Matthew 4:16-17 The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 18:2-4 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! God's voice is calling out upon the land- "Come unto Me all who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest!" All of us were created with a desire to not only be loved, but to love others! Some of us have hidden this desire in order to protect ourselves! What do I mean by this?
When a baby is born it is has two needs to be fed and then to be loved! Without love, this child will grow up disconnected from the rest of the world. This child will have a hard time forming lasting relationships, holding down a job, and plainly functioning in society! He will be lonely and feel forgotten! Which is why a lot of people who lack love in their lives will turn to crime in order to "create" a false sense of love! Or a teenage girl will get pregnant before they are married!!! Love and acceptance is such a strong need in our lives that many people without thinking will reach to the far ends of the earth in order to find it!
A child-like faith is all that God asks of us!! Why??? A baby has faith that it will walk-- right? If the child did not think that he could he would never attempt to walk! Would it? Faith is much like this baby walking! It is seeing the unseen even before it is manifested in our lives! It reaches far beyond what our physical eyes can see. God our Father wants us to take hold of His hand and walk- not looking back, not hesitating for a moment! It's sometimes easier said then done- especially when we can look around our world at all the struggles; wars, famines, pestilences, crimes against humanity... the list goes on and on!
Many of us question how a loving God could allow such atrocities... When we do not choose to live by faith then we choose to live by our selfish desires! This is what allows for the ugliness of our world to prevail! No one wants to seek out the truth and turn from their wicked ways! New life begins the moment we surrender our desires, our dreams, our fears to the One who can make difference. When we are truly willing to let go of the boat and walk on water, then we are truly ready to surrender to God's will in our lives!!!
Father, help me to look at life and this world through Your vision! Help me to receive the blessings that can only come through Your grace. Draw me close to You and help my heart to beat as one with Yours. Lord, for those who do not know You, I pray that salvation will come to their home this day! Help them to put aside the cares of this world and to turn 100% towards YOu. In Jesus name amen!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Rejoice always † ¤ †
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! et all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
It's the holiday season and times of shopping, grumpy people, traffic.... But more than just the worldly concept of the Christmas season, there is also the spiritual!
In a world full of craziness it's easy to loose not only ourselves in the rush, but God! We are so blessed as Americans- we live in the land of abundance even though they say we are in a recession. We have jobs... houses... food in our cupboards and clothes on our backs. Rejoice in the Lord always- yes, we even have those time in our lives where we would love nothing more than to just run and hide! Trials come and go, but the word of God stays forever without changing and it says to rejoice!!! Not that you are facing struggles, but that through the grace of the Father you already have the victory.
It's not always easy to take time out just to thank God, is it? "I will praise You, Lord, through this storm" is a choice. To be happy through the thick and thin is a choice. Our joy should not be based on what is going on in our lives, but in the fact that we are saved by God's grace. Have you ever watched those people who have faced horrific struggles in life and yet still appear to be full of joy? Those are people who are confident in who they are in Christ and who they are to themselves... The focus not on the trials, but on the fact that the trial is temporary.
Father, help us to rejoice in all seasons of life and to focus in on Your truth. Lord, we lift up our lives to You this day and claim the victory through Your word in all situations. Move in our hearts and draw us ever closer to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!
It's the holiday season and times of shopping, grumpy people, traffic.... But more than just the worldly concept of the Christmas season, there is also the spiritual!
In a world full of craziness it's easy to loose not only ourselves in the rush, but God! We are so blessed as Americans- we live in the land of abundance even though they say we are in a recession. We have jobs... houses... food in our cupboards and clothes on our backs. Rejoice in the Lord always- yes, we even have those time in our lives where we would love nothing more than to just run and hide! Trials come and go, but the word of God stays forever without changing and it says to rejoice!!! Not that you are facing struggles, but that through the grace of the Father you already have the victory.
It's not always easy to take time out just to thank God, is it? "I will praise You, Lord, through this storm" is a choice. To be happy through the thick and thin is a choice. Our joy should not be based on what is going on in our lives, but in the fact that we are saved by God's grace. Have you ever watched those people who have faced horrific struggles in life and yet still appear to be full of joy? Those are people who are confident in who they are in Christ and who they are to themselves... The focus not on the trials, but on the fact that the trial is temporary.
Father, help us to rejoice in all seasons of life and to focus in on Your truth. Lord, we lift up our lives to You this day and claim the victory through Your word in all situations. Move in our hearts and draw us ever closer to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!
Forgiveness † ¤ †
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. Psalm 103:11-13 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
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Forgiveness is a grand idea! When we take our struggles, our faults before God and confess before Him- He lets go! Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. As soon as we confess to the Father, our sins are forgiven! This means that the next time we talk with God to ask about our past- His reply is "What sin?". It's quite a thought isn't it? Total and complete forgiveness, no holding grudges, no holding onto the past! Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand- because we really don't deserve either! But, God, in His love for us grants us amnesty from all our wrongs.
This does not mean that we will not pay the consequences of our actions, it just means that God does not hold against us our sins. If we cut ourselves there will be a scar even after it heals. But, forgiveness is much like throwing a stick into a swift river- you would not be able to retrieve it! The sin is released and we can start fresh. Yes, in another sense we can pick up the pieces, put the puzzle back together and get on with our lives.
I love these verses- as far as the east is from the west--- No limit, no score recorded... David a "Man after God's heart" wrote many of our Psalms and struggled with many sins- including sexual immorality! He loved God with all his heart and did his best to serve Him every day of his life. Through one of his struggles his heart cried out--- Psalm 51:6-7 Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow. We may have to pay the consequences of our sins--- sometimes that cannot be avoided!
As I sit here watching the snow fall outside my window I am reminded that this is similiar to how God forgives our sins... When we ask for His forgiveness in our lives our slate is wiped clean! We are made pure through His grace in order that we may experience the fullness of our Father. When we come to the Father to ask about the fault- His response is "What sin?". It's hard as humans to comprehend this- we tend to hold grudges long after a fight or we hang on to the scars from the struggles refusing to just let go! It's an awesome thought--- Don't you think?
Father, help us to release to You our fears and struggles! Help us to remember that when we come to You seeking Your forgiveness that our slate is wiped clean. I also pray for the condition of our heart! Help us to not only seek Your forgiveness for things, but to also forgive ourselves releasing our past into Your hands. I just praise You for we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!
____________________________________________________________________
Forgiveness is a grand idea! When we take our struggles, our faults before God and confess before Him- He lets go! Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. As soon as we confess to the Father, our sins are forgiven! This means that the next time we talk with God to ask about our past- His reply is "What sin?". It's quite a thought isn't it? Total and complete forgiveness, no holding grudges, no holding onto the past! Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand- because we really don't deserve either! But, God, in His love for us grants us amnesty from all our wrongs.
This does not mean that we will not pay the consequences of our actions, it just means that God does not hold against us our sins. If we cut ourselves there will be a scar even after it heals. But, forgiveness is much like throwing a stick into a swift river- you would not be able to retrieve it! The sin is released and we can start fresh. Yes, in another sense we can pick up the pieces, put the puzzle back together and get on with our lives.
I love these verses- as far as the east is from the west--- No limit, no score recorded... David a "Man after God's heart" wrote many of our Psalms and struggled with many sins- including sexual immorality! He loved God with all his heart and did his best to serve Him every day of his life. Through one of his struggles his heart cried out--- Psalm 51:6-7 Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow. We may have to pay the consequences of our sins--- sometimes that cannot be avoided!
As I sit here watching the snow fall outside my window I am reminded that this is similiar to how God forgives our sins... When we ask for His forgiveness in our lives our slate is wiped clean! We are made pure through His grace in order that we may experience the fullness of our Father. When we come to the Father to ask about the fault- His response is "What sin?". It's hard as humans to comprehend this- we tend to hold grudges long after a fight or we hang on to the scars from the struggles refusing to just let go! It's an awesome thought--- Don't you think?
Father, help us to release to You our fears and struggles! Help us to remember that when we come to You seeking Your forgiveness that our slate is wiped clean. I also pray for the condition of our heart! Help us to not only seek Your forgiveness for things, but to also forgive ourselves releasing our past into Your hands. I just praise You for we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!
God will remain † ¤ †
Romans 11:29-33 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] Just as you were once disobedient and rebellious toward God but now have obtained [His] mercy, through their disobedience, So they also now are being disobedient [when you are receiving mercy], that they in turn may one day, through the mercy you are enjoying, also receive mercy [that they may share the mercy which has been shown to you--through you as messengers of the Gospel to them]. For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)!
Change is inevitable, it is what we do with change that affects our character! It's easier said then done-- isn't it??? To change I mean!!! If you are truly honest with not only yourself, but those around us- we really honestly don't like change. We want to remain comfortable... to keep doing what we always did!!! The world calls progress change and we call change progress!!! But there is a saying that goes like this "If we always do what we always did, then we will always get what we always got!" Unfortunately without change in life there would be no progression!!!
The one thing that will not change, though, is God's love for us! He loved us the day that Jesus bore the burden of the cross bridging the gap between us and our Father. God's gift to those who are willing to accept is a changed life--- peace, joy, abundance--- for the present and for the future!
A seed is planted in the ground... But in order to produce fruit good enough to eat, it must first die and be reborn! Once it is reborn, the seed must establish roots deep enough to sustain a tree. This takes time, it takes years of training, pruning, watering, and growing! Salvation is much like this seed... We must die to ourself in order to allow the truth to grow in our lives. Our roots are established in His word... our branches His breath of life breathed into every part of our lives.... Our fruit- rich and abudant reaping of that which was sown! We change... we may be unfaithful... we may struggle with our trials... we may stumble... we may fall, but God is alway faithful to us. He love extends far beyond our minds comprehension! Why? We deal with the here and now... It's hard to imagine eternity!
Change- This is what God's word will do in our lives if we allow Him to be a part of it! For those who are hurting- He brings healing... For those who are struggling, He makes the path straight. For those who are sick- God brings healing! Our world is corrupt and self-seeking which makes it hard for us to accept God's gift of life! But, change is inevitable--- no matter how we feel about change it continually happens. Sometimes this change brings about the good- other times the bad! But the only thing for certain in life is that GOD WILL NEVER CHANGE!!! His love for you is real!!! His peace for you will surpass all understanding!!! His grace will fill you up and take you to higher places!!!
Father, help us to call out to You not only in our time of need, but in all things! Lord, the only thing we are gaurenteed in life is change! Sometimes we get too comfortable where we are and we need to be forced to accept change. But I know this- You are in control and when we rely on You all things will work for the good for those who love you and are called according to Your purpose! Your word will not return void- I just claim that each person who reads this will be touched by Your Spirit.. Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!
Change is inevitable, it is what we do with change that affects our character! It's easier said then done-- isn't it??? To change I mean!!! If you are truly honest with not only yourself, but those around us- we really honestly don't like change. We want to remain comfortable... to keep doing what we always did!!! The world calls progress change and we call change progress!!! But there is a saying that goes like this "If we always do what we always did, then we will always get what we always got!" Unfortunately without change in life there would be no progression!!!
The one thing that will not change, though, is God's love for us! He loved us the day that Jesus bore the burden of the cross bridging the gap between us and our Father. God's gift to those who are willing to accept is a changed life--- peace, joy, abundance--- for the present and for the future!
A seed is planted in the ground... But in order to produce fruit good enough to eat, it must first die and be reborn! Once it is reborn, the seed must establish roots deep enough to sustain a tree. This takes time, it takes years of training, pruning, watering, and growing! Salvation is much like this seed... We must die to ourself in order to allow the truth to grow in our lives. Our roots are established in His word... our branches His breath of life breathed into every part of our lives.... Our fruit- rich and abudant reaping of that which was sown! We change... we may be unfaithful... we may struggle with our trials... we may stumble... we may fall, but God is alway faithful to us. He love extends far beyond our minds comprehension! Why? We deal with the here and now... It's hard to imagine eternity!
Change- This is what God's word will do in our lives if we allow Him to be a part of it! For those who are hurting- He brings healing... For those who are struggling, He makes the path straight. For those who are sick- God brings healing! Our world is corrupt and self-seeking which makes it hard for us to accept God's gift of life! But, change is inevitable--- no matter how we feel about change it continually happens. Sometimes this change brings about the good- other times the bad! But the only thing for certain in life is that GOD WILL NEVER CHANGE!!! His love for you is real!!! His peace for you will surpass all understanding!!! His grace will fill you up and take you to higher places!!!
Father, help us to call out to You not only in our time of need, but in all things! Lord, the only thing we are gaurenteed in life is change! Sometimes we get too comfortable where we are and we need to be forced to accept change. But I know this- You are in control and when we rely on You all things will work for the good for those who love you and are called according to Your purpose! Your word will not return void- I just claim that each person who reads this will be touched by Your Spirit.. Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!
Speak His word † ¤ †
2 Corinthians 4:13-15 MSG We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
Take up an attitude of praise and put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:16-18). Protect your mind so that your words continually speak forth the truth found in word of God. Continually pray, seeking His word in all things present, past, and to come. Galatians 3:25-27 MSG But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise. Spiritual maturity is achieved through knowledge... Spiritual knowledge when applied becomes wisdom--- wisdom guides and protects the heart of those who respect the Lord. Knowledge is perfected by trials, and grown through tribulation. The foundation that is built in grace is not broken!!! Psalm 91:9-11 NLT If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. For those who rely on the Lord, He gives us angels to watch over our lives. He protects us each and every day, guiding us every step of the way. I tell you- I wonder how busy the angels must be with some of us down here!
Psalm 57:1-3 MSG Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me, he humiliates those who kick me around. God delivers generous love, he makes good on his word.
Father, we run to You for Your saving grace! We cling to You for your blessings and truth! Let my life be a reflection of Who You are in me- something, someone to bring glory to Your name. One comfort in life is that if Jesus brings you to something- a new adventure, trial, change in direction- He will bring you through it! Psalm 91:1-2 MSG You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm. Psalm 91:9 Because you have chosen God to be a part of your life- you will be kept safe! Though trials may come His word will prevail to achieve the purpose that it is set out to do. Our lives are like intricately woven blankets mixed with the need for God's love, a sound mind, and companionship. Through the weaving of our lives God's love is sown through His word into our hearts... His Spirit binds it together so that His word will not depart from our lives...
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.
Do not forsake the fellowship of believers- it sharpens your life and helps to keep you on track with His grace. As long as you hang out with people who are filled not only with the Spirit of God, but His word- strength and purpose can be defined through fellowship! Besides that- a single strand is easily broken when stressed! But when you combine your strength with other people sharp in His word- faith will not easily be broken! God never intended for us to live a life apart from other people... He created us with a need not only for Him, but for companionship among our peers. You cannot encourage someone or something unless there is someone else around to encourage!!! You cannot be lifted up as easily if you are trying to stand alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Matthew 18:19-20 MSG When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Two people can have a set direction and when one starts to stray the other can pull them back in line!!! If we train our thinking to reflect our Father, then our actions will follow suit! If we stand among other believers who have trained their thinking to reflect God, then our faith will be sharpened and our grasp of who we are through Christ will grow strong roots.
Psalm 57:2 AMP I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 27:13-14 MSG I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. Perseverance--- It leads to victory-- which means picking yourself up one more time then you fall down! Faith- victory- God's peace regardless of season!!! Romans 8:28 says that all things will work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose! This means that no matter what we face in life- we will receive the victory!!! God will provide... He will come through at just the right moment! Speak His word into Your life and draw ever closer to Him. His word will not return void- for His word is spoken with purpose and nothing will stop that word from achieving the outcome it is set out to do!!! Romans 8:1 reminds that in Christ there is no condemnation! Stop selling yourself short of who you are in Christ. Stop saying you can't do something!!! "I Can't" is a word that I do not allow anyone to say in my house. I refuse to accept that anyone cannot do something. I have corrected my children on a number of occasions--- "I can't" is quitting before putting your best foot forward. If all things work for the good- then how dare we say "I can't"! If God is for us, then who can be against us--- how dare we speak it is impossible!!! How silly are we that forget who we are in Christ... How silly it is that we speak lies into our life and forget about the truth.
Roman 8:37 AMP Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
And yet, though we face storms and changing seasons... though our hearts face trials and tribulations... Even when the world seems to be falling apart around us- we are more than conquerors... More than overcomers in this life! When Jesus bridged the gap between us and God- He did more than pave the way to salvation... He also gave us the privilege to be called Children of God! This means that because Jesus has the victory over the world so do we!!! Psalm 63:6-8 CEV I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and Your powerful arm supports me. Bury His word in your heart... breath it in... eat it in the spirit!!! Dine at His table, have fellowship with His children... Allow your words to reflect the fact that you are a child of God! Build yourself a promise book from God's word so that when you feel down... or alone- you have something to turn to that reminds you of Christ's love and authority in your life.
Father, speak into our lives and into our hearts the very fact that through You we have conquered the world. Help us to reflect who we are through You rather then speak as the world does. Move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name we have the victory! We thank You that in You we have the victory. In Jesus name amen!
Take up an attitude of praise and put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:16-18). Protect your mind so that your words continually speak forth the truth found in word of God. Continually pray, seeking His word in all things present, past, and to come. Galatians 3:25-27 MSG But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise. Spiritual maturity is achieved through knowledge... Spiritual knowledge when applied becomes wisdom--- wisdom guides and protects the heart of those who respect the Lord. Knowledge is perfected by trials, and grown through tribulation. The foundation that is built in grace is not broken!!! Psalm 91:9-11 NLT If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. For those who rely on the Lord, He gives us angels to watch over our lives. He protects us each and every day, guiding us every step of the way. I tell you- I wonder how busy the angels must be with some of us down here!
Psalm 57:1-3 MSG Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together. He sends orders from heaven and saves me, he humiliates those who kick me around. God delivers generous love, he makes good on his word.
Father, we run to You for Your saving grace! We cling to You for your blessings and truth! Let my life be a reflection of Who You are in me- something, someone to bring glory to Your name. One comfort in life is that if Jesus brings you to something- a new adventure, trial, change in direction- He will bring you through it! Psalm 91:1-2 MSG You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm. Psalm 91:9 Because you have chosen God to be a part of your life- you will be kept safe! Though trials may come His word will prevail to achieve the purpose that it is set out to do. Our lives are like intricately woven blankets mixed with the need for God's love, a sound mind, and companionship. Through the weaving of our lives God's love is sown through His word into our hearts... His Spirit binds it together so that His word will not depart from our lives...
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.
Do not forsake the fellowship of believers- it sharpens your life and helps to keep you on track with His grace. As long as you hang out with people who are filled not only with the Spirit of God, but His word- strength and purpose can be defined through fellowship! Besides that- a single strand is easily broken when stressed! But when you combine your strength with other people sharp in His word- faith will not easily be broken! God never intended for us to live a life apart from other people... He created us with a need not only for Him, but for companionship among our peers. You cannot encourage someone or something unless there is someone else around to encourage!!! You cannot be lifted up as easily if you are trying to stand alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Matthew 18:19-20 MSG When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Two people can have a set direction and when one starts to stray the other can pull them back in line!!! If we train our thinking to reflect our Father, then our actions will follow suit! If we stand among other believers who have trained their thinking to reflect God, then our faith will be sharpened and our grasp of who we are through Christ will grow strong roots.
Psalm 57:2 AMP I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 27:13-14 MSG I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. Perseverance--- It leads to victory-- which means picking yourself up one more time then you fall down! Faith- victory- God's peace regardless of season!!! Romans 8:28 says that all things will work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose! This means that no matter what we face in life- we will receive the victory!!! God will provide... He will come through at just the right moment! Speak His word into Your life and draw ever closer to Him. His word will not return void- for His word is spoken with purpose and nothing will stop that word from achieving the outcome it is set out to do!!! Romans 8:1 reminds that in Christ there is no condemnation! Stop selling yourself short of who you are in Christ. Stop saying you can't do something!!! "I Can't" is a word that I do not allow anyone to say in my house. I refuse to accept that anyone cannot do something. I have corrected my children on a number of occasions--- "I can't" is quitting before putting your best foot forward. If all things work for the good- then how dare we say "I can't"! If God is for us, then who can be against us--- how dare we speak it is impossible!!! How silly are we that forget who we are in Christ... How silly it is that we speak lies into our life and forget about the truth.
Roman 8:37 AMP Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
And yet, though we face storms and changing seasons... though our hearts face trials and tribulations... Even when the world seems to be falling apart around us- we are more than conquerors... More than overcomers in this life! When Jesus bridged the gap between us and God- He did more than pave the way to salvation... He also gave us the privilege to be called Children of God! This means that because Jesus has the victory over the world so do we!!! Psalm 63:6-8 CEV I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and Your powerful arm supports me. Bury His word in your heart... breath it in... eat it in the spirit!!! Dine at His table, have fellowship with His children... Allow your words to reflect the fact that you are a child of God! Build yourself a promise book from God's word so that when you feel down... or alone- you have something to turn to that reminds you of Christ's love and authority in your life.
Father, speak into our lives and into our hearts the very fact that through You we have conquered the world. Help us to reflect who we are through You rather then speak as the world does. Move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name we have the victory! We thank You that in You we have the victory. In Jesus name amen!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Born to Die: Merry Christmas † ¤ †
Luke 2:16-18 NASB So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
A humble beginning for a king... Don't you think??? Born of a virgin... born in a barn.... Jesus stepped out of heaven into time, and lived among us!!!! All who heard about His birth was astounded- surprised.... it was the talk of the day!!! Some questioned why God would be born this way? Think about it- all power and authority was granted to God and Jesus, but instead of having a glorious birth at the top-notch hospital with all the modern amenities, Jesus choose to be born in a barn!!! And then the first people to hear of the precious birth were lowly shepherds... dirty, smelly sheepherders out in the fields tending the flock of critters!!! Not a glamorous birth, but just the same, Jesus came into the world with the sole purpose to bridge the gap between God and mankind alike!
Psalm 65:4-8 AMP Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. By fearful and glorious things [that terrify the wicked but make the godly sing praises] do You answer us in righteousness (rightness and justice), O God of our salvation, You Who are the confidence and hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off on the seas; Who by [Your] might have founded the mountains, being girded with power, Who still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples, So that those who dwell in earth's farthest parts are afraid of [nature's] signs of Your presence. You make the places where morning and evening have birth to shout for joy.
Blessed are those who rejoice in the gift granted to each person on Christmas morning! Not the physical presents under the tree, but the only gift that can give each of us new life!!! The gift that can only be found in Jesus Christ... We all must choose how we are going to live our lives... to live according to the plan and purpose set forth by the cross, or to live according to our own desires and dreams! God spoke life into each one of us the day we were conceived and He speaks life into us when we accept the gift found through Jesus Christ. Shout for joy all you earth! Shout in triumph at the name of Jesus!!! Today is the day of salvation, are you ready? Psalm 85:8-9 MSG I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. See how close his salvation is to those who fear him? Our country is home base for Glory! Our nation was once founded upon the purpose and grace that is God desires for His children to have! Slowly, little by little Satan is trying to destroy this glorious gift, to remove the name of Jesus from the Christmas season and thus to destroy the purpose of Jesus birth! Happy are those who will persevere and experience the grace of God through His Son for they shall see the kingdom of God; even here on earth! It's time to get back to the real meaning of Christmas- to celebrate the birth of the only King that can bring change not only to our nation, but to our world!!!
Psalm 95:1-5 NLT Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Psalm 85:10-13 MSG Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing. Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage.
Peace and beauty are yours for the taking! Joy and salvation are like garlands wrapped around our hearts! Stand up and bless the Lord all you His people! Rejoice for our steps are ordered of the Father!!! God is calling each one of us to find our salvation through Him- to stop searching at the street corners for answers! He has called each one of us into His holiness and worshipful reverence of Who He is in our lives. Let us rejoice for our steps are ordered of God! Let us rejoice that the answer to our struggles is never far from our lips! We are called to live our lives separated unto His calling and to dwell in the safety of His shadow! Our whole world is crying out for His return- are you ready?!?!?! Psalm 85:10-11 CEV Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite. Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above. Let us all fix our eyes on Jesus this holiday season and put aside our hurts and pride so that our lives will be a witness to those around us. God is waiting for us to reach out to Him, trust Him, and to fully rely on Him so that He may bless our lives abundantly greater than we ever thought possible! Psalm 85:10-11 CEV Our LORD, you will bless us; our land will produce wonderful crops. Justice will march in front, making a path for you to follow. We are not alone to face life's seasons without the possibility of victory! His Spirit and truth will go before us preparing our way, making our paths straight! We need to trust in Him, laying aside our fears in order to live victorious!
Psalm 70:1-5 CEV Save me, LORD God! Hurry and help. Disappoint and confuse all who want to kill me. Turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame those who say, "We told you so!" Let your worshipers celebrate and be glad because of you. They love your saving power, so let them always say, "God is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but you, the LORD God, care about me. You are the one who saves me. Please hurry and help!
The cry for help was answered over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born! People not only rejoiced, but desired to put a stop to the gift that God gave us so many years ago! Are you ready to stand up for God when the storms come? Are you prepared to give it all like Jesus did in order to be victorious through Christ Jesus our Lord? We have been blessed to live in a society that for a long time allowed us to come into fellowship openly with other believers! We are blessed to be able to openly speak the truth of God's word... Jesus stepped into time, born into a not so glorious birth! Was worshipped by many, persecuted to the point of death! Rose again giving all who will believe the victory over life and death! It's an awesome thought, powerful dream! Embrace the truth, for a time is coming when we will be forced to take sides--- either you are for God or against... there will be no more middle ground. Each day there is a greater void between good and evil, or what is perceived as good and evil. Choose you this day whom you shall serve!
Luke 1:68-75 MSG Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He came and set His people free. He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant, Just as He promised long ago through the preaching of His holy prophets: Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful hand; Mercy to our fathers, as He remembers to do what He said He'd do, What He swore to our father Abraham— a clean rescue from the enemy camp, So we can worship Him without a care in the world, made holy before Him as long as we live.
It's a powerful gift... so powerful that His word is sharper than any double-edged sword. The gift of life is open to any and all who are willing to accept! God does not desire that any should perish, but that through Jesus Christ all shall be saved!!! Are we living our lives according to that purpose? Are we shining forth God's light in every choice we make? Are we really living a life that reflects who we are in Jesus? I am convicted as I write this that my life is not perfect! That sometimes my life does not reflect the grace that is found only through our Father... It breaks my heart that I am not perfect! What's worse is that I know sometimes my behaviors hinder those around me! If my life does not appear to be different then the worlds then why would they want my Jesus??? Salvation belongs to God alone, it's ours for the taking... Father, move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. Draw us ever closer and strengthen us in the name of Jesus Christ! Purify our hearts so that all that we do will bring glory to You. Luke 1:74-75 NLT We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear,in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. We are saved from the second death! Saved from eternal separation from God through Jesus Christ! Nothing can separate us from the love of the Father... We are saved, sanctified and free through the Holy Spirit!
Psalm 65:9-13 MSG Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance! Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water. Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this! Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit. Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths, All through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing, Dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys. Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing!
Let us come and bow down before Jesus... Let us worship the Lord our God the maker of heaven and earth! Let us rejoice in the birth of our Lord Jesus for this is the day that the Lord has made. As we look out at the painting of our world- each perfect detail made to bring tranquility to our hearts- let us not forget who we are in, through, and by Christ. We are saved by grace, set apart for the glory of the coming kingdom. Our hearts an open book, being written each day. Isaiah 50:10 AMP Who is among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God. Let those who call upon the name of Jesus learn to fully rely on God in all things... not just today... not when things are going wrong... not just when you feel good!!! But in all things... in all ways... in all seasons! There's something powerful when we press into God's presence and step out of our time into His! There's something that changes us from the inside out when we look up instead of down for the answers. Confident that as our faith grows, His grace grows within as well... confident in the fact that God is a "Yes Man" rather than a hindrance.
Luke 4:18-21 MSG He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!" He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, "You've just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place."
This is the day of salvation--- today is the day grace is flowing from God's throne! God has chosen you and I to preach the acceptable year of the Lord to our family, friends, co-workers...the grocery clerk.... any and all people we meet! The scripture was fulfillled by the birth of our Savior, in that all now can be saved through grace! Again I will say: Luke 1:19 CEV And to say, `This is the year the Lord has chosen.' Do you not hear Him calling? Can you not hear the angels rejoice over the salvation of one person? In the old testament a sacrifice was made daily in order to bring the sins under forgiveness... our sins... today's covenant with God is one of grace! Not because we deserve it... or work for it... not because we have status in society... nor that we are "good" people... but because of God's love and forgiveness this day truly is the day of salvation! It's impossible to build a house without the right tools! It's impossible to build faith pleasing to God apart from accepting Jesus Christ into our lives! Many churches preach works is salvation... preach that penance is forgiveness... preach that Jesus is only a stepping stone not the full bridge to God! Acts 4:11-13 CEV He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone. The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. These men who preached early on appeared not only in word, but in deed to glorify God in His authority with everything they did. You cannot earn grace... you cannot build a bridge to God! Acts 4:12 AMP And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. Today is the day of salvation--- Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
Romans 1:16-17 AMP For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.
Happy Birthday Jesus!!! Jesus came into the world, born of a virgin, in a stable.... His first visitors were the barn yard animals.... His birth like no other, was with for the purpose of bridging the gap between God and man. Jesus was born to die carrying the weight of the world upon His shoulders and to rise again in order to grant adundant life to everyone willing to accept His gift of life! I am not ashamed--- are you truly ready to stand up for Jesus? Of the gospel--- do you really know His word??? Of Christ--- His power is the authority to change not only our lives, but the world forever! For it is the power of God--- does our lives really reflect this power so that others may see God through us? Unto salvation--- Lord, help us to live our lives according to Your calling and with the authority of Your word in our hearts! For all who believe-- come now is the time to worship!!!! Jesus same, He saw, and He conquered!!!!
Father, Happy Birthday Jesus!!! I just praise You this day for our salvation... not of ourselves nor of our works, but of You sweet JEsus! I am not my own I was bought at a price I am sanctified by Your spoken word and set free through Your Spirit! Help us to live our lives according to YOur purpose and to be set apart in all that we do. Lord, help us to remember You each and every day... to spend time in Your presence to strengthen our faith. I just thank you for all that you have given us-- Jesus is the reason for this season!!! Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours, In Jesus name amen!
A humble beginning for a king... Don't you think??? Born of a virgin... born in a barn.... Jesus stepped out of heaven into time, and lived among us!!!! All who heard about His birth was astounded- surprised.... it was the talk of the day!!! Some questioned why God would be born this way? Think about it- all power and authority was granted to God and Jesus, but instead of having a glorious birth at the top-notch hospital with all the modern amenities, Jesus choose to be born in a barn!!! And then the first people to hear of the precious birth were lowly shepherds... dirty, smelly sheepherders out in the fields tending the flock of critters!!! Not a glamorous birth, but just the same, Jesus came into the world with the sole purpose to bridge the gap between God and mankind alike!
Psalm 65:4-8 AMP Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. By fearful and glorious things [that terrify the wicked but make the godly sing praises] do You answer us in righteousness (rightness and justice), O God of our salvation, You Who are the confidence and hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off on the seas; Who by [Your] might have founded the mountains, being girded with power, Who still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples, So that those who dwell in earth's farthest parts are afraid of [nature's] signs of Your presence. You make the places where morning and evening have birth to shout for joy.
Blessed are those who rejoice in the gift granted to each person on Christmas morning! Not the physical presents under the tree, but the only gift that can give each of us new life!!! The gift that can only be found in Jesus Christ... We all must choose how we are going to live our lives... to live according to the plan and purpose set forth by the cross, or to live according to our own desires and dreams! God spoke life into each one of us the day we were conceived and He speaks life into us when we accept the gift found through Jesus Christ. Shout for joy all you earth! Shout in triumph at the name of Jesus!!! Today is the day of salvation, are you ready? Psalm 85:8-9 MSG I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. See how close his salvation is to those who fear him? Our country is home base for Glory! Our nation was once founded upon the purpose and grace that is God desires for His children to have! Slowly, little by little Satan is trying to destroy this glorious gift, to remove the name of Jesus from the Christmas season and thus to destroy the purpose of Jesus birth! Happy are those who will persevere and experience the grace of God through His Son for they shall see the kingdom of God; even here on earth! It's time to get back to the real meaning of Christmas- to celebrate the birth of the only King that can bring change not only to our nation, but to our world!!!
Psalm 95:1-5 NLT Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Psalm 85:10-13 MSG Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing. Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage.
Peace and beauty are yours for the taking! Joy and salvation are like garlands wrapped around our hearts! Stand up and bless the Lord all you His people! Rejoice for our steps are ordered of the Father!!! God is calling each one of us to find our salvation through Him- to stop searching at the street corners for answers! He has called each one of us into His holiness and worshipful reverence of Who He is in our lives. Let us rejoice for our steps are ordered of God! Let us rejoice that the answer to our struggles is never far from our lips! We are called to live our lives separated unto His calling and to dwell in the safety of His shadow! Our whole world is crying out for His return- are you ready?!?!?! Psalm 85:10-11 CEV Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite. Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above. Let us all fix our eyes on Jesus this holiday season and put aside our hurts and pride so that our lives will be a witness to those around us. God is waiting for us to reach out to Him, trust Him, and to fully rely on Him so that He may bless our lives abundantly greater than we ever thought possible! Psalm 85:10-11 CEV Our LORD, you will bless us; our land will produce wonderful crops. Justice will march in front, making a path for you to follow. We are not alone to face life's seasons without the possibility of victory! His Spirit and truth will go before us preparing our way, making our paths straight! We need to trust in Him, laying aside our fears in order to live victorious!
Psalm 70:1-5 CEV Save me, LORD God! Hurry and help. Disappoint and confuse all who want to kill me. Turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame those who say, "We told you so!" Let your worshipers celebrate and be glad because of you. They love your saving power, so let them always say, "God is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but you, the LORD God, care about me. You are the one who saves me. Please hurry and help!
The cry for help was answered over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born! People not only rejoiced, but desired to put a stop to the gift that God gave us so many years ago! Are you ready to stand up for God when the storms come? Are you prepared to give it all like Jesus did in order to be victorious through Christ Jesus our Lord? We have been blessed to live in a society that for a long time allowed us to come into fellowship openly with other believers! We are blessed to be able to openly speak the truth of God's word... Jesus stepped into time, born into a not so glorious birth! Was worshipped by many, persecuted to the point of death! Rose again giving all who will believe the victory over life and death! It's an awesome thought, powerful dream! Embrace the truth, for a time is coming when we will be forced to take sides--- either you are for God or against... there will be no more middle ground. Each day there is a greater void between good and evil, or what is perceived as good and evil. Choose you this day whom you shall serve!
Luke 1:68-75 MSG Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He came and set His people free. He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant, Just as He promised long ago through the preaching of His holy prophets: Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful hand; Mercy to our fathers, as He remembers to do what He said He'd do, What He swore to our father Abraham— a clean rescue from the enemy camp, So we can worship Him without a care in the world, made holy before Him as long as we live.
It's a powerful gift... so powerful that His word is sharper than any double-edged sword. The gift of life is open to any and all who are willing to accept! God does not desire that any should perish, but that through Jesus Christ all shall be saved!!! Are we living our lives according to that purpose? Are we shining forth God's light in every choice we make? Are we really living a life that reflects who we are in Jesus? I am convicted as I write this that my life is not perfect! That sometimes my life does not reflect the grace that is found only through our Father... It breaks my heart that I am not perfect! What's worse is that I know sometimes my behaviors hinder those around me! If my life does not appear to be different then the worlds then why would they want my Jesus??? Salvation belongs to God alone, it's ours for the taking... Father, move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. Draw us ever closer and strengthen us in the name of Jesus Christ! Purify our hearts so that all that we do will bring glory to You. Luke 1:74-75 NLT We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear,in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. We are saved from the second death! Saved from eternal separation from God through Jesus Christ! Nothing can separate us from the love of the Father... We are saved, sanctified and free through the Holy Spirit!
Psalm 65:9-13 MSG Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance! Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water. Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this! Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit. Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths, All through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing, Dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys. Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing!
Let us come and bow down before Jesus... Let us worship the Lord our God the maker of heaven and earth! Let us rejoice in the birth of our Lord Jesus for this is the day that the Lord has made. As we look out at the painting of our world- each perfect detail made to bring tranquility to our hearts- let us not forget who we are in, through, and by Christ. We are saved by grace, set apart for the glory of the coming kingdom. Our hearts an open book, being written each day. Isaiah 50:10 AMP Who is among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God. Let those who call upon the name of Jesus learn to fully rely on God in all things... not just today... not when things are going wrong... not just when you feel good!!! But in all things... in all ways... in all seasons! There's something powerful when we press into God's presence and step out of our time into His! There's something that changes us from the inside out when we look up instead of down for the answers. Confident that as our faith grows, His grace grows within as well... confident in the fact that God is a "Yes Man" rather than a hindrance.
Luke 4:18-21 MSG He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, "This is God's year to act!" He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, "You've just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place."
This is the day of salvation--- today is the day grace is flowing from God's throne! God has chosen you and I to preach the acceptable year of the Lord to our family, friends, co-workers...the grocery clerk.... any and all people we meet! The scripture was fulfillled by the birth of our Savior, in that all now can be saved through grace! Again I will say: Luke 1:19 CEV And to say, `This is the year the Lord has chosen.' Do you not hear Him calling? Can you not hear the angels rejoice over the salvation of one person? In the old testament a sacrifice was made daily in order to bring the sins under forgiveness... our sins... today's covenant with God is one of grace! Not because we deserve it... or work for it... not because we have status in society... nor that we are "good" people... but because of God's love and forgiveness this day truly is the day of salvation! It's impossible to build a house without the right tools! It's impossible to build faith pleasing to God apart from accepting Jesus Christ into our lives! Many churches preach works is salvation... preach that penance is forgiveness... preach that Jesus is only a stepping stone not the full bridge to God! Acts 4:11-13 CEV He is the stone that you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone. The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. These men who preached early on appeared not only in word, but in deed to glorify God in His authority with everything they did. You cannot earn grace... you cannot build a bridge to God! Acts 4:12 AMP And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. Today is the day of salvation--- Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
Romans 1:16-17 AMP For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.
Happy Birthday Jesus!!! Jesus came into the world, born of a virgin, in a stable.... His first visitors were the barn yard animals.... His birth like no other, was with for the purpose of bridging the gap between God and man. Jesus was born to die carrying the weight of the world upon His shoulders and to rise again in order to grant adundant life to everyone willing to accept His gift of life! I am not ashamed--- are you truly ready to stand up for Jesus? Of the gospel--- do you really know His word??? Of Christ--- His power is the authority to change not only our lives, but the world forever! For it is the power of God--- does our lives really reflect this power so that others may see God through us? Unto salvation--- Lord, help us to live our lives according to Your calling and with the authority of Your word in our hearts! For all who believe-- come now is the time to worship!!!! Jesus same, He saw, and He conquered!!!!
Father, Happy Birthday Jesus!!! I just praise You this day for our salvation... not of ourselves nor of our works, but of You sweet JEsus! I am not my own I was bought at a price I am sanctified by Your spoken word and set free through Your Spirit! Help us to live our lives according to YOur purpose and to be set apart in all that we do. Lord, help us to remember You each and every day... to spend time in Your presence to strengthen our faith. I just thank you for all that you have given us-- Jesus is the reason for this season!!! Hold us close to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours, In Jesus name amen!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Born to Die
Luke 2:10-11 AMP But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people. For to you this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!" John 3:16-18 AMP For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. He who believes [clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgement; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation-- he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]
A child was born in Bethlehem, and a great star shone brightly announcing His birth! Wrapped in swaddling clothes, born in a barn because there was no room for Him at the inn. This child, destined to bear the burden of the cross, came into our world for the purpose of bridging the gap between us and God. He opened the doors for us to freely come into the presence of God and make our petitions known to our Father.
We are celebrating the Christmas season right now... celebrating the birth of Jesus our Savior!!! He came into our world as a child, grew in the grace and wisdom of His Father, and then died the horrid death upon the cross.... This child that Mary gave birth to was born to die!!! The sole purpose of His birth was to bridge the gap between man and God on last time so that millions will be saved!
I have heard that song recently- Mary did you know?- and wondered if she ever realized that the child she loved, kissed, and touched was born to die for everyone? I wonder if she truly realized the impact the birth of Jesus would have on eternity! There was nothing glamorous about the birth... Unless you count the star that was glowing day and night to announce His birth. His visitors included the lowly shepherds and the noble wise men! When Jesus was two years old, His family fled to Egypt to get away from the King who wanted to kill Him.
Praise God that we can celebrate His birth... Praise God that we have the freedom to speak in His authority without fear of persecution! Praise God that this child came into the world in order that we may have grace and freedom to come boldly into God's presence. Thank God for salvation--- it is free, a gift.... all we need to do is to accept this gift and then live our lives dedicated to our Father.
Father, I just praise You for the birth and life of Your Son. I just praise You that through Jesus we can freely come into Your presence and be transformed into the glory of Christ. Lord, move in our country and draw the hearts of man towards You. Guide us and protect us until Your kingdom comes. Move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. We claim Your peace to fill our hearts from this day on... and for those who do not know You, touch them so that their hearts will hear You speak to them. In Jesus name amen!
A child was born in Bethlehem, and a great star shone brightly announcing His birth! Wrapped in swaddling clothes, born in a barn because there was no room for Him at the inn. This child, destined to bear the burden of the cross, came into our world for the purpose of bridging the gap between us and God. He opened the doors for us to freely come into the presence of God and make our petitions known to our Father.
We are celebrating the Christmas season right now... celebrating the birth of Jesus our Savior!!! He came into our world as a child, grew in the grace and wisdom of His Father, and then died the horrid death upon the cross.... This child that Mary gave birth to was born to die!!! The sole purpose of His birth was to bridge the gap between man and God on last time so that millions will be saved!
I have heard that song recently- Mary did you know?- and wondered if she ever realized that the child she loved, kissed, and touched was born to die for everyone? I wonder if she truly realized the impact the birth of Jesus would have on eternity! There was nothing glamorous about the birth... Unless you count the star that was glowing day and night to announce His birth. His visitors included the lowly shepherds and the noble wise men! When Jesus was two years old, His family fled to Egypt to get away from the King who wanted to kill Him.
Praise God that we can celebrate His birth... Praise God that we have the freedom to speak in His authority without fear of persecution! Praise God that this child came into the world in order that we may have grace and freedom to come boldly into God's presence. Thank God for salvation--- it is free, a gift.... all we need to do is to accept this gift and then live our lives dedicated to our Father.
Father, I just praise You for the birth and life of Your Son. I just praise You that through Jesus we can freely come into Your presence and be transformed into the glory of Christ. Lord, move in our country and draw the hearts of man towards You. Guide us and protect us until Your kingdom comes. Move in our hearts until our hearts beat as one with Yours. We claim Your peace to fill our hearts from this day on... and for those who do not know You, touch them so that their hearts will hear You speak to them. In Jesus name amen!
A new beginning
Proverbs 19:8 He who gains Wisdom loves his own life; he who keeps understanding shall prosper and find good.
He who gains understanding loves his own life!!! As a child I lived as a child- thought as a child.... and grew as a child! My understanding of life, love, and freedom was vastly different than it is now... No longer are my days carefree without thought tomorrow. I have grown, changed, and I am learning what it means to truly trust God in all things.
Knowledge in the head is just plainly that- knowledge... It is what one may call head-knowledge. The basis of knowledge is that it is a learned activity... maybe repetitious... with little regard to how it affects our world. When knowledge goes from our head into our heart it becomes wisdom... a guidance of learned activities that influences everything you do!
This site is dedicated unto the work of my Lord Jesus Christ... I pray that any and all who come to visit will be touched by God's grace, come to the knowledge of salvation, and allow His words to grow deep within their hearts unto wisdom!!!!
Lord, in the name of Jesus I pray that all who set foot into this devotions will nor only hear Your word, but desire to dwell in Your presence. Move in this place, draw those who are lonely, hurting, seeking truth and healing... so that they may hear the truth and be set free from the bondages of this world. I thank You Lord that through our Words You may be glorified. In Jesus name I claim the victory and protection! Hold us close to You until our hearts learn to beat as one with Yours. AMEN and AMEN!
He who gains understanding loves his own life!!! As a child I lived as a child- thought as a child.... and grew as a child! My understanding of life, love, and freedom was vastly different than it is now... No longer are my days carefree without thought tomorrow. I have grown, changed, and I am learning what it means to truly trust God in all things.
Knowledge in the head is just plainly that- knowledge... It is what one may call head-knowledge. The basis of knowledge is that it is a learned activity... maybe repetitious... with little regard to how it affects our world. When knowledge goes from our head into our heart it becomes wisdom... a guidance of learned activities that influences everything you do!
This site is dedicated unto the work of my Lord Jesus Christ... I pray that any and all who come to visit will be touched by God's grace, come to the knowledge of salvation, and allow His words to grow deep within their hearts unto wisdom!!!!
Lord, in the name of Jesus I pray that all who set foot into this devotions will nor only hear Your word, but desire to dwell in Your presence. Move in this place, draw those who are lonely, hurting, seeking truth and healing... so that they may hear the truth and be set free from the bondages of this world. I thank You Lord that through our Words You may be glorified. In Jesus name I claim the victory and protection! Hold us close to You until our hearts learn to beat as one with Yours. AMEN and AMEN!
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