" When the Lord brought back His exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughther, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, " What amazing things the Lord has done for them." Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Psalm 126.
God bless America...bring us to our knees so the only place we can look, is up.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3 17
Its a lie to tell an unbeliever that when they get saved, everything will be ok. Christians struggle with sin tendencies, its called iniquity, but we don't have to get 'stuck' with our sin. Eph.2 states, " who the Son sets free is free indeed! " So, how do we get away from our sin tendencies and gain victory?
RENEW OUR MINDS! Sin tendencies can continue to push us around if we don't nourish our minds with the Word.
Remember, if you starve something , it will die. Starve that sin tendency and replace thoughts , emotions, actions, with the Word of God. That is what it is there for.
RENEW OUR MINDS! Sin tendencies can continue to push us around if we don't nourish our minds with the Word.
Remember, if you starve something , it will die. Starve that sin tendency and replace thoughts , emotions, actions, with the Word of God. That is what it is there for.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
He knows the way that I take. Job 23.10
I love the book of Job. I encourage you to read it again if its been awhile; its one of the most interesting books of the Bible, in my opinion.
David says in Psalms 142.3, When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way."
I'm sure that Job had to wonder when all the disasters of life came tumbling down upon him, where God was. I think we all do that at times; when things go bad, we seem to operate out of conditional love, not understanding that God loves us through the disasters as much as when we are seeminly being "blessed" with Gods favor.
I think that when I feel God is the farthest away, He is often the nearest to me. Just read the title verse. Who else is there to greet me in the morning when I wake, to walk hand in hand with me throughout my day, who loves and protects me even when I'm unaware of it?
Job kept his hope and faith in God. As believers, we need to follow the lead of someone who "made it." Job certainly is a great example.
David says in Psalms 142.3, When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way."
I'm sure that Job had to wonder when all the disasters of life came tumbling down upon him, where God was. I think we all do that at times; when things go bad, we seem to operate out of conditional love, not understanding that God loves us through the disasters as much as when we are seeminly being "blessed" with Gods favor.
I think that when I feel God is the farthest away, He is often the nearest to me. Just read the title verse. Who else is there to greet me in the morning when I wake, to walk hand in hand with me throughout my day, who loves and protects me even when I'm unaware of it?
Job kept his hope and faith in God. As believers, we need to follow the lead of someone who "made it." Job certainly is a great example.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16.13
Never pray for an easier life - pray to be a stronger person!
Never pray for tasks equal to your power - pray for power equal to your tasks.
Then doing your work will be no miracle - you will be the miracle.
Phillip Brooks.
Some people always avoid things that are costly, or things that require self denial, self restraint, and self sacrifice. Yet it is hard work and difficulties that ultimately lead us to greatness, for greatness is not found by walking the moss-covered path laid out for us through the meadows. It is found by being sent to carve out our own path with our own hands.
Streams in the Desert.
Never pray for tasks equal to your power - pray for power equal to your tasks.
Then doing your work will be no miracle - you will be the miracle.
Phillip Brooks.
Some people always avoid things that are costly, or things that require self denial, self restraint, and self sacrifice. Yet it is hard work and difficulties that ultimately lead us to greatness, for greatness is not found by walking the moss-covered path laid out for us through the meadows. It is found by being sent to carve out our own path with our own hands.
Streams in the Desert.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 8.1
Do you pray and never give up? It takes a lot of determination to pray for something for a long time. Satan loves to interfere and would love to have us think that God isn't listening to our petitions or that he doesn't care. If we don't persevere in prayer Satan wins. We don't want that and I'm sure that it breaks Gods heart when he sees his children give up in failure. I wonder if this is why so many Christians today live with discouragement!
Not only is prayer communicating with our Father, but it is also a weapon! We have to wake up and realize that we have a real enemy and his name is Satan and he is here to kill, steal, and destroy. Come on now, how many times have you tried to plan your quiet time with God only to have something distract you? Why do you think that is? Satan will do whatever it takes to steal that time away from you. We need to take this seriously!
Don't let anything steal away your time with God. Pray until what you pray for has been accomplished or until you have assurance in your heart that it will be.
Wait at Gods promise until He meets you there, for He always returns by the path of His promises.
Not only is prayer communicating with our Father, but it is also a weapon! We have to wake up and realize that we have a real enemy and his name is Satan and he is here to kill, steal, and destroy. Come on now, how many times have you tried to plan your quiet time with God only to have something distract you? Why do you think that is? Satan will do whatever it takes to steal that time away from you. We need to take this seriously!
Don't let anything steal away your time with God. Pray until what you pray for has been accomplished or until you have assurance in your heart that it will be.
Wait at Gods promise until He meets you there, for He always returns by the path of His promises.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
In the beginning... Geneis 1.1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Such a beautiful picture of God. What an exciting prelude to " Then God said". This is well worth some mediation time...
Such a beautiful picture of God. What an exciting prelude to " Then God said". This is well worth some mediation time...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Come on, lets go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying. Ezekiel 33.30
Have you ever wondered why 'church people' can sometimes conduct themselves a certain way in church, and a different way in public? Look what I found:
" Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, "Come on, let's go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying." So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on and instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't act on it! "
This was a conversation between God and His prophet. I don't know about you , but I was stunned to happen upon this verse. These verses are as true today and they were then...Sad , but true.
" Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, "Come on, let's go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying." So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on and instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't act on it! "
This was a conversation between God and His prophet. I don't know about you , but I was stunned to happen upon this verse. These verses are as true today and they were then...Sad , but true.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. James 1.22
We have to listen and do. The text goes on to say that if we listen to the Word and don't obey, we are fooling ourselves; it's like glancing in a mirror and forgetting what we looked like.
We are warned to look closely and carefully into His word and if we do what it says, and we don't forget what we hear, then God will bless us for that!
This takes time. We all need to set aside time to study the Word and allow it to renew our minds. This is what will make the difference in a victorious walk with the Lord or a frustrated one.
Read the title verse again...
The first step has to be to read the Word.
We are warned to look closely and carefully into His word and if we do what it says, and we don't forget what we hear, then God will bless us for that!
This takes time. We all need to set aside time to study the Word and allow it to renew our minds. This is what will make the difference in a victorious walk with the Lord or a frustrated one.
Read the title verse again...
The first step has to be to read the Word.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise. Matthew 7.24
This is wisdom, Jesus said so Himself! He continues on, "like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish , like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." Here we go again! Renewing our minds! It takes time and effort. How can we follow the teachings of Christ unless we go to the Word?
God gives us choice: Blessings or curses, wisdom or foolishness, life or death.
Its entirely up to us.
God gives us choice: Blessings or curses, wisdom or foolishness, life or death.
Its entirely up to us.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. Psalm 119.91
I've been on a blogging binge recently about how importantit is to renew our minds through the reading of the Word. Here are some of my favorite verses on the subject. All of them are found in Psalm 119. Enjoy!
You must have done many good things for me Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; Now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; But now I closely follow your word.
You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
Your eternal word , O Lord, stands firm in Heaven.
Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about then all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Your word in a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word give light, so even the simple can understand.
Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy, they have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
What an awesome God we have to give us His written Word!
You must have done many good things for me Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; Now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; But now I closely follow your word.
You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
Your eternal word , O Lord, stands firm in Heaven.
Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about then all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
Your word in a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word give light, so even the simple can understand.
Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy, they have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
What an awesome God we have to give us His written Word!
Friday, February 11, 2011
A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. Ecclesiastes 10.2
"A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street!"
The war between wisdom and foolishness! Psalms 14.1 states that only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt , and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!
In contrast, let look up Ecclesiastes 8.1: How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness.
To choose wisdom in your life, you have to be a child of God, for true wisdom comes from Him alone. He gives us His word, the Bible, so that we can attain wisdom.
"Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything..." Ecc. 8.5
No excuses!
The war between wisdom and foolishness! Psalms 14.1 states that only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt , and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!
In contrast, let look up Ecclesiastes 8.1: How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness.
To choose wisdom in your life, you have to be a child of God, for true wisdom comes from Him alone. He gives us His word, the Bible, so that we can attain wisdom.
"Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything..." Ecc. 8.5
No excuses!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
You do not have, because you do not ask God. James 4.2
That sounds simple enough, right?
Sometimes we just don't get it...The Bible is so full of promises that God is willing to pour out on us. In James 5.16 God promises us that if we pray earnestly, fervently, and often, that He is listening and that great things will happen!
Lets take these verses seriously. Jesus paid such an enormous price for us to live abundant lives. God can do great things through us if we have the courage to ask Him. Don't get me wrong... We can't expect Him to do all the work. He expects you to do your part and He will do His. And that's where miracles are made! That is where our faith soars!
What is weighing on your heart today? Talk to God your Father about it. Ask Him to help you, to lead and guide you, and start thanking Him that you know that He cares. Claim James 4.2 as your "everyday" verse. Because God cares about your life "everyday!"
Sometimes we just don't get it...The Bible is so full of promises that God is willing to pour out on us. In James 5.16 God promises us that if we pray earnestly, fervently, and often, that He is listening and that great things will happen!
Lets take these verses seriously. Jesus paid such an enormous price for us to live abundant lives. God can do great things through us if we have the courage to ask Him. Don't get me wrong... We can't expect Him to do all the work. He expects you to do your part and He will do His. And that's where miracles are made! That is where our faith soars!
What is weighing on your heart today? Talk to God your Father about it. Ask Him to help you, to lead and guide you, and start thanking Him that you know that He cares. Claim James 4.2 as your "everyday" verse. Because God cares about your life "everyday!"
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
You should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4.12
First off, let me say its good to be back in the chair at my desk blogging once again! The computer decided it needed a break but its back up and running again! Thank you for your patience. Now, down to business.
Have you ever considered what kind of example you are? The people around you are watching you! Your family members and friends are listening and watching and they notice your character.
If you are a believer you are commanded to be a good example. You are bought with a price, you are Gods kid out in the world. But if your speech , conduct and morals aren't any different than the lost people around you, something is wrong! I believe most times, its just a lack of spiritual maturity on our part. We need to renew our minds by studying Gods Word ; to allow our thoughts to line up with His.
Corrie ten Boom set it straight for us: "Don't worry about what you do not understand. Worry about what you do understand in the Bible but do not live by."
And remember, not only are people watching, God is too.
Have you ever considered what kind of example you are? The people around you are watching you! Your family members and friends are listening and watching and they notice your character.
If you are a believer you are commanded to be a good example. You are bought with a price, you are Gods kid out in the world. But if your speech , conduct and morals aren't any different than the lost people around you, something is wrong! I believe most times, its just a lack of spiritual maturity on our part. We need to renew our minds by studying Gods Word ; to allow our thoughts to line up with His.
Corrie ten Boom set it straight for us: "Don't worry about what you do not understand. Worry about what you do understand in the Bible but do not live by."
And remember, not only are people watching, God is too.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. Psalm 62.1
I think that waiting patiently for God to act is one of the hardest things for a Christian to do. We want solutions and we want them yesterday! We go to the phone and not the throne, as Joyce Meyers says.
Waiting on God to move takes patience and courage. Its so easy to give up and come up with our own plan. But look at the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar in Genesis chapters 16, 17, 18. The results are still being seen in the Middle East today. I wonder what the world would be like today if he had done the right thing...
Look at what the Psalmist has to say:
"Let all that I am wait quietly before the God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62: 5-8.
I think that this is great advice, don't you?
Waiting on God to move takes patience and courage. Its so easy to give up and come up with our own plan. But look at the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar in Genesis chapters 16, 17, 18. The results are still being seen in the Middle East today. I wonder what the world would be like today if he had done the right thing...
Look at what the Psalmist has to say:
"Let all that I am wait quietly before the God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62: 5-8.
I think that this is great advice, don't you?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ. Galatians 6.2
I read this today and wanted to pass it on. How the world would change if Believers would act on this.
Help me, Lord, to see the needs of those around me. Today, let me show courtesy to those who cross my path. Today, let me spread kind words in honor of your Son. Today, let forgiveness rule my heart. And everyday, Lord, let my love for Christ be demonstrated through the acts of kindness that I offer to those who need the healing touch of the Master's hand.
Amen.
Help me, Lord, to see the needs of those around me. Today, let me show courtesy to those who cross my path. Today, let me spread kind words in honor of your Son. Today, let forgiveness rule my heart. And everyday, Lord, let my love for Christ be demonstrated through the acts of kindness that I offer to those who need the healing touch of the Master's hand.
Amen.
You may think that you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! Romans 2.1
Preach it Paul! ( I love it when he uses an explanation point , means he's on roll! ) You should also love this verse , because it shows just how shallow and prideful we are when we judge and criticize others. Read on:
"When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." Stop! Wait a minute! You say to yourself, "no way Paul, I'm not the murderer, you were!"
I ask the question, have you ever hated anyone? Bingo! Jesus told us that if we have hatred in our heart towards another, we have done as much as murdered them in our heart! Why? God cares about our attitudes. As believers we are to have the mind of Christ. We "change " our minds by the reading of the Word. The Word says over and over again that God is Love. We cannot have the mind of Christ and have malice and hatred for another. Why? Because we elevate our opinion of ourselves, and in judging others, we are rejecting someone that our Savior died for and wants to be in relationship with. That's why.
This is serious business! How serious are you about seeing people come to Jesus? Being a Christ Follower is so much more that just hanging out at church a few times a week and trying to be good the rest of the week until we return. Joyce Meyers states: Just because I'm sitting in my garage, it doesn't make me a car!"
Quit judging! Stop being critical! I don't know what the ramifications are as far as my walk with Jesus goes, but I don't want to find out. Life without Him was miserable.
Read Matthew 7: 1-6 for yourselves and see what Jesus himself said about it!
"When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." Stop! Wait a minute! You say to yourself, "no way Paul, I'm not the murderer, you were!"
I ask the question, have you ever hated anyone? Bingo! Jesus told us that if we have hatred in our heart towards another, we have done as much as murdered them in our heart! Why? God cares about our attitudes. As believers we are to have the mind of Christ. We "change " our minds by the reading of the Word. The Word says over and over again that God is Love. We cannot have the mind of Christ and have malice and hatred for another. Why? Because we elevate our opinion of ourselves, and in judging others, we are rejecting someone that our Savior died for and wants to be in relationship with. That's why.
This is serious business! How serious are you about seeing people come to Jesus? Being a Christ Follower is so much more that just hanging out at church a few times a week and trying to be good the rest of the week until we return. Joyce Meyers states: Just because I'm sitting in my garage, it doesn't make me a car!"
Quit judging! Stop being critical! I don't know what the ramifications are as far as my walk with Jesus goes, but I don't want to find out. Life without Him was miserable.
Read Matthew 7: 1-6 for yourselves and see what Jesus himself said about it!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
They suffered within themselves the penaly they deserved. Romans 1.27
Ok, here we are back in Romans again. I want us to get though this chapter but yesterday evening God awed me so much that I was really into Psalms!
So continuing from Jan. 30th blog, here goes.
Since they thought if foolish to acknowledge God, He abandons them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate,envy,murder. quarrelling. deception, malicious behavior,and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless. and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, They encourage others to do them, too.
Wow! This is alot of sin! I look back and can see myself ~ just as you can see yourself!
I'm so glad that we can now go to Romans 2 because it explains alot about the first chapter!
Read that sin paragraph again and let yourself see into it like a mirror...then remember that our precious Savior died for each one of those sins that came to your remembrance!
If you aren't a believer yet, makes sure that you read this coming Wednesdays blog...it will set you free!
So continuing from Jan. 30th blog, here goes.
Since they thought if foolish to acknowledge God, He abandons them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate,envy,murder. quarrelling. deception, malicious behavior,and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless. and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, They encourage others to do them, too.
Wow! This is alot of sin! I look back and can see myself ~ just as you can see yourself!
I'm so glad that we can now go to Romans 2 because it explains alot about the first chapter!
Read that sin paragraph again and let yourself see into it like a mirror...then remember that our precious Savior died for each one of those sins that came to your remembrance!
If you aren't a believer yet, makes sure that you read this coming Wednesdays blog...it will set you free!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! Psalm: 18.46
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display His craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth; and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19:1-4
Because I live in a coastal city, I have the blessing of watching amazing sunrises and sunsets. Tonight as I was cooking dinner, I noticed the pink sky and ran outside to watch Gods paint brush once again. As I stood there in awe, watching the pink, purple, orange, and blue hues overcome the evening sky and saw the pink reflection on the water, and watched the source of the earth's heat ~ that huge ball of orange slowly fall away, I thought of how very much God loves us. He could have created the world to look generic and gray, but instead , He allows us partake in the beauty of nature. Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without the colors of nature?
I encourage you to look around you and learn to appreciate all He has created! Lets all be awed by God everyday. Its one of His precious gifts. I felt like that sunset was just for me...I felt in my heart that He was saying to me, " If I can do all of this, I can take care of you. "
I love you Jesus.
The skies display His craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth; and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19:1-4
Because I live in a coastal city, I have the blessing of watching amazing sunrises and sunsets. Tonight as I was cooking dinner, I noticed the pink sky and ran outside to watch Gods paint brush once again. As I stood there in awe, watching the pink, purple, orange, and blue hues overcome the evening sky and saw the pink reflection on the water, and watched the source of the earth's heat ~ that huge ball of orange slowly fall away, I thought of how very much God loves us. He could have created the world to look generic and gray, but instead , He allows us partake in the beauty of nature. Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without the colors of nature?
I encourage you to look around you and learn to appreciate all He has created! Lets all be awed by God everyday. Its one of His precious gifts. I felt like that sunset was just for me...I felt in my heart that He was saying to me, " If I can do all of this, I can take care of you. "
I love you Jesus.
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