Sunday Praise

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men

find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:5-8

Saturday Steps of Faith #7

Welcome back to Saturday Steps of faith. This is the time, this is the place where believers can come together believing God for things great and small.

I believe that God hears us when we pray and more exciting than that, He answers out prayers.

My question to you is, do you? What are you actively believing God for - right now? Who are you praying for? Are you truly expecting God to answer, to intervene? Do you believe?

I personally lived through 13 years of infertility before God intervened and miraculously gave us our son in a total "God way"! An adoption agency we had never spoken to called us and offered us a baby to be born in a matter of weeks. They had a waiting list of families..., but God had other plans. He laid us on their heart and they placed the call.

The result..., I believe!
I believe God hears me when I pray!
I believe God answers every prayer.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait....

One thing I know for sure is that He loves me and has my best interest at heart..., and there is no better heart than the heart of God.

I am believing God for his intervention once again. Next Wednesday we have an appointment with a specialist who may hold the answer to alleviating my husband's back pain. The Dr. may have the skill required, but we place our hope in hands of God..., and I trust Him with the results. I am believing God!

What are you believing God for?
If you would like to participate, just copy the button code from the lesft sidebar. Next write down what you are believing God for. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. Let's build a whole network of people who are believing and praying together for God to intervene.

Thankful Thursday #10

Don't you love Thursdays! I just love to have another chance to lift up praises to God. Click on the Thankful Thursday button above and join Sonya too. It's fun!

1. I am so thankful this week for hope. This week Randy was given hope for his chronic back pain. It's been a long, hard road of pain and agony. But what a difference a little hope brings in what was beginning to seem so hopeless. God, You are the Great Physician and all of the praise belongs to you! We are in your hope giving hands!
2. I am so thankful this week for love. The love of my family. The love of good friends. But most of all, the love of God. God, Your love is amazing! We will love you forever!
3. I am so thankful this week for faith. Faith in a God who never changes. Who is working all things together for my good. God, I trust you with my yesterday. I will trust you with my today. I can't wait to spend eternity in Your presence.
4. I am so thankful this week for grace. As the song goes, "Grace that that will pardon and cleanse within". "Grace that is greater than all my sin". God, your grace is at times overwhelming. I have been forgiven so much. Because of Your grace, I am saved and can live a life without fear.
5. I am so thankful this week for joy. Happiness can come in many forms and fashions. But joy is a gift from the heart of God. Joy comes from knowing the joy-giver, God himself. God you bring so much joy to my life. I pray that today I will bring a little joy back to yours.

Flourishing Faith & Hope

Do you realize that there are many olive trees in Israel that are 1600-2000 years old that are still producing fruit?


King David in Psalm 52 says these words,

8 But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.

9 I will praise you forever for what you have done;
in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Like an olive tree, David's roots ran very deep. Since he was a young boy, he learned to love God. His faith was a faith that had stood the test of time. As trials would come, he knew who he could trust - his faithful God.

When he was alone in the fields and longing for company, worship would lead him into the throne room of Heaven where he would find sweet fellowship with His God.

When he a lion was stalking the sheep in his care, David found strength that could only come from the Lord as he turned the predator into prey.

When he was tired from the long journey and longing for home, David found peace in the midst of a restless night. It was the kind of peace that passes all understanding, a true gift from a loving God.

David could stand firmly upon his faith and say, "I will trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever". His was a faith that was tried and true. He knew that deep down inside, he was just a lowly shepherd boy who found himself sitting on the throne of Israel. If any praise was to be given, it ALL belonged to the Lord. For only He was and is worthy of praise.

David knew that his only hope in life was in the mighty, matchless, merciful name of God. Armies would rise and armies would fall. But our God - Jehovah is the same yesterday, today and forever. He alone is worthy of our praise!

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

Father, my hope is in You and You alone! May my roots run deep and my faith flourish as I trust in your unfailing love today, tomorrow and forever. I praise you with my whole heart as I reflect on all that you have done in my life. In the presence of the Saints today I praise you! Bravo God! Bravo! You are my hope!

A blazing fire & some heavenly bread

I love the story of Elijah the prophet found in 1 Kings chapter 18-19. The man actually called fire down from Heaven that burned up the water soaked sacrifice, the water soaked wood, the stones and the soil surrounding it. This fire was so intense it even licked up all of the water in the trench around the altar. Only a blazing fire from the hands of mighty God could do that.

But Elijah like many of us struggled. Just a few verses later we find that Elijah is running in fear for his life. He finds himself lying under a broom tree, praying that he might die. In dramatic fashion he cries out to the Lord,

"I have had enough, Lord, " he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors". Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. 1 Kings 19:4b-5a

Elijah was totally worn out, even burned out. After the fire fell from heaven, at Elijah's word all the Baal prophets had been seized and killed. This did not set well with Queen Jezebel who in revenge put a price on the head of this man of God. Talk about going from a mountain top experience to a valley in one short leap.

How did God respond to Elijah when he hit rock bottom? Did He chastise him for throwing a pity party for himself? Was God mad at Him for his outburst? Absolutely not! God responded to Elijah with compassion.

Elijah had just traveled over 200 miles. He was exhausted from the journey and discouraged by life's circumstances. Elijah felt like he was the only person left who remained true to God. As he lay there sleeping under the broom tree, God sent an angel to minister to Elijah and nurse him back to health. The angel gently nudged him and said, "Get up and eat". Seeing the physical and emotionally exhaustion of the prophet of God, God took care of Elijah's needs. He wasn't mad at him at all.

He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 1 Kings 19:6

The bible tells us that the angel of the Lord came a second time and touched him and said,

"Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 1 Kings 19:7b

Don't you love to see how God was concerned for Elijah. Honestly, what tastes better when you're hungry than fresh baked bread. And cooked by an angel..., that was no ordinary bread! Verse 8 tells us that Elijah got up and ate and drank and was strengthened by the food.

When the day is difficult - remember that God sees your need.
When the night is long - remember that God hears your cry.
When you feel like you are the only one - remember that God will send someone to keep you company, someone to watch over you, someone to stand by you..., maybe even an angel to bake you some bread.

Lord, I love you! I thank you that your mercies are new every day. I am so overwhelmed as I think about how compassionate you have been toward me through the years. When I have fallen down, it was You who picked me up. When I have cried for help, it was You who reached out your hand. When I have wept, it was You who wiped my tears. When I have rejoiced, it was You who rejoiced over me with singing. At EVERY turn it was YOU who was there. WHAT LOVE! I am truly overwhelmed by Your presence. How can I adequately say thank you? Father, May I live my life in gratitude and in faithful service to You! In the name of my Savior I pray - Amen.

Saturday Steps of Faith #6

Welcome back to Saturday Steps of faith. This is the time, this is the place where believers can come together believing God for things great and small.

I believe that God hears us when we pray and more exciting than that, He answers out prayers.

My question to you is, do you? What are you actively believing God for - right now? Who are you praying for? Are you truly expecting God to answer, to intervene? Do you believe?

God gave me a verse today that I would like to share.

The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I have 3 friends who in the last few weeks have been diagnosed with cancer or a tumor. Their names are Jayme, Debbie and Ruth. Each of them has a personal relationship with Jesus. Each of them are trusting Him each step of the way.

This week I am taking God at His Word. I am asking Him to delight in each of them and their faith in Him. I am believing that God will quiet them with His love as they listen for His voice and trust in His Holy Name. I am looking forward to hearing how God has rejoiced over each of them with singing. Lord, plant a special song of praise in each of their hearts that will calm their fears and soothe their souls. May they experience peace that passes all understanding as they nestle into nearness with you.

Will you join me in praying for my 3 friends? What are you believing God for this week?

Thankful Thursday #9

Sonya is hosting Thankful Thursday again this week. My top 5 are;

1. I am so thankful that God chooses to speak to me through His Word. A familiar passage re-read can provide inspiration in a totally new way. The Word comes alive to me each time I read it. What a blessing to receive a fresh word from the Word of Life.
2. I am thankful for my friend Debbie. This week she was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer. When she called to tell me I was so devastated.., and yet she was the picture of perfect peace. She has displayed such faith and trust in God - what a testimony to her King. She is a living example of one who chooses "faith over fear" and I am so thankful for her.
3. I am thankful for blogging friends who are so much more than just people on my computer screen. Friends who reach out to encourage, love, challenge, teach and share. Friends who are as dear to me as those I see each week. Thank you God for using them to minister and teach me more about You.
4. I am so thankful that God continues to prove Himself faithful in all areas of our lives. I can see his hand prints and fingerprints on my family, in our finances, all throughout our home. Thank you God for being so visible.
5. I am so thankful for photos of beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, seashores and sunsets. What beauty! What majesty! Each one draws my heart into worship of the Creator of it all.

How about you? What are you thankful for today?

Fan Into Flame

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

This is the verse I have chosen to memorize to memorize next as part of the Siesta Memory Verse Challenge from Living Proof Ministries. In selecting a verse we are reminded to choose a verse that we "need". I definitely need this one.

These powerful words were written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell in Rome. The letter was sent to his young friend and son in the faith Timothy who was a strong leader in the early Christian church.

Paul used his time of confinement to write letters of encouragement to believers he had ministered to and ministered with. But this young man held a very special place in the heart of Paul.

Timothy was experiencing some opposition to his message and to himself as a leader in the church. Paul boldly reminded him of the faith that was so deeply ingrained and entrusted to him by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. From the time he was just a little boy, Timothy was taught the Word.

Paul would tell Timothy,

"I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands"

From the time that I was a little baby, I have been in church. Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night; any time the church doors were open I was there. Like Timothy, my faith is deeply rooted. I have sat under some tremendous Bible teachers. I have been blessed to watch mature believers live out there faith before my very eyes. I am surrounded by sweet sisters in the faith.

But sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are and whose we are.

• I am born again.
• I am blessed.
• I am chosen.
• I am adopted
• I am accepted.
• I am redeemed.
• I am forgiven.
• I am victorious!
• I am free to be exactly who God has made me to be.
• I am empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Almighty, Living God!
• I am dearly loved by the One who gave Himself for me!

Timothy needed a reminder from Paul that everything he needed to be successful had already been given to him by God. EVERYTHING! The same can be said of you and of me. We just need to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.

Faithful or Fearful? Which do you want to be know as?

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 is such a beautiful Psalm written by David. As a young boy he tended the flocks of his father Jesse. If there was one thing he knew about, it was taking care of sheep. David used that experience to put into words the type of relationship we can enjoy with Jesus as our Shepherd and we as the sheep of His pasture.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
What does a shepherd do for His sheep? He tends to their needs. He keeps them company while they are grazing in the fields. He protects them from danger. The shepherd was everything to the sheep. That's what Jesus my Shepherd is to me.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
The shepherd would seek out green pastures for his sheep to lie down in. He didn't want them to lie down in the dry desert place. He wanted to lead them beside quiet waters where they could find rest. That is where Jesus my Shepherd wants me to be.

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
To restore means to return, to lead back, to refresh. To show me the path that leads to life and freedom - not the bondage of this world. He is my guide in the path of righteousness through His Word and through His correction. That is where Jesus my Shepherd wants to lead me.

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, they comfort me.
The Lord doesn't send us through the dark places alone, He accompanies us every step of the way. Even if the road leads us through physical death, we don't do alone. Our Shepherd would never leave us unaccompanied. That is where Jesus my Shepherd will walk with me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When the enemies of the day surround us, the Shepherd anoints our head with oil, the protection of His sweet Holy Spirit. No enemy can touch us. We can feast at the Shepherds table as our enemies are kept at bay. That is how Jesus my Shepherd will protect me.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
One glorious day we will see our Great Shepherd face to face and we will dwell with Him forever and ever. But until that day I will savor His love and goodness - here and now. That is where I will spend eternity - with Jesus my Shepherd.

Who is Jesus to you?

Happy Resurrection Day!

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-8

- He paid a debt He did not owe. I owed a debt I could not pay. -

Saturday Steps of Faith #5

Welcome back for Saturday Steps of Faith. This is a place where we can join together in believing God for things great and small. I believe that God hear us when we pray.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

I believe that God answers us when we pray.

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

This week I am believing God for the families across America affected by the tornadoes and severe weather.

Lord, I ask you to be near those who are suffering from losses of all kinds. I pray that somehow your name would be glorified in the midst of difficulty. I pray that you will immobilize your followers to be your hands. For those who are in need, provide. For those in danger, protect. For those who are afraid, bring peace in the midst of the storm. You are the resurrection and the life. May many come to know you this week. In your name - Amen.

Living life Open-Handed

Is this how you live your life?

Or is this?

I only have one day left in my study by Beth Moore entitled, "A Heart Like His" focusing on the life of David. Today we find David concluding his address before the officials and leaders of the nation of Israel. His son Solomon is now King and the days of David on this earth are growing short. If you missed part one of his address, please see yesterdays post.

David has set all things in order for his son to take the throne and the leadership of the people of God. It was God who chose Solomon and He fully equipped him for this role. The only thing he lacked was age and experience. David admonished the leadership to follow and support his young son. And then he does what a well seasoned leader does, he led by example.

David has spent the last several years gathering everything that would be needed to build the temple of God. God had not allowed David to build it himself because "he was a warrior and had shed blood", but he prepared Solomon for the task. Now David stood before the people and said,

"Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple: three thousand talents of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings, for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD ?" 1 Chronicles 29:3-5

David had given his entire life in service and devotion to the Lord. Throughout his life he gave of his time, talent and treasure. And in a final act of leadership and sacrifice he gave his personal treasure back to the Lord.

In response to David's sacrificial act of worship before the Lord, the people joined in the giving. It was overwhelming, spontaneous and courageous as the leaders reached into their pockets and gave whole-heartedly - not giving to David, but to the Lord.

As the leaders gave, the people rejoiced. Praise broke out among the assembly and David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly. Spontaneous praise and worship! David was overwhelmed by the greatness of God and His glory and Majesty. His heart was full of thanksgiving and praise for our glorious God. He ended by saying,

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you." 1 Chronicles 29:14-16

David learned a lesson in his lifetime that I hope each of us will learn too. EVERYTHING that you have, that belongs to you, God has placed in your hand. With that wonderful blessing comes a choice. You can close your fist tightly around what you've been given and say, "This is mine". Or you can open up you hand and with thanksgiving, give it back to Him to be used for His glory.

The choice is yours. What I've found in my life is that God cannot put more into a hand that is tightly grasped. With an open hand, the more I give back to God, the more He is able to place in my hand to bless others.

David led the people to give that day and for the first time He witnessed the entire kingdom in unity before God.

Then David said to the whole assembly, "Praise the LORD your God." So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the LORD and the king.

Face down in praise before the Lord. What better place to be!

Will you follow the example of the King? Will you live your life with an open hand, ready to give, ready to bless, an example for others? Who knows what God will do in your lifetime.

A Final Charge

If you knew today that your time on this earth was short, what type of advice would you give to those you know, to those you love?

King David was now old and "full of years". His time left on this earth was now short. He began to make sure that everything was ready for his departure. This included making his son Solomon the next King of Israel as God had directed him to do.

David summoned all of the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem - the officers, commanders and those in service to the King. He gave them directions on how to carry on according to Gods plans in his absence. His final charge to them,

"So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever." 1 Chronicles 28:8

And then it was time for David to give a charge to King Solomon. It was more than one King passing the torch to the next. It was loving Father speaking directly to the heart of a beloved son.

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing spirit, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9

David had learned many lessons in his life. He knew the blessing of living in the favour of God. But he also knew the agony of a life stained by sin. He wanted his final charge to his son to be one that would make a difference in his future:

• Acknowledge God. Acknowledge Him as your creator, your God. Live under His authority. Commit yourself to seek His will and live according to His Word. Give Him the glory in all things - good and bad. Humble yourself before Him and you will be blessed.
• Serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Don't let anything or anyone take a higher priority in your life than loving and serving Him. Don't be distracted by things. Don't let people lead you astray. Seek God first and do His will. Keep your heart pure and He will direct you in all things.
• Serve Him with a willing spirit. Take delight in serving God. Let it be your greatest pleasure. Serve Him and honor Him because you want to, not out of obligation. Let it be your choice. You will find that serving Him will become your greatest joy.

If today were my last to share with my son, I don't know that I could add much more to what David said to his son Solomon. But why wait to share them. There's no time like the present.

Who is like you?

O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?

You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

You rule over the surging sea;

when its waves mount up, you still them.

Psalm 89:8-9

One of my favorite things to do in life is to walk on the beach. The sound of the crashing waves and the blowing of a gentle breeze bring immediate calm to my often life-weary soul. There's just something about being surrounded by the majesty and enormity of God's creation.

It can happen while catching a glimpse of snow covered mountains or the radiance of a wide-open field. It can happen while standing next to a cool, crisp stream or while gazing at one of God's hand painted skies.

The sights, the sounds, the smells, draw my heart right into worship of the One who made each of these things and saw that it was good.

Lord I just want to praise you today for who You are. There is no one like you. Who can "create" anything- no one. We can only "make" with that which you provide.

When I step away from the noise and clutter of life and there is only you, my soul can take a deep breath again. The water, the sand, the sunset the radiant sky were all put into place by your hand for me to see. The mountains, the snow, the clouds, the sky were all painted just for my eyes today.

As I nestle into nearness I can once again.

• Breathe in your forgiveness.
• Breathe in your grace.
• Breathe in your mercy.
• Breathe in your love.
• Breathe in your peace.
• Breathe in your holiness.
• Breathe in your righteousness.
• Breathe in your joy.
• Breathe in a glimpse of who You have called me to be.
• I can just breathe, and worship and listen.

Lord may I linger in your presence as your love is lavished upon me. O Lord, never let me forget this place, this moment with you. You are my creator. You are my God. Who is like you?

Saturday Steps of Faith #4

Welcome back for Saturday Steps of Faith. This is a place where we can join together in believing God for things great and small.

I believe that God hear us when we pray.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

I believe that God answers us when we pray.

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

This week I am believing God for deliverance for my husband. He has struggled with horrible back pain for the last 18 months. In the last several weeks he finally turned a corner and was doing so much better. Wednesday they changed his pain medication and he has been agonizing day and night.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:7)

Lord I ask you to intervene on Randy's behalf. Father, deliver him from this horrible pain he is going through according to your purpose for his life. Hide him. Protect him. Surround him with the songs of deliverance. Love Him as only you can. In the name of your Son Jesus I pray - amen.

****** P R A I S E - A L E R T 10:00 a.m. God has already heard our prayers. The new medication has kicked in and his pain is now controlled! *********

Lord, Thank You for hearing our prayers and for answering while they were still being spoken! You are Jehovah Rapha - my God who heals. I lift up your Holy Name and Praise you with my whole heart! Thank You for loving us the way that You do!

So, what are you believing God for?

To join in,

• Write a blog today about what you are believing God for.
• Copy the Saturday Steps of Faith button into your post and publish it. The code is available on the left side bar.
• Return to this site and fill out Mr. Linky. This will allow others to click on the link below and jump over to your website to pray.

I'm looking forward to praying and believing God with you.

Cardboard Testimonies

I watched a video this afternoon that has totally rocked my world. By the end I had tears in my eyes. Not tears of sorrow but tears of gratitude to a wonderful, loving, grace giving Savior who has changed my life and my eternity.

I hope each of us will be challenged:

• Do you remember who were were before Jesus touched our life?
• Have you praised Him today for what He's done in your life since?
• Can you think of someone whose cardboard only has one side?
• Will you go and tell them the good news that they too can be forever changed?
  

Please come back tomorrow to join me for Saturday Steps of Faith

Thankful Thursday #8

It's time to join Sonya for Thankful Thursday once again. I've missed it the last two weeks, so I can't wait to list my five for today :

1. Thank you God for proving yourself to be faithful in my life over and over again. When I need love, you are faithful to pull me close. When I seek you, you are faithful to be found. When I call on you, you are faithful to answer. When I trip and fall, you are faithful to pick me up, dust me off and set me on the right path.

   Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

2. Thank You God for the beauty of Spring. Fresh flowers. Fresh air. Fresh start. Jesus - You make all things new!
3. Thank You God for working miracles in our lives. I can see you moving, working, challenging, changing, teaching. Though we are a work in progress, I can see your hand print on each of our lives. May we bring you glory!
4. Thank You God for my sister. She is a constant source of encouragement and is a true reflection of you. She inspires me to want to be more like you each and every day.
5. Thank You God for leading me down roads unexpected, where I find you waiting to reveal more and more of yourself to me. Though I thought I knew you in the past, you continue to amaze me as you draw me closer, revealing to me more of your heart. You take my breath away!

Today, my heart is just bubbling over with praise and thanksgiving to you God. Thank You God for YOU!

With Only One Word

If you could only describe God using one word, what would that word be?

I was reading 2 Samuel chapter 22 today and it has really stirred up my spirit. Battle after battle had really taken its toll on David. I wrote yesterday how he was to the point of total exhaustion.

But today is a new day! The battle is over and God had granted David and his men victory over all of their enemies.

In typical fashion, King David throws caution to the wind and really gets his praise on.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from
the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. (vs. 1-4)

• You can't know Him as rock, if you have never found yourself sinking.
• You can't know Him as fortress, if you have never found yourself exposed and vulnerable.
• You can't know Him as deliverer, if you have never felt your backed into a corner with no place to run.
• You can't know Him as refuge, if you have never found yourself in trouble and alone.
• You can't know Him as shield, if you have never been under attack.
• You can't know Him as stronghold, if you have never lost your way.
• You can't know Him as savior, if you have not recognized you are lost without hope without Him.

Like David, MY God has been ALL of these to me and so much more. The more that I walk with Him, the more that I love Him. The more I know Him, the more I love Him.

If I could only describe God using one word today, that word would be faithful. He is faithful to love, faithful to comfort, faithful to forgive, faithful to encourage, faithful to provide, faithful to bless, faithful!

How about you?