I'm not quite feeling myself today and yesterday... have had a little stomach "yuck". I'm telling this to tell about the detour I went on this morning. I stopped by the store to get some yogurt... it seemed like something I could handle this morning. Cam was with me because he's going to work with me this morning. God had this detour planned the whole time... isn't He awesome? He knew which store I needed to choose... He knew that we needed to get there later than I had planned (thanks to bringing along a 7 year old)... He knows and is in every detail! Thank you for delays, Lord! A friend of mine came down the aisle and was overjoyed to see Cam because she said she knew she was supposed to run into us. She really needed prayer at that moment... and guess what? We had a short, discreet prayer right there in front of the yogurt! To her I want to say today... He cares so much about your situation that He orchestrated this chain of events this morning... don't think for a moment that He won't take care of every detail of your situation!
I'm so thankful for the body of Christ! There will be another day when I need her to detour my way and pray over me. Do you ever feel like you're in a situation and just need someone else to pray over you? It's funny how that is... sometimes you can't even pray about your own situation... you've exhausted yourself and your faith... I've been there! But we are the body fitly joined together...
Ephesians 4:15-16 "...speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
The Message reads like this: "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. "
I love that line... "He keeps us in step with each other..." more about Him ordering our steps... if we let Him, He will guide us...yes, even in the detours!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Bunch & Breeze Music Video
We had the distinct honor of participating in Bro. Bunch & Bro. Breeze's music video last night... we had a blast!
Power of Praying for Our Friends
I came across this verse this past summer and it just seemed to "pop out" at me...
Job 42:10 (ESV) "The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold."
After all that Job had been through, his relief and restoration came WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS. Wow! When I read that passage, I immediately thought of some friends that were in need of a miracle. I had already been praying for them, but I switched my focus and really made their need my greatest request before God. The scripture proved true... God moved mountains for me... so many that are so personal that I won't "blog" them... but just trust me... unbelievable things! He knows our needs before we ask. I say this all the time, but when we truly pray His agenda, our needs will be taken care of.
He is so faithful and just! All His ways are perfect. I want to be more self-less... It is a constant struggle... Lord, help me to deny myself, take up my cross and SELFLESSLY follow YOU!
Job 42:10 (ESV) "The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold."
After all that Job had been through, his relief and restoration came WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS. Wow! When I read that passage, I immediately thought of some friends that were in need of a miracle. I had already been praying for them, but I switched my focus and really made their need my greatest request before God. The scripture proved true... God moved mountains for me... so many that are so personal that I won't "blog" them... but just trust me... unbelievable things! He knows our needs before we ask. I say this all the time, but when we truly pray His agenda, our needs will be taken care of.
He is so faithful and just! All His ways are perfect. I want to be more self-less... It is a constant struggle... Lord, help me to deny myself, take up my cross and SELFLESSLY follow YOU!
Monday, November 24, 2008
No Cross, No Crown
Job 23: 8-10 "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold."
Have you ever thought those words... or even said them to God? Where are you? I don't see you working in my situation? He truly does see our rising up and our falling down. Lord, help us to remember that all things are under your control--You will steady our steps and not let our feet slip. Our steps are ordered by you. Let us always follow your planned path you've prepared ahead of us.
The lyrics to this song are so true... "There's not a victory, without a fight. There's not a sunrise, without a night. And there's not a purchase without a cost. And there's not a Crown, without a Cross."
I hate to dwell on the crosses so much, but realizing their place in our lives brings the abundant life and peace He has planned for us. Looking through the lens of Calvary changes how we see and bear things that come our way. I honestly wouldn't trade the hurts I've been through because they've completely changed my heart, perception and my life! Now, that doesn't mean I want to sign up for more hurts today but I know He will bring me through whatever comes...
Have you ever thought those words... or even said them to God? Where are you? I don't see you working in my situation? He truly does see our rising up and our falling down. Lord, help us to remember that all things are under your control--You will steady our steps and not let our feet slip. Our steps are ordered by you. Let us always follow your planned path you've prepared ahead of us.
The lyrics to this song are so true... "There's not a victory, without a fight. There's not a sunrise, without a night. And there's not a purchase without a cost. And there's not a Crown, without a Cross."
I hate to dwell on the crosses so much, but realizing their place in our lives brings the abundant life and peace He has planned for us. Looking through the lens of Calvary changes how we see and bear things that come our way. I honestly wouldn't trade the hurts I've been through because they've completely changed my heart, perception and my life! Now, that doesn't mean I want to sign up for more hurts today but I know He will bring me through whatever comes...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Happy Anniversary, Babe!
No deep thoughts today... just feeling really thankful for 16 wonderful years of wedded bliss! I am so thankful that God gave me such a wonderful husband. He knew it would take a gentle, giving, longsuffering, incredible man to handle my crazy, unpredictable ways...
He truly is my soulmate... I think we truly fill each others "gaps"... although I think sometimes that I have more gaps to be filled! I just know that I love him more today than I did 16 years ago and more than I did 10 years ago and yes, even more than I did last November 21st!
He truly is my soulmate... I think we truly fill each others "gaps"... although I think sometimes that I have more gaps to be filled! I just know that I love him more today than I did 16 years ago and more than I did 10 years ago and yes, even more than I did last November 21st!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Life and Rest...
Life...whew! This morning was another one of those mornings where at that last minute we can't seem to get out the door... I feel like a rantin' & ravin' lunatic trying to make it happen! Bryan's trying to get out at the same time as us and... you get the picture... true chaos! We pull into the high school parking lot just as the bell is ringing (their schools start 30 minutes apart--so if we can just get Tanner there on time, we've made it!). I drop Cam off and then collapse into the prayer room at church with a HUGE sigh of relief...
Needless to say, I felt Him lead me to Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Thank you, Lord for the "rest" I can find in Your presence! I went on to read the next 2 verses... "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
There are many definitions for yoke... I liked this one: "something that couples or binds together; a bond or tie". A yoke is used for steering (whether for animals, boats or even airplanes). So, if we'll just apply His yoke to our lives, we will have the safety of Him guiding us and holding us close.
I also thought about how He didn't say... "Come unto me all ye that are perfect, have it all together, and labour, etc... He just said COME... come one, come all! When did we ever get the idea that we have to "have it all together" to live for Him? I know so many people who have walked away from Him because it seemed too hard, or they aren't good enough, or they just can't commit to Him right now... His yoke is easy... His burden is light! His love is immeasurable! Condemnation does not come from Him... He sees the heart!
Needless to say, I felt Him lead me to Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Thank you, Lord for the "rest" I can find in Your presence! I went on to read the next 2 verses... "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
There are many definitions for yoke... I liked this one: "something that couples or binds together; a bond or tie". A yoke is used for steering (whether for animals, boats or even airplanes). So, if we'll just apply His yoke to our lives, we will have the safety of Him guiding us and holding us close.
I also thought about how He didn't say... "Come unto me all ye that are perfect, have it all together, and labour, etc... He just said COME... come one, come all! When did we ever get the idea that we have to "have it all together" to live for Him? I know so many people who have walked away from Him because it seemed too hard, or they aren't good enough, or they just can't commit to Him right now... His yoke is easy... His burden is light! His love is immeasurable! Condemnation does not come from Him... He sees the heart!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pilgrims and Strangers
Catchy title since we're gearing up for Thanksgiving! :)
Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. "
The Amplified version of Chronicles 29:15 says "For we are strangers before You, and sojourners, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope or expectation of remaining."
If we ever fully get this mindset, then the things of this earth will surely grow dim... talk about a priority shuffle! Our life is but a vapor... with that in mind, am I doing all He has called me to do? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I want to do better!
Job 14:1-2 "Man this is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not."
Well... all men (and women) are born of a woman... I don't know any other way to be born! So it looks like we're all in the same boat...full of trouble! The least we can do is give our "trouble" to Him and let Him make it into what He has planned.
Lord, let all I do be done with the priority of Heaven--how I live my life, how I reach out to others, how I teach my children, how I love my family and fellow man, how I spend my time, how I do the tasks that are set before me with diligence (as unto YOU)!
Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. "
The Amplified version of Chronicles 29:15 says "For we are strangers before You, and sojourners, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope or expectation of remaining."
If we ever fully get this mindset, then the things of this earth will surely grow dim... talk about a priority shuffle! Our life is but a vapor... with that in mind, am I doing all He has called me to do? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I want to do better!
Job 14:1-2 "Man this is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not."
Well... all men (and women) are born of a woman... I don't know any other way to be born! So it looks like we're all in the same boat...full of trouble! The least we can do is give our "trouble" to Him and let Him make it into what He has planned.
Lord, let all I do be done with the priority of Heaven--how I live my life, how I reach out to others, how I teach my children, how I love my family and fellow man, how I spend my time, how I do the tasks that are set before me with diligence (as unto YOU)!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Whew! No Perfection Here!
Thank God He doesn't expect us to be perfect! We all have those days when our hang-ups and weakness seem to be just BLARING at us! The things is, He wants us just as we are... we're the ones who get so hung up on what we can't do or what's "not right" about us.
I'm trying to remember this and let Him use my talents and abilities, strengths AND WEAKNESSES for His glory! II Corinthians 12: 9 "...my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."
The Amplified says "...my grace (my favor, lovingkindness and mercy) is enough for you... for my strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled & completed) and show themselves most effective, in your weakness..."
WOW! If we aren't giving Him our weaknesses, then we're not utilizing the complete, full strength and power that He has for us. That hit me really hard! He actually WANTS my weaknesses... the things about me that give me so much grief!
I want my words to be seasoned with grace. When dealing with others, I want to extend grace--lovingkindness, mercy--let me "favor them".
Grace & weakness... I never realized how much they go hand in hand. When we recognize our own weaknesses, we will extend more grace. Lord, let me always recognize my need of Your grace in my life!
In II Peter 3:18, Peter says "..grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.." That's what I want!
I'm trying to remember this and let Him use my talents and abilities, strengths AND WEAKNESSES for His glory! II Corinthians 12: 9 "...my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."
The Amplified says "...my grace (my favor, lovingkindness and mercy) is enough for you... for my strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled & completed) and show themselves most effective, in your weakness..."
WOW! If we aren't giving Him our weaknesses, then we're not utilizing the complete, full strength and power that He has for us. That hit me really hard! He actually WANTS my weaknesses... the things about me that give me so much grief!
I want my words to be seasoned with grace. When dealing with others, I want to extend grace--lovingkindness, mercy--let me "favor them".
Grace & weakness... I never realized how much they go hand in hand. When we recognize our own weaknesses, we will extend more grace. Lord, let me always recognize my need of Your grace in my life!
In II Peter 3:18, Peter says "..grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.." That's what I want!
Monday, November 17, 2008
God Pleasers
Last night I heard an incredible message on how the enemy tries to steal our worship. In the message this passage was used:
Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
In prayer this morning I went back to this passage and was still "digesting" all that I heard last night. I couldn't help thinking how that if He hates these things, then He must LOVE the opposite...
If he hates a proud look, then I want to always have a look of humility and love.
If he hates a lying tongue, then I want to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
If he hates hands that shed innocent blood, then I want to preserve life in every way that I can (and support those who do the same!)
If he hates a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, then I want a heart that is imagining all the possible good things He can do in and through me!
If he hates feet that are swift in running to mischief, then I want feet that are quick to do the right thing (without even any forethought... just an instant response!)
If he hates a false witness that speaks lies, then I want to be a truth speaker that will dispel gossip and rumors when they are spoken.
And finally, if he hates he who sows discord among the brethren, then I want to do my part to bring unity to His body of believers. I wonder if he didn't save this one for last for a purpose. Division among believers will stop His purpose faster than anything else. Notice that in the book of Acts the Holy Ghost fell because they were all in one mind and one accord! Let me be a peace maker and a God pleaser!
Proverbs 6:16-19 "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
In prayer this morning I went back to this passage and was still "digesting" all that I heard last night. I couldn't help thinking how that if He hates these things, then He must LOVE the opposite...
If he hates a proud look, then I want to always have a look of humility and love.
If he hates a lying tongue, then I want to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
If he hates hands that shed innocent blood, then I want to preserve life in every way that I can (and support those who do the same!)
If he hates a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, then I want a heart that is imagining all the possible good things He can do in and through me!
If he hates feet that are swift in running to mischief, then I want feet that are quick to do the right thing (without even any forethought... just an instant response!)
If he hates a false witness that speaks lies, then I want to be a truth speaker that will dispel gossip and rumors when they are spoken.
And finally, if he hates he who sows discord among the brethren, then I want to do my part to bring unity to His body of believers. I wonder if he didn't save this one for last for a purpose. Division among believers will stop His purpose faster than anything else. Notice that in the book of Acts the Holy Ghost fell because they were all in one mind and one accord! Let me be a peace maker and a God pleaser!
Friday, November 14, 2008
On Purpose
Sometimes we do things and they turn out ok but not necessarily because that was our intention. We might call it an "accidental" good thing... well, I don't want my life to be lived that way. I want to be intentional in all I do... live life on purpose--hopefully, HIS purpose!
2 Timothy 1:9 "Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
The Amplified version says "but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor)..."
It's so easy for us to forget that we are made for HIS purpose--not our own. When we recognize that, we will walk in that unmerited favor. Lord, let me always seek your purpose for my day, week, month, year... LIFE! You're in every detail even when I'm too busy to notice it. Help me to stop the noise--even if just for a moment--to see you all around!
2 Timothy 1:9 "Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
The Amplified version says "but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor)..."
It's so easy for us to forget that we are made for HIS purpose--not our own. When we recognize that, we will walk in that unmerited favor. Lord, let me always seek your purpose for my day, week, month, year... LIFE! You're in every detail even when I'm too busy to notice it. Help me to stop the noise--even if just for a moment--to see you all around!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
True Success
Psalm 37:16 says "...a little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
This tells us that righteousness is the mark of true success. ...not self-righteousness--Lord, help us not to rely on our own definition of "right standing" for our righteousness is as "filthy rags" (Isa 64:6)
Proverbs 11:28 "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall but the righteous shall flourish as a branch."
I Timothy 4:8 "..godliness is profitable unto all things..."
I Timothy 6:6 "...godliness with contentment is great gain..."
So... righteousness and godliness (throw in a little contentment too!)
One more thing... our conversations. I just LOVE how He gives us every single thing we need in His Word!
Hebrews 13:5 "let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee".
Thank you, Lord for your Word that keeps us on course--cuts away the influence of the world and our way of thinking... "sharper than a two-edged sword". Help us not to measure ourselves by what the world calls success!
This tells us that righteousness is the mark of true success. ...not self-righteousness--Lord, help us not to rely on our own definition of "right standing" for our righteousness is as "filthy rags" (Isa 64:6)
Proverbs 11:28 "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall but the righteous shall flourish as a branch."
I Timothy 4:8 "..godliness is profitable unto all things..."
I Timothy 6:6 "...godliness with contentment is great gain..."
So... righteousness and godliness (throw in a little contentment too!)
One more thing... our conversations. I just LOVE how He gives us every single thing we need in His Word!
Hebrews 13:5 "let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee".
Thank you, Lord for your Word that keeps us on course--cuts away the influence of the world and our way of thinking... "sharper than a two-edged sword". Help us not to measure ourselves by what the world calls success!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
First Things First
So many times we've prayed for things and wondered why our prayers weren't answered. Maybe we were out of line...
Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
If we will be "Kingdom minded" and pray "Kingdom prayers" He will take care of all our needs. But beware: seeking His Kingdom first will actually change the intent of heart and consequently, change our prayers.
In I Kings 3:13... because Solomon prayed a Godly prayer/petition (not for selfish gain), God said He would give him also what he hadn't asked for: riches and honour.
Mark 10:30 (quoting from "The Message") Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Notice he didn't say we wouldn't have trouble; however, we always think we have to give up everything and live a suffering life and then have it all in Heaven... this verse in the King James Version actually says "IN THIS TIME"... I believe He wants his people to live an abundant life! It's up to us to keep in all in proper perspective!
Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
If we will be "Kingdom minded" and pray "Kingdom prayers" He will take care of all our needs. But beware: seeking His Kingdom first will actually change the intent of heart and consequently, change our prayers.
In I Kings 3:13... because Solomon prayed a Godly prayer/petition (not for selfish gain), God said He would give him also what he hadn't asked for: riches and honour.
Mark 10:30 (quoting from "The Message") Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Notice he didn't say we wouldn't have trouble; however, we always think we have to give up everything and live a suffering life and then have it all in Heaven... this verse in the King James Version actually says "IN THIS TIME"... I believe He wants his people to live an abundant life! It's up to us to keep in all in proper perspective!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Deceitful Heart
We don't know our own hearts. I learned this a long time ago as a young lady seeking God's perfect will for my life. If you would have told me it was Bryan Cook I would have never believed it. God changed my heart so completely and I fell head over heels in love with this wonderful young man that God had planned for me all along... I just couldn't (or wouldn't) see it! I try to remember that now after 16 years of marriage and "life"... we can never know our own hearts... we think we've given it all over to him and then...WHAM! Out of nowhere we say something or do something that does not reflect a heart totally submitted to God.
Psalm 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts."
Jeremiah 17: 9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
Lord, let me never forget that I must have you search my heart EVERY day for I don't even know my own heart... it always goes back to its evil nature. I need you to remake my heart and mind daily!
Psalm 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts."
Jeremiah 17: 9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
Lord, let me never forget that I must have you search my heart EVERY day for I don't even know my own heart... it always goes back to its evil nature. I need you to remake my heart and mind daily!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Signs of the End Times...
His Word says that everything that can be shaken will be shaken. As we are now LIVING the end times that we've heard of so long, we better know what we believe and have a firm foundation! I found out this morning that Mattel has put out a doll that says "Islam is the light!". I encourage everyone I know to go sign the petition to remove this doll (since Mattel is denying that it says this). http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ask-mattel-to-recall-islam-promoting-doll
I was reminded of the scripture in Jeremiah 12:5, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"
In prayer this morning I remembered a prophecy that I heard go out in January of this year that it would get to the point where we were walking single file... an ever narrowing path...
I do believe the way will get more and more narrow. Living for the one true God, taking on and declaring the name of Jesus is not going to be the way of popularity...
Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
I plan to be in that few! Let's be prepared for the battle ahead... armed with the full armor of God!
Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
I was reminded of the scripture in Jeremiah 12:5, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"
In prayer this morning I remembered a prophecy that I heard go out in January of this year that it would get to the point where we were walking single file... an ever narrowing path...
I do believe the way will get more and more narrow. Living for the one true God, taking on and declaring the name of Jesus is not going to be the way of popularity...
Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
I plan to be in that few! Let's be prepared for the battle ahead... armed with the full armor of God!
Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Day of Frustration
Have you ever had one of those mornings? The kind where EVERY SINGLE THING seems to go wrong and you turn into Psycho Mom and Psycho Wife rantin' & ravin' all over the place? OK... maybe that only happens to me...
I'm so glad God is merciful to us in spite of ourselves.
Psa 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
I'm so thankful for His ever-abiding presence... that I can come and cast every fear, every worry, all the things that overwhelm me... at His feet. After that comes a deep, deep inhale. Once I've released it all to Him it seems I can breathe in so deeply... like the song by Hillsong... "this is the air I breathe... your holy presence... living in me..."
Acts 17:25 "...and he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things"
It is His breath that gives life! In Acts 20:22, the Word says "he breathed on them and saith unto them receive ye the Holy Ghost." In the previous verse His words were "peace be unto you"--with His breath comes peace. God of Heaven, breathe on me! I want your ever abiding presence and peace every moment!
I'm so glad God is merciful to us in spite of ourselves.
Psa 61:2 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
I'm so thankful for His ever-abiding presence... that I can come and cast every fear, every worry, all the things that overwhelm me... at His feet. After that comes a deep, deep inhale. Once I've released it all to Him it seems I can breathe in so deeply... like the song by Hillsong... "this is the air I breathe... your holy presence... living in me..."
Acts 17:25 "...and he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things"
It is His breath that gives life! In Acts 20:22, the Word says "he breathed on them and saith unto them receive ye the Holy Ghost." In the previous verse His words were "peace be unto you"--with His breath comes peace. God of Heaven, breathe on me! I want your ever abiding presence and peace every moment!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
No cause for fear
I am so thankful that as His children, we have a Biblical world view. We don't have to worry about the winds of change because we know that He is ultimately in control. I have to share what happened to me a week or so ago... Bryan was gone due to work... I was asleep (it was around midnight or so)... when I suddenly woke up with a tight feeling in my chest, heart palpitations, shortness of breath. I immediately recognized that I was supposed to pray for someone. It has taken me a while, but I'm FINALLY learning to discern when He is waking me up, ruffling my feathers, so to speak. I was obedient and prayed that whoever it was that God would give them peace... no panic, no fear. I went right back to sleep as if it hadn't happened.
The next morning in my regular prayer time He reminded me of this. I felt like He was saying that the needs of my people are so great--I need those who will stand in the gap. Men's hearts are failing with fear. I wasn't necessarily praying for one person but a whole multitude of people who are filled with fear right now. I looked this up, of course...
Luke 22:26 (red letter--meaning His words) "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Regardless of the economy, election, or any other circumstances that surround us and trouble us, those who look after His Kingdom will be taken care of.
In I Kings 14... the widow woman was obedient and took care of Elijah (the man of God) first although she had great needs herself and very limited resources. Verse 16 says "and the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah."
My goal: I want to pray His agenda instead of mine... when we do this, all of our needs will be taken care of... he knows our needs before we even ask.
The next morning in my regular prayer time He reminded me of this. I felt like He was saying that the needs of my people are so great--I need those who will stand in the gap. Men's hearts are failing with fear. I wasn't necessarily praying for one person but a whole multitude of people who are filled with fear right now. I looked this up, of course...
Luke 22:26 (red letter--meaning His words) "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Regardless of the economy, election, or any other circumstances that surround us and trouble us, those who look after His Kingdom will be taken care of.
In I Kings 14... the widow woman was obedient and took care of Elijah (the man of God) first although she had great needs herself and very limited resources. Verse 16 says "and the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah."
My goal: I want to pray His agenda instead of mine... when we do this, all of our needs will be taken care of... he knows our needs before we even ask.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
On a personal note...
Let me just say that real love is when your sweetie will help you clean up kid puke in the middle of the night... UGH!!! On this grand election day we're having the blah's with our little puker (whom I might add "hurled" again on the way back from voting)... what a fun day!
Let Righteousness Reign!
Lord, help our nation today! We ask you to let justice and righteousness reign.
Prov 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (to nations)."
I'm praying this all day today.
Psalm 89:14 (Amp) "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne, mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before your face. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound (who understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts); they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance."
I had to share this from "The Message" translation of the same verse:
"Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—
you've been so good to us! We're walking on air!
All we are and have we owe to God,
Holy God of Israel, our King!"
Woe unto us if we ever become a nation that forgets God!
Prov 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (to nations)."
I'm praying this all day today.
Psalm 89:14 (Amp) "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne, mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before your face. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are the people who know the joyful sound (who understand and appreciate the spiritual blessings symbolized by the feasts); they walk, O Lord, in the light and favor of Your countenance."
I had to share this from "The Message" translation of the same verse:
"Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—
you've been so good to us! We're walking on air!
All we are and have we owe to God,
Holy God of Israel, our King!"
Woe unto us if we ever become a nation that forgets God!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Lead the way!
Prov 20:24 (NKJ) "A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?"
Psa 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord and he delighteth in his way."
I Sam 2:9 "He will keep the feet of his saints..."
This is such an awesome assurance that if I am continually seeking Him... just for more of Him in my life... to be in His presence... to delight in Him... I won't have to worry about direction. He establishes my path! I so often find him in the "detours"--those times when I feel I've gotten "off course". So many times he had ordered it for someone else's benefit... you know what I mean? Have you ever felt like you were supposed to run into someone and God had given you the exact words they needed?
I want to be so sensitive to His voice and His leading that I will willingly follow and not question any turn in the path He has me on!
Psa 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord and he delighteth in his way."
I Sam 2:9 "He will keep the feet of his saints..."
This is such an awesome assurance that if I am continually seeking Him... just for more of Him in my life... to be in His presence... to delight in Him... I won't have to worry about direction. He establishes my path! I so often find him in the "detours"--those times when I feel I've gotten "off course". So many times he had ordered it for someone else's benefit... you know what I mean? Have you ever felt like you were supposed to run into someone and God had given you the exact words they needed?
I want to be so sensitive to His voice and His leading that I will willingly follow and not question any turn in the path He has me on!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
You've still got it, Babe!
Brandon decided he'd challenge Tanner's "old man" to an arm wrestling match...
Although you just had another birthday, you're still "da man"!!!
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