Thankful Thursday #31

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey once again. Click on the button above and feel free to join in with 5 items of Thanksgiving.

1. Thank You God for providing the funds to fix our van 2 weeks before we needed it. When Randy took the car in for what we thought was a minor repair, we found out it was going to be a major repair. And yet God knew what we would need and He lovingly provided it ahead of time. He is our Faithful Provider.
2. Thank You God for providing me an alternate workplace today. Yesterday the phone company showed up and wanted to go in our backyard. I said OK. Little did I know that when they left I would have no phone or DSL. Since I work from home..., not a good thing. God provided a sweet lady at the front desk of the Comfort Inn and free DSL in the lobby to meet my needs. Once again.., He is my Faithful Provider.
3. Thank You God for my new friend Robyn. We share a common love for our Lord and just had such a sweet time of fellowship last night. He is my Faithful Provider.
4. Thank You God for teachers who impart truth. Thank You for not allowing me to be satisfied with milk, when there is meat to be eaten. He is my Faithful Provider.
5. Thank You God for working in the lives of my family. I see You moving. I hear You speaking. Your love at times is overwhelming. Thank You for pursuing us and never letting us go.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

My Child

My friend Debbie shared this with me and I just had to share it with you. The Bible is truly God's love letter to us. Read this and you will get a true picture of God's love for you, His child.

• You may not know Me, but I know everything about you... Psalm 139:1
• I know when you sit down and when you rise up... Psalm 139:2
• I am familiar with all your ways... Psalm 139:3
• Even the very hairs on your head are numbered... Matthew 10:29-31
• For you were made in My image... Genesis 1:27
• For in Me you live and move and have your being... Acts 17:28
• For you are My offspring... Acts 17:28
• I knew you even before you were conceived... Jeremiah 1:4-5
• I chose you when I planned creation... Ephesians 1:11-12
• You were not a mistake... all your days are written in My book... Psalm 130:15-16
• I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live... Acts 17:26
• You were fearfully and wonderfully made... Psalm 139:14
• I knit you together in your mother's womb... Psalm 139:13
• And brought you forth on the day you were born... Psalm 71:6
• I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me... John 8:41-44
• I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love... 1 John 4:16
• And it is my desire to lavish My love on you... 1 John 3:1
• Simply because you are My child and I am your Father... 1 John 3:1
• I offer you more than your earthly father ever could... Matthew 7:11
• For I am the perfect Father... Matthew 5:48
• Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand... James 1:17
• For I am your provider and I meet all of your needs... Matthew 6:31-33
• My plan for the future has always been filled with hope... Jeremiah 29:11
• Because I love you with an everlasting love... Jeremiah 31:3
• My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore... Psalm 139:17-18
• And I rejoice over you with singing... Zephaniah 3:17
• I will never stop doing good to you... Jeremiah 32:40
• For you are My treasured possession... Exodus 19:5
• I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul... Jeremiah 32:41
• And I want to show you great and marvelous things... Jeremiah 33:3
• If you will seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me... Deuteronomy 4:29
• Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart... Psalm 37:4
• For it is I who gave you those desires... Philippians 2:13
• I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine... Ephesians 3:20
• For I am your greatest encourager... 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
• I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles... 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• When you are broken hearted, I am close to you... Psalm 34:18
• As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart... Isaiah 40:11
• One day I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth... Revelation 21:3-4
• I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus... John 17:23
• For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed... John 17:26
• He is the exact representation of My being... Hebrews 1:3
• He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you... Romans 8:31
• And I tell you that I am not counting your sins..., 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
• Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled... 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
• His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you... 1 John 4:10
• I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love... Romans 8:38-39
• If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive Me... 1 John 2:23
• And nothing will ever separate you from My love again... Romans 8:38-39
• Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen... Luke 15:7
• I have always been your Father, and will always be Father... Ephesians 3:14-15
• My question is..., Will you be My child?... John 1:12-13
• I am waiting for you... Luke 15:11-32

Love,

Your Dad, Almighty God

If you do not know Him like I know Him. I would love to share with you how you can. Like the letter says, He's waiting.

A Voice Behind You

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

Father, That's the clarity I desire. I want to hear your voice. I want to know your voice. I want your will to be so clear to me that I can make no other choice but to obey. Lead me down the path of righteousness, whisper in my ear. I am YOURS and I'm listening!

Saturday Steps of Faith #31

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?

Saturday Steps of Faith is our opportunity to publicly claim His promises for our lives. It is the place where we believe God for things great and small.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:3-5

My desire is to do good.
My desire is to dwell in the land.
I want to enjoy safe pasture.
I love to delight in the Lord.

I must commit at a deeper level.
I must trust and obey.
No more walking in the shallow.
The deep place is where I must dwell.

Father, I am believing You. Take me to the deep place. I know the road may be hard, the path narrow. I must commit and not settle. I trust You to do this!

How about you?

What are you believing God for this week? Will you join me?

• Leave a comment or write a post.
• Copy the button located on the left sidebar and paste it into your post.
• Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. • Last, come back here and link up with MckLinky. It's that easy.

Thankful Thursday #30

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey once again. Click on the button above and feel free to join in with 5 items of Thanksgiving.

1. Thank You God for providing the funds for my trip to Houston. Attending the Siesta gathering seemed so out of reach 40 weeks ago. But in faith believing, I began to memorize my verses to qualify to attend. Sometimes Lord, You just blow me away.
2. Thank You God for providing for Debbie to go. I so wanted to share this trip with my friend, but it wasn't looking good. Again, you came through in a big way.
3. Thank You God for Your revealed Word. You have revealed Yourself to us page after page; and in the same way You reveal me to me.
4. Thank You God for teachers who impart truth. Thank You for not allowing me to be satisfied with milk, when there is meat to be eaten.
5. Thank You God for working in the lives of my family. I see You moving. I hear You speaking. I don't ever want to take this for granted.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Saturday Steps of Faith # 30

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?

Saturday Steps of Faith is our opportunity to publicly claim His promises for our lives. It is the place where we believe God for things great and small.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:6-8

Today I just want to take a few moments and give praise to my Faithful God.

This last year has been full of challenges, but God has been Faithful. There have been times when the enemy would come and whisper in my ear, "You can't afford to give that. Where is it going to come from?" Sowing seeds of fear, hoping they would take root.

And yet I knew down deep in the bottom of my soul, God has always been Faithful to provide for my every need.

This week He has done it again. We have been blessed financially in an unexpected way. As I sit here and think about it, tears fill my eyes. What love! I feel so unworthy. Any yet He loves, abundantly, overflowing, endlessly.

Throughout His word He says,

• Ask - and I'll answer.
• Seek - and you'll find.
• Knock - and the door will be opened.
• Give - and it will be given to you.
• Share - and I will bless.
• Go - and I will go with you.
• Trust - and I will be found faithful.

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

So today I give Him the Glory. The Glory only He deserves. I will continue to walk by faith, and not by sight. You are MY GOD and I will forever love and trust You!

How about you?

Who are you putting your faith in?

What are you believing God for this week? Will you join me?

• Leave a comment or write a post.
• Copy the button located on the left sidebar and paste it into your post.
• Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. • Last, come back here and link up with MckLinky. It's that easy.

Thankful Thursday #29

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey once again. Click on the button above and feel free to join in with 5 items of Thanksgiving.

1. Thank You God for Great Bible Teachers. What a privilege to be able to pick up a book or a study and glean truth found in the Word of God.
2. Thank You God for my job. It not only provides for our needs, it provides me with an opportunity to share your love and grace with those who have yet come to know you.
3. Thank You God for our Pastor and Staff. October is Pastor appreciation month and I thank God for our Pastor, each Associate Pastor and their wives. They work so very hard to lead and to serve and to share. Bless them Lord in a special way.
4. Thank You God for Your perfect timing. I waited and prayed. It was in Your time, not mine. And now I can see Your timing was perfect. Thank You for teaching me this lesson once again.
5. Thank You God for the great year Jonathan is having in school. All A's with one B in Art. Thank You for giving him great teachers who inspire and challenge him to live up to his potential.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

My Mind's Made Up

Joseph had his mind made up. He was not going to give in to the demands of Potiphar's wife. (Genesis 39)

Mordecai had his mind made up. He was not going to bow before the the evil, slimy, Haman. (Esther 3)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had their mind made up. They would would not serve the gods of Nebuchadnezzar or worship the image of gold. (Daniel 3)

Daniel had his mind made up. He opened his windows and bowed before His God to pray in defiance to the King's decree. (Daniel 6)

Day after day temptation knocked on the doorstep of their hearts, but they each stood firm.

As I thought about this today I was reminded of an old Southern Gospel song that a friend of my husbands loved to sing. The lyrics go like this:

I started out to win this race
To serve the Lord and to look upon His face.
But the ways been hard, and the ways been rough
But there's one thing for certain, I've got my mind made up.

Now Job was a man tempted in every way,
The devil took his family, he lay sick night and day.
His wife she came a sayin', "Curse God you've hade enough!"
He said, "You talk like a foolish woman, I've got my mind made up."

The devil he will tempt you and fill your way with strife,
He'll make you sick in body, even try to take your life.
Just put your trust in Jesus and say, "Lord I've had enough!"
The Lord will say, "Move over Satan, he's got his mind made up!"

Chorus
I've got my foot on the rock and my mind's made up.
Though I walk through the lonely valley,
Though I drink from a bitter cup.
When the devil comes a-knockin,
Showin' me an easier way.
I stand right square on my feet,
I throw my head in the air,
I look him straight in the eye
I say, "My foot's on the Rock and my mind's made up!"

In 1 Kings 18:21 the prophet Elijah goes before the people and asks, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.

How often do you and I falter or fail because we have tried to waver between two opinions? We have failed to take a stand.

It is time that we, "Set our minds on things above, not on earthly things". We must be intentional and determined about "who we are in Christ Jesus" and what that truly means. How it affects our thought life, activites and actions. It's time that we become "set" in our ways - His way!

In the Esther study, Beth Moore encouraged us to pray this prayer for ourselves as she would pray it for us.

My beloved sister, may God be allowed to work such steadfastness of mind in you that "the bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days" (Deut. 33:25).

Today I'm praying this for you. Will pray it for me too? Let's join our hearts together and detemine to have our "minds made up"!

Our Best - Far Less

Who doesn't love a wedding? Jesus and His disciples joined His mother and family at a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee. The hearts and lives of a bride and groom had been joined together in holy matrimony - in the presence of God - literally .

Everyone was enjoying the festivities (see John chapter 2) when the servants began to notice the wine was down to it's last drops. This was a tragedy and would be a disgrace for the newly married groom. Mary gets wind of the situation and goes to her Son Jesus with a plea for His help.

Although Jesus rebukes her gently for her request (due to its timing), He begins giving instructions to the servants. Six stone water jars (holding 20-30 gallons each) were filled to the rim with water. Jesus, then told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." And they did just as He directed.

Upon tasting the miraculous wine, the chief servant called the groom over and remarked, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

As I read these words this morning I began to wonder, "What in my life have I thought to be the best, but in reality is just a cheap imitation when compared to what God has for me?" Are there areas where I am settling for less than His best?

I've been working through the Esther study and have been learning about destiny. A young orphan girl, adopted by her male cousin, living in exile, herded into the Kings harem, destined to be queen - destined to save her people.

I don't know about you, but I want to fulfill my destiny. I want Gods best and nothing less.

11 Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

Father, I want to bring You glory. Keep me from settling for anything less. Esther fulfilled her destiny. Jesus fulfilled His destiny. Lord, I don't want to fall short. Fulfill Your destiny in me.

Saturday Steps of Faith # 29

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?

Saturday Steps of Faith is our opportunity to publicly claim His promises for our lives. It is the place where we believe God for things great and small.

1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:1-4

• Allah is not God.
• Budah is not God,
• Reverend Moon is not God.
• Lao-Tse is not God,
• Brahman is not God.
• Hare Krishna is not God.

Yahweh (or Jehovah) means literally, "He who will be". He is the God of the Bible is the one true God.

• He was before the foundations of the Earth.
• He is the I Am of my daily life.
• He forever will be my God.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " John 14:5

• I Love Him!
• I Follow Him!
• I Revere Him!
• I Obey Him!
• I Serve Him!
• I will Hold Fast to Him for all of eternity!

I am trusting God for my salvation. No one or nothing else.

Who are you putting your faith in?

What are you believing God for this week?

• Leave a comment or write a post.
• Copy the button located on the left sidebar and paste it into your post.
• Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing.
• Last, come back here and link up with MckLinky. It's that easy.

Thankful Thursday #28

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey once again. Click on the button above and feel free to join in with 5 items of Thanksgiving.

1. Thank You God for my sista-friend Laura. Her smile. Her hugs. Her joy for life. The way she makes every person feel like they are the most important person in the world. She is moving to Michigan in a matter of days. Thank You Lord for knitting our hearts together as forever friends in Christ.
2. Thank You God for Your chastening Spirit. When our passion is not as passionate as it was the day before, or the day before that, you gently whisper your words of love into my ear and remind me I am missed. Thank You for loving and pursuing me.
3. Thank You God for the continued health of my family. Randy continues to be a miracle and Jonathan has evaded all of the new school year bugs. Thank You God for your healing hand.
4. Thank You God for providing for our every need. An entire year with only one paycheck and every bill has been paid on time. Thank You for making the 5 loaves and 2 fish more than just a Bible Story, but a real life testimony of your faithfulness in our lives.
5. Thank You God for abiding joy. Walking with You. Talking with You. The fellowship of Your Spirit brings such joy. What an amazing God!

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Prepare to Believe

Last week while my sister and brother-in-law were visiting, we made a trip down to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY. It's just a few short miles from Cincinnati, OH.

The motto of the museum is, "Prepare to Believe". Creation is a concept I have been taught since I was a little girl in Sunday School. I guess I have always just believed. God said He created the Heavens and Earth and all that is in it - for me that settled it.

As I walked through the exhibits it was interesting to see the Biblical view laid out in contrast to the worldly view of evolution and natural selection. You see, there were

Dinosaurs

And Exhibits to Educate

We discovered the 7 C's

We Walked Through the Bible

as Noah built the Ark

The Word of God was Given

and the Empty Tomb Proclaimed.

It's a great place to spend the day with family!

The Museum is a place that makes you think and prepares you to have meaning conversations with those who have yet to believe. I encourage you all to visit if you have a chance. And the gardens - simply BEAUTIFUL!

Prepare to Believe!

Saturday Steps of Faith #28

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?

Saturday Steps of Faith is our opportunity to publicly claim His promises for our lives. It is the place where we believe God for things great and small.

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2

When the news headlines read of tsunami's, earthquakes, U.S. terror targets and economic woes, I am so grateful to know that the "world is firmly established and it cannot be moved".

God is in control! Nothing that is taking place has taken God by surprise. I don't need to worry. I don't need to fret. My God is on the throne! My faith is in Him alone. I am believing God for His protection, provision, and in His promises!

How about you? What are you believing God for this week?

Thankful Thursday #27

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey once again. Click on the button above and feel free to join in with 5 items of Thanksgiving.

1. Thank You God for wonderful visit with my Sister. Her visit from CA was like a cool drink of water on a hot day - refreshing! We laughed, we shared and just had a great time. I love my sister and am so thankful for her.
2. Thank You God for my Brother-in-law installing my new kitchen faucet. Eight hours of wrangling to get the old one out and less than one hour to install the new one. Thank You for helping him to persevere.
3. Thank You God for my Fall Bible Study. Although I wanted to do Esther when it first came out, Your timing is always perfect. Thank You for providing a group to study with.
4. Thank You God for Your protection in our lives. Safe travel each and every day, a home that is secure. Each one is so often overlooked. I know that it is Your hand that protects us and I am so thankful.
5. Thank You God for godly girlfriends. It was so much fun to get together and just laugh last night. No agenda. No plans. Just sweet fellowship.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Blessings ~ Lisa