Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Jesus, I thank you for coming to this world, in a lowly manger...it was most likely stinky and cold...it wasn't a nice hospital room like I was born in. One with heat and bright lights. It was probably dark..
Your mother, Mary, wasn't laying on a comfortable bed, with blankets and nurses to comfort her...instead, she was laying on a hard ground with some hay.
Your ways are a mystery to men and women, however they are so much higher than ours. You humbly came as a baby in a manger to save a lost and dying world. I thank you for what you have done for me, Lord. You are so precious. Born a King- THE KING OF KINGS- you came in the most humble way..yet are exalted in the most GLORIOUS way!! I praise you and bless you, Dear Savior and Friend. You are everything to me..
A prayer for this Christmas season:
Father in Heaven, have your wonderful way..I ask you to touch all those that need comforting at this moment, God. Bring them peace and joy. I pray that where there is need, that you meet them all according to your riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Give us compassion for one another..let us give a helping hand where we can..and let us keep our eyes on you no matter what. You are ALL powerful, ALL knowing and ALL present...thank you so much. I give you control of every area of my life. I surrender all and lay down my crown to you..Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. I love you. <3
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
DO GOOD!
Do Good. That's simple enough, right? Wrong. How many of you know that there is an enemy out there seeking to DEVOUR you?! Well, there is. The bible says that the devil roars about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. It also says that he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Ever feel like you are on top of the world one minute and then the next, it feels as though a flood came and wiped you out? There is a scripture that says, "when the devil comes in like a flood, the Lord raises a standard against him!"
I was reading 1 Peter 3, this morning. This part really stuck out to me:
1 Peter 3:8-13
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
I've heard so many people say that it's easier to do bad than it is to do good. Sure...because doing bad is pleasing to our flesh. But we are to please God...and therefore crucify our flesh and walk in the spirit. Our spirit wars against the lust of the flesh. The two are constantly against one another.
There are many scriptures that I could ramble off right now, but I am praying that God is speaking to you about putting him first. Putting the flesh under and rising above! "Though the outward man perish, the inner man is renewed day by day." AMEN!
A prayer for you today:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that whoever is reading this right now..will feel your holy spirit stronger than ever before. I ask you Father, for a revelation of your power inside of them. Speak to their very being this morning. I ask you Lord, that you would open their eyes and ears of understanding for what it is that you wish to get across to them today. Let this message resonate in their hearts and minds. Help us to crucify the flesh and anything that would war against our spirit and RISE ABOVE, in the name of Jesus, we thank you Lord. Amen!! XO
I was reading 1 Peter 3, this morning. This part really stuck out to me:
1 Peter 3:8-13
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
I've heard so many people say that it's easier to do bad than it is to do good. Sure...because doing bad is pleasing to our flesh. But we are to please God...and therefore crucify our flesh and walk in the spirit. Our spirit wars against the lust of the flesh. The two are constantly against one another.
There are many scriptures that I could ramble off right now, but I am praying that God is speaking to you about putting him first. Putting the flesh under and rising above! "Though the outward man perish, the inner man is renewed day by day." AMEN!
A prayer for you today:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that whoever is reading this right now..will feel your holy spirit stronger than ever before. I ask you Father, for a revelation of your power inside of them. Speak to their very being this morning. I ask you Lord, that you would open their eyes and ears of understanding for what it is that you wish to get across to them today. Let this message resonate in their hearts and minds. Help us to crucify the flesh and anything that would war against our spirit and RISE ABOVE, in the name of Jesus, we thank you Lord. Amen!! XO
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
POWERFUL!
Job 37
1 “At this also my heart trembles,
And leaps from its place.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,
And the rumbling that comes from His mouth.
3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven,
His lightning to the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars;
He thunders with His majestic voice,
And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
7 He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.
8 The beasts go into dens,
And remain in their lairs.
9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind,
And cold from the scattering winds of the north.
10 By the breath of God ice is given,
And the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds;
He scatters His bright clouds.
12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance,
That they may do whatever He commands them
On the face of the whole earth.[a]
13 He causes it to come,
Whether for correction,
Or for His land,
Or for mercy.
14 “Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know when God dispatches them,
And causes the light of His cloud to shine?
16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced,
Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 Why are your garments hot,
When He quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 With Him, have you spread out the skies,
Strong as a cast metal mirror?
19 “Teach us what we should say to Him,
For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.
20 Should He be told that I wish to speak?
If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.
21 Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies,
When the wind has passed and cleared them.
22 He comes from the north as golden splendor;
With God is awesome majesty.
23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him;
He is excellent in power,
In judgment and abundant justice;
He does not oppress.
24 Therefore men fear Him;
He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart.”
1 “At this also my heart trembles,
And leaps from its place.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,
And the rumbling that comes from His mouth.
3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven,
His lightning to the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars;
He thunders with His majestic voice,
And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
7 He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.
8 The beasts go into dens,
And remain in their lairs.
9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind,
And cold from the scattering winds of the north.
10 By the breath of God ice is given,
And the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds;
He scatters His bright clouds.
12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance,
That they may do whatever He commands them
On the face of the whole earth.[a]
13 He causes it to come,
Whether for correction,
Or for His land,
Or for mercy.
14 “Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know when God dispatches them,
And causes the light of His cloud to shine?
16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced,
Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 Why are your garments hot,
When He quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 With Him, have you spread out the skies,
Strong as a cast metal mirror?
19 “Teach us what we should say to Him,
For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.
20 Should He be told that I wish to speak?
If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.
21 Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies,
When the wind has passed and cleared them.
22 He comes from the north as golden splendor;
With God is awesome majesty.
23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him;
He is excellent in power,
In judgment and abundant justice;
He does not oppress.
24 Therefore men fear Him;
He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart.”
Monday, October 26, 2009
At First Glance
At first glance, can you ever really be accurate in your perception?
There is one thing that I can tell you about this from personal experience..the first glance is usually way off.
Let's think about it for a second: What can you really acquire from a first glance anyway? What..one glance and you think you know everything about that person? Or first glance at an object in the road and your depth perception is 100% on? First glance at anything may seem overwhelming to you...a pile of papers on your desk at work..but in reality..somewhere in that pile- are things you are very acquainted with and it won't take you long at all. Or what about the person that you are quick to judge "at first glance?" Have you ever looked at someone from the opposite sex (maybe from across a large room) and thought..he or she is cute? But another glance or "closer" look and you changed your mind?
It's a lot like this with Jesus. Some people grew up in religion. They had a first "glance" at Jesus from a distance. They most likely have misunderstood the God who is always there for us. Possibly at first glance they saw something that they didn't like about him...maybe it was the fact that they knew they would have to change some things in their lives. It made them uncomfortable. Or it could be their unbelief. They may have grown up praying and now have turned away. Their first glance wasn't enough to instill a relationship with Jesus.
Whatever it may be..God knows our hearts and he can draw anyone unto himself.
If I described you at all or you have a different perception of God...if you don't know how good he is (the bible says he is GOOD ALL THE TIME...and HE IS!!!)...if you haven't tasted and seen though for yourself...I invite you today to come closer to a God who loves you enough to send his ONLY son, Jesus Christ, to die for YOUR sins. It wasn't because of any sin that he committed- because he was SPOTLESS!! He came and died FOR YOU...that's how strong his love is for you. Continue to trust him..or if you don't know how to, just get on your knees and confess your sins to him and allow him to move in your heart. Tell him you love him..
He loves you more than words could ever express.
There is one thing that I can tell you about this from personal experience..the first glance is usually way off.
Let's think about it for a second: What can you really acquire from a first glance anyway? What..one glance and you think you know everything about that person? Or first glance at an object in the road and your depth perception is 100% on? First glance at anything may seem overwhelming to you...a pile of papers on your desk at work..but in reality..somewhere in that pile- are things you are very acquainted with and it won't take you long at all. Or what about the person that you are quick to judge "at first glance?" Have you ever looked at someone from the opposite sex (maybe from across a large room) and thought..he or she is cute? But another glance or "closer" look and you changed your mind?
It's a lot like this with Jesus. Some people grew up in religion. They had a first "glance" at Jesus from a distance. They most likely have misunderstood the God who is always there for us. Possibly at first glance they saw something that they didn't like about him...maybe it was the fact that they knew they would have to change some things in their lives. It made them uncomfortable. Or it could be their unbelief. They may have grown up praying and now have turned away. Their first glance wasn't enough to instill a relationship with Jesus.
Whatever it may be..God knows our hearts and he can draw anyone unto himself.
If I described you at all or you have a different perception of God...if you don't know how good he is (the bible says he is GOOD ALL THE TIME...and HE IS!!!)...if you haven't tasted and seen though for yourself...I invite you today to come closer to a God who loves you enough to send his ONLY son, Jesus Christ, to die for YOUR sins. It wasn't because of any sin that he committed- because he was SPOTLESS!! He came and died FOR YOU...that's how strong his love is for you. Continue to trust him..or if you don't know how to, just get on your knees and confess your sins to him and allow him to move in your heart. Tell him you love him..
He loves you more than words could ever express.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Proverbs 31:30
Proverbs 31:30 says: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised!"
Amen?
In my singlehood, I have encountered many circumstances where I was able to perceive a single man's interactions with a sister in Christ. All too often, I have been disheartened and have seen that a lot of men just aren't emotionally available or willing to give all of themselves to the women they are after. I've seen it with women too. I have also seen the girl or guy go after each other's looks...not even knowing their heart for the Lord. I have seen people get hurt. I've seen others get rejected. I have personally felt both of these things MANY times.
The verse above from Proverbs is from the infamous chapter of "The Proverbs 31 Woman."
I love this book and pray that God would make me more and more into this kind of woman.
The Virtuous Wife
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
WOW..sounds too good to be true? Don't fool yourself, she can be found.
In order to become this type of woman...you need to give yourself over to prayer to God continually. Keep yourself pure and humble. Guard your tongue from evil.
Be a giver. God loves a cheerful giver!! Take care of others.
Do all of these things that is says in here and you will be praised!! You will be virtuous.
To find this type of woman- talking to the men now- look for the women who portrays these qualities. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Amen? If you see a woman who looks fly..get to know her first before making any kind of assumptions that just because she goes to church- she is Godly and has good character. Remember, that same woman that you marry will be the mother of your children someday. Just a few words to chew on.
God bless~
Amen?
In my singlehood, I have encountered many circumstances where I was able to perceive a single man's interactions with a sister in Christ. All too often, I have been disheartened and have seen that a lot of men just aren't emotionally available or willing to give all of themselves to the women they are after. I've seen it with women too. I have also seen the girl or guy go after each other's looks...not even knowing their heart for the Lord. I have seen people get hurt. I've seen others get rejected. I have personally felt both of these things MANY times.
The verse above from Proverbs is from the infamous chapter of "The Proverbs 31 Woman."
I love this book and pray that God would make me more and more into this kind of woman.
The Virtuous Wife
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
WOW..sounds too good to be true? Don't fool yourself, she can be found.
In order to become this type of woman...you need to give yourself over to prayer to God continually. Keep yourself pure and humble. Guard your tongue from evil.
Be a giver. God loves a cheerful giver!! Take care of others.
Do all of these things that is says in here and you will be praised!! You will be virtuous.
To find this type of woman- talking to the men now- look for the women who portrays these qualities. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Amen? If you see a woman who looks fly..get to know her first before making any kind of assumptions that just because she goes to church- she is Godly and has good character. Remember, that same woman that you marry will be the mother of your children someday. Just a few words to chew on.
God bless~
Friday, October 9, 2009
Shattered Dreams
The Lord gave me a vision of a man walking into an empty room and I saw a broken mirror on the floor. Each piece represented a fragment of this man's life..dreams he once knew and desired, but they had been shattered by unforgiveness, jealousy, anger, etc. He picks up each piece and see's himself in the reflection and remembers each dream vividly..but they are all scattered all across the floor and broken now.
Praise God for Jesus, who restores our hearts and makes us new!
This song is called "Shattered Dreams." I hope you enjoy it.
Verse 1
It's about midnight and he can't sleep,
he paces the floor and thoughts fill his head..
he sits then he stands again..he can't find any peace.
In the next room over, he discovers a mirror,
it lies on the floor in a million pieces...
he see's that each piece offers memories of his life.
Pre-Chours
He sits and stares at the broken pieces...looking at his..
Chorus:
Shattered Dreams...
And now..Shattered Dreams are all in front of him,
The visions he once had before, all broken down and torn..
These dreams he used to live for now..
Are all in his hands…leaving only memories behind..no room for a second chance..
Verse 2
He see's the dreams he held so dear,
his ex wife's face, his old career..
He once loved his life and now it's all gone..
Each jagged edge reminding him,
of time lost now..will he be able to stand again?
Then he see's him..then he see's the one he knew..
Pre Chorus
But is it too late to have him help him with his..
Chorus
Shattered Dreams...
And now..Shattered Dreams are all in front of him,
The visions he once had before, all broken down and torn..
These dreams he used to live for now..
Are all in his hands…leaving only memories behind..no room for a second chance..
Or is there?...
Praise God for Jesus, who restores our hearts and makes us new!
This song is called "Shattered Dreams." I hope you enjoy it.
Verse 1
It's about midnight and he can't sleep,
he paces the floor and thoughts fill his head..
he sits then he stands again..he can't find any peace.
In the next room over, he discovers a mirror,
it lies on the floor in a million pieces...
he see's that each piece offers memories of his life.
Pre-Chours
He sits and stares at the broken pieces...looking at his..
Chorus:
Shattered Dreams...
And now..Shattered Dreams are all in front of him,
The visions he once had before, all broken down and torn..
These dreams he used to live for now..
Are all in his hands…leaving only memories behind..no room for a second chance..
Verse 2
He see's the dreams he held so dear,
his ex wife's face, his old career..
He once loved his life and now it's all gone..
Each jagged edge reminding him,
of time lost now..will he be able to stand again?
Then he see's him..then he see's the one he knew..
Pre Chorus
But is it too late to have him help him with his..
Chorus
Shattered Dreams...
And now..Shattered Dreams are all in front of him,
The visions he once had before, all broken down and torn..
These dreams he used to live for now..
Are all in his hands…leaving only memories behind..no room for a second chance..
Or is there?...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I'm back!
Well, it's been quite awhile since I have been on here. I suppose Facebook was a distraction. I had been writing on there also though and it has my more up to date revelations posted in my "notes" section. Please check it out when you can! From now on though, I will also be posting them on here again. I realize that not everyone has Facebook and I believe that this can be a ministry on here as well.
Let it be used for YOUR glory, God, not my own.
I love to receive comments, so if you ever feel led to leave some advice or even encouragement or disagreements..please do so!! : )
I'm glad to be back on here. Looking forward to being used to further Daddy's Kingdom!
I love you all and pray that you are all blessed that are reading this.
Keep pressing in!
Love,
Debbie
Let it be used for YOUR glory, God, not my own.
I love to receive comments, so if you ever feel led to leave some advice or even encouragement or disagreements..please do so!! : )
I'm glad to be back on here. Looking forward to being used to further Daddy's Kingdom!
I love you all and pray that you are all blessed that are reading this.
Keep pressing in!
Love,
Debbie
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tail Gater
I was driving the other day and noticed a guy that was almost on my back bumper. I was driving around curves so I was a little nervous. One touch of my brakes and he would’ve smashed right into me. Why would he be in such a rush that he would risk such a thing? If I was one of those people that like to “play games” on the road, I could have easily done so. I value my life too much to do that though.
Instead, I prayed. God was faithful to show me a revelation of what was going on in the spiritual.
How many of us “keep looking back in fear?” We keep looking back at the road behind us or the person who just won’t give up and is bothering us. We keep our eyes fixed on the problems that could stem from such behavior, instead of looking ahead and realizing that what is behind us cannot affect what is in front of us, if we don’t let it. Let me repeat that, cause it is powerful and very true. WHAT IS BEHIND US CANNOT AFFECT WHAT IS IN FRONT OF US.
Can a person who is behind you stop you from going forward? Can he or the past trip you up or cause you to fall? Can he affect what lies ahead, if he is behind you? NO, not if your eyes are on what’s in front of you and not looking back or letting the past affect you.
I noticed that when I no longer concentrated on the guy behind me, my heart rate slowed down and I was at peace- just meditating on the revelation that he cannot affect my driving. I am in control…it is MY choice of whether or not I let him bother me. It’s the same with life in general. It is our choice what we look at…it is our choice what we let bother us.
Keep your eyes on Jesus..he will lead you and guide you.
Instead, I prayed. God was faithful to show me a revelation of what was going on in the spiritual.
How many of us “keep looking back in fear?” We keep looking back at the road behind us or the person who just won’t give up and is bothering us. We keep our eyes fixed on the problems that could stem from such behavior, instead of looking ahead and realizing that what is behind us cannot affect what is in front of us, if we don’t let it. Let me repeat that, cause it is powerful and very true. WHAT IS BEHIND US CANNOT AFFECT WHAT IS IN FRONT OF US.
Can a person who is behind you stop you from going forward? Can he or the past trip you up or cause you to fall? Can he affect what lies ahead, if he is behind you? NO, not if your eyes are on what’s in front of you and not looking back or letting the past affect you.
I noticed that when I no longer concentrated on the guy behind me, my heart rate slowed down and I was at peace- just meditating on the revelation that he cannot affect my driving. I am in control…it is MY choice of whether or not I let him bother me. It’s the same with life in general. It is our choice what we look at…it is our choice what we let bother us.
Keep your eyes on Jesus..he will lead you and guide you.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Garden of Amazement
As I walk in this garden of promises..
I see flowers of joy and rivers of wonder..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
As I gaze in the fountain of love..
I see a reflection, but it’s not my face that I see..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
Chorus:
I see you in me…it’s no longer I who live..
You fill me up…you give me love..
You show me your heart…it’s what I’ve been searching for..
It’s you who shines so brightly…it’s you who I need.
The water trickles in the fountain..
I see ripples of laughter in the water..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
I walk past the open fields of green..
I bow at your restorative power and mercy..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
Chorus:
I see you in me…it’s no longer I who live..
You fill me up…you give me love..
You show me your heart…it’s what I’ve been searching for..
It’s you who shines so brightly…it’s you who I need.
Bridge:
I am filled up….I am filled up…
You gave me a promise and I will stand on it..
I am overflowing with your tenderness..
I see your beauty and it lives in me..
I see flowers of joy and rivers of wonder..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
As I gaze in the fountain of love..
I see a reflection, but it’s not my face that I see..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
Chorus:
I see you in me…it’s no longer I who live..
You fill me up…you give me love..
You show me your heart…it’s what I’ve been searching for..
It’s you who shines so brightly…it’s you who I need.
The water trickles in the fountain..
I see ripples of laughter in the water..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
I walk past the open fields of green..
I bow at your restorative power and mercy..
As I breathe in your beauty, I am amazed at what’s happening..
Chorus:
I see you in me…it’s no longer I who live..
You fill me up…you give me love..
You show me your heart…it’s what I’ve been searching for..
It’s you who shines so brightly…it’s you who I need.
Bridge:
I am filled up….I am filled up…
You gave me a promise and I will stand on it..
I am overflowing with your tenderness..
I see your beauty and it lives in me..
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Disobedience
As most of you know, my Dog got sprayed by a skunk the other night. It was her own curiosity that got her in trouble. I usually let her out in the yard (even though it isn’t fenced in) when I am with her and she knows that she isn’t supposed to go into the wooded area. There has to be trust placed there..for her not to go in there. She must trust that what I am saying is for her own protection. In order to trust me, she must know me…and that she does. I have owned her for ten years now and have spent a lot of time with her. I’m going somewhere with this..bear with me.
In order to teach her to obey me, she must trust that I have the best intentions at heart for her. So I show her love…I spend time with her…I am attentive to her needs/desires. This is what God does with us. In order for us to really trust him..he reveals himself to us when we seek him.
I was surprised that Cookie (my Dog), disobeyed me, especially considering she knows better than to go in those woods. It is something I warn her about every single time we go outside. Sometimes she will take a step and try to test me..with one foot in the woods. I just look at her and say a firm NO and she steps back in obedience. But not this time. She was so intent on going her own way and following the scent of that skunk, that she completely ignored my voice and every attempt to stop her.
One small act of disobedience led to Cookie getting sprayed by a skunk. I praise God that the results could have been far worse and she wasn’t hurt. How many times have we “strayed” from God’s voice..drowning it out as we keep stepping further and further on our own way? He warns us, but sometimes our own curiosity gets the best of us and we venture out, only to return to God..sometimes stinky…other times just feeling stinky. The analogy of this situation was far too important to ignore and not write about. After she got sprayed, I immediately went to the store and bought tomato juice (as rumor has it that that is what works best.) As I was pouring the tomato juice on her, I was thinking about the blood of Christ. How I was washing her clean…wow..God is so good!!
Let us be obedient and trust God that he always knows best.
Father, today I pray that we can be obedient to you and your warnings to us. Help us to overcome the temptations that would weigh us down and help us to turn to your voice and follow you instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
James 4:7- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
In order to teach her to obey me, she must trust that I have the best intentions at heart for her. So I show her love…I spend time with her…I am attentive to her needs/desires. This is what God does with us. In order for us to really trust him..he reveals himself to us when we seek him.
I was surprised that Cookie (my Dog), disobeyed me, especially considering she knows better than to go in those woods. It is something I warn her about every single time we go outside. Sometimes she will take a step and try to test me..with one foot in the woods. I just look at her and say a firm NO and she steps back in obedience. But not this time. She was so intent on going her own way and following the scent of that skunk, that she completely ignored my voice and every attempt to stop her.
One small act of disobedience led to Cookie getting sprayed by a skunk. I praise God that the results could have been far worse and she wasn’t hurt. How many times have we “strayed” from God’s voice..drowning it out as we keep stepping further and further on our own way? He warns us, but sometimes our own curiosity gets the best of us and we venture out, only to return to God..sometimes stinky…other times just feeling stinky. The analogy of this situation was far too important to ignore and not write about. After she got sprayed, I immediately went to the store and bought tomato juice (as rumor has it that that is what works best.) As I was pouring the tomato juice on her, I was thinking about the blood of Christ. How I was washing her clean…wow..God is so good!!
Let us be obedient and trust God that he always knows best.
Father, today I pray that we can be obedient to you and your warnings to us. Help us to overcome the temptations that would weigh us down and help us to turn to your voice and follow you instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
James 4:7- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The BEST place you will ever go!!!!!
How many of you remember waking up when you were little, with an excitement to get ready and go on a trip?? There are so many times that I remember waking up to go to the Great Escape (local amusement park) or on a picnic/swimming, etc. You know, those fun things that we count down the days to do..maybe it was a vacation for you? The Beach, Disney, Visiting Family in the South/West/East/North…another country?
Whatever it was, it brought about an excitement and anticipation. You would wait and smile, just thinking about how much fun you would possibly have when you got there. It was such a joy, especially the night before you were going. I pray that everyone got to experience those things as a child and if not, then hopefully are living out their dreams now. : ) Growing up with my Grandparents meant no family vacations, but we would go on day trips all the time, which meant a lot to me. I will always cherish those memories.
I was thinking about the anticipation of those days and how I really am not looking forward to that much lately…other than my dreams being fulfilled (marriage/family/ministry/traveling, etc). But I haven’t been looking forward to daily activities…to going places that normally would excite me. My joy has been squashed by everyday tasks, disappointments, discouragements, etc. Well NO MORE! We are to rejoice in ALL things!! Everyday is a gift!!! I began thinking about how EVERY child of God is going somewhere SOOO exciting sometime soon…..to the best place ever imaginable, the place where there are no tears or sorrow, no suffering, no arguing, no pain……the place where God resides….HEAVEN!
How can we not be excited?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? It is the place that we are sure to go to, according to God’s word. And his word doesn’t lie…amen!?
We should have the expectancy of going to Heaven and meeting our creator face to face…the bible says that God is preparing a place for us and also that we will have a mansion…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UM..that sounds a little more exciting than going to a local park…don’t ya think? ; ) GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Children of God, rise up with anticipation…pack your bags and anticipate going on the journey of your creation…that NOTHING can stop us from embarking on…no flat tires, no engine problems, no one being late to hold us back, NOTHING!!
When Jesus comes back, nothing can stop us from going to this glorious place to live with him eternally. We will ALL live eternally, believers and non-believers, but not all of us will live in Heaven. It is our choice while on this Earth….live with Christ forever or the roommate from hell (literally) the devil.
Whatever it was, it brought about an excitement and anticipation. You would wait and smile, just thinking about how much fun you would possibly have when you got there. It was such a joy, especially the night before you were going. I pray that everyone got to experience those things as a child and if not, then hopefully are living out their dreams now. : ) Growing up with my Grandparents meant no family vacations, but we would go on day trips all the time, which meant a lot to me. I will always cherish those memories.
I was thinking about the anticipation of those days and how I really am not looking forward to that much lately…other than my dreams being fulfilled (marriage/family/ministry/traveling, etc). But I haven’t been looking forward to daily activities…to going places that normally would excite me. My joy has been squashed by everyday tasks, disappointments, discouragements, etc. Well NO MORE! We are to rejoice in ALL things!! Everyday is a gift!!! I began thinking about how EVERY child of God is going somewhere SOOO exciting sometime soon…..to the best place ever imaginable, the place where there are no tears or sorrow, no suffering, no arguing, no pain……the place where God resides….HEAVEN!
How can we not be excited?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? It is the place that we are sure to go to, according to God’s word. And his word doesn’t lie…amen!?
We should have the expectancy of going to Heaven and meeting our creator face to face…the bible says that God is preparing a place for us and also that we will have a mansion…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UM..that sounds a little more exciting than going to a local park…don’t ya think? ; ) GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Children of God, rise up with anticipation…pack your bags and anticipate going on the journey of your creation…that NOTHING can stop us from embarking on…no flat tires, no engine problems, no one being late to hold us back, NOTHING!!
When Jesus comes back, nothing can stop us from going to this glorious place to live with him eternally. We will ALL live eternally, believers and non-believers, but not all of us will live in Heaven. It is our choice while on this Earth….live with Christ forever or the roommate from hell (literally) the devil.
The Last Great Outpouring
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.
Behold, you stand on the threshold of a new day, For I have truly great things in store for you. Yes, you have not power to conceive what I am about to do. For I will bring to pass a new thing. You will rejoice exceedingly. You have heard of the showers, but I say to you: I will send a mighty downpour. Many have cried out to me from hungry hearts and have received of My fullness and seen My glory; but I say to you: In the day of the great deluge which is coming, many will come to know the reality of My power who have until now not even dreamed of such a thing.
Many who are scoffers and many who are honest doubters will find themselves swept away on the swelling tide of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For this is the time of the last great outpouring. This is the day of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Many shall rejoice together in the Spirit’s work who are now at sword’s point over doctrinal disputes and barriers of tradition.
But let your heart be encouraged; for a new day is dawning: a day of repentance and a day of gathering for My people. For they shall not continue to be barricaded and isolated behind walls of prejudice. I am the Lord, and I will be worshipped in spirit and in truth, and not in the bigotry of sectarianism and narrowness of denominationalism. The world is waiting for a robust Church to minster to its needs; and how can an ailing, dismembered Body bring healing to a sick and dying world?
Surely I will pour out My Spirit, and by prophecies, by signs and wonders, by many different types of miracles, and by healings, I will reaffirm the veracity of my Word and bring the message of the Gospel of Redemption to many who would otherwise never give heed. I am the Alpha and the Omega. Stand firm in Me. Never waver.
Be faithful regardless of apparent failures and discouragements; for My word shall surely be fulfilled, and your eyes shall see revival in proportions such as never before witnessed in the history of the human race.
Keep your eye on the end of the course. Victory is secured already. Do not let the hurdles cause you consternation. Stay in the running. Truly, I am at your side. According to each day shall your strength be; and the race is not won by the swift, but the obedient shall receive the prize.
"Come Away My Beloved." by Frances J. Roberts
Behold, you stand on the threshold of a new day, For I have truly great things in store for you. Yes, you have not power to conceive what I am about to do. For I will bring to pass a new thing. You will rejoice exceedingly. You have heard of the showers, but I say to you: I will send a mighty downpour. Many have cried out to me from hungry hearts and have received of My fullness and seen My glory; but I say to you: In the day of the great deluge which is coming, many will come to know the reality of My power who have until now not even dreamed of such a thing.
Many who are scoffers and many who are honest doubters will find themselves swept away on the swelling tide of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For this is the time of the last great outpouring. This is the day of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Many shall rejoice together in the Spirit’s work who are now at sword’s point over doctrinal disputes and barriers of tradition.
But let your heart be encouraged; for a new day is dawning: a day of repentance and a day of gathering for My people. For they shall not continue to be barricaded and isolated behind walls of prejudice. I am the Lord, and I will be worshipped in spirit and in truth, and not in the bigotry of sectarianism and narrowness of denominationalism. The world is waiting for a robust Church to minster to its needs; and how can an ailing, dismembered Body bring healing to a sick and dying world?
Surely I will pour out My Spirit, and by prophecies, by signs and wonders, by many different types of miracles, and by healings, I will reaffirm the veracity of my Word and bring the message of the Gospel of Redemption to many who would otherwise never give heed. I am the Alpha and the Omega. Stand firm in Me. Never waver.
Be faithful regardless of apparent failures and discouragements; for My word shall surely be fulfilled, and your eyes shall see revival in proportions such as never before witnessed in the history of the human race.
Keep your eye on the end of the course. Victory is secured already. Do not let the hurdles cause you consternation. Stay in the running. Truly, I am at your side. According to each day shall your strength be; and the race is not won by the swift, but the obedient shall receive the prize.
"Come Away My Beloved." by Frances J. Roberts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Get up again
Wrote this 5/19/09
The little toddler just learning to walk stumbles and falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again,” as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and pouts as he got hurt from falling,
He is afraid to try again….but she keeps on calling….
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
The little boy..a few years older, is learning to ride a bike and falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again,” as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and pouts as he got hurt from falling,
He is afraid to try again…but she keeps on calling…
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
The same little boy, all grown up and living for Christ..falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again”, as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and shouts “I got hurt from falling.”
He is afraid to try again…but she keeps on calling…
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
The little toddler just learning to walk stumbles and falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again,” as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and pouts as he got hurt from falling,
He is afraid to try again….but she keeps on calling….
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
The little boy..a few years older, is learning to ride a bike and falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again,” as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and pouts as he got hurt from falling,
He is afraid to try again…but she keeps on calling…
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
The same little boy, all grown up and living for Christ..falls,
His mother says, “get up and walk again”, as he tries to crawl.
He just sits there and shouts “I got hurt from falling.”
He is afraid to try again…but she keeps on calling…
“Get up again..let’s try this another time.
Don’t be afraid of getting hurt…
Get up again...brush yourself off son,
Cause I know that you can do it…
Just get up again.”
These hands..
I wrote this tonight 5/18...
These hands...
These hands that held me when I was shaken,
are now the hands I see before me...but why are they breaking?
These hands that took mine when I was lost,
are now the hands I see but why are they nailed to a cross?
These hands that guided me on my back,
are now the same hands that I see all bruised and black.
These hands that showed me the way to true love,
are the hands that are bound, on a God from above.
I close my eyes as I gaze at the picture of the man on the cross...
His name is Jesus I am told, he is the one who found me when I was lost.
I gave my life to him but didn't realize the price he paid,
I am forgiven and free because of the lamb that was slain.
His hands are no longer bruised, but the nail piercings remain,
He is no longer on the cross either, he rose to take away my shame!
I see him now sitting on the throne at the right hand of the Lord,
he gave me his promises to live by, we call his word the sword.
I see him high and lifted up, so worthy to be praised,
eternal life is what he gave me and now my voice and hands I raise.
These hands...
These hands that held me when I was shaken,
are now the hands I see before me...but why are they breaking?
These hands that took mine when I was lost,
are now the hands I see but why are they nailed to a cross?
These hands that guided me on my back,
are now the same hands that I see all bruised and black.
These hands that showed me the way to true love,
are the hands that are bound, on a God from above.
I close my eyes as I gaze at the picture of the man on the cross...
His name is Jesus I am told, he is the one who found me when I was lost.
I gave my life to him but didn't realize the price he paid,
I am forgiven and free because of the lamb that was slain.
His hands are no longer bruised, but the nail piercings remain,
He is no longer on the cross either, he rose to take away my shame!
I see him now sitting on the throne at the right hand of the Lord,
he gave me his promises to live by, we call his word the sword.
I see him high and lifted up, so worthy to be praised,
eternal life is what he gave me and now my voice and hands I raise.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Just a little bit
One thing that really makes me angry is compromise. People sometimes put themselves in situations where the enemy can get a foothold. They put themselves in areas of uncertainty..areas that they could be easily tempted..or easily distracted. Then other times, we can’t help it and the temptation comes to us…the compromise of others comes in contact with us…we are trapped…could be in the car, office, dorm room, classroom, wherever. It’s a scary place to be in..yet we need to STAND GUARD..how easy it could be to slip up, even for a second..
Take a few sips of beer with a friend at dinner, go out dancing (ya know JUST to dance of course..uhh.yea right), lean a little closer to the cutie that is explaining something to you on paper, show a little cleavage (its just a little, right?), take one puff of a cigarette or worst yet a blunt, watch one horror movie (it’s just ONE, right?), go a LITTLE further physically with your boyfriend/girlfriend, push yourself at the gym to look better..not FEEL better (just a little further..to the point of exhaustion).
ALL of these things are NOT of God. Let me tell you, no compromise- great or small is something that we as Christians should be partaking in, yet it happens to most of us. We cannot be condemned but rather learn from our mistakes and recognize when we are falling into temptation. To not only recognize it, but to FIGHT it (James 4:7 says Resist the devil and he will flee from you). AMEN!
I heard this analogy once and it’s AWESOME…picture this:
I am going to make chocolate chip cookies…I have the flour (0oohh!), the sugar (mmmm), the chocolate chips (YUMMY), the oil (ahh), and another ingredient….Dog poop. What? What’s wrong? Dog poop doesn’t sound appetizing? Aww C’mon. It’s just a LITTLE bit, I promise. It won’t hurt ya. It will still taste good. If it doesn’t taste good then just wash it down with cold milk..it will go away eventually. It won’t last long. Etc. HMMM…sound familiar? Compromise. Just a little bit and it could affect everything much bigger than you think. It is poison.
(Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.) The temptation comes first…temptation to gossip, to lust, to steal, to go there..do that…
BUT be watchful and pray…we may think we have it all together and that we will be “strong” at that party…we can have “Super Christian” mentality that nothing can affect us..we are NOT invincible, sorry folks.. The word of God says, “take heed lest ye fall.”
Take a few sips of beer with a friend at dinner, go out dancing (ya know JUST to dance of course..uhh.yea right), lean a little closer to the cutie that is explaining something to you on paper, show a little cleavage (its just a little, right?), take one puff of a cigarette or worst yet a blunt, watch one horror movie (it’s just ONE, right?), go a LITTLE further physically with your boyfriend/girlfriend, push yourself at the gym to look better..not FEEL better (just a little further..to the point of exhaustion).
ALL of these things are NOT of God. Let me tell you, no compromise- great or small is something that we as Christians should be partaking in, yet it happens to most of us. We cannot be condemned but rather learn from our mistakes and recognize when we are falling into temptation. To not only recognize it, but to FIGHT it (James 4:7 says Resist the devil and he will flee from you). AMEN!
I heard this analogy once and it’s AWESOME…picture this:
I am going to make chocolate chip cookies…I have the flour (0oohh!), the sugar (mmmm), the chocolate chips (YUMMY), the oil (ahh), and another ingredient….Dog poop. What? What’s wrong? Dog poop doesn’t sound appetizing? Aww C’mon. It’s just a LITTLE bit, I promise. It won’t hurt ya. It will still taste good. If it doesn’t taste good then just wash it down with cold milk..it will go away eventually. It won’t last long. Etc. HMMM…sound familiar? Compromise. Just a little bit and it could affect everything much bigger than you think. It is poison.
(Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.) The temptation comes first…temptation to gossip, to lust, to steal, to go there..do that…
BUT be watchful and pray…we may think we have it all together and that we will be “strong” at that party…we can have “Super Christian” mentality that nothing can affect us..we are NOT invincible, sorry folks.. The word of God says, “take heed lest ye fall.”
Monday, May 11, 2009
Daddy Knows Best!
I was driving up the Northway on Saturday…where I get most of my revelations (in my car!) I was going to meet my Dad for lunch. It was a beautiful day..sunny, nice breeze and maybe about 75 degree’s. Perfect.
I began to think about how I’ve been single for over three years now and how a few of my close friends have boyfriends and this or that..basically just thinking about what I always think about…when is the man that God has for me coming into my life? I was thinking about my Dad..and how it will be nice to introduce him to that man someday. I was then thinking that I hope and pray that my family approves of him…that they get along well, I think that’s important. Then the revelation came…
God is our Father…he is protective, loving, he gives good gifts. I was thinking about some of the guys that I have liked in the past…nothing against any of them…they just weren’t for me. I was thinking of how Daddy (GOD) didn’t approve of them for me. He saw things that wouldn’t have been good for me…whether it was our destinies out of line from each other or hidden things that prevented us from being together..whatever it was, I praise God for it all now.
I pray everyday that his will be done, not mine…so I am trusting him that he will allow only the right man to pursue me..the man that he see’s fit enough to be the leader of our household as scripture says.
Right now, I know that many others are dealing with the same issues…of trusting God with the man/woman that he has for them…so please agree with me that Daddy knows best.
Father, I pray right now for anyone reading this, that you continue to mold your children into the very image of your son Jesus. Let us have the heart of God..pure, whole, clean…teach us to love you before we love anyone else…so that our love can be the kind of love that you intended us to have for one another. Thank you for the mate that you have for us…I pray that he/she comes to whoever reading this, in YOUR timing and let it be the RIGHT person…in Jesus’ name, amen.
I began to think about how I’ve been single for over three years now and how a few of my close friends have boyfriends and this or that..basically just thinking about what I always think about…when is the man that God has for me coming into my life? I was thinking about my Dad..and how it will be nice to introduce him to that man someday. I was then thinking that I hope and pray that my family approves of him…that they get along well, I think that’s important. Then the revelation came…
God is our Father…he is protective, loving, he gives good gifts. I was thinking about some of the guys that I have liked in the past…nothing against any of them…they just weren’t for me. I was thinking of how Daddy (GOD) didn’t approve of them for me. He saw things that wouldn’t have been good for me…whether it was our destinies out of line from each other or hidden things that prevented us from being together..whatever it was, I praise God for it all now.
I pray everyday that his will be done, not mine…so I am trusting him that he will allow only the right man to pursue me..the man that he see’s fit enough to be the leader of our household as scripture says.
Right now, I know that many others are dealing with the same issues…of trusting God with the man/woman that he has for them…so please agree with me that Daddy knows best.
Father, I pray right now for anyone reading this, that you continue to mold your children into the very image of your son Jesus. Let us have the heart of God..pure, whole, clean…teach us to love you before we love anyone else…so that our love can be the kind of love that you intended us to have for one another. Thank you for the mate that you have for us…I pray that he/she comes to whoever reading this, in YOUR timing and let it be the RIGHT person…in Jesus’ name, amen.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Words won't come..
So much on my mind, but no words are coming to explain how I feel…sometimes encouragers need to be encouraged too….
As I was walking to my car, heading back to work from my lunch break…the lyrics from Casting Crowns song “East to West” came to me…
“I know you've washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel
But by the truth your word reveals
I'm not holding on to you
But you’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me”
Two of my close girlfriends asked me what was on my mind…I couldn’t even explain it to them..no words could express how I felt..how I feel off and on lately..
I am tired of feeling like I let people down…tired of feeling like I need to be “super Christian” for people to respect me…
I am held to high standards from other people (who will remain nameless at this point)..standards that sometimes seem unattainable.
I want to know that I am loved for being ME…for just BEING and not DOING..
God has recently tested me in the area of trusting him and him alone..I say I trust him and trust him above all, but I learned recently that it was a harder lesson that I thought I already knew.
Sometimes hardship comes so that we can grow in God..actually it almost is always the case.
Over the past few weeks, I have been tried and tested in a few different areas and I am standing on what the word of God says that “we shall come forth like GOLD when tried”.
I could go on and on about all of the reasons why I could FEEL this way, but we are not supposed to go by our feelings, rather by the word of God. I wrote a song on not letting my circumstances dictate my life..and only living by what the word of God says..
I will share the song tomorrow.
As I was walking to my car, heading back to work from my lunch break…the lyrics from Casting Crowns song “East to West” came to me…
“I know you've washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel
But by the truth your word reveals
I'm not holding on to you
But you’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me”
Two of my close girlfriends asked me what was on my mind…I couldn’t even explain it to them..no words could express how I felt..how I feel off and on lately..
I am tired of feeling like I let people down…tired of feeling like I need to be “super Christian” for people to respect me…
I am held to high standards from other people (who will remain nameless at this point)..standards that sometimes seem unattainable.
I want to know that I am loved for being ME…for just BEING and not DOING..
God has recently tested me in the area of trusting him and him alone..I say I trust him and trust him above all, but I learned recently that it was a harder lesson that I thought I already knew.
Sometimes hardship comes so that we can grow in God..actually it almost is always the case.
Over the past few weeks, I have been tried and tested in a few different areas and I am standing on what the word of God says that “we shall come forth like GOLD when tried”.
I could go on and on about all of the reasons why I could FEEL this way, but we are not supposed to go by our feelings, rather by the word of God. I wrote a song on not letting my circumstances dictate my life..and only living by what the word of God says..
I will share the song tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Traffic Lights
As I was driving the other night, I noticed at how tired I was and how easy it would have been to go through the red lights. I had to literally slam on my breaks as the yellow light so quickly turned to red. Even though it was late in the evening, I could have easily gone through the red without no one noticing, but I was obedient to the laws and wanted to remain as safe as possible.
I love how God gives us revelations, even when we are tired. I began thinking of how God is like a traffic light. Green, yellow, red..he gives us direction in life and if we are obedient, we will remain safe, but when we stray we are taking a chance and nine times out of ten, it leads to destruction.
When God is showing you a green light in life, it is easy..traffic flows smoothly for the most part, it is safe to cruise under the light without taking no notice of anything else...but the yellow light comes on and how many of us want to speed up, instead of slow down when we see that? We don't want to wait..we think that we can press on and escape the red light...but how dangerous is that? What if the red light comes on quicker than you think and you get a ticket? Or worse yet, in an accident?
It's so similar with God's signals and direction to us...when he says "slow down" how many of us want to keep going and continue at full throttle? He says to "wait on him" many times in the word of God. Yet we try him and test him to see how far we can go. How much further can we go? How much more will he allow till he pulls us over? His rod of correction is because he loves us. He only rebukes those that he loves. We should rejoice that he protects us and draws us closer, sometimes with correction, but always with love.
How many of us want to sneak through the "red lights" when we are tired or "no one" is looking or around? But God see's all. The bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice.
so when putting the petal to the metal in life, be obedient to the direction of the spirit of God and let him lead you. Rules are put into place for our safety and so is the bible.
May he shine his light on you more and more today...
I love how God gives us revelations, even when we are tired. I began thinking of how God is like a traffic light. Green, yellow, red..he gives us direction in life and if we are obedient, we will remain safe, but when we stray we are taking a chance and nine times out of ten, it leads to destruction.
When God is showing you a green light in life, it is easy..traffic flows smoothly for the most part, it is safe to cruise under the light without taking no notice of anything else...but the yellow light comes on and how many of us want to speed up, instead of slow down when we see that? We don't want to wait..we think that we can press on and escape the red light...but how dangerous is that? What if the red light comes on quicker than you think and you get a ticket? Or worse yet, in an accident?
It's so similar with God's signals and direction to us...when he says "slow down" how many of us want to keep going and continue at full throttle? He says to "wait on him" many times in the word of God. Yet we try him and test him to see how far we can go. How much further can we go? How much more will he allow till he pulls us over? His rod of correction is because he loves us. He only rebukes those that he loves. We should rejoice that he protects us and draws us closer, sometimes with correction, but always with love.
How many of us want to sneak through the "red lights" when we are tired or "no one" is looking or around? But God see's all. The bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice.
so when putting the petal to the metal in life, be obedient to the direction of the spirit of God and let him lead you. Rules are put into place for our safety and so is the bible.
May he shine his light on you more and more today...
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Let Go
This is a song that I wrote today, not out of personal experience. I just felt like it may touch someone today. God bless. XO
Let Go
I used to be scared when they said…
Surrender your life to Christ.
I didn’t want to give up…
Everything I owned.
I had a life that most people would die for..
But really one person died for..
I led a life of lies and sin..
Only to be told once again..
“Give up…Lay Down…
And surrender your crown…
To the one…(to the one)…
Who gave you life
Bow Down…Let Go…
And Forget what’s behind..
Cause he paid the price for your life.”
I didn’t want to lose control..
I fought with all that I had to hold on..
to everything I had..
but now I can tell you..
I remember that day that I finally gave in..
I felt cleansed from within..
It’s the only way to live..
To take up your cross and…
Let Go
I used to be scared when they said…
Surrender your life to Christ.
I didn’t want to give up…
Everything I owned.
I had a life that most people would die for..
But really one person died for..
I led a life of lies and sin..
Only to be told once again..
“Give up…Lay Down…
And surrender your crown…
To the one…(to the one)…
Who gave you life
Bow Down…Let Go…
And Forget what’s behind..
Cause he paid the price for your life.”
I didn’t want to lose control..
I fought with all that I had to hold on..
to everything I had..
but now I can tell you..
I remember that day that I finally gave in..
I felt cleansed from within..
It’s the only way to live..
To take up your cross and…
Monday, April 20, 2009
After the Altar Call
I am so grateful to God for the salvation altar calls that are answered each and every Sunday! It blesses me so much to see people come up and accept Christ as their personal savior. Yesterday, I noticed that four men went up during our Sunday service and they weren't tiny "wimpy" looking men either. I was rejoicing over their souls...like it says that the Angels do when people choose to come to God. It makes them rejoice when another soul is added to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Then I began thinking of how at that moment of repeating the salvation prayer, your heart is beating out of your chest, it is the BEST moment of your life...from that moment on you have Christ living in you!! But then..what happens after the altar call?? That part is up to you.
Some people, and I pray that this isn't the case, may walk away from the altar and never again come back to church (to ANY church, not just mine). That breaks my heart to think that. They need to be instructed that "ok, now that you just made the decision to follow Christ, you need to attend church regularly, read your bible, pray daily, get around other believers." We do have someone tell them about these things after our altar calls. They even get a free bible. God is so good!
I just pray that they know what they just said...they asked the God of creation to live inside of them!! I pray they are ready and allow him to clean house in their heart...rid them of addictions, hurts, fear, unclean spirits, etc.
What an important prayer!!!!!!!!!
Let us be mindful that these people are BRAND NEW Christians...they need to be discipled, encouraged, motivated...
Come along side of one today...everyone has a part.
Please agree with me in this prayer:
Father, I ask in the name of Jesus that you quicken your spirit inside of your new additions to your family...I thank you Lord that they accepted you and are now granted eternal life with you. Father, I speak a mighty anointing over their lives..to follow you with all that they have, to know you and to be in your word...speak to them and draw them all closer. Send others to encourage them and help strengthen their new foundation in you. I ask this all in Jesus' name, amen.
Then I began thinking of how at that moment of repeating the salvation prayer, your heart is beating out of your chest, it is the BEST moment of your life...from that moment on you have Christ living in you!! But then..what happens after the altar call?? That part is up to you.
Some people, and I pray that this isn't the case, may walk away from the altar and never again come back to church (to ANY church, not just mine). That breaks my heart to think that. They need to be instructed that "ok, now that you just made the decision to follow Christ, you need to attend church regularly, read your bible, pray daily, get around other believers." We do have someone tell them about these things after our altar calls. They even get a free bible. God is so good!
I just pray that they know what they just said...they asked the God of creation to live inside of them!! I pray they are ready and allow him to clean house in their heart...rid them of addictions, hurts, fear, unclean spirits, etc.
What an important prayer!!!!!!!!!
Let us be mindful that these people are BRAND NEW Christians...they need to be discipled, encouraged, motivated...
Come along side of one today...everyone has a part.
Please agree with me in this prayer:
Father, I ask in the name of Jesus that you quicken your spirit inside of your new additions to your family...I thank you Lord that they accepted you and are now granted eternal life with you. Father, I speak a mighty anointing over their lives..to follow you with all that they have, to know you and to be in your word...speak to them and draw them all closer. Send others to encourage them and help strengthen their new foundation in you. I ask this all in Jesus' name, amen.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My Testimony
Even though I grew up always believing in God, it wasn’t until three years ago that I knew the God that created me and my life changed forever.
When I was born, my mother was sixteen and my father was twenty years old. The devil tried to kill me when I was about three months old. I lived with my parents and I was neglected. I was severely dehydrated and I was going to the bathroom every minute. I had no food in my body and I had severe diarrhea. My Grandparents decided to come see me (my Grandmother said that something told her to come see me..I now know that something was the holy spirit). It was a night of a blizzard and my Grandmother was persistent on her and my Grandfather coming to see me. I praise God that they were obedient because when they took me to the hospital, the Doctors said that I could have died, if I hadn’t been brought in sooner. From that day on, I went to live with my Grandparents. I grew very close to my Grandfather and we developed a loving relationship. My Grandmother was loving too, however she showed me tough love. My Grandfather worked hard as a painter, and I would go with him to his jobs and wherever else he had to go..the bank, the grocery store, etc. I didn’t want to be apart from him..EVER. My mom and Dad would come in and out of my life, but were pretty consistent with coming around every two weeks or so. They actually split up after my brother was born. He is five years younger than me. My mother raised him as she dated many abusive men. I would occasionally go to her house to spend the night and spend time with her, but it never turned out like that. I would witness her using drugs and alcohol, being intimate with her boyfriend and being in physical fights with them too. I also witnessed the neglect that my brother was experiencing and I knew that something had to change. I told my Grandparents about how I hated going over there and how I didn’t want my little brother there anymore either. I was probably about eight at this point. Two years later, my Grandparents heard of severe abuse that my brother was undergoing and they also took him from my mother. My youngest brother was also born at this point (by a different man) and my mother later went on to have my little sister too, with yet another man. Her drug abuse was spiraling and getting worse, as was her alcohol addiction. She wasn’t happy. She came around as much as she could, to visit us. Her and my Grandmother didn’t have the healthiest relationship, they would argue constantly and my Grandmother , although loved her, would be very verbally abusive to my mother. She was also like this to me too. As I grew older, I became very aware that my Grandmother favored my brother. She would give him praise, but I always received negative comments. I know that she loved me, because she told me, but for the most part, she would put me down. I felt like I always had to “win” her love and attention. My Grandfather, on the other hand, was always very loving to me and he would defend me, but it caused a lot of arguments between him and my Grandmother and I felt guilty for that. I even grew angry at my Grandmother and would swear and yell at her often. I didn’t understand why she didn’t love me like I needed her to. I had a very poor relationship with my aunts and uncles and also my mother and father. My brother and I were very close, which I always was grateful for. We would see our other two siblings occasionally, when our mother came around. I always wanted them to come and live with us but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way. I would cry myself to sleep at night because of my mother’s habits and I would pray to God for him to keep my siblings safe. It broke my heart.
Meanwhile, my father had stopped coming around because of family differences. He would only visit us during holidays. I never understood how he could just stay away from us all year. It made me feel like I was losing him.
When I was ten years old, I witnessed my Grandmother have a stroke. She literally went back in her chair and stopped breathing. Thankfully, my Grandfather was home too and he called 911 and my family all came over too. I remember running up the stairs to my Great Grandmother (she lived upstairs from us) and crying out to God to “bring my Grandmother back”. Well, he heard my prayers because she was pronounced dead at the scene, but they brought her back with CPR. Praise God!
After that day, I tried to be nicer to my Grandmother and I spent more time with her, however I was still angry at her for being mean to me at times. I realized though that she wasn’t healthy, she spent many days in bed and she began having trouble breathing. Over the course of the next five years or so, she was in and out of the hospital. She was always very strong though and stubborn. She was very strong personality wise and physically. She was a hard worker and was always scrubbing or cleaning…she also loved to go shopping and would take good care of us by buying us what we needed for school. She also cooked very often and made sure that we were never hungry. I did and still do love my Grandmother, I am just saying that we didn’t have the best relationship. My Grandmother passed away from heart failure in May 1998. I had lost what I knew as a mother and wasn’t ready for it at all. It made me mature a lot and it also brought a lot of guilt because we argued the night beforehand. I never got to apologize for being so mean to her all those years. I was angry. It took me over ten years to get over that and it wasn’t until I found Christ could I forgive not only her, but myself for all of the anger in our relationship. Then there was my relationship with my mother: I remember riding the school bus home and wondering if she would be on the couch when I got there…”would this be a week where she came to visit?” I missed her, and always desired more of her time and wanted to know her, but I never really did. I remember as my siblings and I got older, she began to start using heavier drugs and she would flee to Schenectady often on a drug binge. She had met more abusive guys and eventually it would destroy her.
In May 1999, my mother went disappearing. Even when she was in jail, she would write to us and let us know that she loved us and she was ok, but we knew after not hearing from her for at least a year that something was much different this time. We still have not heard from her to this day. We put out missing people reports and have even written to television shows to try to find her, but no prevail.
My father had come to my Grandmother’s services, but then we hadn’t seen him again in several years. We knew he was in the area, but for some reason he didn’t seem to want to see us. I didn’t understand. (We have since reconciled our relationship), but back then with losing my Grandmother, mother and my father again and my brother also moved away to college…it made me depressed and I did poorly on my college grades for the first two years. I began dating a guy who was extremely verbally and emotionally abusive to me. We moved in together quickly and he was into evil music and movies. I also became interested in some bad things. I became sexually active with him and eventually felt abused in that also. I didn’t know how to receive love, because the only person who had shown me pure love was my Grandfather. I was only living upstairs from him, but I even became distant to him due to my boyfriend at the time. I became more interested in my abusive boyfriend than I did for anyone else in my life. I lost all of my friends. He was very possessive. I was heading in a bad direction and was pretty much already there. I had a few people witness to me about Christ, but I told them that I already believe in God and I was “good.”
I thought about suicide a few times but never actually tried it. There were many nights where I still felt guilt from my Grandmother and I cried myself to sleep, wishing I could have changed the past. The condemnation I felt was unbearable at times. I didn’t have any friends and the only person that I hung out with was my abusive boyfriend. I began to be more depressed. I was thin, but I thought I was fat. That was because of the mental abuse that he fed me. Unfortunately I believed every lie he told me. This went on for almost four years. Eventually he got a job in the south (Virginia), and he went away for training in Georgia for the Summer. I felt so free for the first time in years. I moved back downstairs with my Grandfather and having family around and not hearing constant lies was so nice. However, in the fall, I moved to Virginia to live with him. I wasn’t happy leaving my family and my Dog, but I did it because I thought I loved him. After I was there for a few weeks, I noticed that he wasn’t good for me. I was being abused day and night by him and I cried often. I missed my Grandfather so much. My cousin Stephanie was praying for me and I remember one day I went to work and a girl I work with noticed I was crying. She asked if she could pray with me. I remember that I felt so different after she prayed and I thanked her. After another month or so, I had made up my mind. I was going back home and leaving him for good. It wasn’t an easy break up, but it was one of the most important decisions I ever made. I moved back home in Nov. 2003. I am so grateful for a Grandfather that never let me go. For a God who never let me go either. PRAISE HIM!!
I would love to say that I got saved after moving home but it took two more hurtful relationships with men, one who cheated on me and another who rejected me, to realize that Christ is what I wanted and needed.
In the summer of 2005 (here is my FAV part of my story or I should say LIFE), I helped my cousin and her husband plan their wedding. They were both attending a bible school at the time and were on FIRE for God!! I couldn’t escape the Gospel when I was with them. GLORY! They both witnessed to me in more ways than words and I felt the love of God for the first time in my life. They invited me to church and one day I accepted. I gave my life to the Lord in Late Nov. 2005. I began attending church with them and my cousin Stephanie discipled me with the bible and taught me how to receive God’s love.
I started attending church regularly in February 2006 and made a bunch of new Christian friends who showed me what being a true friend really means. I have lost some along the way, and made more, but there are some who are still faithful and by my side. I praise God for a church with a leadership that doesn’t compromise! We have vision, fire and are willing to go above and beyond to see the Kingdom of God come to Earth. I have since lost my wonderful, dear Grandfather (in Nov. 2007) but I walked him through the salvation prayer and today he resides with Jesus in Heaven!!!!!! GLORY!!
God has been so wonderful and faithful to me and I could go on and on about the healing that he has brought to my past. I am forever grateful and a new woman because of his unfailing love for me and innocent blood that was shed for my sins!!! HALLELUJAH!!
When I was born, my mother was sixteen and my father was twenty years old. The devil tried to kill me when I was about three months old. I lived with my parents and I was neglected. I was severely dehydrated and I was going to the bathroom every minute. I had no food in my body and I had severe diarrhea. My Grandparents decided to come see me (my Grandmother said that something told her to come see me..I now know that something was the holy spirit). It was a night of a blizzard and my Grandmother was persistent on her and my Grandfather coming to see me. I praise God that they were obedient because when they took me to the hospital, the Doctors said that I could have died, if I hadn’t been brought in sooner. From that day on, I went to live with my Grandparents. I grew very close to my Grandfather and we developed a loving relationship. My Grandmother was loving too, however she showed me tough love. My Grandfather worked hard as a painter, and I would go with him to his jobs and wherever else he had to go..the bank, the grocery store, etc. I didn’t want to be apart from him..EVER. My mom and Dad would come in and out of my life, but were pretty consistent with coming around every two weeks or so. They actually split up after my brother was born. He is five years younger than me. My mother raised him as she dated many abusive men. I would occasionally go to her house to spend the night and spend time with her, but it never turned out like that. I would witness her using drugs and alcohol, being intimate with her boyfriend and being in physical fights with them too. I also witnessed the neglect that my brother was experiencing and I knew that something had to change. I told my Grandparents about how I hated going over there and how I didn’t want my little brother there anymore either. I was probably about eight at this point. Two years later, my Grandparents heard of severe abuse that my brother was undergoing and they also took him from my mother. My youngest brother was also born at this point (by a different man) and my mother later went on to have my little sister too, with yet another man. Her drug abuse was spiraling and getting worse, as was her alcohol addiction. She wasn’t happy. She came around as much as she could, to visit us. Her and my Grandmother didn’t have the healthiest relationship, they would argue constantly and my Grandmother , although loved her, would be very verbally abusive to my mother. She was also like this to me too. As I grew older, I became very aware that my Grandmother favored my brother. She would give him praise, but I always received negative comments. I know that she loved me, because she told me, but for the most part, she would put me down. I felt like I always had to “win” her love and attention. My Grandfather, on the other hand, was always very loving to me and he would defend me, but it caused a lot of arguments between him and my Grandmother and I felt guilty for that. I even grew angry at my Grandmother and would swear and yell at her often. I didn’t understand why she didn’t love me like I needed her to. I had a very poor relationship with my aunts and uncles and also my mother and father. My brother and I were very close, which I always was grateful for. We would see our other two siblings occasionally, when our mother came around. I always wanted them to come and live with us but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way. I would cry myself to sleep at night because of my mother’s habits and I would pray to God for him to keep my siblings safe. It broke my heart.
Meanwhile, my father had stopped coming around because of family differences. He would only visit us during holidays. I never understood how he could just stay away from us all year. It made me feel like I was losing him.
When I was ten years old, I witnessed my Grandmother have a stroke. She literally went back in her chair and stopped breathing. Thankfully, my Grandfather was home too and he called 911 and my family all came over too. I remember running up the stairs to my Great Grandmother (she lived upstairs from us) and crying out to God to “bring my Grandmother back”. Well, he heard my prayers because she was pronounced dead at the scene, but they brought her back with CPR. Praise God!
After that day, I tried to be nicer to my Grandmother and I spent more time with her, however I was still angry at her for being mean to me at times. I realized though that she wasn’t healthy, she spent many days in bed and she began having trouble breathing. Over the course of the next five years or so, she was in and out of the hospital. She was always very strong though and stubborn. She was very strong personality wise and physically. She was a hard worker and was always scrubbing or cleaning…she also loved to go shopping and would take good care of us by buying us what we needed for school. She also cooked very often and made sure that we were never hungry. I did and still do love my Grandmother, I am just saying that we didn’t have the best relationship. My Grandmother passed away from heart failure in May 1998. I had lost what I knew as a mother and wasn’t ready for it at all. It made me mature a lot and it also brought a lot of guilt because we argued the night beforehand. I never got to apologize for being so mean to her all those years. I was angry. It took me over ten years to get over that and it wasn’t until I found Christ could I forgive not only her, but myself for all of the anger in our relationship. Then there was my relationship with my mother: I remember riding the school bus home and wondering if she would be on the couch when I got there…”would this be a week where she came to visit?” I missed her, and always desired more of her time and wanted to know her, but I never really did. I remember as my siblings and I got older, she began to start using heavier drugs and she would flee to Schenectady often on a drug binge. She had met more abusive guys and eventually it would destroy her.
In May 1999, my mother went disappearing. Even when she was in jail, she would write to us and let us know that she loved us and she was ok, but we knew after not hearing from her for at least a year that something was much different this time. We still have not heard from her to this day. We put out missing people reports and have even written to television shows to try to find her, but no prevail.
My father had come to my Grandmother’s services, but then we hadn’t seen him again in several years. We knew he was in the area, but for some reason he didn’t seem to want to see us. I didn’t understand. (We have since reconciled our relationship), but back then with losing my Grandmother, mother and my father again and my brother also moved away to college…it made me depressed and I did poorly on my college grades for the first two years. I began dating a guy who was extremely verbally and emotionally abusive to me. We moved in together quickly and he was into evil music and movies. I also became interested in some bad things. I became sexually active with him and eventually felt abused in that also. I didn’t know how to receive love, because the only person who had shown me pure love was my Grandfather. I was only living upstairs from him, but I even became distant to him due to my boyfriend at the time. I became more interested in my abusive boyfriend than I did for anyone else in my life. I lost all of my friends. He was very possessive. I was heading in a bad direction and was pretty much already there. I had a few people witness to me about Christ, but I told them that I already believe in God and I was “good.”
I thought about suicide a few times but never actually tried it. There were many nights where I still felt guilt from my Grandmother and I cried myself to sleep, wishing I could have changed the past. The condemnation I felt was unbearable at times. I didn’t have any friends and the only person that I hung out with was my abusive boyfriend. I began to be more depressed. I was thin, but I thought I was fat. That was because of the mental abuse that he fed me. Unfortunately I believed every lie he told me. This went on for almost four years. Eventually he got a job in the south (Virginia), and he went away for training in Georgia for the Summer. I felt so free for the first time in years. I moved back downstairs with my Grandfather and having family around and not hearing constant lies was so nice. However, in the fall, I moved to Virginia to live with him. I wasn’t happy leaving my family and my Dog, but I did it because I thought I loved him. After I was there for a few weeks, I noticed that he wasn’t good for me. I was being abused day and night by him and I cried often. I missed my Grandfather so much. My cousin Stephanie was praying for me and I remember one day I went to work and a girl I work with noticed I was crying. She asked if she could pray with me. I remember that I felt so different after she prayed and I thanked her. After another month or so, I had made up my mind. I was going back home and leaving him for good. It wasn’t an easy break up, but it was one of the most important decisions I ever made. I moved back home in Nov. 2003. I am so grateful for a Grandfather that never let me go. For a God who never let me go either. PRAISE HIM!!
I would love to say that I got saved after moving home but it took two more hurtful relationships with men, one who cheated on me and another who rejected me, to realize that Christ is what I wanted and needed.
In the summer of 2005 (here is my FAV part of my story or I should say LIFE), I helped my cousin and her husband plan their wedding. They were both attending a bible school at the time and were on FIRE for God!! I couldn’t escape the Gospel when I was with them. GLORY! They both witnessed to me in more ways than words and I felt the love of God for the first time in my life. They invited me to church and one day I accepted. I gave my life to the Lord in Late Nov. 2005. I began attending church with them and my cousin Stephanie discipled me with the bible and taught me how to receive God’s love.
I started attending church regularly in February 2006 and made a bunch of new Christian friends who showed me what being a true friend really means. I have lost some along the way, and made more, but there are some who are still faithful and by my side. I praise God for a church with a leadership that doesn’t compromise! We have vision, fire and are willing to go above and beyond to see the Kingdom of God come to Earth. I have since lost my wonderful, dear Grandfather (in Nov. 2007) but I walked him through the salvation prayer and today he resides with Jesus in Heaven!!!!!! GLORY!!
God has been so wonderful and faithful to me and I could go on and on about the healing that he has brought to my past. I am forever grateful and a new woman because of his unfailing love for me and innocent blood that was shed for my sins!!! HALLELUJAH!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Heart
I am sure that everyone reading this has experienced a heart break or discouragement at some point in their life. The possibility that you are facing a challenge right now in the area of your heart is very large, considering we are very passionate individuals. God created us to be passionate. His word even says that he rather us be hot or cold than luke warm. Let us boil! I pray that this blog will shed some light onto something that you may be dealing with.
This is more of a personal blog than a word of exhortation, but I do pray that it helps you all. I was writing to my friend Tara this morning and the discussion of guarding our hearts came up. This is something that we kind of laugh about and say, “ok, how in the world are we supposed to guard our hearts?” Both of us have dealt with some big rejection issues in our lives. There are many days where we will email back and forth, just venting about something going on in our life and yet we always come to the resolution that God is in control. We know this, yet we always have to say it. Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I tell her, “Tara, God has it all in control. Let his timing and will be done.”
She also tells me things like, “Deb, God is able to do anything.”
Amen and Amen to all of these things, but sometimes, can we be real and say that it’s just not always easy?
I was driving my car around the other day and just thinking…I was amazed at how easily I seem to be able to give my heart away to people and things, even though it has been so misused, abandoned, hurt, confused, broken, neglected, trampled on, destroyed and tainted in the past. I was shocked at how easily I can just hand it off to the next person that comes into my life or the next thing that I become passionate about, without really asking God what he thinks first. I am working on this. I do go to God before anyone or anything for the most part, but let it be a priority to go to him, the creator of my heart, before giving it to anyone else.
Tara and others tell me, “Hello, we are human! We are going to fall for guys, we are going to get our hearts broken, we are going to do too much sometimes, but it’s ok cause God will work it out”, I tend to forget sometimes that it is ok to take chances. I am so quick to give my heart away, but when it returns to me broken and marred, I get so angry that I gave it away in the first place. Then I think to myself, “I will never give it away again.” I try to build walls and God says “Don’t do that!” and with ONE word of love from him, he knocks down the first layer of the wall that I was trying to build. Praise God for that! I praise him for the ability to love and let go. For the ability to be healed and cleansed by his blood.
While writing Tara today, I had a revelation. Say you have a precious item (let’s say a gold necklace that was passed down from generations and the significance of the necklace was great), one day someone that you really care about see’s the necklace and likes it and you want to let them borrow it. You give it to them with all that you have…you TRUST them to take good care of it. After all, you have spent many nights wearing this necklace and it holds dear value to you. You find out that the person who borrowed it has now misplaced it (NEGLECT). They have no idea where it is and they have no desire to find it for you. You are saddened because it means a lot to you and how could they want it so bad, but now have no motivation to find it again?
They eventually find it, but it is now all twisted (CONFUSED) and it doesn’t look as nice as it used to. You are upset with them and they apologize but don’t seem too hurt by it. They offer it back and you thank them, all the while holding your tongue cause you are so hurt by what they did. You know you must forgive them though. So you do..and eventually someone else comes along that wants to borrow it…by now you have already taken it to the jeweler and it is looking brand new again…you have already forgotten how sad you were the last time, cause the jeweler has done such a good job on it, so you give it to this person to “borrow.” This time, the person not only gets it all dirty (SIN), but has also broken pieces of it and some links are missing. You take it back and this time it costs more money to get it fixed…it takes a lot longer too. You keep doing this process because, well you are a giving person and it is how you are supposed to be. BUT, what about waiting for the person that you marry? What about waiting for the person that lives with you and you will be able to keep watch over it and share it together. What about asking God before you give it away so easily?
I’m not talking about a necklace, I am talking about your heart. Your heart is a sensitive, delicate part of who God made you to be. It is Jesus’ home. You can not live without it. Be careful who you let in and who you give it to…
Does anyone have any advice on guarding your heart or any input they would like to add? I am always open to comments, suggestions, questions.
God bless you!
This is more of a personal blog than a word of exhortation, but I do pray that it helps you all. I was writing to my friend Tara this morning and the discussion of guarding our hearts came up. This is something that we kind of laugh about and say, “ok, how in the world are we supposed to guard our hearts?” Both of us have dealt with some big rejection issues in our lives. There are many days where we will email back and forth, just venting about something going on in our life and yet we always come to the resolution that God is in control. We know this, yet we always have to say it. Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I tell her, “Tara, God has it all in control. Let his timing and will be done.”
She also tells me things like, “Deb, God is able to do anything.”
Amen and Amen to all of these things, but sometimes, can we be real and say that it’s just not always easy?
I was driving my car around the other day and just thinking…I was amazed at how easily I seem to be able to give my heart away to people and things, even though it has been so misused, abandoned, hurt, confused, broken, neglected, trampled on, destroyed and tainted in the past. I was shocked at how easily I can just hand it off to the next person that comes into my life or the next thing that I become passionate about, without really asking God what he thinks first. I am working on this. I do go to God before anyone or anything for the most part, but let it be a priority to go to him, the creator of my heart, before giving it to anyone else.
Tara and others tell me, “Hello, we are human! We are going to fall for guys, we are going to get our hearts broken, we are going to do too much sometimes, but it’s ok cause God will work it out”, I tend to forget sometimes that it is ok to take chances. I am so quick to give my heart away, but when it returns to me broken and marred, I get so angry that I gave it away in the first place. Then I think to myself, “I will never give it away again.” I try to build walls and God says “Don’t do that!” and with ONE word of love from him, he knocks down the first layer of the wall that I was trying to build. Praise God for that! I praise him for the ability to love and let go. For the ability to be healed and cleansed by his blood.
While writing Tara today, I had a revelation. Say you have a precious item (let’s say a gold necklace that was passed down from generations and the significance of the necklace was great), one day someone that you really care about see’s the necklace and likes it and you want to let them borrow it. You give it to them with all that you have…you TRUST them to take good care of it. After all, you have spent many nights wearing this necklace and it holds dear value to you. You find out that the person who borrowed it has now misplaced it (NEGLECT). They have no idea where it is and they have no desire to find it for you. You are saddened because it means a lot to you and how could they want it so bad, but now have no motivation to find it again?
They eventually find it, but it is now all twisted (CONFUSED) and it doesn’t look as nice as it used to. You are upset with them and they apologize but don’t seem too hurt by it. They offer it back and you thank them, all the while holding your tongue cause you are so hurt by what they did. You know you must forgive them though. So you do..and eventually someone else comes along that wants to borrow it…by now you have already taken it to the jeweler and it is looking brand new again…you have already forgotten how sad you were the last time, cause the jeweler has done such a good job on it, so you give it to this person to “borrow.” This time, the person not only gets it all dirty (SIN), but has also broken pieces of it and some links are missing. You take it back and this time it costs more money to get it fixed…it takes a lot longer too. You keep doing this process because, well you are a giving person and it is how you are supposed to be. BUT, what about waiting for the person that you marry? What about waiting for the person that lives with you and you will be able to keep watch over it and share it together. What about asking God before you give it away so easily?
I’m not talking about a necklace, I am talking about your heart. Your heart is a sensitive, delicate part of who God made you to be. It is Jesus’ home. You can not live without it. Be careful who you let in and who you give it to…
Does anyone have any advice on guarding your heart or any input they would like to add? I am always open to comments, suggestions, questions.
God bless you!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Out of Religious Duty
We all know that it is Easter week. Whether you celebrate it or not.
Now before I begin, let me just say that this blog may offend people….I cannot apologize for that because I feel that it is what God is leading me to write. Many people in the bible offended people with words of truth…but, I just pray that this encourages you instead.
I was eating lunch out yesterday and I overheard the man and woman at the table next to me talking about Easter. I wasn’t trying to be nosy, we were just sitting very close to each other. The man said something along the lines of going to church on Sunday. Now I am not judging from what they were saying, because I don’t know their walk with the Lord at all and neither is it my place to, but I began thinking, “I wonder if they are only going to church on Sunday because it is Easter?”
I began thinking about before I was saved. I grew up Catholic, yet not a very faithful one. I would attend church on the “holidays” and maybe twice all year. It was my religious duty as a Catholic. It was what I was “supposed to do” right? I mean, if I didn’t go to church to honor God on Easter than I was going to hell, right? If I didn’t go on Palm Sunday, it was a sin…wasn’t it?
The answer to these questions is no. No where in the bible does God say, “you must go to church on Palm Sunday AND Easter, or that’s it for you.” But yet the world thinks that they owe God something for not going all of the other days a year. “Hey, if I go on the holidays, like Christmas Eve mass and Easter, I’m good. I fulfilled my religious duty.” Wow..so not true.
First of all, Jesus was not religious. He actually spoke to the Pharisee’s (religious leaders) and showed them that he is the way, truth and life, not religion. We are to follow the holy spirit and let him guide us, not a bunch of man-made rules. I am not putting down Catholics, I am merely stating that I was one, so I know from personal experiences how some things happen. There are many Catholics who are filled with the holy ghost and love God…so please don’t think that I am pointing any fingers here. There are many other denominations that also fall into the “Easter Sunday” regimen.
It just breaks my heart because Jesus desires a relationship with us. If these people are only going to church on holidays then they need to ask themselves why?? God’s word says to be rooted and planted in the house of the Lord. That means to be steady in church, to be learning and growing with other believers.
It leads me to think that they obviously must BELIEVE in God to even be attending church on those days, but the bible says that even the demons believe and TREMBLE!
Wow..even demons believe in God. That’s saying a lot right there. There are many people who don’t believe in God..that’s sad because he is coming back in power and glory! I would not want to be left behind. There is a scripture that talks about people talking to God when they stand before him and he says, “I knew you not.” They are like, “but God, we taught in your streets, we ate with you and cast out demons in your name…” and he will say, “away from me, I never knew you.”
What he is talking about here is that he didn’t have a relationship with them. That’s what it is all about. It is about KNOWING him…not just attending church and then leaving and not coming back until the next holiday. It isn’t about even going to church every single service and leaving the building and not talking to him again or praying until you step foot in the building again. SEE, IT ISN’T ABOUT A BUILDING!!! It is about the Kingdom of God living and dwelling in YOU! It is about a right relationship with the Father. He desires you to know him more…he wants to speak to you and show you mighty things that you do not know. Ask of him!! He wants you to ask and receive.
Picture this, picture a husband and wife- they have a relationship, right? Well, possibly by status only, because if they are not communicating and being intimate with each other, than what kind of relationship do they have??
What if the husband said, “Dear, we can only talk or commune when we are in this house and that’s it, ok?” The wife agrees and when they leave their house they have no communication whatsoever. They don’t know each other outside of that house. Kind of like some people that go to church. They do not know God outside of the BUILDING. BUT PEOPLE OF GOD, WE ARE THE CHURCH!!! Our body is the temple of the holy spirit. We are to keep it pure and holy. We are to treat it like we would treat the actual church building. Keep it clean and in good condition…don’t allow anything that would harm it to enter. Keep good watch over it.
We are the body of Christ.
I wish you and all of yours, a very Happy Easter. Let us remember that he suffered for our sins and he rose for his glory that one day we will partake in!! ALL BECAUSE HE LOVES US AND WE LOVE HIM!
There is so much more, children of God..get into the inner courts!! Dance with Jesus…sit and eat with him…know him…know his heart for you…listen to him…
It will change your life…..it changed mine. <3
Now before I begin, let me just say that this blog may offend people….I cannot apologize for that because I feel that it is what God is leading me to write. Many people in the bible offended people with words of truth…but, I just pray that this encourages you instead.
I was eating lunch out yesterday and I overheard the man and woman at the table next to me talking about Easter. I wasn’t trying to be nosy, we were just sitting very close to each other. The man said something along the lines of going to church on Sunday. Now I am not judging from what they were saying, because I don’t know their walk with the Lord at all and neither is it my place to, but I began thinking, “I wonder if they are only going to church on Sunday because it is Easter?”
I began thinking about before I was saved. I grew up Catholic, yet not a very faithful one. I would attend church on the “holidays” and maybe twice all year. It was my religious duty as a Catholic. It was what I was “supposed to do” right? I mean, if I didn’t go to church to honor God on Easter than I was going to hell, right? If I didn’t go on Palm Sunday, it was a sin…wasn’t it?
The answer to these questions is no. No where in the bible does God say, “you must go to church on Palm Sunday AND Easter, or that’s it for you.” But yet the world thinks that they owe God something for not going all of the other days a year. “Hey, if I go on the holidays, like Christmas Eve mass and Easter, I’m good. I fulfilled my religious duty.” Wow..so not true.
First of all, Jesus was not religious. He actually spoke to the Pharisee’s (religious leaders) and showed them that he is the way, truth and life, not religion. We are to follow the holy spirit and let him guide us, not a bunch of man-made rules. I am not putting down Catholics, I am merely stating that I was one, so I know from personal experiences how some things happen. There are many Catholics who are filled with the holy ghost and love God…so please don’t think that I am pointing any fingers here. There are many other denominations that also fall into the “Easter Sunday” regimen.
It just breaks my heart because Jesus desires a relationship with us. If these people are only going to church on holidays then they need to ask themselves why?? God’s word says to be rooted and planted in the house of the Lord. That means to be steady in church, to be learning and growing with other believers.
It leads me to think that they obviously must BELIEVE in God to even be attending church on those days, but the bible says that even the demons believe and TREMBLE!
Wow..even demons believe in God. That’s saying a lot right there. There are many people who don’t believe in God..that’s sad because he is coming back in power and glory! I would not want to be left behind. There is a scripture that talks about people talking to God when they stand before him and he says, “I knew you not.” They are like, “but God, we taught in your streets, we ate with you and cast out demons in your name…” and he will say, “away from me, I never knew you.”
What he is talking about here is that he didn’t have a relationship with them. That’s what it is all about. It is about KNOWING him…not just attending church and then leaving and not coming back until the next holiday. It isn’t about even going to church every single service and leaving the building and not talking to him again or praying until you step foot in the building again. SEE, IT ISN’T ABOUT A BUILDING!!! It is about the Kingdom of God living and dwelling in YOU! It is about a right relationship with the Father. He desires you to know him more…he wants to speak to you and show you mighty things that you do not know. Ask of him!! He wants you to ask and receive.
Picture this, picture a husband and wife- they have a relationship, right? Well, possibly by status only, because if they are not communicating and being intimate with each other, than what kind of relationship do they have??
What if the husband said, “Dear, we can only talk or commune when we are in this house and that’s it, ok?” The wife agrees and when they leave their house they have no communication whatsoever. They don’t know each other outside of that house. Kind of like some people that go to church. They do not know God outside of the BUILDING. BUT PEOPLE OF GOD, WE ARE THE CHURCH!!! Our body is the temple of the holy spirit. We are to keep it pure and holy. We are to treat it like we would treat the actual church building. Keep it clean and in good condition…don’t allow anything that would harm it to enter. Keep good watch over it.
We are the body of Christ.
I wish you and all of yours, a very Happy Easter. Let us remember that he suffered for our sins and he rose for his glory that one day we will partake in!! ALL BECAUSE HE LOVES US AND WE LOVE HIM!
There is so much more, children of God..get into the inner courts!! Dance with Jesus…sit and eat with him…know him…know his heart for you…listen to him…
It will change your life…..it changed mine. <3
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Song of Solomon 7:10-12
Song of Solomon 7:10-12
“I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.”
While reading Song of Solomon, I am reminded of God’s love and beauty. Song of Solomon is a beautiful description of intimacy with Jesus. In the verses 7:10-12, I envision a beautiful countryside, one of ripe fruit and plenty of greenery all around. I can even smell the fresh, country air and feel the breeze on my face as Jesus tells us in verses 11 and 12, “let us go forth into the field and let us see if the vine flourish…there I will give you my love.” (paraphrased).
We all desire romance. God created us to be passionate, loving individuals. He created us to desire him and to spend time with him and love him. He desires US…Verse 10 says, “his desire is toward me.”
Take a moment and picture this: You live in a place like something out of Beauty and the Beast…maybe Italy or Greece…you lodge in the villages with Jesus…with the lover of your soul. Many people think of Europe to be romantic...that's why I used Italy or Greece. The fresh fruit stands in the sunny streets, the quartet playing on the corner...imagine the sun shining on your face. And the best part of it all is, that Jesus is WITH YOU. He is romancing you...he is wooing you and he will never hurt you. You can trust him with all that you have and are..
His love is beautiful and amazing...imagine him holding you, as you overlook the vineyard with him. Allow him to show you the delicate beauty that awaits you, as you trust him to hold your heart.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Backslidden Romance
This song describes a girl who is backslidden...she remembers the sweetness of Jesus but feels like he wouldn't want her again...
We all know that isn't true. He is married to the backslider! PRAISE GOD for his mercy and faithfulness.
Notice how HE goes after HER!
Backslidden Romance
She sits at the ball…and longs for romance…
Oh how she wishes that he would ask her to dance..
She remembers the song that is playing overhead..
It wasn’t that long ago that she sat down instead…of
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
She thought long and hard…”I don’t remember the steps,
What if I tripped and messed everything up again?”
She watches the couples as they fill up the floor..
She is searching for comfort…but there is no more…
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
She watches him as he looks at her now..
Her heart starts beating faster as she remembers the feeling..
He moves in closer and she can feel his breath..
“Dance with me Darling” and he pulls her to his chest…and she is…
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
We all know that isn't true. He is married to the backslider! PRAISE GOD for his mercy and faithfulness.
Notice how HE goes after HER!
Backslidden Romance
She sits at the ball…and longs for romance…
Oh how she wishes that he would ask her to dance..
She remembers the song that is playing overhead..
It wasn’t that long ago that she sat down instead…of
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
She thought long and hard…”I don’t remember the steps,
What if I tripped and messed everything up again?”
She watches the couples as they fill up the floor..
She is searching for comfort…but there is no more…
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
She watches him as he looks at her now..
Her heart starts beating faster as she remembers the feeling..
He moves in closer and she can feel his breath..
“Dance with me Darling” and he pulls her to his chest…and she is…
Dancing with Jesus, feeling his nearness…
Moving in oneness, lifting her feet…
Twirling and laughing…this is real dancing..
If only she could dance again.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Love unraveling
Love unraveling
Wound so tightly…love always choked me.
I thought I was free…but I was captivated by negativity.
Dancing to the beat of my own drum...what I thought was love,
Wasn’t the same… as the love I felt after the pain.
Chorus
And now…love is unraveling…
the truth is showing me that I never knew love,
as it was intended to be.
Broken desires…fueled by dark fire,
I thought the love I had was pure…but it was no more,
Than my own ambitions…crazy superstitions.
How could it be that I never knew…the love that is true?
Chorus
And now…love is unraveling…
the truth is showing me that I never knew love,
as it was intended to be.
Bridge
Love is unraveling…
Love is unraveling…
It’s all powerful…it’s all knowing…it’s everywhere…
Love is unraveling...me
Wound so tightly…love always choked me.
I thought I was free…but I was captivated by negativity.
Dancing to the beat of my own drum...what I thought was love,
Wasn’t the same… as the love I felt after the pain.
Chorus
And now…love is unraveling…
the truth is showing me that I never knew love,
as it was intended to be.
Broken desires…fueled by dark fire,
I thought the love I had was pure…but it was no more,
Than my own ambitions…crazy superstitions.
How could it be that I never knew…the love that is true?
Chorus
And now…love is unraveling…
the truth is showing me that I never knew love,
as it was intended to be.
Bridge
Love is unraveling…
Love is unraveling…
It’s all powerful…it’s all knowing…it’s everywhere…
Love is unraveling...me
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Homesick
My Grandfather, who raised me with my Grandmother from practically birth, passed away in Nov. 2007.
If there is one person that I wish that I could see again, it is him. I miss him more than any words could ever express. I used to talk to him all the time about everything...he was a great listener and always had wisdom to give.
Grandpa had the biggest heart of anyone that I knew. He was a true giver..always looking out for others and giving above and beyond to even strangers.
He donated a lot of money to Boys Town. I remember him writing out his bills (he would have either my Grandmother, when she was alive, or my Aunt do it for him, since his eyes weren't that great later on in life)..but he would always make sure that they wrote a check for Boys Town.
Since I can remember, I was always very close to my Grandfather. We shared a special bond that others said was unique. I praise God for that...and for him.
I lived with Gramps right up until he passed away...and even helped take care of him in his last months. They were the HARDEST months of my life. I knew that he was slipping away..but didn't want to let him go.
I often think about our memories together and I still cry over the loss of him...I also smile though, knowing that he is with the Lord now.
I am so blessed to have had him raise me...I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I was just listening to this song and the words...soo true...as I think of how HOMESICK I really am...I miss my old bedroom, my old kitchen....just the comfort of HOME...the comfort of having Grandpa there with me all of the time...I would give anything to have one of those days back. How quickly it can all change.
HOMESICK by MERCYME
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
If there is one person that I wish that I could see again, it is him. I miss him more than any words could ever express. I used to talk to him all the time about everything...he was a great listener and always had wisdom to give.
Grandpa had the biggest heart of anyone that I knew. He was a true giver..always looking out for others and giving above and beyond to even strangers.
He donated a lot of money to Boys Town. I remember him writing out his bills (he would have either my Grandmother, when she was alive, or my Aunt do it for him, since his eyes weren't that great later on in life)..but he would always make sure that they wrote a check for Boys Town.
Since I can remember, I was always very close to my Grandfather. We shared a special bond that others said was unique. I praise God for that...and for him.
I lived with Gramps right up until he passed away...and even helped take care of him in his last months. They were the HARDEST months of my life. I knew that he was slipping away..but didn't want to let him go.
I often think about our memories together and I still cry over the loss of him...I also smile though, knowing that he is with the Lord now.
I am so blessed to have had him raise me...I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I was just listening to this song and the words...soo true...as I think of how HOMESICK I really am...I miss my old bedroom, my old kitchen....just the comfort of HOME...the comfort of having Grandpa there with me all of the time...I would give anything to have one of those days back. How quickly it can all change.
HOMESICK by MERCYME
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Once Upon A Time...
As women, we are almost born into a princess fairytale. By the time we are 5, we have already most likely seen Cinderella and every other magical children’s romance, played dress up and paraded around in another women’s clothing.
And even if you didn’t do these things, I am sure at some point in your life, you longed for a deeper meaning or your own “romance” of some kind. Well, God intended for us to live like this. We are ROYALTY. It is something that he has been recently speaking loud and clear to me. We are HIS princess and bride…
I pray that you enjoy this song.
The girl is searching for true love and doesn’t feel worthy of it at all. She doesn’t understand how God can say one thing, yet she feels another. She has no relationship with Christ. God is speaking back to her in the chorus and bridge. As I wrote this, I could hear it played as a country song. Picture the chorus being sung by Tim McGraw if you know him.
Once Upon A Time…
Verse 1
You tell me that I am a princess,
But why do I look all a mess?
Aren’t princesses beautiful? Wonderful?
If I am royalty and chosen by you,
Then why do I feel so rejected and used?
Aren’t princesses respected? Desired?
Chorus:
Oh, Cinderella may have had a castle,
And snow white may have found her prince…
But honey they didn’t have what you’re after…
And that is found only in this…
Once upon a time I sent him,
Oh but he was crucified…
He rose again and you’re the one he’s after…
Darling, won’t you let me be your guide?
Verse 2
If I have a destiny that is worth more than what I see,
How come I can’t seem to find what I need?
Aren’t princesses lavished? Blessed?
You say that you even know the hairs on my head,
But why don’t I feel you near me by the days end?
Aren’t princesses protected? Loved?
Chorus
Bridge:
I give you all that you could ask for…
Even more than you can think of..
If you would only look to Jesus…
He is the one you have been dreaming of..
Last Chorus
If you only knew what my kingdom was like,
Full of wonder and amazing things…
All of life’s blessings could offer…
And more than you could dream of..
Let me be your prince you’re seeking..
Let me sweep you off your feet..
Live with me and I promise you will see…
That I can give you all of eternity.
Happily ever after…love me.
And even if you didn’t do these things, I am sure at some point in your life, you longed for a deeper meaning or your own “romance” of some kind. Well, God intended for us to live like this. We are ROYALTY. It is something that he has been recently speaking loud and clear to me. We are HIS princess and bride…
I pray that you enjoy this song.
The girl is searching for true love and doesn’t feel worthy of it at all. She doesn’t understand how God can say one thing, yet she feels another. She has no relationship with Christ. God is speaking back to her in the chorus and bridge. As I wrote this, I could hear it played as a country song. Picture the chorus being sung by Tim McGraw if you know him.
Once Upon A Time…
Verse 1
You tell me that I am a princess,
But why do I look all a mess?
Aren’t princesses beautiful? Wonderful?
If I am royalty and chosen by you,
Then why do I feel so rejected and used?
Aren’t princesses respected? Desired?
Chorus:
Oh, Cinderella may have had a castle,
And snow white may have found her prince…
But honey they didn’t have what you’re after…
And that is found only in this…
Once upon a time I sent him,
Oh but he was crucified…
He rose again and you’re the one he’s after…
Darling, won’t you let me be your guide?
Verse 2
If I have a destiny that is worth more than what I see,
How come I can’t seem to find what I need?
Aren’t princesses lavished? Blessed?
You say that you even know the hairs on my head,
But why don’t I feel you near me by the days end?
Aren’t princesses protected? Loved?
Chorus
Bridge:
I give you all that you could ask for…
Even more than you can think of..
If you would only look to Jesus…
He is the one you have been dreaming of..
Last Chorus
If you only knew what my kingdom was like,
Full of wonder and amazing things…
All of life’s blessings could offer…
And more than you could dream of..
Let me be your prince you’re seeking..
Let me sweep you off your feet..
Live with me and I promise you will see…
That I can give you all of eternity.
Happily ever after…love me.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I'm speaking at a luncheon!! WOW..Glory to God
Greetings my fellow beautiful women of God!! : )
I sent an email out a few months ago..an invitation for you…to attend a women’s luncheon on Saturday, March 21st at Family Worship Center.
I belong to “Victory Christian Church”, however, my Aunt Diane has asked me to be a guest speaker at her 2nd Annual Women’s luncheon, to be held at her and her husband’s church, “Family Worship Center.” What an honor!!
I am extremely humbled and blessed to be asked to share with everyone, especially considering I know this is part of my calling. I’ve been teaching the word of God to children for over two years now and also have had many opportunities to share God’s heart with teens in the inner city. Praise God!! Now I will be sharing with women from all different walks of life. I am praying and believing that God will bring forth the women who should be there. I will pray at the end and please agree with me.
I am asking from my heart and it is vitally important that you lift me up in prayer for this time of giving Glory to the Father. There will also be another speaker that day, Caroline Turner. Please lift her up as well.
I met with Aunt Diane earlier this week and we prayed for God’s hand to direct this event. It was a very anointed prayer and I am believing that God is going to honor our requests and meet his daughter’s in an intimate way that day.
I really hope and pray that you will ALL come out and feel the Father’s love for you…and invite someone!
Please stand in agreement with me in prayer:
Father God, I ask in the name of your son Jesus, that you draw the women to this meeting that you are looking to speak to. I pray Lord that you use Caroline and myself as a vessel to reach your daughter’s hearts that day. We are ROYALTY…we are co-heirs with Christ..seated in heavenly places…oh how you love us, God. We praise you and thank you for all that you have done and all that you are doing in our lives. Praise you for what you will do at this meeting on March 21st, 2009. You are faithful and we rejoice in you alone! I ask that you cover us and protect us all. Let your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Lord, amen.
Please RSVP and let me know one way or another if you can make it. I will need a head count ASAP. Please let me know by Monday, March 9th.
Details:
Family Worship Center 2nd Annuals Women Luncheon entitled, “Hide N Seek”
Date: Sat., March 21, 2009
Time: 10am-2pm
Dress: I saw pics from last year and a lot of people dress up, but you don’t have to.
Family Worship Center
Lower Copeland Hill Rd
Feura Bush, NY 12067
Thank you ladies!! I love you all and appreciate your support with this amazing opportunity!
God bless you,
Debbie
I sent an email out a few months ago..an invitation for you…to attend a women’s luncheon on Saturday, March 21st at Family Worship Center.
I belong to “Victory Christian Church”, however, my Aunt Diane has asked me to be a guest speaker at her 2nd Annual Women’s luncheon, to be held at her and her husband’s church, “Family Worship Center.” What an honor!!
I am extremely humbled and blessed to be asked to share with everyone, especially considering I know this is part of my calling. I’ve been teaching the word of God to children for over two years now and also have had many opportunities to share God’s heart with teens in the inner city. Praise God!! Now I will be sharing with women from all different walks of life. I am praying and believing that God will bring forth the women who should be there. I will pray at the end and please agree with me.
I am asking from my heart and it is vitally important that you lift me up in prayer for this time of giving Glory to the Father. There will also be another speaker that day, Caroline Turner. Please lift her up as well.
I met with Aunt Diane earlier this week and we prayed for God’s hand to direct this event. It was a very anointed prayer and I am believing that God is going to honor our requests and meet his daughter’s in an intimate way that day.
I really hope and pray that you will ALL come out and feel the Father’s love for you…and invite someone!
Please stand in agreement with me in prayer:
Father God, I ask in the name of your son Jesus, that you draw the women to this meeting that you are looking to speak to. I pray Lord that you use Caroline and myself as a vessel to reach your daughter’s hearts that day. We are ROYALTY…we are co-heirs with Christ..seated in heavenly places…oh how you love us, God. We praise you and thank you for all that you have done and all that you are doing in our lives. Praise you for what you will do at this meeting on March 21st, 2009. You are faithful and we rejoice in you alone! I ask that you cover us and protect us all. Let your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Lord, amen.
Please RSVP and let me know one way or another if you can make it. I will need a head count ASAP. Please let me know by Monday, March 9th.
Details:
Family Worship Center 2nd Annuals Women Luncheon entitled, “Hide N Seek”
Date: Sat., March 21, 2009
Time: 10am-2pm
Dress: I saw pics from last year and a lot of people dress up, but you don’t have to.
Family Worship Center
Lower Copeland Hill Rd
Feura Bush, NY 12067
Thank you ladies!! I love you all and appreciate your support with this amazing opportunity!
God bless you,
Debbie
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Praying the Word of God
Have you ever had a revelation of something that you always knew, yet it was as if a veil was over your eyes and you couldn’t see the truth in the whole thing? Then the veil was torn by someone speaking truth into you and you couldn’t help but sit there in awe…
Well, I had one of them this week. Someone said to me, “It is very important to speak the word of God over your life.” I was sitting there listening as I thought, “yes it is and I always do.” Then it was like the veil was torn from my eyes and I had a witness in my spirit that rose up and showed me that I don’t always pray scriptures over my life.
We are to pray the very WORD of GOD over our lives. According to Hebrews, the word is SHARPER than any double edged sword. It pierces, divides, knows the thoughts and intents of the heart…it is powerful!!
Sure, our simple prayers from our hearts are heard by God and answered according to his will….”God heal him/her…touch him/her..strengthen him/her.. etc” BUT how much more powerful is “By your stripes, we were healed!” Or “Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
Quote the word of God over your life today…open up the bible and declare his promises over your life by using the actual words that were written years ago…for your freedom, your peace, your joy, your healing…
God bless you richly today and always~
Well, I had one of them this week. Someone said to me, “It is very important to speak the word of God over your life.” I was sitting there listening as I thought, “yes it is and I always do.” Then it was like the veil was torn from my eyes and I had a witness in my spirit that rose up and showed me that I don’t always pray scriptures over my life.
We are to pray the very WORD of GOD over our lives. According to Hebrews, the word is SHARPER than any double edged sword. It pierces, divides, knows the thoughts and intents of the heart…it is powerful!!
Sure, our simple prayers from our hearts are heard by God and answered according to his will….”God heal him/her…touch him/her..strengthen him/her.. etc” BUT how much more powerful is “By your stripes, we were healed!” Or “Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
Quote the word of God over your life today…open up the bible and declare his promises over your life by using the actual words that were written years ago…for your freedom, your peace, your joy, your healing…
God bless you richly today and always~
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I wrote this song sometime last Summer of 08'. I remember how hurt I was inside as I typed it, but I knew that God would get me through it all and he has. Thank you Lord.
This song is about a guy that I thought I would spend my life with. I now know that it wasn't God's will and I am grateful that I am over him. ONLY with God's grace and healing can I tell you this.
Time for Letting Go
Verse 1
It’s been so long since I’ve had these feelings inside…
I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve cried..
Just wishing you would come hold me…
It’s all I wanted was for you to love me…
So many memories of your smiling face…
Days spent with you, an echoing trace..
Of wanting so much more than what we had…
Oh, how I would have been so glad…
Chorus
But it’s time for those feelings to be let go
Its time for the void in my heart to be whole
Cause he is the only one to fill it…
He is the one who knows my heart and can set me free…
Verse 2
Driving round in your car every night…
Hoping you would shed some light…
On the ever present longing to be with you…
Oh, how I wanted for the dreams to come true…
Staying out and talking together…
The smile In your eyes, I can clearly remember..
But you didn’t want to be more than friends…
I wish this didn’t have to end..
Chorus
Bridge: (powerful, louder)
When there is a place in your heart,
That is longing for love…
Just close your eyes and keep your faith…
Because Jesus is all you need…yes, Jesus is all you need…
Verse 3
Hearing all of your desires for your life,
Just wanting to be by your side…
To be a part of your destiny…
Honey, how I wish you could have seen…
And Now I’m here holding out my hand,
Praying God would help me to stand..
Against the disappointment and the pain…
God help me to see the sun in the rain…
Last Chorus
But it’s time for those feelings to be let go
Its time for the void in my heart to be whole
Cause JESUS is the one to fill it…
Jesus is the one who knows my heart and can set me free…
This song is about a guy that I thought I would spend my life with. I now know that it wasn't God's will and I am grateful that I am over him. ONLY with God's grace and healing can I tell you this.
Time for Letting Go
Verse 1
It’s been so long since I’ve had these feelings inside…
I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve cried..
Just wishing you would come hold me…
It’s all I wanted was for you to love me…
So many memories of your smiling face…
Days spent with you, an echoing trace..
Of wanting so much more than what we had…
Oh, how I would have been so glad…
Chorus
But it’s time for those feelings to be let go
Its time for the void in my heart to be whole
Cause he is the only one to fill it…
He is the one who knows my heart and can set me free…
Verse 2
Driving round in your car every night…
Hoping you would shed some light…
On the ever present longing to be with you…
Oh, how I wanted for the dreams to come true…
Staying out and talking together…
The smile In your eyes, I can clearly remember..
But you didn’t want to be more than friends…
I wish this didn’t have to end..
Chorus
Bridge: (powerful, louder)
When there is a place in your heart,
That is longing for love…
Just close your eyes and keep your faith…
Because Jesus is all you need…yes, Jesus is all you need…
Verse 3
Hearing all of your desires for your life,
Just wanting to be by your side…
To be a part of your destiny…
Honey, how I wish you could have seen…
And Now I’m here holding out my hand,
Praying God would help me to stand..
Against the disappointment and the pain…
God help me to see the sun in the rain…
Last Chorus
But it’s time for those feelings to be let go
Its time for the void in my heart to be whole
Cause JESUS is the one to fill it…
Jesus is the one who knows my heart and can set me free…
Movin'!!!
This is the song that God put on my heart to choreograph.
Praise God! One of my biggest passions is dancing...specifically Hip Hop Dance...and now I am using one of my talents for HIS GLORY! What better way to dance than have it be a ministry!!!! WOW...
I am now teaching Christian Hip Hop Dance to teen girls at a community center!! I am not getting paid with money, but the spiritual blessings are being poured out. : )
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
What Moves You?
Do situations or people move you? Do circumstances change how you feel or perceive things?
The bible says that Jesus was moved with compassion and he still is.
What do you think when you pass an older man, sitting on a curb with his hand out for money...his clothes are tattered and torn...his beard is tangled and messy. He looks as though he hasn't slept in weeks. Are you thinking "wow, this is a great opportunity to share God's love and be a true witness of Christ" or are you thinking what some people think, "Look at this bum. I feel bad for him, but he can help himself."
I think back to the Good Samaritan.
How many people passed up an opportunity to be a blessing? To be a friend? To help someone in need?
Ask yourself today...what if it was you? Imagine for a second, yourself sitting on a park bench...bleeding, sick and starving. Two people stroll by, giggling...then they point and stare for a second, but continue on walking and giggling. Then another person...he stops for a minute and asks if you are ok, you say that you need help but he continues walking away..fast. You feel ashamed, lonely and deeply saddened.
Last Summer while hanging out with a few of my guy friends, we noticed an older man walking around by us and he was carrying a duffel bag. He was very clean and even decently shaven, etc. God gave me a word for him...all he said was "he is lonely." I prayed over the word and trusted that God would give me wisdom to be able to do something about it, if that's why he had told me. And he did.
We had walked away from the man...walking closer towards the river...and I happened to look over and see the man again. He was now standing very close to us. I knew in my heart that I should encourage him in the Lord. I told my friend Aaron about the word that I got for him and asked him (being a man) to offer some encouragement to the gentleman.
Aaron came back after speaking with the man for a few minutes and said that the word that God gave me was right on. The man was homeless. He had been staying at a shelter but I guess his time was up. He had also been to a chapel service moments before walking by the water.
No matter how small the word or nudging on your heart....no matter how small the conviction..or how large the fear....we should always be obedient to God's calling. Imagine what that word of encouragement did for that man? I'm sure he was very sad inside and even thought, "what do these kids think of me?" As he stood along side of us.
It made me cry. It was the compassion and grace of God's heart that moved me to speak that word. I praise God that Aaron was also obedient to share with him...
Next time you are moved by a situation or person....whether it be towards anger or sorrow...fear of failure...let it only be God's hand that moves you....it will always be with love or compassion....
Learn of his character today...
The bible says that Jesus was moved with compassion and he still is.
What do you think when you pass an older man, sitting on a curb with his hand out for money...his clothes are tattered and torn...his beard is tangled and messy. He looks as though he hasn't slept in weeks. Are you thinking "wow, this is a great opportunity to share God's love and be a true witness of Christ" or are you thinking what some people think, "Look at this bum. I feel bad for him, but he can help himself."
I think back to the Good Samaritan.
How many people passed up an opportunity to be a blessing? To be a friend? To help someone in need?
Ask yourself today...what if it was you? Imagine for a second, yourself sitting on a park bench...bleeding, sick and starving. Two people stroll by, giggling...then they point and stare for a second, but continue on walking and giggling. Then another person...he stops for a minute and asks if you are ok, you say that you need help but he continues walking away..fast. You feel ashamed, lonely and deeply saddened.
Last Summer while hanging out with a few of my guy friends, we noticed an older man walking around by us and he was carrying a duffel bag. He was very clean and even decently shaven, etc. God gave me a word for him...all he said was "he is lonely." I prayed over the word and trusted that God would give me wisdom to be able to do something about it, if that's why he had told me. And he did.
We had walked away from the man...walking closer towards the river...and I happened to look over and see the man again. He was now standing very close to us. I knew in my heart that I should encourage him in the Lord. I told my friend Aaron about the word that I got for him and asked him (being a man) to offer some encouragement to the gentleman.
Aaron came back after speaking with the man for a few minutes and said that the word that God gave me was right on. The man was homeless. He had been staying at a shelter but I guess his time was up. He had also been to a chapel service moments before walking by the water.
No matter how small the word or nudging on your heart....no matter how small the conviction..or how large the fear....we should always be obedient to God's calling. Imagine what that word of encouragement did for that man? I'm sure he was very sad inside and even thought, "what do these kids think of me?" As he stood along side of us.
It made me cry. It was the compassion and grace of God's heart that moved me to speak that word. I praise God that Aaron was also obedient to share with him...
Next time you are moved by a situation or person....whether it be towards anger or sorrow...fear of failure...let it only be God's hand that moves you....it will always be with love or compassion....
Learn of his character today...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Alabaster Worship
Sometimes while worshipping the Lord, I get distracted...we all do. I will look around, think of what I may want to eat later on, even think of other things I could be doing...
It's a ploy of the enemy.
I love to worship. I desire so greatly to just sit at the feet of God..I HUNGER after it...yet when the time comes, I get fidgety, restless and sometimes tired. Why? Because it is what Jesus desires...it is where the anointing comes...the breakthroughs...the victories are won in the midst of praise and worship. And the enemy knows this.
I've always loved to dance and enjoy music more than most anything in the world...and now that I am a Christian and realize how beautiful and pleasing it is to God, I love to do it even more.
But there is an adversary that wants to silence the music in our hearts and decrease our dancing into crawling...he wants to wipe away our desire to even begin to dance...to even begin to sing to our God. He knows the POWER that is in worship and praise...and he hates it.
I was sitting at my desk today and just asking God to help me...
I need him to fill me and to show me his love...in the moments of rejection or sorrow, he is always my source of strength...what he spoke was beautiful. He said, "you worship me, but do you use your most expensive perfume?"
I was amazed and immediately reflected on the story of the alabaster jar.
It's a ploy of the enemy.
I love to worship. I desire so greatly to just sit at the feet of God..I HUNGER after it...yet when the time comes, I get fidgety, restless and sometimes tired. Why? Because it is what Jesus desires...it is where the anointing comes...the breakthroughs...the victories are won in the midst of praise and worship. And the enemy knows this.
I've always loved to dance and enjoy music more than most anything in the world...and now that I am a Christian and realize how beautiful and pleasing it is to God, I love to do it even more.
But there is an adversary that wants to silence the music in our hearts and decrease our dancing into crawling...he wants to wipe away our desire to even begin to dance...to even begin to sing to our God. He knows the POWER that is in worship and praise...and he hates it.
I was sitting at my desk today and just asking God to help me...
I need him to fill me and to show me his love...in the moments of rejection or sorrow, he is always my source of strength...what he spoke was beautiful. He said, "you worship me, but do you use your most expensive perfume?"
I was amazed and immediately reflected on the story of the alabaster jar.
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Is our worship to Jesus..beautiful?? Is it pleaseing to him? Are we using our most expensive perfume to bless him? Or are we getting by with a cheaper substitue? A few minutes of praise and worship each day? A few glances of our heart towards him during church..but the rest of the time thinking of anything but him?
I was so blessed that he showed me this today. I need clarity and resolution within my soul and the only way that is going to come is by sitting with him...basking in his presence...anointing HIM, as he anoints me...
Friday, January 23, 2009
My Dear,
My Dear,
Good afternoon sweetheart…I hope this letter finds you well. I have been listening to you sing lately and it is beautiful. I love you. I must admit, however, that there is something on my mind that I’ve been trying to speak with you about. Remember when we went to Diane’s party last weekend? I was very hurt while we were there. Did you notice?
Let me refresh your memory a little bit incase you forgot how the night went about. Diane invited you over for a fun night of board games and pizza. Since we are always together, you invited me too. This made me feel so special. I love you so much, you know. I delighted in the fact that I could meet some of your friends, new and old, and really get to know them and vice versa. Your life means so much to me. I desire to be more involved with you.
So we got to Diane’s and not once…..not once did you speak with me. This made me very sad. I tried speaking with you, but you turned your shoulder to me and instead kept speaking with Tom. I saw the way that you looked at him. I wish those eyes were set on me like that.
I thought maybe when you were sharing your secrets with Samantha that you would have included me in on that too, but you didn’t. That hurt. I knew those things anyways, but it is my sheer delight to partake in them with you speaking to me about them.
So the night went on…I noticed that you were sad after Tom took Diane’s phone number instead of yours. I wanted to hold you and tell it would be ok, but instead you ran to the bathroom and didn’t ask me for any advice or comfort. Why not? You know I have always been there for you in the past.
I love you. I do not bring condemnation to you, but rather correction with love. Want to hear some exciting news about that night? Your friend Matthew was talking with me, yes he and I know each other very well. He told me some things about his life that he never told anyone else that night and now I am going to help him overcome those things. Katie-Ann and Marsha also spoke to me quite a bit and I was even introduced to a new friend …Leandra. It was a divine appointment in which I met her that night. She was very sad inside, although most people didn’t know that about her. Her and I will be meeting up again very soon.
You see, even though I didn’t speak with you that night and felt ignored by you….I still love you very much and am excited to meet up with you again. I hope you feel the same way.
Love,
God
Thursday, January 22, 2009
To Give Thanks...
I recently read one of my younger cousin’s high school English papers. The paper was about him helping people out. I had to smile when I read the part where he wrote, “It is important to me when people say thank you.” I thought it was so cute that he would write that. Being fourteen, you wouldn’t really think that he would care that much about things like that…but he does.
It wasn’t until a few days later that the revelation came to me about how much God loves to hear us say thank you to him. I was reading the Psalms when I noticed how much it says to “Give thanks unto God.” “Amen”, I have said again and again when someone says this. But am I really thanking God at all times?
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
There are SO many Psalms and other books of the bible that declare that we should thank God.
God is good and his love endures forever. He is full or mercy and love.
How many times do people pray for something and then when it comes to pass they are happy, but do they thank God? We should rejoice always and again rejoice…according to the apostle Paul’s words. “Rejoice Always” means to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.
I was thinking about how many Lepers Jesus healed and how many of them actually returned to say thank you to him….how sad? Jesus cured them from an “incurable” disease. Imagine that!? It’s true!
I was thinking about how rude it really is when people don’t thank you or get back to you about something that you have asked them or whatever…and yes, maybe they forget (we all do), but there are some things that you cannot forget. The Lepers could not have forgotten about what Jesus did for them.
I was even thinking about how people pray for protection from something….or traveling mercies…but when they get where they are going or make it through something really tough or trying…do they stop and say “thank you, Lord?”
There are never enough hours in the day for how much we should be thanking God. I am certain that there are more circumstances than we know of, where God protects us, blesses us, encourages us, strengthens us and uses us. Be grateful today...his hand is upon your life in miraculous ways. Be encouraged!
Praise God!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Fear Not
The bible says not to Fear 365 times. One verse for every day of the year? Coincidence? I think not.
God delivered me from a spirit of Fear when I got saved. Before coming to Christ, I filled my eyes and ears with all sorts of tormenting things. I would watch every horror movie and would crave ghost stories, etc. That was since I was young!! My brother and I would watch video tapes of old horror movies almost every day. Sometimes twice a day!
Allow me to tell you what a spirit of Fear did to me. I could not go in my bathroom without the door being open..even slightly. I was afraid that I would see or hear something from the movies that I watched. I couldn’t even go in my basement to do laundry. Granted, we had one of those cement floor basements anyway…the kind that a lot of people are afraid of…but still. I would attempt to walk down the stairs and get caught on the third step, frozen in fear. My Grandparents couldn’t believe how terrified I was. It was crippling. I would refuse to stay alone in the house if no one was home and also would often run down the hallway if someone yelled out for me. I was very anxious. I was usually expecting something bad to happen and in a lot of cases, it would.
God is speaking to me right now as I am writing this and saying, “what are you meditating on?” I believe this is a word for all of us. What is your heart set on today? Is it that movie that you watched the other night? That cute guy/girl that you just met? Your lack of finances? Is it Fear?
The bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of Fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” Amen. God does not give what he isn’t. He is not fear. He is not anxious. He is not intimidated. He is POWER. He is LOVE. He has a SOUND MIND. Praise the Lord!
God delivered me from watching those movies and being involved in things like ghost hunts, etc. PRAISE GOD! I can’t tell you how much different I am now. I am a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. I live alone now (with my Dog) and do not own a horror movie or watch them. I can be alone and know that God is always with me, therefore I do not have to Fear. He has seated me in the heavenly places with him. (Ephesians 2:6) He has given me POWER to trample on snakes and scorpions. (Luke 10:19).
Of course there are familiar spirits that will try and come back into your life, as Fear did to me this past week. I had a couple of mice in my apartment and by the Grace of God they are gone! But this last week I was reminded and humbled by how God had brought me out of the pit of Fear. I had let myself become so overwhelmed by Fear again that I lost sleep, wouldn’t be home for more than I absolutely had to be and my priorities became out of whack. All because I had let Fear in. I rebuke every attack of Fear in Jesus’ name. Perfect love casts out ALL Fear. (1 John 4:18) I am reminded today just how gracious and awesome our God is. I praise him that he has delivered me from Fear. That he has delivered me from torment and anxiety. I am a child of God and I will activate my Faith, which is the opposite of Fear. I’ve heard it said that Fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real.” Rise up above the circumstances today that would try to weigh you down. Live today to the fullest because we are not promised tomorrow. The bible says that tomorrow will worry about itself. Today is a NEW day. A day to walk with God with our confidence and trust IN HIM. Our hope IN HIM. Our eyes set upon HIM. When I was dealing with the Fear this week, I knew that my eyes weren’t upon God…sure I was asking him to help me, but it’s like this analogy…a little girl is asking her Father to hold her hand and help her cross the bridge that has snapping alligators underneath it..just waiting to take her out with one bite. Her Father is helping her, but she is still looking down at them. Her Father says “Don’t look down! Keep your eyes on me…we will get through this.” But she is panicked and stricken with fear because although she is holding her Father’s hand, her gaze is fixed on those gators. She can’t move nearly as fast as she could if her eyes were ahead…fixed on her Father…
Trust God…he will do it. Whatever it is.
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