LILY VALLEY

Nature Walk

2012-02-11T08:42:00.020-05:00

Field and forest

Vale and mountain

Flowery meadow

Flashing sea

Chanting bird

Flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee

Henry J. van Dyke

Enough

2012-02-09T13:51:00.005-05:00

As I was praying and reading this morning the hymn, "My faith has found a resting place", came to mind. One of the verses reads:

Enough for me that Jesus saves
This ends my fear and doubt
A sinful soul I came to Him
He'll never cast me out

I need no other argument
I need no other plea
It is enough that Jesus died
And that He died for me
Eliza Hewitt, 1891

Then I thought of this recent worship song:
All of You is more than ENOUGH
for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You
Is more than ENOUGH
Chris Tomlin

Jesus' disciples once asked Him, "Where will anyone be able to find ENOUGH bread here in this desolate place to satisfy all these people?" Mark 8:4 We remember how that situation turned out!

The devotional passage I was reading then said,
"The most important thing we will learn in our Christian walk is that Jesus is ENOUGH."

Prayer for Israel

2012-02-07T16:42:00.003-05:00

Every day we see threats against Israel and Jews all over the world, as well as Christians. When we read the book of Revelation, we know that Jesus will rule from Jerusalem in the millenial reign. In the meantime, I believe it is my duty as a follower of Christ to pray for Israel and for many in that region to quickly turn to Jesus Messiah, our only Hope.

In the midst of turmoil, the Lord is patiently waiting for millions who will turn to Him.

Be patient then brothers and sisters until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord's coming is near. James 5:7-8 NIV

Blessed

2012-02-06T04:53:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3 NKJ

There Is a River

2012-02-05T13:14:00.001-05:00

Jesus said

If anyone thirsts,
let him come to Me and drink.
He who believes in Me,
as the Scripture has said,
out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit,
whom those believing in Him would receive

John 7:37-39a

There is a river
That flows from deep within
There is a fountain
That frees the soul from sin
Come to this water
There is a vast supply
There is a river
That never shall run dry

Max and David Sapp

Mighty God

2012-02-03T15:23:00.003-05:00

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters,
yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
Psalm 93:4 KJV

While the ocean is vast and powerful, it is still comforting to listen to the constant breaking of the waves on the shore. Sitting at the edge of the water makes my worries seem small and puts the greatness of God in perspective.

Answer to Life's Greatest Question

2012-02-02T03:46:00.004-05:00

Many people did believe in him [Jesus], however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43 NLT

I was listening to a woman talking about how we judge Peter, Jesus' disciple, because, when he was questioned, he denied knowing Christ three times on the night before Jesus was crucified. We wonder if we would have denied Him. Her question was, "Would we have even followed Jesus at all, or would we have been like some of the Pharisees, bowing to tradition and the praise of man, rather than listening to God?"

Thank God for one of the Pharisees, NICODEMUS, who came to Jesus, even if it was in the middle of the night. Because of his sincere questions, we have the answer to LIFE"S GREATEST QUESTION in Jesus' own words.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.

Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind SON OF GOD when introduced to him.

John 3:16-18 The Message

Parakletos

2012-01-31T16:01:00.002-05:00

John 14:25-27 "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught." The Message

Parakletos: Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby, the Holy Spirit

O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found,

Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:
The Comforter has come!
by Frank Bottoms, 1890

Father God, thank you for the precious gift of Your Holy Spirit.

Conversation at Dawn

2012-01-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Conversation at Dawn

by Karen Rice


The sunrise is singing Your praises

On a brilliant cloudless morn.

Each dewdrop sparkling on branch and leaf

A glittering diamond You have formed.


Sunrise and sunset, each one unique,

Rushing rapids and moutain peaks,

Someday these scenes we'll no longer see,

But where you are, there we will be.


Lord, You will keep us when this tent is discarded

Like a tattered old coat or an outgrown garment.


All prophecy will be fulfilled in You.

Knowlege will pale in the presence of Truth.

You will say, when you see my face,

"Child, you're home!"And how we'll embrace.


"Nothing's more important than you.

Each prayer I heard; every care I knew.

The trillions of stars I scattered above

Were just a glimpse of My infinite love.


The letter I wrote you You cherished each line.

We had sweet communionIn those early morning times."


But today, Lord,I'm still fighting battles down here,

Being tested and tried,Learning courage, not fear.


You said,"Choose death or choose life."

Life is daily a choice,

But You're living in me

And I'm hearing your voice.


"I love you." He whispers."Always have, always will.

We're going over, not under,So, storm, peace be still."


Sunrise or sunsetWinter or spring,

You're my reason for living,My life, my Dayspring.

Thank You to Returning Veterans

2012-01-29T16:38:00.006-05:00

I am thankful for all who serve our country. I was pleased to see on the news a welcome home parade for Iraq war veterans in St. Louis.

I met a minister this morning at our church who is with a group of men who visit a nearby army base to show appreciation for our troops and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with many who are about to ship out overseas. He said the men he talks with are very receptive and many have never heard the claims of Christ.

I am praying that 2012 will be a year of revival where millions turn to faith in Christ.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Something Beautiful

2012-01-27T16:39:00.006-05:00

When my son Caleb was alive, I dreamed that I was in a crowded place and I was holding Caleb in one arm and passing out loaves of hot fragrant bread to people who were so happy to receive them. Even though Caleb is not present with me, I have memories of all that we learned along our journey together. I pray that, because of Caleb, I will be a blessing to others who are experiencing sickness, need or loss. I can "hand out" the truths from God's Word that comforted me in my time of need.

I hope this makes sense, but I keep remembering the story of Moses. We think of Moses as a great leader whom God used mightily, but God wants to use the "least of us". Even though Moses was adopted into the royal family of Egypt as a infant, he felt very small when God asked him to deliver His message to Pharaoh: "Let my people go!"

Moses asked God, "What if Pharaoh doesn't listen to me?"

God responded with a question, "What's that in your hand?"

God proceeded to use Moses' simple shepherd's staff as He demonstrated His power to the stubborn king of Egypt and the doubting Israelites.

The power was not in Moses' ability or the staff, but in his dependence on God. God simply asked Moses to surrender to him all that he had experienced in life up to that point, and let God be God.

All I have to offer the Lord is "what's in my hand": my life experiences. At times I have made costly mistakes, and caused pain. I have spent too much time regretting the past or trying to figure out the future. But there are times, when I just look to Jesus to make a way, and He places me just where I need to be - to share the "Bread of Life" with someone else.

This Gaither song sums it up.

If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And hope for life's best were the hopes
That I harbored down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
And my castles all crumbled,
My fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of life
And laid it at the cross.
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life

Famous ONE

2012-01-27T15:14:00.004-05:00

Yes, in the path of Your judgments, O Lord, we wait expectantly for You;
our heartfelt desire is for Your name and for the remembrance of You.
Isaiah 26:8 Amplified

Only a God Like You

2012-01-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 64:1-4

Only a God like You
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing
Give my everything
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder,
To only a God like You
Do I give my praise
Tommy Walker (Click name to hear song)

I Want to Hold Your Hand

2012-01-23T07:38:00.007-05:00

I once attended a meeting at work where the "icebreaker" was to name the number one popular songs for certain years from 1950 to the present. Number one in 1964 was "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles. I got that one right! The activity was supposed to help bridge the multi-generational gap between us baby boomers and our younger coworkers. However, while I was "racking my brain", they were googling the "oldies" on their blackberries!!

I was thinking about trying to hold my children's hands when they were little and we lived in Atlanta, GA. If they saw a ball roll out into the lane, or saw their friend on the other side of the street, they would take off running with no thought for safety. I began to grasp their wrist instead of depending on them to hold my hand. Also, that way, if they tripped and started to fall, they would not fall headlong.

That got me to thinking about how thankful I am that our Heavenly Father holds our hands, and He never lets go.

"Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him."
Psalm 37:24 Amplified

Jesus promised to us who believe in Him:
"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are One."
John 10:28-30

I love Matt Redmans' song: You Never Let Go

Sunrise

2012-01-22T15:40:00.003-05:00

May those who love the Lord be like the sun when it rises in all its brightness.

Judges 5:31b God's Word

The small group of seven year olds I have for reading group were telling me all the facts they already knew about the earth and the sun. One girl explained that the sun, along with all the stars and the moon, hurry around to the other side of the earth at bedtime.

A little boy said, That's not true. It is just that the earth spins really fast."

The little girl came back with, "Well....only when the wind is blowing!"

Well, however it is that we are able to see a brilliant sun rise on a cloudless morning, may we who love the Lord shine as brightly.

Finally Home

2012-01-21T15:50:00.002-05:00

Heavenly Father,

We all arrive at your doorstep
sooner or later,
loaded with guilt,
Our sins too much for us—
but you get rid of them once and for all.
Blessed are the chosen!
Blessed the guest
at home in your place!
We expect our fill of good things
in your house, your heavenly manse.

Psalm 65:2-4 Message

Lord Jesus, Cover Me

2012-01-17T00:53:00.002-05:00

He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4

I think this is one of the prettiest songs I have ever heard, by Andrew Culverwell.

Make Me More Loving

2012-01-16T12:02:00.003-05:00

When I was younger, I was whining that I wished I had a sportier car-with pin stripes! A good Christian friend of mine shocked me with this question: "Would that make you a more loving person?"

NOT: Would it make people like me...but would it make me more loving!!

I thought of that as I read Paul's prayer:

And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment],

So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

Philippians 1:9-10 Amplified

BE STILL

2012-01-15T15:51:00.007-05:00

Be Still

You don’t have to struggle,

You don’t have to worry

You don’t have to be afraid My child

I’ve got You in My arms,

I haven’t let you go this far,

And no one can take you out of My hand

Come lay your head down on my chest

I’ll give you peace, I’ll give you rest

Feed now upon My faithfulness

And be like a nursing babe upon My breast

Be still, Be still. Let My love fill you again

I'm here, I’m here. Let me wipe away your tears

Be still, Be still, let My love fill you again

This is momentary, but my love will never end

I’ve seen the tears you’ve cried,

the hurt you have inside

The wounds from all of your rejection

But I want to heal the pain,

take away all the shame

And in its place give you joy

In the night, I am right here with you

And in your trial, I am right here with you

-This song was written by my son, Cameron Hill.

Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 NASB

Secrets Revealed

2012-01-15T15:43:00.002-05:00

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."

"But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit."

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 NLT

I have often heard and quoted verse nine, and I am sure that I cannot imagine all the wondrous things God has prepared for us. But, I thank God that by His Holy Spirit, He has revealed to us His plan to bring us back into relationship with Him through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

"And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us."

Hear Our Prayer

2012-01-10T17:01:00.004-05:00

"An imperfect world is "job security" for an intercessor." - Francis Frangipane

When we read today's news, there are so many threats, disasters and setbacks, we hardly know where to begin to pray. Yet our Father promises: "For from of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him."
Isaiah 64:4 Amplified

Lord, Thank you that You hear our prayers, even when we don't know what to say. Thy will be done. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.

Paid the Price

2012-01-07T14:52:00.017-05:00

I heard a story about a little boy who built a toy boat. With great pride he pushed the little sailboat out on the lake. Sadly, he watched as a strong gust caught it and carried it out of sight, and he had to trudge home empty handed.

Someone found the boat, slightly worse for wear, and sold it to a second-hand shop.

The little boy happened to walk by the shop window. He couldn't believe his eyes! There was the boat he had so lovingly crafted. He went in and asked for it, but the shop keeper said, "It's mine now. You'll have to pay full price for it."

The boy worked hard to earn the money and came back and purchased his prized possession.

"Now it is truly mine," he said with a smile. "I made it and I bought it."

This is like our Savior, Jesus Christ. He created us to be His very own, but when life blew us off course, and we thought our sins had carried us beyond His reach, He paid the price to ransom us to be forever His.

This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.
1 John 4:10 God's Word

Forever True

2012-01-06T14:39:00.007-05:00

Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word
that conceived the new life in you.

1 Peter 1:24-25 Message

Show Me Your Glory

2012-01-03T02:49:00.000-05:00

I am praying today for our soldiers who are stationed around the world. Thank you for your commitment. God bless you..

For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6:2

Fearlessly

2012-01-01T13:15:00.005-05:00

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, his disciples were ordered by the authorities not to speak or teach another word about the name of Jesus.

The disciples prayed:

"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

When they had prayed their meeting-place was shaken; they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God fearlessly.

Acts 4:29-31 J.B. Phillips NT

Father God,

As you open up more and more opportunities for us to testify of Your goodness and grace, may we speak the name of Jesus and the Word of God fearlessly.

HIS-appointments

2011-12-31T12:46:00.003-05:00

I just "happened" to pick up an inspirational book at the library to read while waiting for my car at the repair shop. It was Angel Behind the Rocking Chair by Pam Vredevelt. I had no idea when I chose it that she has a son with Down syndrome and that she has so beautifully expressed many experiences and emotions that I share about my Caleb.

Here is a quote from her book:
"Finding meaning in our difficulties is necessary for survival. It's far more important than skills, talents, intelligence, or change of circumstances. In God's kingdom, meaning can always be found in suffering. It is meaning that sustains us through deep disappointments and allows us to perceive HIS-appointments."

Please visit Charlotte and Spiritual Sundays for more inspiration.

Knowledge of the Holy One

2011-12-30T17:04:00.002-05:00

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul prayed: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Ephesians 1:17-19 NASB

Read the End of the Story!

2011-12-30T13:10:00.007-05:00

Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position,
Demagogues and delegates
meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
"Let's get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!"
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing.
At first he's amused at their presumption;
Then he gets good and angry.
Furiously, he shuts them up:
"Don't you know there's a King in Zion?
A coronation banquet
Is spread for him on the holy summit."

Let me tell you what God said next.
He said, "You're my son,
And today is your birthday.
What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."

So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe.
Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—
you won't regret it!

Psalm 2 Message

Imitators

2011-12-29T14:56:00.004-05:00

Therefore be imitators of God
copy Him and follow His example
as well-beloved children imitate their father.
Ephesians 5:1 Amplified

DECREE GOD'S PROMISES

2011-12-28T01:29:00.008-05:00

While helping the second graders with a crossword puzzle, I learned a new word: fiat. I'd always thought of FIAT as a make of a car, but it is a synonym for decree.

I love these verses from the book of Job. They make me think seriously about the words that come out of my mouth. In 2012, what will I decree in agreement with God's Word?

Acquaint now thyself with him [God], and be at peace: Thereby good shall come unto thee.
Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, And lay up his words in thy heart.
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up,
If thou put away unrighteousness far from thy tents. And lay thou thy treasure in the dust,
And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks;
And the Almighty will be thy treasure, And precious silver unto thee.
For then shalt thou delight thyself in the Almighty,
And shalt lift up thy face unto God.
Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he will hear thee; And thou shalt pay thy vows.
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee;
And light shall shine upon thy ways.
When they cast thee down, thou shalt say, There is lifting up;
And the humble person he will save.
He will deliver even him that is not innocent:
Yea, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of thy hands.
Job 22:21-30 ASV

In his book Intercessory Prayer, Dutch Sheets talks about verse 28: DECREE A THING. He says that the word "thing" could be better translated promise. This made me think of the time when Jesus told His disciples Ask the Father in MY NAME. When I pray, I can ask for whatever is in line with the Name of Jesus, which represents all that God is....His Word, His covenants, His commands. So I started asking the Lord to show me passages of His Word to pray over my loved ones. I write these out, and 'decree' them out loud. Just like when I plant a seed in the ground and do not see results immediately, I know that God is working in the lives of those for whom I pray because the good seed is the Word of God. He honors His Word, guards it, waters it, and shines His light on it.

God's Sunrise

2011-12-25T16:15:00.007-05:00

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
God's Sunrise will break in upon us,
shining on those in the darkness,
those sitting in the shadow of death,
then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
down the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79 Message

My son was home for Christmas and we watched again the "The Nativity Story". It is fascinating to think about how the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled by the birth and life of Jesus.

Looking Ahead to 2012

2011-12-25T15:10:00.012-05:00

As for me,

I will look to the Lord
and confident in Him,
I will keep watch;
I will wait with hope and expectancy
for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7 Amplified

Put on the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness!

JESUS MESSIAH - Light to the Nations

2011-12-17T12:30:00.009-05:00

I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations,
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
“I am the LORD, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them.
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
And I will not leave them undone."

Isaiah 42:6-8, 16

click title to hear WHEN LOVE WAS BORN by Mark Schultz

The Power of God's Love

2011-12-17T10:42:00.002-05:00

You think YOU have a hard job?

2011-12-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

In this difficult economy, many companies are cutting back. At one zoo, the gorilla died and they couldn't afford to buy a new one. They were about to lay off an employee, when he suggested that he would don a gorilla costume, climb into the cage and play the part.

Wanting to do a good job, he jumped and climbed and really got into swinging on vines, when he accidentally vaulted over the top of the cage and landed in the lion's den. He was about to scream for help, when the lion cautioned, "Quiet! Do you want to get us both fired?"

Born in Bethlehem

2011-12-11T16:16:00.005-05:00

AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.
Matthew 2:6

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.
Micah 5:2

It is astounding to read through the Old Testament and note the accurate words of prophecy that were revealed hundreds of years before the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. There are also many prophecies, as well as promises from His own mouth, that Jesus will return as our glorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

What a Friend!

2011-12-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful that I have a friend in Jesus. In His arms, He takes me and shields me. I find my solace there.

Forgive Quickly

2011-12-09T15:20:00.003-05:00

Today in the second grade classroom, there was a big mess to clean up and the custodian had to be called in with the carpet shampoo-er (the second time this week!) He didn't look thrilled. I asked him later if he could forgive us. He quipped, "Well, you're going to have to give me some time!"

Of course, he was teasing, but it made me think about the many times I have been forgiven.

Father, help me to have mercy, forgiveness, and grace toward others and also to repent as soon as You show me I am wrong.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 The Message

A Holy Day

2011-12-08T15:54:00.002-05:00

“This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9b-10

THIS DAY IS HOLY TO THE LORD MY GOD!

Something for me to ponder every morning!

New Every Morning

2011-12-03T15:11:00.005-05:00

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23

It is thought that the prophet Jeremiah wrote this soon after the fall of Jerusalem. Even in a time of judgment and shaking, he declared: The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease!

An Indestructible Life

2011-12-01T06:12:00.000-05:00

"We cannot be witnesses of the Almighty God without power. When we think of power we often think of miracles, but they are only one example of God's power, not the very essence of it. The essence of God's power is the life of God. This is why the author of the Book of Hebrews explains that the Lord's priesthood is based on

"the power of an indestructible life".
(See Hebrews 7:14-17.)

Therefore, our goal is not just knowledge or power, but life." -Rick Joyner

I am posting this in memory of my Mother, whose birthday is Dec. 2.

HAGAW

2011-11-29T03:14:00.000-05:00

Hagaw, a Hebrew word for meditate, literally means to speak the Word of God out loud: to not only contemplate what God is saying, but to confess it consistently so that it gets down into my spirit and builds faith.

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
Joshua 1:8 NASB

There is an interesting teaching on Sid Roth by Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, a Messianic Jew.

Show Me Your Glory - Names of God

2011-11-28T21:12:00.000-05:00

Come!

2011-11-28T01:41:00.002-05:00

Oh, come let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker.
Psalm 95:6

Abide With Me

2011-11-27T01:11:00.000-05:00

"My Spirit is abiding in your midst;
do not fear!"

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

Henry Lyte penned this verse to the hymn Abide With Me 200 years ago.

No Fear - 365 Days a Year

2011-11-26T08:48:00.003-05:00

I have heard that the Bible tells us 365 times: DO NOT BE AFRAID. Now I find that John Paul Jackson has written a book of the 365 names of GOD, and how to apply them to your life. God has every day of the year covered. Think about that!

How Awesome Is Your Name!

2011-11-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

GIFTS

2011-11-25T09:45:00.006-05:00

May Jesus Himself and God our Father, who reached out in love
and surprised you with Gifts
of unending help and confidence,
put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
2 Thessalonians 2:17 Message

Love to You All

2011-11-24T08:26:00.003-05:00

I am thankful to have been blogging for almost three years now. All of you are such an encouragement to me. I look forward to hearing from many of you, and there are others who do not comment, but I am honored that you visit me! God will bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you PEACE!

"My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!" Philippians 4:1,4,5 Message

Unplug

2011-11-21T03:49:00.000-05:00

A friend I work with, who loves the Lord, told me that she was in a hurry to get to work on time. It seemed everything had gone wrong that morning. As she was getting in her car, she had that gnawing feeling that, in her haste, she had not turned off the appliances. She ran back in and found that she had left the iron, the coffee pot, and her curling iron on.

She was so upset with herself, when suddenly, the Holy Spirit spoke to her: "Unplug your circumstances and take time to focus on ME!"

I could relate to her experience. Especially with a toddler grandchild who visits me, I try to not only unplug the curling iron, blow dryer, etc., but also to put them on a high shelf in the bathroom closet.

If I would do the same thing with my nagging worries, then I could focus on the Holy Spirit's words of comfort and instruction.

Even Jesus, God's Son, took time to hear His Father's voice early in the morning.
"In the morning, long before sunrise, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone to pray."
Mark 1:35

Are We There Yet, Daddy?

2011-11-20T10:00:00.008-05:00

No, child, you're not home yet.

When the blood of animals was presented as a sin-offering by the High Priest in the sanctuary, their bodies were burned outside the precincts of the camp. That is why JESUS, when he sanctified men by the shedding of his own blood, suffered and died outside the city gates. Let us go out to him, then, beyond the boundaries of the camp, proudly bearing his “disgrace”. For we have no permanent city here on earth, we are looking for one in the world to come.

Our constant sacrifice to God should be the praise of lips that give thanks to his name. Yet we should not forget to do good and to share our good things with others, for these too are the sort of sacrifices God will accept. Hebrews 13:11-16 Phillips New Testament

BLESSINGS
by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Don't Let the Devil Poke Out Your "I"

2011-11-17T13:53:00.004-05:00

“You are the only you God made... God made you and broke the mold.” Max Lucado

We had an uncle who drove the ambulance in town and he was very safety-conscious. As a child, I still remember him catching my cousin and me running through the house with scissors in our hands . "You'll poke your eye out!" he warned in his booming voice.

I was thinking about eye - or "I" - standing for "Identity". Satan would like nothing better than to see us poke out our "I", our God-given identity and purpose as a child of the King.

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, God had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 Message

Lord, help me, as I go through difficulties or temptations, to remember that YOU are for me, never against me. Help me to remember that my identity is: I am Yours and You are mine.

Freedom

2011-11-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

“Freedom is not defined by safety. Freedom is defined by the ability of citizens to live without government interference. Government cannot create a world without risks, nor would we really wish to live in such a fictional place. Only a totalitarian society would even claim absolute safety as a worthy ideal, because it would require total state control over its citizens’ lives. Liberty has meaning only if we still believe in it when terrible things happen and a false government security blanket beckons.” Ron Paul

REVIVE US AGAIN

2011-11-15T04:38:00.001-05:00

Will You not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
Show us Your mercy, LORD,
And grant us Your salvation.
I will hear what God the LORD will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Psalm 85:6-11

Get Going

2011-11-13T16:13:00.007-05:00

When I was a child, it was a thrill to get to ride in the back of Papa's truck out to the edge of town to his farm. Along the way, we passed fields of corn with scarecrows waving their arms in the breeze.

Papa raised big strong mules and they seemed huge to me. He used them to pull a plow. Papa said the trick was just to get a mule moving! He would worry about going in the right direction after that.

Sometimes the Lord must feel that way about me. I worry and wonder if I am "in God's will", when maybe the first priority is just to get up and get going.

Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Psalm 25:4

Dare to be a Daniel

2011-11-12T08:57:00.009-05:00

Daniel was a man who prayed and never turned his back on God, even when he was taken to a God-less place.

He prayed for Jerusalem, a city under judgment:

"O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive!
O Lord, listen and take action!
For Your own sake, O my God,
do not delay,
because Your city and Your people
are called by Your name.”
Daniel 9:19 NASB

As we read the news from Israel and the surrounding nations, we must echo Daniel's prayer.

It is amazing that the angel then told Daniel about the final days of history, and that God would never go back on His promises to His people.

OUR GOD

2011-11-11T23:21:00.000-05:00

Yet Will I Praise Thee

2011-11-07T11:37:00.003-05:00

Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-

Tucked Inside His Heart

2011-11-06T01:07:00.003-04:00

Set your mind on things above

Where our Savior reigns in love.
Don't shuffle along with head bowed low
Worried 'bout things that come and go.
Your life is safely tucked inside
The heart of Christ,
where you abide.
When He is revealed,
our coming King,
We'll be like Him!
To this we cling.
-Karen

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:2-4

All Your Cares

2011-11-06T00:26:00.000-04:00

I have often thought about this verse as a warning not to get involved in evil....things like stealing and murder.

"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Then I realized that the previous sentence reads: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 6-7

God's list of evil includes being proud and self-righteous, but also being cowardly. He doesn't want me to be weighed down with shame and fear, for it is God Himself who promises to take care of me.

Blessing Our Leaders

2011-10-31T00:11:00.004-04:00

Prayer of blessing over our nations' leaders:

The Lord Jesus Himself will appear to our leaders. It is God Who sets them in power and removes them from power. Only He can heal every wound and meet every need. Wherever the sins of the fathers have left crimson stains, if there is repentance, Jesus will wash them white as snow.

Jesus Savior, put new hearts and a new Spirit into our leaders. Take away the hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh that are sensitive, tender and responsive the the Word of God. Our leaders will recognize the voice of the Shepherd - the King of Love - and the voice of the stranger and the enemy, they will not follow.

I pray and decree that our leaders will follow in the footsteps of King Josiah. When they hear the Word of God, it will grip their hearts. They will obey it and will declare it to the nations. (2 Kings 23:2)

People Will Know Their God

2011-10-30T12:05:00.001-04:00

Clear a way for the Lord.
Make a straight highway in the wilderness for our God.
Every valley will be raised.
Every mountain and hill will be lowered.
Steep places will be made level.
Rough places will be made smooth.
Then the Lord’s glory will be revealed
and all people will see it together.
The Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 40:3-5 God's Word

We find ourselves mourning the loss of "stuff" we used to be able to do, but perhaps God is taking away the distractions that have kept us from "seeing Him more clearly, following Him more nearly, and loving Him more dearly".

Terry Bennett brought a word at International House of Prayer in August, 2010. He said that God showed him that many trials are yet to come, but he also said: When infrastructures - and even nations - FALL, God's church must BOW. When the machinery breaks down and STOPS, the church must GO. When CONFUSION reigns, the people of God must KNOW.

"The people will know their God and do great exploits." (Daniel 11:32)

Quiet Trust

2011-10-29T11:24:00.003-04:00

In repentance and rest is your salvation;
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Isaiah 30:15

In spite of all of the miracles and wonders God performed to bring the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, many did not trust God to deliver them and keep His Word.

It seems that God is allowing us to go through tough times, preparing us to trust HIM instead of government and debt.

When we read the prophecies in the Bible, we realize more and more that God has always kept His Word and Jesus is already Victorious.

THE GOD OF PEACE

2011-10-23T08:21:00.000-04:00

The following paragraphs are quoted from Pastor Francis Frangipane

The God Of Peace Will Soon Crush Satan

To wage effective spiritual warfare, we must understand and use spiritual authority. Spiritual authority, however, is not forcing your will upon another person. When you have spiritual authority, you have established God's peace in an area that once was full of conflict and oppression. Therefore, to truly be able to move in authority, we must first have peace.

The apostle Paul taught, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Rom. 16:20).

We will never know Christ's victory in its fullness until we stop reacting humanly to our circumstances. When you truly have authority over something you can look at that thing without worry, fear or intimidation. Your peace is the proof of your victory.

Satan's arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have peace, you have victory. When Satan hurls his darts against you, the more peace you have during adversity, the more truly you are walking in Christ's victory.

Paul tells us to be "in no way alarmed by your opponents---which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you" (Phil. 1:28).

Pilot Light

2011-10-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

I heard a good analogy about the fullness of the Holy Spirit using a furnace pilot light. It reminded me that Grandma and Grandpa would turn off the pilot light of their gas heater in the summer. So every Fall as soon as there was a chill in the air, they would call Daddy to come and light the pilot. At first I could only see a tiny blue flicker, but when they would turn up the heat, I would hear a whoosh and the heat would come up through the floor grate until it was red hot. Before long, the den and kitchen would be toasty warm. When we came in from raking leaves or picking up pecans, we would stand over that floor furnace and hold our hands out to warm them.

I know that I was forgiven of my sins and saved when I was a child. All of us who have been forgiven and put our trust in Christ have a flame burning within us, but I want to be available for the Holy Spirit to fan the flame. I want to have the whoosh of being on fire for God in my life, enough so that others will want to draw near and feel the warmth of God's love.

A Fresh Start

2011-10-17T01:12:00.003-04:00

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7 NLT

Desired Haven

2011-10-09T15:34:00.000-04:00

Does it seem like there are a lot of stories in the Bible about storms at sea? Remember these were professional fishermen who had weathered tough storms. Yet there was a time when they said, "Forget the cargo," and tossed it all overboard to lighten the ship. There went their income.

As the storm grew more fierce, they tossed anything that would have helped them navigate their own course: the sails, oars, outboard motor or whatever they had back then! So much for being in control!

Then, when the ship broke apart, they were happy just to hang onto a board to keep their heads above water in hopes that the waves would wash them up on the beach.

They cried out to God for all they were worth. At last they found themselves on the shore, and they looked around in wonder to see that God brought them into a sheltered cove, a place of safety, a haven from the storm. (Acts 27)

I read about the house churches in China. There are more Christians in China than in any other nation, in spite of terrible persecution. Whenever a church is started, it is FULL from the very first meeting because they are looking to Jesus to supply every need. He is their life.

He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:29-30

Father God, What is it that we are truly looking for? Our desired haven is to be in the center of Your will. That is the only place of safety.

I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.
The Haven of Rest
by Henry Gilmour

PEACE...The world didn't give it to us and the world can't take it away!

2011-10-09T08:51:00.002-04:00

When we look back through the Bible, we can see how all God's prophecies were fulfilled right on time, and how everything fits into His perfect plan.

We can rest in the fact that God has spent our whole lifetime preparing us for the days in which we are living. Jesus tells us we need not panic in the midst of worldwide turmoil. The most important thing we can do is to learn to hear from God and obey Him.

People will have needs in the coming months and years that He will enable us as Christians to meet. When people start asking us how they can know the Savior, we need to be prepared to answer them. People will be watching us to see how we handle crisis and loss. Not only will we make it through, but God will enlarge our sphere of influence.

I'm sure you can remember some older saint that you knew who had deep abiding joy, hope, and peace in the middle of adversity. I pray that those of us who trust in Christ will have that PEACE that the world cannot give and the world cannot take away.

In His Strength

2011-10-08T09:38:00.003-04:00

I have often wondered if I would stand up under persecution for my faith. I read about a man who was in prison in China for his faith in Jesus Christ. He said that in spite of the suffering, the LORD Himself was there every moment. He talked about how in the Old Testament, the glory of the Lord departed from the temple, but because of Jesus' suffering and death and resurrection, we have Holy Spirit who makes us His temple.

We are so blessed that the glory of the Lord will never depart from us who trust in Him. He will be with us at all times. If I stand up under pressure, it will not be in my own strength, but in the power of His Spirit.

Consider the Lilies

2011-10-07T09:49:00.005-04:00

Consider The Lilies

written by Joel Hemphill

Getting Ahead of God

2011-10-03T04:06:00.000-04:00

I heard a pastor say that some of the church leaders were urging him to make a decision...one way or the other...just make a move! "You're in charge!"they told him. He explained that he had not heard from God yet, and had no peace about any of the options so far.

He reminded them that the people of Israel grew tired of waiting for their leader, Moses, and built themselves an idol - a golden calf. That didn't turn out well for them.

Sometimes, we are tempted to think: I have not heard from God and I see no solution to my problem. I'd better take things into my own hands and do whatever I have to do to make it.

Could it be that God allows us to stew in our own juices for a while to remind us that HE is our place of refuge. Only in waiting on Him, can we find rest and peace of mind. Maybe this is our wake-up call to spend time in His presence, worshiping Him for Who He Is, and not just what He may do to ease our situation.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills [His purpose] for me.
Psalm 57:2 HCSB

The LORD will fulfill [His purpose] for me. LORD, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.
Psalm 138:8 HCSB

BOASTING ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF GOD

2011-10-01T11:14:00.005-04:00

Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
or the powerful boast in their power,
or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast
should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me
and understand that I am the Lord
who demonstrates unfailing love
and who brings justice
and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

Psalm 113:3

2011-09-27T04:34:00.000-04:00

Daniel's Prayer

2011-09-26T04:10:00.000-04:00

Praise be to the name of God
for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
Daniel 2:20-22

Our Great God

2011-09-25T18:17:00.000-04:00

He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant to be forever;
Holy is His name,
inspiring awe, reverence, and godly fear.
Psalm 111:9 Amplified

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

2011-09-24T11:24:00.003-04:00

The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of HIS heart from generation to generation.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Psalm 33:10-12 NAS

Present Grace and Future Glory

2011-09-23T14:28:00.003-04:00

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts in You [leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear or misgiving]!
Psalm 84:9-12 Amplified

Unchangeable, Unshakable, Unstoppable

2011-09-19T01:00:00.002-04:00

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28 NAS

Same Old Lies

2011-09-17T16:03:00.004-04:00

It seems that the devil has used the same lies on everybody from the garden of Eden until now. He wants us to believe that our prayers don't make any difference...or at least that the need is not that urgent.

I got to thinking about the many stories I've read about revivals in Mozambique, China, Viet Nam, Canada, Wales, and here in the United States. They all began with prayer. I doubt that we will ever know the names of those who prayed until we get to heaven.

The sparks of revival came from humble prayers in orphanages, garbage dumps, nursing homes, public schools, and refugee camps.

We must never forget that Jesus Himself promised: He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

Father God, I pray for our loved ones and neighbors who do not yet know You. Grant them enlightenment and revelation by Your Holy Spirit. Surround them with Christians who are overflowing with Your love. Tear down the deceptions that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Break the strongholds of pride and rebellion so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

A Poem for Mother

2011-09-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

A young man learned that his mother had become seriously ill, but he was not able to travel the great distance to see her. Wanting so much to comfort her, he penned an inspirational poem called Pray Without Ceasing, and tucked a copy in an envelope with his letter.

Later on, he became ill himself. A friend, sitting by his bedside, caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the scribbled lines of a poem lying on the table, and asked if he could read it.

"Did you write this, Joseph?" the friend questioned.
"The Lord and I did it between us," was the humble answer.

In 1869, the poem for his mother was finally published, along with others, in a simple book entitled, Hymns and Other Verse, by Joseph Scriven. However, the lines to that particular poem have been memorized by millions, and have comforted many who were sick, troubled, or bereaved.

We know it today as, "What a Friend We Have In Jesus".

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-10T09:59:00.009-04:00

I heard about a man who drove the subway train that ran near the twin towers. He was only supposed to leave the doors open for a few seconds, but he felt the earth tremble and smelled smoke and saw people rushing back onto the platform. He left the doors open as long as he could to give everyone a chance to get on the train. Then he hurried as fast as possible straight to the end of the line. There he learned that the first tower had collapsed. Who could count how many lives were spared because of his wisdom and patience?

In this story, I can see the heart of Christ, as He waits patiently for us to run into His waiting arms in these treacherous times.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

Father God, I pray for our leaders, our nations, and our world. As we go through times of adversity and testing, may we draw close to You and may Your Word come alive in our hearts.

Do It Again!

2011-09-06T06:19:00.000-04:00

One crisp autumn day, I had the pleasure of going for a walk with two of my granddaughters. The breeze was chasing the leaves down the street and our feet made a crunching sound as we trudged through some freshly raked piles.

Suddenly a whirlwind formed and moved down the street right before our eyes, catching the leaves up with it, swirling them around.

After the whirlwind had passed, my two-year-old granddaughter looked up to the sky and begged, "Do it again!"

Do you like to think that God delights in making sure you step outside just in time to see a fiery red sunset, a double rainbow, or a tiny hummingbird?

What does God think of you?

As for the saints who are on the earth,

“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

Psalm 16:3

YOU HOLD ON TO ME

2011-09-03T09:22:00.005-04:00

If I climb upward on the rays of the morning sun
or land on the most distant shore of the sea
where the sun sets,
even there your hand would guide me
and your right hand would hold on to me.

Psalm 139:9-10 God's Word

How Great Is Your Goodness

2011-08-27T17:08:00.004-04:00

How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up
for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought
for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!
You hide them in the secret place
of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;
You keep them secretly in a shelter
from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the LORD,
For He has made marvelous
His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city.
As for me, I said in my alarm,
“I am cut off from before Your eyes”;
Nevertheless
You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried to You.
Psalm 31:19-22 NASB

Praying for those in the path of Hurricane Irene.

Forgiveness

2011-08-25T08:59:00.007-04:00

I think all of us struggle with unforgiveness at times. Here are some things that have helped me over the years.

Forgiving could be illustrated this way: I write a check for more than I have in my account. The bank notifies me that I must not only deposit enough to cover the check, but also to pay the overdraft fee. Ouch! But there is still a problem: After all that - my account is now only at zero.
In order to get back "in the black", I have to make more deposits.

Forgiving is only the first step of having God's heart toward the one who offended me. It might be that I need to make amends for my part of the misunderstanding, or for my attitude or words, even though I may have been "right". After forgiving, humbling myself to ask forgiveness, and letting go of the offense, I am now only at ZERO!

The next step is to ask God to help me HONOR the person who hurt me. This could take many forms: like NOT telling others about the offense if it will serve no good purpose, praying blessings over the person, or speaking of their good traits when appropriate. Staying bitter only robs me, but blessing them also makes "deposits" in my own account!

My husband and I had a "rocky" marriage and divorced after 23 years. Even though I had peace about the divorce, and understand that there are situations when a Christian must separate herself from harmful situations, I still had to come to a place of forgiving him and forgiving myself, but I kept telling the same old hurtful memories to anyone who would listen. I also criticized him to my children, which only hurt them.

Carol Arnott wrote a very insightful book about her journey of forgiving her abusive mother.
Carol asked God years later, why the process was so long, and why the unforgiveness cropped up again and again, and had to be dealt with on a deeper level. "Why couldn't You have just 'fixed it' in one miraculous instant?" she questioned.

She realizes now that God let her go through this process so that she would not be prideful, but would realize how desperately we need to "draw from" the heart of grace and forgiveness of our Savior, to be able to walk out our faith from day to day.

Don't Let the Devil Steal Your Joy

2011-08-24T11:26:00.005-04:00

As a kid, I can remember the big bully who sat behind me in elementary school, pulling my hair, kicking my chair, and calling me "skinny"! My parents told me the best way to shut him up was to ignore him and let him know he cannot ruin my day! (By the way, the bully grew up to be superintendent of schools!)

I thought about "the bully" when I was listening to Georgian Banov. He said:
The devil hates to be mocked or laughed at. He wants us to be disturbed, afraid, upset and discouraged. The way we hurt his agenda the most is by being filled to overflowing with JOY! Holy laughter, and being "inebriated" with joy is my most effective strategy for the "condition I'm in"! I also read that the "poverty spirit" is not how much money I have in my pocket, but a fear of lack or of losing what I proudly assume I "should" have.

Father, forgive them.

2011-08-22T21:36:00.000-04:00

I love the story of Stephen, who was stoned for his faith in Jesus Christ. I like to use my imagination a little bit and think about the mob who wanted him dead. It is said that Saul of Tarsus stood by, holding the coats of those who were throwing stones. Is it possible that for a moment, Saul's eyes of hatred, met Stephen's eyes of mercy and forgiveness?

Perhaps a little self-doubt entered Saul's hard heart that day. And what did he think when he heard Stephen say, "I see Jesus standing at the Father's right hand!" What if Stephen was right and Saul was wrong about this "Messiah"?

Then over the noise of angry voices, Saul thought he heard Stephen cry out , "Father, forgive them. Lay not this sin to their charge."

Saul was depending on his education, his traditions, his religion, his citizenship, and his "good deeds".

Stephen was depending on Christ alone and he had such a peaceful look on his face as he died.

Maybe we don't realize the impact we have on a person when we forgive. Saul didn't deserve Stephen's forgiveness. I'm just wondering, what if Stephen had not forgiven? Would Saul have become Paul?

When I choose to forgive, I influence not only the person with whom I'm offended, but everyone they touch. Think of the possibilities!

Acts 7:58-60

Make God's Praise Glorious!

2011-08-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious!
Psalm 66:2 NKJ

That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving power among all nations.
Psalm 67:2

WONDERFUL PEACE

2011-08-22T04:31:00.000-04:00

Once our family was traveling when the kids were small, and we found ourselves on a long stretch of highway that had no restaurants. We finally spotted a gas station and stopped to fill up. The kids were so hungry that we went ahead and bought hot dogs for everyone. We should have gotten a clue that they weren't fresh, when the owner offered "two for one"! You guessed it! We all got sick on the way home, turning what should have been a pleasant afternoon trip through the Smoky Moutains into a nightmare!

Last night, I couldn't sleep, and I realized that I had let myself get stressed out about the TV news, family decisions, inflation, etc. I began to remember Bible verses and sing songs about God's peace.

I realized that our Heavenly Father does not serve His children anything that is spoiled. He has given us only His best. Why should I make myself sick with what the devil serves up, when God has given me Jesus. He is my Peace.

Jesus' promises have no expiration date:

In this world you will have trouble,
but take heart.
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Peace I leave you
My peace I give to you
Not as the world gives
Give I unto you
Let your heart be
Not at all troubled
Neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

WONDERFUL PEACE
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll.
Peace, Peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray
In fathomless billows of love.
W.D. Cooper

Lighthouse in the Storm

2011-08-21T17:57:00.002-04:00

I see your tears.

I listen to your prayers.
Whatever situation you are in,
Whisper My Name.
When your strength is gone,
I will lift you up in my strong arms.
I am your high tower,
Your lighthouse in the storm.

by Karen Rice

Mature Grain

2011-08-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

This quote by Francis Frangipane is certainly an inspiring word for today. (You can read the entire article at frangipane.org

"Just as the farmer will not harvest without the grain becoming mature, so God is seeking a crop of Christ-followers that have reached spiritual maturity. God is after full stature not just full numbers. Take note: Jesus said, "when the crop permits," God puts in the sickle. The return of Christ isn’t about a certain “day or hour,” for it is the spiritual stature of the harvest that triggers the great unfolding of end-time events. You see, God is not looking at His watch; He's looking at His crop."

"The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts up and grows, how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:26-29).

Sing for Joy

2011-08-18T11:17:00.004-04:00

At the nursing home outreach this week, a nurse brought in a man that had not joined us before. All the other residents come to the parlor on their own, but this man's nurse brought him and stayed right by his side the whole time.

I asked if anyone had a favorite song they would like to sing, and in a quivering voice, he began: "Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art". Both his nurse and the other residents were overcome with tears of joy, and started to sing with him.

The nurse explained that he had not said anything since he had been there but "Go home". The man seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.

I thought of his beautiful smile this morning as I read:
Oh come let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 95:1-2 NKJ

Life Everlasting

2011-08-17T08:44:00.006-04:00

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting.

Psalm 133:3 NLT

Our Forever Home

2011-08-15T11:30:00.008-04:00

God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God. Psalm 90:1-2 Message

There is a Fountain

2011-08-15T06:28:00.000-04:00

This is McKinney Fountain in Bloomington, Indiana, in front of the Simon Music Center on the campus of Indiana University. As I sat on a park bench nearby listening to the sound of the water. I thought of this song by Dennis Jernigan:

There is a fountain

Who is a king

Victorious Warrior and Lord of Everything

My Rock, My Shelter

My very own

Precious Redeemer who reigns upon the throne

When Jesus came to earth the first time, He didn't come as an earthly king, because he knew God needed a gentle, humble, perfect lamb. But when He comes again, He will come in splendor and majesty as victorious King, not with the faint cry of a newborn, but with a voice like the "sound of many waters".

His head and His hair were white like white wool, [as white] as snow, and His eyes [flashed] like a flame of fire. His feet glowed like burnished (bright) bronze as it is refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters.
Revelation 1:14-15 Amplified

Soon every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

For there is no other God but me,
a righteous God and Savior.
There is none but me.
Let all the world look to me for salvation!
For I am God; there is no other.
I have sworn by my own name;
I have spoken the truth,
and I will never go back on my word:
Every knee will bend to me,
and every tongue will confess allegiance to me.
Isaiah 45: 21b-24 NLT

fruit

2011-08-14T07:52:00.000-04:00

I have been reading a little booklet by Pastor Rick Joyner entitled "Overcoming the Spirit of Poverty". It is about receiving what God has in store for us so that we can bear fruit and be a blessing to others.

I have battled anxiety for much of my life, and I now see it is the enemy's strategy to keep me from getting revelation from God's Word.

Our Father says, "When you are anxious, you can't hear Me!"

Here are some quotes from Rick Joyner:

"Whenever the light of understanding shines on something, his [satan's} authority over it is broken. Because satan can only rule where there is darkness, or ignorance of the truth of God, truth breaks his power. This is why the Lord said, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32)."

"Our goal for being free from the spirit of poverty is not just so we can have things that we need or want, but so we can do the will of God without hindrance from either physical or spiritual depravity. When the world witnesses our freedom, it will start asking for the answers that we have."

"Our Lord will never lack the resources to do what He wants us to do; neither will we ever lack the resources to do what He wants us to do."

When missionaries Rolland and Heidi Baker obeyed God and left America for Mozambique, they had $30 in their pockets, and no "mailing list" of supporters. Fourteen years and thousands of new churches in Mozambique later, we can safely say that their lives have borne much fruit, and God has provided.

Rick says Christian Economics 101 is OBEY GOD.

God's prescription for fruitfulness is Isaiah 58.

Isaiah 58:6-9 (New King James Version)
“ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

A Generation of Anna's and Simeon's

2011-08-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Widowed at a young age, Anna had spent her adult life in the House of Prayer, praying for Messiah to come. She got to see the answer to a lifetime of prayer with her own eyes as Jesus was dedicated in the Temple.

The story is recorded in Luke 2:30-37 In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God:

God, you can now release your servant;
release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I've seen your salvation;
it's now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
and of glory for your people Israel.

Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother,

This child marks both the failure and
the recovery of many in Israel,
A figure misunderstood and contradicted—
the pain of a sword-thrust through you—
But the rejection will force honesty,
as God reveals who they really are.

Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.

Today, many sense that Jesus Messiah could come again in our lifetime. Jesus is not afraid of a fight He has honored us by asking us to "ride with Him" into victory.

So what's next? A great harvest of souls for the kingdom of Christ, "labor pains" becoming more intense, sudden changes on the world scene, being called to a place that is out of our comfort zone, having to lay down all grudges and offenses, and travel light. God asks us to simply report for duty.

But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed.
Romans 13:11-12 Message

Father God,
As the systems of man fail us, help us to lean totally on You.

Preaching to Myself

2011-08-10T11:40:00.012-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me that when I write something on the blog, I get tested on it shortly thereafter! I quoted Andrew Murray last week, who said: "The apostles well knew that it was not the eloquence of their preaching that caused the truth to triumph, but the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit through miracles."
Last night, at the nursing home outreach, I sat down at the piano to play some hymns. One of the patients announced in a loud voice, "Well, I came for this here church service, but if she ain't no good, I'm going back to my room!" After the first verse of "How Great Thou Art", I noticed that she was gone. Hmmm! I guess God doesn't depend on my musical skills either.
Most of the group really enjoy singing their old favorites, and listening to a brief Bible study or testimony, but their eyes really light up when we pray for each other. And it's not the eloquence of the prayers either, it's the fact that they care about each other and gather in Jesus' name. As He promised, He's right there in our midst.
We hear of many miracles these days, like the boy on a church youth group outing, who survived being underwater for over 20 minutes after being carried out into the Pacific by an undertow. But there are also miracles that never make the news...like God giving peace in a situation that doesn't seem to be getting better...like the Holy Spirit's presence being so real that we are able to trust Him with "impossibilities".
Father, I am glad that you promised to dwell in the praises of Your people. Help me choose to praise you at all times.
Don Moen sings a beautiful song: Jesus, We Enthrone You

Love

2011-08-09T03:41:00.000-04:00

"Mama's love had always been the kind that acted itself out with soup pot and sewing basket. But now that these things were taken away, the love seemed as whole as before. She sat in her chair at the window and loved us. She loved the people she saw in the street-- and beyond: her love took in the city, the land of Holland, the world. And so I learned that love is larger than the walls which shut it in."

Corrie ten Boom lovingly described her Mother, who had suffered a stroke. Corrie had no idea, at that time, that war and concentration camp, and the death of several family members, lay just ahead. After many years of sharing her testimony of faith in Jesus Christ around the world, Corrie would also suffer a stroke. But years after her death, her love lives on through her writings.

When I was a young college student, I was fretting about not being as smart or pretty as others. A friend asked me, "If you had a perfect mind, face and body, would that make you a more loving person?"

We are successful only because God first loves us, and then fills our hearts with love for Him and others.

Caught Up

2011-08-06T09:57:00.002-04:00

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 NIV

I was reading about former missionary to Ecuador, Elisabeth Elliott, whose husband Jim was a martyr for his faith in Jesus Christ. When asked about her thoughts on "life after death", she replied, I believe in "life after life."

Father God,
Thank You that You are from everlasting to everlasting and You offer to us eternal life through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ!