all that God created me to be for His glory! Praise be to God!

It is my prayer for you & for me to be filled & strengthened, to be changed by the Holy Spirit that we may be salt & light to this dark world we live in... all for the LORD's glory, His honor & Name! Amen.

Past, Present & Future...

2008-09-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Let me first start off with this quote from Oswald Chambers:

"Our present enjoyment of God's grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday's sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present."- Oswald Chambers

While you ponder on that... let me elaborate... I have been thinking a lot lately (about way too many things but let us focus on this one for now)... Who is the "god" of your present? Who is the "god" of your future? And who is the "god" of your past? Maybe you like me look back and think "Wow, I wish I could have done things differently... had a different outlook, attitude, etc." The past is the past and there is nothing we can do to change it... What we can do and should do is give our past over to God and let him use it to minister to us now and to others. Do not dwell upon it and make it a "god"... Instead dwell upon your God and the grace He offers you. I am amazed as I reflect upon my life... not so much on me but on what God has done in me and for me and at times even through me... Praise Him!
Why should I be given so much honor and be so blessed as to be a child of God....? Because He loves me, He choose me, He accepted me, He adopted me, He forgave me, He redeemed me and He blessed me in Christ! Amen. (Eph. 1) And because of all of this what should be my response... To give Him all of me! Full access to use my past, my present and my future to His glory! To love Him wholeheartedly and to DESIRE to love and serve Him... But am I? Are you?
Here and now in your present who are you serving? Are you striving to impress others, to glorify yourself...are you focused on the small stuff... worldly things? These things are futile and temporary. Or are you one of the few who has a pure, wholehearted devotion to the LORD and your focus is on Him & Kingdom living? If you are the later... wonderful! Glory be to God! I know you are not perfect (neither am I) but your heart & desires are in the right place. You are giving God your past to use in ministry, your present and your future... And if you are not the later YOU CAN BE!!! And believe me He will come in and do amazing things in you and in your life... Our God is not boring or dull ... oh no, He loves to shake things up... Life with Him is never stagnant or stale... it is fresh & exciting! Sure we have hard times and good times but at ALL times He is with us on this ride and journey...
Giving Him your all, you will never look back and wish you hadn't... you will truly be living! Just hold on tight to the handle bars for this ride... it is one you don't want to get off of and can't wait to tell your friends about... Here is to living IN our present and living FOR the future!

Micah 2

2008-09-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with a friend this morning and we got into a discussion about modern day false teachers (in the church)... (And of course then God decides to follow up the discussion with me) As I was reading Micah 2, which then reminded me of Isaiah 30... which then led me to feeling led to write this note... and if I thought I was just thinking it in my head God then went and confirmed it when I logged on and my K-love verse of the day was: ... Obedience is better than sacrifice ...~ 1 Samuel 15:22, NLT

SO GOD! He cracks me up and just makes me smile! Well enough with the intro and down to the point... Check out Micah 2:6-7 and then Isaiah 30:8-15, 18-21 and also see 2 Timothy 4:3.

We are in a sad and sorry state when the Word is not "good" to us... when we reject it and want to hear our own brand of truth. How true it is that if we are seeking the Lord and walking in His ways His Word is good to us...and yet when we are in "rebellion" and are doing wrong we do not want to hear it. We only want to hear what confirms what we believe, want or desire in our sinful state... and there are those out there in the church (false teachers) who will tell us these things, who will mislead us, and give us just enough truth to cover the lie... Some won't even use scripture to propagate their "religion", some will use scripture but take it out of context and misuse it to make their point (not God's)... However we should be very aware of this... if their teachings do not match up with who God says He is and what God's Word teaches then they are making up their own religion, their own god... and this will not save you. They will make it all about works... health, wealth and prosperity will come to you if... IF that was all true then why would Christ have had to come and die for our sins!!! (Buy the way may I point to the life of the Apostle Paul... I do not believe that he would agree with that statement, his life and the life of the other disciples says that is not true. Our true wealth is in knowing God). Christ did the work!!! It is by grace we are saved not by a check list and good behavior... It is because of what Christ did on the cross... He died for us while we were in our sin... it is because of what He did and because of the love and relationship that we have with him that we do good works... it is not to achieve salvation but out of love! And yes, these false teachers will have to stand before God and answer to what they have done... but does all the blame lay at their feet? Do we not have the ability (esp. in this country) to read the Word of God for ourselves, to test and know what is truth.... For it is truth that will set us free (John. 8:32)... When we are captive to sin, we need Truth, we need Christ...He is the one who will lead us out of captivity and guide us to freedom that can alone be found in Christ Jesus, our Lord & Savior! Praise be to Him forever and ever! Amen.

Isaiah 54:10

2008-09-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have this really great scripture painted on canvas that a friend gave me (Jenny)... And this morning it just really hit me... and I started meditating on it and digging a little deeper... "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isa. 54:10
I started thinking about how in our lives we have times when our "mountains" are shaken and our "hills" are removed... and what?! I thought about this last year with all the changes (a baby, many moves, leaving friends and the familiar behind to go to the new & unknown)... We all have times like that- they may look different but we still experience times when our world gets shaken up and there are those common comforts (people, places, etc) that are removed from our lives... the big question is - then what? God is so true to His part for those of us who have a relationship with Him... He is faithful and His love does not fail and for those of us who place our trust in Him we experience His peace in the mist of turmoil and/or change... BUT are we experiencing that peace??? Do we just have a head knowledge of God that has not penetrated and permeated our heart? Or do we have such close fellowship that we are experiencing everything He has promised us? As I looked up some of the words in this verse in my concordance I found a few things that stood out to me... the word love in this verse is hesed and it went on to describe that love as unfailing love, loyal love, devotion, kindness (& then it said and this is the part that struck me) often based on a prior relationship, esp. a covenant relationship!!!!! Clue one... if you do not have that prior, grounded relationship with Him how can you then experience all He offers...? You must have Jesus, not in your head but in your heart... a daily on going relationship where you listen to Him, talk to Him... you spend time with Him. The second part was in the word peace which is translated in Hebrew as Salom... peace, safety, prosperity, well-being, intactness, wholeness, (and here is the part that struck me) peace can have a focus of security, safety which can bring feelings of satisfaction, well-being and contentment!!! Ok so what is our FOCUS? Is our focus Christ? Is He our security, our safety that brings us feelings of satisfaction, well-being and contentment in the mist of this life we are living on earth? Just things to ponder, to search our hearts and test... to press on as Paul says... to run the race for the crown that last! Are we living the abundant life? Are we living for the Kingdom of God? Are we living for the Person of Christ or for our own ideals and desires? He did not come to leave us as we are but to change and transform us into who He created us to be... my earnest prayer is "LORD change me"... create in me a new heart, one that is circumcised to you, fully devoted - that when the "mountains" are shaken and the "hills" removed... I stand firm, steadfast because I have placed my all (trust, faith, hope, love) not in myself but in Christ, my Rock! May I experience all that He has promised and longs to give me.... He offers us sooo much - and He does the work, but we must yield to Him, we must come to Him... seek Him with all our heart. Can we do that? It is a choice... To live a life fully lived to the glory of God or to live a fleeting, self purposed life with no eternal crown... What is your choice? The victory is in Christ alone.