Its been a few days since I have written....I've been busy lately. Not enough time to get my thoughts written down.
Today I'll go over a few scripture, I'm not sure I have time to do the past 5 days. I'll just start with Psalm 24, Psalm 23 gets alot of attention, I was glad to see Third Day wrote a song about Psalm 24. :)
Who is this King of Glory
That pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing
Of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder
Of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory
Who offers it to me
Who is this King of Angels,
Oh blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven
And all its mysteries
My spirit’s ever longing
For His grace in which to stand
Who’s this King of Glory,
Son of God and son of man
His name is Jesus
Precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty
The King of my heart
The King of glory
Who is this King of Glory
With strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure
The gracious King of kings
The Lord of Earth and Heaven
The Creator of all things
He is the King of Glory
He’s everything to me
Every time I read Psalm 24, I hear that song in my head. Third Day ROCKS!
Psalm 25, I don't have much to say about it...but it is full of awesome things, I could go on and on about it but I want to talk about Psalm 26. However the kiddo will be up soon and I need to tend to the things of this day. But I will be back!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
I'm all over Shane & Shane lately
What awesome music, such anointed guys, I wish I had half the writing talent!! (not to say I have any writing ability...I just wish I did)
http://www.shaneandshane.com/
Their album Carry Away is great. you can check it out here, there are a few links to listen to samples of thier music.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/?item_no=CD12642&p=1006648#curr
http://www.shaneandshane.com/
Their album Carry Away is great. you can check it out here, there are a few links to listen to samples of thier music.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/?item_no=CD12642&p=1006648#curr
Ways to Reduce Stress
This is cool, it was sent to me from Dana.
"Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
"Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
June 23 Thoughts
Today I find myself in reflection of Psalm 23, its June 23rd, the Psalm of the day is that of a shepherd and his sheep.
I got up early today, I wanted time to really study this passage and not dismiss it as a childs memory verse. I heard a great sermon and illistration about Shepherding several years ago. I hope I can find some things today that do it justice.
Shelly's Thoughts
I love this passage. Sheep aren't that bright, they just go where the grass is, but they will eat away at a pasture until nothing is left, they don't have the sense to find new pastures...walk over here...they easily fall, off the mountion, they have no sense of diretion...hehe, my husband will tell you that about me. Sheep have no defense mechanism, they are helpless. They injure one another, they get wounded in the pasture, basically, they can't take care of themselves. They need a Shepherd. I fondly refer to humans as Sheople. We aren't much different than sheep.
Internet Info:
Here is a great commentary on this passage from Matthew Henry:
Many of David’s psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.
I. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd (v. 1).
II. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (v. 2, 3, 5).
III. Hence he infers that he should want no good (v. 1), that he needed to fear no evil (v. 4), that God would never leave or forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty (v. 6).
In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God’s providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God’s grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd.
Here is a tip about sheep and how insects harm them and how the shepherd cares for them with oil. In Ancient Israel, shepherds used oil for three purposes; to repel insects, to prevent conflicts, and to heal wounds. Bugs bug people, but they can kill sheep. Flies, mosquitos and gnats can be tortuous for livestock. For this reason, the shepherd annoints the sheep. He covers their head with an oil-like repellent, and the fragrance keeps the insects at bay and the flocks at peace.
Shepherding Tips, in case you were looking into a new profession, some notes from the pastor of Bethan Church in CT:
Sheep will trust and stay close to a shepherd who displays confidence and quietness but they will stay hundreds of yards away from one who appears anxious or insecure. They are pretty stupid creatures and have instead an innate ability to find a good shepherd. They have it because their life depends upon it. Cougars and coyotes will track sheep for days, returning to kill each day if not stopped. Foxes will attack a newborn lamb. Crows will pluck out sheep eyes. And even the ordinary can be dangerous.
Sheep can't tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous plants, or between good and impure water, and need the shepherd to lead them to safe pastures and pure water. Left to their own devices they eat and drink all the wrong things and get sick or die. Oh yes, and being creatures of habit, they would graze the same hills and pollute the same ground without moving on even after only dust and rock remained. They need a shepherd who can manage and continually guide them to the places that are right for them.
**Valleys are always a challenge for a shepherd because getting down the hills to them causes great fear in the sheep. So much so that mountain trailing is always a time of silence and even the dogs are trained to respect that. Any yelling, talking, or even signing can cause the sheep to panic, and they will easily fall off the narrow trails to their death. It would be nice if the valley never had to be traipsed, but in David's country, the area is mountainous and to get to new feeding grounds, the shepherd must lead the sheep down one mountain wall and across the narrow ravine or valley of danger, and back up the mountain wall on the other side in order to bring the flock to a new piece of the high country with its good grasses.
Discontented sheep can be a real problem too, because when one goes, the rest are likely to stampede right behind her. So a bell is often hung around the neck of the discontented. A single clang of the clapper at night means she is beginning to wander, and a rapid ring means she is running, sometimes from danger, but usually just because she is discontented and ready to go. The shepherd wants to get to her the minute he hears that bell start to tinkle so out goes the crook on his staff, to catch her by the leg and redirect her path before things begin to happen.
Then there is the problem with cast sheep. Often if a sheep is heavy with lamb or wool it will lie down on uneven ground and then roll over on its back into a shallow recess. When it does it is like a beetle, unable to roll back. On its back, the gasses will gather, the limbs, stuck out straight in the air, will stiffen, and it will die. And it is very seldom that the stupid sheep has sense enough to bleet for help. The shepherd has to notice the sheep is missing form the flock, find it, message its legs, and turn it upright, and use his rod to guide it back to the flock. And he has to pour oil on her head and nose, first as an insecticide and second as a calming, for with this treatment the hated blow flies go away.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want [be without, be lacking].
2 He makes me lie down[to stretch ones self out] in green pastures, [this does not mean food...this means a place of rest, a habitation] he leads me beside quiet/still waters, [not rushing, the sheep would be swept away, still here means "a state or condition of rest"]
3 He restores [to bring back, to repair, to refresh, to turn back] my soul [we tend to think of this as oh this place deep down somewhere...in this case it means alot more than just some untouched place...self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion, that which is breathing]
He guides [alot of times when we ask for Guidance, we mean we want a Guide...this is it, here, the literal meaning...GUIDE, to lead, to bring to. As in when God led the Moses and his people out of Egypt, with a pillar of fire, this term is used a total of 39 times, all in the old testement] me in paths [to provide a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying] of righteousness for his name's [reputation, fame, glory] sake.
4 **Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff [support of every kind], they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table [a kings table, private use] before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint [to be fat, grow fat, become prosperous] my head [literally head, but i liked this part, the beginning, the total, the sum] with oil;*see the section about oil and protection above
my cup [to hold together] overflows/runneth over. [when i hear things I think of a little teacup with liquid runnning out and all over the saucer and onto the table and onto the floor, as a mom I think if a mess that will need to be cleaned up...but the literal meaning of "runneth over" is SATURATION]
6 Surely goodness [to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be favorable, be happy, be right] and love/mercy [goodness, which we just covered, kindness and faithfulness] will follow [not like a lost puppy, but AIMS TO SECURE] me all the days [how many days? A L L] of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Shellys Notes:
The Lord is the one who keeps me close, provides for me, protects me, I am not lacking in any way,
He makes me to stretch out and rest
He brings me back to life!
He Guides me, he brings me to fortification, all for His Glory;
He's with me, silently leading me to the next place of rest, there is not reason to fear that my needs will not be met on the journey or when I arrive, i will be cared for in every way.
I can approach the throne of grace with confidence that I will be protected, prospered and healed;
I am held together and saturated with goodness, kindness and faithfulness, all of my days!
I got up early today, I wanted time to really study this passage and not dismiss it as a childs memory verse. I heard a great sermon and illistration about Shepherding several years ago. I hope I can find some things today that do it justice.
Shelly's Thoughts
I love this passage. Sheep aren't that bright, they just go where the grass is, but they will eat away at a pasture until nothing is left, they don't have the sense to find new pastures...walk over here...they easily fall, off the mountion, they have no sense of diretion...hehe, my husband will tell you that about me. Sheep have no defense mechanism, they are helpless. They injure one another, they get wounded in the pasture, basically, they can't take care of themselves. They need a Shepherd. I fondly refer to humans as Sheople. We aren't much different than sheep.
Internet Info:
Here is a great commentary on this passage from Matthew Henry:
Many of David’s psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction.
I. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd (v. 1).
II. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (v. 2, 3, 5).
III. Hence he infers that he should want no good (v. 1), that he needed to fear no evil (v. 4), that God would never leave or forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty (v. 6).
In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God’s providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God’s grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd.
Here is a tip about sheep and how insects harm them and how the shepherd cares for them with oil. In Ancient Israel, shepherds used oil for three purposes; to repel insects, to prevent conflicts, and to heal wounds. Bugs bug people, but they can kill sheep. Flies, mosquitos and gnats can be tortuous for livestock. For this reason, the shepherd annoints the sheep. He covers their head with an oil-like repellent, and the fragrance keeps the insects at bay and the flocks at peace.
Shepherding Tips, in case you were looking into a new profession, some notes from the pastor of Bethan Church in CT:
Sheep will trust and stay close to a shepherd who displays confidence and quietness but they will stay hundreds of yards away from one who appears anxious or insecure. They are pretty stupid creatures and have instead an innate ability to find a good shepherd. They have it because their life depends upon it. Cougars and coyotes will track sheep for days, returning to kill each day if not stopped. Foxes will attack a newborn lamb. Crows will pluck out sheep eyes. And even the ordinary can be dangerous.
Sheep can't tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous plants, or between good and impure water, and need the shepherd to lead them to safe pastures and pure water. Left to their own devices they eat and drink all the wrong things and get sick or die. Oh yes, and being creatures of habit, they would graze the same hills and pollute the same ground without moving on even after only dust and rock remained. They need a shepherd who can manage and continually guide them to the places that are right for them.
**Valleys are always a challenge for a shepherd because getting down the hills to them causes great fear in the sheep. So much so that mountain trailing is always a time of silence and even the dogs are trained to respect that. Any yelling, talking, or even signing can cause the sheep to panic, and they will easily fall off the narrow trails to their death. It would be nice if the valley never had to be traipsed, but in David's country, the area is mountainous and to get to new feeding grounds, the shepherd must lead the sheep down one mountain wall and across the narrow ravine or valley of danger, and back up the mountain wall on the other side in order to bring the flock to a new piece of the high country with its good grasses.
Discontented sheep can be a real problem too, because when one goes, the rest are likely to stampede right behind her. So a bell is often hung around the neck of the discontented. A single clang of the clapper at night means she is beginning to wander, and a rapid ring means she is running, sometimes from danger, but usually just because she is discontented and ready to go. The shepherd wants to get to her the minute he hears that bell start to tinkle so out goes the crook on his staff, to catch her by the leg and redirect her path before things begin to happen.
Then there is the problem with cast sheep. Often if a sheep is heavy with lamb or wool it will lie down on uneven ground and then roll over on its back into a shallow recess. When it does it is like a beetle, unable to roll back. On its back, the gasses will gather, the limbs, stuck out straight in the air, will stiffen, and it will die. And it is very seldom that the stupid sheep has sense enough to bleet for help. The shepherd has to notice the sheep is missing form the flock, find it, message its legs, and turn it upright, and use his rod to guide it back to the flock. And he has to pour oil on her head and nose, first as an insecticide and second as a calming, for with this treatment the hated blow flies go away.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want [be without, be lacking].
2 He makes me lie down[to stretch ones self out] in green pastures, [this does not mean food...this means a place of rest, a habitation] he leads me beside quiet/still waters, [not rushing, the sheep would be swept away, still here means "a state or condition of rest"]
3 He restores [to bring back, to repair, to refresh, to turn back] my soul [we tend to think of this as oh this place deep down somewhere...in this case it means alot more than just some untouched place...self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion, that which is breathing]
He guides [alot of times when we ask for Guidance, we mean we want a Guide...this is it, here, the literal meaning...GUIDE, to lead, to bring to. As in when God led the Moses and his people out of Egypt, with a pillar of fire, this term is used a total of 39 times, all in the old testement] me in paths [to provide a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying] of righteousness for his name's [reputation, fame, glory] sake.
4 **Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff [support of every kind], they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table [a kings table, private use] before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint [to be fat, grow fat, become prosperous] my head [literally head, but i liked this part, the beginning, the total, the sum] with oil;*see the section about oil and protection above
my cup [to hold together] overflows/runneth over. [when i hear things I think of a little teacup with liquid runnning out and all over the saucer and onto the table and onto the floor, as a mom I think if a mess that will need to be cleaned up...but the literal meaning of "runneth over" is SATURATION]
6 Surely goodness [to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be favorable, be happy, be right] and love/mercy [goodness, which we just covered, kindness and faithfulness] will follow [not like a lost puppy, but AIMS TO SECURE] me all the days [how many days? A L L] of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Shellys Notes:
The Lord is the one who keeps me close, provides for me, protects me, I am not lacking in any way,
He makes me to stretch out and rest
He brings me back to life!
He Guides me, he brings me to fortification, all for His Glory;
He's with me, silently leading me to the next place of rest, there is not reason to fear that my needs will not be met on the journey or when I arrive, i will be cared for in every way.
I can approach the throne of grace with confidence that I will be protected, prospered and healed;
I am held together and saturated with goodness, kindness and faithfulness, all of my days!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Back In His Arms
LOVE THIS SONG by Mark Schultz
I see it in your eyes
The pain you keep inside
It's slowly tearing you apart
Though you've run away
Reminded day by day
You've stumbled and you've fallen
Still He's calling
I believe that He loves you where you are
I believe that you've seen the hands of God
I believe that you'll know it when
You're back in His arms again
I believe that He never let you go
I believe that He's wanting you to know
I believe that He'll lead you 'til you're back in His arms again
Glad I found you here
'Cause in between the tears
Something in your eyes shows hope
And I stand before you now
As one that knows about
Coming to Him open and broken
And I know that He's callin'
He's callin' you Home
One life, one love, one way Home
And when you rise and when you fall
He will see you through it all
He is waiting, you are called, back in His arms again.
I see it in your eyes
The pain you keep inside
It's slowly tearing you apart
Though you've run away
Reminded day by day
You've stumbled and you've fallen
Still He's calling
I believe that He loves you where you are
I believe that you've seen the hands of God
I believe that you'll know it when
You're back in His arms again
I believe that He never let you go
I believe that He's wanting you to know
I believe that He'll lead you 'til you're back in His arms again
Glad I found you here
'Cause in between the tears
Something in your eyes shows hope
And I stand before you now
As one that knows about
Coming to Him open and broken
And I know that He's callin'
He's callin' you Home
One life, one love, one way Home
And when you rise and when you fall
He will see you through it all
He is waiting, you are called, back in His arms again.
June 22 Thoughts
Today I got up with Brave, in my head....right as the power shuts off, what IS it with this town and its inability to keep the power on! Anyway, so no lights...no bible study.
Here is Brave:
Brave(Nichole Nordeman, Jay Joyce)For Charlie, who rearranged my fearful heart.
The gate is wide The road is paved in moderation The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in Welcome to the middle ground You’re safe and sound and Until now, it’s where I’ve been‘Cause it’s been fear that ties me down to everything But it’s been love, your love, that cuts the strings So long status quo I think I just let go You make me want to be brave The way it always was Is no longer good enough You make me want to be brave Brave, brave
I am small And I speak when I’m spoken to But I am willing to risk it all I say your name Just your name and I’m ready to jump Even ready to fall…Why did I take this vow of compromise? Why did I try to keep it all inside? I’ve never known a fire that didn’t begin with a flame Every storm will start with just a drop of rain But if you believe in me, that changes everything
But yesterday I finished Ezra....I told you I would read Ezra and get back to you...
Well, I think the only way we can be Better Than Ezra is to be Christ.
Ezra comes on the scene in Chapter 7...the first 6 chapters are God working things out...Wow..the first thing I notice is The Lord stirs the heart of the king to allow the jews to re-build the temple...its cool...the Lord says it will happen, thru Jeremiah, then the Lord causes it to happen.
They have a plan, they assemble, they delegate, they sacrifice and praise, they start working...then of course while they are busy doing Gods work, opposition happens, jealousy, the people of the land come against them, so much so that they are forced to stop rebuilding...but the foundation was laid.
See how things happen in layers...God is preparing their hearts for what is to come, and God is raising up another King who will hear His Heart.
This King not only allows them to rebuild the temple, but tells the "nay-sayers" to assist monetarily with any need the Jews may have during this time. Ezra 6:6-12
6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you, their fellow officials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone changes this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house and he is to be lifted up and impaled on it. And for this crime his house is to be made a pile of rubble. 12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.
How awesome, Look at how God works this out. Much to the dismay of the Hebrews enemies.
They finish the temple, they dedicate it with sacrifices of praise and sin sacrifices for Israel, they celebrate Passover.
Enter Ezra:
Ezra is 14 generations removed from Aaron. the scripture makes a point to say it is "this ezra who comes up from babylon."
I"ll finish this up later....kiddo needs sustanance. :)
Here is Brave:
Brave(Nichole Nordeman, Jay Joyce)For Charlie, who rearranged my fearful heart.
The gate is wide The road is paved in moderation The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in Welcome to the middle ground You’re safe and sound and Until now, it’s where I’ve been‘Cause it’s been fear that ties me down to everything But it’s been love, your love, that cuts the strings So long status quo I think I just let go You make me want to be brave The way it always was Is no longer good enough You make me want to be brave Brave, brave
I am small And I speak when I’m spoken to But I am willing to risk it all I say your name Just your name and I’m ready to jump Even ready to fall…Why did I take this vow of compromise? Why did I try to keep it all inside? I’ve never known a fire that didn’t begin with a flame Every storm will start with just a drop of rain But if you believe in me, that changes everything
But yesterday I finished Ezra....I told you I would read Ezra and get back to you...
Well, I think the only way we can be Better Than Ezra is to be Christ.
Ezra comes on the scene in Chapter 7...the first 6 chapters are God working things out...Wow..the first thing I notice is The Lord stirs the heart of the king to allow the jews to re-build the temple...its cool...the Lord says it will happen, thru Jeremiah, then the Lord causes it to happen.
They have a plan, they assemble, they delegate, they sacrifice and praise, they start working...then of course while they are busy doing Gods work, opposition happens, jealousy, the people of the land come against them, so much so that they are forced to stop rebuilding...but the foundation was laid.
See how things happen in layers...God is preparing their hearts for what is to come, and God is raising up another King who will hear His Heart.
This King not only allows them to rebuild the temple, but tells the "nay-sayers" to assist monetarily with any need the Jews may have during this time. Ezra 6:6-12
6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you, their fellow officials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone changes this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house and he is to be lifted up and impaled on it. And for this crime his house is to be made a pile of rubble. 12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.
How awesome, Look at how God works this out. Much to the dismay of the Hebrews enemies.
They finish the temple, they dedicate it with sacrifices of praise and sin sacrifices for Israel, they celebrate Passover.
Enter Ezra:
Ezra is 14 generations removed from Aaron. the scripture makes a point to say it is "this ezra who comes up from babylon."
I"ll finish this up later....kiddo needs sustanance. :)
Monday, June 20, 2005
I Can Do All Things
Thanks to Deborah Ratliff for sending this to me, if you like pass it on!
Phillippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine calledPerseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
Phillippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine calledPerseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
June 20th Thoughts
Yesterday in our Sunday School class we had a brief discussion regarding Creation vs. Evolution. It made me look back into this topic and I found a few new things.
Here are some websites that might interest you.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v20/i3/big_bang.asp
Stars could not have come from the ‘big bang’
Evolutionists generally believe that stars formed by the collapse of gas clouds under gravity. This is supposed to generate the millions of degrees required for nuclear fusion.
But most clouds would be so hot that outward pressure would prevent collapse. Evolutionists must find a way for the cloud to cool down. One such mechanism might be through molecules in the cloud colliding and radiating enough of the heat away.
But according to theory, the ‘big bang’ made mainly hydrogen, with a little heliumæ„æthe other elements supposedly formed inside stars. Helium can't form molecules at all, so the only molecule that could be formed would be molecular hydrogen (H2). Even this is easily destroyed by ultraviolet light, and usually needs dust grains to formæ„æand dust grains require heavier elements. So the only coolant left is atomic hydrogen, and this would leave gas clouds over a hundred times too hot to collapse.
Abraham Loeb of Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics says: ‘The truth is that we don't understand star formation at a fundamental level.’1 Reference Marcus Chown, ‘Let there be light’, New Scientist 157(2120):26-30, 7 February 1998.
Here are a few more:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v7/i1/moondust.asp
http://detailshere.com/
http://www.creationmoments.com/
http://www.harrypottermagic.org/Evolution%20of%20Creationist/Chapter%2007.htm
Here are some websites that might interest you.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v20/i3/big_bang.asp
Stars could not have come from the ‘big bang’
Evolutionists generally believe that stars formed by the collapse of gas clouds under gravity. This is supposed to generate the millions of degrees required for nuclear fusion.
But most clouds would be so hot that outward pressure would prevent collapse. Evolutionists must find a way for the cloud to cool down. One such mechanism might be through molecules in the cloud colliding and radiating enough of the heat away.
But according to theory, the ‘big bang’ made mainly hydrogen, with a little heliumæ„æthe other elements supposedly formed inside stars. Helium can't form molecules at all, so the only molecule that could be formed would be molecular hydrogen (H2). Even this is easily destroyed by ultraviolet light, and usually needs dust grains to formæ„æand dust grains require heavier elements. So the only coolant left is atomic hydrogen, and this would leave gas clouds over a hundred times too hot to collapse.
Abraham Loeb of Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics says: ‘The truth is that we don't understand star formation at a fundamental level.’1 Reference Marcus Chown, ‘Let there be light’, New Scientist 157(2120):26-30, 7 February 1998.
Here are a few more:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v7/i1/moondust.asp
http://detailshere.com/
http://www.creationmoments.com/
http://www.harrypottermagic.org/Evolution%20of%20Creationist/Chapter%2007.htm
Friday, June 17, 2005
June 17th thoughts
Today I wake up with "be near" in my mind. I sit here reading my email and this comes on....I love this song and sometimes I feel this way...the thing is, we tend to believe in a God that punishes us when we are bad and blesses us when we are good. This is not the truth about God...sure with obedience comes blessing, but there is not an angry bitter old man sitting on the throne.
Thing today about your "vision" of God....do you see him running to you...smile on his face...arms open wide?? If not, find out why you don't feel that way about God. He's not looking to strike you down, he wants to embrace you.
Ok I went off on that but here is what was on the radio.
Never Alone by Barrlow Girl
I waited for you today But you didn't show No no. I needed you today So where did you go? You told me to call Said you'd be there And though I haven't seen you Are you still there? Chorus I cried out with no reply And I can't feel you by my side So I'll hold tight to what I know You're here and I'm never alone And though I cannot see you And I can't explain why Such a deep reassurance You've placed in my life. We cannot separate 'Cause you're part of me. And though you're invisible I'll trust the unseen.
and then this came on...really cool and kinda goes with the "theme" of this week...walking blameless and righteous.
You think I'd have it down by now Been practicin' for thirty years I should have walked a thousand miles So what am I still doin' here yeah Reachin' out for that same old piece of forbidden fruit I slip and fall and I knock my halo loose Somebody tell me what's a boy supposed to do? CHORUS: I get so clumsy I get so foolish I get so stupid And then I feel so useless But You're sayin' You love me And You're still gonna hold me And that You wanna be near me 'Cause You're makin' me holy You're still makin' me holy, yeah I'm gonna get it right this time I'll be strong and I'll make You proud I've prayed that prayer a thousand times But the rooster crows and my tears roll down again Then You remind me You made me from the dust And I can never, no never, be good enough And that You're not gonna let that come between us From where I stand Your holiness is up so high I could never reach it My only hope is to fall on Jesus
Thing today about your "vision" of God....do you see him running to you...smile on his face...arms open wide?? If not, find out why you don't feel that way about God. He's not looking to strike you down, he wants to embrace you.
Ok I went off on that but here is what was on the radio.
Never Alone by Barrlow Girl
I waited for you today But you didn't show No no. I needed you today So where did you go? You told me to call Said you'd be there And though I haven't seen you Are you still there? Chorus I cried out with no reply And I can't feel you by my side So I'll hold tight to what I know You're here and I'm never alone And though I cannot see you And I can't explain why Such a deep reassurance You've placed in my life. We cannot separate 'Cause you're part of me. And though you're invisible I'll trust the unseen.
and then this came on...really cool and kinda goes with the "theme" of this week...walking blameless and righteous.
You think I'd have it down by now Been practicin' for thirty years I should have walked a thousand miles So what am I still doin' here yeah Reachin' out for that same old piece of forbidden fruit I slip and fall and I knock my halo loose Somebody tell me what's a boy supposed to do? CHORUS: I get so clumsy I get so foolish I get so stupid And then I feel so useless But You're sayin' You love me And You're still gonna hold me And that You wanna be near me 'Cause You're makin' me holy You're still makin' me holy, yeah I'm gonna get it right this time I'll be strong and I'll make You proud I've prayed that prayer a thousand times But the rooster crows and my tears roll down again Then You remind me You made me from the dust And I can never, no never, be good enough And that You're not gonna let that come between us From where I stand Your holiness is up so high I could never reach it My only hope is to fall on Jesus
Thursday, June 16, 2005
June 16th thoughts
I'll have to come back to this today b.c the baby just got up...I made this site to journal about my bible study time, over the years I have emailed my thoughts to a few people. I have saved some of them. A friend of mine also used to send me this great devotional called "Morning Tea" some of my bible studys, where I get out the Lexicon and study the passages word for word, come out of those devotionals. And I have shared my thoughts or the nugget I got out of it that day with my friend.
I have a book I read from called "face to face" you read thru it in three months and then rinse lather and repeat, sometimes I get something new out of that. Also I get alot out of www.prayers.org. There is daily prayer and scripture. I don't read it daily...its just another tool I use.
I never know who wants these notes and who does not, so as not to bombard you with my notes and thoughts, I made this site so I would have a place to journal and you would have a place to read.
Today two great worships songs came on....I'll share them with you.
be near by shane barnard
You are allbig and smallbeautifuland wonderfulto trust in grace through faithbut i'm asking to taste...for dark is light to Youdepths are height to Youfar is nearbut Lord, i need to hear from Yoube near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our goodbe near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our good, our goodYour fullness is minerevelation divinebut, o, to tasteto know much more than a pageto feel Your embrace...for dark is light to Youthe depths are height to Youfar is near, but Lordi need to hear from Yoube near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our goodbe near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our good, our good(psalms 73:28; 139)
Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in On to the crashing waves To step out of my comfort zone Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is And He's holding out His hand But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!" And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth Oh what I would do to have The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant With just a sling and a stone Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors Shaking in their armor Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The giant keeps on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!" And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size To put the giant on the ground.
And the waves aren't looking so high From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
I have a book I read from called "face to face" you read thru it in three months and then rinse lather and repeat, sometimes I get something new out of that. Also I get alot out of www.prayers.org. There is daily prayer and scripture. I don't read it daily...its just another tool I use.
I never know who wants these notes and who does not, so as not to bombard you with my notes and thoughts, I made this site so I would have a place to journal and you would have a place to read.
Today two great worships songs came on....I'll share them with you.
be near by shane barnard
You are allbig and smallbeautifuland wonderfulto trust in grace through faithbut i'm asking to taste...for dark is light to Youdepths are height to Youfar is nearbut Lord, i need to hear from Yoube near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our goodbe near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our good, our goodYour fullness is minerevelation divinebut, o, to tasteto know much more than a pageto feel Your embrace...for dark is light to Youthe depths are height to Youfar is near, but Lordi need to hear from Yoube near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our goodbe near, oh Godbe near, oh God of usYour nearness is to us our good, our good(psalms 73:28; 139)
Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in On to the crashing waves To step out of my comfort zone Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is And He's holding out His hand But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!" And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth Oh what I would do to have The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant With just a sling and a stone Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors Shaking in their armor Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The giant keeps on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!" And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size To put the giant on the ground.
And the waves aren't looking so high From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
STAY AWAY FROM THE COMMITTEE!
FROM MORNING TEA
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Look out for 'The Committee'! Who are they? The joy-stealers, the enthusiasm-robbers, the vision-killers! They're the folks who've lost their enthusiasm for life, and yours is a source of real irritation to them.
Are you thinking of quitting? You believed you could make a difference until you met 'The Committee'? Then you decided it was easier to adjust your expectations to their opinion and just keep smiling. Don't do it; God has too much for you to do! The safety zone is for those who are exempt from pain but denied pleasure; protected from failure but securely in the grip of boredom. Get up and get out of there while you still can! Listen: '. . . strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die . . .' (Revelation 3:2). Start reading God's promises; they're powerful motivators. Plug in at church. Pray. Rekindle your desire, for ultimately that's what determines your destiny!
Jesus suffered the loss of His disciples, His earthly ministry, His friends, and even His clothes (John 19:23-24). But they couldn't rob Him of '. . . the joy that was set before Him . . .' (Hebrews 12:2). Even while He was dying, He continued to minister. Then He went down into hell and came back up with the lock and keys; and He's your example! Listen again: '. . . guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' Your greatest treasure isn't in the bank; it's in your heart! So guard it, especially against 'The Committee', for out of your heart comes the strength to keep on living and giving!
Maintain Your Confidence in God
FROM MORNING TEA
". . . I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
Just because we're destined to do something doesn't mean it'll automatically happen. No, in order to succeed at anything, you must maintain your confidence in God! David writes, "'My times are in Thy hand . . .' (Psalm 31:15). WHAT TIMES? Times when you feel like quitting. Times when you wonder, 'Did God really call me to do this?' Times when you ask, 'Will I ever get through this?' Times when God will have to correct you. Times when you'll have to rise above your circumstances and say, 'I am sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!'
Listen: '. . . David encouraged himself in the Lord . . .' (1 Samuel 30:6). Don't wait for others to come along and encourage you. Learn to do it for yourself! David had no one to believe in him, so he believed in himself. If you don't believe in yourself, you don't believe in God, for God can do through you only what you believe Him to do.
'I wish I had your confidence,' you say. No, confidence is something you decide to have. You learn about God - about His love, His ways, His power - then you decide to believe Him. When you do, you've got confidence; it's that simple.
So, be confident about your ability in Christ. Believe you hear from God and that He's leading you. Expect people to like you and you'll discover that more of them do. Be bold in the Lord. See yourself as a winner because of Him. Rise up today and declare, '. . . I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency' (Philippians 4:13 Amp).
Staying Sane in a Changing World Part 2
FROM MORNING TEA.
". . . We've been thrown down, but we haven't broken." 2 Corinthians 4:9 (TM)
Shellys notes:
2 Cor 4....that is one of my favorite passages in the bible.
Vs. 1 Seeing we have this ministry, (wow were you looking for a ministry...its been given to you...you HAVE IT, it is already in your possession. The lexicon says...to have and to hold...as wearing...to hold ones self to a thing to lay hold of it, to adhear or cling to....) as we have received mercy, we faint not.
But prior to this in 2 Cor 3 it says:
Vs. 17-18 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (Where the Spirit of the Lord is, THERE IS FREEDOM!)
Back to Chapter 4:6-9
6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Robert Orben says, 'Sometimes I feel like the whole world's against me, but I know that's not true - some of the smaller countries are neutral!' We all want to live stress-free without having to work at it, but it can't be done. Here are 15 things you can do to make your life better:
(1) take time each day to pray and read God's Word: it'll transform your outlook!
(2) take a holiday. If you look like your passport photo, you probably need one!
(3) cut back on caffeine; what goes up must come down!
(4) eat right - a balanced diet isn't having a biscuit in each hand!
(5) exercise 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes; it's nature's 'magic bullet' for stress
(6) develop better time-management habits;
(7) make room in your life for fun
(8) get eight hours sleep when possible
(9) maintain your sense of humor. 'A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired' (Proverbs 17:22 TM).
(10) start counting your blessings. David said, 'I m overcome with joy because of Your unfailing love . . .' (Psalm 31:7 NLT)
(11) when you talk to yourself, say nice things (Daily Affirmations!!)
(12) simplify your life by eliminating 'clutter.' If you haven't used it for two years, you probably don't need it!! (so true..its time to go thru the closets!)
(13) develop a sense of purpose by setting personal goals
(14) forgive; grudges are too heavy to carry: 'If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive [you]' (Matthew 6:15 NLT)
(15) read the end of the book - we win!
Staying Sane in a Changing World
From Morning Tea
"I'm awake all night - not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me." Psalm 77:4 (TM)
When you can't sleep - it's time to stop counting sheep and start talking to the Shepherd! Here are some Biblical stress-relievers to live by:
1) Let go of what no longer works. Paul says: '. . . let us strip off every weight that . . . hinders our progress . . (Hebrews 12:1 NLT). The trouble is that we hate giving up what we do well. So, we focus on doing things right and end up failing to do the right things. Then we wonder why we don't succeed. There are limits to what you can carry. Letting go of what doesn't work frees you up to focus on what does.
(2) Don't let change paralyze you. In new situations our first inclination is to slow down, play it safe and buy ourselves some time. Sometimes that's wise but most times we just fall further behind. Being overly cautious makes you freeze, like a deer caught in the headlights. The Bible says that God '. . . gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless' (Isaiah 40:29 NRS). So trust Him and move forward, instead of giving in to the impulse to 'just do nothing.'
(3) Approach the future with confidence. Recent events have everybody on edge, but as a child of God you can say, 'I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe' (Psalm 4:8 CEV). The truth is, you can't build a decent argument for giving in to fear; the only way to prepare for tomorrow - is by adjusting and living fully today!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
What God Says About You.
I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Eph. 1:3.)
I am chosen by You, my Father. (Eph. 1:4.)
I am holy and without blame. (Eph. 1:4.)
I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will. (Eph. 1:5.)
I am accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:6.)
I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus. (Eph. 1:7.)
I am a person of wisdom and prudence. (Eph. 1:8.)
I am an heir. (Eph. 1:11.)
I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. (Eph. 1:17.)
I am saved by Your grace. (Eph. 2:5.)
I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6.)
I am Your workmanship. (Eph. 2:10.)
I am near to You by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13.)
I am a new creation. (Eph. 2:15.)
I am of Your household. (Eph. 2:19.)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:19.)
I am a partaker of Your promises in Christ. (2 Pet. 1:4.)
I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit. (Eph. 3:16.)
I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by faith. (Eph. 3:17.)
I am rooted and grounded in love. (Eph. 3:17.)
I speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15.)
I am renewed in the spirit of my mind. (Eph. 4:23.)
I am Your follower. (Eph. 5:1.)
I walk in love. (Eph. 5:2.)
I am light in You. (Eph. 5:8.)
I walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:15.)
I am filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18.)
I am more than a conqueror. (Rom. 8:37.)
I am an overcomer. (Rev. 12:11.)
I am Your righteousness in Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 1:30.)
I am healed. (1 Pet. 2:24.)
I am free. (John 8:36.)
I am salt. (Matt. 5:13.)
I am consecrated. (1 Cor. 6:11 amp.)
I am sanctified. (1 Cor. 6:11.)
I am victorious. (1 John 5:4.)
I am chosen by You, my Father. (Eph. 1:4.)
I am holy and without blame. (Eph. 1:4.)
I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will. (Eph. 1:5.)
I am accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:6.)
I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus. (Eph. 1:7.)
I am a person of wisdom and prudence. (Eph. 1:8.)
I am an heir. (Eph. 1:11.)
I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. (Eph. 1:17.)
I am saved by Your grace. (Eph. 2:5.)
I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6.)
I am Your workmanship. (Eph. 2:10.)
I am near to You by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13.)
I am a new creation. (Eph. 2:15.)
I am of Your household. (Eph. 2:19.)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:19.)
I am a partaker of Your promises in Christ. (2 Pet. 1:4.)
I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit. (Eph. 3:16.)
I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by faith. (Eph. 3:17.)
I am rooted and grounded in love. (Eph. 3:17.)
I speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15.)
I am renewed in the spirit of my mind. (Eph. 4:23.)
I am Your follower. (Eph. 5:1.)
I walk in love. (Eph. 5:2.)
I am light in You. (Eph. 5:8.)
I walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:15.)
I am filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18.)
I am more than a conqueror. (Rom. 8:37.)
I am an overcomer. (Rev. 12:11.)
I am Your righteousness in Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 1:30.)
I am healed. (1 Pet. 2:24.)
I am free. (John 8:36.)
I am salt. (Matt. 5:13.)
I am consecrated. (1 Cor. 6:11 amp.)
I am sanctified. (1 Cor. 6:11.)
I am victorious. (1 John 5:4.)
June 15th Thoughts
This could get lengthy...I'll try to keep it short. Try, being the operative word.
Its been awhile since I have given you my bible study thoughts (for those of you who were used to recieving them daily at one time) but I feel inspired to share again.
My main bible study is called "Face to Face - Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship" it is a three month study so basically I rinse lather and repeat four times during the year. I have had this book for years, but really started studying it a few years ago. Todays "adoration" portion just jumped off the page to me...actually the entire study today. So much so I had to get the Lexicon out. And you know what that means!! Here it goes....
Psalm 105:4
I will seek you Lord [The Existing One}, and Your Strength [fortress, mighty, power, material or physical..personal, social or political]I will seek [seek to find, seek to secure, to desire, to ask, to require of....not aimless, but expecting to be found] Your face [presence...before AND behind, toward, in front of, forward AND formerly, from before time] continually [continually, perpetually, root meaning "to stretch"]
So while I am studying this, I have some worship music on and this is what comes on...Atmosphere by Andy Chrisman ( I don't have all the words...)
You are my sun, you are my life, My hopes, My dreamsEverything is rightYou calm the stormsYou guide my lifeAnd no matter where I choose to goYou are thereYou are nearYou're my Atmosphere! (before me, behind me)
Then I read Psalm 15. (I'll go over the first 2 and the last verse)
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless or some versions say, walks with integrity [complete, whole, entire...to be finished, to be whole, to have an end] and who does what is righteous, [to be in the right, to have just cause, to be justified] lets us break that down. JUST IF I"D never sinned who speaks the truth from his heart
Wow, is this a heavy burden, Walk is blameless? and righteous? Until I looked at that on the Lexicon, I was feeling very incapable of this tall order. Thankfully I am not complete, whole, finished....I'm a work in progress. Nor am I Righteous, but the true meaning of Righteous is justification....I am JUST IF I"D by the Cross....JUST IF I"D NEVER SINNED!! Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:29-31 Acknowledged, Acquitted, FREED!
5b He who does these things will never be shaken.[will never be made to totter, shake or slip...will not be overthrown, dislodged, dropped]
Shellys Paraphrase:
This is awesome, if we believe in Christs justification, wholeness, completeness IT IS FINISHED (to set out for a definate point or goal). Gods purpose is wholeness. It is His Point His Goal. To approach the throne of Grace with CONFIDENCE!!! To DWELL in the santuary, presence of God, before and behind...to Stretch Continually for EXPECTANCY, answer...wisdom...blessing. But you have to get your mind in line with what God says about you! How can you expect if you don't believe in JUST IF I"D?
One more thing on this: Yesterday...or the day before, I read this and it really hit home. I Sam. 14:6,106 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. His only question was whether God would choose to do it through them that day. His faith in God's strength and determination stood solidly. God could (and would) do anything! We tend to believe "oh yes...God can...but don't really believe he WILL for US" This is where you need to get your mind in line with God. What does God say about YOU?
In the times I doubt and search for answer, I have to remember Mark 9:24 "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Ok I could go on and on about this ..but I will move onto the next thing I read in the Affirmation portion of the study.
Psalm 119:73 73)Your hands made me and fashioned me [an original creation]; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
Jeremiah 1:5
5"Before I formed [an original creation] you in the womb I knew [to know by experience] you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 12:3a
3But You know [to know by experience] me, O LORD; You see me; And You examine my heart's attitude toward You.
There are 5-6-7 lessons or more in these alone, and while I would like to go on and on about it..I must go onto the next part of the study....which is Thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 5:21
21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 1:4-6
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love 5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Back to the beginning....the burden of being Righteouness and Blameless. But God Chose us to be Blameless...WHOLE, COMPLETE, The greek here means, without blemish, faultless, unblameable.
We might become [to come into existance, begin to be, to be made, finished] THE righteousness [approved of, acceptable to God, justified...wait there is that word again].
Shelly's Paraphrase:
Who may dwell in the presence? The before and behind? Those who were chosen, by the existing one, that we would be without fault and become, finished and justified before God and not be shaken, made to totter, slip or fall.
I went onto read in Ephesians....you'd think I had never read it before....lol....but when I turned the page, they were stuck together, so I went from Chapter 1 to Chapter 3, so it read like this. starting at the bottom of the page which is verse 12.
.....in order that we, who were the first hope (I love the way it says this....the First Hope) in Christ, might be for the (chapter 3:9) ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God (the throne of Grace!) with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (COMPLETE!)
I hope this blesses you today. I promised to take Corby to the park this morning before it gets too hot. So I better get to it!! Cuz I could again go on and on over Ephesians Chapter 1 and 3.
Love you all, Have a Great and Blessed Day!!!!!!!!
~~Shelly
Watch out now....Who Am I...is on the radio! If you made it this far....its worth reading these lyrics!
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth Would care to know my name Would care to feel my hurt Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star Would choose to light the way For my ever wandering heart Not because of who I am But because of what You've done Not because of what I've done But because of who You're Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading Here today and gone tomorrow A wave tossed in the ocean A vapor in the wind Still You hear me when I'm calling Lord, You catch me when I'm falling And You've told me who I am I am Yours, I am Yours Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love and watch me rise again Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea Would call out through the rain And calm the storm in me I am Yours Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear 'Cause I am Yours I am Yours
Its been awhile since I have given you my bible study thoughts (for those of you who were used to recieving them daily at one time) but I feel inspired to share again.
My main bible study is called "Face to Face - Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship" it is a three month study so basically I rinse lather and repeat four times during the year. I have had this book for years, but really started studying it a few years ago. Todays "adoration" portion just jumped off the page to me...actually the entire study today. So much so I had to get the Lexicon out. And you know what that means!! Here it goes....
Psalm 105:4
I will seek you Lord [The Existing One}, and Your Strength [fortress, mighty, power, material or physical..personal, social or political]I will seek [seek to find, seek to secure, to desire, to ask, to require of....not aimless, but expecting to be found] Your face [presence...before AND behind, toward, in front of, forward AND formerly, from before time] continually [continually, perpetually, root meaning "to stretch"]
So while I am studying this, I have some worship music on and this is what comes on...Atmosphere by Andy Chrisman ( I don't have all the words...)
You are my sun, you are my life, My hopes, My dreamsEverything is rightYou calm the stormsYou guide my lifeAnd no matter where I choose to goYou are thereYou are nearYou're my Atmosphere! (before me, behind me)
Then I read Psalm 15. (I'll go over the first 2 and the last verse)
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless or some versions say, walks with integrity [complete, whole, entire...to be finished, to be whole, to have an end] and who does what is righteous, [to be in the right, to have just cause, to be justified] lets us break that down. JUST IF I"D never sinned who speaks the truth from his heart
Wow, is this a heavy burden, Walk is blameless? and righteous? Until I looked at that on the Lexicon, I was feeling very incapable of this tall order. Thankfully I am not complete, whole, finished....I'm a work in progress. Nor am I Righteous, but the true meaning of Righteous is justification....I am JUST IF I"D by the Cross....JUST IF I"D NEVER SINNED!! Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:29-31 Acknowledged, Acquitted, FREED!
5b He who does these things will never be shaken.[will never be made to totter, shake or slip...will not be overthrown, dislodged, dropped]
Shellys Paraphrase:
This is awesome, if we believe in Christs justification, wholeness, completeness IT IS FINISHED (to set out for a definate point or goal). Gods purpose is wholeness. It is His Point His Goal. To approach the throne of Grace with CONFIDENCE!!! To DWELL in the santuary, presence of God, before and behind...to Stretch Continually for EXPECTANCY, answer...wisdom...blessing. But you have to get your mind in line with what God says about you! How can you expect if you don't believe in JUST IF I"D?
One more thing on this: Yesterday...or the day before, I read this and it really hit home. I Sam. 14:6,106 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. His only question was whether God would choose to do it through them that day. His faith in God's strength and determination stood solidly. God could (and would) do anything! We tend to believe "oh yes...God can...but don't really believe he WILL for US" This is where you need to get your mind in line with God. What does God say about YOU?
In the times I doubt and search for answer, I have to remember Mark 9:24 "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Ok I could go on and on about this ..but I will move onto the next thing I read in the Affirmation portion of the study.
Psalm 119:73 73)Your hands made me and fashioned me [an original creation]; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
Jeremiah 1:5
5"Before I formed [an original creation] you in the womb I knew [to know by experience] you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 12:3a
3But You know [to know by experience] me, O LORD; You see me; And You examine my heart's attitude toward You.
There are 5-6-7 lessons or more in these alone, and while I would like to go on and on about it..I must go onto the next part of the study....which is Thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 5:21
21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 1:4-6
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love 5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Back to the beginning....the burden of being Righteouness and Blameless. But God Chose us to be Blameless...WHOLE, COMPLETE, The greek here means, without blemish, faultless, unblameable.
We might become [to come into existance, begin to be, to be made, finished] THE righteousness [approved of, acceptable to God, justified...wait there is that word again].
Shelly's Paraphrase:
Who may dwell in the presence? The before and behind? Those who were chosen, by the existing one, that we would be without fault and become, finished and justified before God and not be shaken, made to totter, slip or fall.
I went onto read in Ephesians....you'd think I had never read it before....lol....but when I turned the page, they were stuck together, so I went from Chapter 1 to Chapter 3, so it read like this. starting at the bottom of the page which is verse 12.
.....in order that we, who were the first hope (I love the way it says this....the First Hope) in Christ, might be for the (chapter 3:9) ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God (the throne of Grace!) with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (COMPLETE!)
I hope this blesses you today. I promised to take Corby to the park this morning before it gets too hot. So I better get to it!! Cuz I could again go on and on over Ephesians Chapter 1 and 3.
Love you all, Have a Great and Blessed Day!!!!!!!!
~~Shelly
Watch out now....Who Am I...is on the radio! If you made it this far....its worth reading these lyrics!
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth Would care to know my name Would care to feel my hurt Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star Would choose to light the way For my ever wandering heart Not because of who I am But because of what You've done Not because of what I've done But because of who You're Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading Here today and gone tomorrow A wave tossed in the ocean A vapor in the wind Still You hear me when I'm calling Lord, You catch me when I'm falling And You've told me who I am I am Yours, I am Yours Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love and watch me rise again Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea Would call out through the rain And calm the storm in me I am Yours Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear 'Cause I am Yours I am Yours
Better Than Ezra
I love that band...some of you may know it...Better Than Ezra. I often wondered what that meant. I knew Ezra was a person in the bible...and I still need to study that book...but what would it mean to be "better than" Ezra.
They had a song way back in the 90's...Desperatly Wanting. Here is a blip of it...
Take back your life.
Let me inside.
We'll find a door
If you care, if you care to anymore....
I remember running thru the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately Wanting
Ezra 7 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD , and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. In my prayer book it says...."like Ezra, I want to set my heart to study Your Word, to obey it and to do it, and to teach it to others."
With that, how can we be "Better Than Ezra"? I dunno, Guess I"ll have to read Ezra and get back to you.
They had a song way back in the 90's...Desperatly Wanting. Here is a blip of it...
Take back your life.
Let me inside.
We'll find a door
If you care, if you care to anymore....
I remember running thru the wet grass
Falling a step behind
Both of us never tiring
Desperately Wanting
Ezra 7 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD , and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. In my prayer book it says...."like Ezra, I want to set my heart to study Your Word, to obey it and to do it, and to teach it to others."
With that, how can we be "Better Than Ezra"? I dunno, Guess I"ll have to read Ezra and get back to you.
BE YOURSELF!
From Morning Tea
But they . . . comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12
When you understand that God loves you unconditionally, two things will happen:
First, you'll learn to accept yourself as you are, and second, you'll learn to accept others as they are too. Stop and ask yourself today, "How do I really feel about myself?"
Before you answer, read the following ten things . . . slowly and carefully: better yet, put them somewhere where you can read them daily.
1. Never think or speak negatively about yourself, for that puts you in disagreement with God.
2. Meditate on your strengths; learn to encourage yourself, for most of the time nobody else will.
3. Never compare yourself with anyone else. You are unique, one-of-a-kind, an original. Don't settle for being a copy.
4. Focus on your potential, not your limitations. Remember the "greater One" lives in you!
5. Find something you like to do, and are "gifted" to do well, and do it over and over.
6. Have the courage to be different; be a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser.
7. Learn to handle criticism; let it develop you instead of discourage you.
8. Determine your own worth-before others do it for you.
9. Keep your flaws in perspective, you're still a work in progress.
10. Focus daily on the one and only source of your confidence-God! Work on your relationship with Him.
Shellys Notes: We are 15 days into the second half of the year....BEGIN NOW to think and speak good things about yourself, knowing that God loves you despite your weaknesses.
Search Warrant
There is a lesson in this, I just don't have time to write it at the moment...but I will come back to this...
Here is the scripture for the day....its Psalm 139....I call it a Search Warrant.... Cuz its about getting really close to God and understanding that there is no where you can go that He is not there....look at your life, you'll see God's fingerprint. He knows you completely and still loves you.....he loves you as if there were no one else around to love and care for. His hearts desire it to bless you....Let Him Search you today....Open the Shutters of your heart and let His Light fill you! Have a GREAT and BLESSED DAY!!
Psalm 139 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD , you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD .
5 You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [1] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [2] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD , and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Here is the scripture for the day....its Psalm 139....I call it a Search Warrant.... Cuz its about getting really close to God and understanding that there is no where you can go that He is not there....look at your life, you'll see God's fingerprint. He knows you completely and still loves you.....he loves you as if there were no one else around to love and care for. His hearts desire it to bless you....Let Him Search you today....Open the Shutters of your heart and let His Light fill you! Have a GREAT and BLESSED DAY!!
Psalm 139 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD , you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD .
5 You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [1] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [2] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD , and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Developing a Strong Spirit
From Morning Tea:
"The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble." Proverbs 18:14 AMP
We're each made up of body, soul, and spirit. Our spirit (inner man) is where God comes to dwell. But that doesn't mean we'll automatically have a "strong spirit." No, your spirit is like your body - it must be nourished. Do you want to develop a strong spirit?
First: spend time in God's Word. Why? Because it renews your mind and produces Christ-like qualities in you. Jesus knew the power of Scripture first-hand. He studied it as a boy, hid it in His heart and through it was able to overcome Satan in the wilderness. Your Bible will: (1) feed your soul. "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight" (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV); (2) keep you strong in temptation: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word" (Psalm 119:9 NIV); (3) make you sharp: "The entrance of your words gives . . . understanding" (Psalms 119:130 NKJV).
Second: recognize the power of prayer. Listen, "He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray" (Matthew 14:23 NIV). If Jesus needed to spend time in prayer - so do you. John Bunyan said, "You can do more than pray after you've prayed; but you can't do more than pray until you've prayed." Think about that. In prayer you commit it all to God, otherwise who's running things? Just that thought should bring us to our knees. Want to develop a strong spirit? One that will sustain you in bodily pain or trouble? Do these two things!
"The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble." Proverbs 18:14 AMP
We're each made up of body, soul, and spirit. Our spirit (inner man) is where God comes to dwell. But that doesn't mean we'll automatically have a "strong spirit." No, your spirit is like your body - it must be nourished. Do you want to develop a strong spirit?
First: spend time in God's Word. Why? Because it renews your mind and produces Christ-like qualities in you. Jesus knew the power of Scripture first-hand. He studied it as a boy, hid it in His heart and through it was able to overcome Satan in the wilderness. Your Bible will: (1) feed your soul. "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight" (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV); (2) keep you strong in temptation: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word" (Psalm 119:9 NIV); (3) make you sharp: "The entrance of your words gives . . . understanding" (Psalms 119:130 NKJV).
Second: recognize the power of prayer. Listen, "He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray" (Matthew 14:23 NIV). If Jesus needed to spend time in prayer - so do you. John Bunyan said, "You can do more than pray after you've prayed; but you can't do more than pray until you've prayed." Think about that. In prayer you commit it all to God, otherwise who's running things? Just that thought should bring us to our knees. Want to develop a strong spirit? One that will sustain you in bodily pain or trouble? Do these two things!
What Does God Say?
What do we think?? What does God Say???
Our thinking
It’s impossible
His Promise:
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
Our Thinking:
I’m too tired
His Promise:
I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28-30)
Our Thinking
Nobody really loves me
His Promis:
I love you (John 3:16)
Our Thinking:
I can’t go on
His Promise:
My grace is sufficient (2Cor. 12:9)
Our Thinking:
I can’t figure things out
His Promise:
I will direct your steps (Prov. 20:24)
Our Thinking:
I can’t do it
His Promise:
You can do all things (Phil. 4:13)
Our Thinking:
I’m not able
His Promise:
I am able (2 Cor. 9:8)
Our Thinking:
It’s not worth it
His Promise:
It will be worth it (Rom. 8:28)
Our Thinking:
I can’t forgive myself
His Promise:
I forgive you (1 John 1:19) (Rom. 8:1)
Our Thinking:
I can’t manage
His Promise:
I will supply all you need (Phil. 4:19)
Our Thinking:
I’m afraid
His Promise
I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7)
Our Thinking:
I’m always worried and frustrated
His Promise:
Cast all your care on me (1 Pet. 5:7)
Our Thinking:
I haven’t enough faith
His Promise:
I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:8)
Our Thinking:
I’m not smart enough
His Promise:
I give you wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Thinking:
I feel so alone
His Promise:
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb.13:5)
Our thinking
It’s impossible
His Promise:
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
Our Thinking:
I’m too tired
His Promise:
I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28-30)
Our Thinking
Nobody really loves me
His Promis:
I love you (John 3:16)
Our Thinking:
I can’t go on
His Promise:
My grace is sufficient (2Cor. 12:9)
Our Thinking:
I can’t figure things out
His Promise:
I will direct your steps (Prov. 20:24)
Our Thinking:
I can’t do it
His Promise:
You can do all things (Phil. 4:13)
Our Thinking:
I’m not able
His Promise:
I am able (2 Cor. 9:8)
Our Thinking:
It’s not worth it
His Promise:
It will be worth it (Rom. 8:28)
Our Thinking:
I can’t forgive myself
His Promise:
I forgive you (1 John 1:19) (Rom. 8:1)
Our Thinking:
I can’t manage
His Promise:
I will supply all you need (Phil. 4:19)
Our Thinking:
I’m afraid
His Promise
I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7)
Our Thinking:
I’m always worried and frustrated
His Promise:
Cast all your care on me (1 Pet. 5:7)
Our Thinking:
I haven’t enough faith
His Promise:
I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:8)
Our Thinking:
I’m not smart enough
His Promise:
I give you wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Thinking:
I feel so alone
His Promise:
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb.13:5)
Prayer - Being Equipped for Success
This is from Prayers That Avail Much.
Father, I thank you that the entrace of Your words gives light. I thank you that Your Word which You speak (and which I speak) is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing and effective]. I thank you, Father God, that You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. I have Your power and ability and sufficiency, for You have qualified me [making me fit and worthy and sufficient] as a minister and dispenser of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ]. In the Name of Jesus, I walk out of the realm of failure and into the arena of sucess, giving thanks to You Father, for You have qualified me and made me fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints. Father; You have delivered me and drawn me to Yourself out of the control and the dominion of darkness (failure, doubt and fear) and ahve transferred me into the kingdom the Kingdom fo the Son of Your love. I praise God, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ Who has blessed me with every blessing in heaven because I belong to Christ. Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of Him Who called me by His own glory and goodness. I rejoice in Jesus Who have come that I might have life and have it more abundantly. I am a new creation for I am ingrafted in Christ, the Messiah. The old [preious moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! I forget those things which are behind me and reach forth unto those things which are before me. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I new life in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. Father, I attend to Your Word. I consent and submit to Your sayings. Your words shall not depart from my sight; I will keep them in the center of my heart. For they are life, success to me, my heart with all vigilance and above all that I guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. I will not let mercy and kindness and truth forsake me. I bind them about my neck; I write them upon the tablet of my heart. So therefore I will find favor, good understanding and high esteem in the sight and judgement of God and man. Father, my delight and desire are in Your Law; and on it I habitually meditate, ponder and study by day and by night. Therefore I am like a tree firmly planted and tended by the streams of water, ready to bring forth my fruit in my season; my leaf also shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Now, thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ! In Jesus Name I pray....AMEN!!
Father, I thank you that the entrace of Your words gives light. I thank you that Your Word which You speak (and which I speak) is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing and effective]. I thank you, Father God, that You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. I have Your power and ability and sufficiency, for You have qualified me [making me fit and worthy and sufficient] as a minister and dispenser of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ]. In the Name of Jesus, I walk out of the realm of failure and into the arena of sucess, giving thanks to You Father, for You have qualified me and made me fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints. Father; You have delivered me and drawn me to Yourself out of the control and the dominion of darkness (failure, doubt and fear) and ahve transferred me into the kingdom the Kingdom fo the Son of Your love. I praise God, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ Who has blessed me with every blessing in heaven because I belong to Christ. Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of Him Who called me by His own glory and goodness. I rejoice in Jesus Who have come that I might have life and have it more abundantly. I am a new creation for I am ingrafted in Christ, the Messiah. The old [preious moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! I forget those things which are behind me and reach forth unto those things which are before me. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I new life in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. Father, I attend to Your Word. I consent and submit to Your sayings. Your words shall not depart from my sight; I will keep them in the center of my heart. For they are life, success to me, my heart with all vigilance and above all that I guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. I will not let mercy and kindness and truth forsake me. I bind them about my neck; I write them upon the tablet of my heart. So therefore I will find favor, good understanding and high esteem in the sight and judgement of God and man. Father, my delight and desire are in Your Law; and on it I habitually meditate, ponder and study by day and by night. Therefore I am like a tree firmly planted and tended by the streams of water, ready to bring forth my fruit in my season; my leaf also shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Now, thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ! In Jesus Name I pray....AMEN!!
The Formula!
From Morning Tea
"Be very careful, then, how you live." Ephesians 5:15 NIV
In Ephesians 5, Paul gives us the formula for happy, fulfilling life.
1. "Walk circumspectly" (v. 15). The word circumspect means "to be disciplined in your thoughts, speech, actions, and motives." Your wandering stage is over. It's time to enter The Promised Land, drive out the enemy, and take what belongs to you.
2. "Redeeming the time" (v. 16). No more wasting your life on worthless diversions. Get serious! Begin each day by praying, "Father, thank you for this day. Some were alive yesterday, who didn't live to see it. I accept it a gift from You, and commit myself to maximizing every moment, for Your glory. In Jesus' name -- Amen."
3. "Understanding what the will of the Lord is" (v. 17). The word "understanding" here means "to make sense of." Often people say to us, "Hey, what's happening?" That's because most of the time they don't know. But we do, for our steps are guarded, guided, and governed by the Lord (Ps. 37:23).
4. "Be filled with the Spirit" (v. 18). You ask, "How?" Listen, "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs . . . making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). You can be Spirit-filled wherever you are. When it's not appropriate to sing, "make melody in your heart! When there's no one around to talk to, "speak to yourself" in psalms! That's the formula for a happy fulfilling life!
SHADOW BELIEFS
From Morning Tea
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
Whenever you are in life today, look at your beliefs; they put you there! Oprah Winfrey says, "When I was growing up in Mississippi, I never believed what people told me about being poor, or black, or female. I believed I was God's child, therefore I could do anythnig. One day, when I was four, I watched my grandmother hanging clothes on a line. She said, 'Pay attention girl, you're going to have to do this some day.' Inside I said, 'No, I won't."
"In kindergarten I told my teacher, 'I don't belong here, because I can read and I know big words like elephant and hippopotamus.' The next day I was promoted to the first grade. What I couldn't articulate then, but knew deep inside, was that I could do better -- and that knowledge has been a constant in my life."
Just as your beliefs can move you forward, so your shadow beliefs can hold you back. You ask, "What are shadow beliefs?" They are the voices in your head that tell you, "You're not able, you're not worthy, or you'll never make it." (shelly's note: I am the expert at negativity...oh I can tell you how Woe I am in a minute...but over the years I have learned to be more positive...see the bright side...focus on what is Good rather than the bad. There's been plenty of bad but you can't let the negative hold you back for years and years...while you are being held back by your negativity, which I call....fear of trusting God to use you for His Purpose....he's using someone else..because YOU remain Stuck and Afraid...exix Shelly...) Oh one more note: Your first thought when you wake up is repeated by your subconscious 600 times per day!!
What are your shadow beliefs?
Today, I challenge you to bring them out into the light and expose them to God's Word.
Don't let them control your present or decide your future. (shellys note: Do NOT define your life by your circumstances!)
Refuse to translate any thought into a word, if it contradicts what God says about you.
You can't speak death over your dreams, and then expect to see them come to life.
"Do not let this Book . . . depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8 NIV).
CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS--AND YOU'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Stay In The Game
From Morning Tea.
"Bring .. . . the books, especially the parchments." 2 Timothy 4:13 NKJV
Sitting on death row, with only days left to live and no hope of a reprieve, Paul writes to Timothy and says:
(1) "Bring my books." He wants to keep taking in!
(2) "And bring my writing paper." He wants to keep giving out! What an attitude!
He doesn't ask for an attorney, because real purpose needs no defense. Time will tell the world what you did. And he doesn't ask for better accommodations, for he's "learned to be content" (Philippians 4:11 NIV).
First, he sends for a book, because he knows that as long as you're alive you must continue to grow, otherwise you're just taking up space. Reading allows you to transcend any situation and explore new worlds. Knowledge keeps your mind sharp and your soul free. Peter says, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord" (2 Peter 3:18).
Next, he sends for writing paper, because he wants to keep making a difference. He ignores his circumstances, grabs his pen and continues to be productive. No tears. No gut-wrenching displays of self-pity. "I've still got something else to say, and I want to say it! I'm not done yet!" The art of living, is to keep giving to the end! Even on the cross, with nails piercing His hands and His feet, Jesus continued to minister and He is our example!
So Paul, the old Father of Truth, teaches us the most important lesson of all; never get out of the game, for even in the last few seconds, a touchdown is still possible.
Shelly's Notes:
Today in my quiet time I read in Joshua.....if you have not read the book of Joshua, read at least the first 5-6 chapters. Especially those of us who are really striving for "larger than life" goals. It was a real encouragement to me today.
One of the things in the "devotional" section of my bible in Joshua 1 says this: Often times we ask God for guidance, what we really want is a Guide.
"Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
Humble Pie
This devotional was posted a while back by a woman I admire. I thought I would share it with you here:
Passage ~ Deuteronomy 8: 1-20
Key Verses ~ vs. 1-3 ~ Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
A Promise from God ~ The Lord will bring me into a good land and I will lack nothing.
A Command to Keep ~ Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walk in His ways and revere Him.
A Timeless Principle ~ As a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Life Application Because the children of Israel were disobedient, a journey that should have only taken 12 days took 40 years! (the COST of disobedience is high! More than 1200X as long!) They did not trust God and therefore they rebelled. But God is faithful, even in our disobedience. God can take our failures and use them to humble, test, and instruct us. Don't depend on your own abilities. The definition of HUMBLE is to be empty of pride and self-sufficiency. Often the ONLY way we become convinced of our inability is for God to REMOVE the resources and supports which we by NATURE depend upon. Sometims He uses failure to do this. Failure can reveal to us the true basic source of life which is God Himself! We must first experience hunger in order to know we need food.
Additional Supporting Scripture
2 Chronicles 7: 13-14 ~ "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
1 Peter 5: 5-7 (my absolute favorite scripture!) ~ All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Passage ~ Deuteronomy 8: 1-20
Key Verses ~ vs. 1-3 ~ Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
A Promise from God ~ The Lord will bring me into a good land and I will lack nothing.
A Command to Keep ~ Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walk in His ways and revere Him.
A Timeless Principle ~ As a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Life Application Because the children of Israel were disobedient, a journey that should have only taken 12 days took 40 years! (the COST of disobedience is high! More than 1200X as long!) They did not trust God and therefore they rebelled. But God is faithful, even in our disobedience. God can take our failures and use them to humble, test, and instruct us. Don't depend on your own abilities. The definition of HUMBLE is to be empty of pride and self-sufficiency. Often the ONLY way we become convinced of our inability is for God to REMOVE the resources and supports which we by NATURE depend upon. Sometims He uses failure to do this. Failure can reveal to us the true basic source of life which is God Himself! We must first experience hunger in order to know we need food.
Additional Supporting Scripture
2 Chronicles 7: 13-14 ~ "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
1 Peter 5: 5-7 (my absolute favorite scripture!) ~ All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
This is from a friend of mine
I found it helpful and I hope you do too....If you suffer from depression, have in the past or know a woman who does...pass this onto her.
Hi Ladies, I wanted to share with you the method of Interactive Breakthrough Prayers. These have helped me shake loose some "stuff" in my life, and I hope this method will be a blessing to you too! This is how it works. Get a notebook, journal, or even a simple piece of paper.
A pen, pencil, whatever works for you. Get your Bible. If you've never experienced Eugene Peterson's The Message Bible, please just go over to a Christian bookstore and take a peek at it! What a wonderful, easy to read, down to earth translation! But any Bible will do! Each day, you're going to write (in your own handwriting, no typing!) this prayer out in the notebook. The text is below.
In the text, you will see numbers after some sentences. The numbers refer to a specific passage in the Bible. This particular prayer for depression has 19 references, so you're going to write out this prayer 19 days in a row, focusing on one specific passage each day.
1. Psalms 130:1 2. Psalms 130:2 3. Psalms 130:5 4. Psalms 40:2 5. Psalms 3:3-4 6. Psalms 22:1 7. Psalms 70:5 8. Psalms 51:12 9. Nehemiah 8:10 10. Psalms 142:7 11. Lamentations 3:55 12. Psalms 71:5 13. Proverbs 3:5-6 14. Psalms 121:1 15. Psalms 141:8 16. Isaiah 41:10 17. John 16:20 18. Hebrews 11:1 19. Colossians 1:13-14
After writing the prayer out and adding any personal petitions in the prayer, do a short study of the verse, and write out what God is saying to you in that verse as it applies to your specific issue. Ask these questions of yourself in relation to the specific verse ~
What is the promise from God in this verse?
What is the Timeless Principle in this verse?
What is the Command to Keep?
How does this verse apply to my life?
Some verses will have answers to ALL those questions, other verses will only answer 1 or 2 of the questions. Repeat this process every day until you have worked through all the verses (one a day) specified in the prayer.
Here is the prayer for Depression. Key Scripture ~ Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord" Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried unto you, O Lord God (1). Let your ears be attentive to my prayer (2). My soul waits for you, and in your Word I do hope (3). I come to you, Father God, in the wonderful name of my Lord Jesus Christ and I confess the depression that I am experiecing to you. By so doing, I am expressing my earnest desire to forsake it and to put it behind me forever. Thank you for lifting me from the miry clay of depression and setting my feet upon the solid confidence of your Word (4). Lord God, you are my glory, and the lifter of my head. As I cry unto you I know you are hearing me out of your holy hill (5). In my times of depression, I sometimes feel as if you have forsaken me, but I know this is not true (6). I am desperate and needy. Answer me quickly, O God (7). Restore unto me the joy of your salvation (8). In your joy I find my strength (9). Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name (10). I call upon your name Lord God, out of what seems to be a low dungeon to me (11). You are my hope, O Lord God, and you are my trust (12). Help me trust you with all of my heart, not leaning unto my own understanding. As I acknowledge you in all my ways, I know you will direct my paths (13). I lift my eyes unto the hills, realizing that my help comes from You, Father (14). Thank you for delivering me from all depression. I express faith to you that you will not leave my soul desolate (15). Through your grace, I will not fear, because I know you are with me, and I will not be dismayed, because you are my God (16). Turn my sorrow into joy, Father (17) as I hold on to the faith you've imparted to me, which is the substance of the things I hope for and the evidence of things I do not see (18). Father, thank you for lifting depression from me and delivering me from all the power of darkness and redeeming me through the blood of Jesus (19). AMEN!
This prayer and 119 others like it can be found in the book Breakthrough Prayers for Women. Check your local Christian bookstore or even online for a paperback copy. It has prayers for just about your every need! All prayers adapt to this method very well! It has truly been a blessing for me and greatly enriched my prayer and study life.
Hi Ladies, I wanted to share with you the method of Interactive Breakthrough Prayers. These have helped me shake loose some "stuff" in my life, and I hope this method will be a blessing to you too! This is how it works. Get a notebook, journal, or even a simple piece of paper.
A pen, pencil, whatever works for you. Get your Bible. If you've never experienced Eugene Peterson's The Message Bible, please just go over to a Christian bookstore and take a peek at it! What a wonderful, easy to read, down to earth translation! But any Bible will do! Each day, you're going to write (in your own handwriting, no typing!) this prayer out in the notebook. The text is below.
In the text, you will see numbers after some sentences. The numbers refer to a specific passage in the Bible. This particular prayer for depression has 19 references, so you're going to write out this prayer 19 days in a row, focusing on one specific passage each day.
1. Psalms 130:1 2. Psalms 130:2 3. Psalms 130:5 4. Psalms 40:2 5. Psalms 3:3-4 6. Psalms 22:1 7. Psalms 70:5 8. Psalms 51:12 9. Nehemiah 8:10 10. Psalms 142:7 11. Lamentations 3:55 12. Psalms 71:5 13. Proverbs 3:5-6 14. Psalms 121:1 15. Psalms 141:8 16. Isaiah 41:10 17. John 16:20 18. Hebrews 11:1 19. Colossians 1:13-14
After writing the prayer out and adding any personal petitions in the prayer, do a short study of the verse, and write out what God is saying to you in that verse as it applies to your specific issue. Ask these questions of yourself in relation to the specific verse ~
What is the promise from God in this verse?
What is the Timeless Principle in this verse?
What is the Command to Keep?
How does this verse apply to my life?
Some verses will have answers to ALL those questions, other verses will only answer 1 or 2 of the questions. Repeat this process every day until you have worked through all the verses (one a day) specified in the prayer.
Here is the prayer for Depression. Key Scripture ~ Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord" Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried unto you, O Lord God (1). Let your ears be attentive to my prayer (2). My soul waits for you, and in your Word I do hope (3). I come to you, Father God, in the wonderful name of my Lord Jesus Christ and I confess the depression that I am experiecing to you. By so doing, I am expressing my earnest desire to forsake it and to put it behind me forever. Thank you for lifting me from the miry clay of depression and setting my feet upon the solid confidence of your Word (4). Lord God, you are my glory, and the lifter of my head. As I cry unto you I know you are hearing me out of your holy hill (5). In my times of depression, I sometimes feel as if you have forsaken me, but I know this is not true (6). I am desperate and needy. Answer me quickly, O God (7). Restore unto me the joy of your salvation (8). In your joy I find my strength (9). Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name (10). I call upon your name Lord God, out of what seems to be a low dungeon to me (11). You are my hope, O Lord God, and you are my trust (12). Help me trust you with all of my heart, not leaning unto my own understanding. As I acknowledge you in all my ways, I know you will direct my paths (13). I lift my eyes unto the hills, realizing that my help comes from You, Father (14). Thank you for delivering me from all depression. I express faith to you that you will not leave my soul desolate (15). Through your grace, I will not fear, because I know you are with me, and I will not be dismayed, because you are my God (16). Turn my sorrow into joy, Father (17) as I hold on to the faith you've imparted to me, which is the substance of the things I hope for and the evidence of things I do not see (18). Father, thank you for lifting depression from me and delivering me from all the power of darkness and redeeming me through the blood of Jesus (19). AMEN!
This prayer and 119 others like it can be found in the book Breakthrough Prayers for Women. Check your local Christian bookstore or even online for a paperback copy. It has prayers for just about your every need! All prayers adapt to this method very well! It has truly been a blessing for me and greatly enriched my prayer and study life.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Don't Settle For Mediocrity
From Morning Tea
"Woe to you who are complacent." Amos 6:1 NIV
When you get to the seventh church in Revelation, Jesus is standing outside it, knocking, trying to get in, and nobody seems to have missed Him! Does that shock you? It should! Listen to what He told them, "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm . . . I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV). Bottom-line -- don't settle for mediocrity!
Ponder these words by Wilbur Rees, "I'd like to buy $3 worth of God please. Not enough to awaken my soul or disturb my sleep, just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I want ecstasy not transformation; the warmth of the womb, not the new birth. I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. No, not the flesh and blood one, He'll keep me from my appointment with the hairdresser, or make me late for my cocktail party. I can't put up with wise men from Persia, or sweaty shepherds trampling all over my carpet with their muddy feet. My name isn't Mary. I don't want a living Christ -- I just want one I can keep in a crib."
Do you want to know the answer to complacency? Jesus gives it to you: "Be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in" (Revelation 3:19-20 NIV).
Sunday, June 12, 2005
How Long Should I Stay
"You will fill me with joy in your presence." Psalm 16:11
Memories of the good times he'd spent with his father, was what eventually brought the Prodigal Son back home (Luke 15:7). And the right memories will draw you back into God's presence, time and time again. "How long should I stay?" you ask.
1. Until change begins. Listen, "But we all . . . beholding . . . the Lord, are changed . . . from glory to glory . . . by the Spirit" (2 Corinthian 3:18).
2. Until you understand His plan for your life. Listen, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).
3. Until you recapture your motivation. Listen, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living . . . be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:13-14 NIV).
4. Until you receive His wisdom. Listen, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8 NIV).
5. Until new ideas are born. Listen, "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being, I announce them to you: (Isaiah 42:9 NIV).
6. Until Christ becomes the center of your life. Listen, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 NIV).
There is a lesson in this post, maybe I will get the Lexicon out tomorrow and go over this one...its really good.
Memories of the good times he'd spent with his father, was what eventually brought the Prodigal Son back home (Luke 15:7). And the right memories will draw you back into God's presence, time and time again. "How long should I stay?" you ask.
1. Until change begins. Listen, "But we all . . . beholding . . . the Lord, are changed . . . from glory to glory . . . by the Spirit" (2 Corinthian 3:18).
2. Until you understand His plan for your life. Listen, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).
3. Until you recapture your motivation. Listen, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living . . . be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:13-14 NIV).
4. Until you receive His wisdom. Listen, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8 NIV).
5. Until new ideas are born. Listen, "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being, I announce them to you: (Isaiah 42:9 NIV).
6. Until Christ becomes the center of your life. Listen, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 NIV).
There is a lesson in this post, maybe I will get the Lexicon out tomorrow and go over this one...its really good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)