Lord Jesus I come before You with heart bowed and head hung low...in reverence.
I praise You Jesus for making yourself real to me once again.
For taking me back one more time.
I don't deserve Your grace and mercy but I am so grateful that You chose to give them to me.
Thank You...Thank You.
I truly do love You Lord even though at times I stray.
Thank You for Your forgiveness...for mercy one more time.
Oh Lord I ask that you be my strength today...the never failing strength of my heart.
Heal the wounds that I carry in my soul...in my mind...in my body.
Draw me ever closer to You Lord.
You be the One to quench my thirst...to fill my hunger...to satisfy my every need.
Draw me in. Fill me up. Soothe my soul.
Forgive any sins that I have committed...in thought or in deed.
Lord help me to be the person you want me to be...the child of God I long to be.
Search my heart Lord...clear my thoughts of any thing that isn't of You.
Help me Lord to be more like You everyday in this life You have given me.
Help me to be a blessing to others.
I long to be what You want me to be.
I long to be more like You.
More of You and less of me is what I want people to see in me.
Thank You Lord for putting people in my life that are ever close to You.
Ones that help me in this journey called life when I can't seem to make it on my own.
To help me right my feet on Your path once again.
To steady me so I can find my way with and in You once again.
Let me be a help to them.
Help me to be able to show Your love.
To be a help to them in their storms like they are in mine.
Lord I praise You...I thank You...for being my Savior.
For never turning Your back on me even though I seem to turn from You at times.
Thank You...Thank You...Thank You for my life in You.
In Your precious holy name Jesus I pray all of this.
Amen
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Everything
Oh Lord
We want more of You
We long for more of You
We need more of You
Fill us with your presence Lord
Fill us to the top
Overflowing with You
Overflowing with Your grace
Overflowing with Your mercy
Overflowing with Your love
Oh Lord
You are all that really matters in this life
You are all that we can really cling too
You are all that fills us with the sustenance we need to live
You are that sustenance
The nourishment for our soul
You are that food
You are that air
You Lord
Our everything
Oh Lord
Without You
We are nothing
Nothing
Yet with You Lord
We have all that we need
We are filled to overflowing
We are full
Satisfied
Content with You
Content in You
Oh Lord
Though the storms swirl
In You
We know peace
We know strength
We know joy
Your love abounds in us
Through us
You Lord
Our everything
Thank You Lord
We love You
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
We want more of You
We long for more of You
We need more of You
Fill us with your presence Lord
Fill us to the top
Overflowing with You
Overflowing with Your grace
Overflowing with Your mercy
Overflowing with Your love
Oh Lord
You are all that really matters in this life
You are all that we can really cling too
You are all that fills us with the sustenance we need to live
You are that sustenance
The nourishment for our soul
You are that food
You are that air
You Lord
Our everything
Oh Lord
Without You
We are nothing
Nothing
Yet with You Lord
We have all that we need
We are filled to overflowing
We are full
Satisfied
Content with You
Content in You
Oh Lord
Though the storms swirl
In You
We know peace
We know strength
We know joy
Your love abounds in us
Through us
You Lord
Our everything
Thank You Lord
We love You
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tonight I'm just sitting having a cup of peppermint tea and listening to some great music.
Just A Closer Walk With Thee is one of my favorite songs. I always say how I want that more than anything...and I do. This song just reminds me how much. And like the song says...daily walking close to Thee...that is exactly what I/we have to do. It's a choice like everything else in life. I fall...I get up. How? Jesus reaches out His hand...takes mine...takes yours...and helps me up...helps me to take one more step...by faith in Him.
Tonight sitting in my room...surrounded by music...I feel Him close. Too many times I wander yet He always...always...always...reaches out and pulls me back to Him. But God. Without Him...I don't know what I would do. He constantly shows me...gives to me...His amazing grace. What would I/we do without His grace? Tonight I. Am.Thankful.
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.
Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Just A Closer Walk With Thee is one of my favorite songs. I always say how I want that more than anything...and I do. This song just reminds me how much. And like the song says...daily walking close to Thee...that is exactly what I/we have to do. It's a choice like everything else in life. I fall...I get up. How? Jesus reaches out His hand...takes mine...takes yours...and helps me up...helps me to take one more step...by faith in Him.
Tonight sitting in my room...surrounded by music...I feel Him close. Too many times I wander yet He always...always...always...reaches out and pulls me back to Him. But God. Without Him...I don't know what I would do. He constantly shows me...gives to me...His amazing grace. What would I/we do without His grace? Tonight I. Am.Thankful.
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.
Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, November 29, 2015
I just heard a song that tells what the answer is...the answer to what troubles us...
Where could I go
Oh where could I go
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Where could I go but to the Lord
The answer lies here...within these words...to all of our worries...our problems...even our discontent.
Discontent defined as: a restless desire or craving for something one does not have.
At times we don't know why we are so stirred up inside...why we feel a lack of something...or even what that something is. Yet even the answer for that is in the words of the song. If we go to the Lord our soul will find refuge...stillness...peace...
Psalm 46:1 NLT
GOD is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Where could I go
Oh where could I go
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Where could I go but to the Lord
The answer lies here...within these words...to all of our worries...our problems...even our discontent.
Discontent defined as: a restless desire or craving for something one does not have.
At times we don't know why we are so stirred up inside...why we feel a lack of something...or even what that something is. Yet even the answer for that is in the words of the song. If we go to the Lord our soul will find refuge...stillness...peace...
Psalm 46:1 NLT
GOD is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Saturday, November 21, 2015
While most of us were sleeping last night God was making sure the early morning hours were going to be beautiful for us. When I went outside I saw where HE had sprinkled glitter all over the ground...actually little ice crystals...where I live. It was only about 28 outside but still...Wow...so beautiful!
God does so many awesome things for us to see if we will just open our eyes and look! It can be hard to notice with all that's going on in the world right now. Yet we have to remember that God is still with us and we are "tucked" in Him...protected in Him...we just need to press in and stay close knowing He won't leave us. Don't let yourself be shaken. Place your hope in Him.
God is the answer for our life. Have faith...and if you fall down or fail...reach up and take His hand. He will help you to get back to where you need to be.
Psalm 62:5-8
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
God does so many awesome things for us to see if we will just open our eyes and look! It can be hard to notice with all that's going on in the world right now. Yet we have to remember that God is still with us and we are "tucked" in Him...protected in Him...we just need to press in and stay close knowing He won't leave us. Don't let yourself be shaken. Place your hope in Him.
God is the answer for our life. Have faith...and if you fall down or fail...reach up and take His hand. He will help you to get back to where you need to be.
Psalm 62:5-8
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Friday, November 13, 2015
All He Really Wants
Sometimes it takes something big to get us out of our sluggishness
and make us realize that the only way we can survive is to totally rely
on the LORD. We need to draw close to HIM like we never have before.
As I watched the attacks in Paris unfold today it woke me up. Sometimes...as of late...I can go about life ignoring the fact that...plainly...I'm just not as close to the LORD as I once was. I have...in effect...become numb to HIM talking to me to the point that He is having to nudge me...almost knocking me over at times...yet I still continue to push HIM aside. The funny thing is it's not because I want HIM to leave me...in fact it's the opposite...I want more and more of HIM. Yet somehow I keep doing all the wrong things. I think too much and dwell on unimportant things...failures...disappointments. Thinking about it...putting it all into perspective this comes to mind...
All HE...JESUS...really wants is me...all of me...my undivided attention...undivided soul.heart.mind. All HE wants is me...just the way I am because HE can work with that...however I may be.
That's how JESUS is...all HE really wants is you as well...just as you are.
All HE wants is to be our everything...all we will ever need. He wants us to fall on our face and call out to HIM...seek HIM...find HIM...live for HIM.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Isaiah 54:10
"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
As I watched the attacks in Paris unfold today it woke me up. Sometimes...as of late...I can go about life ignoring the fact that...plainly...I'm just not as close to the LORD as I once was. I have...in effect...become numb to HIM talking to me to the point that He is having to nudge me...almost knocking me over at times...yet I still continue to push HIM aside. The funny thing is it's not because I want HIM to leave me...in fact it's the opposite...I want more and more of HIM. Yet somehow I keep doing all the wrong things. I think too much and dwell on unimportant things...failures...disappointments. Thinking about it...putting it all into perspective this comes to mind...
All HE...JESUS...really wants is me...all of me...my undivided attention...undivided soul.heart.mind. All HE wants is me...just the way I am because HE can work with that...however I may be.
That's how JESUS is...all HE really wants is you as well...just as you are.
All HE wants is to be our everything...all we will ever need. He wants us to fall on our face and call out to HIM...seek HIM...find HIM...live for HIM.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Isaiah 54:10
"Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Not Enough
Sometimes when I try to write the way I feel about the Lord...try to express what is so very deep down in my soul...I just can't seem to get it out! The words I can think of just aren't enough. When you think about His love...His mercy...His grace...you know that there is nothing you can say that adequately explains what you feel. Pondering on this today it came to me that...
there aren't enough letters in our childlike alphabet...
there aren't enough colors in the crayon box of our minds...
there aren't enough notes in the keyboards of our souls...
to express in words...pictures...or songs how much we love our Savior!
Jesus...truly...the sweetest name we know. He is the one who gave us life so we could live forever. Some day...very soon...we will see Him face to face. Can you only imagine that?!! Oh what a day...sweet glorious day...that is going to be for all of us! But until that day comes...keep worshiping Him and praising Him. Keep pressing in...holding on...believing with all that you have in you...in Him. Just keep on loving Him and know that He loves you. And keep on spreading His Word...keep telling others how much He loves them and that...yes...He is coming back and they need to be ready.
He died for us so that we can live...forever and ever...with Him!
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
there aren't enough letters in our childlike alphabet...
there aren't enough colors in the crayon box of our minds...
there aren't enough notes in the keyboards of our souls...
to express in words...pictures...or songs how much we love our Savior!
Jesus...truly...the sweetest name we know. He is the one who gave us life so we could live forever. Some day...very soon...we will see Him face to face. Can you only imagine that?!! Oh what a day...sweet glorious day...that is going to be for all of us! But until that day comes...keep worshiping Him and praising Him. Keep pressing in...holding on...believing with all that you have in you...in Him. Just keep on loving Him and know that He loves you. And keep on spreading His Word...keep telling others how much He loves them and that...yes...He is coming back and they need to be ready.
He died for us so that we can live...forever and ever...with Him!
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
We must pray and defeat satan before he has the chance to pounce on
us. Satan is just hiding in the shadows...the murky places of our
life...trying to take root within our thoughts so he can beat us down
and cover us in his slime...placing his (satans) purpose for us in our
minds. Satans purpose for us...if we will listen to him...then becomes
our mess...our pain...our defeat!
We live in a world that is filled with darkness...cosmic powers...spiritual forces of evil. When you break it all down that means...satan and all of his demons are running rampant...wreaking havoc...in the air all around us and on the earth we walk on. We have all experienced the enemys tactics against us...the things he does are real.
I learned a long time ago that if you give satan just a bit of breathing room in your life that before long he will begin to live and thrive there. It takes him no time at all to get a foothold...eventually a death grip...on you.
But...if you are a Christian there is an answer...you just need to put it on daily...
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Always remember...
We have the answer for anything that comes upon us and He is living inside of us...JESUS! He is our Rock...our fortress...our deliverer...our help when any trouble comes upon us in this life.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
We live in a world that is filled with darkness...cosmic powers...spiritual forces of evil. When you break it all down that means...satan and all of his demons are running rampant...wreaking havoc...in the air all around us and on the earth we walk on. We have all experienced the enemys tactics against us...the things he does are real.
I learned a long time ago that if you give satan just a bit of breathing room in your life that before long he will begin to live and thrive there. It takes him no time at all to get a foothold...eventually a death grip...on you.
But...if you are a Christian there is an answer...you just need to put it on daily...
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Always remember...
We have the answer for anything that comes upon us and He is living inside of us...JESUS! He is our Rock...our fortress...our deliverer...our help when any trouble comes upon us in this life.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Walk On
I read this quote in Fervent this morning;
"Walk on. Have Faith. Fear not."
So good! God didn't call us to have a spirit of fear...no...He called us to life! If you are living in fear...without faith...you will start slowly sinking until before you know it...you have been sucked down into total distress! Don't go there!! Stop living in fear and begin to live in faith!
As long as we are walking with the Lord...letting Him be our Guide and lead us...we can do what that quote says..."Walk on!" God won't let us down! He is there for us giving us strength through any situation we find ourself in. When fear grips us we need to battle on...get in the Word...Pray...allow the Lord to vanquish the fear...and carry on with what the Lord has for us.
2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Whatever you are going through at this time in your life...
God's. Got. It.
Give everything that's causing you stress or fear to the Lord. Your...cares...worries...problems...health...job...family...finances...
give it all too Him!
1 Peter 5:7
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
The Lord really is our Rock...our Refuge. Call on Him always. Let Him give you the strength and faith you need to stand up and walk through the difficulties of your life.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
"Walk on. Have Faith. Fear not."
So good! God didn't call us to have a spirit of fear...no...He called us to life! If you are living in fear...without faith...you will start slowly sinking until before you know it...you have been sucked down into total distress! Don't go there!! Stop living in fear and begin to live in faith!
As long as we are walking with the Lord...letting Him be our Guide and lead us...we can do what that quote says..."Walk on!" God won't let us down! He is there for us giving us strength through any situation we find ourself in. When fear grips us we need to battle on...get in the Word...Pray...allow the Lord to vanquish the fear...and carry on with what the Lord has for us.
2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Whatever you are going through at this time in your life...
God's. Got. It.
Give everything that's causing you stress or fear to the Lord. Your...cares...worries...problems...health...job...family...finances...
give it all too Him!
1 Peter 5:7
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
The Lord really is our Rock...our Refuge. Call on Him always. Let Him give you the strength and faith you need to stand up and walk through the difficulties of your life.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Return With Your Whole Heart
In the day and age that we are living it is so important to give your whole heart...undivided...to the Lord. If you have walked away...or turned even a little toward things of this world...now is the time to run back...wholeheartedly...to Jesus. PRAY!!
If you have relatives or friends that haven't surrendered to the Lord...Pray for them like you never have before. It is an urgent time that we live in. Jesus is coming back one of these days and it may be sooner than we think. We don't know when He's coming but when He does it will be worse than we could ever imagine for anyone that is left behind.
The last few days when I read my bible I seem to always come back to these scriptures...
Joel 2:12-13
"Yet even now," declares the Lord,
"return to Me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments."
Return to the Lord your God,
for He is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and He relents over disaster.
Right now...today...there is still time to turn to the Lord but...we don't know how much time for any of us. Now is the time to do what you need to do...right now...you can still cry out to the Lord and He will save you. When you do...give Him your whole heart...don't hold anything back. There is no time for games.
If your praying for family and friends...commit to prayer daily for them. You don't want anyone you love to be left behind.
Prayer is the key to change for all of us. As Christians we all need to commit time everyday to prayer. Imagine the joy you will know when someone you love surrenders there life to the Lord. Imagine the joy that person will experience! Do what you need to do to see lifes changed...and that includes your own life!
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
If you have relatives or friends that haven't surrendered to the Lord...Pray for them like you never have before. It is an urgent time that we live in. Jesus is coming back one of these days and it may be sooner than we think. We don't know when He's coming but when He does it will be worse than we could ever imagine for anyone that is left behind.
The last few days when I read my bible I seem to always come back to these scriptures...
Joel 2:12-13
"Yet even now," declares the Lord,
"return to Me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments."
Return to the Lord your God,
for He is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and He relents over disaster.
Right now...today...there is still time to turn to the Lord but...we don't know how much time for any of us. Now is the time to do what you need to do...right now...you can still cry out to the Lord and He will save you. When you do...give Him your whole heart...don't hold anything back. There is no time for games.
If your praying for family and friends...commit to prayer daily for them. You don't want anyone you love to be left behind.
Prayer is the key to change for all of us. As Christians we all need to commit time everyday to prayer. Imagine the joy you will know when someone you love surrenders there life to the Lord. Imagine the joy that person will experience! Do what you need to do to see lifes changed...and that includes your own life!
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Prepare Daily
Put on a brave face...say all the right things...it's what we do when we are surrounded by others and know if we don't do this...we are done...we will break down and show our true selves to all and they will know...we are human! Most of us see that as a bad thing...a thing of weakness. But really...is it?! We think that everyone else is stronger...and maybe some are. Or maybe...they just can't show how they feel because of their past...maybe...they are just afraid. This morning I read something that said this...
"Never compare your insides to someone else's outsides."
That's good advice. On the inside we are basically all the same. When you look at me...what you see is only what I want you to see. We think we need to always be tough...because if we aren't...someone might see us for what we are...human. God put the same emotions in all of us.
Happiness...sadness...courage...fear...joy...grief...
The list can just go on and on but the point is...no matter what we are feeling...at some point...we have all experienced every one of these and more. Feelings...and the circumstances that cause us to have them...are all part of life. We don't like the negative ones but the fact is...life happens!...and life goes on even after it happens.
In the last eight years of my life I have learned many things. One of them being...
It's really hard to make it through this life without having Jesus walking with you. And quite honestly...even with Jesus it can be really hard. The last few days of life for me have been some of those times. Without Jesus in my life I don't know what I would have done...how I would have reacted. I thought I had prepared myself sufficiently...you know...put on that coat of steel so nothing could penetrate to my heart. Didn't work...I should have put on the whole armor of GOD! On the inside I was total stress and falling apart...totally penetrated straight to the heart! Outside...totally together to the human eye. However at some point the coat comes off and it is what it is. Your alone and feeling it all. That's why it's so important to have people in your life that know the Lord...know how to pray...will talk to you...and will pray for and with you. It's all part of Gods plan...that we pray for each other. To those that prayed for me...thank you. I'm standing better today because of your prayers.
We all know that life happens and that life goes on. I don't think that any of us are ever fully prepared for some parts of life. We might think we are tough enough to handle whatever comes our way but we usually find out that on our own we aren't. The only way to get through the hard times...whatever they may be...is with the Lord. Talking to Him...praying...is how we stay close to Him. You need to stay close to simply breathe. Breathe in Jesus...breathe out hope and peace...for you and for others.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The last few days have made me realize some things. No matter how tough I think I am...the devil knows my weaknesses. He puts those things together with other issues going on in my life and starts the war. Then because I have not totally put on the whole armor of God and prepared myself for battle...I go down in a heap! I let him begin to win.
Don't do what I have done...prepare yourself everyday. Why? Because everyday we wake up we are going into battle with the devil. The thing is...we know the answer...we have the answer...ONE that will battle for us...the LORD...
Exodus 15:2-3
2 “The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3 The Lord is a warrior;
the Lord is his name.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
"Never compare your insides to someone else's outsides."
That's good advice. On the inside we are basically all the same. When you look at me...what you see is only what I want you to see. We think we need to always be tough...because if we aren't...someone might see us for what we are...human. God put the same emotions in all of us.
Happiness...sadness...courage...fear...joy...grief...
The list can just go on and on but the point is...no matter what we are feeling...at some point...we have all experienced every one of these and more. Feelings...and the circumstances that cause us to have them...are all part of life. We don't like the negative ones but the fact is...life happens!...and life goes on even after it happens.
In the last eight years of my life I have learned many things. One of them being...
It's really hard to make it through this life without having Jesus walking with you. And quite honestly...even with Jesus it can be really hard. The last few days of life for me have been some of those times. Without Jesus in my life I don't know what I would have done...how I would have reacted. I thought I had prepared myself sufficiently...you know...put on that coat of steel so nothing could penetrate to my heart. Didn't work...I should have put on the whole armor of GOD! On the inside I was total stress and falling apart...totally penetrated straight to the heart! Outside...totally together to the human eye. However at some point the coat comes off and it is what it is. Your alone and feeling it all. That's why it's so important to have people in your life that know the Lord...know how to pray...will talk to you...and will pray for and with you. It's all part of Gods plan...that we pray for each other. To those that prayed for me...thank you. I'm standing better today because of your prayers.
We all know that life happens and that life goes on. I don't think that any of us are ever fully prepared for some parts of life. We might think we are tough enough to handle whatever comes our way but we usually find out that on our own we aren't. The only way to get through the hard times...whatever they may be...is with the Lord. Talking to Him...praying...is how we stay close to Him. You need to stay close to simply breathe. Breathe in Jesus...breathe out hope and peace...for you and for others.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The last few days have made me realize some things. No matter how tough I think I am...the devil knows my weaknesses. He puts those things together with other issues going on in my life and starts the war. Then because I have not totally put on the whole armor of God and prepared myself for battle...I go down in a heap! I let him begin to win.
Don't do what I have done...prepare yourself everyday. Why? Because everyday we wake up we are going into battle with the devil. The thing is...we know the answer...we have the answer...ONE that will battle for us...the LORD...
Exodus 15:2-3
2 “The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
3 The Lord is a warrior;
the Lord is his name.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Be Spiritually Sound
While reading my bible last night I turned to these scriptures...
2 Corinthians 4:8-11 + 16-18
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Last night I was just needing to find some peace of mind and honestly...inner strength. Before I opened up my bible last night I was finding myself in some severe inner stress. Basically...not being able to deal with life I was...overwhelmed! I sat down at my desk and just kept going over the events of "life" and seriously didn't want to participate anymore. Not that I wanted to die...I just didn't want to deal anymore. I had to make decisions...plans...and I was at a loss. When I finally made a choice I wasn't sure if it was the right one. Anyway...while sitting thinking and stressing over the whole thing a single thought kept coming to my mind. Read. Your. Bible. Every few seconds this thought just kept popping in! So finally...I picked it up. First I turned to 2 Chronicles where I have been reading about Hezekiah. Great...great stuff there.
2 Chronicles 32:7
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
This verse is awesome. Why...because "the Lord our God" is awesome! I saw this last night and loved it but this morning...I'm really getting it! I have been fighting these battles within myself...things that seem insurmountable to me...and I just need to stop and let the Lord take over. I cannot do this on my own. But like I said...it didn't really sink in at that point! So somehow...but God...I ended up in 2 Corinthians. Yes...
We are living broken...the world around us and our own personal selves. Life is hard. But guess what...It always has been and always will be. We have to learn to trust God in our problems just like all Christians have had to do...always. Verse 16 tells us to not give up. Some of our bodies are in terrible shape...we have afflictions...illness. Our "outer self" is falling apart! But...our inner self...our spirit...our soul...is being strengthened and renewed continually! Life is hard...talk to the Lord...read His Word...grab hold of Him and don't let go for any reason!! Let the Lord renew your inner self...your mind...soul...day by day!
The two words that came to me this morning were these...Spiritually Sound.
It's not most important to be physically sound it is most important to be spiritually sound! We can live with broken bodies...we can live with minds that just aren't as capable as they use to be but...what we must not live without is a continual sound...deeply rooted...spiritual walk with the Lord. That is what will keep us going when life is hard...harder than you think you can deal with.
So today...
Don't lose heart...God is in control of your life. Let Him help you with the hard things. Don't be afraid or discouraged because He is with you always...fighting your battles and holding onto you!
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
2 Corinthians 4:8-11 + 16-18
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Last night I was just needing to find some peace of mind and honestly...inner strength. Before I opened up my bible last night I was finding myself in some severe inner stress. Basically...not being able to deal with life I was...overwhelmed! I sat down at my desk and just kept going over the events of "life" and seriously didn't want to participate anymore. Not that I wanted to die...I just didn't want to deal anymore. I had to make decisions...plans...and I was at a loss. When I finally made a choice I wasn't sure if it was the right one. Anyway...while sitting thinking and stressing over the whole thing a single thought kept coming to my mind. Read. Your. Bible. Every few seconds this thought just kept popping in! So finally...I picked it up. First I turned to 2 Chronicles where I have been reading about Hezekiah. Great...great stuff there.
2 Chronicles 32:7
7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
This verse is awesome. Why...because "the Lord our God" is awesome! I saw this last night and loved it but this morning...I'm really getting it! I have been fighting these battles within myself...things that seem insurmountable to me...and I just need to stop and let the Lord take over. I cannot do this on my own. But like I said...it didn't really sink in at that point! So somehow...but God...I ended up in 2 Corinthians. Yes...
We are living broken...the world around us and our own personal selves. Life is hard. But guess what...It always has been and always will be. We have to learn to trust God in our problems just like all Christians have had to do...always. Verse 16 tells us to not give up. Some of our bodies are in terrible shape...we have afflictions...illness. Our "outer self" is falling apart! But...our inner self...our spirit...our soul...is being strengthened and renewed continually! Life is hard...talk to the Lord...read His Word...grab hold of Him and don't let go for any reason!! Let the Lord renew your inner self...your mind...soul...day by day!
The two words that came to me this morning were these...Spiritually Sound.
It's not most important to be physically sound it is most important to be spiritually sound! We can live with broken bodies...we can live with minds that just aren't as capable as they use to be but...what we must not live without is a continual sound...deeply rooted...spiritual walk with the Lord. That is what will keep us going when life is hard...harder than you think you can deal with.
So today...
Don't lose heart...God is in control of your life. Let Him help you with the hard things. Don't be afraid or discouraged because He is with you always...fighting your battles and holding onto you!
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Tonight is one of those times I just need to write. So...there will probably be some rambling going on. Writing and music seem to clear my head so the good thoughts...GOD thoughts...flow through more freely. Who can't use more good GOD thoughts in their life?!
So I've been listening to some music tonight and just trying to press in closer to Him. I know the Lord is always with us but at times I just need to feel Him closer...we all do. For me...close...isn't always an easy place to get too with people but with the Lord...that's really my desire. To be close to Him and to be more like Him...getting rid of more and more of the old me. so this morning when I started reading I wasn't surprised at where I started...
Psalms 119:17-20 ESV
So I've been listening to some music tonight and just trying to press in closer to Him. I know the Lord is always with us but at times I just need to feel Him closer...we all do. For me...close...isn't always an easy place to get too with people but with the Lord...that's really my desire. To be close to Him and to be more like Him...getting rid of more and more of the old me. so this morning when I started reading I wasn't surprised at where I started...
Psalms 119:17-20 ESV
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
At 3a.m. this morning that really got my attention. It takes no explanation to understand. It is just an awesome passage and it just really speaks to me...right to my soul! I truly do long for Him and the things of the Lord...more than I can even began to express!
Open our eyes Lord that we may see You. As we are just passing through our life here on earth help us to become closer and closer to You. Help us to live in Your ways. Consumed with and by You is an awesome way to be! Help us to live faithfully for You. In Jesus name...Amen!
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Peace...It's A Perk
Peace seems to be a hard thing to come by these days. The world around us is in chaos...some of our own personal worlds are in chaos. The truth is...as christians we don't need to be. We can have peace if we just accept it. As a christian our peace comes from one source...GOD...the CREATOR of all things. HE is the CREATOR...HE is in charge. HE is the MASTER...the MAKER...the ONE that holds all of the world in HIS hands. Because HE loves us more than we can fathom GOD sent us HIS SON JESUS and HE is the PEACESPEAKER...
When the disciples were on their boat and the storm came up what did JESUS do? He simply said...Peace! Be still!...and the waves and the wind instantly were calm! How awesome would that be to have been there?! To have experienced that amazing...instantaneous...change in the weather?! From terrible storm to instant peace...calm and serene. WOW!!!
Well...you know...that's how it is in our life as believers in CHRIST when HE is our SAVIOR. Not only do we experience...as everyone does...instant chaos and turmoil...when suddenly we lose our job...a loved one gets sick...we experience illness...we lose someone...even just having to do something that for us is really hard...and the list can just go on and on. But the great thing is...if we know JESUS we also experience instant calm and peace. Why...how can that happen? Well...simply put...it's a perk. No...that's a word that you probably wouldn't use to describe it in most religious circles. The thing is...I'm not religious...I don't always use all the right words...this morning I'm just being real...the LORD gives HIS people perks!...HE blesses us. JESUS gives us peace when there seems to be no way in our minds that we can deal with our problem. The bible says...He gives us peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:7 ESV
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As christians we should not have to live with anxious feelings and thoughts. We need to give everything that is wrong and bothering us over to the LORD. Pray about it and let it go. Amazingly enough...you can do this and it does work.
If we are trusting in CHRIST as our SAVIOR He will take care of us...no matter what we are going through or what we have to do. We can have peace because through HIM we can overcome anything...or any fear...that is trying to overtake us.
John 16:33 ESV
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
When we become Christians we become new...changed. Our lives change...our thoughts change...therefore we can trust that JESUS can deal with whatever is happening in our life...we don't have to be in turmoil over it. Old ways of thinking and feeling become new. Put off the fear and take on the peace...HIS peace for us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
I have found that the LORD is perfect in all that HE does. If HE says in HIS WORD that you can have peace through each and every circumstance in your life...you can. Is it always easy to get to that point? No...No...No...it's not. But when you finally decide to give it up to HIM...you will find that peace...HIS peace.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
When the disciples were on their boat and the storm came up what did JESUS do? He simply said...Peace! Be still!...and the waves and the wind instantly were calm! How awesome would that be to have been there?! To have experienced that amazing...instantaneous...change in the weather?! From terrible storm to instant peace...calm and serene. WOW!!!
Well...you know...that's how it is in our life as believers in CHRIST when HE is our SAVIOR. Not only do we experience...as everyone does...instant chaos and turmoil...when suddenly we lose our job...a loved one gets sick...we experience illness...we lose someone...even just having to do something that for us is really hard...and the list can just go on and on. But the great thing is...if we know JESUS we also experience instant calm and peace. Why...how can that happen? Well...simply put...it's a perk. No...that's a word that you probably wouldn't use to describe it in most religious circles. The thing is...I'm not religious...I don't always use all the right words...this morning I'm just being real...the LORD gives HIS people perks!...HE blesses us. JESUS gives us peace when there seems to be no way in our minds that we can deal with our problem. The bible says...He gives us peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:7 ESV
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As christians we should not have to live with anxious feelings and thoughts. We need to give everything that is wrong and bothering us over to the LORD. Pray about it and let it go. Amazingly enough...you can do this and it does work.
If we are trusting in CHRIST as our SAVIOR He will take care of us...no matter what we are going through or what we have to do. We can have peace because through HIM we can overcome anything...or any fear...that is trying to overtake us.
John 16:33 ESV
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
When we become Christians we become new...changed. Our lives change...our thoughts change...therefore we can trust that JESUS can deal with whatever is happening in our life...we don't have to be in turmoil over it. Old ways of thinking and feeling become new. Put off the fear and take on the peace...HIS peace for us.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
I have found that the LORD is perfect in all that HE does. If HE says in HIS WORD that you can have peace through each and every circumstance in your life...you can. Is it always easy to get to that point? No...No...No...it's not. But when you finally decide to give it up to HIM...you will find that peace...HIS peace.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Are you thirsty for the Lord...are you hungry for Him? So many times we say we are...but do we really mean it? Tonight...just tell Him you are desperate for HIM...only HIM! If you will let Him know how much you need and want Him in your life He will be. He wants to come and touch us. He wants to be with us as much as we want Him to be. He wants to fill us with His strength. Just talk to Him now and tell Him...Lord I just need a touch from You right now! I need to feel You right now beside me. To just know that You Lord are with me. Deliver me Lord from whatever is keeping me so tied up in knots and making it hard for me to come to You. Please just help me to enter into Your presence because I need You in my life more than I need anything else. More than I need literal food or water Lord...I.Need.You! Please Lord...come and hold me tonight. Wrap me in Your arms of love. Let Your healing flow through my body and fill me with Your strength once again. You Lord are my strength...my deliverer...my healer...the One whom I place all my trust in. Thank You Lord for never turning me away and thank You for hearing everything when I pray. You are awesome Lord. Amen
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
To The Praise Of His Glory
Tonight as I sit here and write I am filled with excitement and overpowering anticipation! God is so good and He really does give us more than we could ever ask or hope for! It seems as of late, every time I pick up my Bible I am seeing something in the scriptures I had never noticed before. I do believe changing the Bible I read has a little to do with that but I strongly believe that more than anything it is the Holy Spirit opening my eyes to things I need to see! A couple of days ago I started reading Ephesians...after reading a devotion on line...and have been feeling blessed every since...
It all started with a phrase that caught hold of me...Praise is the song of a soul set free! I then went on to read the devotion and the scriptures that were listed...
Spiritual Blessings In Christ
Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
My study bible says this; Gods ultimate purpose is not redemption as such but the praise of His glorious name through redemption.
Because we have been redeemed by grace through Him we must praise Him. He has redeemed us from sin...from hell...from death...how can we not praise HIM! He is glorious...He is matchless...He is supreme...He is Redeemer...He is Savior...He is Healer...He is life to us...He is anything and everything...He is the only One we will ever need...He is Almighty!
How can we not praise Him?! We are so blessed!
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
It all started with a phrase that caught hold of me...Praise is the song of a soul set free! I then went on to read the devotion and the scriptures that were listed...
Spiritual Blessings In Christ
Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
My study bible says this; Gods ultimate purpose is not redemption as such but the praise of His glorious name through redemption.
Because we have been redeemed by grace through Him we must praise Him. He has redeemed us from sin...from hell...from death...how can we not praise HIM! He is glorious...He is matchless...He is supreme...He is Redeemer...He is Savior...He is Healer...He is life to us...He is anything and everything...He is the only One we will ever need...He is Almighty!
How can we not praise Him?! We are so blessed!
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Call On Him
Waking up at 2a.m. this morning...yesterday it was 3...I have been having a hard time focusing on reading. Knowing if I could read my bible I would be in a better frame of mind I went and got some coffee and sat down at my desk. It wasn't working for me. My mind just could not connect with the thought of reading! So...I did the next best thing...music. I'm thinking that the Lord knows that sometimes we just need to hear...what we need...through a different source that always speaks to us. For me that is music. There was a song I had never heard called...The Eyes Of Jesus...awesome! And then an old song...Until You've Known The Love Of God...also awesome! Through the words of the songs the awesome love of GOD became real to me this morning. They were just what I needed to hear. And then He did something else for me. I was looking on line and saw some new books on prayer...going to get as soon as they are available...and a book about knowing God more...that always intrigues me. It looks good as well so I was reading about the author and the book. She uses one of my favorite passages...Isaiah 55:1, 6-7. I like to read the whole chapter so I opened my bible...Gods Word...awesome again! I have told you all of this to say...
The Lord is awesome! He knows...all the time...exactly what we need in every moment of our life! Isaiah 55:1 says this...
Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
The Lord is compassionate. He has put out the invitation addressing our need for Him...our internal spiritual need. We long for Him even when we don't realize it is Him we are longing for! We need His love...His grace...His mercy. We need it more than food or water. We need it more than human love. We need it more than anything that is humanly life giving. More than the air we breathe because that means nothing if we are not breathing in HIM! The Lord gives us what is life sustaining that never ends...Himself...His all sustaining breath of life! And it is free...
I don't know that I said all of that very well so I'm praying this makes sense. Pick up your bible...read His Word. I'm telling you today...His Word is awesome...alive...powerful! Seek Him now! Enter into His presence and stay close to Him! No matter what is going on in your life...or in the lifes of ones you love...trust Him...believe on Him. Don't get discouraged about things in life. God loves you! God wants to walk with you through the mess of life.
Today I pray in JESUS name that if you need Him for anything you will make it your choice to call upon Him. Talk to Him...He loves you and wants to be there for you. HE loves you! Seek Him while there is still time to do so!
55:6-7
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
The Lord is awesome! He knows...all the time...exactly what we need in every moment of our life! Isaiah 55:1 says this...
Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
The Lord is compassionate. He has put out the invitation addressing our need for Him...our internal spiritual need. We long for Him even when we don't realize it is Him we are longing for! We need His love...His grace...His mercy. We need it more than food or water. We need it more than human love. We need it more than anything that is humanly life giving. More than the air we breathe because that means nothing if we are not breathing in HIM! The Lord gives us what is life sustaining that never ends...Himself...His all sustaining breath of life! And it is free...
I don't know that I said all of that very well so I'm praying this makes sense. Pick up your bible...read His Word. I'm telling you today...His Word is awesome...alive...powerful! Seek Him now! Enter into His presence and stay close to Him! No matter what is going on in your life...or in the lifes of ones you love...trust Him...believe on Him. Don't get discouraged about things in life. God loves you! God wants to walk with you through the mess of life.
Today I pray in JESUS name that if you need Him for anything you will make it your choice to call upon Him. Talk to Him...He loves you and wants to be there for you. HE loves you! Seek Him while there is still time to do so!
55:6-7
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Going Sideways
When things in life seem to be going sideways and you don't have answers for all the turmoil you come up against...remind yourself of this...
Indeed and without a doubt...
The Lord is my Shepherd and He is in control of all things. Nothing...no one...can fix things like He can. When things get crazy I always tend to go back to the 23rd Psalm. As I read it I realize...and have to believe that yes...above all else right now...He does restore...revive...refresh our souls. The Lord is our solid Rock...our Shelter...our Deliverance in the time of all our needs. We need to simply lift up our souls...our cares...our worries...our hurts...to Him and trust that He will see us through all of the mess of life. We really do have to give it to Him...believe...and rest in these facts.
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:3a
He restores my soul...
Psalm 25:1-2a
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul,
O my God, in You I trust;...
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Indeed and without a doubt...
The Lord is my Shepherd and He is in control of all things. Nothing...no one...can fix things like He can. When things get crazy I always tend to go back to the 23rd Psalm. As I read it I realize...and have to believe that yes...above all else right now...He does restore...revive...refresh our souls. The Lord is our solid Rock...our Shelter...our Deliverance in the time of all our needs. We need to simply lift up our souls...our cares...our worries...our hurts...to Him and trust that He will see us through all of the mess of life. We really do have to give it to Him...believe...and rest in these facts.
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:3a
He restores my soul...
Psalm 25:1-2a
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul,
O my God, in You I trust;...
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Be Passionate
Passionate; expressing, showing, or marked by intense or strong feeling, vehement.
It's good to have a deep passion for things. What I want to be most passionate about in life is serving the Lord. I want Him to always be my first...my top...priority. When I was reading in 2 Chronicles this morning this verse really reached out and took hold of me. For me I knew the Lord was saying to always keep my heart open to the LORD. Keep my heart in constant repair...never letting things rip it apart so much that I let go of what is really important...serving the LORD. Don't let things...or people...change my relationship with HIM.
2 Chronicles 29:3
In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them.
This is speaking of the reign of Hezekiah. You know by this verse that Hezekiah was passionate about one main thing...GOD. By opening the doors that his father Ahaz had closed...literally destroying the house of GOD...all the people could see that GOD was once again going to be the priority!
2 Chronicles 28:24
And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of GOD and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of GOD, and he shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made himself alters in every corner of Jerusalem.
Unlike Ahaz, Hezekiah is passionate about GOD being a national priority. All the people could see that Hezekiah was putting all of his trust in GOD and that is where they were to place their trust as well. That's what we are also to do. Trust the LORD in every area of our life...every circumstance...good or bad. Trust HIM in times of fullness and times of leanness. Times of happiness and times of sadness. Times of health and times of sickness. Plainly put...Trust. HIM. All. The. Time.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Don't put your trust in things...or people...that are not from GOD. Let HIM lead you to what is right. As long as you are keeping the doors of your heart...soul...and mind...in repair and open to HIM...through prayer...you will know.
Another verse that comes to mind...
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
As long as we keep doing that...Loving HIM with everything within us!!...we will be okay!
Be passionate in your priorities and HE will walk with you and help you...holding you...keeping you...through all the good and the bad of life.
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
It's good to have a deep passion for things. What I want to be most passionate about in life is serving the Lord. I want Him to always be my first...my top...priority. When I was reading in 2 Chronicles this morning this verse really reached out and took hold of me. For me I knew the Lord was saying to always keep my heart open to the LORD. Keep my heart in constant repair...never letting things rip it apart so much that I let go of what is really important...serving the LORD. Don't let things...or people...change my relationship with HIM.
2 Chronicles 29:3
In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them.
This is speaking of the reign of Hezekiah. You know by this verse that Hezekiah was passionate about one main thing...GOD. By opening the doors that his father Ahaz had closed...literally destroying the house of GOD...all the people could see that GOD was once again going to be the priority!
2 Chronicles 28:24
And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of GOD and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of GOD, and he shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made himself alters in every corner of Jerusalem.
Unlike Ahaz, Hezekiah is passionate about GOD being a national priority. All the people could see that Hezekiah was putting all of his trust in GOD and that is where they were to place their trust as well. That's what we are also to do. Trust the LORD in every area of our life...every circumstance...good or bad. Trust HIM in times of fullness and times of leanness. Times of happiness and times of sadness. Times of health and times of sickness. Plainly put...Trust. HIM. All. The. Time.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Don't put your trust in things...or people...that are not from GOD. Let HIM lead you to what is right. As long as you are keeping the doors of your heart...soul...and mind...in repair and open to HIM...through prayer...you will know.
Another verse that comes to mind...
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
As long as we keep doing that...Loving HIM with everything within us!!...we will be okay!
Be passionate in your priorities and HE will walk with you and help you...holding you...keeping you...through all the good and the bad of life.
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
"until we see JESUS...face to face"
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Be Still My Soul
Sitting and thinking....on many things that have been happening within and around me lately....one thing comes to mind....Be.Still.My.Soul.
So longing for the Lord to come down and fill my soul....my heart....to the fullest with nothing but Him. For His calming to simply still my soul. That is my prayer tonight. I pray that as well for many in my life that just need Him to still their souls.
When our own life and the lifes of those we love become infected with sickness....with hopelessness...with sadness....the best thing that can happen is just a simple touch....a touch from our Lord. We need Him to calm us....to reach out....wrap His arms around us....and draw us ever close to Him. This...this drawing close is what will bring the calm....the stilling of our souls!
Be still my soul....Be still your soul....that's what many of us need today. A stillness....a calmness....the kind that only Jesus can bring. Go to Him and find that still today.
Be.Still.My.Soul
Matthew 11:28-29
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
"until we see Jesus....face to face"
So longing for the Lord to come down and fill my soul....my heart....to the fullest with nothing but Him. For His calming to simply still my soul. That is my prayer tonight. I pray that as well for many in my life that just need Him to still their souls.
When our own life and the lifes of those we love become infected with sickness....with hopelessness...with sadness....the best thing that can happen is just a simple touch....a touch from our Lord. We need Him to calm us....to reach out....wrap His arms around us....and draw us ever close to Him. This...this drawing close is what will bring the calm....the stilling of our souls!
Be still my soul....Be still your soul....that's what many of us need today. A stillness....a calmness....the kind that only Jesus can bring. Go to Him and find that still today.
Be.Still.My.Soul
Matthew 11:28-29
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
"until we see Jesus....face to face"
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Jesus On My Mind
Morning came early for me the last couple of days....about 2:30 a.m....and that's good. I believe it has been the Lord waking me up so I could spend time with Him before going to work. To say it mildly....work has been a real bear for most of this week. Where I work....in my department....there has been complete change in all we do....even to the point of a new boss and how our computers operate....a new version which I will get today. This along with all the other changes just makes things even more stressful. But this morning I realized something very important....
There is a constant in my life and He is the Lord. When I woke up this morning it was with a song running through my thoughts....
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
That's the only two lines that kept going over and over in my thoughts. It took me a minute but then I realized why. Jesus wants me to keep only Him in the fore front of all that happens in my life. To think of Him continuously no matter what else is going on in my life. He is reminding me that He is always there with me no matter what chaos is going on around me or in my own mind. Change....of any type....tends to mess with us. The Lord is just trying to remind me that He is with me through it all and that He never changes. His love and concern for me does not change. He is with me and I need to remember this. The one way to do that is to keep Him first in my thoughts....
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
I also know that spending time in His Word....and talking with Him....helps to instill peace inside me like nothing else can. There was a verse that kept running through my thoughts as I was doing this....
Psalm 139:23-24
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,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Truly I want the Lord to search my heart and my thoughts and revel what isn't good to me. Even though you know when your thoughts aren't what they should be it is easy to ignore that....or to justify those thoughts. This morning I am realizing that instead of justifying them I need to let the Lord help me to not have the thoughts. Give Him the problems and anxiousness they cause. Then I can have His peace.
If you need to keep Jesus on your mind today....let Him in. Tell the Lord all your anxious thoughts....He knows them anyway. Keep Jesus on your mind. Talk to Him....He will quell the angst and heal your soul.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
There is a constant in my life and He is the Lord. When I woke up this morning it was with a song running through my thoughts....
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
That's the only two lines that kept going over and over in my thoughts. It took me a minute but then I realized why. Jesus wants me to keep only Him in the fore front of all that happens in my life. To think of Him continuously no matter what else is going on in my life. He is reminding me that He is always there with me no matter what chaos is going on around me or in my own mind. Change....of any type....tends to mess with us. The Lord is just trying to remind me that He is with me through it all and that He never changes. His love and concern for me does not change. He is with me and I need to remember this. The one way to do that is to keep Him first in my thoughts....
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
Jesus Jesus Jesus I've got You on my mind
I also know that spending time in His Word....and talking with Him....helps to instill peace inside me like nothing else can. There was a verse that kept running through my thoughts as I was doing this....
Psalm 139:23-24
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,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Truly I want the Lord to search my heart and my thoughts and revel what isn't good to me. Even though you know when your thoughts aren't what they should be it is easy to ignore that....or to justify those thoughts. This morning I am realizing that instead of justifying them I need to let the Lord help me to not have the thoughts. Give Him the problems and anxiousness they cause. Then I can have His peace.
If you need to keep Jesus on your mind today....let Him in. Tell the Lord all your anxious thoughts....He knows them anyway. Keep Jesus on your mind. Talk to Him....He will quell the angst and heal your soul.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Friday, May 29, 2015
My Desire Today
Just a closer walk with the Lord is my desire this morning. To walk closer and closer to Him is my longing. I want the Lord to guide all my steps in life and I never want to waver from Him....never step out of His love....His mercy....His grace. Always feeling Him beside me....holding me in His arms. More than ever I know that there is no life away from the Lord. There is no breath away from the Lord....only unrest and eventually death....spiritual death....soul death.
But....that doesn't have to happen. We can be in a place of comfort....quiet rest....by staying near the heart of our Lord.
So my prayer this morning is....
When I falter and start to slip away Lord....bring me back....whatever it takes. Get me back in step with You Lord. A closer walk is my heart and soul desire. Walking beside You is where I will find rest....a quiet rest....near to You....Your heart Lord. That's where I want to stay. Continue to draw me into that place....a closer walk with You.
In Jesus name....Amen
James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalms 33:20-22
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your loving kindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.
But....that doesn't have to happen. We can be in a place of comfort....quiet rest....by staying near the heart of our Lord.
So my prayer this morning is....
When I falter and start to slip away Lord....bring me back....whatever it takes. Get me back in step with You Lord. A closer walk is my heart and soul desire. Walking beside You is where I will find rest....a quiet rest....near to You....Your heart Lord. That's where I want to stay. Continue to draw me into that place....a closer walk with You.
In Jesus name....Amen
James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalms 33:20-22
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your loving kindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Do You Hear....Do You See
Psalm 77:17-18
17 The clouds poured out water;
The skies gave forth a sound;
Your arrows flashed here and there.
18 The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
The skies gave forth a sound;
Your arrows flashed here and there.
18 The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
Do you hear the clap of the thunder....do you see the lightning?
There is nothing like a quiet morning with a good cup of coffee....an awesome thunder storm....an open Bible....and best of all....time to spend with the Lord. Just as the storm waters refresh the earth....so do times like this refresh us. The rain water flows from the heavens and quenches the thirst of the dry land just like the blessings from the heavens flow onto us and quench our thirst as we spend time in the Word and talking with the Lord. There is no better time spent than in His presence. It is the best gift that we can give to ourselves....which in actuality is a gift from the Lord. We all have times of sorrow....times of distress....times of just not being able to handle all that life puts in our paths. But this....this is the way that the Lord gives to us....freely gives to us....to handle all of these things....time spent with Him!
For what seems like forever....I have not been handling the stresses in my life well. Many times I have looked like the person on the depression commercials....sitting with my head in my hands....not coping with the realities in my life. Why....when I have the one person in my life....living inside of me....that is willing and capable of handling all of my problems....all my stress....just waiting for me to call on Him and ask for His help....do I do this to myself?! Because I listen to satan and his lies.
You know....you can let the wrong thoughts into your head so easily. Satan just kind of twists and turns his lies into your thought process before you even realize what's happening. One minute you can be full of joy and thinking how great life is. The next you can be sliding down hill faster than you thought possible. The way this always happens to me is....I stop reading the Word....stop listening to music....and really just stop talking to the Lord! I am finding that it's not just a thought process but also a heart process....at least for me. I hate to admit that but it's true. Then....the longer you keep yourself out of all that is good....all that is from the Lord....the easier it is to fall back into your old thought processes....which affects not only your mind but your heart as well. However...there is an upside....
The healing....time of refreshing....you can always come back too. The Lord always takes you back....really He never left you....you just need to ask for His forgiveness....which He freely gives when you are sincere. He will pour down His healing....refreshing....springs of living waters on you just as He does on the earth! All you have to do is to drink it in....He is freely giving it to you.
Do you hear the clap of the thunder....do you see the lighting!? It's okay....the Lord is trying to wake you up! He is wanting to shower you....wash you....with His refreshing rain. Clear.Way.Down.Deep.... into your very soul! Let Him do that today for you! Rest in His time of refreshing....drink it all in! Flourish and grow and remember....all that He has done and is still doing in your life!
Psalm 77:11-12
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Get Up and Keep Going
Sometimes....even when you don't think you can....you just have to pull
yourself up....shake the dust off....and get back in the game. The Lord
will help you to do it if you ask Him. I think one of the most important
things to remember is....More of Him and less of me. Gods got
this....no matter how you or I feel! He loves us. The Lord loves
us....you and me. He loves us and He's got us....everything that affects
us....in His more than capable hands. Really that's quite an awesome
thing....the best thing ever in fact. And if you know that....clear
down to your soul....there is no better feeling! Tonight....I am
thankful that He loves me....though I fail Him miserably daily....and
that He's got me! There is nothing in life that is more important than
Him. Thank You Jesus for loving....and dying....for me!
Even though I believe all that I just wrote....it's still a process. Problems of life don't just go away. People in your life....well....they just don't change overnight. And guess what....neither do we sometimes. Most times to be exact. But there is one thing for sure....the Lord will help us through these times if we ask Him. Recently....I've been asking a lot....once I decided not to give up! Over the last few weeks I have come to realize that I have a long way to go....a lot of growing to do....in my walk with the Lord. I am nowhere near where I need to be....or where I want to be....when it comes to any and all things that have to do with HIM!
I have heard many times that trials bring growth. I am so praying that that is a true statement. It seems that just when you think life is good....life happens to you. The funny part of it is....most times I don't even know what starts the spiral out of the good place I'm in to the place I have found myself recently. Yes....there are happenings in my life....as in all of our lives....that we don't like....but we have to accept. It's just how it is. So....
Through all that I'm saying this is not a....Oh woe is me post! It's more of a challenge to myself. A challenge to be more diligent in keeping myself where I need to be. Watching for the things....the attitudes.....the people....the places....the things I neglect to do....watching for anything in my life that changes my relationship with the Lord! Anything that hinders my growth and sets me in a backward spiral away from Him and all that is good....because I am really not a fan of any of that!
At this point I'm not even sure where to go with this. So I will just end it with....You have to think of things more like the Lord does....From Heavens Point Of View!
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Even though I believe all that I just wrote....it's still a process. Problems of life don't just go away. People in your life....well....they just don't change overnight. And guess what....neither do we sometimes. Most times to be exact. But there is one thing for sure....the Lord will help us through these times if we ask Him. Recently....I've been asking a lot....once I decided not to give up! Over the last few weeks I have come to realize that I have a long way to go....a lot of growing to do....in my walk with the Lord. I am nowhere near where I need to be....or where I want to be....when it comes to any and all things that have to do with HIM!
I have heard many times that trials bring growth. I am so praying that that is a true statement. It seems that just when you think life is good....life happens to you. The funny part of it is....most times I don't even know what starts the spiral out of the good place I'm in to the place I have found myself recently. Yes....there are happenings in my life....as in all of our lives....that we don't like....but we have to accept. It's just how it is. So....
Through all that I'm saying this is not a....Oh woe is me post! It's more of a challenge to myself. A challenge to be more diligent in keeping myself where I need to be. Watching for the things....the attitudes.....the people....the places....the things I neglect to do....watching for anything in my life that changes my relationship with the Lord! Anything that hinders my growth and sets me in a backward spiral away from Him and all that is good....because I am really not a fan of any of that!
At this point I'm not even sure where to go with this. So I will just end it with....You have to think of things more like the Lord does....From Heavens Point Of View!
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Prayer
We need You Lord. More than anything or anyone....We. Need. YOU! We need to know beyond any doubt that You are here....walking beside us....holding us when we need to be held....comforting us when we feel so alone....loving us like no one else can. Why? Because life is just hard at times. In fact Lord....sometimes we think it's not even worth living because we have messed it up so badly. Yet we know we have to keep going on....striving to be what we need to be....what You want us to be. Oh Lord we know that You are the Shepherd....the Gentle Shepherd....and You long to guide us through all the rough places....we just have to call on You and lean in to You. Please....just take us....take me....and hold us in Your arms tonight. Be to each one of us....be to me....what we need You to be. We need You Lord....I need You Lord! We need to feel Your love....Your rest....Your peace....and really....really know....that You are holding us close and everything is good!
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Thursday, May 7, 2015
1 Peter 1:13-25
A Call To Holy Living
1 PETER 1:13-25
13 So
prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your
hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ
is revealed to the world. 14 So
you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old
ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better
then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
17 And
remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He
will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in
reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For
you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you
inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or
silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
This is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. I have it all highlighted because it really speaks to me. When I'm having a hard time living the way I know I should this is one of the places I go to read. Somehow this passage just gives me what I need to keep going.
It begins by telling us to...."prepare your minds for action".... For me that's an all the time thing. Before my feet hit the floor that's something I should do....but I don't always. I'm thinking if I prayed....before I even got up....then my day....my attitude....would be so much better. Then there's verse 14....Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. In my opinion this verse should have a few of these...!!!!!...after it. For me anyway! We must make a conscience effort to live holy lives exhibiting Christs character in all we do and say. That's a very hard thing to do. We can only live like we should by staying close to the Lord....talking with Him and reading His Word daily.
Because of Jesus and the fact that He died for us on the cross....we can live our life pleasing to Him.
Yes....we will make mistakes and fail at times but we don't have to be defeated. Jesus is always there to pick us back up. Just keep your faith and trust in Him no matter what.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
1 Peter 1:1-12 NLT
Lately I have seen a lot of articles about the Christians in other countries not having bibles to read. Not much after those started appearing I started noticing that my blog was having lots of hits from a particular country....121 in the last 30 days. Well....I started thinking about all of this. Why would the people in this country all of a sudden really start reading my blog? I say really start because there has been some readers before but now....in the last 24 hours....there has been 19. Most of which was last night. Last night....
well....last night was an experiment. All I did was post a block of scriptures from 1 Corinthians to see how many times it would get read. As I said before....19 times. So....for the next few days I'm going to just post scripture and see what happens. I'm thinking that the ones reading just want to read the Word. Here is one of my favorite passages.
1 Peter 1:1-12
1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
I pray you enjoyed this part of 1 Peter.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
well....last night was an experiment. All I did was post a block of scriptures from 1 Corinthians to see how many times it would get read. As I said before....19 times. So....for the next few days I'm going to just post scripture and see what happens. I'm thinking that the ones reading just want to read the Word. Here is one of my favorite passages.
1 Peter 1:1-12
1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.
The Hope of Eternal Life
3 All
praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great
mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from
the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and
we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven
for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And
through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you
receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day
for all to see.
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These
trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire
tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than
mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it
will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus
Christ is revealed to the whole world.8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
I pray you enjoyed this part of 1 Peter.
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
Monday, May 4, 2015
We Will Be Transformed
Tonight I just wanted to post some encouraging words. The words I'm posting aren't my own words. No....these words come straight out of the WORD and I pray they encourage you tonight.
50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
"until we see JESUS....face to face"
1 Corinthians 15:48-58
48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
55 O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So,
my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work
enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the
Lord is ever useless."until we see JESUS....face to face"
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