Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love He will calm your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Beautiful verse. Last night at lunch I was reading "1000 Gifts" and had the most wonderful God visit. I had just lost my temper (again) at work, and of course was feeling quite down on myself, feeling like such a hypocrite and failure as a Christian....gee something different for me!! LOL
Author Ann described her experience of flying over Greenland and how when she saw the sun rising over the earth at 40,000 feet she understood it and saw it for what it was....God singing over the earth with joy, singing over her a joyful song. She penned, "He sings love!" Ann went on to quote CS Lewis--"the most fundamental thing is not how we think of God but rather what God thinks of us; How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important."
Wow. God sings love. Now, rewind back to my temper loss, and my downcast, self hating, self rejecting feelings....how I felt about me. And God sings love!
The verse says that His love calms my fears. What are my fears? I am never good enough. God can't ever ever possibly be pleased with me. I know He loves me, but that is because of who He is, not because I am actually worthy or lovable. I must always be such a disappointment to God......(ever notice how we use the nevers, evers and always when it comes to describing negatives of our selves or our lives? hmmmmmm, something to think about.)
But God sings love. His love is the balm to soothe my fears, all my fears, all these specific fears. My anger...His love is there. My failure....His love is there. He is there, singing songs of love over me.
Do I believe that His love is bigger than my fears, my failures? Yes. The question is can I accept this. And that is the hard part, for me at least. I can't seem to get past my own unworthiness to His great love. What shows more of God's love than the Cross? That His love is so great that He died for me...and for you. His desire for our, fellowship, mine and yours, was so great, so intense, that He lived sinlessly, died shamefully, and rose victoriously to restore us to Himself.
You are precious to me, you are honored and I love you. Isaiah 43:4
Thank for this overwhelming, all consuming, joyful love. Open our ears to hear Your love song Lord. I want to sing along!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Mom's Journal...Beatitudes-The Sermon on the Mount
Beatitude - blessing
Each beatitude includes a pronouncement of blessing, a description of the ones considered as blessed, and an explanation (for)of the blessing.
Matthew 5:3-12
vs 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
vs 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"those who mourn"--does not necessarily mean people in bereavement, but those who experience the sorrow of repentance.
vs 5 Blessed are the meek (humble), for they shall inherit the earth (or land).
"meek" does not connote weakness, but rather controlled strength, humility and self-discipline.
vs 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
vs 7 Blessed are the merciful (compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive), for they shall obtain mercy.
vs 8 Blessed are the "pure" in heart, for they shall see God.
"pure" - clean, undefiled, without blemish.
vs 9 Blessed are the "peacemankers", for they shall be called sons of God.
"peacemakers - God is the supreme "peacemaker", and His sons follow His example.
vs 10 Blessed are those who are "persecuted" for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
the cause of "persecution" is loyalty to righteousness which Jesus makes specific in vs 11.
vs 11 Blessed are you when they "revile" and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake.
"revile" - mocking, ridiculing, scolding, insulting, using words angrily or insulting.
vs 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mom thought these verses were so important that she wrote them down, along with the commentary from her Bible. I know she epitomized many of the qualities here. Obviously Jesus thought they were important and worth speaking and teaching about. Perhaps these verses would be a good source of prayer for myself, praying that these qualities would be manifest in my walk each day. How I long to be humble and merciful, but often am proud and judgmental. How often do my words "stir the pot", instead of bringing peace. Many days I hunger more for my own way than for the way of righteousness, and act like a big brat about it too!!
Lord, I pray that today, You would start to manifest these qualities in me. Help me to overcome self and live for You, live as You lived, humbly, mercifully and seeking only to do the Father's will. As I live this type of life, I know that persecution may come, but help me to stand firm in Your strength. Lord, I don't want my way...I want Your way...lead me. In Jesus name, amen.
Each beatitude includes a pronouncement of blessing, a description of the ones considered as blessed, and an explanation (for)of the blessing.
Matthew 5:3-12
vs 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
vs 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"those who mourn"--does not necessarily mean people in bereavement, but those who experience the sorrow of repentance.
vs 5 Blessed are the meek (humble), for they shall inherit the earth (or land).
"meek" does not connote weakness, but rather controlled strength, humility and self-discipline.
vs 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
vs 7 Blessed are the merciful (compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive), for they shall obtain mercy.
vs 8 Blessed are the "pure" in heart, for they shall see God.
"pure" - clean, undefiled, without blemish.
vs 9 Blessed are the "peacemankers", for they shall be called sons of God.
"peacemakers - God is the supreme "peacemaker", and His sons follow His example.
vs 10 Blessed are those who are "persecuted" for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
the cause of "persecution" is loyalty to righteousness which Jesus makes specific in vs 11.
vs 11 Blessed are you when they "revile" and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake.
"revile" - mocking, ridiculing, scolding, insulting, using words angrily or insulting.
vs 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mom thought these verses were so important that she wrote them down, along with the commentary from her Bible. I know she epitomized many of the qualities here. Obviously Jesus thought they were important and worth speaking and teaching about. Perhaps these verses would be a good source of prayer for myself, praying that these qualities would be manifest in my walk each day. How I long to be humble and merciful, but often am proud and judgmental. How often do my words "stir the pot", instead of bringing peace. Many days I hunger more for my own way than for the way of righteousness, and act like a big brat about it too!!
Lord, I pray that today, You would start to manifest these qualities in me. Help me to overcome self and live for You, live as You lived, humbly, mercifully and seeking only to do the Father's will. As I live this type of life, I know that persecution may come, but help me to stand firm in Your strength. Lord, I don't want my way...I want Your way...lead me. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Sleep
Peaceful. Comfortable. Safe. Sinking. Release. These are the words that come to me when I think of going to sleep at night. I am one of the blessed people that rarely have any trouble sleeping...Thank You Lord!!
I read an article today in the "In Touch" daily devotional that spoke on the author's inability to sleep well. She spoke about how it was difficult for her to relax and let go, and so she was unable to get a good restful night's sleep.
This got me thinking....(I know, scary thought for those who know me)...I have no trouble sinking into my pillows and blankets and falling into a deep, snug and secure, untroubled sleep. But it's the waking hours I have a problem with. LOL
And then the questions appeared in my thoughts..."Why can't I let go of my anxieties and expectations and turmoils during the waking hours?" "Why can't I give them over to the Lord, and trust, the way I do when I let my head melt into my pillows at night?"
I love God visits like this. Sort of :). They are so telling and thought provoking...what does the Bible tell us, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. And that is what these God questions feel like....like they cut right to the center of the matter, into the deepest, darkest corners of mind and heart. Piercing through the convoluted excuses and reasons and rationalizations of my innermost being. Most of the time I do not come out looking so good in the answers.
Last night at work, (yes that place of trial and testing, my own personal wilderness that I am going round and round in for 40 years---ok, maybe not quite that long, yet LOL), I was hurting pretty badly and feeling like all the consequences of all my wrong life decisions were being played out and asking myself why I even bother to pray for anything seeing as God never answers (at least in the way I think He should), and I never see deliverance or change, because of course I made all those horrible choices and now I have to live with them.....blah blah blah, on and on it went in my head. Reaping and sowing, all that kind of thinking. So instead of releasing all the thoughts and worries as I would when I lay my head down at night, I let it infect my heart, becoming more and more heavy and hopeless by the minute..
So my God visit from last night, the last line in the book I was reading, "The Pastor's Wife" by Sabine Wurmbrand, was "We also know that He who steers the universe on its course is our Father and that He hears our prayers." Hmmmm, what was I just an hour earlier questioning in my mind? Does God hear my prayers or even care about them from one such as me? Guess I had my answer.
And now, on to the laying down my head in rest and peace as it were while I am walking through the difficulties of my day. Can I do this as the Lord wants? Can I hush the questions and cares of my heart, leaving this life of mine in His capable, loving hands? Honestly, I don't know. I would like to say yes yes yes !!! But I know the unhappiness I carry, I know the struggles I face daily and laying them down to pick up the joy of trusting is something I fail at so often. I will keep on trying though. And so I ask for prayers. And I will pray too, for you my readers, that you will know the joy and restfulness of "closing your eyes and sinking into the pillows" during the waking hours of your day.
Lord, help us. Help us to trust and find the peaceful rest that comes from leaving all in your hands. Whether it be in the darkness of the quiet night hours or darkness of the enduring hardships of the day, let us remember and trust. Let us find joy in knowing that You are steering the universe, capably, lovingly and with a divine purpose that we could never imagine, but that will declare beauty in our lives. You are the great and skillful weaver, weaving the tapestry of our lives and though we can't see the whole weaving, You do. Lord, this is really hard...and it means letting go of so many things, both good and bad, feelings and maybe people, and dreams.....but Lord I let them go into Your hands, help us all to put into Your hands the whole of ourselves, our lives and to let You sculpt them into something wonderful. Calm and heal our hurting, broken hearts. Let Your joy be our strength. I close my eyes now, and lay my head to sleep in the pillow of Your love. In Jesus holy and precious name. Amen.
Matthew 6:25-33 New Living Translation (NLT)
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I read an article today in the "In Touch" daily devotional that spoke on the author's inability to sleep well. She spoke about how it was difficult for her to relax and let go, and so she was unable to get a good restful night's sleep.
This got me thinking....(I know, scary thought for those who know me)...I have no trouble sinking into my pillows and blankets and falling into a deep, snug and secure, untroubled sleep. But it's the waking hours I have a problem with. LOL
And then the questions appeared in my thoughts..."Why can't I let go of my anxieties and expectations and turmoils during the waking hours?" "Why can't I give them over to the Lord, and trust, the way I do when I let my head melt into my pillows at night?"
I love God visits like this. Sort of :). They are so telling and thought provoking...what does the Bible tell us, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. And that is what these God questions feel like....like they cut right to the center of the matter, into the deepest, darkest corners of mind and heart. Piercing through the convoluted excuses and reasons and rationalizations of my innermost being. Most of the time I do not come out looking so good in the answers.
Last night at work, (yes that place of trial and testing, my own personal wilderness that I am going round and round in for 40 years---ok, maybe not quite that long, yet LOL), I was hurting pretty badly and feeling like all the consequences of all my wrong life decisions were being played out and asking myself why I even bother to pray for anything seeing as God never answers (at least in the way I think He should), and I never see deliverance or change, because of course I made all those horrible choices and now I have to live with them.....blah blah blah, on and on it went in my head. Reaping and sowing, all that kind of thinking. So instead of releasing all the thoughts and worries as I would when I lay my head down at night, I let it infect my heart, becoming more and more heavy and hopeless by the minute..
So my God visit from last night, the last line in the book I was reading, "The Pastor's Wife" by Sabine Wurmbrand, was "We also know that He who steers the universe on its course is our Father and that He hears our prayers." Hmmmm, what was I just an hour earlier questioning in my mind? Does God hear my prayers or even care about them from one such as me? Guess I had my answer.
And now, on to the laying down my head in rest and peace as it were while I am walking through the difficulties of my day. Can I do this as the Lord wants? Can I hush the questions and cares of my heart, leaving this life of mine in His capable, loving hands? Honestly, I don't know. I would like to say yes yes yes !!! But I know the unhappiness I carry, I know the struggles I face daily and laying them down to pick up the joy of trusting is something I fail at so often. I will keep on trying though. And so I ask for prayers. And I will pray too, for you my readers, that you will know the joy and restfulness of "closing your eyes and sinking into the pillows" during the waking hours of your day.
Lord, help us. Help us to trust and find the peaceful rest that comes from leaving all in your hands. Whether it be in the darkness of the quiet night hours or darkness of the enduring hardships of the day, let us remember and trust. Let us find joy in knowing that You are steering the universe, capably, lovingly and with a divine purpose that we could never imagine, but that will declare beauty in our lives. You are the great and skillful weaver, weaving the tapestry of our lives and though we can't see the whole weaving, You do. Lord, this is really hard...and it means letting go of so many things, both good and bad, feelings and maybe people, and dreams.....but Lord I let them go into Your hands, help us all to put into Your hands the whole of ourselves, our lives and to let You sculpt them into something wonderful. Calm and heal our hurting, broken hearts. Let Your joy be our strength. I close my eyes now, and lay my head to sleep in the pillow of Your love. In Jesus holy and precious name. Amen.
Matthew 6:25-33 New Living Translation (NLT)
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Dreams
I don't have dreams. At least this is what I tell myself. I don't look forward. I just get through the day. It's easier that way for me. And there is a reason for this.
As I was driving into the airport last night to pick up a dear friend, I came to the city limits, saw the lights of the high rises and thought to myself, yup, another dream that I held that failed to come true. So many unfulfilled dreams, seems all the major dreams have remained that way. I wanted to live and work in Manhattan....here I am stuck in suburbia, wanted to be an artist, work with animals, make lots of money, do college, be a psychologist.....all unfulfilled. And then God.....
On the radio came a wonderful song that helps me to give all these broken dreams, all these empty spaces in my life, or what feels like plans, disintegrated and discarded, to the Lord. And as I listened to this song, and started to just "open my empty hands", peace came upon me. Contentment filled my heart. I may not have had all these things come true in my life, but I have the Creator of the Universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, God Almighty, unending, as my very own. I am His and He is mine...and I could ask or dream of nothing better, ever ever ever !!!
And I am so grateful. So blessed. Thank You for holding me Lord, for making me Your very own. I love You and nothing could compare to You. And btw, I do get to work with animals so thank You...because that is a dream that is definitely from You. I can't wait to see what You are going to continue to do in my life. I may continue to live day by day, not really looking to the future, but I know that the future is ok, because You are already there and already have it all worked out.
As I was driving into the airport last night to pick up a dear friend, I came to the city limits, saw the lights of the high rises and thought to myself, yup, another dream that I held that failed to come true. So many unfulfilled dreams, seems all the major dreams have remained that way. I wanted to live and work in Manhattan....here I am stuck in suburbia, wanted to be an artist, work with animals, make lots of money, do college, be a psychologist.....all unfulfilled. And then God.....
On the radio came a wonderful song that helps me to give all these broken dreams, all these empty spaces in my life, or what feels like plans, disintegrated and discarded, to the Lord. And as I listened to this song, and started to just "open my empty hands", peace came upon me. Contentment filled my heart. I may not have had all these things come true in my life, but I have the Creator of the Universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, God Almighty, unending, as my very own. I am His and He is mine...and I could ask or dream of nothing better, ever ever ever !!!
And I am so grateful. So blessed. Thank You for holding me Lord, for making me Your very own. I love You and nothing could compare to You. And btw, I do get to work with animals so thank You...because that is a dream that is definitely from You. I can't wait to see what You are going to continue to do in my life. I may continue to live day by day, not really looking to the future, but I know that the future is ok, because You are already there and already have it all worked out.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Mom's Journal: Backsliding
Backsliding. It happens to many of us, some slide way way back, others just slip a little. Sometimes it last only a couple of days, others go years before they get back on the right path. Mom jotted some Scriptures in her journal to counter this tendency in our lives. I will share them with you, my readers, as was her desire.
Jeremiah5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many.
Backsliding: (noun) turning back, turning away, defecting, faithlessness, apostasy, disloyalty, reverting
(verb) root word is shub--turn, return or repent.
God's invitation to the backslider: Requires healing.
Jeremiah 3:12-15, 22 Go, proclaim this message toward the north: "Return, faithless Israel," declares the Lord, "I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful," declares the Lord, "I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt--you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree and have not obeyed me," declares the Lord. "Return, faithless people," declares the Lord, "for I am you husband. I will choose you--one from a town and two from a clan--and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."
v22 "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."
From the Word Wealth on Jeremiah 5:6 (this is from the Spirit-filled Bible)....The root word is shub, a verb which means to "turn, return or repent." If repentance is a turning around, backsliding is a "turning back" or "turning away" from God. God gave a merciful invitation to the backslider in Jer 3:12-15,22. In this latter verse, God regards backsliding as a condition that requires healing.
Psalm 32:1-7 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is not deceit. When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"--and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Luke 15:1-7 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:
.Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over the one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who do not need to repent.
From me:
Backsliding. I've done it. I am so grateful that I have a merciful God who is willing and able to heal me, no matter how far I go, or how long I stay away. If you've been away from the Lord for a time, He's calling to you now to come home, come back to His arms. He has your healing, His desire is for you. We all like sheep have gone astray. But He searches for the one. That one has been all of us at one time or another. Guilt and shame fade away in the light of his love and forgiveness. Don't stay away another minute. This is His personal invitation, His "neon" sign to you. Come home child, I long to spend time with you, to heal you and to love you to wholeness.
Lord, thank you. You are merciful. I don't know who You are talking to right now, but I pray for them that they will respond to Your call. And Lord, keep us, keep us close to Your side that we may not fall away. Thank You for Your love that is always there, always ready to forgive. Amen
Jeremiah5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many.
Backsliding: (noun) turning back, turning away, defecting, faithlessness, apostasy, disloyalty, reverting
(verb) root word is shub--turn, return or repent.
God's invitation to the backslider: Requires healing.
Jeremiah 3:12-15, 22 Go, proclaim this message toward the north: "Return, faithless Israel," declares the Lord, "I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful," declares the Lord, "I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt--you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree and have not obeyed me," declares the Lord. "Return, faithless people," declares the Lord, "for I am you husband. I will choose you--one from a town and two from a clan--and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."
v22 "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."
From the Word Wealth on Jeremiah 5:6 (this is from the Spirit-filled Bible)....The root word is shub, a verb which means to "turn, return or repent." If repentance is a turning around, backsliding is a "turning back" or "turning away" from God. God gave a merciful invitation to the backslider in Jer 3:12-15,22. In this latter verse, God regards backsliding as a condition that requires healing.
Psalm 32:1-7 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is not deceit. When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"--and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Luke 15:1-7 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:
.Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over the one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who do not need to repent.
From me:
Backsliding. I've done it. I am so grateful that I have a merciful God who is willing and able to heal me, no matter how far I go, or how long I stay away. If you've been away from the Lord for a time, He's calling to you now to come home, come back to His arms. He has your healing, His desire is for you. We all like sheep have gone astray. But He searches for the one. That one has been all of us at one time or another. Guilt and shame fade away in the light of his love and forgiveness. Don't stay away another minute. This is His personal invitation, His "neon" sign to you. Come home child, I long to spend time with you, to heal you and to love you to wholeness.
Lord, thank you. You are merciful. I don't know who You are talking to right now, but I pray for them that they will respond to Your call. And Lord, keep us, keep us close to Your side that we may not fall away. Thank You for Your love that is always there, always ready to forgive. Amen
Smiles
I love when God does little things. Things that make me smile and feel He is just right then, giving me a extra dose of attention and love.
I love those silly flowers that grow all over the highways, in all the cracks around the railroad, along sidewalks....some people call them weeds, I call the little purple-y blue things beautiful. (but then I like the dandelions all over the lawn as well!). As I was driving along the highway a couple of days ago I noticed that the medians were filled with them....like little fields of wildflowers in the middle of congested, over developed suburbia! And I thought, what a wonderful blessing Lord! How beautiful this display of His handiwork, and I felt like it was an specially grown garden just for me at that moment. Block after block it went on! I was thrilled with the sight!
2 nights ago....another busy, too much to do, not enough help, kind of night at work, the kind we have been having a lot of lately....glad we are busy, but I feel exhausted every night leaving there. Anyways, I went out to lunch, and I was just sitting in my truck reading The Pastor's Wife (Sabina Wurmbrand....I highly recommend this book...it's a great read! Her and Pastor Richard founded Voice of the Martyrs) and I heard some booms. Looked up and this awesome fireworks display was going on. In the beginning of August? Don't know what it was for, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the display. I felt like God had arranged my lunch period at just that exactly right time so I could catch the whole thing. A pretty little reprieve to bring some pleasure to my heart in the middle of the craziness! Thank You Lord.
These are the kinds of things that I miss so often, or take for granted. The little moments of love and joy that my Father sends to make me smile. I want to see them all!! I know there is a scripture some where (Psalms maybe?) that says, turn my eyes from worthless things. I think I spend so much time looking at the things that annoy and aggravate me that I miss the lovely, the the things that pour joy and cheer into my heart. How sad. Lord, open my eyes today to see Your hand, to see the wonders and joys you send into my world today. Thank You for them.
Found it ! Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.
Open eyes today !!
I love those silly flowers that grow all over the highways, in all the cracks around the railroad, along sidewalks....some people call them weeds, I call the little purple-y blue things beautiful. (but then I like the dandelions all over the lawn as well!). As I was driving along the highway a couple of days ago I noticed that the medians were filled with them....like little fields of wildflowers in the middle of congested, over developed suburbia! And I thought, what a wonderful blessing Lord! How beautiful this display of His handiwork, and I felt like it was an specially grown garden just for me at that moment. Block after block it went on! I was thrilled with the sight!
2 nights ago....another busy, too much to do, not enough help, kind of night at work, the kind we have been having a lot of lately....glad we are busy, but I feel exhausted every night leaving there. Anyways, I went out to lunch, and I was just sitting in my truck reading The Pastor's Wife (Sabina Wurmbrand....I highly recommend this book...it's a great read! Her and Pastor Richard founded Voice of the Martyrs) and I heard some booms. Looked up and this awesome fireworks display was going on. In the beginning of August? Don't know what it was for, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the display. I felt like God had arranged my lunch period at just that exactly right time so I could catch the whole thing. A pretty little reprieve to bring some pleasure to my heart in the middle of the craziness! Thank You Lord.
These are the kinds of things that I miss so often, or take for granted. The little moments of love and joy that my Father sends to make me smile. I want to see them all!! I know there is a scripture some where (Psalms maybe?) that says, turn my eyes from worthless things. I think I spend so much time looking at the things that annoy and aggravate me that I miss the lovely, the the things that pour joy and cheer into my heart. How sad. Lord, open my eyes today to see Your hand, to see the wonders and joys you send into my world today. Thank You for them.
Found it ! Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.
Open eyes today !!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
This is for you
LOL, Ever listen to a sermon or teaching and say to yourself, (while you are supposed to be listening, of course): "Oh such and such needs to hear this." Or, "My friend ______really should listen to this teaching."? Welllllll....I was doing just that yesterday. I actually got myself out for a little exercise (yaaaay) and was listening to Joyce Meyer while I was running....the podcast was called "Believing Truth Over Feelings" and this section happened to be on not living by our emotions. Joyce was saying things like, "you can't just buy what you want to buy, say what you want to say, or not do things you don't want to do..." And of course into my mind popped that thought...."such and such needs to hear this message...and immediately and I mean before the thought was even completed in my little head, Joyce said: (and I am paraphrasing here because I cannot remember the exact words), "and don't go thinking to yourself that you wish so and so were here to listen to this message, no, this is for you, you are here right now listening to this so it's you who needs to hear it." Uhhhhh, hmmmmm, hem, haw......LOL Me? Me? Live by my emotions? I need to hear this? I need to change? UGH!!! Me? LOL
So talk about a direct message for God, a visit that went right to the heart. I need to live out of my faith and what I know is right, not just do or say what I feel. Yup, me. Got it. Now to do it!! I know this isn't a new concept, but I guess I needed a new hearing of it!!
Lord, help me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, not my fleshly, all over the place, up down, selfish emotions. Remind to walk by faith and not by sight.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance of the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Lord, I want to follow You. I realize that emotions are not evil but they can be influenced by selfishness, worldly values and even demonic forces. Some times they will not be in tune with Your desires for me. Help me to have discernment to know what is true and what is just my feelings and flesh. Sensitize me to the leading of the Holy Spirit, every minute, every day.
So talk about a direct message for God, a visit that went right to the heart. I need to live out of my faith and what I know is right, not just do or say what I feel. Yup, me. Got it. Now to do it!! I know this isn't a new concept, but I guess I needed a new hearing of it!!
Lord, help me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, not my fleshly, all over the place, up down, selfish emotions. Remind to walk by faith and not by sight.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance of the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Lord, I want to follow You. I realize that emotions are not evil but they can be influenced by selfishness, worldly values and even demonic forces. Some times they will not be in tune with Your desires for me. Help me to have discernment to know what is true and what is just my feelings and flesh. Sensitize me to the leading of the Holy Spirit, every minute, every day.
Fasting and Worship?
We've all heard of fasting and prayer, right? Many times when we see fasting in the Bible it's coupled with prayer. Like Matthew 17:21 - How be it this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting. Or Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. But fasting and worship? I had never seen or more accurately noticed these two together until a couple of days ago I read Acts 13:2.
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "said apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
That kind of just blew me away. Wow. Usually we think of fasting for answers, to get closer to God, for deliverance, for cleansing, but for worship? I can only speak for myself, but it never occurred to me to include fasting as a form and part of worship. And this is just so awesome to me!!
Next time you decide to fast, how about including some worship and praise ?!!? Or maybe even just declare a period of fasting as worship alone. Hmmmm....I like that idea. Just going to God, not to receive, but to offer.
Lord, teach me more. Show me more. I love when You bring these new revelations from Your Word. Thank You. I just offer You all glory and worship this morning. You are never ending, Your wisdom is never ending. Your Word never ceases to go deeper. Thank You.
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "said apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
That kind of just blew me away. Wow. Usually we think of fasting for answers, to get closer to God, for deliverance, for cleansing, but for worship? I can only speak for myself, but it never occurred to me to include fasting as a form and part of worship. And this is just so awesome to me!!
Next time you decide to fast, how about including some worship and praise ?!!? Or maybe even just declare a period of fasting as worship alone. Hmmmm....I like that idea. Just going to God, not to receive, but to offer.
Lord, teach me more. Show me more. I love when You bring these new revelations from Your Word. Thank You. I just offer You all glory and worship this morning. You are never ending, Your wisdom is never ending. Your Word never ceases to go deeper. Thank You.
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