Timeless Treasures

HIS Faithfulness

2012-01-17T02:31:00.000-05:00

I have been going through my blog reading the "Timeless Treasures" that I have recorded here. I was greatly encouraged by the words written here, either by my own hand or the quotes and other devotionals that I had come across. The Lord God is so good and faithful. He cares about every part of our humanity. He cares when we are sad, weary, confused, bitter, tired, emotionally exhausted. He cares when we feel like we cant go on...when we feel like we cant make it through the next ~~day, minute, second~~, breath. I have had a huge upheaval in my life recently. Many changes here at home, they are good changes, but somehow very unsettling to me. My heart seems overwhelmed at times. I was reading Lamentations chapter 3, God spoke quite clearly through the text "I am faithful you can trust Me." "Rest in Me I am Faithful."

My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD." Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.
(Lamentations 3:17-33)

The business of life.

2011-08-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

I haven't been blogging for a long while. I apologize. I really do this blog to remind myself of Gods faithfulness in the things that he is teaching me and I slacked off. There is so much that he teaches me everyday. I would be remiss not to keep record. I am going to do a fresh start and I will be diligent. I hope that somewhere along the way...you will be encouraged too.

Amazing Love

2010-06-22T14:01:00.000-04:00

Chris Tomlin
Amazing Love

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
(Repeat x2)

(Chorus)
Amazing love,
How can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honor You,
In all I do, I honor You.

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.

(Repeat chorus x2)

You are my King
Jesus You are my King
(Repeat x4)

(Repeat chorus x2)

You are my King
(Repeat x8)

Wandering or waiting?

2010-01-12T01:08:00.008-05:00

I was babysitting my granddaughter on DEC. 16th and I had to go pay a water bill down town . I was praying before hand that God would provide a good parking place that would be easy to accommodate the stroller assembly and be close to the building I need to go to. As I neared the building I saw that there was a place right in front. I was ecstatic. I parked and got out only to realize I was at the wrong building. Back into the van; drove to the right place, no parking spot. I went around the city block hoping that when I got back around something would have opened up...... nothing. I went around again.....nothing where I wanted, but there was one a little further down than I had wanted. On the third time around the block I heard God say to me,"You are an Israelite wandering in the desert". "I have provided a spot for you but it wasn't good enough for you." "It was not your perfect spot you wanted, but it was adequate." I humbly finished going around the block to find the one further back from the door still available. I started to park only to find that someone left up ahead of me and if I pulled up I could be closer to the "perfect" spot. I rushed to pull up and secure the spot, only to find out it was a loading zone and before I could move a Fed Ex truck parked me in. I waited for it to move and soon I was able to leave. Astonishingly the perfect spot came open and I pulled in and parked. I took the stroller out and fastened in the baby. There is always a long line in the water dept and I did not want to get a ticket so I fed the parking meter 50 cents for one hour. I went in to pay and to my amazement there is no one in line but me. I paid my bill and left. I was in there only 5 minutes. I took the baby back to the van buckled her in and put the stroller away.

I got in to start the van and it would not stay on. I then waited awhile, tried again still the van refuses to stay on. I find that I can drive if I keep my foot on the gas and the brake at the same time. I go a couple blocks and end up in front of a church we used to attend a few years back. I wait some more, visit with some of the staff. I returned to the van buckled the baby back in. I prayed for the van to start.
I felt God was telling me to buckle up. I buckled up, started it and it did not stay on. I prayed again and I felt HE was saying to drive off in faith this time and don't put your foot on the brake just drive. I did so in obedience and the car stayed on. I drove home.

Later that afternoon I had to drive again to pick up my daughter from work. The van was just fine no problems. As I was driving I was thinking over the events earlier in the day, I felt God nudging me and reminding me that what He was trying to say was much bigger that a parking spot. He was telling me that I may not really like my circumstances , but they are adequate...Not the perfect scenario but livable. That He had provided everything I need for life and Godliness.*1 I began to weep, I need to repent and thank Him for His provision. I drove a bit further and God Reminded me what today was: My Spiritual Birthday. On December 16th,1981 I recieved Christ as My Savior. More weeping but more from Joy than sorrow, that He is so merciful to remind me that He will complete the work He started in me.*2

1.His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
(2Pe 1:3-4 ESV)

2. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(Php 1:6 ESV)

2009-10-15T17:53:00.002-04:00

I am very contemplative and sad. I do not like where I am right now....spiritually, emotionally and I am really tired. I know God Cares for me.....I know who has won the battle......Weariness has set in. Please pray for me.

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.
(Mal 3:2-3 ESV)

Quote

2009-09-15T13:14:00.001-04:00

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened."~~ Winston Churchill

Why settle for little?

2009-07-31T22:40:00.003-04:00

Heb 5:12-14

"There has been enough time for you to be teachers---yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil."

I was feeding my cats the other day and I happened to spill some of the food quite a distance from the bowl. Before I could clean it up one of the cats decided to nibble on what had fallen to the floor. The other cat went to the bowl where there was plenty and had a nice feast. As I was watching the first cat, I thought, I am like that cat. I settle for little nuggets of Scripture here and there instead of diving into the real meal Of Gods Word. Lets not settle for little when there is plenty.

Grab life by the mane

2009-06-27T19:05:00.001-04:00

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop criticizing and start creating. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Laugh at yourself. Keep making mistakes. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. And remember: if God is for us who can be against us?

Unleash the lion chaser within! "

Mark Batterson

http://www.evotional.com/2006/10/grab-life-by-mane.html

The New Covenant Promise of a New Heart

2009-06-01T12:50:00.003-04:00

June 1

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Eze_36:26)
To live in obedience to the will of God, man needs more than his own best efforts and intentions. The history of Israel emphatically demonstrates this. God gave His law. He commanded them, saying,"Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them" (Eze_20:19). Israel had promised to obey. "All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient" (Exo_24:7). Nevertheless, they failed miserably. "Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments" (Eze_20:21).
In order to live obedient lives, people need a new life from God, followed by understanding in how to develop that new life. Here, we see a promise from God to supply that new life. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." These promises are related to the new covenant of grace that the prophets proclaimed for Israel some day. "Behold, the days are coming . . . when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel . . . not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt" (Jer_31:31-32). The book of Hebrews elaborates on this new covenant of grace and applies it to the church today: "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us" (Heb_10:19-20).
When anyone embraces the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ (the mediator, the great High Priest of the new covenant), that person is born again by the Spirit of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Joh_3:6). This is a necessity. "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (Joh_3:3). Human "flesh-birth" brings with it a hard spiritual heart (a dead spirit). Spiritual new birth from God replaces this hard heart (this dead, non-responsive spirit). "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."
Think of our desperate need for this work of God that brings us a new heart, a new life. Those not born again are described as living "in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God . . . because of the hardening of their heart" (Eph_4:17-18). Yet, whoever relies upon the grace of God offered in Jesus Christ becomes a newborn child of God. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2Co_5:17).
Dear Lord, giver of new life, I praise You for replacing my old, hard, dead heart with a new, living, responsive heart. Now, I long to grow in the newness that is in Christ, Amen.

Day-By-Day By Grace, by Pastor Bob Hoekstra, director of Living In Christ Ministries, seeks to illuminate the grace of God through daily devotions set to inspire the child of Christ toward the heart of his Creator and Benefactor.

Provided by Living in Christ Ministries
http://www.calvarychapel.org/livinginchrist/

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(Heb 12:1-4)

etc....

2009-05-19T10:58:00.006-04:00

I am sitting at the computer listening to the wind howl outside the front door, hoping a tree does not fall in the yard again. We haven't cut up the wood from the last trees that fell. We are without our van now for 3 months. This is a huge discouragement to me. We had it fixed but are still paying for the repair, so it is still at the dealership. Please pray for funding for this need.

Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant-- but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me. The LORD gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.
(Hab 3:17-19)

Praise God !!!!!! This need has been met and we now have our van.

Thoughts on prayer from John Charles Ryle of Liverpool 1816-1900

2009-04-03T00:38:00.002-04:00

This is an excerpt From an article called The Duties Of Parents.

Prayer is the very life-breath of true religion. It is one of the first evidences that a man is born again. "Behold," said the Lord of Saul, in the day he sent Ananias to him, "Behold, he prayeth" (Acts ix. 11). He had begun to pray, and that was proof enough.

Prayer was the distinguishing mark of the Lord's people in the day that there began to be a separation between them and the world. "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord" (Gen. iv. 26).

Prayer is the peculiarity of all real Christians now. They pray, for they tell God their wants, their feelings, their desires, their fears; and mean what they say. The nominal Christian may repeat prayers, and good prayers too, but he goes no further.

Prayer is the turning-point in a man's soul. Our ministry is unprofitable, and our labour is vain, till you are brought to your knees. Till then, we have no hope about you.

Prayer is one great secret of spiritual prosperity. When there is much private communion with God, your soul will grow like the grass after rain; when there is little, all will be at a standstill, you will barely keep your soul alive. Show me a growing Christian, a going forward Christian, a strong Christian, a flourishing Christian, and sure am I, he is one that speaks often with his Lord. He asks much, and he has much. He tells Jesus everything, and so he always knows how to act.

Prayer is the mightiest engine God has placed in our hands. It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet God commands us to sound in all our necessity, and it is the cry He has promised always to attend to, even as a loving mother to the voice of her child.

Prayer is the simplest means that man can use in coming to God. It is within reach of all, the sick, the aged, the infirm, the paralytic, the blind, the poor, the unlearned, all can pray. It avails you nothing to plead want of memory, and want of learning, and want of books, and want of scholarship in this matter. So long as you have a tongue to tell your soul's state, you may and ought to pray. Those words, "Ye have not, because ye ask not" (Jas. iv. 2), will be a fearful condemnation to many in the day of judgment.

The Futility of Pride

2009-01-01T03:10:00.001-05:00

Stange New year topic but oh well!
I have been bothered by the topic of Pride! I hate it! It is a destructive force in the life of many.

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom" (Pro11:2). "Only by pride cometh contentions" (Pro13:10). In the book of Proverbs, pride is used in two senses. (1) The good sense. In this sense, it is admirable and necessary. It is associated with self-respect and personal dignity. However, we must always avoid self-contempt. "I am a nobody" is not a way to gain respect from others. Acts 2:47 shows us that it is alright to have respect from other people. This kind of pride is acceptable. (2) The bad sense is associated with arrogance, self-esteem, self-importance, and all such similar vices. Webster defines it this way: The quality or state of being proud: as inordinate self-esteem: conceit. Let us keep pride as God wants it. The chin and head up, not our nose. The pride of life is a channel by which Satan tempts man to sin (1Jo 2:15-17).
In John 13 we find the disciples would not wash one another's feet because it would show they were inferior and forfeit their position in the kingdom. Christ deflated their egos and pride by washing their feet, showing that He was the greatest of all and serves all. We see a lot of people in the church today fighting for the top, but very few reach for towels. There are many today that pride destroys. It kept Felix from obeying the gospel (Act 24:25). It also cost Ananias and Sapphira their lives. Mat 5:3 says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We must be willing to assume the role of beggar to enter the kingdom of heaven. Pride will cause us not to admit wrong or have compassion on our fellow man. It will cause us to live beyond our means (Rom 13:8). Pride leads to rebellion (Psa 10:4); also apostasy (1Ti 3:6). "He who stands on a pedestal has no place but to step off"-a Chinese proverb.

Home today

2008-12-03T15:51:00.004-05:00

Well I have managed to acquire an ear infection! I haven't had one in 15 years....wow! Well things here have been pressured, stressed and perplexing. I want to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things need to change. How do they get changed ? By prayer or Action? Oh and not to mention the discernment to know where to begin. Help us LORD Jesus!

How you should respond to the election results.

2008-11-05T13:04:00.002-05:00

From Tom Nettles of Founders Ministries:

My friend, Dr. Wyman Richardson, pastors FBC of Dawson, GA. He sent the following "True-False Test" to me yesterday. It is timely and very helpful in giving us perspective on the presidential election. Take the test, then ask yourself how you should respond to the election results. Click this link below.

Perspective

Humility

2008-10-05T17:07:00.000-04:00

The Higher the Bamboo Grows, the Lower It Bends
A government official who came into President Lincoln's office was startled to find the chief executive shining his shoes. "Sir," he gasped, "surely you do not polish your own shoes!" "Of course," replied the humble President. "Whose do you polish?" The greatness of a man is evidenced by his humility. In the words of an old Filipino saying, "The higher the bamboo grows, the lower it bends."
All of this is illustrated in the life of Jesus. "Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mat_20:28). The highest title God ever allows in His church is "servant." Am I willing to serve people as Jesus did? I know, I cannot die for people to save them as Jesus did, but I can "die to self" to enable me to tell people that Jesus died for their sins, and thus serve them in the greatest way possible.
When I humble myself, then God will give me the grace to grow into maturity where, I like the tall bamboo, can lower myself to serve those of "low esteem." Notice, "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited" (Rom_12:16). How tall are you spiritually? Tall and flexible enough to serve people in all kinds of situations?

Isaiah Encouraging All to Wait on the Lord

2008-09-16T13:38:00.004-04:00

I was just looking at the archives and realized I have been posting for 4 years. Wow where does the time go? I really have been weary lately.... then I read a devotional that was encouragement.
Here it is:

September 16

Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength . . . And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him . . . And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isa_40:31; Isa_8:17; and Isa_25:9)
Isaiah's desire to live by grace was evident in his proclaiming that God's power was available for those who would admit their own weakness. Now, we see Isaiah's heart for God's grace in his encouraging all to wait on the Lord.
One of Isaiah's encouragements to wait on the Lord came in conjunction with God's promises to give power to the weak. "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength . . . They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isa_40:29, Isa_40:31). This gracious work of God in people's lives hinged upon their waiting on the Lord. "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength."
Another of Isaiah's encouragements to wait on the Lord occurred in a time when Israel was rebelling against God. "For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people" (Isa_8:11). The Lord strongly urged Isaiah to stand against Israel's rebellion, even though they were threatening the prophet. "Do not . . . be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear" (Isa_8:12-13). Isaiah's encouraging testimony revealed that his heart was fully set on the Lord. "And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him." God was not revealing Himself to rebellious Israel. On the other, Isaiah would "wait on the LORD" (that is, he would "hope in Him").
Isaiah's ultimate encouragement to wait on the Lord is related to God's establishing of His everlasting kingdom. "And it will be said in that day: 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'." Those who place their hope in the Lord during their pilgrimage on earth will eventually rejoice forever when the Lord eternally implements the fullness of his salvation for His people!

Dear Lord, I am aware of my utter weakness, so I wait on You for Your strength and stamina. At times, I am intimidated by rebellious people, so I wait on You for protection and vindication. I have experienced so many earthly heartbreaks, so I wait on You for the joy and gladness of Your everlasting kingdom.

Day-By-Day By Grace, by Pastor Bob Hoekstra, director of Living In Christ Ministries, seeks to illuminate the grace of God through daily devotions set to inspire the child of Christ toward the heart of his Creator and Benefactor.

Provided by Living in Christ Ministries
http://www.calvarychapel.org/livinginchrist/

Im Done

2008-03-11T16:52:00.003-04:00

I am tired of life. I have no strength. How can I go on?

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you. In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me---you just had no chance to show it. And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
(Phi 4:6-13 GNB)

March 11 Day-by-Day By Grace

Three Wrong Responses to the Holy Spirit

You always resist the Holy Spirit . . . Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God . . . Do not quench the Spirit. (Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30; and 1Th 5:19)
It is the will of God that we walk in daily independence upon the Holy Spirit. It is God's desire that we seek Him for the fullness of the Spirit's work in and through our lives. Three wrong responses that undermine the will of God are resisting, grieving, and quenching the Spirit of the Lord.
When Stephen was on trial before the religious leaders of Israel, he preached a powerful sermon declaring the faithfulness of God toward His consistently unfaithful nation. He concluded his message with a pointed, radical, accurate evaluation. "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you" (Acts 7:51). Here we are given the kind of attitudes that oppose the work of the Spirit. These people were "stiffnecked." They were stubborn and self-willed. They wanted their will, not the will of God. They also were "uncircumcised in heart and ears." They did not allow God to cut away the carnality of their inner being. They would not allow God to speak to them through His messengers. They were self-righteous and self-sufficient. When we conduct ourselves in this same manner, we also are "resist[ing] the Holy Spirit."
When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he commanded them: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit" In the next verse he indicated the dispositions that bring grief to the Spirit of God. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice" (Eph 4:31). Yes, the Holy Spirit is a person, not a mere power or influence. He can be saddened by our behavior. When we, God's people, harbor bitterness in our hearts and malicious words in our mouths, then we are "griev[ing] the Holy Spirit of God."
When Paul wrote to the saints at Thessalonica, he instructed them: "Do not quench the Spirit." Just as a fire can be quenched, the promptings of the Holy Spirit can be stifled. As we read the word of God, the Spirit can be stirring a spiritual fire of conviction within us. Will we respond to that heavenly influence, or will we suppress it? When the Lord is igniting a vision of service unto Him, will we yield or will we extinguish it? When the Lord is calling us to intercessory prayer, will we cry out to Him or will we suppress that desire He is kindling? Will we allow the Spirit to blaze within our hearts; or will we "quench the Spirit"?

O Father, I am convicted by Your Spirit of times that I have behaved in these same ways. I have resisted and grieved and quenched the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, I repent, and I ask You to show me any area of my life that is not yielded to the full work of Your Spirit. This I pray through Christ, my Lord, Amen.

Day-By-Day By Grace, by Pastor Bob Hoekstra, director of Living In Christ Ministries, seeks to illuminate the grace of God through daily devotions set to inspire the child of Christ toward the heart of his Creator and Benefactor.

Provided by Living in Christ Ministries
http://www.calvarychapel.org/livinginchrist/

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm resolution time? hmmmmm maybe just some goals instead........ maybe I need to address an issue or two.... maybe i I just need to work on pleasing Him (The Holy One)
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.
(Phi 2:13-16 CEV)

Prayer

2007-11-07T00:31:00.000-05:00

The prayers of God’s saints strengthen the unborn generation against the desolating waves of sin and evil. Woe to the generation of sons who find their censers empty of the rich incense of prayer; whose fathers have been too busy or too unbelieving to pray, and perils inexpressible and consequences untold are their unhappy heritage. Fortunate are they whose fathers and mothers have left them a wealthy patrimony of prayer.
~~~E. M. Bounds PURPOSE IN PRAYER

See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;
rejoice always; pray unceasingly; in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you; quench not the Spirit; do not lightly esteem prophecies; but prove all things, hold fast the right; hold aloof from every form of wickedness.
Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is faithful who calls you, who will also perform it . Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

(1Th 5:15-28 Darby)

Anxieties Like Iron Filings

2007-05-23T01:17:00.000-04:00

Joel C. Gregory recalls that when he was in junior high, "we did an experiment with iron filings on a piece of paper. When we poured the filings on the paper they fell into a disheveled pile. Then we put a magnet under the paper and, as if by magic, the iron filings lined up... and followed the magnet's shape and force of direction."
All our anxieties are like so many iron filings poured out on the surface of our lives. Jesus says, "Put My presence and My kingdom underneath your life, see Me as a habit, and you'll find that your worries will line up and take My shape." The greater gift is given, and the lesser ones will be taken care of."
That's His promise, and our choice.

Think about this

2007-04-13T12:03:00.000-04:00

"There is today no lack of Bible teachers to set forth correctly the principles of the doctrines of Christ, but too many of these seem satisfied to teach the fundamentals oft he faith year after year, strangely unaware that there is in their ministry no manifest Presence, nor anything unusual in their personal lives. They minister constantly to believers who feel within their breasts a longing which their teaching simply does not satisfy. I trust I speak in charity, but the lack in our pulpits is real. Milton's terrible sentence applies to our day as accurately as it did to his: 'The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed'."

The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer

THE WATER OF LIFE TURNED TO WINE!

2007-02-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

"Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim."-- Joh_2:5-7.
DO NOT forget the necessity of obeying the inner voice of Christ, which may be recognised by these three signs--it never asks questions, but is decisive and imperative; it is not unreasonable nor impossible; it calls for an obedience which costs us some sacrifice of our own way and will. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!"
Do as you are told. It was a severe test to obedient faith to fill up those big jars, which stood in the vestibule of the house. Each would contain about twenty gallons, and as they were probably nearly empty, it would be a long and tedious business to fill them, especially at a time when guests required other attention... "They filled them up to the brim!"
In your obedience, always give Christ brimful measure. It may be a very small thing He asks you to do--to teach a class of children, to pay a visit to some sick man or woman, to write a letter, to speak a word of comfort, to hold out the helping hand, to give the glass of cold water, but see to it that your response is hearty and brimful! The jar is your opportunity! A very common and ordinary one! An act that may seem needless or inconvenient; but out of it may come the greatest achievement of your life! When the Lord calls you into co-partnership, be sure not to say: "'Please do not ask me!" Nay, serve Him to the brim! He never asks you to do one small act for Him, without being prepared to add His Almighty grace to your weakness, thereby perfecting the act. It is an amazing thing that He should want our help. Let us give Him to the brim, and, as we do so, we shall see a wonderful and beautiful thing, which is "hidden from wise and prudent, but revealed to babes". "The servants who drew the water knew." Many of us realise that this miracle is constantly taking place. We fill our waterpots to the brim with water; but at the end of days of careful preparation we sadly review the result, and say to ourselves: "After all, it is very poor stuff, only water at the best!" But as we pour it out in service to others, we know that the Master has been collaborating with us, and has turned the water into wine! There are secrets between the Lord and those who obey Him! It is blessed when we are workers together with Christ. He knows, and you know. A smile passes between you and Him, and it is enough! The best wine is always kept in reserve!
PRAYER
Enable me to do not only what I like to do, but what I ought.
Cause me to be faithful in a little, and in common tasks to learn Thy deep lessons of obedience, patience, and conscientiousness. AMEN.

Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer

oliver to the rescue

2007-02-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

My neighbor just rescued a cat. It was cool!

tiredness

2007-02-04T23:13:00.000-05:00

Well hello i havent posted since August. i have had a lot happen .....my dog died ....my brother died....my mom in law has been living here 8 months or so.......im working part time and i am tired and just want to have my life not so busy anymore.:o(

Why Not?

2006-08-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

Why Not?
Why Not-give a friend a tract?
Why Not-help an older couple with their groceries?
Why Not-share with a neighbor in need?
Why Not-talk to a friend about his soul?
Why Not-help a friend with a personal problem?
Why Not-have a Bible study with a friend in your home?
Why Not-visit with the newcomer in your community?
Why Not-invite your children's friends to Bible study?
Why Not-show hospitality in your home?
Why Not-give encouragement to a new brother?
Why Not-give support to those who are having trouble in their marriage?
Why Not-encourage someone to take a Bible correspondence course?
Why Not-show concern to those who have lost a loved one?
Why Not-show to others that Christianity is worth sharing anytime, anywhere?
Why Not-invite the checkout person at the grocery to worship service?
Why Not-give a smile to someone today? Let them know that you are happy as a Christian?
Why Not-be nice to people even when you do not feel like it?
Why Not-let God work His purposes in your life?
Why Not-start loving your neighbors as yourself?

For His Glory

2006-04-02T18:26:00.000-04:00

How oft have you sought some reward for a task you said was "for the Lord?" How oft have you felt a stinging slight and felt that you were not treated right? How oft have you said "I quit, I am through. Nobody says 'thanks'for the things I do."How oft have you felt the precious thrill that comes from just being in His will? How oft did you count earth's glory dim compared to the joy of serving Him? What is it your heart has longed for? Does praise of men or His smile mean more? I Thought this was good.

Headache

2006-02-17T23:28:00.000-05:00

I have a headache. I hope it goes away soon. We are packing, getting ready to move and that is a headache all by its self. This devotional was very good. I wanted to share it.

February 17
SERVING THE LORD
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."-- Rom_12:1.
THE FIRST thing for all of us to do is to present ourselves to God as alive from the dead, and our bodies as living sacrifices. The path of blessedness can be entered by no other gate. It is only as we refuse to be conformed to this world, and yield ourselves to be transformed by the free entrance of the Holy Spirit into our minds, that we can learn all that God will do for us. We are nothing; He is all. And He is prepared to be and do all things in us, if only we will He open to Him as the land lies open to the summer sun.
Those who really live the yielded life, do not need to ascertain God's Will by signs. They recognize it by the whisper of His voice and the touch of His hand. It is as we refuse to be molded by the world, and give ourselves up to the transfiguring Spirit of God, that we prove what is His good, acceptable, and perfect will. But more than that, we begin to live for others, and draw by faith from the fullness of God, that we may minister to them aright.
First, we understand what the Will of God is; then we present our bodies that it may fulfill itself through us; then we discover that it means goodwill to men, and we become the happy channels of heavenly ministry to those around us in one of the spheres enumerated in Rom_12:6-8 of this chapter. It is impossible to cherish jealousy, because the Head may use this member or that; it is equally impossible to be proud, because we have nothing that we have not received. Let us always remember that each has a special ministry to fulfill, and that we shall find in our daily lot the opportunity of fulfilling it. How many resemble the landowner of the Eastern story, who sold his property in order to go in search of diamonds, and lo! The man who purchased his property found it full of diamonds. Indeed it was the famous Golconda region. In the dally drudgery of life you will find your heavenly opportunity. How many who are pining for a great mission, will never be permitted to enter it, because they despise the low and narrow door of humble service to those in their immediate neighborhood.
But we can never realize these divine ideals of service merely by an external obedience. We must be constrained by a holy love to our Lord and to one another. What a despair these ideals would be apart from the Holy Spirit. That holy love comes from Him.
PRAYER
O God work in me, not only to will but to do of Thy good pleasure; and may I work out in daily life what Thou dost work in. AMEN.

Our Daily Walk
daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer

Head-dibs

2006-01-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

Head-dibs

Check this out!

Been a while

2005-12-31T01:38:00.000-05:00

Hi! I dont have my grinch on! no bah humbug is present ! Happy new year everyone!

GOD OUR DEFENCE AND DELIVERER

2005-08-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

Hello ! I really do not know who reads this or who cares about what I write! I had a bad day And I am glad that God is in control of all things. I am reminded that we must remain yeilded to Christ and allow Him to work all things together for His Glory! To stay close to Him By reading His word and talking to Him everyday!

GOD OUR DEFENCE AND DELIVERER
"As birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it, and passing over He will preserve it."-- Isa_31:5.

WE HAVE in this chapter three beautiful synonyms for God. He is Wise (Isa_31:1-3). The politicians of that time were boasting of their wisdom-in having secured the Egyptian alliance, but their cleverness and strategy were not destined to be of any help to them. Why did they not consult the Holy One of Israel, and seek the help of the Almighty? Was His wisdom only in heavenly and religious matters? Had He not the power to infuse men like Isaiah with a wisdom for earthly and human politics? Surely the boast of wisdom was mockery in the leaders of the people, at that dread hour of Jerusalem's history, when they turned away from the Light and Glory of the Shekinah to seek human counsellors and worldly stratagems. Not only in religious matters, but in the daily ordering of our human life, "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting!" (Jam_1:5.)
He is as a Lion (Isa_31:4). The lion is more than a match for the groups of shepherds who endeavour to stand against him with their crooks. He is not afraid of their shouting and views them with contempt. Does not this mean that the mighty presence and power of God would shelter the soul that trusts Him? All the nations might assail the city in vain whilst the Lion of the Tribe of Judah stood as sentry! If you are fearful of heart, and dread the attack of man, flee to God for refuge and defence (Psa_46:1).
He is as a mother-bird and her nest (Isa_31:5). How wonderful these words are! How near God comes to each one of us! We are reminded of our Saviour who longed to gather Jerusalem under His wings! Amid all the fret and worry and anxiety of your life, dare to believe in a Love that will not let you go!

PRAYER
O God our Father, how can we thank Thee for Thy Holy Word, and the many methods by which Thou wouldst gain our confidence and love! Give us grace to return unto our rest beneath the shadow of Thy wings! AMEN.
F.B. Meyer

I am stunned at the uglyness of satan!

2005-08-11T16:44:00.000-04:00

I am stunned at the uglyness of satan! He stops at nothing to harrass the Christian that is on fire for God. We need to remember that the Battle is not our own! God is with us battling on our behalf!!! The good news is that He has already Won the Battle!

God will deliver us; we can trust Him for Salvation. In Daniel’s day he was shown a vision about the end times. He is shown a time where there will be great distress like never seen before, and at that time everyone who is written in the book will be rescued. Many who have already died will rise again to everlasting life, but others will rise to disgrace and contempt (Daniel 12:1-2). Today when we are discouraged and we face many trials, we need to remember that God is coming for us one day and is able to rescue us from this world to everlasting life with Him. We should rest in His peace and comfort one another with these words and continue to be His witnesses until that time comes (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 & 5:11-12).

It can get tough during the battle! We need to remember that God will empower us to do His will. When Joshua and Zerubbabel were rebuilding the temple they had oppositions and set backs. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied over them and they got it built (Ezra 6:14). One thing that Zechariah prophesied was, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, not by might or by power, but by My Spirit says the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah4:1-6) Today in our lives and ministries we should not try to do things in our own power (flesh), but rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what God has called us to do by the strength of His might (Ephesians 1:18-23).

We can do all things thru Christ who strenghens us!

last one for now

2005-06-21T00:23:00.000-04:00

1:42 am - Awesome thoughts from a devotional Wow this below is so what i needed to read ! I am very tired. I am almost finished with ot survey. I am very excited to be going on to new testament survey soon I am learing so much and am growing .......still have a lot to work on but growing !
Leslie
April 22

THE MIDNIGHT WRESTLE
"Jacob went on his way, and the Angels of God met him....And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day."-- Gen 32:1, Gen 32:24.

SUCH IS our mortal life! We meet angels before we encounter our Esaus! Their unseen squadrons must be counted on as one of our permanent assets.
"Oh purblind souls! We may not see our helpers in their downward flight, nor hear the sound of silver wings, slow beating through the hush of night?' But they are surely present (Psa 34:7; Heb 1:14). If we accustom ourselves to their presence and help, we may presently come, like Jacob, to an experience of the Eternal, before which all else will dwindle into insignificance. When our Rachels and Leahs, the babble of the children, the lowing of the herds are away; when the only sound is the low murmur of the brook, or the sigh of the night wind; when the sense of loneliness steals over the spirit, and the starry hosts expand overhead, it is then that we may come into personal contact with One, whose delights from of old were with the sons of men. He is the Word of God, but He is also the Saviour, the Lover and Friend of man.
In our first meeting, He will wrestle with us to break down our stubbornness; He will touch the sinew of our strength till we can hold out no more; He will withdraw from us till we insist that we cannot let Him go; He will awaken a mysterious longing and urgency within us, which He alone can satisfy. And as the memorable interview ends, He will have taught us that we prevail best when we are at our weakest, and will have whispered in our ear, in response to our entreaty, His own sublime Name, Shiloh, the Giver of Eternal Peace!
Why should you not meet that Angel, and let Him make you a prince?

PRAYER
Be not weary of me, Good Lord. I am all weakness, but Thou art Almighty, and canst put forth Thy strength perfectly in my weakness. Make me truly to hate all which Thou hatest, fervently to love all which Thou lovest--through Jesus Christ. AMEN.

from
Our Daily Walk

daily devotions by Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer

current mood: tired and .................
current music: Fan in background

and another

2005-06-21T00:20:00.000-04:00

8:19 am - disapointment I struggle when things do not always go as planned. What it is it? Is it the loss of control that I feel? I need to let go of things that are not worth it, and embrace the the things that are worth it. But how do you tell which is which? Self control is a friut of the Spirit.. wow this(below) was todays devotional it guess is is fitting to how I am feeling now.

June 6

HOW TO MEET DISCOURAGEMENTS
"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.'-- 2Co_4:17-18.

NOTICE THE marvellous antithesis of this chapter: light and darkness; life and death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution; but side by side, victory, elastic hope, and the brightness of Christian faith. The decay of the outward man and the renewal of the inward; the light affliction and the weight of glory; the brief moment of earth's pilgrimage contrasted with the eternity of reality and bliss.
It is very important that we should not miss the mighty blessing which is within the reach of every troubled soul. Of course it is quite possible to sit down before troubles and afflictions, hopeless and despairing, confessing that we are over-powered and defeated; it is also possible to be hard and stoical, bearing adversity because we cannot help or avoid it, bur the highest Christian way is to be thankful that the earthen vessel is breaking if only the torch will shine out; to be content that the dying of Jesus should be borne about in our mortal body, if only His life will thereby become manifest.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee in trouble to bless; And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

PRAYER
Fix my heart, O Lord, on Thyself, that amid the changes and chances of this mortal life I may be kept steadfast and unmoveable and ever abounding in Thy work. AMEN.

From Our Daily walk by, F.B Meyers

a blog from my other journal

2005-06-21T00:19:00.000-04:00

2:55 pm - mothers day The Holy Spirit has been a great Teacher and something that occurred to me today is that our God leaves nothing undone.

Not only did He give us a voice, He also gave us a song; not only did He give us ears, but he also gave us music; not only sight, but also beauty; not only drive, but also ability; not only taste, but also food; not only heart, but also compassion; not only a mind, but also knowledge; not only a soul, but also Himself.

Without the latter, the former is lifeless. How blessed we are that God attends to every need, even the minutest detail.

Lord God, thank You for tending to our needs, both great and small. And, most of all, thank You for giving meaning, purpose, and life to us when we feel our lives have no meaning or purpose. You teach us that every life was created to have meaning and purpose to Your glory and the growth of Your Kingdom.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

by a friend :Len

2005-06-20T00:42:00.000-04:00

I like my new lay out I hope you do! I havent been posting at all latley ! I really am tired. I have to work full time the next 2 weeks . I will be very buzy. I hope too get 3 blogs that I have all on to this one blog we will see how it goes!
I thought this was good for today.

June 20

THE ROCK OF AGES
"Trust ye--the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting rock."-- Isa_26:4 (R.V.).

THE LOVE of God, like a cleft rock, is the age-long shelter of His people, land rears itself above the tumultuous waters of time. The lightning that flashed from the thunder-clouds of Calvary has riven it. A cleft was made in it by the spear that pierced the heart of our Lord, and this was followed, as it was withdrawn from the gaping wound, by blood and water. But there sinful souls may hide! God had said to Moses: "Behold, there is a place by Me, and it shall come to pass that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by, for thou canst not see My face, and live." So he speaks to us all, and promises that the water and the blood shall be the double cure from the wrath and power of sin.
It is free. The sinner need not seek to acquire the shelter of that Rock of Ages by the labour of his hands, or the fulfilling of the demands of the law. It is not required that he should burn with a zeal that knows no respite, or flow with tears that refuse to be staunched. To be helpless and forlorn, to be in peril of condemnation, to be contrite and humble---this is all that is required. To have no Mediator, no Refuge, no Helper beside, and to lift the eyes of faith to the Saviour--that is the sole condition of being lifted by unseen hands into the cleft of that Rock.
It holds all that the soul needs. Is the soul naked? There is dress for it. Is it helpless? There is grace for it. Is it blackened by sin? There is cleansing for it. Is it sick? there is healing for it. Toplady, the Calvinist, and Wesley, the Arminian, agree here: "Thou, O Christ, art all I want; more than all in Thee I find."
It is for ever. It is the Rock of Ages! Time may beat upon it, but it cannot alter it or impair it. Whilst this fleeting breath is drawn, when eyes close in death, when unknown worlds are entered, when the judgment throne is set, always and for ever the soul may shelter in the cleft Rock of the unchanging Redeemer, and Peace, like a double window, intercepts alarm from the heart which is stayed on God and trusting in Him.

PRAYER
Rock of Ages! cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power. AMEN.
f.b. meyer (our daliy walk)

A New Window on the World

2005-04-10T00:20:00.000-04:00

Ruth E. Knowlton tells this on herself: "Years ago I lived in an apartment building in a large city. The building next door was only a few feet away from mine, and I could look across the alley into the apartment on the same floor as mine. There was a woman who lived there, whom I had never met, yet I could see her as she sat by her window each afternoon, sewing or reading.
"After several months had gone by, I began to notice that her windows were dirty. Everything was indistinct through her smudged windows. I would say to myself, 'I wonder why that woman doesn't wash her windows? They look dreadful!'
"One bright morning I decided to do my spring housecleaning and thoroughly cleaned my apartment, including washing the windows on the inside.
"Late in the afternoon when I was finished, I sat down by the window with a cup of coffee for a rest. What a surprise! Across the way, the woman sitting by her window was clearly visible. Her windows were clean!
"Then it dawned on me. I have been criticizing her dirty windows, but all the time I was observing them through my own dirty ones!"

Looking at the Goal

2005-02-15T11:45:00.000-05:00

The snow covered the ground, and three young boys were playing in it. A man said to them, "Would you like to try to race, with the promise of a prize for the winner?"
The boys agreed, and the man told them that his race was to be different. "I will go to the other side of the field," he said, "and when I give you the signal, you will start to run. The one whose footsteps are the straightest in the snow will be the winner."
As the race commenced, the first boy began looking at his feet to see if his steps were straight. The second lad kept looking at his companions to see what they were doing; but the third boy just ran on with his eyes fixed on the man on the other side of the field.
The third boy was the winner, for his footsteps were straight in the snow. He had kept his eyes on the goal ahead of him.
A long time ago, another man using similar words taught the same principle. It was Paul who said, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14).
I guess I look at my feet too much or maybe I look at others around me!
Oh LORD help me to look only to Thee. please help me to remember that only you can satisfy me.

Thanksgiving

2004-11-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hi! I havent wriiten anything in a long time. I am thankful I have food and a roof over my head and I am thankful for a husband that LOVES me. I am also thankful for my children.
I am thankful about Salvation that God provided me through Jesus Christ.

the Beach

2004-09-17T09:37:00.000-04:00

The beach is great this year.... although hurricane Ivan is pelting father up the coast.......... where we are has been beautiful and Sunny! Kind of reminds me that even though there may be storms in my life that Jesus is the Strong Rock and when I trust in Him things are Sonny and beautiful.

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. {They} are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. {It is} good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:21-26

2004-09-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

“Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a goodly Christian weapon.”

— Martin Luther

Been a while

2004-07-11T15:08:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted on here in a while... I Have been busy with home and school and homeschool.
God has been teaching me about His timing not my own. He is also teaching me about obedience....Which brings blessing.

A New Four-Letter Word
C. S. Johnson shares this family lesson:
"My son, Michael, was four years old the night I found him sobbing uncontrollably in the hallway. Concerned, I knelt next to him and drew him close.
"What's the matter, sweetheart? Are you hurt?'He shook his head and turned to me, but I was unprepared for his response.
"'Daddy said a bad word to me!'he sobbed. I almost laughed out loud. I had known my husband 12 years and had rarely heard him raise his voice. But Michael had heard him say something, and I was curious enough to want to know what it was.
"'Honey, what bad word did Daddy say?'And seeing a chance for sympathy, my sensitive four-year-old stopped crying and blurted out-'Obey!'
"I never think of that incident now without asking my Heavenly Father to keep me from believing, as my son did, that 'obey'is a bad word."

Wait on the Lord

2004-04-11T22:06:00.000-04:00

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he will hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle will he hide me; he will set me up upon a rock. And now shall my head be lifted above my enemies around me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said to thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not over to the will of my enemies: for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he will strengthen thy heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psa 27:1-14 Webster)

Waiting is not one of my strengths..... When hard times come I want them gone yesterday. I am reminded here to not wig out, but to have courage and trust in Him and wait.

What God thinks of us

2004-04-08T02:46:00.000-04:00

Why do we strive to be considered successful, when it only matters what God thinks of us, and not what man thinks of us.

No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. (Mic 6:8 GNB)

On My knees

2004-03-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

When I got home this afternoon, I thought "What do I need to do?" I felt the Lord impressing me to get on my knees to pray, to which I replied "No! That would hurt!" (I have a knee problem and it hurts when the pressure is on it.) then the Lord impressed on me these words "Exactly! Coming before Me to pray means a Introspectful look at your heart and admission and confession your sins .(which I wasnt ready to do hence the pain.) If we are totally honest with God (transparent), like we should be... He knows us o so well and is waiting for total honesty on our part.... it is oh so painful.........but afterword basking in His Presence being in right relationship with Him is so joyus.

March 15

“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
- 2Tim 2:1

Christ has grace without measure in himself, but he hath not retained it for himself. As the reservoir empties itself into the pipes, so hath Christ emptied out his grace for his people. “Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” He seems only to have in order to dispense to us. He stands like the fountain, always flowing, but only running in order to supply the empty pitchers and the thirsty lips which draw nigh unto it. Like a tree, he bears sweet fruit, not to hang on boughs, but to be gathered by those who need. Grace, whether its work be to pardon, to cleanse, to preserve, to strengthen, to enlighten, to quicken, or to restore, is ever to be had from him freely and without price; nor is there one form of the work of grace which he has not bestowed upon his people. As the blood of the body, though flowing from the heart, belongs equally to every member, so the influences of grace are the inheritance of every saint united to the Lamb; and herein there is a sweet communion between Christ and his Church, inasmuch as they both receive the same grace. Christ is the head upon which the oil is first poured; but the same oil runs to the very skirts of the garments, so that the meanest saint has an unction of the same costly moisture as that which fell upon the head. This is true communion when the sap of grace flows from the stem to the branch, and when it is perceived that the stem itself is sustained by the very nourishment which feeds the branch. As we day by day receive grace from Jesus, and more constantly recognize it as coming from him, we shall behold him in communion with us, and enjoy the felicity of communion with him. Let us make daily use of our riches, and ever repair to him as to our own Lord in covenant, taking from him the supply of all we need with as much boldness as men take money from their own purse.
~~~~~~~~~~~Spurgeon~~~~~~~~~

2004-01-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

“There are no words to express the abyss between isolation and having one ally. It may be conceded to the mathematician that four is twice two. But two is not twice one; two is two thousand times one.”

— G.K. Chesterton

Kindness by Choice

2004-01-19T22:16:00.000-05:00

Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy. We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry and don't give the devil a chance. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need. Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say. Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
(Eph 4:23-32 CEV)

“Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the ways you can in all the places you can to all the people you can as long as you ever can.”

— John Wesley

I am reminded by this passage that we should always be ready to be kind to one another... to every one yes..... but how often are we are we rude to the very ones we live with our "families" It is so much easier to be kind to a stranger rather than our own flesh and blood? I find this somtimes true for me Change my heart Oh God !

Faith

2004-01-19T01:01:00.000-05:00

“Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”

— St. Augustine

Affliction

2004-01-18T00:50:00.000-05:00

Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant-- but I will still celebrate because the LORD God saves me. The LORD gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains. To the music director: Use stringed instruments.
(Hab 3:17-19 CEV)

Even though it can seem like the world is against us in every way, it is a great source of comfort to have God on our side loving us ,saving us ,giving strengh to us and making us sure footed.

We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.
(2Co 1:5 CEV)

Look to the Hills

2004-01-16T14:05:00.000-05:00

(A song for worship.) I look to the hills! Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. The LORD is your protector, and he won't go to sleep or let you stumble. The protector of Israel doesn't doze or ever get drowsy. The LORD is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. You won't be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go.
(Psa 121:1-8 CEV)

Gods Love is Awesome . To know that God is my protector ......who or what shall I fear?
I have been tangled up with fear latley. Oh how I need to trust Him more..
Thank you Lord for your word! Thank you for being our protection.

God wins

2004-01-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love." The LORD has promised: Your sorrow has ended, and you can celebrate.
(Zep 3:17-18 CEV)

Wow to know that God Loves me in this way boggles my finite mind! I only wished I could stay as true to Him as He is to me,so many are the distractions in life.....Children, bills, sickness & finances just to name a few that set us to wandering away to worry. His words here(Zep 3:17-18) are refreshment to my dry and weary soul .I don't have to worry! He loves me! He will take care of me and all the distractions when I seek him with my whole heart.