Our God Reigns

II Corinthians 13:14

2007-08-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Well girlies, I think the time has come to post an ending blog. Traffic seems to have slowed down a lot and I think some people are quite busy these days. How did Sunny say it, when she ended hosting it?– I think she quoted Ecclesiastes. Where it says there is a season, a time, and a purpose for everything. This is a difficult blog to post, but I’ve been thinking and praying about it on and off for many months, there are some other things that I need to be more focused on...and I think that the season for hosting this blog has come to an end. Actually I know with certainty the time has come, especially after the message in church tonight.

I have enjoyed sharing our love of music, the teachings we have heard, songs people have posted, devotionals, scriptures, and the things that make up our everyday lives. I appreciate you and I embrace the things that make each one of us unique.

I care for you girls, you are treasures; making your way in this life in Christ. I have loved it when we have shared times of growth, times of fun, the times of life, and prayed for one another. I count my life richer for having blogged with each of you.

To every one of you who has frequented this blog:
I wish you grace...peace... and love

II Cor 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Blessings~
Kim

Psalm 33

2007-08-14T22:05:00.000-05:00

1 Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising. 2 Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano! 3 Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare. 4 For God's Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out. 5 He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction. 6 The skies were made by God's command; he breathed the word and the stars popped out. 7 He scooped Sea into his jug, put Ocean in his keg. 8 Earth-creatures, bow before God; world-dwellers - down on your knees! 9 Here's why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so. 10 God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world's power-schemes. 11 God's plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.

12 Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he's put in his will. 13 From high in the skies God looks around, he sees all Adam's brood. 14 From where he sits he overlooks all us earth-dwellers. 15 He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do. 16 No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength. 17 Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone. 18 Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. 19 He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together. 20 We're depending on God; he's everything we need. 21 What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his holy name. 22 Love us, God, with all you've got - that's what we're depending on. (the Message)

Grace Sufficient for the Hour

2007-08-10T12:20:00.001-05:00

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all the world. Psalm 145:8-9

Grace is God's unmerited favor, His underserved mercy, His boundless compassion. This wondrous gift comes to you because God gives freely, and you are fortunate enough to be his child. And because you are his, he loves you unconditionally. Grace is your birthright as a child of God. You fully avail yourself of this bounty by placing your complete trust in Him. You have access to His grace by having confidence in His promises. When you act on this confidence in God, you will find that nothing is too great a challenge, that no obstacle is too large to overcome. Nothing is impossible!

Though you may approach a tough situation with trepidation knowing the limitations of your own meager abilities, you can ask for His help and be certain that He will give it. God can do anything!

(from Inspiring Words from the Psalms for Women-author not stated)
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blessings!

Identity Crisis

2007-08-06T18:34:00.000-05:00

(by Charles Stanley)
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
How often do we evaluate ourselves based on our feelings, rather than what God says? The problem is, our feelings change. From moment to moment, we never know what circumstances will test our faith.

Maybe today is “one of those days.” The car didn’t start, the boss has been breathing down your neck, the mortgage payment’s due, and money is short. During times like these, it can be difficult to maintain good judgment. But remember, Satan will do whatever He can to distract your attention from the Lord. The Enemy knows He can drag you down by directing your focus toward circumstances.

What do the Scriptures say about us? Today’s passage calls believers “a chosen race,” “a royal priesthood,” and “God’s own possession.” And our purpose is to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

How encouraging it is to know we’ve been called into God’s “marvelous light.” But without help, we’re unable to escape the “darkness” of our circumstances. As believers, we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit. He enables us to overcome disheartening situations and Satan’s deceptive tactics.

Circumstances may seem unbearable. But remember the promise of 1 Corinthians 6:20. (For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's)
The Lord purchased you with a price. Wake up each morning with the knowledge that you’re valuable to your Father. Trust in His Word, not your feelings. And allow the Holy Spirit to change your view of yourself.
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blessings ~

Masterpiece

2007-07-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

(By S. Jaynes)
You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32)
I grew up on the East Coast and was excited when my family decided to visit San Francisco for our vacation. My heart’s desire and prayer for each day was that we would see God’s handiwork, hear His voice and be reminded of His greatness as we ventured out like three eager explorers to discover new aspects of His creation.

We traveled south along the shoreline and were amazed at the 200 foot regal cliffs that rose from the earth, pushing heavenward with waves splashing at their feet. Then we traveled north and drank in the beauty of acres and acres of vineyards on grassy rolling hills in the Napa Valley wine country. We hiked through the majestic the Redwood Forest and stood under 1,000 year old, 260 foot giants, dwarfed by their towering branches.

But the most amazing sight was in a place called Alcatraz. There in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, just a mile and a quarter from the sights and sounds of the beautiful city, sits a rock island, known by some as the “Devils Island of America.” From 1934-1963, Alcatraz was a prison where the country’s most corrupt, incorrigible criminals were housed. Al Capone and machine Gun Kelly were just two of the more colorful residents.

There is no road to the prison, so we took a ferry across the bay. As we taxied up to “The Rock” and stared at the shell of concrete walls, barbed wire, and iron bars, an eerie feeling crept over my body. Each of us picked up head phones and a cassette recorder and toured the prison while listening to the taped voices of various prisoners recount their days behind bars. I walked in a cell called “the hole,” closed my eyes and tried to imagine what it would be like in solitary confinement with no light, no sound, and no other voice but my own. My heart was heavy as I thought about the souls that passed those halls, souls full of darkness, depression and despair.

But as I rounded the final corner of the tour, I saw an amazing sight - a white haired eighty year old grandfather, with crystal blue laughing eyes and a radiant smile that spread across his wrinkled face. A line formed as tourists stood waiting for him to sign his name and number on his autobiography, Alcatraz: From the Inside. This precious man before me was Jim Quillen, ex-prisoner #AZ586. He had spent ten years of his life, from 1942-1952, behind bars in this prison built to house the most dangerous criminals of his day. I looked in his eyes as we spoke. This was not the face of a dangerous man. What had happened to change his life?

I didn’t have to flip many pages in his book to find the answer. In it he wrote, “It was only through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and His intercession, that my life of hopeless incarceration was averted. His help and forgiveness permitted me to obtain freedom, family, and a useful and productive place in society.” I went back over to Mr. Quillen and sat by his side for a minute or so. We chatted for a moment and he autographed my copy of his book. Then God spoke to my heart, “You prayed that you would see My handiwork and be reminded of My greatness. This man is some of my best work.”

On my trip to San Francisco, I was reminded of God’s unchanging strength in the majestic rock cliffs of the shoreline and of His nurturing care as the Vinedresser in the hills of the wine country. I saw a picture of God’s protective canopy over His children in the towering Redwoods of the forests. But when I looked into Jim Quillen’s eyes, I saw God’s most incredible masterpiece: a changed life. (by S. Jaynes)
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Phillipians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
blessings :)

Finding Fortitude

2007-07-19T18:31:00.000-05:00

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
—Romans 5:3–4

When you want to get in shape, it is actually through the process of tearing your muscles down that you build them up. The first day of your workout is not so hard. But the next day, you’re in pain. Everything hurts. The next time, you feel weak, but you work out anyway. A couple of days later, you are still weak and sore, but you’re a little stronger. You increase the weights a little bit. Then you do a little more. Pretty soon, you notice that you are getting stronger. It is through the breaking-down process that the building up comes.

In the same way, we need to build up our spiritual muscles. God allows us to go through difficulties. He increases the weights on us. Pretty soon, we are benching a whole lot more than we ever thought possible. We are learning more than we ever thought we would learn. We are doing more than we ever thought we would do. Iron is entering our souls, and we are developing that heroic endurance, perseverance, and strength that only comes through difficulty.

The Bible tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4). In the original language, the word used here for “patience” means, “perseverance,” “endurance,” “steadfastness,” or simply “staying power.”

If you are going through a time of testing and trial, realize that God has a purpose in it. Who knows that He is not preparing you and training you today for what He will do in your life tomorrow?
by Greg Laurie
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blessings :)

You Are a Child of the Most High God

2007-07-15T14:40:00.000-05:00

An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value. Your sense of value cannot be based on your successes or failures, how somebody else treats you, or how popular you are. It’s not something we earn; indeed, we cannot earn it. God built value into us when He created us. As His unique creation, you have something to offer this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can be. Your sense of value should be based solely on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God.

The Scripture says 'we are God's workmanship' (Eph2:10). The word workmanship implies that you are a 'work in progress.' Throughout our lives, God is continually shaping us into the people He wants us to be. The key to future success is to not be discouraged about your past or your present while you are in the process of being 'completed'.

God knows your value and loves you unconditionally! He sees your potential. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head high, knowing that God is in control and He has a great plan and purpose for your life. Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you'd hoped, but the Bible says that God's ways are better and higher than our ways. Even if everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide.
(by Joel Osteen)

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Philippians 1:6 (Amp)
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blessings :)

2007-07-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 26....

3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

8 Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

9a My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.

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blessings~

Kingdom Citizenship

2007-07-04T01:24:00.000-05:00

(by Charles Stanley)
Today, most Americans are celebrating our country’s independence. Flags are flying, families are gathering, and fireworks will fill the night sky. We do this to show appreciation for our American citizenship and to honor those who sacrificed to provide our freedoms.

You may be celebrating Independence Day. Or perhaps you’re a citizen of one of the other great nations of the world. No matter where you live, if you believe in Christ, then we’re fellow citizens. You see, we share a citizenship in the kingdom of God.

The word kingdom simply means “rule.” So kingdom of God refers to the Lord’s complete rule and authority. He certainly reigns in the hearts of His devoted followers.

Today, we understand this in a spiritual sense. But Matthew 25:46 proclaims that the Enemy will be defeated in the future and the enemies of God will be removed from the world forever. At that point, Christ will establish His physical kingdom in the new heaven and the new earth. And, as kingdom citizens, all believers will reside there together.

Nations and nationalities are important. But they are not eternal. To be an effective citizen of God’s kingdom, you must look beyond your country’s borders and view the world through the eyes of God. Then, you’ll see your brothers and sisters, friends, and countrymen in the new kingdom, the realm where we’ll all celebrate together.
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Happy Independance Day! :)

Thankfulness & Praise to God

2007-06-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2

When things left undone and problems not yet resolved occupy your thoughts too much, they can distract you from seeing the blessings in your circumstances.
God is working behind the scenes constantly, even in what looks like chaos.
It's all in how you view it.
It's amazing what happens when you begin to see God in every situation and to thank Him for it. It transforms your heart.
Even if you can't see progress, thank God for what He is going to do.
Praise Him for how He's growing you, building your character, and helping you refocus your life on what's valuable in the long run.
It's like viewing life through God-colored glasses.

When you begin to view life in thankfulness to God, you find that your attitude will soon be one of grateful appreciation for everything around you.... including the frustrations and the miracles.

I come to your altar, Lord. I raise my voice in praise and tell of all the miracles you have done. Psalm 26:6b-7
(from 'Inspiring Words from the Psalms for Women' - author unknown)
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blessings :)

When Trouble Comes

2007-06-24T22:49:00.000-05:00

(by Greg Laurie)
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”—Psalm 91:15–16
Are you facing an emergency today? Dial 911—Psalm 91:1, that is. God can use adversity in the life of the Christian. None of us wants adversity in our lives, but God can be glorified through it. It might be a sickness that looks life-threatening, and then God heals you. Or it might be a sickness that He allows you to experience, but He is glorified in the midst of it.

Psalm 91 does not say you will never die. But it is saying that you won’t die before your time. It is saying that until God is done with you, His angels will keep you in all your ways . . . in your ups and downs, when you are awake and asleep, in the sunshine and the rain.

What is your part? It is to dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. It is to live in quiet and resting and enduring and remaining, with consistency.

Your objective as a Christian should be to stay as close to the Lord as you possibly can. Because this all-powerful, all-knowing God possesses heaven and earth, has made a covenant with you, loves you, and offers to protect you and provide for you, you should make it your objective to get closer to Him, asking, How can I walk so closely with Him that I will be in His very shadow?
Periodically ask yourself whether you are meeting the criteria of this great psalm, whether you are living up to the conditions that have been set forth. If your answer is yes, then you have God’s word that these promises will be activated in your life.
(by Greg Laurie)
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blessings!

Do You untie knots?

2007-06-21T21:35:00.000-05:00

(by Max Lucado)

A little boy, having missed his bus because of tangled shoe strings looked at the nearby man with tear-filled eyes and asked, “Do you untie knots?”

“Yes” said the man.

Jesus says the same.

Life gets tangled .

People mess up.

We never outgrow the urge to look up and say “Help?”

No matter how little or big the knot Jesus is always saying “yes” to our request…
and He is able to do more than we imagine when we leave the knots in His hands.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us – Ephesians 3:20
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(this post written by Max Lucado, was inspired by Blue~)
blessings :)

In Harmony with God

2007-06-17T18:54:00.000-05:00

Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. —1 John 2:6

The word “walking” speaks of regularity, of moving at a certain pace. The Bible tells us in Genesis 5 about Enoch, who walked with God. But what does it mean to “walk with God?” The prophet Amos asked, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The idea is to be walking in pace with someone, in harmony with another.

I have a problem with this when I walk with my wife. I always walk a little faster than she does. I will walk ahead. I’ll stop. Then she will catch up with me. So I’ll walk more slowly, but the next thing I know, I’m walking fast again.

When it comes to walking with God, some of us run ahead of Him. Some of us lag behind. We need to move in harmony with Him. We need to stay close to Him, and we need to make a continual commitment to do so.

But what does this mean in practice? How do we do this? It means we take time for the things of God. It means when we get up in the morning, we take time to read the Bible. If we neglect the Word of God, it will show in our lives. Abiding in Jesus also means that we spend time in fellowship with God’s people.

Make time for the things of God. Don’t wait for time to simply materialize. Make room in your schedule. If it means an hour less of sleep, fine. If it means skipping a meal, fine. If it means missing a television program, fine. Do what you need to do, because these things are essential to spiritual growth, to abiding with God, and to bearing spiritual fruit.
- by Greg Laurie

Abide

2007-06-12T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Pursuit of God -by Greg Laurie

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” —John 15:4

A glance at today’s headlines might cause us to conclude that we live in pretty bleak times. There is great uncertainty about the future, especially among teens and twenty-somethings. Many feel they have nothing to grasp, no one to believe in, and no one to trust except themselves. But I would like to say there is something to grasp. There is someone to trust in, but it is not ourselves. It is the God who created us.

Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? These are questions that everyone should ask as they look to the future, especially if they are young. If we have no goals, if we have no purpose, if we have no guiding principles, then we will waste our lives like so many others have wasted theirs. As it has been said, if we aim at nothing, we are bound to hit it.

According to the Bible, happiness, fulfillment, and joy are not found by searching for them. We find them when we seek something else. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4).

Let me put it this way: if you seek God and live according to His plan for your life, then you will find happiness. You will find joy. You will find fulfillment—not through the pursuit of those things, but through the pursuit of God. So seek Him!
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blessings :)

Selections from Proverbs chapter four:

2007-06-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

6 Never walk away from Wisdom - she guards your life; love her - she keeps her eye on you.

7 Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
8 Throw your arms around her - believe me, you won't regret it; never let her go - she'll make your life glorious.

18 The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they SHINE.

20 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. 21 Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart!

23 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.

(inspired by Hannah 'God's Girl', 'Hanster' :)

Blessings girlies! :)

His Help

2007-06-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

The Lord is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped and my heart exalts. Psalm 28:7

At the end of a hectic day, do you ever feel like -- 'I can't do it all"? You are not alone. Living today is demanding as you juggle home and work, nurture all the relationships in your life, and volunteer time, talent and resources to causes you're passionate about. As you race to keep up, you fall behind. If you don't give your best, you fight those feelings of inadequacy.

It's okay. Remind yourself that God is ready to help. He is personally involved in every aspect of your life. He knows exactly what's up, the pressures you're under, and the decisions you're facing. He invites you to ask for His help, for insight and wisdom, and for ways to bolster your confidence.

You can live expectantly, knowing that God will lend a hand in amazing ways and in surprising places.

The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. Ps 146:8

(from 'Inspiring words from the psalms for women')
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blessings!

Perspective

2007-05-29T21:09:00.000-05:00

(by S. Jaynes)

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 188:24 NIV)

It was just a quick check-up at the doctor’s office…or at least that’s what it was supposed to be. My “to-do-list” resembled a mile-long scroll and several deadlines loomed like a thunder cloud ready to burst. But, the appointment would take just a few minutes. Just enough time to catch my breath.

“Good morning Mrs. Jaynes,” the cheery receptionist greeted. “May I see your insurance card please?”

We went through the regular check-in procedure and then I settled in a comfy chair with a magazine that I would not have normally read. I knew I wouldn’t have time to read a full-length article…since this was just a quick visit. My, oh my, the trouble those Hollywood folks get into.

Ten minutes turned into fifteen turned into twenty turned into thirty. My to-do list began growing heavier and heavier in my mind.

“Excuse me,” I interrupted the receptionist. “My appointment was thirty-minutes ago. Did they forget me?”

“I’m so sorry,” she reassured me. “I’ll check on it right away.”

In just a few moments, a nurse appeared at the door. “Mrs. Jaynes, come right this way.”

My second stop was into a stark treatment room with more magazines. “Oh well, let’s see what Brittany did last year,” I mumbled to myself. At least I was in the room. That was good.

The clock continued to tick. With each passing minute my frustration grew. “I’m glad he’s not checking my blood pressure,” I grumbled to no one in particular.

Fifty minutes after I had walked into the office for my quick five-minute check, the doctor himself walked into my room. My to-do list was magnified in my mind. My time was important too, you know. I didn’t have time to sit around and read out-dated gossip magazines!

The doctor was actually a friend of mine, but I was feeling less than friendly. Ice Sculpture is a description that comes to mind when I think of my probable appearance.

“Hi Sharon,” he began. “I’m sorry you have had to wait so long. I have been with a patient and had to tell her that she has terminal cancer. It took longer than I thought.”

Suddenly, my icy countenance began to melt into a puddle on the shiny tile floor and tears pooled in my eyes. I was upset about not checking insignificant frivolous errands off my to-do list and the woman in the next room was pondering how she was going to spend her last days on earth. I envisioned her walking to her car and coming up with a brand new to-do list for her day.

#1 Live well
#2 Love well

Yes, I did have a check-up that day. God was the doctor and He looked into my heart to see that my perspective on life needed surgery. What’s really important? My silly list of errands? No. What should be at the top of my to-do list today and every day is:
#1 Live well.
#2 Love well.
Celebrate each day as an incredible gift from God.

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hey girls,
yep, i confess i am list maker...(if i dont write it down i'll likely forget it) and there are too many times i feel so far behind... i feel like i could take a month off work and still not be caught up... so this devotional did stick out to me; I especially liked the last few sentances...
blessings :)

Complete Rainbow

2007-05-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

How often do you see a rainbow? Normally, I don't see them that often, I'm thinking normally... maybe one or two per year....? but.... in the past month I have seen at least 5 rainbows (possibly 6?), with 4 of them being full rainbows stretching from horizon to horizon!! They seemed enormous and beautiful; they absorbed my attention. I've only ever seen a complete full rainbow once before in my life, so seeing 4 of them this past month has been quite surprising! And each time I have seen these rainbows, it has been very grey, cloudy, and rainy outside in all directions.... I can't really tell where the sunlight is coming from to make the rainbow. It has been a surprise blessing every time. I take it as a comfort and a reminder of God's promises, nearness, and faithfulness to us. I didn't take the pictures above, but when I searched online it was the closest thing I could find to what I've been seeing because it looks kind of cloudy. I saw the fourth full rainbow tonight on the way home from work, so I decided maybe it was time to post about it....

Here's a devotional from Rebecca Barlow Jordan:
COVENANT MAKER
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds,and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I am in the promise-making business. You need never wonder about whether I will keep My word. Just like the visual reminder, a rainbow, that I gave to let you know the world would never again be destroyed by flood, I have given you countless promises in My Word. Test them, and see if I will not pour out on you immeasurable blessings when you seek to know Me intimately and trust in Me. My covenant with you is sealed in blood forever.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Your rainbow was only the beginning of covenant signs between You and Your people, Lord. You are the covenant maker, the originator of all blessings and promises. Your Word has never lost its power. Each day is a rainbow, a personal promise from You, Lord. --(by Rebecca Barlow Jordan)
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Psalm 89:5
The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
I Cor. 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
I Chr. 16:1
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,and let them say among the nations, The Lord reigns!
Psalm 8:1
O Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork
Psalm 36:5
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,your faithfulness to the clouds
Ephesians 3:17-19
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

blessings girlies :)

Psalm 118:1-9

2007-05-21T08:55:00.000-05:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: "His love endures forever."
Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever."
Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever."
In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Peace for Anxious Days

2007-05-14T23:44:00.000-05:00

(a devotional from Max Lucado)
When my daughters were two, five, and seven—I wowed them with a miracle. I told them the story of Moses and the manna and invited them to follow me on a wilderness trek through the house.
“Who knows,” I suggested, “manna may fall from the sky again.”
We dressed in sheets and sandals and did our best Bedouin hike through the bedrooms. The girls, on my instruction, complained to me, Moses, of hunger and demanded I take them back to Egypt, or at least to the kitchen. When we entered the den, I urged them to play up their parts: groan, moan, and beg for food.
“Look up,” I urged. “Manna might fall any minute.”
Two-year-old Sara obliged with no questions, but Jenna and Andrea had their doubts. How can manna fall from a ceiling?
Just like the Hebrews. “How can God feed us in the wilderness?”
Just like you? You look at tomorrow’s demands, next week’s bills, next month’s silent calendar. Your future looks as barren as the Sinai Desert. “How can I face my future?” God tells you what I told my daughters: “Look up.”
When my daughters did, manna fell! Well, not manna, but vanilla wafers dropped from the ceiling and landed on the carpet. Sara squealed with delight and started munching. Jenna and Andrea were old enough to request an explanation.
My answer was simple. I knew the itinerary. I knew we would enter this room. Vanilla wafers fit safely on the topside of the ceiling-fan blades. I had placed them there in advance. When they groaned and moaned, I turned on the switch.

God’s answer to the Hebrews was similar.
Did he know their itinerary?
Did he know they would grow hungry?
Yes and yes.
And at the right time, he tilted the manna basket toward earth.
And what about you?
God knows what you need and where you’ll be.
Any chance he has some vanilla wafers on tomorrow’s ceiling fans?

Trust him.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:33-34).

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Blessings girlies!

The Heavens Declare - Psalm 19

2007-05-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
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Blessings~

National Day of Prayer

2007-05-03T01:40:00.000-05:00

Compiled here are some items pertaining to May 3, our National Day of Prayer:
"I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgiving, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life ." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We are to pray for those in authority over us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ National days of prayer are nothing new in the United States. The first call to prayer came in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. In 1952, President Truman signed a joint resolution by Congress declaring an annual national day of prayer. Then, in 1988, the Truman law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently establishing the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer.
Our country has been uniting in prayer on that day ever since. Now, with the nation as divided as ever about the war in Iraq and with transitions of power fully underway in Congress, the President, our leaders and every man and woman in uniform need God’s guidance like never before. You can pray His presence into their lives with your participation in the National Day of Prayer through The Presidential Prayer Team Online Prayer Rally on Thursday, May 3.
You will partner throughout the day with Christians across the nation in this great, continuous prayer meeting for our President, leaders and troops. Unified prayer is powerful, “for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
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National Day of Prayer, 2007 -A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation.
Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek Him. Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, friends, and loved ones. We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.
At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.
The Congress, by Public Law 100 307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to respect the freedom of religion by recognizing each year a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2007, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the freedoms and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH
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Dobson Stresses Unity, Repentance for Day of Prayer Observance
OneNewsNow.com reports that the chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer is urging people observing Thursday's event to follow the example of King David when they seek "divine help." Shirley Dobson said the aid of prayer is the only way to heal a culture wracked with violence and anxiety. The National Day of Prayer has been a part of American history since the Continental Congress of 1775. In 1988, Ronald Reagan declared that the first Thursday of May would be a National Day of Prayer. Mrs. Dobson's take is that the NDop is a day for Americans of all faiths to "drop their denominational tags and racial and cultural differences" and unite in prayer. Dobson expects some 50,000 prayer gatherings to take place on Thursday, focusing on unity and repentance of sin.
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Three Minutes of Silence
As part of our preparation for the National Day of Prayer, it is vital that each of us takes some time to ready our heart so that we might approach God's throne of grace unhindered by sin. After all, if we are to seek the Lord's forgiveness and blessing upon our nation, we must begin with personal repentance. Only as we come before Him with broken and contrite spirits will our petitions on behalf of America prove powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Therefore, we are calling on everyone who will be leading a time of intercession on May 3rd to set aside three minutes for silent group reflection prior to commencing with your prayer observance. During that period, we request that you ask those in attendance to humbly and expectantly come before our Heavenly Father, asking Him to cleanse all unrighteousness and restore us to Himself. David intimately understood the importance of acknowledging our individual and corporate sin, and we believe his words recorded in Psalm 139:23-24 demonstrate our desperate need for the Lord's purifying, redemptive power: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." May we make David's cry our own. Then, as we participate in this year's NDP events, we can lift up holy hands to our God, confident that He will hear our pleas for His mercy and bring healing to this land.
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2007 Prayer for Our Nation -Written by Dr. Charles R. Swindoll
Almighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.
In these unsafe days,
You remain all-powerful and able to protect;
In these uncertain times,
You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;
In the unprecedented events we're facing,
You remain absolutely sovereign.
Our times are in Your hands.
Therefore, our dependence on You, is total, not partial
. . . our need for Your forgiveness is constant
. . . our gratitude for Your grace is profound
. . . our love for You is deep.
We ask that You guard and guide our President
and all who serve the people of these United States.
May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.
We also ask that You unite us as truly "one nation,
under God." May genuine humility return to our ranks.
And may that blend of integrity and humility
heal our land.
In our Lord's name we pray,
Amen.
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Suggestions as you pray for our leaders in government office:
For their family
For safety and protection
For wise mentors who can hold them accountable
For wisdom and guidance in making decisions
For courage in the face of adversity
For integrity and righteousness.
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Blackaby Ministries International is proud to stand with the National Day of Prayer in support of the brave men and women serving our nation at home and overseas. Join us as we pray for America's armed forces and the families who stand behind them. We believe when people are placing their lives daily in the face of danger that we need to do all we can to bring them assurance that God is watching over them and that they can have courage and peace in their difficult circumstances.
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National Observance - Webcast -Washington D.C.
Join with us as we celebrate America's 56th annual National Day of Prayer from our nation's capitol. The National Observance will take place Thursday, May 3rd, and a segment will be broadcast live. This webcast will enable you to join the prayer event already in progress. Broadcasting will begin at 1:16 p.m. (Eastern) and conclude at 2:03 p.m.
Presenters include:
Charles Billingsley (Praise and Worship)
Dr. James Dobson
Dr. Charles Swindoll
Signature Sound
click to go to the NDofP page for webcasting instructions
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to hear Dr Charles Swindoll Radio Message on the National day of Prayer:
click here
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Most of this content has come from the US National Day of Prayer website. There are also many more articles and materiatls to be found there. For much more information, here is the link to the National Day of Prayer website

Who I know God is

2007-04-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

I know I don’t know all or even most of the answers but I know the One who is the Answer (John 14:6)
I know that all He does is good and loving no matter what (Psalm 119:68)
I know that He is always with me through the fellowship of His Holy Spirit (Hebrews 13:5)
I know that He acts on behalf of those who wait on Him (Isaiah 64:4)
I know that He longs to be gracious to me (Isaiah 30:18).
I know that I am engraved on the palm of His hand and He will not forget me (Isaiah 49:16).
I know that His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).
I know that His Word is a light for my path when it seems so dark (Psalm 119:105).
I know He can be trusted and that nothing is too big or difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).
I know of His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I know that He who began a good work in me will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
I know that He is the Rock, the One who never changes, and that He is a sure foundation (Psalm 18:2; Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 28:16).
I know that He will not abandon the work of His hands but that He will fulfill His purpose (Psalm 138:8).
I know that as a loving Father He has compassion on His children and knows how we are formed and remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).
I know that I have been bought with a great price and my life is not my own (1 Corinthians 6:20).
I know that by giving my life away I find my life (Matthew 16:25).
I know that He has given me everything I need to live this life of faith and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
I know that only He can satisfy me (Psalm 145:6).
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(from the One Year Bible online)

blessings all :)

Psalm 34

2007-04-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

I will bless the Lordat all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenheartedand saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Real Worship

2007-04-18T19:08:00.000-05:00

(by Greg Laurie)

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
—Revelation 5:12

A number of words in the Bible are translated “worship.” The one used the most often means “to bow down and do homage.” Another biblical word for worship means “to kiss toward.” Put the two words together, and you will have a good idea of what real worship is. We worship God because He is worthy. In doing so, we bow down and pay homage to Him. That speaks of reverence and respect for God. But we also “kiss toward” Him, which speaks of tenderness and intimacy.

We ought to be learning all we can about worship, because it will be one of the primary activities of heaven. And Jesus made it clear that there is a right way and a wrong way to worship. There is true and false worship.

The Pharisees, who thought they were experts at worship, were by and large not even close. Jesus said of them, “ ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’ ” (Matthew 15:8–9).

Some people are too flippant and casual with God. They seem to think of Him as their celestial Big Buddy and approach Him that way in prayer: “Hey, Lord, how are you doing?” Others recognize God as holy and all-powerful and may even tremble before Him, but they don’t realize that God wants to be known in an intimate and personal way.

We are to revere God. We are to honor Him. But we are also to embrace Him in closeness. We are to engage our hearts, with no hypocrisy. That encompasses true worship.

Suggestions on How to Have a Meaningful Quiet Time

2007-04-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hey blogettes -
I thought this was a good article with several good suggestions for a having meaningful devotional time:

(by Adrian Rogers)

“Oh how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97
Christianity is not a legal relationship, it is a love relationship. Ten thousand “don'ts” will never make you one iota more like the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Himself Who makes you like Him. But you need to spend time with Him. I want to give you five factors for spending some quiet time with Him each day.

The Proper Period
You must find the right time. Your quiet time should last at least half an hour. But some time is better than no time, so if you can't start at thirty minutes, begin with ten. It should be your very best time. Don't give the Lord your leftovers. And don't try to find time - make time, and make it a priority. Also find time early in the day. Psalm 5:3 says, “… in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.” You don't take the trip and then read the map, do you? Spend time alone with God to begin your day.

The Proper Preparation
A quiet time is fellowship with a holy God. There are a few things you can do to be prepared for this time. First, be physically alert. Find a time when the cobwebs are out of your mind and you can think clearly. Second, be mentally aware. Be focused, and know He's there. Emotion doesn't really have all that much to do with it. And third, be morally pure and clean. Some people don't have a quiet time because they feel uncomfortable looking God in the face with sin in their lives.

The Proper Place
Find a place where you can focus. Jesus said enter into your closet and pray (see Matthew 6:6). That simply means find a place of isolation where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to heaven. Jesus sought out places where He could be alone, and so should you.

The Proper Provisions
In order to have an effective quiet time, you need the right tools. Here are some tools I use:
a readable Bible - Invest in one with plenty of room to jot notes in the margins.
a prayer journal - Expect God to give you something and write it down. Also use it to record things you're praying about.
a notepad - Write down your daily assignments.
The Proper Procedure

Finally, may I recommend some procedures to follow in your quiet time?
Get still and quiet. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Focus your mind on Him. Calm down, relax, and recognize His presence. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord.
Get into the Word of God. It's better to start by reading the Bible than it is to start in prayer. It is more important for you to hear from God, even than for God to hear from you. God already knows all about you, but you need to know a lot more about Him.

Read the Bible for quality and not quantity. It's good to have a goal to read the Bible through in a year, or a similar goal; but that's not the purpose of your quiet time. Also, devotional books are wonderful. But again, this is not the place for them. This is the time when you simply read the Bible with an open mind.
Meditate. As you focus on the Word of God and meditate, let it permeate you. Ask:
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a lesson to learn?
Is there a new truth to carry with me?

Record what God has given you.
Write down what God says to you and what He tells you to do. It doesn't have to be flowery. You're not writing it for publication or to impress other people.
Now you're ready to pray. When you pray, pour out your soul. Be natural and honest with God. Tell Him how you feel. Pray out loud. It keeps your mind on track and enables you to stay focused.

Begin to share out of your quiet time.
God did not make us to be reservoirs; He made us to be conduits. Tell others what is God is showing you.
Finally, obey what God tells you.
Your spiritual train is running on two rails. One is revelation and the other is obedience. And if either rail stops, your train stops. Learn to obey the Word of God.
I pray these simple suggestions will help you have a daily quiet time in the presence of our loving, almighty, powerful God.
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blessings :)

Prayer

2007-04-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

James 5:16 B The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 5:17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 5:18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Resurrection Day!

2007-04-08T02:01:00.000-05:00

(by Max Lucado)
Christ rose first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. I Cor 15:23
Let’s go to the tomb, for Jesus lies in the tomb.
Still. Cold. Stiff. Death has claimed its greatest trophy. He is not asleep in the tomb or resting in the tomb or comatose in the tomb; he is dead in the tomb. No air in his lungs. No thoughts in his brain. No feeling in his limbs. His body is as lifeless as the stone slab upon which he has been laid.
The executioners made sure of it. When Pilate learned that Jesus was dead, he asked the soldiers if they were certain. They were. Had they seen the Nazarene twitch, had they heard even one moan, they would have broken his legs to speed his end. But there was no need. The thrust of a spear removed all doubt. The Romans knew their job. And their job was finished. They pried loose the nails, lowered his body, and gave it to Joseph and Nicodemus.
Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus the Pharisee. Jesus had answered the prayer of their hearts, the prayer for the Messiah. As much as the soldiers wanted him dead, even more these men wanted him alive.
As they sponged the blood from his beard, don’t you know they listened for his breath? As they wrapped the cloth around his hands, don’t you know they hoped for a pulse? Don’t you know they searched for life?
But they didn’t find it.
So they do with him what they were expected to do with a dead man. They wrap his body in clean linen and place it in a tomb. Joseph’s tomb. Roman guards are stationed to guard the corpse. And a Roman seal is set on the rock of the tomb. For three days, no one gets close to the grave.
But then, Sunday arrives.
And with Sunday comes light — a light within the tomb.
A bright light? A soft light? Flashing? Hovering?
We don’t know. But there was a light.
For he is the light. And with the light came life.
Just as the darkness was banished, now the decay is reversed.
Heaven blows and Jesus breathes.
His chest expands. Waxy lips open.
Wooden fingers lift. Heart valves swish and hinged joints bend.
And, as we envision the moment, we stand in awe.
"We stand in awe not just because of what we see, but because of what we know. We know that we, too, will die. We know that we, too, will be buried. Our lungs, like his, will empty. Our hands, like his, will stiffen. But the rising of his body and the rolling of the stone give birth to a mighty belief: “What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us” (Rom6:5-9 Msg) (Max Lucado)

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Matthew 28:1 After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. 2 Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God's angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. 3 Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. 4 The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move. 5 The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. 6 He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. 7 "Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message." 8 The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. 9 Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good morning!" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. (Msg)

Joyful, Bountiful, Blessed Easter All!! :)

Good Friday

2007-04-07T00:45:00.000-05:00

(These are excerpts from last year's 268 Easter blogs by Louie Giglio....)

It's the week in which the Son of Man did the unthinkable.
Jesus wore the sinner's crown.
And He suffered and died alone.

What Christ has done is unique in time and history.
His surrender gained for us eternal freedom.
His goal was to glorify God by showing Him to be the God of justice and mercy, the One who could be both just in regard to our rebellion and the justifier of those who put their trust in Him.
But the price would be steep.
Beyond compare.
Jesus had already voiced willing participation.
A babe had been born.
33 years of footsteps now led to this Passover meal.
To this upper room.
To this moment.
He looked them all squarely in the eyes.
This time, He declared as crumbs fell, I am the bread broken for you.
The cup from now on, He affirmed, is my blood shed for your sins.
The time had come.
Nothing would deter Jesus now.
No disciple's desertion.
No weary flesh.
No soldiers commotion.
No false arrest.
No late night rail road in the court of the High Priest.
No lonely dungeon.
No dark night of the soul.
The goal of glorifying His Father was fixed in His gaze.
And a lonely journey had begun.
The mission would be accomplished.
A day we now call good seemed anything but that in the midnight hour.
A night of waiting none can fathom.

Jesus affirmed...
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
John 10:11-18

The nails were real
Crucifying.
Rusted.
Penetrating.
Roman.
Hard.
Metal.
Used.
Filthy.
Bloodstained.
Driven.
Piercing.
Germ-infested.
Flesh-tearing.
Fastening.
Holding.
Searing.
Wounding.
Nails.
But something greater held Jesus to the cross.
Until he could not gasp for one more breath.
And the struggle thankfully ended.
He had done it.
Become sin.
Crushed under judgement.
Price paid.
Given all.
Finished.
Now dead.
And rushed before sundown into a nearby tomb.
No one on earth was calling this good.
Yet.....

(These are excerpts from last year's 268 Easter blogs by Louie Giglio....)

The Resurrection

2007-04-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

(by Charles Stanley)

Matthew 28:1-10
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The apostles’ dreams were shattered. The man they had loved and followed for three years, the one they believed was the Son of God, was dead. But then the two Marys disrupted their hopelessness with incredible news: Christ had risen from the dead, just as He’d promised!
As believers, we can certainly imagine the excitement Jesus’ disciples must have felt. For them, the resurrection’s message was encouraging. The empty tomb proved that everything Jesus said was true. In Matthew 17:22-23, the Lord told His disciples, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” If Jesus could make and live out this claim, then He’s clearly sufficient to keep all of His promises.
In John 3:17, Christ said He had not come to condemn the world. He came to save all who believed in Him (Mark 16:16; Romans 8:1). Through His death on the cross, Jesus purchased our salvation. The empty tomb is our guarantee that we’re eternally secure in Him. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven, and is seated at God’s right hand. The Father accepted His payment on our behalf.
Christ’s death bought our freedom from sin and secured us a place with Him in Paradise. In John 14:2, He says, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places ... I go to prepare a place for you.”
That’s a promise to celebrate.
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Amen!
blessings :)

Isaiah 61

2007-03-30T18:27:00.000-06:00

1 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
2 God sent me to announce the year of his grace - a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies - and to comfort all who mourn,
3 To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.
4 They'll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They'll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.
5 You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields,
6 But you'll have the title "Priests of God," honored as ministers of our God. You'll feast on the bounty of nations, you'll bask in their glory.
7 Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.
8 "Because I, God, love fair dealing and hate thievery and crime, I'll pay your wages on time and in full, and establish my eternal covenant with you.
9 Your descendants will become well-known all over. Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once as the people I have blessed."
10 I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.
11 For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations.
(The Message)

the word of the Lord, the eyes of the Lord, the goodness of the Lord

2007-03-26T19:30:00.000-06:00

(with the ending of the HGIOG tour, here are some scriptures from the talk):

Psalm 33:6 by the word of the Lord were the heavens made, the starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Psalm 33:18 but the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love

Psalm 27:13 I am confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Isaiah 40:27-31 Why do you say oh Jacob and complain oh Israel, my way is hidden from the Lord, my cause is disregarded by my God. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
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blessings :)

Ephesians 4:14-21

2007-03-18T21:02:00.000-06:00

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Grace

2007-03-14T08:33:00.000-06:00

The God of Great Grace
(a devotional by Max Lucado)

He doesn’t speak. He removes his robe and takes the servant’s wrap off of the wall. Taking the pitcher, he pours the water into the basin. He kneels before them with the basin and sponge and begins to wash. The towel that covers his waist is also the towel that dries their feet.

It’s not right.

Isn’t it enough that these hands will be pierced in the morning? Must they scrub grime tonight? And the disciples … do they deserve to have their feet washed? Their affections have waned; their loyalties have wavered.

Look around the table, Jesus. Out of the twelve, how many will stand with you in Pilate’s court? How many will share with you the Roman whip? And when you fall under the weight of the cross, which disciple will be close enough to spring to your side and carry your burden?

None of them will. Not one. A stranger will be called because no disciple will be near.

Don’t wash their feet, Jesus. Tell them to wash yours.

That’s what we want to say. Why? Because of the injustice? Because we don’t want to see our King behaving as a servant? God on his hands and knees, his hair hanging around his face? Do we object because we don’t want to see God washing feet?

Or do we object because we don’t want to do the same?

Watch Jesus as he goes from disciple to disciple. Can you see him? Can you hear the water splash? Can you hear him shuffle on the floor to the next person? Good. Keep that image.

John 13:12 says, “When he had finished washing their feet …”

Please note, he finished washing their feet. That means he left no one out. Why is that important? Because that also means he washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave his traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’s feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ.

That’s not to say it was easy for Jesus.

That’s not to say it is easy for you.

That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.

Galatians 5:22-26

2007-03-12T09:45:00.000-06:00

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

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I like to be reminded of this passage of scripture with the Fruits of the Spirit every so often...
blessings :)

Praying the Lord's Prayer

2007-03-07T09:06:00.000-06:00

(by Max Lucado)

Here’s an example of how the Lord’s Prayer can guide your prayers:
Our Father
Thank you for adopting me into your family.

who is
Thank you, my Lord,
for being a God of the present tense:
my Jehovah-jireh (the God who provides),
my Jehovah-raah (the caring Shepherd),
my Jehovah-shalom (the Lord is peace),
my Jehovah-rophe (the God who heals),
and my Jehovah-nissi (Lord, my banner).

in heaven,
Your workshop of creation reminds me: If you can make the skies, you can make sense out of my struggles.

Hallowed be thy name.
Be holy in my heart.
You are a “cut above” all else.
Enable me to set my sights on you.

Thy kingdom come,
Come kingdom!
Be present, Lord Jesus!
Have free reign in every corner of my life.

Thy will be done,
Reveal your heart to me, dear Father.
Show me my role in your passion.
Grant me guidance in the following decisions …

On earth as it is in heaven.
Thank you that you silence heaven to hear my prayer.
On my heart are the ones you love.
I pray for …

Give us this day our daily bread.
I accept your portion for my life today.
I surrender the following concerns
regarding my well-being …

Forgive us our debts,
I thank you for the roof of grace over my head,
bound together with the timbers and nails of Calvary. There is nothing I can do to earn or add to your mercy.
I confess my sins to you …

As we also have forgiven our debtors;
Treat me, Father, as I treat others.
Have mercy on the following friends
who have wounded me …

Lead us not into temptation,
Let my small hand be engulfed in yours.
Hold me, lest I fall.
I ask for special strength regarding …

Our Father … give us … forgive us … lead us
Let your kindness be on all your church.
I pray especially for ministers near
and missionaries far away.

Thine—not mine—is the kingdom,
I lay my plans at your feet.

Thine—not mine—is the power,
I come to you for strength.

Thine—not mine—is the glory,
I give you all the credit.

Forever. Amen.
Thine—not mine—is the power. Amen.

(Max Lucado on the Lord's Prayer)

Psalm 63

2007-03-03T15:31:00.000-06:00

This post is inspired by the most recent passion07 podcast... (Hopefully Mr G. would'nt mind...)
At the end he read a portion from Psalm 63:1-5

1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

a summary of what he said after reading this scripture:
"we keep saying we need to shine… but there is no shining unless there is tasting, unless we are and sinking our hearts into the goodness of God. And it's when we are discovering moment by moment that He really is better than everything on this earth and that it is He who really satisfies the deepest part of us, that's when the shining is going to happen. when we are running hard after Jesus...the overflow of that will be a lot of shining in our lives for the world to see."
(summary of Louie Giglio recent podcast ending)

The Power of Proclaiming Our Faith - Psalm 27

2007-02-22T22:01:00.000-06:00

(this was a recent Wed night sermon by my Pastor)
Sometimes when we are exhausted, it can make our problems seem even bigger. We can have a tendency to look at everything on our plate and feel overwhelmed. On one hand it is good to come to the end of ourselves because it makes us aware of our dependency on God to make it through the day; it is good to acknowledge our need of Him and that we are dependant on Him.

on the other hand, if we never move beyond that sense of feeling overwhelmed and we just pray, “God I can’t do this by myself”, we never come into a place of greater faith. We need to come to a place of acknowledging “Yes God, this is a big problem or a big circumstance in my life, but Lord I know that with Your help I can do this or this situation can be worked out”. To stay at the point of feeling overwhelmed can drain us and can drain the life out of our prayer time. We need to move beyond feelings of fear or inadequacy to praying in faith, like David did.

David had numerous problems which could overwhelm him but he was one to move beyond the circumstances and pray in faith by proclaiming God’s goodness. He came from attitude of “I know the Lord will move in this situation. I know God desires to help me”. Ps 27:12 David has people against him, Saul is pursuing him to kill him when he wrote this psalm and David was fleeing…..
what did David do that moved him from being overwhelmed to being filled with faith?
When we are moved to a position of faith, not just wishing that God will help, but believing that God will help, this puts our heart at ease. Sometimes we need to get a hold of ourselves and remember Who God Is & what He does. He will partner with you... but you must also partner with Him, it is a 2 way street.

What helped David to move to a position of faith?

A. David personalized what he knew to be true about God
v.1 David could have said,” the Lord is light” and that would have been true. but instead he says “the Lord is my light”- He lights my path, He directs my steps. You need to shift your prayer from God I don’t know what to do or how this will work out to You are my light and I know that I’ve called on You and You will lead me. I want to thank You; I may not have a clue what to do but I know that You’ll guide me and light my way. As you make a proclamation of faith aloud in your prayer life, it will move your heart from feeling overwhelmed to trust and joy. God You are the Deliverer – You've helped me in the past and I know You will help me again. I know that You are good and desire the best for me. v1 – If God is my Light to show me what to do at the right time – why should I fear? You are my Stronghold, my Fortress, my Defender. You will help and protect me, so who/what should I be afraid of? In personalizing what he knew to be true about God, David moved from a place of fear to one of faith.

B. v3 –David is confident in the Lord
“ yet I will be confident”. wow what if more Christians lived that way? Commit to move from an aspect of fear when praying about your problems, to one of faith. God is honored when we do that. It is not wrong to pray in proclaiming our faith in Him – (not name it claim it), but rather bring honor to Him and be increased in your faith by reminding yourself Who He Is. This lifts your heart to a new level of faith in Him...... and faith, is the stuff of answered prayer.
v5 – my heart will not fear…. I will be confident – he is saying - God is going to take care of me.
Eph 3 – He can do more than you can ask or imagine.

C. v14 David anticipates what God will do
‘wait’ for the Lord – this is the same word used in Isaiah 40:31. (those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength') The word wait for us can hold a very negative connotation in our impatient society; a delay; to be put on hold. but the Hebrew word really means ‘to hope with anticipation’. Like a prayer of ‘Lord I know You want the best in this situation and I can’t wait to see how You are going to work this out’. Hope in the Lord. v14 Be strong and a person of courage. wait on Him with hopeful anticipation. …’God I know You will take care of me, that You want the best for me and I just cant wait to see what You are going to do next in this’. If you will get in the habit of proclaiming your faith in His desire to see good in our lives and His ability to accomplish what we cannot by ourselves… you can go into your prayer room one way (overwhelmed) and come out of it with your heart lifted and encouraged and your faith increased. There is no faith in simply praying – ‘God I have this big problem and I know that it is beyond me and I cannot do this on my own’. You need to add to that prayer that He can do anything and nothing is beyond Him and that He is your Provider. You need to rely on Him and also say God I know that your Word says that You want to help me, that You love me. Proclaiming your faith in God can move your heart from dreading something to excitement. God doesn’t want us living in a state filled with dread, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed.

Turn every burden into a proclamation of faith when you pray about it, trusting in His power and desire to help. What will follow is a holy confidence (humble-dependant on Him) and a divine enthusiastic anticipation of how He will move in your life…. as you acknowledge not only your dependence on Him, but His ability to do more than we can imagine.
...one of David's proclamations of faith:

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. 7 Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. 13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 36:5-10

2007-02-17T21:19:00.000-06:00

Psalm 36:5-10 (New International Version)
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Psalm 36:5-10 (The Message)
God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.
How exquisite your love, O God! How eager we are to run under your wings,
To eat our fill at the banquet you spread as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water.
You're a fountain of cascading light, and you open our eyes to light.
Keep on loving your friends; do your work in welcoming hearts.

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I was reading this Psalm today and thought it might be a good one to post... then when I did, I didn't want to choose between these to versions.... so you can take in both of them :)

His love is faithful, priceless, as vast as the heavens... meteoric, exquisite, astronomically loyal, a fountain of light.... which is so much larger than we can wrap our heads around.... yet how amazing that nothing is small enough to get lost and escape His notice by slipping through the cracks! There is no one like Him!

May we all be filled to overflowing in His love today, may we see His light, and welcome His work in our hearts :)
blessings all~

Psalm 84

2007-02-11T22:26:00.001-06:00

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah 9 Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

a Person after God’s Heart

2007-02-05T23:47:00.000-06:00

There is a statement made about David that was never made about anyone else in the Bible. In Acts 13:22 -I have found in David to be a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.
What made this true of David – how can we cultivate this into our lives, so He can accomplish what He wants in our lives for His glory?

3 ASPECTS OF BEING A PERSON AFTER GOD’S HEART:
1. David was a man who had a Sensitive Heart
a. He was sensitive to the things God was concerned about
- When God let Saul know that He was choosing David, what it is that was the issue to God? By what did He compare David and Saul? Saul was not obedient.
I Sam 13:14 -But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.
We have to say Lord, what is important to You is important to me. The written Word of God, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, when God speaks to you, if you know its from Him – saying yes, I’ll do these things You've revealed to me to the best of my ability. What You ask I’ll do.

b. He was also sensitive to the character of God – Who God is.
In Psalm 24:1-2 David illustrates that he knows everything belongs to God. I Chronicles 29:10-12 David says all is Yours in the heavens and earth…..You are exalted above all, all things come from You…. David understood that everything created and all he had belonged to God.
Ps 51:1-2 – David also understood about the character of God... that He was a forgiving God. David wasn’t perfect but he understood the merciful heart of God and wanted to manifest that quality of mercy in his own life and show mercy to others. II Sam 9:1

c. David’s heart was also sensitive to the voice of God
over and over again in scripture you see David being humble enough to seek God for direction on everything. I Samuel 23:2 ; v9-12. Before he makes a move, he asks God about it. I Samuel 30:8 - He always wants God’s direction in his life. I don’t want to make a decision without Your leading and blessing upon it.
II Sam 2:1 David inquired of the Lord – I don’t want to go anywhere You don’t want me to go or do anything that You don’t want me to do….
This is a sensitive heart which is pleasing to God and which He honors.

2. David had a Servant’s Heart
I Sam 16:11 – he was willing to serve with humility.
16:7 – the Lord looks at the heart, not as man looks (outward appearance, experience, worldly position). People around you may be overlooking you but God sees your heart. You can be sure of that! When the time is right He can set His hand on that situation in your life and bring blessing where you thought you were being overlooked.
16:22-23 David is serving in Saul’s court, however he can.
17:17-18 – here is David, not fighting, he is serving; that is where leadership is forged from. This serving may not have been the most exciting thing he could have done; he may have wanted to do more exciting things and felt he had more ability, but he did what he was asked to do. Be faithful to do what the Lord puts in front of you to do; He notices where you are serving.
Ps 89:20 God was looking for someone who would serve and God anointed David. Had David refused to water the sheep, he would not have gotten the training he needed…to kill lions and bears and eventually the confidence to know that with God’s help, he could kill Goliath. If you do the little things well, it can open the doors for bigger things…. It may not be what you expected, maybe you expected and wanted God to use you in a bigger way, in a larger role, but being a faithful servant in that thing can open the doors to be used of God. If we have a heart to serve God, He will open the doors in due time. What ever you can find to do to serve in a place, fill a need, be faithful and watch what God does.

3. David had a Sincere Heart
In Greek the work sincere means ‘without wax’. The origin is from pottery makers, those who were not reputable would try to disguise and fill cracks with wax to sell the pot, but the buyer would soon discover the uselessness of the cracked pot. Those pottery makers who were known to sell only quality merchandise, where known to sell pots ‘without wax’ – sincere. A trustworthy pot is sincere; being a person of integrity; being honest. You leave people with the impression you are honest, are you really honest when no one is looking? (example- If someone gives you too much change, do you bring it to their attention and give it back?)
Psalm 78:70-72. 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
God chose David because he had a sincere heart of integrity. Some of the great leaders in the Bible were shepherds. Lessons learned in times of serving in anonymity prepared them for the future God had in store for them; prepared them for the things He had for them to do.

Are you faithful in the details when no one is looking? Are you committed to saying I’m going to follow what God wants me to do, even when no one else sees it?

Psalm 15:1-4 V.4 – do you keep your commitments even when it hurts and it does not turn out to be what you thought you were signing up for? Someone who has an honest heart.... If I’ve given my word in a situation, even when it hurts and it does not turn out to be like I expected it would be, do I stay true to what I promised I would do?

In Psalm 139 David said 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Even when we think our heart is right with God, it is always good to remember to do this from time to time. Sometimes we don’t even know our own heart and we need to ask the Lord to search our heart, to touch our heart and reveal to us things He would like us to work on in our growth with Him. Pr 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Deal with hidden anger and bitterness you may have in your heart.

God isn’t looking for perfect people, but for Sensitive people, who want to Serve God, who have Sincere hearts...
Ask God to give you a heart to hear Him when He speaks. When Solomon asked God for wisdom, in the literal Hebrew – it meant' a heart to hear from God'.
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(from one of my pastor's recent sermons)

Lord, help us to be people after Your heart~

Matthew & Psalms...

2007-02-03T13:07:00.000-06:00

a few verses I wanted to share from today's portion of the one year Bible:

Matt 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Psalm 27:7-8
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

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be blessed :)

Psalm 46:10

2007-01-31T22:34:00.000-06:00

~by Mary Southerland

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” (NIV)

For years, I filled every waking moment with activity. I lived by the principle that busy people are productive people. It was only after I crashed, spending two years in a deep, dark pit of burnout and depression that I learned the eternal value of stillness. This pivotal life lesson is stated in the simple words of a shepherd: Psalm 23:2 “He leads me beside quiet waters.” The psalmist writes this soothing promise from the perspective of a shepherd tending his flock of sheep. A good shepherd understands the truth that sheep are never fully at ease around rushing water because every sheep innately knows that the weight of their wool – when wet – will drown them. A wise shepherd understands that he must make sure to lead his sheep beside still waters.

The lesson of stillness is essential to our spiritual growth and health. We, as His sheep, need still quiet waters. If we insist on spending our days in the rushing water of overcrowded schedules and unrealistic expectations we will surely drown! Stillness demands quietness and solitude! The busier we are, the more we need regular solitude and stillness. In other words, we need stillness the most when we don’t have time to be still. A Greek motto has become a profitable challenge to me: “You will break the bow if you keep it always bent.” Until we learn to stop and be still before God, we are in danger of bending and breaking under the pressure of daily life. Many of us are terribly busy – but only on the outside. Stillness allows us to do the inside business with God that is our main source of strength and power.

The command to “be still and know that He is God” implies that until we are still we cannot know God but when we are still we can know Him. So much of God is unknowable on the run and yet we tend to offer Him the scraps and leftovers of our time and energy.

Even Jesus sought solitude as a place of strength and power. When Jesus was tested, He retreated to a mountaintop or desert wasteland to be alone. There, away from the demanding crowds and distractions of life, He would meet with God. There, He found the strength to do what His Father had sent Him to do. If the Son of God needed stillness and time alone, then how much more do we need that same kind of time?

Let's Pray:
Father, I know that I need to be still before you. I have chosen a time and place to meet you in solitude and stillness. Please help me to give you the best part of my schedule instead of the leftovers. Amen!
~ by Mary Southerland
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blessings girlies :)

More Prayer - a great resolution for 2007...

2007-01-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

Matt 6:5-8And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The best New Year’s resolution you could make this year is to pray more in 2007.

Why is it difficult to have a great consistent prayer life? Here are 3 possible reasons:
a. Business & hurry – many of us are just so busy and this is the enemy of true intimate prayer time… have you ever tried to pray and watch the clock at the same time?
b. Lack of discipline – sometimes we have the desire to but we don’t follow through and make the time a priority
c. Compromise – if you have done something wrong and your heart is not right with God or in a relationship with someone else, you may find it difficult to spend time in His presence. Don’t run from Him, run to Him.
Don’t let those three things keep you from spending quality time in prayer this year.

Three Things about Prayer we can learn from Jesus in
Matthew 6:5-8

1. The Priority we should place on prayer.
He says when you pray (not if you pray). Most of us want to pray more but we fail to plan time for it. We need to understand that prayer is the
…way to overcome Luke 22:32
… key to seeing the lost saved Luke 18:13
… the way to obtain wisdom James 1:5
… the way to healing James 5:14
… way to victory Matt 26:41
… Key to experiencing the impossible Mark 11:23
So we need to plan time to pray but we also need to plan the place to pray – a place with minimal distractions (no other people, not driving or watching tv). If you are a morning person, then morning is probably the best time for you to focus; if you are an evening person, that may be the best time for you to plan to pray. So we should have a planned time of prayer but then also throughout our day prayer should also be continuous and spontaneous as mentioned in Phil 4:6 and I Thes 5:17 . What kind of priority is prayer in your life?

2. The problems you’ll face when you pray…. Matt 6:5-8
When we pray we don’t want to pray rhetoric, ritualistic or category list prayers that require little thought or interaction – this loses the heart and purpose of prayer. In a conversation with another person you are concerned with what the other person is about. So also in prayer – conversation with God. Prayer is about getting your life on God’s page. He does care about the things that concern us, yet there should be a communion with God when we pray. His Word says that He’ll meet all of your needs; keep asking and trusting in Him. The main thing though, is how much I seek Him and grow in Him and trust Him… not just that my request be answered….

3. There is power when we pray v 6-8
“For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him”
As a Father, it brings Him joy for us to bring Him a need we need help with and ask Him about it. It honors Him to hear, ‘I can’t do this on my own’. Expressing the need helps to nuture our relationship. You do not need to be eloquent when you pray. Sometimes the simplest most straightforward prayer is saying to God ‘help’. Know that the answer is coming.

What could happen in our relationship with God... if we each committed to add 15 additional minutes of truly focused 2 - way prayer in our lives during each day this year? ....

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(these are notes from a recent sermon at church)
blessings girlies :)

Isaiah 61

2007-01-24T23:31:00.000-06:00

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. 8 "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed."
10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

---------------------------blessings~

Fulfilling God’s Purposes

2007-01-20T01:19:00.000-06:00

God declared, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Besides goal-setting, five steps are needed to fulfill His purposes.

First, maintain a cooperative spirit. Working well with others is a key to achieving our goals. We must set aside our stubborn pride and develop a servant-like spirit that willingly cooperates with others. Give-and-take is essential in relationships.

Second, exercise courage. God may ask us to work with difficult people, separate ourselves from certain situations, or take assignments that seem overwhelming. Each circumstance requires us to exercise courage and move forward.

Third, demonstrate persistence. We must have a determined mind and tenacious spirit in order to overcome temptation, adversity, discouragement, or personal failure.

Fourth, exhibit a controlled attitude. Having a Christ-centered, hopeful attitude is essential to success. When negative thoughts, doubts, and fears surface, turn to God and reflect on His all-encompassing love and good purposes. Don’t allow pessimistic thoughts and emotions to overtake your mind.

Finally, consciously depend upon God. We must rely on Him for wisdom, guidance, and the spiritual training we need to carry out His plans. Self-reliance and independent action will lead us astray every time.

As the Lord’s servants, we’re to carry out His purposes and plans, not ours. Check that your goals line up with God’s.
by Dr. Charles Stanley
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blessings :)

Ephesians 2:4-10

2007-01-17T12:13:00.000-06:00

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Happy Birthday Jackie & Silke (&Jess) :D

2007-01-15T11:03:00.000-06:00

To Jackie & Silke on this day (and belated wishes to Jess for her Birthday on Dec 24!)

Ephesians 1 :15-18
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints

we are so thankful to know each of you, glad to call you our sisters, and wish you an ever closer walk with Jesus in the coming year!
Blessings Jackie, Silke, and Jess :)

Ephesians 1:3-8

2007-01-10T23:07:00.000-06:00

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

---------------------------------
blessings ~

A New Year!

2007-01-06T23:28:00.000-06:00

Press On
by Greg Laurie

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 3:14

You remember how God fed the Israelites with manna. Every morning they would wake up, step out of their tents, and there would be the manna just waiting for them. But the manna would not keep overnight. God did not want them to live off the manna from yesterday. The Lord wanted them to be dependent on Him on a regular basis and gather it fresh each day.

In the same way you can’t live off the experiences of last year or 20 years ago. God wants to do something fresh and new in your life today and tomorrow. You can’t live off experiences, but you can learn from them.

Saul of Tarsus went out of his way, to hunt down Christians. But he came to realize that he was not serving God but the devil. Then he was transformed, and went on to become the apostle Paul. He could say, “Now I press on, now I reach forward” (Philippians 3:14). I wish this would be true in the lives of more Christians. What a difference it would make in this world around us if we had that kind of ambition, that kind of drive to serve God as we used to serve ourselves.

In this new year, let’s recommit ourselves to the study of the Word of God.

Let’s recommit ourselves to prayer.

And let’s commit ourselves to win at least one person to Christ in this coming year.

As Christians, we have unprecedented opportunities for our lives to make a difference this year. There is so much to do.
So much growth that needs to take place in our lives. And so much more to accomplish.
It’s time to step into the future. To step into what God is doing today.

by Greg Laurie
---------------------------------

Wishing each of you a New Year in which you are closer to God than ever before!

Blessings :)

Colossians 2

2007-01-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Colossians 1

2006-12-28T23:20:00.000-06:00

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

The Perfect Savior

2006-12-23T00:06:00.000-06:00

This was one of my Pastor's sermons recently.... I wanted to share it with you

The angel told Joseph in Matt 1:21 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." and in Luke 2:10-11 the angel said to them, "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

What does it mean exactly, to say that He is our Savior?
1. He is the perfect Savior because He came to earth to be our substitute.
He came to take our place in terms of God's eternal punishment because we all have fallen short; we all have sinned. II Cor 5:21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

2. He is the perfect Savior because He came to earth to point us to the way of salvation
Heb 2:10 - "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." He not only shows us the way to salvation, He led the way ('author', 'founder', trailblazer')! He's the One who leads us in the way of salvation-- not only through His death and resurrection, but in our walk with God.

3. He is the perfect Savior, because He makes us holy.
Heb 2:11 -Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
If you are a Christian, you are holy - set apart, you were called by God when you put your faith in Jesus. Not only does He forgive us of our sins, but there is also a divine exchange that takes place in which rather than seeing all our sin, God now sees us in Christ, as perfect. In Christ your failures are covered over, you are clothed with Jesus' righteousness! Now God sees us in Christ as covered in His perfection. That's why Jesus isn't ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters - He says Father - they are with Me- they are part of the family! He identifies with us before the Father. John 1:12 "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" :)

4. He is the perfect Savior, because He came to conquer satan
Heb 2:14-so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil He destroyed the power of sin and satan.

5. He is the perfect Savior, because He is a sympathetic high priest.
Heb 2:17-18 "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
because He suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. He knows what it is like to be tired, betrayed, tempted, hungry, to need to get ahold of yourself - He was tempted in every way as we are- He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities - He knows exactly where you are and how you feel. When you tell Him what is honestly on your heart, He is never going to be mad but instead you will find His mercy and grace to meet you there :)
Heb 4:16 - Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

He is the perfect Savior because: He was our substitute, He leads us in the way of salvation, He clothes us in His righteousness, He has conquered evil, and He is our sypathetic high priest!
Luke 2:10-11 "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord"

Yes this is Good News! this is Great News!
Think about God's love for you in sending Jesus to earth...
and think about Jesus' love for you in coming to earth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and being our Perfect Savior
This week despite any business, help us to be centered and focused on You~

blessings all :)

The Blessed Journey

2006-12-18T11:47:00.000-06:00

for this post...a Christmas video ecard called The Blessed Journey from the Presidential Prayer Team - written and performed by Joni Erickson Tada.

The Blessed Journey

Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Don’t Miss Christmas...

2006-12-15T19:53:00.000-06:00

- by Mary Southerland

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" -John 3:16

The Christmas rush is on! I know many of you are still looking for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, baking your famous sugar cookies, packing the car for a long trip and wrestling with overly excited children. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Right where you are...STOP! Take a deep breath and travel back with me to a time when there was no hope...no celebration. I can’t imagine a world without Jesus and yet, many times I live my life as if He doesn’t even exist. A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own. Loneliness floods my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness.

Then, He interrupts my life and fills each black corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like a soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, He steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – everything! He could have come to us in many ways but He chose to interrupt the very ordinary with the most extraordinary! He could have chosen to be born in a palace. After all, He was a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger - a dirty, smelly barn. The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to me and one of my most profound life lessons.

I often wish that I had been there that holy night when Jesus was born but then He reminds me that I have my own manger, my own holy moment when God became a reality to me, and I worship Him!

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas - Emanuel, God with us. God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go - what we do - the smile we give the harried stranger - the patience we wear in the crowd of impatient shoppers - the love that prompts the secret gift - the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit.

Join me in this quest - to celebrate Him and His birth in everything I do. Have a birthday party for Jesus! Adopt a family in need! Reach out to the lonely! Look for Him in the crowd! Emanuel, God with us! WOW!

Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death and Your resurrection. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be “God with skin on” to those in need around me. Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them! I love You! Happy Birthday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

blessings girlies :)

A Cup of Christmas COCOA

2006-12-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

~by Tracie Miles (condensed)

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh". Matthew 2: 11

One of the things I adore about the holiday season is hot cocoa. Who doesn’t feel warm and snuggly while sipping on a steaming cup of cocoa with marshmallows or whip cream piled on top? The word ‘COCOA’ can be used to help us remember the important aspects of Christmas, reminding us of the happiness and warmth we can enjoy being a part of God’s family.

C – CHRIST
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18
Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Remember to spend as much time searching for God’s truth, as you do searching for that perfect gift. Christ IS Christmas – there is no Christmas without Christ. During this season, share the gift that Christ has given you with someone else.

O – ORNAMENTS
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3
Do you spend more time fretting over whether or not your house could be featured in the holiday edition of Southern Living, than whether or not your inner spirit is adorned with God’s love and compassion for those in need? Put a stronger focus on blessing others this holiday season.

C – CHEERFULLY CELEBRATE THE SEASON
A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit. Proverbs 15:13
As the gift list grows, the budget drains, and the calendar fills, it is easy to get discouraged. And although Christmas is meant to be a joyous season, many people also struggle during the holidays with depression and discouragement. Despite the reasons that you might feel discouraged during this time of year, focus on how much you are loved as a dear and precious child of God. The holidays are merely a season, but God’s love and compassion for His children is permanent. Now that is something to celebrate!

O – OVERJOYED (not OVERWHELMED)
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:10 –11
The shepherds saw the star, and they were overjoyed – they were overcome with delight, awe, motivation, encouragement, love for God – they were overwhelmed with the gift of life. Think of a time when you were overjoyed- the birth of a child, a graduation, a wedding, a beautiful sunrise, sparkling white beaches, a baptism. Your feeling of happiness was likely so overwhelming, that tears filled your eyes, you had a lump in your throat, or your heart was beating rapidly. For many Christmas-a-holics, we are overjoyed when we kick off the holiday season, but overwhelmed by the middle of the month! Try to find ways to remind yourself each day of December to be thankful for the birth of our Savior and overwhelmed by the blessings that have been bestowed upon you, rather than being overwhelmed with your holiday to-do lists.

A – ABUNDANCE
..mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude :2
Whenever I think of Christmas morning, from my childhood to the present, the word abundance comes to mind. As soon as the sun rises on December 25th, until it sets in the evening, we are bombarded with an abundance of presents, candy, baked goods, fruit, and other delectable foods. But these things are temporary.
What we really yearn for is the abundant life promised to us in God’s word. Our true heart’s desire is for mercy, peace and love, not just on Christmas day, but every day throughout each year. ...
seasonal prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us the gift of your Son, so that we could have eternal life with You. Please help us not to get so caught up in the earthly celebrations of Christmas that we forget to celebrate Christ. Grant us joy and peace this season and into the future.

...this season, allow the warmth of God’s love to pour into your heart, and then pour that love out abundantly onto others~
---------------------------
blessings :)

Do You Know This Jesus?

2006-12-09T20:50:00.000-06:00

“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Every year when Christmas rolls around, we are exposed to countless retellings of the birth of Jesus. The story is told in hundreds of ways—animation and video, acted out and sung in harmony. Is there a chance that the abundance of information can make us immune to the story itself? Is it possible that we become so familiar with the story of Jesus that we lose sight of the One we are celebrating?

This year, I want to use this time to focus on Jesus. I want to be intentional about seeing the Christmas story for what it is—the gospel unfolded. The angel announced to the shepherds that the Messiah had come. He identified Jesus in three ways—as Savior, Christ, and Lord. Savior means Messiah, which is Hebrew for “Anointed One”. Christ is the Greek term for “Anointed One.” And Lord means Yahweh, or God. What do these names tell us about Jesus? They tell us that He was both God and man. He was prophecy fulfilled, to the letter, and that He came, just as God promised.

So what does that mean to us so many years after this announcement was made from the skies? How should we respond? For me it means that Christmas is the time to learn more about who Jesus is. It is our time to get in touch with what those names mean to us personally. It is an opportunity to read the account of His birth, His life, His death and resurrection with new eyes. We need to see Him anew this Christmas.

Jesus was a contradiction in terms. He was complex and went against the conventions of His times. He challenged the religious types. He was so much more than a simple Bible story. He is worth getting to know on a deep intimate level because the things He will reveal to you are so much more than you expect. I love the following poem and what it shows about Jesus. I want to dig deeply into what this poem says. I also want to dig deeply into the character of my Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

“The Paradox” - By Virginia Knowles
Come, see where He lays
Good Shepherd and Little Lamb
King of Kings and Servant of All
Prophet and Prophecy Fulfilled
Physician and Wounded One
High Priest and Atoning Sacrifice
Counselor and Rejected One
Builder and Foundation Stone
Righteous Judge and Condemned Prisoner
Ancient of Days and newly born babe
God and Man
Do you know this Jesus?

My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I love You and I want to know You more. This Christmas, and into the new year, help me to explore the deep meaning of who You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you wish to explore this poem further in personal application:
Write down the names of Jesus that are mentioned in the poem and use these names as a springboard for a personal Bible study. Do word studies on these names and find out what the Scriptures have to say about each one.

- by Marybeth Whalen

Can God Reach Those With Closed Minds?

2006-12-08T11:21:00.000-06:00

Acts 26:9 - 18
"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.
Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Responses to the Gospel vary. Some people believe it’s true. Others resist learning what the Scriptures say about salvation. Many have closed minds and refuse to have anything to do with Jesus. These individuals respond to Christians in one of two ways. They’re polite but firm in their rejection of Christ. Or, they’re aggressive and antagonistic toward those who call Jesus, “Savior.” In their opposition, some even cross over into violence.

Can God’s message of salvation penetrate those whose minds are shut? The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul, proves that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. Paul was a devoutly religious man who professed faith in God the Father. But he rejected Jesus as God, the Son.

His hatred of the Lord extended to all those who followed Jesus. Paul went to great lengths to persecute believers and persuade them into blaspheming Christ. God’s Spirit convicted this violent man of his sin, gave him an awareness of his own need for a Savior, and revealed that Jesus was the only solution for him and everyone else.

Dr. Stanley believes Paul came under conviction by the Holy Spirit when he was persecuting Christians. The future apostle witnessed unwavering devotion to Jesus even as believers were being killed for their faith (Acts 7:59-60).

Today, the Holy Spirit continues working to bring men and women under conviction. He uses the lives and testimonies of believers to reveal the truth about Jesus to those with closed minds and hard hearts.
Do you know people who seem beyond God’s reach? Be encouraged. Continue to ask God for their salvation
(Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. )

-from Dr. Charles Stanley

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Do you have unsaved family members or friends that came to mind as you read this? As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let's be steadfast to remember them in prayer, that God would soften their hearts and give them a hunger to come to know Him.

Ask Him to prepare their hearts, to give you divine appointments in which they are seeking answers, and to give you the right words to say to encourage them in coming to know Jesus.
If no friends or family come to mind, then you might pray for others you know who have unsaved family members. Please feel free to mention those whom you would like us to pray for here.
blessings! :)

Lets Rest our Hearts in Him & Know Him More

2006-12-05T22:47:00.000-06:00

Nevertheless to praise you is the desire of man
A little piece of your creation
Your stir us to take pleasure in praising You
Because you have made us for Yourself
And our heart is restless until it rests in you
-St. Augustine

ok how did Claire used to say this?
...I 'pinched this' from Chris Tomlin's new Worship Frequency site,
I loved this quote by St. Augustine and don't remember hearing it before... and wanted to share it with you
and while I'm 'pinching' for this post, below is part of 268gen's blog for day one of the prayer journey that I thought was very special and wanted to share with you as well...

We want to meet You here.
We want to know You more.
We want to feel Your embrace and know the hope of beginning again.
We want to breathe Your life.
And we want to show the world how great You are.

Father, be the beginning of something new and real in my heart today. In Jesus name, Amen.

"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD...."1Chr. 22:19a
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Yes Lord - no matter how busy we may be right now, help us to pause and take pleasure in praising You, to rest our hearts in You, to know You more, and the feel Your embrace today
blessings~

Border Order

2006-12-02T00:20:00.000-06:00

~by Gwen Smith

Luke 10:38-40a As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

I spent some time the other day at a coffee shop on the second floor of a Border’s bookstore. It was wonderful. It was quiet. The smell of freshly brewed coffee delighted my senses and overhead, light jazz music softly serenaded me. No body else was there. It was just me, my Bible, my laptop and coffee. Like I said – wonderful!

This particular café is elevated and overlooks the entire bookstore, which is warehouse-like because the main floor is vast and has a very high ceiling. Café patrons have a bird’s-eye view of the goings-on downstairs. I love the set up. It’s great for people watching.
When it was time to head out for my lunch date, I packed up and began my descent down the massive staircase. About mid-way down, I stopped. My eyes caught the order of the store. Like a well-planted garden, the store boasted a beautiful pattern of rows filled with content, yet separated by space. It was so impressive that it caused me to stop and to consider the beauty of the order.

The ‘Border order’ invaded my thoughts as I gazed out over the garden of books, CDs and magazines. Each row became a line of my daily ‘to do’ list. The space between the rows became the ‘grace space’ between tasks that allows for congestion on the highway, that welcomes the unexpected phone call from a friend in need, that embraces the crying child instead of snapping at her. I viewed a beautiful balance between the rows and the space. All at once, I realized that my pursuit of accomplishment, my desire to check the boxes each day, weighed more heavily on the rows than on the space! I have a tendency to be more like Martha than Mary.

Personally, when my days are filled with countless rows of things to do, the space between those rows grows thin. No matter how many times I try, I can never seem to fit more than 24 hours into one day! (Duh!) When space diminishes, I have a tendency to get grouchy. When space diminishes, I find my self with very little time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. When ‘grace space’ is properly placed between the rows of my list, I am more pleasant to be around, more productive in serving others and more available to worship the day through. Note to self: Factor in ‘grace space’ to your daily ‘to do’ list!! All summed up, I guess I’m going to be shooting for my days to have more Border order. When I do, my family wins, my stress level wins, my friends win, and my God wins. Hope you will, too.

Let's Pray...
Dear Lord, You are an amazing God of order. The universe is extravagant with order and the designs of our bodies are intricate with order. Thank you for demonstrating through the order of creation that hard work is very important, but that rest is an essential element as well. Please help me to broaden the isles of ‘grace space’ in my life. Help me to recognize and embrace daily opportunities that You send my way to love, encourage and worship. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Are you a list-girl?
Are your rows too close together?
Is there a friend, colleague or family member who needs a call of encouragement today?
Pinpoint one row on your list that can be eliminated to create more grace space in your day.

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ok blogettes, this one cracked me up as I love a nice setting like she describes in the coffeeshop... and I love it when God uses something so normal right in front of us, as an illustration to whisper to us about a greater truth He is wanting us to see.... hee
blessings :)

Having a Vibrant Prayer Life

2006-11-28T22:10:00.000-06:00

-Written by J. Fisher
"Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I ask the Lord my soul to take."
"God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen."
When we were children, our prayers were simple. We practiced saying grace and bedtime prayers, repeating after our parents in rote memorization. But what about now? Have your prayers remained repetitive and tentative?
A vibrant, meaningful prayer life accompanies a mature faith and close walk with God.

“Teach us to pray,” the disciples said. They were eyewitnesses to the ministry of Jesus, yet they still needed some guidance on prayer. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
These beautiful words are those of Jesus in the prayer He modeled for His disciples and for us, recorded in Matthew 6:9-13.
In his book, The Prayer of Jesus, Ken Hemphill explains each line of the Lord’s Prayer in detail. Praying as Jesus taught, with an attitude of expectation and a desire to communicate with the Father, sets our hearts right; our focus is shifted from ourselves to the worship of God and the service of others.
Prayer mirrors the depth of our relationship with God. “I view prayer as a continuous conversation with God,” says Catherine, a doctoral student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Looking back on the prayer journal she keeps, she can see a clear record of the ways God has moved in response to prayer. And that record reminds her of His love and faithfulness – encouraging her to keep at the relationship and challenging her to rely on Him more and more.
Prayer deepens your faith, broadens your empathy for others and helps you see God constantly at work in our world. If you struggle with what to pray about, simply ask God to open your eyes.
Use Scripture as a basis for prayer. Beth Moore’s book,Praying God's Word, teaches you how to break free from the spiritual strongholds in your life by correlating your own prayers with Scripture. Each of the 14 chapters contain Scripture-prayer combinations to guide you through specific strongholds.

Read the newspaper. It’s full of the names of people who desperately need prayer. The family of a murder victim. The convicted felon sentenced to prison (and the family he will leave behind). Political leaders. Molested and abducted children. Professional athletes. Hollywood actors. You may never meet these people, but you can ask God to lead, guide, comfort, and convict hearts. And He will.

Intercede for people you know. Somebody’s always changing jobs, getting married or divorced, or having a difficult day.
Voice prayers of thankful gratitude when you hear good news.
Pray in everyday moments.
Pray over decisions which are an investment of finance or time.
Pray about what ministries to be involved in.
Pray for your doctor as you sit in the waiting room.
For your neighbor as he mows his grass.
For the occupants of that speeding ambulance.
Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 tell us to “pray continually.”

Start with a thank you. In the same passage, Paul also says to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Thank God for the blessings in your life, big or small. Being thankful can often open the skies in your prayer life. Thank God for your burger at lunch or for your new promotion. Thank Him for another day to live.

Pray the small stuff. Pray the big stuff. and the stuff in between.
When you’re at a loss for words, begin with the things you know, the everyday things around you.
Voice your concerns to God, whether they seem legitimate or not.
Try a prayerful posture. Those old knees can take the heat.

Pray out loud. Sometimes talking out loud to God can make prayer a more conversational situation. And when you pray out loud, pray from your heart. Don’t try to impress God with fancy words. Jesus even warned against this (Matthew 6:5-8).

Use a map. Pick a region, country, or city and intercede for it every day for at least a week. Pray for that area’s leaders, for believers to be encouraged, and for God to bring revival.

God hears and answers every prayer of His children. "Yes," "No," and "Wait" are all viable answers.
Judy, a registered nurse in Tennessee, felt led to share Christ with a college friend named Susan. “That may be for you,” Susan responded, “but it’s not for me.” Judy felt she had failed in one of her first attempts to witness. As her contact with Susan dwindled, Judy continued to pray for God to intervene in Susan’s life. Five years later, Susan was killed in a tragic car accident. At the funeral, Judy was surprised and delighted to learn that Susan had become a Christian the previous year. Judy says, “God used that experience in my young Christian walk to teach me His faithfulness. He uses both answered and seemingly unanswered prayer to build our trust in Him.”

Heart Examination
Before you pray, examine your heart to check if it’s in tune with God’s. If your prayers feel stale and routine, ask Him to help you. A revitalized, creative prayer life is a wonderfully transforming thing.

God is in Control

2006-11-25T23:02:00.000-06:00

-by Mary Southerland

"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

The apostle Paul understood and lived by the truth that God is constantly at work in and around us, monitoring every circumstance. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” There is a truth in this verse that is easy to miss - the truth that God is always at work around us. Paul’s circumstances did not show that God was working. But Paul knew! He was secure in the belief that help was on the way so he stood firm and began watching for God to show up! He examined every circumstance, understanding that it had already passed through His Father’s hands with His permission! And God came through! To find real security and contentment we must learn to search for the handprints of God in the every day circumstances of life.

Life is not a series of accidents but a series of divine appointments made by our heavenly Father, designed to prove that He loves us and orchestrated to illustrate His provision for us. That interruption we complain about or that intrusion we resent may well be a window of opportunity sent by Him! God is our provider. The word “provider” comes from two Latin words, “pro” which means “before” and “video” which means, “to see”. In other words God will take care of it beforehand. God caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs and it came at the time when Paul needed their love the most! He always comes when we need Him the most! It is a picture of the Good Shepherd meeting every need of every sheep.
John 10:4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice. (NLT)

The Shepherd is always ahead of his sheep - out in front which means that any attack upon the sheep has to take him into account first. What peace and security we can have knowing that God has gone before us through every valley, across each mountain of life. He knows what tomorrow holds and will give us everything we need to face it. When we begin to understand and walk in the truth that God monitors every circumstance, we will also understand and walk in contentment. You may find yourself in a frightening place filled with darkness and doubt. Your fragile heart may be wondering if God knows where you are. Let me assure you my friend - He does. Even if you cannot see Him He can see you. And when it comes right down to it, I really prefer that God be able to see me rather than insisting that I be able to see Him!
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jer. 29:11

Blessings~

Happy Thanksgiving All!

2006-11-23T06:23:00.000-06:00

Dear Blogettes, many of you may be traveling or out and about this Thanksgiving weekend... I wanted to give you a few excerpts from some Thanksgiving devotionals ....together they are a bit lengthy but worth the read.. I hope they will resonate with your ThanksGiving to God :)

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* Thanksgiving: Celebrating Divine Goodness
by Deborah Wuehler
We cannot go through the month of November without thinking, “I have so much to be thankful for!” But, instead of thinking the same old thanksgiving thoughts, I want to encourage you to look at Thanksgiving in a slightly different way this year.
Noah Webster was a man who knew his own history. In his 1828 dictionary, he defined Thanksgiving as: “The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. 2. A public celebration of divine goodness; also a day set aside for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties.”

A celebration of divine goodness and remarkable deliverance. These concepts were probably at the root of the feelings of gratitude in the pilgrims. I believe they were more than simply thankful for their families, friends and their feast. I believe it touched those things but also went much deeper than that. I believe they were thankful for the God of their feast. Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it. Of course they were thankful for their God – aren’t we all? But just how are we thankful for our God today? I would guess that most of our thankfulness has to do with His provision and not necessarily His Person. The pilgrims knew that His provision was because of His character.
From my historical readings, the first Pilgrims knew their God! They knew Him to not only be a Provider, but a God of Mercy; their Creator; Redeemer; Life-giver; Deliverer; Rescuer. They knew Him to be all these things and were filled with Thanksgiving that He would even acknowledge mortal men!
How about us? Do we know Him in this way? At this time of year especially, we tend to give thanks for what God does for us, more than for who He is.
So, my recommendation is not to simply celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday – but celebrate the God behind the holiday and give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

Psalm 136
v.1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!

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Thanksgiving's Unexpected Blessings
- by Rebecca B. Jordan
For the last year, my husband and I have been systematically sorting through every closet, every drawer, and every space in our home. Why? I have been trying to fulfill a long-time promise to him to de-clutter and organize our home more efficiently. And that’s a hard task for a sentimental collector like myself. Inwardly, I objected as usual: “It’s a waste of good, creative time.” “I’m not skilled at organizing.” “It’s too hard to decide what stays and what goes.” “I just don’t have time to do it.” “When would I write?” But love has a way of breaking down your defenses, and God has a way of reminding you of your promises. So I put other things on hold and began the task. When we decided to redecorate in the process that sparked a creative surge. Still, there were times when I wanted to give up. The task seemed endless. We finally struck a compromise: I would weed out, if my husband would reorganize what was left. Ouila! This time our garage sale was so huge, our neighbor left a message on our phone saying, “You’re not moving, are you?” After staring at those merchandise-filled tables for two days, I wondered why I ever kept that baggage in the first place. The house is almost finished -- both the redecorating and the organizing. And through this process God taught me something--many things, in fact. What started out as a huge, dreaded burden ended up a fantastic blessing. I can find things in record time. I have a new admiration for my husband, and he thinks he got a new wife! The house has a fresh look--and God gave me a new confidence. Not to mention all the stories that evolved during that time!

God's blessings come in all shapes and sizes. He loves to bless His people! But after a closer look in the Bible, I discovered many blessings I had never thought about -- like getting rid of “stuff” -- excess baggage that interferes with our intimacy with Him
and His peaceful presence in our lives. In fact, I found that knowing God more intimately is one of the best blessings of all.

At Thanksgiving, what better time to think through and appreciate the "unexpected" blessings God shows us. Here are just a few:

-If you've ever experienced God's hand of discipline, and you were allowed to see His reasons for doing so, you can never say, "I don't deserve that kind of treatment." Instead, you would thank your Father God for His protection and wisdom.
-If you have struggled with an unchangeable defect or a menacing weakness, and felt God's power in the midst of it, you understand the blessing of God's overcoming strength being made perfect through you.
-If you've come near to losing someone who is precious to you, you will thank God for His mercy, for second chances and the gift of time. You will treasure each day and each memory -- and you will love more deeply.
-If you've ever observed the awesome handiwork of God in nature and basked in the beauty and wonder of His creation, you cannot help but praise Him profusely.
-If you have lost a loved one, experienced deep grief or experienced the pain of loneliness, and felt God's arms around you, then you understand the pain and the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice for you -- and you will thank God for His tender and compassionate comfort.
-If you have ever broken God's heart through sin (and we all have), then you can never say to God, "I deserve more." Instead, you will thank God for His infinite love -- and for the hunger to know Him deeply, and cry out to Him, "God, You deserve more!"
-If you have survived a near accident, pulled through a crushing blow, or felt His peace in the midst of a storm, you are eternally grateful for your Master Potter, and for the Blessed Controller who is shaping you into His image and who values you as His child.
-If you have ever asked God for something, and received God's "No," but then He answered with something far better than you could ever have hoped or imagined, then you will thank God that He works all things out for your good -- and that His ways are not your ways.

That's only the beginning, but you get the idea. And it really doesn't matter if you live in another country where Thanksgiving is not a national holiday like it is in America. We all forget. That why I love to remind others -- and myself -- that we are indeed a most blessed people. That's why my heart wells up with gratitude daily, yes, thanking God for His blessings, but with a pleading, "Oh God. Please! How can I bless you?" I pray that instead of offering a word of thanks this year, we will give Him more. Instead of thanksgiving, may we pledge to Him our "thanksliving."
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with Thankfulness and blessings :)

Being Thankful.........for the People in our lives

2006-11-21T18:10:00.000-06:00

-by Robin Dugall

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phillipians 1:3

Thanksgiving is just around the corner again and I’m sure that across our country, pastors are preaching sermons pointing out the need for Christ-followers to be thankful people. As a pastor, I’ve made impassioned pleas for Christ-followers to rise above our culture… to resist the temptation for the holidays to be simply another opportunity for us to be self-focused and self-indulgent. Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating to the brink of explosion; shopping to the brink of bankruptcy; watching television to the brink of insanity. I’ve tried to make the point that Thanksgiving for a person who loves God can be so much more.

Even so, I discovered in my own life that despite what I’ve preached, I have missed a crucial element in the process of being a thankful follower of Jesus in my own life. I found that over the years I have been mostly thankful for the THINGS in my life; for food, finances, the house I have lived in, the clothes I have worn, and so on. While there’s nothing wrong with being thankful for these things, I have missed the boat on giving thanks for the biggest blessings of God in my life…PEOPLE. Consider how empty, purposeless, and meaningless, our lives would be without relationships. Relationships have shaped who we are and who we are becoming. Without exception, everyone I know has been positively influenced by another person. While it is easy to thank God for the THINGS in our lives, we should remember to be equally thankful for the PEOPLE God has placed in our lives as well!

Let me give you just one example. I am thankful for my Aunt Patty. She had suffered a brain injury when she was a small child severe enough that by the time I was born, she had become mentally disabled. But, when I was a child, she would play games and entertain me for hours. She loved me unconditionally. We would play The Beatles records, and pretend to be Paul and John. It was her love for music that infected my soul for the rest of my life. I thank God for her!

How about you? Who do you thank God for?
This Thanksgiving, take a few moments and thank God for the relationships in your life. Truthfully, it can revolutionize your life.

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blessings :)

Psalm 27

2006-11-14T00:18:00.000-06:00

The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Our Personal Accountability

2006-11-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

God holds us accountable for our words, actions, and thoughts. In Psalm 139, David writes: "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways" (vv. 1-3).

There is a mystery to God’s love that our human minds cannot understand fully, and that is this: God knows all about us, and yet He loves us. He knows our inner thoughts and how we flash with anger when someone hurts us. He sees how we become jealous, resentful, and critical of others.

The fact that God loves so freely should stir a desire within us to draw closer to the Lord. David wrote: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me . . ." (v. 24). Will you pray this prayer with David, and ask the Lord to reveal anything in your life that is displeasing to Him?

Godly friends are a rich source of accountability. They can help us discern pure motives and right actions, thoughts, and feelings. Be willing to accept this type of accountability from a committed Christian friend. When you do, you will find your spiritual walk with Christ has deepened, and you will gain fresh insight into your own life and habits.
- by Charles Stanley - (from today's portion of his In Touch devotional)

blessings all~

Honoring US Veterans Day

2006-11-10T06:13:00.000-06:00

Armistice Day became Veterans' Day by an act of Congress in 1954. President Eisenhower called on the nation to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all our nation’s wars, to celebrate the contributions of all veterans of military service, and to rededicate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace. It is Eisenhower’s call that remains the three-fold purpose of Veterans' Day: remembering those who fought and died, celebrating all veterans, and promoting an enduring peace.

Click here for a Veteran's Day Tribute

From the Presidential Prayer Team for Kids:
Since we are honoring Veterans this week in advance of Veterans Day, it’s a very good time to pray for all the veterans who have served our country so very faithfully, giving of their efforts and energy and their lives. Pray that they will know how grateful our country is, and pray that each one will have their needs—whether physical, emotional or spiritual—fully met by those closest to them. Pray that those who suffer with disability or other difficulty because of their service will receive all the services and support needed to help them live a full and good life. Veterans Day is also a great time to thank God for the blessings of freedom, because our veterans fought and sacrificed for us to have that freedom.

with thankfulness for those who have served as veterans~
blessings all~

Ephesians 2:10

2006-11-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When We Love

2006-11-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

Frances Mason died a few days ago.
I realize fully that very few who will read this will know anything about Frances Mason. But I did. You see, Frances Mason made a powerful impact on my life for one very simple reason: She loved me.

I became the pastor of Green Valley Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., in 1990. It was my second church out of seminary, and I was a 35-year-old “kid.” Frances Mason had seen neophytes like me come and go, but this senior citizen made a decision the day I came to Green Valley. “Pastor,” she said with enthusiasm, “you will have some good and bad days here, but I want to promise you two things. First, I will pray for you every day and, second, I will love you no matter what.”

When I think of people who have made significant positive differences in my life, Frances Mason is near the top. Even after I left Green Valley, she continued to call and write with a simple message: She loved me.

Maybe it is because I am in a position today to see a broader view of evangelical Christianity. I hope it is not because I have become cynical. But it just seems to me that Christians are showing less love and more judgmental behavior.

I can hear possible sighs: “Oh no, Rainer is talking about this love thing. He is going soft on doctrine.” But the foundation of Christian doctrine is the love of Christ manifest on the cross. And the Apostle John tells us that this love is most evident when Christians love one another:

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

Indeed my doctrine drives me to love others. And when I do not, I am nothing less than disobedient to this doctrine I say I believe.

Coach Joe Hendrickson loved me, too. Again, few of you will know his name. He was my high school football coach. In the two short years he coached at Bullock County High School in Union Springs, Ala., he made a profound impact on the team. He was tough, but we players never doubted that he loved us. Coach Joe was a follower of Christ, and the love of Christ was so very evident in his attitude and behavior. So when he shared the Gospel of Christ with me, I listened. He had already won my trust and my heart by his love. And on that same day he shared with me, I became a follower of Christ.

I was surprised to feel the lump in my throat when I received the call that Frances had died. Indeed it has been years since I have seen her. It is simply amazing how love transcends barriers and years. She knew how to pray. And she knew how to love.

One person led me to Christ by demonstrating Christian love. Another person’s Christian love and prayers strengthened me in some challenging times.

This morning in my quiet time, I reflected on lives like Frances’ and Coach Joe’s. And I began to pray. May I share with you portions of my prayer?

“Lord, teach me to pray for someone before I criticize them.”

“Lord, help me to see others through Your love, and to treat them as You would.”

“God, remind me of the brevity of life, so that I will spend more time loving and less time judging.”

“Father, teach me to love those who do not love me.”

“Lord, may Your love be so apparent in my life that I will have ongoing opportunities to share that love with those who do not know You.”

Frances Mason died a few days ago. But she leaves behind a legacy of love.

“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Lord, teach me to love.

~by Thom S. Rainer
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blessings & much love ~

Stars...

2006-11-03T14:10:00.000-06:00

by Gwen Smith

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name (Psalm 147:4).

A few days back, as my kids were playing with Play-Dough at the kitchen table, they enthusiastically called me over to view their creative masterpieces. I noticed that my son Hunter had used a small cookie cutter to make a bunch of blue stars. As I looked at the work of his small hands, I was reminded of a Bible verse. So I asked them, “Did you guys know that the Bible talks about stars?” I continued, “It says that God made all of the stars in the sky and has named each one!” Without hesitation, my five-year-old daughter excitedly responded “Like George, Junior and Kelsey?”

After the laugher waned, we had a simple, yet special conversation about God’s love for us. I really enjoy those moments of simplicity…the times when we pause to think about God’s handiwork and His Word as it applies to us. I can’t help but shake my head when I consider the unending lavishness of this thought: if God directed His attention to the stars and named each and every last one…how much more does He direct His attention to His children who are made in His image and purposed in His love?

It’s not uncommon for me to watch my children play in the backyard. While I do care what they are saying to one another, how they are behaving and if they are safe, I just love to watch them because they are my kids…because I love them. Do you know that God delights in you and loves you simply because you are His? Not because of what you do or don’t do…not because of what you say or don’t say…not because of what neighborhood you live in or what dress size you wear. He just – flat out – loves you!

Psalm 145:20a says “The LORD watches over all who love him….”

I’m so glad that I don’t have to perform for God in order to be loved by Him. Just like the stars in the heavens, we were hand made by the Master of Life. He watches over us, loves us and extends mercy to us through Jesus. I need that mercy daily. We all do. Let’s intentionally remember that today and look for opportunities to extend that same attention, love and mercy to the people in your life. - by Gwen Smith

blessings :)

Isaiah 40:28 - 31

2006-11-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Grace

2006-10-29T15:11:00.000-06:00

by Anabel Gillham

We can’t deny that painful circumstances invade our lives. But we must put them in their proper perspective. Pres, my eldest, was going through a time of deep disillusionment, hurt, loneliness, confusion, and penetrating self-evaluation. He shared with me how the following thoughts brought clarity in his thinking, how they enveloped him in peace and promised endurance.
Pres:
"I know that the difficult circumstances in my life at this present moment are very real. But I also know that Christ has provided victory for me in these circumstances."As you and I well know, this victory is not deliverance but grace, as spoken of in
Proverbs 3:34: ‘He gives grace to the afflicted.’

"Grace used here refers to the divine influence upon your heart brought about through the affliction, the difficulties—difficulties such as I am experiencing now, and how that divine influence is reflected in your life through the unexpected benefits of the suffering."

Unexpected benefits? Like what? What might we learn from suffering? How does it change us, and what can we profit from it?

It might be . . . the rebirth of compassion for others
a renewal of your covenant with Christ
an awareness of His amazing strength through you
the thankfulness and joy that will emanate from you when you know—really know—how much He loves you
the tender knowledge of your complete acceptability by God, your Maker.

Pres again:"Deliverance is the easy way out. Grace is a training ground run through tear-blurred eyes which, in the end, leaves your heart strong, your muscles toned, and your head clear and organized."

2 Corinthians 12:9 tlb
"I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people."

Thank You, Lord, for in these—my weak moments—I will be strong beyond my ability to comprehend."
--------------------
I am so thankful that in our weakness, He gives grace sufficient to strengthen us.

2 Corinthians 12:9 niv
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Blessings~

The Art of Prayer

2006-10-27T06:18:00.000-05:00

The Art of Prayer - excerpts written by Michael D. Warden
Imagine that you and your best friend (or significant other) have decided to spend an entire day together. You meet in the morning and share breakfast, then sit on the porch and chat for awhile before planning your day. You decide that it doesn't matter what activities you do — shopping, hiking, or running errands — because you both know it's being together that's important.

Late in the day, you share another sit-down meal and, with it, long conversation. You share your dreams. You confess your fears. You plan what's next — what's best — for your life, and your friend agrees to hold you to the course. You know the promise is sincere. And you find yourself wondering why the two of you have never had this day before.

Now imagine that the friend with whom you shared your day is God. When you put Him in the place of that dear friend or significant other, what happens to your perception of the day?

The Elusive Dream
For many of us, the daydream quickly turns murky with this change of thought. It's one thing to connect with a friend you can see, hear, and touch, but how can you connect like that with God? Besides, we have very few days of leisure like the one we've imagined. Most days are far busier, and daily distractions make such a connection with God seem all but impossible.

A Vision of Connection
In John 15:4-5, Jesus issues this metaphorical command, "'Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.'"

To "remain in" comes from the Greek verb meno, which means "to stay within" or "dwell within." Jesus is literally telling His disciples (and us) that He wants us to make Him our home and to live within Him all through our lives. It's a deeply intimate metaphor — one that echoes our own longing. We long for the awareness of His presence in the busyness, right there walking with us and talking with us and remaining intimately involved in our lives.

So, if God wants this ongoing, deep connection with us, and we want this ongoing, deep connection with Him, why isn't it happening? One reason may be because we are hobbled by limiting beliefs regarding the role of prayer in our lives. "We segregate out a small corner of pious activities and then make no spiritual sense out of the rest of our lives," writes Richard J. Foster in his book Prayer. "We have become so accustomed to this way of living that we fail to see the contradiction in it. The scandal of Christianity in our day is the heresy of a 5 percent spirituality."

Crafting Your Time
Many of us have been raised to believe that prayer is primarily a means of petition or an expression of worship. We pray to thank God for what He has done and to ask Him for what we want or need, then we say "amen" and go on with our lives. But prayer is much more than a thank-you card or a wish list. It's the means by which we create and nurture an ongoing, deep companionship with our Creator. Prayer is conversation. More than a daily ritual of asking and thanking, it is the spiritual equivalent of the open, honest communication that is so essential to any successful, growing relationship.

Beyond our wrong perceptions about prayer, another cause for the lack of a deep, ongoing connection with God may lie in the way we orchestrate our daily routines. John Piper, author of the provocative book Desiring God, says that the main reason we so rarely experience God's presence in our daily lives in any significant way is because we simply don't plan for it. "We get up day after day and realize that significant times of prayer should be part of our life, but nothing's ever ready," Piper writes. "Nothing has been planned. No time. No place. No procedure. And we all know that the opposite of planning is not a wonderful flow of deep, spontaneous experiences in prayer. The opposite of planning is the rut. If you don't plan a vacation, you will probably stay home and watch TV. … If you want renewal in your life of prayer, you must plan to see it."

Of course, scheduling significant blocks of time for prayer each day may not be feasible for most of us. But, for those who truly want that deeper, ongoing connection with God, there are many creative ways to weave prayer into the busyness of our lives. All that's needed, as Piper says, is to include them in our plans.

"Therefore, my simple exhortation is this," writes Piper. "Let us take time this very day to rethink our priorities and how prayer fits in. Make some new resolve. Try some new venture with God. … Don't be tyrannized by the press of busy days."

Once we understand that prayer is more about building relationship with God than it is about getting Him to do something for us, the possibilities for incorporating ongoing prayer into our busy lives become almost endless. Like sharing the entire day with our best friend, it doesn't really matter what you're doing. It's being together that's important.
-Written by Michael D. Warden

Blessings all :)

Worship... King of Glory... & Revelations...

2006-10-26T01:05:00.000-05:00

Today's post... is a compilation of posts our bloggers made Wednesday...

Worship is my response to God's love.
Worship is giving back to God.
Worship is focusing my attention on God.
Worship is expressing my affection to God
and lastly Worship is using my abilities for God.
(from Gail- from 40 Days of Purpose)

there is one God, He is holy,
there is one God over everything
there is one God, He is Jesus,
King of Glory, strong and mighty
(Sunny - from "King of Glory")

Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you,
Oh Lord,and bring Glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed!
(Fan of God - Revelation 15:3-4)

Blessings! :)

Prayer is a 2 Way Street

2006-10-25T01:44:00.000-05:00

Prayer is a Two Way Street - by Sharon Jaynes

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

"I had been in Raleigh, North Carolina on a speaking engagement when we got the news that Hurricane Floyd was making its way up the coast. The ladies quickly said their goodbyes and I hopped in my car to make the three hour trip home. Already the rain was pelting my windshield and the trees were swaying in the gusty wind. A hurricane so far inland was quite unusual. Once I made it out of town and to the highway, I joined several thousand travelers trying to outrun and escape the storm. Men, women and children as far as two hundred miles away were on the road, evacuating the coastal areas.

During my adventure, God and I had plenty of time for conversation. He showed me that my journey home was much like many people’s prayer lives. See, I was stuck in a long line of evacuation traffic. My side of the highway was clogged with panicky people trying to get as far away from the storm as possible.

However, on the other side of the highway, the lanes heading east, there was only the occasional brave traveler determined to get to his or her destination. I imagine that’s how God sees His children pray. There’s a looooooong line of people calling out for help – that would be the evacuation lane. And then there’s the sparse few people listening to what God has to say – that would be those heading in the eastbound lane.

While prayer is a two way street, many of us spend far more time on the street directing our prayer to God for help... than we do on the street receiving His direction. But I have learned that what God has to say to me is far more important than what I have to say to Him, and I need to be praying in both lanes – speaking and listening.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, sometimes I just talk too much. Help me to spend more time listening to You when I pray. I’m going to make it short today, because now I’m going to simply listen……….In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now it's your turn
Do you find it difficult listening to God? If so, here’s an idea.
Find a passage of Scripture to read (perhaps John 15). Now read just a few verses or one verse at a time, pausing to ask God to speak to you.
As you meditate on the verses, what thoughts come to mind?
Pick a few verses to think on during the day. Note any new thoughts that come to mind regarding the verses. "
- Sharon Jaynes

Blessings Girlies :)

Margin

2006-10-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

Today's post is a portion from a devotion called 'Margin' by Gwen Smith:

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3

"I’m heading out the door to lead worship at a weekend conference. I’m very excited to see our LORD at work in the lives of women this weekend, but – in all honesty – I’ve got a slightly wounded heart as I cross the threshold. You see, I’ll be missing my son’s flag football game this weekend.

Balance can be so elusive. It’s one of the great battles of this age. I struggle with it as much as the next person. Many mundane and godly things compete for the attention of our time, our minds, our hearts, and our souls – and so many are good things. In most crowded lives, margin (time of reflection and rest), is no longer the norm, but the exception.

Lately, my personal challenge is to pass up the good for the great. I’m learning and striving to prioritize my days, my time and my disciplines in order to be increasingly effective in pointing to God’s glory in all that I do. I’m trying to pause each day and experience enough margin time that the loud sounds of ‘living and doing’ do not drown out the still small voice of my Prince of Peace…my true source of balance.

I’m reminded of the lyric from that old hymn “In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles
I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses
And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Notice that the worshipper in that hymn didn’t go to the garden with an entourage…she was alone! She went looking for God…and He walked with her! How amazing is it that the holy God of heaven is available to tarry with us and is willing to be found when we seek Him?

As we journey both on our own and together to the heart of heaven, my prayer is that your days would be enhanced with God-thoughts. I pray your personal time of worship would compel you to respond to the glory of God and fall before Him in humble worship. Through songs, hymns and scriptures, I long for each God-seeker to find refuge in the hiding place of His safe and loving arms. Sing to Him. Lift up His name with song today. Dance in the margin.

I firmly believe that when we engage in passionate praise and sincere worship, our time is well invested. It blesses the heart of God and it nourishes our souls to the very core of who we were made to be. We tip the scales of balance in our favor. We find sacred margin. I’m all for that.
Thanks for worshiping with me."
~Gwen Smith
Blessings~

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

2006-10-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Psalm 139: 1-18

2006-10-19T08:31:00.000-05:00

Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You hem me in - behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, it is high, I cannot attain it. v 1-6

Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning an dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to You, the night is bright as day, for darkness is as light with You. v7-12

For You formed my inward parts, You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them they are more than the sand. v13-18

Psalms 19:14

2006-10-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”- Psalm 19:14

Transitions...

2006-10-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Sunny has hosted a blog site for several of us to use as a common meeting ground for quite some time. It has been a place to meet and have fellowship, to laugh, to pray for each other and to share what we are going thru or learning at the time. I have appreciated her blog very much, but as Sunny feels this season of hosting it has come to an end for her, I will offer to provide a place to connect here, for those who wish to use it. I am aware some people have been scarce lately, but we'll just see how it goes and at least give those who want to connect a common place here. Sunny posted a very fitting scripture in her last blog:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:3-6

Sunny, I have appreciated your blog and providing a place for us to land and catch up with each other no matter what the time zone, to pray for each other, to joke around, and to share what we are learning or what is going on in our lives. Thank you Sunny for hosting us in your cyberspace living room. Let us know what's going on and how to pray for you. I pray God's blessings on your move back to California, with your job and church home
Blessings all~
Kimmer

Colossians 2

2006-01-01T01:10:00.000-06:00

1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.