My Passionate Pursuit

An Event of a Lifetime

2010-01-25T16:51:00.010-05:00

Does anyone else feel really blessed and content today? I feel like my joy is over-flowing. This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to fly to Houston for the Siesta Scripture Memorization Team Celebration presented by Beth Moore and the wonderful ladies of Living Proof Ministries.

It was my first opportunity to hug the necks of women who have taught me and encouraged me through through their blogs in what has been a very trying year. And yet God used every minute of it to draw me closer and closer to Him.

There's Patty Williams,
Beth Herring and Yolanda Rogers,
Melena Cummings with Miesta Moose,
my new friend Georgia to name a few.

What a time of laughter, fellowship, worship and digging into the Word.

Thank You God for providing me with this opportunity to go and the means to make it happen.

The highlight of the entire weekend for me was the brief moment that I had to share personally with Beth Moore just how much she really means to me. She is a woman of integrity and honor. A woman who has caused me to want to dig deeper into God's Word, to desire to know Him better, to want to love Him with all of my heart.

As her Pastor shared with us Sunday morning after service, "She is the real deal, no pretense. The same person you see on the stage is the same person off of the stage". What a blessing she has been to my life.

I am excitedly, looking forward to the next Siesta gathering in 2012. There are so many of you that I have yet to meet. There is nothing better in the entire world than time spent with women who share the same passion and love for the One True God. Thank You for making my first live LPM event an 'Event of a Lifetime'.

Thankful Thursday #34

2010-01-21T06:19:00.000-05:00

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.

Thank You God for unexpected blessings. I love how You love me. I love how Your desire is for me. You know my needs and you meet them one by one.
Thank You God for friends who reflect You. Friends who encourage. Friends who forgive. Friends who love deeply. Friends of Yours who are friends of mine.
Thank You God for my husband. You are restoring him day by day. His passion for life and his passion for ministry are beginning to beat again more strongly. Our family devotion and prayer time has been such a gift from You. Thank You for restoring what satan attempted to steal.
Thank You God for Your promises fulfilled. Your Word has become life and breath to me. You have spoken it. I believe it. You are true to Your Word. Your name is FAITHFUL and trustworthy!
Thank You God for allowing me to go to Houston. I am so excited and can't wait to meet so many of my blogging friends. More importantly, I can't wait to see what You are going to do in each of our lives.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Irrevocable

2010-01-02T09:39:00.004-05:00

29for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

How has God gifted you?

Are you able to pick up His Word, open it up and share it's truths with a class room of learners?
Has God placed a melody in your heart that you can't help but sing that draws others straight into the throne room of God in worship?
Do you do battle on your knees in prayer on behalf of others?
Are you able to minister to those in need, to the "least of these"?

All who know Him have been gifted with:

His grace - a favour we receive without any merit of our own.
Faith - being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Knowledge - to know who He is and of His great love for us.
Forgiveness - pardon of sin and eternal salvation.
and so much more.

What is His call upon your life?

We've all been called unto salvation. The choice is ours. The invitation has been given.
We've all been called to be Missionaries - to go and tell - whether in our own neighborhoods, our workplace, our homes or around the world.
We've all been called to be His hands, His feet, His voice as we be 'Jesus with skin on' to those He brings across our paths.

Have you ever thought of these gifts, His call as being irrevocable? The word irrevocable comes from the Greek word, 'ametamelētos'. It means,1) not repentant of, unregretted.

God's gifts and His call on your life are eternal, forever, never to be taken back. What LOVE! Even when we mess up. Even when we've failed. God doesn't look down on us from Heaven and snatch back His gifts of grace or forgiveness. He doesn't say, 'Because you have fallen, you can be of no use to me!' From the depths of my heart I thank Him for being a God of 2nd, 3rd and 999,999,999th chances. He never gives up on us. He never stops drawing us to Himself. He never stops loving us!

Only God can bring about 'a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.' Only GOD! He is a reverser of destiny!

How will you use your gifts in 2010? What is your calling?

Father I thank you for Your wonderful gifts of grace, knowledge, wisdom and forgiveness in my life. I think you that you have equipped me for ministry and placed a calling upon my life to share Your love with a world lost without You. My heart is open and my YES is already on the table as I seek out an opportunity to serve You in my community, outside of the local church. Here I am Lord, send me. Father, be glorified! In the sweet, sweet name of Jesus ~ Amen.

Looking Forward

2009-12-31T10:43:00.005-05:00

It's been a while, but I hope that this turns out to be my return to the passion filled world of blogging. I've missed each of you and and the sweet fellowship that we have shared through this powerful medium.

I've spent a little time in recent days looking back over the triumphs and trials of 2009. What a year it has been. Too often we can spend so much time looking back that we forget about looking ahead. I've determined that 2010 for me is going to be a year of 'Looking Forward'.

I am 'Looking Forward' to seeing what God is going to do in each of our lives and the lives of those that we love.

I am 'Looking Forward' to seeing God take what we see with our eyes and watch Him turn it into something totally different in a true reversal of destiny.

I am 'Looking Forward' to falling more in love with Jesus as we take another step out of the shallow waters, into the deep pools of spiritual growth.

I am 'Looking Forward' to a new opportunity of ministry yet to be revealed. My heart is open and my YES is already on the table. Here am I Lord, send me.

I am 'Looking Forward' to becoming the woman of God that He is calling me to be. A woman of integrity. A woman of deep faith. A woman of prayer. A woman of sacrifice and service to others. A woman after God's own heart.

Psalm 27:4 is a verse that I have been meditating on for the last few weeks and is my goal for the year 2010. I hope it resonates with your heart as well.

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in
the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

I hope that you will join me in 'Looking Forward' as we journey together. I know that God has great things in store for each of us.

What are you 'Looking Forward to'?

Saturday Steps of Faith #35

2009-12-05T06:28:00.002-05:00

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30:10-12

My God is a Reverser of Destiny. No matter what we see with our eyes, what we hear, what we feel; God is working in the heavenlies on our behalf and will use it to bring Him glory.

I am believing in Him!

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.

Sometimes You Just Have to Praise

2009-11-22T08:56:00.011-05:00

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.

O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Psalm 36:5-9

Thank You Father for Your amazing love!

How high, how wide, how deep it reaches to show us your faithfulness.

Your righteousness - there is none like You!

How do we describe your tenderness toward us - Priceless!

And when life begins to bear down on us - even scorch us,

we find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

You prepare a banquet fit for a King, and you invite us to dine!

Thank You for being my Father, my God.

Amazing, simply amazing!

2009-11-21T06:30:00.006-05:00

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.

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is
faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9

Does that verse ring true with you? Just reading it stirs up something deep within my soul. It's a beautiful picture of my relationship with the Lord. Who was the initiator? God! He called me! He pursued me. His desire was for me.

Why? Because at the very center of His being, God loves. His desire is for us to enter into a wonderful love relationship with Him, through fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Though life may take it's dips and turns, if you ask me to describe God in just one word, my word would be faithful. He is faithful to love, faithful to forgive, faithful to protect, faithful to restore, faithful to meet our needs. He is all of that and so much more. He is faithful.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

How about you? 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 #33

2009-11-19T06:03:00.002-05:00

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.

Thank You God for answered prayer. I love how You love me. I love how Your desire is for me. Thank You for hearing and answering beyond my belief.
Thank You God for friends who reflect You. Friends with a word of encouragement on their lips and a joy that flows from a fulfilling relationship with You.
Thank You God for peace. Unsure times. Unsure people. A God who is the I AM of my present, my past and my future.
Thank You God for Your Provision. Day by day every need is met - and then some. You are the God of 'more than we ask of imagine'.
Thank You God for a season of thankfulness. It's nice to see people really stopping and taking stock of Your goodness and blessing on their lives.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

It's not the way things ought to be

2009-11-17T06:13:00.002-05:00

I wrote this post back in March, but God brought it back to my mind this morning. I love this poem by Jill Briscoe and it really resonates with my heart this morning. I hope it speaks to you in some way too.

Have you ever thought about how different this world is than God planned? As God created the heavens and the earth, the sun and the moon, the animals and creatures to roam the earth, Adam and Eve; each stage of His magnificent creation God saw that it was good.

Man and woman in a beautiful garden fashioned by God's own hand. He would even come walking in the garden in the cool of the day, just enjoying all that He had made. Sweet fellowship with the ones He loved. It was truly paradise.

What a difference a day makes as Eve is deceived and takes a bite. Adam also partakes. Their lives are forever changed as God banishes them from the garden forever. Lives can be changed in just a moment - forever.

It's not the way things ought to be

And yet the way things are,

I look above and see a void

And not one single star.

Then in the day the blue is grey,

The winds of change are stilled,

My heart it seems

Must die to dreams

I'll never see fulfilled.

It's not the way things ought to be

And Yet the way things are,

Then God walks in,

Forgives the sin

And lights my evening star.

He tames my rebel doubts with love,

Rebukes my frantic fears,

Then asks my why

I sigh and cry

And counts my many tears.

One day the things that "ought to be"

Will be the way He planned,

So I should live

And freely give

My hopes into His hand.

I'll live in light of ever-ness

With eyes upon the Throne,

He'll give me grace

To run the race

Till I am safely home.

- Jill Briscoe -

From the book, "The Deep Place Where Nobody Goes"

Oh how I look forward to the day when things will be as they "ought to be". One day, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, we will see Jesus, face to face. We will fall on our faces before Him saying,

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11

But until that day Lord, I place all of my hopes is in Your hands. My eyes are upon Your throne, fixed upon You until my race is run!

Saturday Steps of Faith #33

2009-11-14T06:36:00.002-05:00

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.

This past week has been a very full one. Sunday afternoon I headed to Indianapolis to spend the night with a girlfriend before beginning a heavily scheduled week of work in the Home Office.

Each morning began with three hours of training as the instructor literally read to us from a 6 inch binder describing the inner workings of a computer language I need to learn. As you can imagine it was thrilling.

Each afternoon for three and a half hours I led a group of Systems Analysts and Business partners through the steps of defining a new credit card application for our Payment Entry System.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with
power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell
in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

How can I do the things that I do? It's all God my friend! It's all Him! I didn't finish college but instead got married to a man in ministry at the age of 19. And yet God had a plan for my life that included great opportunities.

With His hand guiding me, I have been able to accomplish things I never would have dreamed of even trying. With His strength I have endured and grown through trying times. With His love I have been fully established and my feet have been set firm. With Him leading and guiding, all things are possible.

This one thing I do know, no matter what my future may hold, I trust the One who holds my future. He is so worthy! He is a loving Father! I am believing in Him.

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.

Saturday Steps of Faith #32

2009-11-07T02:00:00.000-05:00

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.

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" Galatians 2:19-21

One thing I know for certain, and this I truly believe, Jesus did not die "for nothing".

I have lied.
I have cheated.
I have stolen.
I have gossipped.
I have spoken angry, hurtful words against others.
I have had idols in my life.
I have....., (and the list can go on far too long).

The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death is death". It's what I deserve. The verse goes on to say, "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I deserve death and Hell. I earned it. I chose to disobey God. But by His grace, because of what Jesus did on the cross, I get to choose something different. God said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

I choose forgiveness.
I choose to turn from my way and follow Him.
I choose the righteousness of Christ.
I choose grace.
I choose life.

I choose to believe God, to take Him at His Word, and to walk by faith.

How about you? Who or what are you placing your faith in? Only Jesus can save.

I believe God for my future.

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 #32

2009-11-05T06:44:00.002-05:00

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.

Thank You God for my families health. With so much sickness around us we have been blessed with good health. Thank You Lord!
Thank You God for giving me a Word - just when I need it. When I was feeling discouraged last week and opened Your Word, hope and love came flooding out. Thank You Lord!
Thank You God for the beautiful sunset last night. As I drove to Bible study the sky was captivating. The sun, the clouds, the colors all reflected Your glory to me. Thank You Lord!
Thank You God for pursuing us. As Susan shared her story last night, what kept running through my mind was, "What amazing love". Through the good times and bad, Your hand prints were all over her life, drawing her to You. The same can be said of each of us. Thank You Lord!
Thank You God for lifetime friend. Some are for a season. Some are for a reason. But some You give for a lifetime. Thank You Lord!

How about you? What are you thankful for?

For Such A Time As This

2009-11-01T10:28:00.005-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

An edict had gone out all across the land. In 11 months the Jews of the diaspora would be "destroyed, killed and annihilated" as ordered by King Xerxes right hand man - the evil Haman.

Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. Esther 3:13

Their hope, a orphan girl named Esther, now Queen of Persia, and their God from whom they had strayed.

As the Jews heard of the death sentence they would be living with for the next 11 months, they spilled out into the streets of every city and province bewildered, weeping and wailing.

Inside the palace, Queen Esther had no clue of the heartbreak that was taking place just outside the walls. She had no idea that she herself would be staring death in the face right along side them.

Her uncle Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther telling her all that had been done. Detail after gut wrenching detail was vivdly explained to her eunuch who in turn brought the message inside the gates to Esther.

She was the one who would have to go to the King and plead for her people. But what he was asking of her was too much. Going before the King without an invitation was prohibited. If he did not show her mercy and extend the gold scepter whe would be immediately killed.

Can you imagine being place in a situation where there was a 50/50 chance you would be immediately beheaded? The consequences were too much! This decision was too hard! The responsibility was too great! What would she do?

Mordecai's response to Esthers words brought clarity to her dire situation. They made her choice become very clear. "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther had a destiny to fulfill and the events of her past and present each played a role in bringing her to this critical crossroad.

The death of her parents.
Orphaned at a young age.
Her adoption by Mordecai.
Living among the diaspora Jews in Susa.
Mordecai's position as a Jew in the government.
The banishment of Queen Vashti
The search for a new Queen
Finding favor with the King's eunuch
Finding favor with the King.
He was captivated by her.
She was crowned Queen of Persia.

All of these things and more..., "For such a time as this".

So often we go through life thinking and believing that things "just happen". When in reality, God may be preparing you and I "for such a time as this".

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

If God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you, are you ready?

What will your answer be?

Thankful Thursday #31

2009-10-29T08:15:00.000-04:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2009-10-26T19:04:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-25T06:01:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

Thankful Thursday #30

2009-10-22T06:23:00.003-04:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2009-10-17T03:00:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-15T07:05:00.000-04:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2009-10-13T18:10:00.005-04:00

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

2009-10-11T05:00:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-10T02:00:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-08T07:29:00.003-04:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

2009-10-03T21:13:00.016-04:00

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

2009-10-03T00:26:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-01T06:35:00.003-04:00

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Saturday Steps of Faith # 27

2009-09-26T05:00:00.005-04:00

Thankful Thursday #26

2009-09-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

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.

Thank You God for the continued miracle in Randy's life. When God sets a man free, he is free indeed.
Thank You God for bringing my sister and brother-in-law here for a visit. It is so good to have family in my home again. It is so hard to live 2000 miles away from everyone - but oh how sweet it is to see each other face to face.
Thank You God for not leaving us where we are. I am so grateful that You spiritually mature us and grow us. Each day shaping us to be more like Jesus - when we yield our hearts and wills to You.
Thank You God for Your provision in our lives. Food, clothing, shelter and oh so much more. As a loving Father You provide and my heart is so grateful.
Thank You God for Your beautiful creation. The blue skies with fluffy clouds, the golden fields ready for harvest, the trees with their leaves of many colors. Your creation draws my heart right into worship of You - the creative Creator. Father, how I love You!

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Pursuing Peace - At What Cost?

2009-09-21T21:38:00.001-04:00

Image by Denis Collette...!!! via Flickr

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness - without it no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. Hebrews 12:14-15 (HCSB)

What are the words Peace, Holiness, Unity, Fellowship, Harmony worth to you?

What are you willing to say or do to obtain these?

Will you say, "I'm sorry" even if you did not strike the first blow? Can you lay down your pride, hurt, anger, frustration and say, "I forgive you" even if the offender never asks?"

Tonight I witnessed the airing of some dirtly laundry in a very public forum between two women of faith. I don't know the circumstances that stirred up the family turmoil. I only know that while checking my page, I became an unwilling participant in something that I shouldn't know anything about.

Please know my heart here. My heart is grieved for these women and their families My heart is grieved for the people who commented and were caught up in the tidal wave of emotions. My heart is grieved for the words spoken, that can never be taken back. My heart is grieved because the Holy Spirit of God has been grieved by the entire situation.

The writer of Hebrews describes Peace and Holiness as something to be pursued - something to seek after eagerly, earnestly. Will you join me in lifting up these dear ladies in prayer? Pray that their hearts will pursue peace and holiness? Please know that I make no judgements here on anyone involved. I truly live by the saying, "But for the grace of God, there go I."

My hearts desire is to see their hearts softened, their families reconciled, and that in the midst of all of this turmoil - somehow God would be glorified. Will you pursue peace with me on their behalf in prayer?

Saturday Steps of Faith #26

2009-09-19T07:36:00.002-04:00

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

My hearts desire is for my son Jonathan to be a Mighty Man of God. I want him to:

Love the Lord (his) God with all (his) heart and with all (his) soul and with all (his) mind and with all (his) strength. Mark 12:30

...say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2

...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I want these things and so much more. I want there to be a burning passion in his heart for the things of God, the people of God, the Word of God.

Father, before He was even born we gave Him back to you. As parents made a commitment to raise Him according to You Word and Your precepts. At the age of 7 he gave his heart to you. I've seen him grow and flourish into a fine young man. Lord, grow him to be a Mighty Man of God. Give us the wisdom as parents to guide him. Show Him the path You would have him to go. Guard his heart and protect him from the evil one. Do great things through Him that will bring you glory ~ Amen.

How about you? What are you believing God for?

•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 #25

2009-09-17T08:28:00.000-04:00

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.

Thank You God for breaking the chains of bondage. After a year of being virtually bed-ridden, God has done a miracle in the life of my husband. Although he still has pain, he is up and functioning and once again active. Thank You God for giving me back my husband.
Thank You God that you already answered last week, before I posted for Saturday Steps of Faith. Last Saturday I believed God to move a mountain. Saturday morning I found out He had moved it the night before. I love how God knows the desire of our heart and is moving and ordering it to be - even before we verbalize it. Amazing, truly amazing!
Thank You God that my family was able to worship together for the first time in a year. Something that I took for granted for 24 years was such a precious gift last Sunday. Worshipping you - it's what we were created for!
Thank You God for surrounding me with women who are passionate about their relationship with You. I know this was on my list last week, but words can't describe the joy I feel from being with women whose deepest desire is to know God and to honor Him with their lives.
Thank You God for everything that works in my household. The cars, the air conditioner, the plumbing, the refrigerator.... all running and fulfilling their purpose. You are my provider - the big things and small.

How about you? What are you Thankful for?

Saturday Steps of Faith #25

2009-09-12T02:00:00.001-04:00

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

How's your faith? Do you have any mountains that need moving? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of this verse? Is it a sick loved one who needs healing? How about a financial need you have no way to meet? Is your child wandering far from the Lord? What is your mountain?

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Lord, I praise your Holy Name! You Oh Lord, are in the mountain moving business. When we seek You, we find You. When we call to You, You answer. You are working and moving, even when we cannot yet see. Lord, I believe in You and I believe You! I am looking to the sky, waiting for the mountain to get out of the way. I love You and take great delight in You! You are my God!

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

Honoring the American Worker

2009-09-07T08:44:00.004-04:00

Happy Labor Day to the American worker! This is your day to be celebrated! American ingenuity, creativity, inventiveness, resourcefulness and sheer determination have helped to make this country great.

This has not been a great year for the American worker. So many men and women have lost their jobs and their security. Families are hurting in ways that they never anticipated. I'm reminded today of:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 27:4

Another verse I love is:

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

If you have a job today, stop and give thanks! If you are without a job, God has not forgotten you! If you have a need today, ask your Father in Heaven. He loves you! He's listening!

Let's say a prayer today for our country, it's leaders, the American worker and our Missionaries laboring around the world. If you would like prayer for someone who is out of work, please list their name in your comments. Together we'll carry them to the throne room of grace, asking the Father on their behalf.

Saturday Steps of Faith #24

2009-09-05T02:00:00.000-04:00

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.

Since last Saturday's Beth Moore Simulcast I have been just pleasantly stuck on Psalm 37. I guess maybe for the first time I realized that God truly does delight in me. Doesn't that sound crazy for someone who has been a believer for 36 years?

4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

This week there has been such joy in my heart as I truly took delight in my God. And at the same time I realized that while I was taking delight in God, He was taking delight in me. Before long my heart would find itself having a delight-fest going on. That reciprocal delight made my heart feel like it was overflowing. I can't hardly put it into words.

This week I am believing God for the desires of my heart. Those things in the past that I was too afraid to believe could actually be. I am no longer willing to hold back. I Believe God! I believe His Words are true.

Beth said, "If joy was a smile, delight would be a laugh!" Until my faith becomes sight, I choose to delight in my God - with a smile and a laugh that will make people wonder what I'm up to. It will give me a chance to tell them about my Lord.

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

Thankful Thursday #24

2009-09-03T08:36:00.000-04:00

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.

Thank You God for surrounding me with women who are passionate about their relationship with You. Debbie, Laura, my blogging friends - each of you challenge me to want to know Him more and love Him more deeply.
Thank You God for the Beth Moore Simulcast last weekend. The Words of life spoken over us have filled my life with "Reciprocal Delight". May I be forever changed.
Thank You God for continuing to bless me with a job. I continue to hear each day of those who have been unexpectedly unemployed. Thank You for your hand of protection and your provision in our lives today.
Thank You God for Hailey. Last night I watched this sweet little girl pull up to the table with her Bible as her mom and I were studying together. She grabbed her hi-lighter and post-its and began to mark verses she liked. 7 years old and in love with God's Word. Lord Bless her as she grows to be a warrior of the Word.
Thank You God for for a great start to the school year. A great morning routine. Straight A's after 3 weeks. I'm so proud of Jonathan for laying a good foundation for a great year.

How about you? What are you Thankful for?

Reciprocal Delight

2009-08-31T18:10:00.005-04:00

516 Churches
in 8 Countries
from 45 States
including Multiple Armed Service Locations
= more than 95,000 People with open hearts, listening for a word from God, directly to their hearts.

What a blessing to attend the Living Proof Simulcast, 2009 from one of the 516 locations around the world. Travis Cottrell and the worship team were incredible. Beth Moore was a vessel doing nothing more than speaking Jesus to us and over us. As she taught us from Psalm 37, these two verses truly stirred my heart:

4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

This just blows me away! I was created to delight in a God, who delights in me!
It's a reciprocal relationship. the more I delight in Him, the more He delights in me.

In the Christian life we often talk about joy. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that lives within the heart of a believer. But delight is like taking that joy to a whole another level. Beth said that man's delight is a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction coupled with a sense of wonder. "Delight is us laughing over the sheer wonder of Him". Does that describe your heart?

God's delight is what we were created for. We bring delight to God when we do some of the simplest of things like:

a little boy at the flag pole, praying for his school.
a mother singing Jesus loves me to her sweet little baby.
a woman who stops what she's doing to help a sweet saint put her groceries in the car.
a little girl telling her friend how much Jesus loves her.
a man who clears the snow from his neighbor's drive, expecting nothing in return.
any time we open up His Word, asking Him to speak to our hearts.

Can't you just see God inclining Himself, bending down and taking notice, and a sense of delight just filling the throne room of Heaven. Imagine Him saying, "That's my girl". "She's doing it!" "Look at the family resemblance!"

In a world so full of negativity, it's so much easier to think of maybe disappointing God or even frustrating God at times. I'm certain I have done both of those many times over.

But as God has changed my heart and my focus, my goal today is to bring Him delight. I want to bask in His delight like a puppy dog laying in the sun. I just want to just drink in His radiance.

How about you? Did you delight in Him today? Did you cause Him to delight in you?

Lord, Grant me a heart to delight in You! Be my greatest joy. Bring out the person in my who can't hold back any longer. I want to sense your delight in me every day. I LOVE You so much more today than even yesterday - and it was a record breaker in itself. Draw me into the deep places, far from shallow living. I want to be a true reflection of You.

You Are

2009-08-31T11:44:00.002-04:00

God Painted This Just For Me

2009-08-30T15:02:00.001-04:00

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

Driving home from church this afternoon, God was showing off BIG TIME! I just love when He takes the blank canvas of the sky and paints it just for me. What LOVE!

If you can seriously look at this sky and not see His Glory, I think you might want to check your pulse - because something is seriously wrong.

As I pulled over the car and whipped out my camera, Jonathan asked "What in the world are you doing? They're just clouds." And to him, that's all that they were. But to me, it was another marvelous way that God shows me how much that He loves me. He actually took the time to put something before my eyes that He knows I will enjoy. Something that will draw my heart and my eyes straight to Him, straight into the throne room of Heaven in worship!

This beautiful sky, the clouds, the green fields were all echoing today that He is GLORIOUS! I hope that didn't miss the opportunity to just take it all in - reflecting on the One who spoke it into being. He is GLORIOUS!

Saturday Steps of Faith #23

2009-08-29T07:36:00.004-04:00

Oh No! I got so excited about leaving for the Beth Moore Simulcast that I forgot to post SSOF. I`ll attempt to do so from my phone.

Last night she shared a prayer of commitment that resonated with my heart.

Lord. Grant me a heart to delight in you. Be my greatest joy. Bring out the person in me who can no longer hold back. I want to have that joy, that unbridled love.

I am believing God. How about you?

Please leave a comment and I will link everyone up when I get home.

Blessings ~ Lisa

Thankful Thursday #23

2009-08-27T08:47:00.000-04:00

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

Bubbling over would be the only way to describe what I am feeling today. Last night was the first time I was able to lead in Bible Study in a year. Oh how I have missed the opportunity to just open up the Word and share what God has laid upon my heart.

1. Thank You God for speaking clearly to my heart! May you be glorified by every word that was spoken.

2. Thank You God for giving each of us spiritual gifts that can be used to bring YOU glory!

3. Thank You God for your Word. It is alive and active and has such powerful truths. I love that is is meant for our life changing TRANSFORMATION and not just for our information.

4. Thank You God for the ladies of White Rock who encourage me and challenge me to want to be more like you every day.

5. Thank You God that nothing in our life is wasted. Everything that we experience, every trial that we encounter can be used to bring you glory.

I'm so deep in love with you right now God, I can't hardly stand it! Your love truly amazes me!

What are you thankful for?

Endurance and Encouragement

2009-08-24T20:26:00.003-04:00

I've been working really hard on a Bible Study for Wednesday night, so blogging has taken a back burner. Here is something quick for you to ponder.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Oh Lord, How I want all of those things. I want to press on to take hold of what you have in store for me. Give me endurance and encouragement as I run the race. Father, may our families, our homes, our churches seek unity as we follow Jesus. May we be as one voice praising and glorifying your name - until everyone has heard that Jesus is the answer. In His name I pray - Amen.

Saturday Steps of Faith #22

2009-08-22T07:06:00.001-04:00

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

I have found the Word of God to be all of these things - perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, sure, precious and sweet. I believe Gods Word! I believe God!

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

Saturday Steps of Faith #21

2009-08-15T07:29:00.004-04:00

At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then
immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. Acts 16:33-34

Just like the jailer, my heart is filled with joy knowing that I believe in God and that I believe God.

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

Loving My Husband Friday

2009-08-14T07:02:00.004-04:00

Loving My Husband Friday is for taking the time to focus on the positives of marriage. A time to build up your marriage and your spouse. A time to focus on something you love about your husband,something he did to encourage you this week, or just a tip on how to keep your marriage strong.

This past week God blessed us with the opportunity to get away for a few days. With Randy's back injury, this was a real sacrifice on his part. The 3 1/2 hour drive, sleeping in a different bed, all of the moving around racked his body with pain.

Knowing what it would cost him physically, he went without grumbling. He did it for me. He did it because he loves me! He did it so we could have some quality, family time together. What is taken for granted by many, was sacrificial love for us.

Thank You God for my husband and the way that he loves us!

Thankful Thursday #22

2009-08-13T06:30:00.001-04:00

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

My heart is so full of Thanksgiving this week, it is truly bubbling up to overflowing. Here we go:

My husband took it upon himself to call the bank to discuss our mortgage. After talking with the lady for a short time, by God's grace they agreed to drop our interest rate 2%. This is going to save us $200 per month! Thank You God for providing and doing it so quickly! You ARE a God of miracles!
Tonight at Bible Study the ladies one after another shared what God was showing them from their times of personal study. Thank You God for an amazing group of women who love you and hunger after you. You ARE a God who reveals Himself to those who are seeking!
Last week our family was able to get away for a couple of days. It was so nice to be out of the house and just enjoying the beauty of places we have never been. Thank You God for quality time with those I love. You ARE a God who refreshes and restores!
School has started! Woo-Hoooo! Thank You for the excitement Jonathan has shown so far. You are a God of new beginnings!
I am just so overwhelmed by You! You are my Lord, my Savior, Redeemer and Friend. You are my Comforter, Healer, Refuge and Strength; YOU ARE my Peace! Thank You God for WHO You Are! You are the one true God!

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Are You a Friend of God

2009-08-11T18:38:00.003-04:00

Sunday Morning Worship included a song that I have not heard in quite some time. It's entitled, "Friend of God". As Bro. Rusty and the Worship team began to sing the first few lines, he waved off the worship team and the music came to a grinding halt.

"Listen to those words!" he exclaimed as he drew us in. "I am a friend of God, He calls me friend."

Since Sunday those words have stuck with me. Am I a friend of God? What makes a person His friend? As I searched through the scripture I was able to find one person that God specifically called His friend.

O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 2 Chronicles 20:7

He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6

"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, Isaiah 41:8

Abraham believed God. Although he had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was his belief in the Lord, not his actions, that made Abram right with God.

Although Abram and Sarai were now in their nineties, far beyond the child bearing stage of life, God spoke to him a promise and Abram believed.

It was that belief that was credited to him as righteousness. He took God at His Word.

I just have one question for you. Are you a Friend of God? I know I am!

Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That you hear me, When I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me, It's amazing
(Repeat)

~Chorus~
I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God, He calls me friend
~ lyrics by Phillips, Craig & Dean ~

Soothing Waters

2009-08-08T22:39:00.005-04:00

I just love being around water. A river, lake, ocean or stream - it makes no difference to me. There's just something so calming about the sound of moving water.

Last week we spent a few days in Sandusky, Ohio. Jonathan and his friend Sean had a great time at the amusement park known as the roller coaster capital of the world.

But for me, the time we spent walking and talking along the shore of Lake Erie just soothed my weary soul. I thought of this passage from the gospel of Luke:

24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Luke 8:24-26

Have you ever felt that way? Like the winds and waves of life were about to do you in? I want to remind you today that Jesus is the Master of the wind and raging waters. At his word, peace can come in and calm the storm of your life, no matter how big.

Who is this who commands even the winds and water and the obey Him? It's Jesus! He's Creator, Sustainer, Healer, Peace-giver, Master, Messiah, Savior and Lord. Call to Him. He's willing. He's waiting. He's listening.

Saturday Steps of Faith #20

2009-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

As we read the headlines of the day or watch the evening news, it becomes abundantly clear that our world is stumbling, even tumbling out of control. Greed, anger, selfishness, immorality, corruption and pride are center stage every day.

Where are the Christians? Where is the church? Do we really believe God is who He says that He is? Do we believe He will do what He says He will do? Will there really be a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord?

I believe it is time for believers to be still. It is the time for us to really KNOW our God. Not based on what our Pastors, Teachers or Parents have told us..., but to know Him intimately, personally from His Word. We must stop talking "about God", be still and listen for the voice of God again.

Lord, give us ears to hear. Speak to our hearts. Stir our souls again. May your Spirit fall fresh upon your church. May we exalt your name among the nations. Let our generation impact the earth one more time with the fervent message that Jesus is the answer to all of life's questions. He is the way, the truth and the life. There is no other way to be saved.

I believe God!

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

Saturday Steps of Faith #19

2009-08-01T06:50:00.003-04:00

I believe that God is with us through the suffering.
I believe that suffering although it seems like it last for an eternity, is only for a little while.
I believe that God will restore what Satan has stolen.
I believe that when I look back, I will see how God has restored and strengthened me.
I believe that through my trials, my faith has become strong, firm and steadfast.
I believe God!

How about you? Will you please 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.

What are you believing God for?

How can you not?

2009-07-27T18:29:00.005-04:00

I was reading Ephesians chapter 1 today and was immediately drawn into the passage.

I love how the apostle Paul went straight from his greeting the believers at Ephesus - right into praise. Look at verse 3.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in
the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

How do you chose to give God praise? Do you do it with singing? Through prayer? Do you write your heartfelt thoughts in poetic form or as random thoughts in your personal journal?

Why do we praise Him? Because He alone is worthy of our Worship. He alone is Holy. He alone is to be exalted above all others, above all things.

Why do we bless Him? We bless Him because He has so richly blessed us. When we bless Him we praise Him for who He is and for what He has done.

How has He blessed us? He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Notice the completeness of that blessing. Every blessing - nothing is lacking.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless
in his sight. Ephesians 1:4

We have been given the benefit of knowing God.

We were chosen by Him for salvation.

We were adopted as His children. He has forgiven our past. He has secured our future. He has fulfilled our present.

We have been given the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide. The Holy Spirit bears fruit in our lives with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We have truly been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

And it's all because of Jesus. Because of what He did on the cross. He took upon Himself our guilt, our shame, our punishment so that we could have forgiveness, eternal life and hope.

I don't know about you..., but like Paul I just have to praise Him!

Saturday Steps of Faith #18

2009-07-25T02:00:00.000-04:00

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice. Psalm 112:5

In a world where integrity, honesty, generosity and kindness are no longer considered values to be treasured, I believe what God says in His Word.

I believe God brings good to those who give a drink of water in Jesus name.
I believe God brings good to those who give a financial gift to those in need.
I believe God brings good to those who give of their time to help a friend or stranger.
I believe God brings good to those who do business with integrity.
I believe God brings good to those who reflect Jesus to a world that so desperately needs to know that Jesus saves.
I believe God!

How about you? Will you please 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 #21

2009-07-23T06:55:00.002-04:00

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

Thank You God for time off of work. It was good to slow down and just rest.
Thank You God for spiritual friends. Once you have had godly girlfriends, you never want any other kind.
Thank You God for being my provision in every way - spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially. Out of Your heart abundance flows.
Thank You God for being my hope. My hope comes from You alone.
Thank You God for teachable moment in my life and in the lives of my family.

Hidden Treasure

2009-07-20T17:35:00.006-04:00

Growing up I always looked forward to finding my new copy of the Highlights Magazine in our family mailbox.

The first thing I would do upon flying into the house after school was open it up and find the page with the hidden pictures. Like Sherlock Holmes looking for the smallest of clues, I would peruse the page over and over again until every hidden item was found.

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6

As I did my Bible study today, God reminded me that I need to dig into His Word just as diligently; scouring the pages not wanting to miss anything. Searching the Word as if looking for a hidden treasure. Does that describe your approach to the Word of God?

Wisdom starts with opening up your Bible, reading it, listening to the voice of God. If you come across something you don't understand, cry out to God. Ask Him for understanding.

He wants you to know His Word, to know His heart. For to know Him is truly find that hidden treasure.

Father, may I never lose the wonder of your Word. May I never tire of digging in until I hear a specific word from you. Grant me wisdom and knowledge and understanding as your love jumps off of the page, a hidden treasure definitely worth looking for. In the name of my Savior Jesus I pray ~ Amen

Saturday Steps of Faith #17

2009-07-18T07:10:00.006-04:00

Father, I thank you for peace that only you can give. Peace that truly passes all understanding. Our lives, our hope is in you and you alone. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your will. I love you from the depths of my heart ~ Amen.

How about you? Will you please 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 #20

2009-07-16T07:36:00.002-04:00

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

Thank You God for Jonathan's connection with the Youth at our church. From a kid who didn't want to go to camp to a kid threatening to walk 40 miles to church if I didn't take him last night. He stayed 45 minutes after youth group talking and the first words out of his mouth in the car were, "I love my church". Only God can be given the glory!
Thank You God that my hope is in you. The spinal cord stimulator Randy had implanted on Monday has not been what we hoped for. They will be removing it on Friday. I thank God that He has a plan and that He will never leave us without hope. He is our hope!
Thank You God for leading me to a peaceful place on the Morse Reservoir last night for my quiet time. It was such a beautiful night to spend alone in your Word.
Thank You God for hearing my prayers and answering. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. But always hearing and answering with what is best.
Thank You God for for the truth that you speak over me and to me.

A Simpler Way of Life

2009-07-14T19:46:00.004-04:00

Today I took a road trip with a friend of mine to Shipshewana Indiana. This is the heart of Northern Indiana's Amish country.

As we drove through the countryside we would quickly come upon horse drawn buggies making their way into town. I have to admit that the Amish people have always fascinated me. Their determination to live a plain and separate life built upon the bedrock foundation of their faith and family.

I've often thought of the Amish people as living a "simpler life". But honestly - no electricity, telephones, indoor plumbing, microwaves, air conditioning, cars, tractors - not exactly simple. Maybe we could call their lifestyle simplified..., but definitely not simple.

One thing is for certain, the Amish have a sense of community that often puts the modern church to shame. My thoughts today went back to the early church found in Acts chapter2

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Maybe it's time for the church of America to turn our hearts to the simpler things:

Teaching of the Word
Fellowshiping together
Sharing a meal together
Praying together
Sharing with those who are in need.
Praising God together with glad and sincere hearts.

Maybe if we focused on these simpler things, we would once again see God adding to our numbers daily those who are being saved.

It's something to definitely think about.

Thanking & Praising

2009-07-13T17:27:00.003-04:00

As I was thinking about what to write today, the words of the Apostle Paul came to mind.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

This weekend was such a good weekend. Jonathan returned from camp exhausted and thrilled. I see a joy in him that I haven't seen in quite some time. I thank each and every one of you for praying for him. I know that God rekindled a flame in his heart this weekend and my heart is just overjoyed. I just can't help but praise the wonderful name of Jesus!

When we seek Him, we definitely find Him.
When we call upon His name, He hears us and always answers.
When we give our children into His hands, He loves on them and returns them changed.

This afternoon, Randy had his trial spinal cord stimulator implanted. We have been waiting for this day for such a long time. The procedure went well and the stimulator is doing its thing. Now we just have to wait and see if he can tolerate the stimulation, if his pain is reduced by at least 50%, and if he is able to increase his mobility. Once again, it is in God's hands.

Once again I would like to ask that you join me in praying for him. As we seek God, call upon His name, I am trusting Him into God's hands. There is definitely no better place for any of us to be.

I have come to love each of you and thank God for your friendship and support. May He bless each of your homes and families! We serve an amazing, loving, kind, compassionate, joy-giving God!

Saturday Steps of Faith #16

2009-07-11T06:38:00.004-04:00

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.

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

I wonder how often I tie the hands of the Lord with my unbelief? Unbelief that leaves me stagnant and still instead of moving forward. Though I consider myself to be a woman of deep faith, someone who takes God at His Word; I still have many more miles of steps of faith to take.

I have to wonder if sometimes I am like the father of the boy whose son was possessed by an evil spirit who was desperate for an answer to his greatest need. He boldly brought his son to Jesus only to say, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus responded,

" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24

Father, I know that EVERYTHING is possible in You! I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. I want my walk to match my talk; knowing, believing, trusting, confessing, walking by faith. In the name of my Savior, Jesus I ask believing ~ Amen

How about you? Will you please join me?

Leave a comment or write a post.All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr.Linky. It's that easy.

Work-athon

2009-07-07T19:29:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I'm working in Indy all week and will not be able to post or visit your blogs. I hope to get all caught up over the weekend.

If you get just a moment, please remember my son in prayer this week. He left for youth camp this morning and I am so looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in his life.

Love to you all!

Mountain Mover

2009-07-05T15:25:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

This morning as I was worshipping we were led in a chorus that I love to sing. The title of the song is "Mighty to Save".

As we sang, God really moved on my heart. The words of the chorus are,

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Something that has been on my mind and on my heart, God showed me has become a mountain in my life. It's something that is standing in the way of our family moving forward.

As I lifted my heart to the Father, He reminded me that He is the mountain mover! He is the calmer of the storms. He is the the I AM!

He is not only mighty to save, He is faithful to redeem.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.
Psalm 71:23

Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name.
He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land,
but unrest to those who live in Babylon. Jeremiah 50:34

If my Jesus, my Savior can conquer the grave, there is absolutely nothing in my life that He cannot accomplish, move or make right.

I am taking God at His word! I am believing God for my family!

How about you? Do you have any mountains that need moving? Let me introduce you to someone who is in the mountain moving business. his name is Jesus!

Saturday Steps of Faith #15

2009-07-03T22:24:00.001-04:00

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.

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. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I love this wonderful promise from God. I especially love verses in the Bible that give us an "if", "then" scenario.

God has told us if we will:

Humble ourselves
Pray
Seek the face of God
Turn from our wicked ways.

Then God will:

Hear our prayers from heaven
Forgive our sin
Heal our lands.

I am believing God for the healing of our nation.

How about you? Will you please join me?

Leave a comment or write a post.All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr.Linky. It's that easy.

Thankful Thursday #19

2009-07-02T06:33:00.003-04:00

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

1. Thank You God for finally receiving insurance approval for Randy's spinal cord stimulator. We know the timing and outcome are in your hands.

2. Thank You God that Jonathan is making connections in the Youth group. He was rattling off the names of people and conversations he had last night. I know you have heard my prayers and the glory belongs to You.

3. Thank You God for being with Connie today as she buries her mother. I know how much you love her and I thank that you will be walking with or carrying her in the coming days.

4. Thank You God for speaking to my heart. When I seek You, I find You - every time.

5. Thank You God for the Me, Myself & Lies study. Thank You for teaching me that my thought closet needed some cleaning out. Thank You for reminding me daily to meditate on things above, not on earthly things.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

My Foot is Slipping

2009-06-30T16:40:00.010-04:00

I love these words from The Message translation of the Bible:

If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it.
The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling,"
your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up.
Psalm 94:17-19

Have you ever felt that way? Maybe during a time of loss, a sudden illness or a catastrophic event. It's as if life just sweeps in and knocks you off of your feet. I have certainly had those times.

During the last 9 months our family has been walking that road. We have suffered the loss of a job, a ministry and income, a debilitating illness, struggles in identity, the loss of a church family, and a time of really not knowing what the future would bring.

And yet God! Those three, three-lettered words may form a very small sentence; but they speak volumes about who holds my future.

I can honestly say with the Psalmist, "If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it." I love how he goes on to say, "The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. " God hasn't waited a week, or a month or a year. The very minute I cry out to Him He responds with his love. For the last nine months He has held us fast. He has never let go.

As a loving Father, He consoles me, comforts me, and when necessary calms me down. He takes my eyes off of my situation and refocuses them solely on Him. Without fail, as my focus shifts - He brings joy to my soul once again.

Though the road has been long, the journey has brought me to a place of surrender that I have never been before. I have seen God provide security in insecure times. I have seen God provide peace in turbulent days. I have seen God bring hope into situations that seemed hopeless. And yet God!

Today I just wanted to Praise God and thank Him for this journey! If I had to choose only one word to describe Him, it would be Faithful!

Father, I'm deep in love with you and I'll follow you where ever you lead. Even the hard roads can be sweet when my gaze is upon you.

** Praise alert **

The insurance company approved Randy's Spinal Chord Stimulator today! In a matter of days, his suffering may be over. I praise God that He has answered in His time and that the results of this procedure are in His hands.

My sincerest thanks to all of you for your prayers over the last several months.

Run The Race

2009-06-24T19:25:00.007-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

I am definitely not a runner. I never have been. I guess I'm just not built for it. Yet I have spent many hours watching elite athletes run races of varying distances.

Some runners choose to run very short distances. They are out of the running blocks like a shot and they never slow down until after they have crossed the finish line.

Other racers choose to run long distances such as marathons. These runners take off at a moderate pace and continually monitor their watches and each checkpoints to determine if they are on pace or off to finish well.

Whether short distances or long, there is one thing that each race has in common. They strain to cross the finish line in victory.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

As believers, God has laid out a course for each of us to pursue. This course includes many checkpoints along the way. When is the last time that you stopped and checked your spiritual progress?

Where are you spiritually - right now?

Have you even left the starting blocks? Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If so, you are on your way.

Are you studying God's Word? Do you know more about His Word today than you did last week, last month, last year?

Do you spend time each day in prayer, just talking with the Lord? Have you gone beyond treating Him like a genie in a bottle to really seeking His face?

Have you learned to Worship and Praise Him? I'm not talking about just for what He has done for you, but for who you know Him to be?

Are you striving to look more like Jesus every day? When others look at you who do they see? Do they see you or do they see Jesus living in you?

How about in the areas of holiness, righteousness & selflessness? Are you pressing toward the goal?

Let me encourage you today to leave yesterday in the past. Take steps today that will move you one step closer to the goal. One step closer to the prize. One step closer to the believer that God has called you to be.

There's no time for us to be spectators. God has called us to make a difference for His Kingdom in our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities and even our world.

One day we will cross that finish line and find ourselves in His very presence. Keep on striving, keep on straining to cross that finish line in victory.

10 Ways my Dad Reminds Me of Jesus

2009-06-22T18:51:00.004-04:00

Ten ways my Dad reminds me of Jesus:

He has shown me a lifetime of unconditional love - just like Jesus.
I have seen him give when he didn't have it to give - just like Jesus.
He worked long hours every day during the week driving a truck for Nabisco. Every Saturday he was at the church fulfilling the role of janitor and took care of the yards. He provided for all of our needs - just like Jesus.
He is the full time care taker of my 94 year old Grandmother. He makes her meals, cleans her house, does her laundry. He makes untold sacrifices - just like Jesus.
He would drive miles in a car, van or bus to bring boys and girls to church so they could hear about a God who loves them - just like Jesus.
He coached every little league, softball, basketball team his kids ever played on. He taught us to work together as a team - just like Jesus.
He has never been one to put himself out there for everyone to see. He is more content to be a servant - just like Jesus.
Life the last several years have been hard, but he hardly ever complain. He gets up every day and go about his business, whether anyone ever says thank you are not - just like Jesus.
He has taught me as much by example as he has by his words. He have poured out his life for others - just like Jesus.
He made sure that Melani, Jeff and I learned that putting God first was the most important thing that we could ever do - just like Jesus.

Thank You Dad for not just telling me about Jesus, but for living him out before my eyes in everything you do. Happy Fathers Day! I love you!

Saturday Steps of Faith #14

2009-06-20T01:00:00.007-04:00

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.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
No matter what life has thrown at me this week, God's Word has promised that victory is mine through Christ Jesus. What a promise! There is no room for fear when you're walking by faith in Him.

You see the God who is mighty enough to save me from a life of sin and destruction, is strong enough to keep me in the palm of His hand. Nothing, no nothing can separate me from His love.

Thank you God for your amazing grace and undying love. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, victory is now mine. You gave your one and only Son on the cross to pay my ransom from the grip of sin and death. Teach me to live a life of holiness, righteousness and sacrificial love. Make me like you! In the name of Jesus I pray ~ Amen

How about you? Will you please join me?
Leave a comment or write a post.

All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy.

What are you believing God for?
*** Mr Linky is being very tempermental today. If you cannot get it to work, please put a link in the comments. I've reported the issue. ***

Thankful Thursday #18

2009-06-18T06:56:00.000-04:00

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

Thank You God for the new Travis Cottrell CD. My friend Debbie calls him a modern day David. When I listen to this CS my heart is drawn right into worship and praise. There's no better place to be.
Thank You God for forgiveness of sin. I hate when I blow it and lose my temper. But by your grace I am forgiven. Father continue to chip away at me to make me look like you.
Thank You God for old friends that have popped back into my life and brought a smile to my face.
Thank You God for everything that is working according to design: my cars, the washer, the dryer, the refrigerator, the air conditioner, the computer, and the list goes on. Thank You for keeping everything running smoothly. These are blessings that are easily overlooked.
Thank You God for preparing a banquet table before for me and inviting me to come dine with you. Feasting on your Word, filled by your Spirit, there is no better place to be.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

The Banquet Table

2009-06-17T15:36:00.005-04:00

Image by betsythedevine via Flickr

Can you imagine being invited to attend the finest banquet ever to be held? Your neatly engraved invitation has been hand delivered, definitely not mailed. Your transportation and clothing have already been provided by the Master of the home. You have formally accepted the invitation and are so excited to be attending this grand event.

Your mind begins to wander as your imagination takes over and your daydreams being to paint a vivid picture. You wonder what your host will look like; what type of food will be served; who else will be in attendance.

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." Luke 14:14

Your tummy is grumbling as your eyes survey the great banquet table that stretches as far as the eye can see. The first thing you notices is a bowl filled with the most luscious of fruit. These fruit are like nothing you have ever seen before. The steward notices the inquisitive look on your face and offers the names of each fruit.

The red ones are love which overflows the bowl itself and pours out onto the table and the fine white linens. There is no way it can be contained. The purple fruit are called joy and cause you to feel like shouting and singing with every single bite. The placid blue fruit brings such peace to your soul as you juice rolls down your chin. The rest of the fruit include patience and kindness; goodness, faithfulness and self control. Each one was beckoning me to taste for myself and see how good they truly were.

Beyond the fruit was a platter of meat. This meat was tender and juicy. I took a knife and fork and cut a small bite just to take a quick sample. I placed it in my mouth and began to chew. The more that I chewed it, it's as if the flavor became more and more intense. This meat was called "the Word of God". Somehow I sensed that no matter how much I chewed this delicate meat, I would never lose my desire to savor just one more bite.

In the center of the table was a basket of bread. Oh how I love bread. It was labeled, "the Bread of Life". All those who eat of this bread shall never die, but have eternal life. Just one bite of this bread is all that you will ever need.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Jesus has prepared a banquet table and has invited each of us to come and dine with Him. You see, He has already extended an invitation. Look at the palm of His hands. They were engraved at the cross of Calvary where Jesus died, just for you. He is waiting for your response. Will you:

Admit - Admit to God that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Believe - Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Confess - Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9-10,13 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved...for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Is it time for you to become a Christian? The banquet table is ready.

Dear God,
I know I have sinned and that my sin separated me from you. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God, please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name ~ Amen

Have you accepted your invitation? I'd love to hear all about it.

Truth is NOT Trivial

2009-06-15T17:41:00.002-04:00

We live in a world where everything is relative, everything is up for debate. There seems to be no absolutes.

And yet Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Jesus is either the way or just one of the many ways to get to Heaven. He is either the truth and the reality of all of God's promises or He's a bold faced liar. He is either the life that transforms all those who believe or he is just another man. He is either Lord of my life or just another lunatic.

We all have a choice to make. I have made my choice. I believe that Jesus is who He says that He is! I am placing my full faith and trust in Him. I believe He is the way, the truth and the life. There is no other way to heaven except through Jesus.

Truth is true whether we believe it or not.

Truth doesn't change with the tides of our culture or passing the time.

I hope this video by One Time Blind makes you stop for a moment and think.

A Roaring Lion

2009-06-14T02:00:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Are you on your guard?

Are you prepared for battle?

If the enemy attacks you today (maybe when is a better way to say it) are you ready to defeat him?

What is your weapon of choice? When God equipped you for battle he gave you the sword of the Spirit - The Word of God. Are you ready to wield your sword?

What verses do you have in your arsenal?

Saturday Steps of Faith #13

2009-06-13T02:00:00.001-04:00

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.

This week has been a good week. God's Word has been so alive to me. The more I study, the more I commit to memory, the more I am inclined to use it as the sword that God intends for it to be.

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

Two specific times this week someone has spoken words to me that were a direct attack from the enemy. But by God's grace and at the urging of the Holy Spirit I was able to quickly identity who the attack was really from. God reminded me,

My salvation and my honor depend on God he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

Upon claiming His promises and choosing to re-focus my mind on God's Word instead of lies of the enemy, Satan had no choice but to flee.

I am so grateful to God for His written Word and for the victory that is ours when we believe!

How about you? Will you please join me? Leave a comment or write a post.

All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy.

What are you believing God for?

Thankful Thursday #17

2009-06-11T07:20:00.002-04:00

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey.

Thank You God for leading me to a Church where I feel like I belong. Thank You for the women who have made me feel welcome and truly part of the body.
Thank You God for the ladies Bible Study last night. It was a no frills Bible study where we dug deep into the Word, scripture after scripture, line after line, verse after verse. It's amazing how God can lead others to speak truth that ring true with what you are reading and learning in your own personal study - bearing witness.
Thank You God for Your Word. I can't over the Proverbs 30:5 which says, "Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." The more I meditate and study Your Word, the more this verse expresses my heart.
Thank You God for saving me at a young age. Thank You for walking with me all of these years and maturing me day by day. Thank you for the things you have protected me from that I don't even recognize.
Thank You for being the center of my family. In difficult days when many families are falling apart, because of You we remain strong. Thank You for being our "center", our "true North".

How about you? What are you thankful for?

In Any Church

2009-06-10T14:29:00.004-04:00

I was in the local Lifeway bookstore a few days ago trying to find my workbook for the LPM Summer Study. As I was scanning the shelves looking for the red-covered book a gentleman came up and stood beside me. I smiled at him and we exchanged cordial greetings.

As he scanned the workbook filled shelves his eyes caught the title of a Beth Moore book that made him laugh out loud. He said, "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things - now that will preach!". Before I could stop myself I replied, "In any church!". His response was, "You got that right!".

We looked at each other and both kind of chuckled and smiled. He began to tell me about his rough day. One of his church members was cross with him over an email he sent out to his regular church mailing list. In it he was challenging each person to examine their lives and to surrender to a life of holy living. But somehow she took offense.

It wasn't long before she picked up the phone and began burning up the lines making calls. Later that day, the Pastor heard through the grapevine how she had been offended. He called her and tried to explain it wasn't directed to her individually. But no matter how hard he tried, his words seemed to be landing with a thud.

Now he was dealing with a family upset and threatening to leave the church as well as half-truths and un-truths that were spread among the fellowship. What was meant to build up encourage the body was instead being used to tear it apart.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

Several years ago when teaching this passage God gave me this phrase, "We need to take it to the throne, before we ever take it to the phone". As I began to put this into practice, I found myself talking less and less on the phone. I no longer needed to run it by someone to ask if I was reading the situation right, if I heard them right, if I was doing the right thing.

for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. Luke 12:12

Father, may I continue to learn from You. Teach me to be quick to listen and to let my words be few. Open my mouth when it is appropriate for me to speak and silence my tongue when it is not. Keep my anger in check at the urging of your sweet Spirit. Lord, continue to chisel away at my flesh as I desire to live a life of righteousness. For I know that a life of holiness is what you require of me and is your desire for me. In the name of Jesus my Savior I pray ~ Amen.

Complete, Fulfilled, Done, Finished

2009-06-08T19:29:00.006-04:00

What is your mission in life? Is it to be a good wife, a good mother, a good friend, a good employee? What is it?

When Jesus came to this earth He had one mission and one mission only; to do the will of His Father. He left the glory and majesty of Heaven to be born of a virgin, despised and rejected by the religious crown, battered and beaten by cruel men and hung on a Roman cross to die.

Why? Because He had a mission to complete. You see, since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, sin has separated man from God. Only through the the sacrifice of an animal, a substitute, could the sins of the people be forgiven. But the people didn't stop sinning so they had to continue sacrificing - over and over again.

But when Jesus gave His life on the cross of Calvary, He became the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. What were his last words from the cross?

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

What was finished? The Greek word is "τελέω" which means to pay, to complete, to fulfil. What was finished? The full penalty for my sin and yours was paid. With His death, the complex sacrificial system was ended because the perfect, sinless Son of God took all sin - yours and mine - upon Himself so that we may go free.

You know what else? Satan was defeated at Calvary. FINISHED! Why do we so often live our lives like he has power over us? Why do we say things like, "the devil made me do it".

DEFEATED! That's what satan is! Defeated he will always be. It was FINISHED that day at Calvary when the Son of God laid down His life for fallen man!

I do not trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.
Selah Psalm 44:6-8

What is your mission?

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus fulfilled His. How about you and me? We have the authority. Whatever whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. We have His complete Word - the Bible and are fully equipped for everything He asks us to do. What is stopping us?

If Jesus came back today, would we be able to say, "Mission Accomplished"?

Saturday Steps of Faith #12

2009-06-06T01:00:00.001-04:00

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

When I think of the word flawless, what comes to mind is a beautiful, sparkling, clear, diamond. A flawless diamond when sold at auction can be worth millions of dollars. And yet when compared to the value of the Word of God..., in my life - priceless.

Every word of God - flawless. There is no cloudiness, only clarity. There are no flaws, only perfection. It stands on its own merits. Nothing needs to be added or taken away. Flawless!

When I take the word of God and hide it deep within my heart, it becomes a shield of faith. I can believe it. I can stand upon it. It becomes my refuge from the fiery darts of the evil one. When Satan whispers in my ear that I am all alone, I respond with the Word of God,

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the
LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6

I praise you God for your flawless Word. I thank you that it has become my shield and refuge. It is sharper than a double edged sword and far more precious than diamonds or gold. You are my God in whom I trust. I choose to believe your Word, no matter what the circumstance, no matter what I may see with my eyes. I believe You God!

How about you? Will you please join me? Leave a comment or write a post.

All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy.

What are you believing God for?

Thankful Thursday #16

2009-06-04T06:58:00.004-04:00

It's Thankful Thursday and I am again joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey.

Thank you God that when the storms of life come that You bring to my mind Your Word that has been sown deep into my soul and it bears fruit.
Thank You God for difficult conversations. Thank You for filling my mouth with words of grace and love that bring forth restoration, not separation.
Thank You God that the shouts of your love and compassion are greater than the whispers of the enemy in our ears.
Thank You God for friends who love as you love, not as the world loves; those who stick closer than a brother.
Thank You God for my husband and son. Thank you for a wake up call that has drawn us closer to You and closer to each other. You are our God and we love you.
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:27-28.

How about you? Going through a storm? Can you thank Him? Are things going well? Have you thanked Him? Thank You God!

Be Still and Sleep

2009-06-01T16:14:00.007-04:00

Today I picked up my copy of a devotional book titled, "Streams in the Desert" by L.B. Cowman which was first published in 1925. As I read over the entry for June 1st, I thought it was so relevant for the times in which we live.

He said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place
of repose" - but they would not listen. (Isaiah 28:12)

How about you? Are you resting or are you weary from struggling, worrying or fretting? We call it by many different names.

Mrs. Cowman was a missionary aboard a great ship, in poor health, forced to return to the United States with her ailing husband. She wrote, "Why do you worry? What possible use does your worrying serve? You are aboard such a large ship that you would be unable to steer even if your Captain placed you at the helm. You would not even be able to adjust the sails, yet you worry as if you were the captain or the helmsman of the vessel. Be quiet, dear soul - God is the Master!"

Stop and think about that for just a second. Why do we spend so much time trying to control something that is so much bigger that we are equipped to handle? Why do we spend so much time trying to do in our own lives what only God can do? Is it any wonder that we worry? Isn't that exactly where the enemy wants us to be - overwhelmed, stressed out, discouraged, hopeless and in utter despair?

Listen to this poem (I guess you'll have to read it since I'm not there to read it for you).

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
The storms are raging on God's deep -
God's deep, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's hands will still the Tempter's sweep -
God's hands, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's love is strong while night hours creep -
God's love, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God's heaven will comfort those who weep -
God's heaven, not yours; be still and sleep.
- Charles H Spurgeon

God in all of His infinite wisdom, lovingly holds you in the palm of His hands. He is waiting to take all of your cares, all of your concerns from you. He is the Master of your ship, the Master of your life and He will guide you safely home. Will you give up the helm to Him? Or will you continue to aimless steer?

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the
righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

He is trustworthy. He is faithful. He is true to His Word. What are you waiting for?

Compulsary Praise - I just have to

2009-05-31T06:30:00.007-04:00

Sometimes we praise because we choose to;
other times we praise because we want to.
Occasionally we praise because we have to -
because, if we don't, the rocks will cry out!
That's compulsory praise!

~ Beth Moore

Jesus the One and Only

When I think about the journey that I am on,

the places you are leading me,

the tenderness with which you guide me,

I just have to praise you!

When the waves are crashing down,
and the clouds are trying to hide your glory,
I just have to praise you!

When I'm surrounded by darkness,
in the quiet of the night,
I see your bright, shining light and
I just have to praise you!

When the silence ends,
the dawn breaks on a new day,
and the whole world is filled with wonder a new
I just have to praise you!

When peace is like a river gently flowing,
and the earth bursts forth with the fragrance of You,
I just have to praise you!

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
I praise You for your pardon-filled grace,
I praise You for your over-flowing joy,
I praise You for your heartfelt compassion,
I praise You for your priceless forgiveness,
I praise You for your quiet peace,
I praise You for your powerful strength,
I praise You for your long-suffering patience,
I praise You for your affectionate love,
I praise You for Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my God.

How about you?

Don't let the rocks steal your thunderous praise!

Saturday Steps of Faith #11

2009-05-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

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.

The promise I am believing this week is found in Psalm 48:14.

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.

For the friend facing cancer, He will be her guide.
For the parent struggling with a rebellious child, He will be her guide.
For the man struggling in pain, He will be your guide.
For the family struggling with financial issues, He will be your guide.
For the one who is overwhelmed and doesn't know which way to turn, He will be your guide.

Others may leave you. They may turn their back on you. But Jehovah GOD will be our GOD for ever and ever. He will be our guide until the very end. He will never leave us. He will never forsake us. He will always direct our path. Because with Him, even the end of this life is just the beginning of eternity for those who know Him.

Father for each of the situations mentioned above, I have the face of someone I love to go with it. People who are looking for answers to difficult circumstances. Lord, be their guide. Draw them close to you. Show them your way. Guide them along the path that leads them straight home to You. May you be glorified in each and every one. Oh how I love You Jesus. It's in your matchless name that I pray ~ Amen

How about you? Will you please join me? Leave a comment or write a post.

All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the Promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy.

What are you believing God for?

Thankful Thursday #15

2009-05-28T06:48:00.002-04:00

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30:11-12

I love Thankful Thursdays! Although I have not been wailing or wearing itchy sackcloth, my heart is singing and cannot be silent.

Thank You God for unexpected blessings. God blessed us with a new TV that cost us nothing. After years of holding an American Express card I decided to see how many points I had and what I could get (just for fun). A new 26" HD TV was delivered yesterday. Thank You God!

Thank You God for adding to that blessing. The picture was not as clear as I hoped. So I called about upgrading our satellite receiver. It was going to cost me. So I called a competitor and I upgraded, added another room and for the first 6 months my bill is cut in half from what I'm paying now and after that I will still save $17 a month. Thank You God!

Thank You God for giving me a great 3 day weekend. I stayed close to home but I just really enjoyed myself. We cooked out. We spent time together. We had a good day at church and visiting with friends. Thank You God!

Thank You God for Christian Authors who teach truth. God has used great teachers like Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Jill Briscoe to fill my heart and my mind with the Word of God. They teach and write with integrity and honor. Bless them today Lord!

Thank You God for meeting my every need. I just can't praise Him enough for all that He has done, all that He is doing today, and all that He will do in my future. My life is in the palm of His hand and I trust Him to fulfill His purpose. Thank You God!

How about you? What are you thankful for?

Coincidence.., I think NOT!

2009-05-27T18:26:00.007-04:00

I was reading today in Luke Chapter 1 where Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to a son. Now this was not going to be just any baby. This baby would be the Son of the Most High. Mary received this news by saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

Let's think about this. She was an unmarried girl, probably around 13-14 years of age and the daughter of a Jewish father. She was betrothed to a honorable man by the name of Joseph. To be betrothed would be more likely compared to being married today, but without the physical intimacy.

Can you imagine what went through her mind the minute the angel left? Shocked and yet thrilled by the news. Excited to know that the Messiah was finally on His way. Scared to death about what might come next. Mortified to have to tell her father and mother; and then there was the small detail about telling her fiance Joseph.

And yet God had already provided for Mary. If you look back just a few verses to verse 36 you will see that right in the middle of the angel telling Mary the good new about the coming Savior, he mentioned her relative Elizabeth.

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.

There are no coincidences in this life. God is always working and moving according to His purpose and in His time in each of our lives.

God knew that Mary would need a friend, a confidant, a righteous woman who would love on her and share her joy. Amazingly at the same time God was fulfilling the desperate longings of an old, barren, woman who was 3 months from seeing her faith become site. Elizabeth's child would be "like a voice crying out in the wilderness". He would be the one who the Prophets foretold would prepare the way for the Messiah to begin His earthly ministry. How cool is that!

I love what comes next. Verse 39 says,

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.

Don't you love that! The angel told Mary (no coincidence) and she immediately got ready and hurried to Elizabeth's home which was 50 to 70 miles away in the hill country of Judea. When she entered the house she greeted her relative and look what happened next.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Mary didn't even have to tell Elizabeth. The Holy Spirit revealed to this dear, righteous woman everything that she needed to know. Elizabeth knew that Mary was with child and not just any child. Mary would be the mother of our Lord.

Just like God was working in the lives of both Elizabeth and Mary, He is working in your life and mine. Do you realize the word "coincidence" is not found in the Bible? There's a reason for that (duh, I guess it's no coincidence that the word coincidence is not in the Bible).

My God is a God of purpose. My God is a God of order. My God is a God of perfect timing. I believe what He says, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

How about you? How is God working in your life?

Now is The Time

2009-05-26T07:32:00.000-04:00

What if today was the day?

The day you had been waiting for all of your life?

Zechariah was a Jewish priest and it was his divisions time to be on duty in the temple. This was a responsibility that was theirs twice a year as well as during major festivals. Zechariah was a righteous man who took this tremendous responsibility to heart. You see, he was a righteous man.

During this time of service, one priest would be chosen by lot to go into the temple and would enter the Holy Place of the Lord and burn incense. This was a once in a lifetime experience - literally. Only once in his lifetime could a priest offer the incense at the daily sacrifice. Now was his time.

As Zechariah was praying, the incense was burning, the smoke was wafting heavenward, the people were outside praying and an angel of the Lord appeared and said to him

"...Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard." Luke 1:13

Doesn't your soul just revel in those words?

What was this righteous man praying? As the priest burning the incense he had a responsibility to pray for the nation of Israel - God's chosen people. Inherent to that plea was their desire for the Messiah to come - come Lord Jesus come.

Now was the time! After hundreds of years of the priests and the people praying, the God of the universe, the Creator and Sustainer of all living things was going to answer the prayer offered by Zechariah. But God who draws from a bottomless well of love did not stop there. In addition to supplying their need for a Savior, He was going to give Zechariah and Elizabeth the child that their hearts had longed for. The one who would prepare the way for the coming Messiah. Now was God's perfect timing according to His perfect plan.

Oh don't you long to hear those words, "Your prayer has been heard?"? I know I do. Sometimes when you pray for something for so long and you are unable to see the answer with your own eyes you grow weary. Don't get discouraged.

God assures us in His Word that He hears us when we pray and that He answers!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12

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

If God said to you today, "Now is the time" what would you ask in prayer?

A Veterans Voice

2009-05-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day 2009

Thank You to all who have served and to

those who have given the ultimate sacrifice

so that I could live in freedom.

Let us never forget,

Freedom is Never Free.

Saturday Steps of Faith #10

2009-05-23T06:56:00.004-04:00

What are you believing God for?

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

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

This morning I can't get Philippians 4:19 off of my mind.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

I love how in this verse Paul is making a declaration of faith. It wasn't his friends, it wasn't his church, it wasn't his jailers who would supply his needs. Paul declared "my God" would do it. It was personal for him and it is personal for me. He is my God and I trust him.

Another thing I love about this verse is that I can trust Him with "all" of my needs. Whether it is physical, spiritual, mental or emotional, He can be trusted to supply exactly what I need. Why does He do it? Because of His unfailing love - for me and for you.

This week I want to allow God to take the chisel to my heart and make me into His original masterpiece. In order to do this, I need to give up control. I need to quit looking to myself, my husband, my friends, my co-workers, my church, whoever, to do what God wants to do in my life.

Father, I am believing you and trusting you to meet all of my needs. Whether it is physical, spiritual, mental or emotional, You are all that I need. I love You and I trust You! You are my supply! When I needed a Savior, You sent Your very best. You sent Your Son, Jesus. What love! In His name I pray ~ Amen.

Will you join me? All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the Promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy.

What are you believing God for?

Thankful Thursday #14

2009-05-21T06:42:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love Thursdays? I look forward each week to joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey for Thankful Thursday. Here are my five:

Thank You God for the words, "Cancer Free" for my friend Debbie. Father I thank you that she knows you, loves you, and gives You all the glory each step of the way.
Thank You God for blogging friends who have a passion to pray for those in need. Via the Internet the needs at time are so many, but the prayer warriors rise up and take the needs directly to the throne. What a awesome privilege to participate and see You respond in all of your glory.
Thank You God for the promises that flood Your Word. For every need there is a promise, a hope, a word of encouragement that shouts out to my heart just how much you love me. May I live to bring you glory.
Thank You God for White Rock Fellowship. Oh how I've missed the closeness of a church family. You have heard my hearts cry and responded in a big way. May Your glory shine as I seek to serve you.
Thank You God for the trials that turn into opportunities to minister. Teach me Lord to not ask why, but instead to ask you to show me how this can be used to your glory.

How about you? What are you thankful for this week?

Chipping Away

2009-05-20T13:00:00.004-04:00

I viewed a video this morning that absolutely gripped my heart.
Thank You to Dori at http://yourwordislife.blogspot.com/ for sharing this today.

The title is God's Chisel. I don't know about you, but God continues to pull out His chisel and chip away at who I am today to make me who He wants me to be.

Who He wants me to be is a true reflection of His Son Jesus.

Like Dori, this really leaves me speechless....

Sent to the Principal

2009-05-19T19:37:00.004-04:00

I'm just sitting here minding my own business this morning when the phone begins to ring. I glance down at the receiver and it says M Community School. The thought that immediately runs across my mind is, "What did he do..."

I pick up the phone and hear the voice of a man identifying himself as the Vice Principal. He says, "I have someone here who need to talk with you. Jonathan, tell your mom what you did."

After a few moments on the phone with Jonathan, the VP was once again on the line laying out for me what would happen next. Jonathan had shown poor judgment..., and it now was judgment time.

As I sit here tonight typing my mind wanders to the many, many times in my life when I too have shown poor judgment. Did I know what was right? Absolutely. Did I still choose to do what was wrong? You betcha. The Apostle Paul had this same struggle and spoke about it this way:

Know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:18-20

But there is good news! I do not have to live a defeated life. Yes the struggle with my sinful nature is still there. But through Christ Jesus, victory is mine!

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

And the news just keeps on getting better!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, Romans 8:1-3

I have been set free. Free from the guilt of the law. Free from the grip of sin and death. Because of Jesus, I am free to live a life of victory over the desires of the flesh. It's by His power and in His strength that the enemy is defeated. No more guilt. No more shame.

Jonathan is a 13 year old boy and still has much to learn. His struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is no different than mine. For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I am so grateful to know that like me, Jonathan's sins are forgiven and tomorrow is a brand new day of promise and victory.

Atmospheric Change

2009-05-18T15:25:00.007-04:00

Do you realize that just by walking into a room you cause the atmosphere of that room to change?

Bet you didn't know you had that much power!

Think about it.., your boss, your friend, your family member enters the room in a really foul mood (it's always them and never us.., right?). What kind of a change does that cause in you? Do you avoid them, try to see what's wrong? What is your response? By their very entrance into the room, they changed the atmosphere.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
As a Christ follower, I carry the light of the Lord Jesus with me every where I go. By carrying His light into a dark room, I can immediately change the atmosphere of that room. In fact, it is my responsibility to allow His light to shine through me no matter what my situation may be.

How seriously do I take that responsibility? On a day when things are going my way - not a problem. But how about when things are going badly? Let's face it. Life is hard. We don't always feel like Mary Poppins dancing and singing around the house. Sometimes it takes more than a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down.

How can you change the atmosphere in those difficult situations?

If you've messed up - show those around you how a Christ follower responds to messing up. Take responsibility and do the right thing.
If you've heard bad news - show those around you how a Christ follower responds to bad news. Choose faith over fear.
If you've hurt someone - show those around you how a Christ follower responds when hurting someone. Ask forgiveness and seeks to make things right.
If you've been hurt, show those around you how a Christ follower forgives. Forgive even if they never ask you to.

What our world needs to see is that Jesus really is the only answer for all that this life has to offer. My friend, my family, my neighbors, my co-workers are all watching to see how my light shines regardless of the situation. How can I carry this huge responsibility? Where does the power come from?

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

I am able, because God is able!

How will you change the atmosphere today? Let the love of Jesus shine through, no matter what comes your way!

Saturday Steps of Faith #9

2009-05-16T01:00:00.001-04:00

This week I would like to change things up a bit. I would like to use today's Saturdays Steps of Faith for each of us to choose a Promise from the Word of God to take a Step of Faith and believe.

I invite you to join in. All you need to do is copy the button located on the left sidebar. Paste it into your post. Next write down the Promise from the Word of God you are taking a step of faith and believing. Maybe it's one you have stood upon in the past. Last, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky.

Here's the verse that I am choosing for this week:

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138:8
Nothing in my life just happens. There are not accidents. There are no coincidences.

The Everlasting God, who was and is and is to come has a purpose for my life. Can you believe it? Little old me. I love how it says He "will fulfill" it. Not might, not will try.., He will fulfill his purpose. I serve a God who never fails. Quit is not in His nature. He never leaves a project half done.

Why does He do it? Because He loves me! How long will He love me? Forever! Will He ever walk away from me? Not on your life!

As I dream about the future, as I make plans, Lord direct my path. I want my plans to be Your plans for me. I want each step today and every day in the future to be a step of faith and obedience. Father I am trusting you to fulfill Your purpose in me! Thank You for your lavish love. At times it truly overwhelms me just how much You love me! You are a Father like no other. I love you! In the matchless name of Jesus - Amen

How about you?

What promise are you ready to step out and believe?

Won't you please join me?

Thankful Thursday #13

2009-05-14T15:34:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love Thursdays? I look forward each week to joining Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey for Thankful Thursday. Here are my five:

Thank You God for leaving your hand prints all over our lives. You continue to amaze me as I see things happen that could only be accomplished by you. Beth Moore has said, "Our part is to believe God. His part is to be God and do what is ultimately and eternally best". Thank you for being God in my life!
Thank You God for the promises in your Word. It's been said there is one promise for every day of the year. As I glance through the list, I am overwhelmed by your love for me. Thank God for being faithful to your Word.
Thank You God for leading me to a Church where I can belong. Looking for a Church can be so discouraging. But when you find the right place, it's home. Thank you God for leading me by your Spirit.
Thank You God for returning laughter to my life. More than any time in recent days I have been keenly aware of laughter in our home. Oh how I love to laugh with the ones that I love. Thank You God for the joy and laughter you have given.
Thank You God for providing for our every need. Although I list this one often, I don't ever want to take for granted the basic necessities and beyond that you supply. Thank You God that providing is not just what you do, but Provider is who you are!

How about you? What are you thankful for this week?

Extol and Exalt

2009-05-13T18:31:00.004-04:00

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:1-5

I just feel like extolling the Lord and exalting His glorious name Lord today. God has been so good to us. When I take a step back and look at His hand prints on our lives..., how can I not Praise His Name?

As I've written about on my blog before, these have been difficult days for our family. Randy has been virtually in bed since September with chronic, debilitating back pain. For weeks and weeks on end we hit brick wall after brick wall while trying to get him some help.

But when God begins to move..., things move in miraculous ways. In late February we really became discouraged. Led by God we went back to the Dr's he had before we moved to CA seven years ago. What a blessing these men have been. Men of wisdom and compassion who are willing to "fight for" their patients.

From one referral to the next I can see how God is moving, working everything out! Pending the approval of the insurance company (which is really up to God and not them anyway), Randy will have a spinal cord stimulator implanted in just a matter of weeks. This is a device that introduces low levels of electrical current to the lower portion of the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. Basically, it causes the brain to sense a positive stimulation instead of the negative pain. Pretty amazing stuff.

One of the hoops the insurance company requires is a Psych evaluation to make sure that the pain he is feeling is actually physical instead of emotional. No problem! We figured he could go do his time, get the required signature and be on his way.

But God had so much more in store. What an awesome experience this was. The Dr.'s father was a Methodist Pastor. The events of the last 2 years of our lives were very similar to a situation that his father had gone through. He had seen first hand the toll that this took on his dad. The conversations they shared were not only about the physical, but also the spiritual. God used this Dr. to minister to Randy. But our God didn't stop there..., He also used this visit to minister to the Dr. at the same time.

God your praise is on my lips. No one can orchestrate these types of encounters but you. Proverbs 19:21 says,

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

I praise you God for fulfilling your purpose in our lives today! Thank You for directing us to the right Dr.'s at exactly the right time! You are never too early. You are never too late! You are always on time!

Praise Your Holy Name! There is NONE like YOU! You give strength to the weak, wisdom to the seeking and your Spirit to lead the way. You are our Rock, our Refuge, our Strong and Mighty Tower! You are our Shelter in the midst of the storm. You protect, redeem, guard, heal, raise up, restore and rescue! My soul boasts in YOU and YOU alone! You are so worthy of my praise!

Does anyone else feel like lifting up the name of Jesus today?

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

Tenatively Firm plans

2009-05-12T19:33:00.003-04:00

I'm a planner by nature. If we are going to set out on a trip I like to know where we're going, how we're going to get there, where we're staying, how long we're going to be there. My motto has always been, "We don't plan to fail, we fail to plan".

I have a friend who is very much a "fly by the seat of your pants gal". I won't name names..., but she knows who she is. Every time we plan on going somewhere she is always at least 15 minutes late. Me, 5-10 minutes early.

Whenever we make plans, they are always considered tentative until you see her face to face. Even then, they more than likely will change just a bit. Though it's often an adventure, it can be a bit frustrating.

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

Aren't you glad that there is no guess work when it comes to God. How long do His plans stand firm? FOREVER! What are His plans for you?

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

What is the purpose of God's heart through all generations? For you and I to love Him. For you and I to accept His free gift of eternal life. Oh it's free to you and me. We only have to choose to turn from our sin and choose to follow Him with our whole hearts. But that free gift cost Jesus His life. He shed His blood on the cross of Calvary so that we could live - forever. He paid the price for my sin and for yours.

How long has this plan been set into motion? Since before the foundations of the earth. My God is completely trustworthy. He is consistently consistent. He is always faithful. His intentions toward you have never changed.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love
for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

As we walk the face of this earth, often our plans change from day to day. I am so grateful that I serve a God who never changes. He was the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His heart is always for me, never against me. He loves me like no other.

Father I thank you that I was on your heart before the foundations of the earth. Thank you for having a plan and a purpose for my life. Thank you for never running out of compassion for me. You are always "for me", always drawing me to you. I surrender to your plan Abba Father... In the name of your precious son Jesus - Amen