The Journey of Life

Seeds to the World

2012-02-24T15:33:00.000-05:00

We are seeds to the world...

God desires to plant us in the very center of certain individual's lives to represent who He is. We are called to demonstrate His heart and His ways.

A seed that is properly fed and watered will produce a harvest. This makes it imperitive that we stay in close fellowship with Him through studying of the Word and intimate prayer - so that His power can flow through us effectively for a harvest of souls.

For the sake of others, for the sake of a lost world, we owe it to Him to represent Him correctly.

Lord, help us stay focused on what our ultimate purpose is in the earth... Adjust our sight to not see just mere men in the earth, but living souls that Your life was laid down for. May their experiencing a walking example of You, through us, lead them straight to You...

I yield myself to Your use

I submit my will to Your ways

Jesus, glorify Your name through my life

I want to honor You all of my days

I commit myself to proclaim Your truth

Draw men’s hearts to You through me

It’s not Your will that any would perish

I want to be used to set men free

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJxkqGiRbc

What is Love?

2012-02-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

Most of us are familiar with the "love chapter" found in the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13. We've heard it recited at weddings or may have glanced through the verses ourselves. But have we ever slowed down and really dug into the passage to see exactly what it says? Did we let it penetrate us to the point where we are making a conscience effort to love others as we are commanded to do?

Let's break down what the Word says about true love, the God kind of love, the love that is placed within every person who comes to Christ. (Romans 5:5)

Love is patient (Suffers long, capable of waiting, able to endure delay without becoming annoyed or upset)
Love is kind (Refers to divesting your life. When you divest, you expect nothing in return)
Love is not jealous (Does not stew with envy)
Love does not brag (Bringing attention to oneself, pride on ourselves and our accomplishments)
Love is not arrogant (Making pretensions and claims to importance, excessive pride in onseslf)
Love does not behave rudely (Does not dishonor others, does not act unbecomingly)
Love does not seek its own (Doesn't pursue selfish advantage, not self seeking, lets God "run the show")
Love is not provoked (Not easily angered, irritable, touchy or resentful)
Love thinks no evil (Keeps no record of wrongs, takes no account to evil done to it)
Love rejoices in the truth (Shares the joys of those who live by Truth)
Love bears all things (Knows no limits to its endurance, bears up under anything)
Love believes all things (No end to its trust, ever ready to believe the best in every person)
Love hopes all things (No fading of its hope)
Love endures all things (Endures everything without weakening)
Love never fails (Does not drop away, goes on forever, wins out in the end)

Lord, we want to love like You. We want to develop true, lasting relationships that are grounded in the love that only comes from You. You tell us that even if we abound in spiritual gifts, possess all knowledge, give graciously to the poor, sacrifice our lives - but we do not sincerely love others - we have gained nothing. May Your Word penetrate our spirits so that we can come to a better understanding of what the God kind of love really is. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Open Our Eyes

2012-01-30T11:05:00.003-05:00

After hearing of the recent suicide of a 14 year old local boy, my heart is heavy. I believe we have become too accustomed to thinking "what you see is what you get." We take things for face value. We see a smile, we assume someone is happy. We hear someone laugh and we assume they have joy. This young boy was known for being friendly, helpful, and always having a smile on his face. Behind that uncracked smile was a heart that was broken. People say that there were no signs... they judged the book by its cover and now all that is left are questions with no answers.

Tragic.

As Christians, we have been given spiritual vision. Discernment. It is an ability to distinguish between truth and error; good and evil. It's the ability to see "behind the scenes." It's seeing through God's eyes.

"God would surely have known it, for He knows the secrets of every heart." Psalm 44:21

You may read this Scripture and think Of course God knows all things because He is God. When we became Christ followers, we were given the mind of Christ. As we fervently study the Word and press into prayer - we will come to know the heart of God at a whole new level. We too can see like Him.

"For, "Who can know the Lord's thoughts? ...But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16

We are the body of Christ in the earth. Because we are called to be His hands, His feet, His voice - He equipped us with exactly what we need in order to do so: the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is our Guide. He will show us things. He will deposit things within us that are the very words to unlock a hardened heart. He will give us the key to exposing the pain of a "what seems to be" happy person. He will show us things to come in order to protect us and protect others. He will give us different strategies to reach the unsaved. He will keep us well informed if we will just listen.

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." John 16:13

We just need to be yielded people. A people who are hungry to hear. A people who want to bring the will of Heaven to earth. A people ready and willing at all times to be used to touch lives that Jesus said were worth dying for. Let's not drop the ball...

Lord, we pray that You would open our eyes into the unseen realms, open our eyes to see past the natural into the spiritual. We pray for discernment. We pray that we wouldn't see as man sees, but that our vision would be through Your eyes. We want to touch lives. We want to save lives. We don't ever want to miss an opportunity, a life that You want to touch through us. We yield ourselves for Your use, Father...

Help us be a people of compassion, a people sold out to the cause of reaching others with the hope of Your Good News! Be the words on our lips, Lord. We pray You would give us words of knowledge and words of wisdom so that we can have a word in due season for those, who like this young boy, are on the brink of giving up.

We also lift up the family and friends of Shane and all others who have lost someone to suicide... We pray for comfort and we pray for true peace that only comes through You. We pray laborers would rise up during this time to reach out to the family and friends who are grieving. May good come out of this tragedy by the lives that will be won for You.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Knowing God

2012-01-08T23:18:00.003-05:00

On an afternoon walk, a common way that I like to connect with the Lord, I heard Him speak to my spirit, "I want My people to truly know Me for all that I am, not just a portion."

He showed me how we all have different people in our lives for different purposes. We go to the doctor for our physical health. We have our pastors and accountability partners who help us grow spiritually. We have people in our lives that are strictly for business purposes, connections that help us gain wisdom in the area of business, discovering ways to prosper. We have friends who are there for us emotionally. We have friends who are there for us just for a good laugh...

The different people in our lives play a different role... In most cases, we do not know these people in the fullness of who they are... They meet a certain need - vice versa, but it's a limited relationship that lacks intimacy.

I want to encourage you to study the Word and gather tools to assist you in navigating through the Scriptures. There is so much more to God than we have even begun to tap into. He is the "I AM." In Him our every need is found. In Him we can do all things. In Him we are complete. In Him is life. In Him we live, and move, and have our being. We need Him! And the beautiful thing is, He longs for and desires us...

(Acts 17:28, John 1:4, Colossians 2:10, Philippians 4:13, 1 John 4:19)

Study tools: :)
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.gailrodgers.ca/index.php/site/devotionalSeries/C24/
http://truthmedia.com/training/attributes_god/

Children: Our Inheritance

2012-01-05T23:11:00.004-05:00

When you hear the word “kids” – what thoughts come to mind? Another mouth to feed? The end to life as you’ve known it? A disruption to your peace and quiet? The cause of your gray hair? Unfortunately, this is a tragic attitude of many.

The Bible tells us that children are an inheritance from the Lord; a reward from HIM! They are a gift to be handled far more delicately than silver or gold. An inheritance that will not perish; a living, breathing soul to be nurtured and directed back to the One who entrusted them to our care. Children are to be accounted as blessings, not burdens. (Psalm 127:3, James 1:17)

“Jesus Loves the Little Children,” we have all heard sung at some point in our life. It’s not just a cutesy song to fill a time slot in Sunday school class. Jesus DOES love the children. He once rebuked the disciples when they forbade the children to “take up His time.” The Bible actually states that Jesus was greatly DISPLEASED! And in another text He strictly warns those who cause a little one to stumble. (Mark 10:13-14, Mark 9:42)

There are many ways to cause these precious ones to stumble. I won’t touch on the more obvious things, but how about when we withhold kindness from them “to show them who's boss?” What about when we rudely say things like, “Get out. I’m tired of hearing you?” Or when they get hurt “Just shake it off and get over it?” As a mature adult, we would never speak like that to our spouses, close friends, or a complete stranger for that matter. Why do we think children deserve any less?

The Bible says that true love does not behave rudely (1 Cor. 13). Children need unconditional love and nurturing in order to become healthy adults. Without it, they will struggle in their relationships and it will be much harder for them to understand and accept the perfect love of God for themselves. If they can’t trust the ones who are supposed to protect them, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually, accepting that an “unseen” God truly loves them is much harder to grasp. May we never cause such a stumbling.

What an honor and yet, what a responsibility to take very seriously. The Maker of Heaven and Earth depends on us to raise our children in such a way that they will serve Him and one day be reunited with Him for eternity. For anyone who has lost a child to death, to substance abuse, to a communication breakdown ~ you know, how devastating that loss feels. The pain of that broken union. God loves our children on a much deeper level than we ever could. What a tragedy to not raise them to return to Him.

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deut 6:5-9)

Prayer:

Father, help us to be ever mindful of the way we treat our children. We make the decision now to not be controlled by our fleshly desires to lash out in moments of frustration. May we never carry the responsibility for scarring them emotionally through silent treatment, rudeness, unattentiveness, or belittling. Help us to love them like You do: keeping 1 Corinthians 13 before our eyes as the model of how love is to behave. We want our children to experience Your love through us.

Thank You for the gift of our children. We commit to seeing them as an investment to the world, a seed for Your Kingdom. We accept the responsibility to create an environment for them in which they can blossom into who You created them to be. We ask for Your forgiveness where we have stunted their growth through our selfish or lazy actions. From this day forward, Father, use us to properly tend these beautiful seeds You've given to us.

Amen.

Love Like Jesus

2012-01-03T20:11:00.006-05:00

Prejudice ~ a form of hate deeply rooted in one's heart. Many don't even know why it is there. It could have been engrained in childhood; may be due to a wrong done by a particular group; could have developed due to a built up intolerance for a select group of people's lifestyle that angers us, or it could be from the infiltration of society and media.

We have struggled with its effects on both the giving and receiving end. Inflicted with the pain of being unaccepted and stirring hurt and anger in those we've outcast. It comes natural to show favoritism and segregate when we are walking in the flesh. But what does God expect from His children who are told to be walking in the Spirit?

"My dear brothers and sisters,how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law." James 2:1, 9

"There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

Prejudice can be anything from race, gender, age, education, religion, social/financial status, outward appearance, to what side of the street one lives on. Despite these strong feelings we may have toward a select people, the Word is clear that if we have hate in our hearts, we do not know God. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:3-11;%203:10-15&version=NKJV)

If our preconceived ideas of others reign stronger in our lives than the burning passion to see people free through Christ, we must ask ourselves if we truly know the love of Christ. Do our attitudes and actions represent Him correctly to a lost world?

Think for a moment about what type of people you find detestable. The ones who you would be fine going a lifetime never crossing paths with. Or the ones that would surely reject you, mistreat you, abuse you. What if God told you to go among them and love and serve them? Jesus did just that. He left His throne from Heaven to be among heathens who would reject Him and His message. Even the ones who claimed they knew God (the religious people) mocked Him and wanted Him killed. But He served anyway. He loved anyway - all the way to a cruel cross.

We are called to love like Him. In order to love like Him, we must set aside all of our preconceived ideas of people. We have to stop categorizing people. When it comes to races, why is it that we focus on the nine that have left a bad taste in our mouth rather than the one that is trying to make a better life? When it comes to other denominations, why is it we focus on an area of Scripture they may not be well equipped in teaching and rather listen and apply the truth of the Word that they are proclaiming?

When it comes to false religions and those caught in the fall of society through different sexual orientations, greed, pride, etc., why do we focus on using it as a form of entertainment, gossip, crude humor, or a way of making ourselves feel more spiritual rather than feeling the cry of God's heart for a lost world?

God's love is amazing. If we had just a taste of it, we could never look down in judgment on another person... His love is for all. Yes, even for those who have not yet come to repentance. He died while we were yet sinners. He put His love into action in the midst of our wickedness.

Loving everyone isn't okaying evil. It isn't accepting sin. We must still stand up for righteousness. The difference is we do it through the eyes of love - not the eyes of hate and disgust. We do it not to mark one hopeless, but out of a passion to bring them the Hope.

The Father's love ~ a love that is unconditional and loves all the same with no partiality (Romans 2:11). His love for us is not based on our own worthiness, our wisdom or our knowledge... It has everything to do with the fact He gave up His Son to endure death so all of mankind would have opportunity to be reconciled to Him. His love makes us and every other person on this planet worthy to Him. Period.

He is the God of reconciliation and we are called to do the same ~ to lay our life down for others like Christ did. Have you ever missed someone? Terribly missed somebody? God feels that pain and longing daily. What an honored privilege and yet what a humbling responsibility to be called to demonstrate such a love so that Daddy can have His babies back.

I believe, we as Christians, need to daily pray, "Lord, let me see all people through Your eyes. Allow me to love them like You do. Let me feel Your heart's cry so that my desire would be Your desire - to reach everyone with the saving message of Jesus Christ."

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. JUST AS I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:34-35

Living Water

2011-12-21T00:37:00.000-05:00

Drawing from a source

That is only temporary

A thirst never quenched

Issues only buried

A desire that is craved

But you never truly get

No matter how much you have

The need is never met

Come see what I have to offer

You will never again thirst

It will become a well within you

In which eternal life is birthed

If I told you all your secrets

And counted your failed tries

Would you draw from My well

Where you’ll finally be satisfied?

Voice to Our Hearts

2011-12-12T11:45:00.010-05:00

Our mouths give voice to our hearts.

"For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b

We all are capable of adjusting our outward actions, but without an inward change, what is inside will eventually surface. Infection may go unnoticed for awhile, but always manifests on the outside in time. A sure indication, a clear warning that something is not right and needs fixing.

It is important that we guard our mouths when we feel destructive words and attitudes well up from inside - BUT we need to recognize that it is there and not going to go away on its own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to shine a light on the darkness inside and allow Him to reveal and pull out the roots.

For many, this isn't a simple work because the roots are so firmly planted. There requires a surrendering of old mindsets and ways, an unbiased approach in prayer, and total submission to the Word in order for God to do that inner surgery. Just as we physically cannot stay healthy and in shape without exercising, neither can we emotionally and spiritually. There's a workout involved. It takes dedication and a sold out devotion to becoming more and more like Christ in our actions and our attitudes.

The Bible says we HAVE the mind of Christ. We can think like Him. We can live like Him. However, it doesn't just happen on it's own. You cannot get to know somebody or model after someone you do not spend a significant amount of time with. Spending that time with Him is our responsibility, as is renewing our mind through the reading, the studying, and the applying of God's Word in our lives.

Let's take our spiritual vitamins of Scripture every single day. If we will humbly listen and apply the knowledge we learn, He will show us the inward work needed and will lead us down the path to our wholeness. :)

(1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:11)

Power in His Name

2011-11-30T13:22:00.001-05:00

I overheard my 3 year old, out of the blue, declaring, "There's power in the Name of Jesus! Grrr!"

Made me chuckle at the surety in the statement coming from such a small vessel, but it threw me quickly into a moment of reflection. How often we forget what's behind that Name: JESUS.

"Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the Name above all other names, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

EVERY other name is subject to the Name of Jesus!

What "name" are you battling? Is it sickness? Depression? Anger? Addiction? Poverty? Relationship problems? Begin to speak His Name over your situation. Even if you can only muster enough strength to whisper, "Jesus" - continue to do it over and over again. There is unfathomable power and authority behind that Name! (Matthew 28:18)

Salvation in the Name of Jesus:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

Demons flee and protection found in the Name of Jesus:

“But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.” Acts 16:18

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; theywill take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17

Strength and soundness of mind in the Name of Jesus:

“And His name, through faith in His Name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16

Healing in the Name of Jesus:

“Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the Name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. By faith in the Name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ Name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:6

The Name that saves. The Name that heals. The Name that strengthens. The Name that calms the storm. The Name of hope. The Name of victory. Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXH0MjGe10s

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.” John 20:30-31

Character

2011-11-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

Our character, if not developed and matured, will eventually catch up with us and knock us down from the platform in which our gifting and talents have taken us.

We all have seen it. Highly gifted performers who have the world's attention but lack of character shows through in their actions and their credibility is marred. Ministers, oftentimes those with a worldwide voice, but EVENTUALLY their character flaws shine through and it's the very thing that dethrones them from their position. Marriages that appeared "OK" suddenly end in divorce. The "perfect" child becomes the prodigal... Why? Because the hidden issues of the heart have been ignored.

"The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3

Our greatest weaknesses, if left undealt with, will surface to the top. You can only wear a mask for so long. The rubber band eventually snaps and what used to hide you has now left you revealed. The self constructed platform that once elevated your ego comes crashing down from the weight of the junk that was left unchecked.

Bandaids are not a substitute for surgery. Developing our character is a deep work that requires facing our heart issues not covering them up. Building godly character takes place in quiet, "at the feet of Jesus" times: diligently exposing ourselves to the Word of God and letting it shine a light on those areas that do not line up.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24

Slow down and take a look at who you are. Not who you lead others or yourself to believe. Not what your reputation says about you. Who are you when no one else is looking? What heart attitudes reign behind your smile? What would God say about your character?

Lord, we all have "stuff" that we cover up so beautifully. On the outside everything looks good and yet inside their is decay that needs a touch from You. Whatever it is in our lives that is keeping us from fully serving and pleasing You, please shine a light on it. Shine Your light on the ugly parts so that we can, with Your help, become all You have called us to be. We want to be a living example of Christ in the earth - not a false representation that gives Him a bad name because of our undealt with "stuff." We love You, Lord, and we desire to become more and more like You.

True Beauty

2011-11-16T14:17:00.001-05:00

"We have to STOP agreeing with what the world has said about us while it exploits us: We are only as good as we are sexually desirable." ~Beth Moore

From early on, young girls are subliminally trained to "use what you've got to get what or who you want" ... For those who don't feel they measure up to what society portrays as a woman, life can be an ongoing body image struggle resulting in eating disorders and depression. Sadly, life's goal becomes minimalized to squeezing into a size 0.

This is NOT what the Lord intends for His daughters. It is an ugly lie from the enemy that is embedded in us as women. It has infiltrated us to the point of "normal" - where we don't even recognize how non-stop we are bombarded with it. It is a clever decoy to keep us focused on everything but who we are called as women to be in Christ.

Feeling beautiful, the need to feel beautiful is okay, but Hollywood does not define true beauty.

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:4-5

Not only are we bombarded with "image based" worth, but men are seeing the very same thing and getting a warped sense of who a real woman really is, expecting us to live up to unattainable ideals. Fact of the matter is, we ALL, men and women alike, are being deceived into a false reality all in order to keep us flesh conscious. If the enemy can keep us there, we will not be walking in the spirit ~ where our true worth is found.

"Perfect love casts out fear." This whole issue is fear based. Fear of not measuring up, fear of rejection, fear of being unwanted, fear of being second best... I pray that we all can get to the point where we allow Christ's perfect love to penetrate every broken part so we can walk in wholeness ~ viewing ourselves the way He intended.

"But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 MSG)

Fulfilling Your Spouse

2011-11-14T11:06:00.001-05:00

We all have our ideals of what we want to GET out of our marriages, but what are we willing to GIVE? Laying aside our desires for just a moment, let’s think about our spouses. What could we do to assure them they are loved? What would make them feel secure, safe, and truly cared for? We all have an innate need for these things. What are we doing to daily fulfill it for our partner?

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. To have the privilege to make someone feel special, and to make their life a little easier is priceless. Wives, wouldn't it bring you unspeakable joy to know that when your husband leaves the house each day, he can't wait to get home to YOU? Husbands, can you imagine the “spring” you’d have in your step in knowing your wife excitedly anticipates for you to get home from work?

When we just “take life as it comes,” all too often we set ourselves up for failure. This is true in our homes as well. We can say we want to have a healthy and happy home, but there is just something about writing it down. It's like when you are making plans for the day with things you wish to accomplish. Once you make a checklist of those things, you feel obligated or accountable to do that which you have set in your heart to do. Likewise, when you get specific as to the spouse you want to be, you are more apt to take the steps to becoming just that. Then share it with your spouse. What a sweet moment it will bring when they see your heart’s desire is to bring them joy!

How does this sound?

As your lifetime best friend ~ I want to bring you joy
A place of safety ~ where you can be vulnerable
I want to hold your hand ~ as an encourager, your biggest fan
As your faithful lover ~ I want to make you feel like the man (woman) you are

I commit to talking things through ~ walls never being built
I will protect your feelings ~ even if I do not agree or understand
I will always do my best ~ to show you how much you’re loved
I want you to never doubt ~ how proud I am that you are mine

I want our home ~ to be a peaceful haven
A place you can retreat to ~ to be refreshed from each day’s challenges
I want to make you feel alive ~ adding smiles to your life
Whatever it is I can do ~ I want to make life easier for you

This is possible! We have to throw out the 50/50, self seeking mindset “I’ll do for you if you do for me.” Marriage is teamwork. What team ever succeeded with players only giving fifty percent?

100/100 carries a whole different perspective: to solely seek to satisfy your partner’s needs. If we want a truly fulfilling marriage, both sides have to give their all, all the time. What have you done TODAY, with no strings attached, to show your spouse how much you love them?

Intricacies of Life

2011-11-10T20:22:00.000-05:00

I was walking through a "year round" Christmas store and couldn't help but notice all of the Christmas villages on display. From afar, they looked nice, caught my eye, but when I really got up close and looked at all the intricacies of each individual piece, it made the display that much more beautiful and appreciated.

I began to think about our lives and how all too often we look at the BIG picture and we miss the "little" things. Years pass us by and all we can account for is eating, sleeping, and paying the bills ~ a life of what appears mundane when you look through it with "surface" vision.

We do this day after day acknowledging the "existence" of people, places, and things but never noticing their beauty. We grow weary concentrating on what we don't have and miss out on the enjoyment of what is right at our fingertips.

Looking at the villages I was also reminded of a couple of verses in Psalm 139, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

When an artist puts detail into his creation: a painting, a sculpture, a writing ~ it is put there for a reason... for the observer to take notice and find enjoyment in the beauty of it...

God is the Master Creator, the Master Artist and He is into detail! Everything He has ever created is an authentic masterpiece made for not only His pleasure but for ours! BUT we have to slow down to find the joy in the NOW.

Let’s stop merely glancing over the big picture of life. Hit the “zoom in” button and you’ll discover what a fleeting look will never see.

Begin studying the individuality of your children. Love them BIG now right in the midst of their annoyances and quirks. Begin noticing the deeper things deposited within your spouse, significant other, or your friends rather than maintaining “how’s the weather” shallow encounters. Quit waiting for an “easier” or “more convenient” stage of life to live in the now. Before you know it, the chance you had is over. Everything gets pushed off for a future that never comes.

“Slow down and smell the beauty in life…” eb

Freedom In Our Praise

2011-11-08T09:48:00.002-05:00

Most of the Psalms were written during wilderness times; the Epistles, in prison. We can take comfort in knowing that when we are in the fire, God is about to use us in a mighty way.

"About Midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God..." In their darkest hour, they didn't forget God nor grow angry with Him. They knew from Whom their help came from and they knew their freedom was in their praise.

The rest of that Scripture states, "And the other prisoners were listening to them." Others are watching us as we endure life's storms.

"Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and everyone's chains came off. "

May we be like Paul and Silas, confident that God will never forsake us even in the toughest of times. Our continual worship of Him will invoke His presence into our lives. Not only will it bring our freedom, but an open door to share the Gospel message to those who have watched our calm endurance.

(Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:15)

I AM

2011-11-07T22:14:00.001-05:00

I feel Your breath within the breeze

I know You're breathing life in me

A shattered heart

Placed in Your hands

Putting my trust

in the Great I AM

Your loving voice

Calls out to me

"You shall know the Truth

and it will set you free."

You reveal to me

All who You are

"I AM your All in All

The Bright Morning Star

I AM Agape Love

My anger is slow

I AM the God of Compassion

Lover of your soul

I AM the Whisperer

That gently speaks to You

I AM Alpha and Omega

I came to make things new

I AM Mercy and Grace

Forgiver of your sins

I AM the Most High

I will stand in your defense

I AM your Comfort

Your Provider, Your Friend

A Faithful Father

My love never ends

I AM Wisdom

Your Shepherd, your Guide

I AM the God who sees

Every tear you've cried

I AM your Hiding Place

Your Rest, your Calm

I AM your Safe Shelter

From every storm

I AM your Hope

I AM Faithful and True
The Author of your life

Who came to deliver you

I AM the Bread of Life

The filler of your heart

The God of new beginnings

Who gives you a fresh start

I AM the Light of the world

The One to be revealed

I AM the Prince of Peace

I AM the God who heals

I AM your Redeemer

The only One who saves

The perfect Lamb of God

For you, is why I came

I AM the Resurrection

I AM Absolute Truth

The Anointed and Chosen One

Who has chosen you

I AM the Vine

Living Water for your soul

Refreshing comes from Me

I AM the God who makes you whole"

Such depth to who You truly are

In awe – I humbly stand

My everything, my every need

Found in You, the great I AM!

Thermometer or Thermostat?

2011-11-02T10:59:00.006-04:00

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue!" (Prov. 18:21)

Are we speaking death or life into our circumstances, over our spouse, over our children, over ourselves? What are we creating with the words that we speak? Our words have creative power!

What future are we building with the thoughts that we harbor on? The thoughts we meditate on are the direction in which we will go... these thoughts will show in our attitude, which will then become the words that we speak... And our words will eventually create an outcome... We have to make a conscious decision to change our attitude so that only life is spilling from our lips.

What atmosphere are we creating for ourselves and for those around us? Are people drawn to us or does our body language send the message that we are unapproachable and unfriendly? Would people consider us unpredictable? Do we speak words of blessing in some situations and show a totally different "face" in others? As believers, this ought not be so.

We need to strive to walk in the Spirit in ALL circumstances. We don't pick and choose who we show ourselves friendly to or who we walk in love towards. "Treat others as you want to be treated" isn't for the select few that YOU decide deserve it. It is for the unlovely. It is for that person that you cannot stand to be around. It's for a former friend, an ex-spouse, those who have cheated you, lied to you, spoke evil of you. We are not responsible for their actions, but we will be for our own!

Are you a thermometer that fluctuates in the presence of certain people, the every day annoyances that come along, and the varying temperatures that life brings? Or are you a thermostat that everywhere you are - you choose to set a positive attitude that reigns in the room - ALWAYS being an example of Christ and His love?

(James 2:8, James 3:6-11, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:42-44, Matthew 12:36-37, Mark 12:30-31, Mark 11:23, Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 10:20, Proverbs 15:4)

Do You Love Him?

2011-10-31T22:48:00.003-04:00

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

It is an amazing concept that whatever we do to others, good or bad, we are doing to Jesus Himself. Our love and our commitment to God is demonstrated in how we treat others!

Are we kind or sharp tongued? Do we use our words to edify or do we use them to tear down? Do we take time to listen to the hurts of others or do we tune them out? Are we willing to lay down our agenda to lend a helping hand or do we find doing for others to be an interruption to our lives? Do we have a cheerful heart when we serve others or do we grumble and complain when we aren't recognized for our deeds? Are we quick to give when there is a need or do we hoard what we have rather than seeing that we are blessed to be a blessing?

The Scriptures are clear that God takes account of everything - down to EVERY idle word we speak!

We are EXPECTED to exercise self control even when we are offended or irritated by another's actions. Why? Because when we don't we aren't being effective lights for Jesus in a dark world. We aren't representing Him correctly and ultimately we bring shame to His name. It's the love of God that leads men to repentance. If we can't love others with God's love, we cannot reach them for Christ.

Our actions mirror our hearts. Is there enough evidence in how we treat others to convict us of being true lovers of Jesus?

(Matthew 25:31-45, Matthew 12:36, Matthew 5:14-16, Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Cor 9:8-12, 1 Cor 13, Prov 12:25, Prov 19:17, Prov 25:11, Eph 4:32)

Judge Yourself

2011-10-27T22:39:00.001-04:00

How is it our sin looks so much worse when committed by someone else? If we feel the need to judge, let's turn to the mirror on OUR own wall for practice...

"You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." Romans 2:1

As a sidenote: The Word DOES say we will know whether people are living for God by their "fruit." It is important to take notice of one's lifestyle in order to make wise choices in who we allow into our inner circle. However, we are NEVER called to condemn: to mark as worthless, having no hope, deserving of punishment. We are to be ministers of reconciliation. If we see a brother or sister who is caught up in a lifestyle of sin, we are called to lift them up IN LOVE.

When we are so focused on the wrongs of others, we overlook the very things in our own lives that need adjusting. Let's make a conscious decision TODAY to not allow words of condemnation to pour from our lips.

(Matthew 7:20, 2 Cor. 5:19, 1 John 5:16 Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 21:23, Eph. 4:25,29)

Fear

2011-10-23T21:47:00.002-04:00

We are all well acquainted with the emotion that bears a choke hold. It's ruthlessness. It's torment. It's an enemy to faith, a thief that robs you of life - imprisons you to a false reality.

Anxiety, depression, doubt, worry, hurt, anger, sadness, low self esteem, unworthiness. It comes disguised underneath many different emotions, but it all comes down to one thing:

FEAR.

The paralysis for some is the dread of what could happen years down the road, anxiety associated with an unpredictable economy, and for many it is the torment of what today, the next hour, the next minute will bring.

"...fear has torment." 1 John 4:18a

Fear is not only an emotion, but a spiritual force. It is very similar to faith in that both have an unshakable belief in an unseen future. Fear trusts circumstances, natural predictions, the enemy's lies, and self. Faith trusts God and what His Word says. Fear is negative faith.

Fear is an enemy of God. It in essence rips Him of His lordship in our lives. We become self focused and not God focused. We put our trust in the wisdom of man rather than in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5). We no longer see Him for Who He is and who He desires to be in our lives... He solely becomes a gateway to Heaven, but in our day to day living He is diminished to a dusty figure placed on a shelf.

God is love, and the Bible says that Perfect Love casts out fear. God is THAT perfect love.

"There is no fear in love (dread does not exist), but perfect love turns fears out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment. He who is afraid has not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18

Father, we want to know Your love... Your love is our freedom. Your love removes shackles. Your love delivers us from all fear. You are not what our circumstances look like. You are not what the latest trends define You as. We commit to growing in the knowledge of who You truly are as defined in Your Word, and through that knowledge - growing in intimacy with You... We know that in experiencing that intimate love - fear has no more room in our lives. Thank You for Your love and the hope and peace it brings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztHkNujb5o

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

Peace

2011-10-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

Written for those who have endured emotional or verbal abuse… I know the battle that rages, and I understand the roller coaster that you can’t seem to walk away from. It may not leave outward bruises and scars, but the inward “soul scarring” is a pain that doesn’t just go away with a band-aid and time.

Only the One who made us can restore us back to wholeness. In the midst of your raging storm, I pray you look to Him ~ where your release and your peace is found.

Peace

Crashing waves

Bruise my shore

Howling winds

Blow in once more

Torrential rains

Pelt my skin

Lightning bolts

Come again

Turbulent waters

Staggered stance

Cycle repeated

In this dying dance

Trembling knees

Strike the ground

Eyes glance up

To where help is found

An instant hush

The storm to cease

All at once

A soul at peace…

Stop Comparing

2011-10-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

We have to STOP comparing and elevating ourselves above others. Whether you fell short twice today and someone else doubled that, fact is: we all need the same blood to make us clean. God does not operate with a "totem pole" mentality! We must quit taking score, categorizing sin, and shooting our wounded with self righteous insults. Our righteousness is not based on a point system...

Think about it: When we expose the sin of others, is our HIDDEN sin any less evil in His eyes?

Father, help us to view others through your eyes. Let us not see someone else's sin as opportunity to puff ourselves up. Though our sin may not always be something that is publicly seen, we know there are things hidden in us that grieve Your heart. We want to make that right with You. Forgive us for thinking we can expose the sin of another and keep ours in secret. We commit to pray for those who are in bondage or choosing ways apart from You. Lord, help us to be conscious to walk in the mind of Christ so we leave no room for self righteousness to infiltrate our hearts.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Beauty

2011-10-19T09:39:00.000-04:00

As the leaves rustle across the ground

In the cool autumn breeze

I gaze at Your creation

Where Your beauty is clearly seen

I see Your beauty as the sun comes up

It’s written across the sky

As the sun warms me, I feel Your love

When nighttime settles, I wonder why

Why You choose to share such beauty

With one who fails You every day

Though I fall short time and again

Each morning You meet me anyway

In the quiet moments I sit and think

In awe of what I see

As the wind blows by, I hear Your voice

Whispering to me…

You notice the beauty around you

The intricacies through and through

But as splendid as this all appears

My beauty is wrapped up in you…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggGwDrxrC2k&feature=related

Be Still

2011-10-18T08:11:00.003-04:00

Burdened by life's challenges. Overwhelmed by surrounding pressures. Moments of anxiety convincing you that "down" is the only direction your life will spiral...

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

This Scripture, so simple and yet so difficult. It's hard for us to wrap our minds around surrendering what appears insurmountable to someone else. Our worry gives us a twisted sense of control and we can't fathom victory in our lives apart from our own efforts. I mean afterall this is BIG stuff we're faced with, but all of the stress and loss of sleep isn't quite working for us, is it?

Be still. Part of the literal translation is "to let drop, let go, release." We need to drop our hands from fruitless, fleshly efforts, let go of the worry that torments our minds, and release it to Him. KNOWING that He is God takes the pressure off of our shoulders to be in control and allows Him to take over supernaturally.

Yes, the giants in our life are big, but God is bigger!

Be still...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKb54tu4gG0&feature=related

Repentance

2011-10-16T20:42:00.000-04:00

Oftentimes we are so driven to a life of perfection that our "repentance" becomes a method. It becomes about us; OUR feeling "a clean slate," OUR feeling "right," OUR success driven thinking to personally have victory over sin. In doing so, we miss the real point of repentance ~ opportunity to connect with the very One's heart we grieved. A moment of embrace. A beautiful occasion to hear, “You and I are okay.”

Intimacy

2011-10-13T09:10:00.003-04:00

Israel knew God's deeds, but Moses knew His ways. We need to grow past merely being informed ABOUT God and get to the point where we are transformed and KNOW Him, His heart, His ways. We have learned of His goodness from what others say and from what He has done in our own lives, but because we don't move past the "dating" stage with God, we aren't experiencing intimacy with Him. True intimacy is born out of commitment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcfH6l1-HvE&feature=related

Love Your Neighbor

2011-10-12T08:23:00.000-04:00

"Love your neighbor as yourself," embodies so much more than a rule to live by or an act to prove our love for God. There are blessings in obedience, but ultimately all guidelines that God lays out for us are laced with an eternal perspective much bigger than ourselves. God is about furthering His kingdom. We are the hands and feet of Christ in the earth to accomplish just that.

Think about this! Those who lowered the Apostle Paul through the window to escape the death threat on his life were actually letting down 13 books of the Bible! You never know the affect you have when you do something to help or encourage another... Remember, your act of love could reshape one's entire future ~ and generations following!

Reveal to Heal

2011-10-11T20:38:00.001-04:00

"Praise the Lord. I'm blessed" are often things you hear repetitiously in church when asking someone how they are doing. I understand the need to be positive. I understand that we are not to live by our feelings. I understand we need to confess what the Word says about us. BUT I also know there are people right in our churches who are broken. They fear saying how they really feel because "that wouldn't be faith talk."

It is time for the church to become a safe haven; a place where people can reveal in order to heal. Do we camp out on the problem? No. But once we know there is a problem, we can offer the solution. I encourage everyone to be more sensitive to the inner cries of those around you. You have in you what people need to be free. However, you can't help them if you don't know help is needed. We need to make ourselves available so that His healing power can flow through us.

And remember: Healing is a process. Helping someone who is emotionally broken requires time and a whole lot of patience. A lot of people do not want invest that kind of commitment in the lives of others. This then leaves us with churches full of people putting on their “church face” and never being real with one another. Is this what “church” is supposed to be all about?

“The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity” Luke 4:18

All that’s hidden
Must be revealed

Nothing gets past Your eyes

You know the darkness underneath

You know the inner cries

You want to peel the mask away

And erase all of the fakeness

You are not pleased with the lies

You’ve come to expose the weakness

You desire that all of Your children

Would have oneness with each other

But these walls are such a hindrance

Of us being real to one another

You know everything about us

The reasons we are insecure

Only You have the answer

To release us from this fear

It can’t be done in our own strength

The supply comes from only You

Deliver us from this bondage, Lord

Make us a people who walk in truth

Veils

2011-10-10T19:35:00.000-04:00

I scurried around the kitchen taking care of my children’s hunger while worshipping along with the music on my laptop. Suddenly I had to come to a dead halt, not knowing that MY "hunger" would be met that afternoon. Leaning onto my elbows on the counter, eyes shut ~ the One being worshipped reached down to touch me: depositing into me the only way to feed my longing to know Him more intimately.

“…the veil of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:45)

Ultimately the veil has already been torn for our free access to God, where we can come BOLDLY to Him, but we hang our self constructed veils that keep us from confidently approaching Him.

I see Jesus, just the lower half of Him (in a white robe). His hands outstretched beckoning one to come to Him…

A woman, behind a white veil – sheepishly, she pokes her head around to see Him. She knew Him. He knew her. That was evident.

As she made her way to Him, there were rows of veils to maneuver around. Each veil had a name: Shame, hurt, bitterness, resentment, anger, guilt, abuse, abandonment: All in which were blocking her from coming to Him FULLY. She longed to be with Him, but these veils…

She loves Him and is in relationship with Him. She is a worshipper… but she only presents to Him the “pretty” parts ~ ashamed of those unhealed areas of her life.

We think these veils protect us. We shy away because of shame. We even unconsciously doubt His acceptance because of false perceptions of our worth due to what we’ve been through or because of earthly relationships that have caused us deep pain.

The most intimate relationships are born out of being vulnerable to share your whole “story.” This is why He is calling. He longs for all of you and He knows the healing power His presence brings. Beloved, He is beckoning you…

Longing for a love exchange

Abandoned and free

I anticipate our togetherness

As you make your way to Me

Suddenly you cower

From Me, your eyes divert

Veils drape around you

Tailored by years of hurt

I see the shackles tighten

Binding up your heart

You hold from Me the broken

Only giving Me a part

A part of who you really are

A portion of your soul

I need to embrace it all

To mend and make you whole

Restoration only comes

To places you let Me touch

Press past your own resistance

I’m the One who you can trust

Anxiously I beckon you

As a husband to his bride

To make your way again

Confidently by My side

Recklessly abandoned

To My arms you quickly run

Cradled in My acceptance…

Veils dropping… one by one

Halloween - An Innocent Practice?

2011-09-27T00:38:00.002-04:00

As Halloween is soon approaching, we need to ask ourselves the question - IS HALLOWEEN an innocent practice that Christians should participate in?

Historically, HALLOWEEN is the day that the evil powers have chosen for themselves as special above all others -- from the ancient Druids to the modern Druids, witches, and Satanists. Unfortunately most people do not know this. If the purpose of the Christian life is to glorify God, is it really possible to glorify God by imitating what Occultists do on their special day? Should Christians be out on the Occultists favorite day imitating the things that are traced to something evil or occultic, including costuming and trick or treating?

One way to appease the dead was to set out bowls of fruit and other treats so they could partake of them and, once satisfied, they would leave in peace. Your child when he goes door to door in the ritual of "trick or treat" is re-enacting the ancient superstition. This ancient teaching that was introduced in the church through the Catholic Church, discredits and cheapens the price of Christ’s blood and the power of His name – the ONLY thing that can be used to ward off evil spirits.

Costuming, in good taste, are certainly neutral practices on any other day. It's not the practice per se but their association to this particular holiday and their original purpose on THIS day that raises the issue of involvement.

IF the KU KLUX KLAN had a special day, would Christian parents dress up their kids as little Klansmen and send them out to commemorate it, even in fun and jest? You can be certain that an occultist will not be celebrating the birth of Christ on Christmas, so why are we having our children partake in a holiday that occultists have claimed as their own, that witches have made their most sacred day of the year, and that Satanists sacrifice on? Does this mean it is wrong for a mother to take her child out dressed as a carrot top to a few friends' houses for some candy? This is a decision we all must make individually.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck and he be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6

Most people think that imitating these things on Halloween is innocent enough since we are not engaging in the original practices or intent. Nevertheless, 3 John 11 says "Do not imitate that which is evil." When you study the Greek word mimeomai for imitate, in this verse, it teaches that we are not even to mimic, act out or copy that which is evil. Wouldn't this too apply to the current activities of Halloween? Isn't participation a form of imitation?

"Hear what the word of the Lord says to you... do not learn the ways of the nations...for the customs of the peoples are worthless." Jeremiah 10:1-3

"When you enter the land the Lord God has given you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there." Deut. 18:9

"Abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thess. 5:22

"Be imitators of God… live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Eph. 5:1, 8-11

The Bible is also very clear in telling us to stay away from all occult activity.

"Do not turn to mediums or seek spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:31

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead... The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. BUT AS FOR YOU, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so." Deuteronomy 18:10, 11, 14

"King Manassah of Judah practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking Him to anger." 2 Chronicles 33:6

In conclusion, here are some things to consider concerning whether or not your children should participate in Halloween:

1) It is the most sacred day of witchcraft and other occultism.

2) Human sacrifice was and is offered most commonly on this day.

3) It has and will continue to encourage occult activity on the part of both children and adults. It encourages interest in things like ghosts and poltergeists. It puts the "taste" in a child's mouth to find entertainment in books and movies that are filled with the paranormal and demonic. What would once be scary to a child no longer is. They are desensitized to the appearance of evil.

4) A danger of this desensitization - if later in life presented with the "Hollywood-ized, pretty packaging" that witchcraft and other occult practices come wrapped in, black and white is no longer clear and the chances of thinking it is okay to become involved with, as a Christian, is quite likely.

5) It is a special day to call on spirits via the Ouija Board and other forms of spiritism. It helps support pagan philosophies and practices such as reincarnation, animism, Shamanism and Druidism. It is therefore teaching our children it is okay to mix Christianity with paganism. A diluted gospel is not the true Gospel at all.

5) Christian participation in Halloween may, in fact, be a ploy of the devil to mock God. The holiday in no way, shape or form brings glory to God. We are called to bring God glory in who we are, what we say, and what we do. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Philippians 1:10-11)

7) "Whatever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23)

8) “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Anything that instills fear, such as that of Halloween, is not of God.

I personally believe in explaining to my children why we do not participate in Halloween is because we are not of this world and Scriptures tells us, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) I believe we need to take back the day that is meant for God because each and every day is a gift from Him (Psalm 118:24). We need to teach our children to pray. We can pray for things such as:

1) Prayer of protection for those who are out celebrating Halloween due to the high abduction rate.

2) Pray for those kids who are being drawn to experiment with things such as Ouija boards, séances etc. Halloween time due to Hollywood and media, many are intrigued and sadly sucked into trying such things.

3) Pray that the Lord would hinder occult practices. Maybe a potential sacrifice escapes or an occultist is unsuccessful in summoning a demon, etc.

4) Pray for the occultists eyes to be opened to the truth of the Gospel and that they denounce the religion they are practicing.

It’s important for children to know that their prayers ARE heard and acted on by our Father! October 31^st is a day that they can make a difference, through their prayers, in the life of someone they do not even know!

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Power in His Name

2011-09-08T20:27:00.006-04:00

I overheard my 3 year old, out of the blue, declaring, "There's power in the Name of Jesus! Grrr!"

Made me chuckle at the surety in the statement coming from such a small vessel, but it threw me quickly into a moment of reflection. How often we forget what's behind that Name: JESUS.

EVERY other name is subject to the Name of Jesus!

Salvation in the Name of Jesus:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

Demons flee and protection found in the Name of Jesus:

“But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.” Acts 16:18

Strength and soundness of mind in the Name of Jesus:

Healing in the Name of Jesus:

“Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the Name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

The Name that saves. The Name that heals. The Name that strengthens. The Name that calms the storm. The Name of hope. The Name of victory. Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXH0MjGe10s

My Brooke

2011-09-02T16:11:00.001-04:00

Your smile lights up the room

Contagious is your laugh

Six years ago you were born

You're growing up so fast

I pray for God's hand on you

To stay in His will

May all that He has for you

in this life - be fulfilled

May your heart be at peace

God's greater than all fear

Find rest in His comfort

Feel His love always near

You make me so very proud

Happy Birthday to you!

I'm so thankful for your life

My sweet Brookie-loo-hoo

Father, I am so grateful for Your entrusting me with Brooke's life. Help me to nurture her sweet spirit to become all that You have called her to be. I pray for Your peace that surpasses all understanding to surround her each and every day of her life. I pray for her to be kept safe, healthy, and to have a full life filled with joy! May she walk in confidence down Your path and grow up to be a woman after Your heart. In Jesus' Name.

Happy 6th Birthday, Brooke!

What is Love?

2011-08-31T02:31:00.004-04:00

Let's break down what the Word says about true love, the God kind of love, the love that is placed within every person who comes to Christ. (Romans 5:5)

Love is patient (Suffers long, capable of waiting, able to endure delay without becoming annoyed or upset)
Love is kind (Refers to divesting your life. When you divest, you expect nothing in return)
Love is not jealous (Does not stew with envy)
Love does not brag (Bringing attention to oneself, pride on ourselves and our accomplishments)
Love is not arrogant (Making pretensions and claims to importance, excessive pride in onseslf)
Love does not behave rudely (Does not dishonor others, does not act unbecomingly)
Love does not seek its own (Doesn't pursue selfish advantage, not self seeking, lets God "run the show")
Love is not provoked (Not easily angered, irritable, touchy or resentful)
Love thinks no evil (Keeps no record of wrongs, takes no account to evil done to it)
Love rejoices in the truth (Shares the joys of those who live by Truth)
Love bears all things (Knows no limits to its endurance, bears up under anything)
Love believes all things (No end to its trust, ever ready to believe the best in every person)
Love hopes all things (No fading of its hope)
Love endures all things (Endures everything without weakening)
Love never fails (Does not drop away, goes on forever, wins out in the end)

Fly on the Wall

2011-08-24T22:55:00.003-04:00

Remember times you have wanted to be a fly on the wall? ...to listen in and see what someone truly thought of you or if they even spoke about you at all? Likewise, we have all had conversations that we dreaded anyone ever hearing or repeating.

God IS interested in what we are saying or not saying. Because of His omnipresence - (and I say this with absolutely no disrespect or demeaning of who God is) - He is a "fly on the wall" in our life. He not only hears and sees what we are doing, but is keeping notes!

"Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name." Malachi 3:16

He loves it when we not only talk about Him, but OFTEN!

Notice the reciprocal of that Scripture:

"But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle, [empty, careless] word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37

The God of all creation is listening to us! May the conversation of our lives bring Him the glory He desires and deserves!

(Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8, Psalm 19:14)

Are We Walking in the Truth?

2011-08-23T10:40:00.003-04:00

We must stop bending the Word to suit our lifestyle and start bending ourselves to the Word. When we don't, we are creating a god in our own image. What a harsh reality to face one day that we served the god of self rather than the God of the Bible.

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to being a Christian. We are told in the Word to study to show ourselves approved to God. It's not an option if we truly desire to know the God we say that we serve. If we truly love Him, we will want to do all we can to get to know Him. The Bible is a detailed manual of who He is and His plan for His children.

Time to dive into the Bible. If we lack the desire, what is it that we are loving more than Him? Is it possible we ARE erecting a god that suits us like the children of Israel did in the wilderness? They even worshipped this "god" saying it is the Lord who delivered them out of Egypt! How easily we can be deceived into thinking we are serving Jesus when really we are only picking and choosing Scriptures that suit us.

Let's examine our lives. What parts of our lives are we not surrendering to God's ways? What Scriptures do we skip over because it will force us to face the fact that we are living disobediently in areas of our lives? What traditions do we hold onto rather than challenge our thinking with what the Word really says?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind."

(Exodus 32, 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 2:8, Mark 7:8, Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Timothy 4:1-4)

Alyssa Grace

2011-08-15T22:08:00.004-04:00

Lord, I thank You for entrusting Alyssa into my hands - to care for her, to raise her to know You, to learn to hear Your voice, to one day return back to You. I ask for Your help, Your guidance, Your wisdom. I want to present You with a daughter one day that has made You proud with her life. I pray for protection and long life for Alyssa. May Your hand of blessing and favor follow her everywhere she goes. I commit her once again to You - that she would live a life unashamed of You - a life wrecklessly abandoned to Your will...

I loved you the moment

I knew you were on your way

Such anticipation I had

For your arrival day

Great plans for your life

I held deep in my heart

Never thought for a moment

You’d have such a rough start

You were such a fighter

So little - yet so strong

I watched my baby endure

Five months way too long

Now it’s nine years later

I’m so proud of you

You’ve faced so much

But God carried you through

I look at you now

Your soft, beautiful face

I’m so blessed to have you

My sweet, Alyssa Grace

Happy 9th Birthday!

God's Beauties

2011-08-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

I was reflecting on God's beauty seen throughout creation. As I thanked Him, I felt Him say, "I see beauty in you." It really set me back for a moment. How often we notice the beauty around us, but we fail to see it in God's most cherished creation, US! He sees beauty in us!

As magnificent as the wonders of the world are - the crashing waves of the ocean, the mountains and all it's splendor, the vastness of the universe - WE are what Christ came and shed His blood for.

Look at your children. Look at your spouse or significant other. Look at your neighbor, a homeless person, the rich, the poor, the beautiful, the rejected - all of us are the same. Our status according to the world's eyes may be different, but to God we were all made in His image. Because of the hands of the Almighty that intricately formed us, to Him - we are beauty defined. He cherishes and adores us. Out of that love, Christ laid down His life in order to make a way to eternally fellowship with us. He didn't do it for the things in this world - He did it for us, humankind.

May we see others the way He does. Beauty. A soul He longs to have for eternity. A person made in His image who has a purpose. As frustrating as people can be, let's look a little deeper to what God sees. Let's encourage one another to grow and to become all that we were meant to be. Let's walk in love and treat others how He has commanded us. He's entrusted us to to be His voice, His hands, His feet. May we see every opportunity as a chance to share the saving message of Jesus.

I often call my children "my beauties." May our words and lifestyle play a part in bringing forth God's longed for desire - for all of His beauties to return to Him.

(Genesis 1:26-28, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 5:8, Psalm 139:15)

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers - the moon and the stars You set in place -what are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that You should care for them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything You made, putting all things under their authority—the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth!" (Psalm 8:3-9)

Videos everyone should see!

Indescribable:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewKtSKbWZUI I encourage you to watch all 5 parts of this series

How Great is our God:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqziOKZ4AE

Break our Hearts

2011-07-27T22:07:00.000-04:00

Lord, grant us grace to desire You with our whole heart; that in desiring we will seek You; in seeking we will find You; in finding You we may love You; and in loving You, we may hate those sins from which You have redeemed us. May our hearts break over what breaks Yours.

Honor

2011-07-26T10:42:00.007-04:00

Honor protects, submits, is willing to yield, and is quick to listen. Our reaction to instruction reveals our understanding of honor. We lack honor if we grumble and complain or just outright do not follow instructions because we think we have a "better way."

We are called to honor both God and man. Living a life of honor is God's way. Without it we are clearly in disobedience to His Word.

"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7

"Elders who do their work well should be honored and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching." 1 Timothy 5:17

"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17

"Honor the Lord with your substance." Proverbs 3:9

"Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, to slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody." Titus 3:1-2

Dishonor is a seed for tragedy and loss. When we choose a life of dishonor, failure will be our harvest. Marriages will fail, relationships are damaged, careers are lost, our relationship with God is hindered.

The little foxes spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15)... It's the little things that destroy. A practical example: A wife asks her husband to put the toilet seat down or a husband requests that his wife not allow the children to get into his toolbox. When the spouse disregards the request over and over again because they find it unimportant, their lack of honor opens the marriage up to growing resentment. Over time, this "little fox" can be the cause of a total breakdown in the marriage.

Dishonoring is never worth the loss it brings. Start planting seeds of honor for a harvest of blessing from the Father! :)

"If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me, to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves (honors) Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26

Do You Love Him?

2011-07-20T12:35:00.002-04:00

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

It is an amazing concept that whatever we do to others, good or bad, we are doing to Jesus Himself. Our love and our commitment to God is demonstrated in how we treat others!

Are we kind or sharp tongued? Do we take time to listen to the hurts of others or do we tune them out? Are we willing to lay down our agenda to lend a helping hand or do we find doing for others to be an interruption to our lives? Do we have a cheerful heart when we serve others or do we grumble and complain when we aren't recognized for our deeds? Are we quick to give when there is a need or do we hoard what we have rather than seeing that we are blessed to be a blessing?

The Scriptures are clear that God takes account of everything - down to EVERY idle word we speak!

Our actions mirror our hearts. Is there enough evidence in how we treat others to convict us of being true lovers of Jesus?

(Matthew 25:31-45, Matthew 12:36, Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Cor 9:8-12, 1 Cor 13, Prov 12:25, Prov 19:17, Prov 25:11, Eph 4:32)

Reputation vs Character

2011-07-19T09:40:00.003-04:00

Our reputation is determined by what men see. It's the opinion of man from what is outwardly demonstrated. Man's opinion of you is not always truth. We all have mastered putting on a "front" and wearing a mask for the occasion.

Why spend our whole lives maintaining a reputation that is a false facade of who we really are? It is amazing what we as humans are capable of doing in order to be accepted or in order to get "ahead." As Christians we are called to a different way of living.

God is concerned with our character. Our character is what we are when no one else is looking. It's the hidden man of the heart. I like this definition of Godly character:

"The ability to discern God's right way from the wrong, and to voluntarily surrender one's will to do what is right in God's sight and, with the promised supernatural help, to resist the wrong even under pressure and temptation."

In order to be a people of character - we must: Guard our hearts at all cost, be wise in who is allowed into our inner circle, and be careful in the voices we allow to speak into our lives. We must keep a heavenly mindset so that our focus does not shift from the things of the Spirit to merely keeping up with the "Jones'."

Lord, maintaining an image for others is vanity and pointless. Help us to always remember that it is YOU that we will stand and give account to. We want to be a people who demonstrate to the world who You intended Your followers to be. May You be well pleased with our representation of You and Your ways.

(Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 12:26, Proverbs 13:20, 1 Cor. 15:33, Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:8, Ephesians 5:15-16, 1 John 2:6)

Beauty

2011-07-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

We take notice of the beauty of a butterfly, yet we forget the process of change it had to go through to achieve that beauty...

May you come out of your “cocoon” beautiful and ready to face the world with all that God has for you! Remember, it's in the dark times our true character is tested and formed… Allow what you are going through to be your catapult! :)

In Your Assignment

2011-07-08T10:17:00.000-04:00

Jesus yells to the disciples, "Have you caught any fish?" "No," they answered. "Throw your net on the other side of the boat!"

What advice could a Carpenter possibly offer to professional fishermen on how and where to fish? And yet the Bible says they didn't have enough room in their net for the abundant catch!

We may feel we are masters in areas of our life, but only THE Master knows all. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Let Him direct your steps. They will always lead you in the direction of your assignment. He will fill the nets of those who obey and trust Him at His Word.

"PROVISION IS CONFIRMATION YOU ARE IN THE PLACE OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT." ~ Mike Murdock

(John 21:1-9, Isaiah 55:8-9)

Work in Progress

2011-07-07T13:36:00.003-04:00

We are a work in progress. The "cracks" in the sidewalk of our life can become a fertile place of growth if we turn our perspective around. The person we are, the circumstances we face, are all part of our journey. It's human nature to get frustrated when our life appears to be producing more weeds than flowers. We need to rejoice in the growth rather than get discouraged that we are not yet in full bloom. :)

Father, You are the Master Gardener. We give You ourselves. We submit to the pruning process so that we can bear the fruit that You desire to see in our lives... Amen.

He Sees

2011-06-30T23:42:00.002-04:00

"The woman saw that she could not go unnoticed." Luke 8:47

Jesus sees EVERY detail about you, every need that you have! When we become desperate, revealing ourselves, our "stuff" ~ it stops Jesus in His tracks! There may be a multitude surrounding you and yet YOU He will take notice of and YOU He will make whole! ♥

Refining Fire

2011-06-30T08:52:00.001-04:00

Until we are thrown into the fire, we don't truly know what we are made of. We will either come out refined or burnt! Lord, may our lives bring You glory and may we be beautiful in Your sight!

"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." 1 Peter 1:7

"The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done." 1 Corinthians 3:13

Thankful

2011-06-29T10:03:00.001-04:00

Let's be thankful for what we have. The things we take for granted are merely dreams to other people.

"Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Follow the Leader

2011-06-26T22:47:00.001-04:00

Are you trying to lead the Lord where you want to go or are you allowing Him to lead you where He wants you to be? Time to relinquish control and play "follow the Leader." You can trust Him...

"Those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5

"Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8

“For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” Psalm 48:14

Knowing God

2011-06-22T10:50:00.001-04:00

On an afternoon walk, a common way that I like to connect with the Lord, I heard Him speak to my spirit, "I want My people to truly know Me for all that I am, not just a portion."

God so desires a deep, abiding relationship with each one of us. That is why He is challenging us to know Him as the All Sufficient One. Many times we focus primarily on Him being a faithful God, our Healer, our Comfort, or the One who provides. He is all of those things, but we have to stop limiting Him to a part of who He is and making Him just another "person," another "go to" that is only given access to a portion of our lives. He so desires our intimate acquaintance. In knowing the depths of who someone is, true intimacy is then birthed.

I want to encourage you to study the Word and gather tools to assist you in navigating through the Scriptures. There is so much more to God than we have even begun to tap into. He is the "I AM." In Him our every need is found. In Him we can do all things. In Him we are complete. In Him is life. In Him we live, and move, and have our being. We need Him! And the beautiful thing is, He longs for and desires us...

(Acts 17:28, John 1:4, Colossians 2:10, Philippians 4:13, 1 John 4:19)

Study tools: :)
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.gailrodgers.ca/index.php/site/devotionalSeries/C24/
http://truthmedia.com/training/attributes_god/

Prayer for Fathers

2011-06-17T15:05:00.002-04:00

We thank You that you are a faithful Father who we can always count on to meet us right where we are. You engage in our world. You concern Yourself with the things that matter to us and are always looking out for our best interest in those things. We can trust You.

Many of us, Lord, haven't had that example in an earthly father. We ask that You send down Your healing to the brokeness that we are living out day after day because of that missing void in our lives. We all need to be fathered and when that ingredient is missing, life just isn't what You ordained it to be. But in Your goodness - You chose to be a Father to us. May Your pure love fill all the cracks within us that need to be filled.

We pray for fathers to be awakened to the great call that they have. When a child sees their father - the way he lives, the way he acts, the way he treats others, the way he treats them - they should see a man who is mirroring his life after You. We pray that fathers would have a passion for their children's spiritual health by demonstrating Your perfect love and fervently teaching them Your ways and how to hear Your voice.

Father, we ask for Your blessing on the men who have willfully taken the role of father seriously. Grant them strength and wisdom to finish the race strong. We pray they would be reassured how worthy their call is and that what they have committed to will not be in vain. You have placed a generation within their hands, and we know that You are smiling down on them. Amen. :)

Jesus, My Provider

2011-06-10T12:37:00.000-04:00

I never knew freedom

Until You set me free

My mind was never at rest

Then You filled me with peace

Unconditional love

My heart’s never felt

Till I looked to the cross

At the blood that You spilt

Sickness has no right to my body

You purchased healing for me

Demons flee at the sound of Your Name

You’re the Way in which I am freed

Poverty’s not mine, but part of the curse

Cursed is He who hangs on a tree

You did just that, You bore it all

You provide for me...

(John 8:36, Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 3:13, Mark 16:17, 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5)

I AM

2011-06-06T13:05:00.004-04:00

I feel Your breath within the breeze

I know You're breathing life in me

A shattered heart

Placed in Your hands

Putting my trust

in the Great I AM

Your loving voice

Calls out to me

"You shall know the Truth

and it will set you free."

You reveal to me

All who You are

"I AM your All in All

The Bright Morning Star

I AM Agape Love

My anger is slow

I AM the God of Compassion

Lover of your soul

I AM the Whisperer

That gently speaks to You

I AM Alpha and Omega

I came to make things new

I AM Mercy and Grace

Forgiver of your sins

I AM the Most High

I will stand in your defense

I AM your Comfort

Your Provider, Your Friend

A Faithful Father

My love never ends

I AM Wisdom

Your Shepherd, your Guide

I AM the God who sees

Every tear you've cried

I AM your Hiding Place

Your Rest, your Calm

I AM your Safe Shelter

From every storm

I AM your Hope

I AM Faithful and True
The Author of your life

Who came to deliver you

I AM the Bread of Life

The filler of your heart

The God of new beginnings

Who gives you a fresh start

I AM the Light of the world

The One to be revealed

I AM the Prince of Peace

I AM the God who heals

I AM your Redeemer

The only One who saves

The perfect Lamb of God

For you, is why I came

I AM the Resurrection

I AM Absolute Truth

The Anointed and Chosen One

Who has chosen you

I AM the Vine

Living Water for your soul

Refreshing comes from Me

I AM the God who makes you whole"

Such depth to who You truly are

In awe – I humbly stand

My everything, my every need

Found in You, the great I AM!

Embrace the Fallen

2011-06-03T12:51:00.000-04:00

If you ever broke a limb or sickness has worn you down - how did you feel? Were you bothered that a part of your body was not functioning properly? Of course you were!

We, as Christians, are ALL part of the body of Christ. If one falls away, we ought to be grieved, wholeheartedly praying for their restoration, and encouraging them back onto their feet. They are a part of you, and you are a part of them. We need one another to be a fully functioning body.

Our bodies cannot function properly if they are sick. The body of Christ cannot either. We can't kick the wounded and expect them to heal. We need to stick together. We need the heart of our Heavenly Father:

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18:12-14

Lord, if we can't love our own, how can we truly love a lost and dying world? When we judge the "fallen" rather than love them back to the Truth; when we kick the wounded rather than embrace their brokeness; when we turn our backs rather than let them see Your love shine on our faces - we aren't demonstrating who YOU are to a world we say we want to see saved. Why would the world want to embrace a God who turns His back on His own children?

Forgive us, Father, for misrepresenting You. Help us to see our own selfishness and self righteousness. May our hearts break for those who stray. Use us, Lord, to draw them back into the fold.

Surrender

2011-05-30T23:21:00.001-04:00

In the darkest moments of our lives, are we willing to say, "Father, not my will, but Yours be done?" In the midst of our pain, we find whether our hearts are truly surrendered.

Father, we know there is freedom in surrender. We give ourselves to You. Do with our lives what You will. We open our hearts to hearing Your guiding voice. Help us to have a steady, unwavering stride so we will remain in Your footsteps - the only path that leads to our true peace and blessing. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNTd0B-3dL4&feature=related

Memorial Day Prayer

2011-05-27T10:52:00.002-04:00

Father, we thank You for Jesus - the One who willingly laid His life down for our eternal freedom.

We also thank You for the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country. Like Jesus, they have committed themselves and their time for the sake of freedom. They have unselfishly laid down their lives for us and even a future generation yet unborn.

We thank You for the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter. Comfort the families who have lost their loved ones while battling for our country's freedom. We are so thankful for the price they've paid. Comfort the families whose loved ones are away. Give them strength and courage to face each day.

We lift up those who are on the battle lines now and those who could be called at any time. We pray for their protection and safe return. We pray that their purpose in fighting for our peace not be in vain.

We pray for the servicemen and women who do not know You. Send laborers into their path. May the blinders be removed and their eyes be opened to the Gospel message. We pray Jesus would become their hope and comfort, and that they would then unashamedly share their experience with Him to others. We pray for a domino effect to happen - that the saving message of Jesus would spread like wild fire!

We pray that the United States would come back to You. We pray that revival would be sparked in the hearts of all - that a great awakening would strike the land and Jesus would be glorified in America. Bless our country, Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Covered

2011-05-26T09:06:00.004-04:00

"In the shadow of His hand He hid me." Isaiah 49:2

What a comforting Scripture of a loving, nurturing God who covers His children in time of need...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75YZ8ByHSrM (Watch to the end - touching)

Listen

2011-05-25T12:07:00.001-04:00

"Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish." (Proverbs 18:13) ... We could avoid many disputes if we just take the time to hear what someone is really saying.

The huge key to communication: LISTEN :)

Kindness

2011-05-24T08:19:00.001-04:00

Many people are inclined to react negatively due to undealt with, unhealed issues in their own lives. Every person is fighting a battle of some sort. That is why it is important to lay aside your natural response to take offense, and love the "unlovely."

We haven't been called to give people what they deserve. God has commanded us to treat others as we wish to be treated. We are also shown in Scripture that whatever it is we do to another (negative or positive)we are doing to Jesus Himself.

So before you lash out and choose harshness over kindness, pause and picture Jesus standing before you. All hurt inflicted on another is grieving the very heart of God.

"Rudeness, yelling, anger, and swearing are a weak man’s imitation of strength." (Author Unknown)

Let's be kind to one another. Kindness makes you more attractive :)

(Ephesians 4:31-32, Matthew 7:12, Luke 10:27, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 29:20, James 1:19, Matthew 25:45)

Freedom in Our Praise

2011-05-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

Most of the Psalms were written during wilderness times; the Epistles, in prison. We can take comfort in knowing that when we are in the fire, God is about to use us in a mighty way.

The rest of that Scripture states, "And the other prisoners were listening to them." Others are watching us as we endure life's storms.

"Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and everyone's chains came off. "

(Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:15)

Seeds to the World

2011-05-20T10:11:00.001-04:00

We are seeds to the world...

God desires to plant us in the very center of certain individual's lives to represent who He is. We are called to demonstrate His heart and His ways.

For the sake of others, for the sake of a lost world, we owe it to Him to represent Him correctly.

I yield myself to Your use

I submit my will to Your ways

Jesus, glorify Your name through my life

I want to honor You all of my days

I commit myself to proclaim Your truth

Draw men’s hearts to You through me

It’s not Your will that any would perish

I want to be used to set men free

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJxkqGiRbc

Voice of Our Heart

2011-05-19T10:33:00.000-04:00

Our mouths give voice to our hearts.

"For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34b

We all are capable of speaking flowery words for a time, but merely adjusting our outward actions will not produce long lasting change. The truth of our heart's condition will always surface. What are your words revealing about your heart today?

We need to set aside time with God every day for our daily heart checkup. If we will humbly listen, He will show us the inward work needed and will lead us down the path to our wholeness. :)

Never Overtaken

2011-05-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Dark clouds have fallen upon us

The enemy seeks to devour

But we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ

To deliver us from this oppressive power

We know Your power is greater

Quicker than any two-edged sword

We ask for Your help in this struggle

Oh King of kings and Lord of lords

You are mighty and strong in battle

Your Word declares You to be

Place Your armor upon us

Prepare us for spiritual difficulties

Help us not to doubt You

Or try to fight this on our own

Lord, give us the strength to overcome

Give us peace we’ve never known

Satan is defeated

This war he’s already lost

No power can stand against us now

You declared it on the cross

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGPS8sa-bRQ

Word From God

2011-05-17T11:47:00.003-04:00

A Word from God changes lives. It sparks a hope that was lost. His words deposit strength when we've come to the end of ourselves.

When God speaks to us, I find the most common ways are through a still, small voice inside our spirit man, through the voice of another person, and through the written Word of God. Whatever the source of the "voice" - it's important to remember it will ALWAYS line up with the Scriptures. Anything contradictory to what the Bible says is not from God.

If the words you are hearing or the thoughts that are dancing in your head are that of condemnation and without hope, you are NOT hearing the voice of God. God will convict you of things you need to deal with in your life, but He will not leave you without a way of escape. God's words will bring life. They will bring life to your weary soul, bring life to your hopeless situation, and will strengthen you to keep pressing on. (2 Corinthians 12:9, John 6:63, Psalm 62:5, Psalm 119:16, Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 6:9)

“Don’t be afraid,” He said, “For you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As He spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to Him, “Please speak to me, my Lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19

Lord, speak to us... deposit Your hope, Your life, and Your strength within us today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdKVvx64elg&feature=related

Draw Me Away

2011-05-15T13:21:00.010-04:00

Let me hear Your voice

For Your voice is so sweet

I’m yearning inside

To hear You speak

I know it brings you pleasure

When I’m seeking after You

Lord, draw me away

And I’ll keep running after You

Fascinated by You

Consumed by Your love

Draw me away, Lord

Draw me away

I won’t give up this chase

The yearning is too great

I’ll keep running after You

I long for Your embrace

Life is challenging. Circumstances leave us feeling drained. Emotions we wrestle with are exhausting.

There just comes a time when we just have to retreat to our secret place; our safe place; the place where we can lay all of our burdens on the One who cares, who understands, who has firsthand felt and bore our pains.

Oftentimes when I am feeling the weight of life, I feel Him drawing me away with a silent, yet very real tug on my heart. Other times I experience an empty, hollow feeling. An emptiness that will only be filled if I chase and pursue Him. It brings Him pleasure to be desired, to be sought after, to hear our heart's cry in desperate need for His touch, His voice. In that pursuit, rest for our soul is found.

"As the deer pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God. My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God? My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? And why are you so sad, oh my inner self? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God." Psalm 42:1-5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlsDH6OJWBM&feature=related

Flesh vs Spirit

2011-05-02T11:44:00.002-04:00

Who ever told you that crucifying your flesh would be easy? Your flesh screams for one thing and your spirit man shouts, "Obey." Your flesh is about immediate gratification. Your spirit is about relationship and being in right standing with God. Choosing to lay aside your fleshly desires to be obedient to God isn't always easy. Your flesh will win by default if you don't make a conscious decision to train your spirit man.

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions." Galatians 5:15-17

The enemy knows your weaknesses. He is aware of the very things he can use to get you fixated on "it" rather than on God. His goal is that you sear your conscience so you are no longer sensitive to what God has laid out in His Word for how you are to live as a follower of Christ. Keep in mind, he isn't going to tempt you with something that doesn't appeal to your fleshly appetite.

"Satan, like a fisher, baits his hook according to the appetite of the fish." Thomas Adams

What is more important? Doing the will of your Father or pleasing man and self? You will reap from whatever it is you sow into. Sow to the flesh and you will reap that which does not last; that which does not have eternal reward; a wall of separation between you and God. Sowing to the flesh blocks God from blessing that area of your life. God cannot bless sin.

Sow to the spirit and you will be like Jesus, who looked past the temporary pain of surrendering to the will of God to the reward that was set before Him...

Immediate gratification is not the answer. There is a price to be paid and there is a blessing to be lost.

Lord, please shine a light on those areas we are living apart from You. Show us where we are missing the mark. We open our hearts to hear You speak to us about how we are living contrary to Your Word. Pleasing you and knowing that "you and I" are okay is more important than anything else in this life. We want our actions and lifestyle to prove just that.

"If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands." John 14:15

"Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)?" Romans 6:16

"Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

"And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him." 1 John 3:22

"Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him." 1 John 2:4

"[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel]." 1 Peter 1:14

"If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness and joy." Job 36:11

"But He said, Blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey and practice it!" Luke 11:28

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0e0WEkxj58&feature=related

Fear

2011-05-01T12:46:00.002-04:00

We are all well acquainted with the emotion that bears a choke hold. It's ruthlessness. It's torment. It's an enemy to faith, a thief that robs you of life - imprisons you to a false reality.

Anxiety, depression, doubt, worry, hurt, anger, sadness, low self esteem, unworthiness. It comes disguised underneath many different emotions, but it all comes down to one thing:

FEAR.

"...fear has torment." 1 John 4:18a

God is love, and the Bible says that Perfect Love casts out fear. God is THAT perfect love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztHkNujb5o

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

No Lies

2011-04-25T13:29:00.001-04:00

The longterm pain of being untrusted is so much greater than the temporary pain of being honest about an uncomfortable confession.

"Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits." Colossians 3:9

"The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth." Proverbs 12:22