Luke 2:11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Every year about this time, there begins conversation, writings, articles about the day that our Lord was born. So many say it was not December 25th and I agree, it probably wasn't. There is a lot of arguments for and against this thought. I, personally, do not think the actual date is what is important. I am happy that there is a date, for without an actual date that Jesus birth is celebrated, it would probably slip by so many unnoticed. I think that everyday should be considered the birthday of Jesus. He should be celebrated throughout the year. I have thought about this a lot. We should never have to be concerned about the actual date of His birth if we are celebrating His birth each day. We should be bringing Jesus gifts everyday. He doesn't ever ask for much and the gifts He enjoys are gifts that are certainly not monetary. On Monday, bring Him a sweet prayer, asking for His love to pour into you so you can share His love with others. On Tuesday, offer up a sacrifice of praise, a sweet gift of thanksgiving to Him. Wednesday comes, spend time in His Word, drawing strength from what He tells you there. He loves for you to spend time in His word. Thursdays, share what you have, the sweet joy of the Lord with someone that is having a bad day. Give them His joy. His favorite gifts are those that are given away. Friday, the week is winding down, perhaps some words of thanksgiving to Him for getting you through this week, being there each day with you. Words of thanksgiving are always special to our Lord. On Saturday, take time to worship the Lord with all your heart, in spirit and in truth. Give Him a new song, the one the Holy Spirit draws from your inner being that has been stirring with love for Jesus. A new song, a gift He will receive with joy. And on Sunday, on Sunday.....give Him the gift of your time. Make time for the Lord. Go worship Him in unity with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Give Him what He has given you all week. Time.
Each day as you gift the Lord with these gifts that come from you....so many from Him through you, but He loves that we use those gifts He has given us to bless others, for this blesses Him. Bless the Lord at all times, each day, each week, continually. You will find that the actual date of His birth will not be a question in your heart as you will be celebrating the birth of Jesus everyday of the year.
The Lord deserves to be praised. The Lord God deserves to be worshiped. Our Lord is worthy of all the gifts we can give Him. We, the children of God, are so blessed to have a Savior that was born to redeem us from sin through His death. Gifts given to our Lord everyday, gifts that come from our hearts to honor Him, to worship Him, to glorify His Name will make the birthday of Jesus a day that everyone will remember. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Every day will be Jesus's Birthday.
11-30-11
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
COMMUNICATING WHAT IS OF THE LORD
Ephesians 3:8 "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.."
What are we telling others with our lives? I am so aware of being watched in all I do. I don't mind that people watch me, but I do mind that they think more of me that they should. I am no different than anyone else except for the grace that the Lord has given me; His mercy on my life. And this same grace and mercy is available for all who love the Lord. But people do watch me, they watch everyone who comes out and proclaims God as the Lord of their life, Jesus as their Savior. As I said, I don't mind that they watch, but it puts such a responsibility on one. I am human, as you are, and there are times when we act just that way....human. It takes a lot of love and understanding to be around those that minister and don't expect anything different from them then you would yourself. People are people. We all make mistakes, we all say things normal humans say. Now I am not talking about cursing or talking about subjects that would be offensive to the Holy Spirit, but just normal talking but some folks think people in the Lord's service are different. They are different in a manner, as the annointing of the Lord falls to them to do what they are called by Him to do, but they are still just man or woman, God's creations. They have bad days, they get ill, they get tired, they get disappointed in things, in people, yes, and they can't always have that silly grin on their faces. The enemy really does his best work against those called of the Lord to minister to others and it is not always easy to act like things are okay.
What I have discovered is that the Lord does not want us to behave like everyday is a holiday in our lives. It's not and we should never pretend that it is. We have hard days just like everyone else, we Christians do and it is no shame to let people see our frailities. In fact a lot of times I think it helps others to see that bad days happen to all God's children; illness, heartache, disappointments; we are all the same under Heaven; just God's children who are constantly in need of their Savior, Jesus. Without the Lord, where would we be? God's grace pours out to all who call on Him. His grace measures out to us according to our need. I may need more grace tomorrow than I will on Friday, and you may need more on Thursday than you will tomorrow. God always knows just what we need and He gives it to us when we ask.
Father, I still do not know what happened to the topic of "Communicating what is of the Lord". This certainly has taken a different turn. I am in Your hands, I always yield to what the Holy Spirit tells me to type. And here we are, showing our humanness, explaining the vulnerable creature that I am. We are all subject to be watched, looked at with....what can I say....waiting for us to mess up? Some people would. Some people find it hard to watch children of God who love Him so much and always want to talk about their adoration for Him. It makes some uncomfortable. I got over trying to "watch" my words long ago. I am not "politically correct", can't ever remember being so, but definitely am not now. I am Holy Spirit correct. I would rather be criticized for something I said that may or may not offend earthly inhabitants than I would want to offend the Holy Spirit or my Lord God. I have done that in my past and will not do it again. I will not pretend to be someone I am not just because I would fear it is not proper for work or any other place I may be. I am who I am, a daughter of God, and I love Him with all my heart. I wear my love for my Lord as surely as I would be wearing a sign.
Lord, this did not go where I thought it would, but I pray it will bless those for whom You intend it. You are my everything, I am just Your worshiper, Your child who loves You so much. I pray that I can be always who You made me to be; that those who watch me only see You in my, and when I do act more human that they understand, I pray You will give them the grace and mercy to show to me, I pray they will realize that no matter who we are in You, it important thing about us is that You are in us, totally immersing Yourself through us, body, spirit and soul.
What are we telling others with our lives? I am so aware of being watched in all I do. I don't mind that people watch me, but I do mind that they think more of me that they should. I am no different than anyone else except for the grace that the Lord has given me; His mercy on my life. And this same grace and mercy is available for all who love the Lord. But people do watch me, they watch everyone who comes out and proclaims God as the Lord of their life, Jesus as their Savior. As I said, I don't mind that they watch, but it puts such a responsibility on one. I am human, as you are, and there are times when we act just that way....human. It takes a lot of love and understanding to be around those that minister and don't expect anything different from them then you would yourself. People are people. We all make mistakes, we all say things normal humans say. Now I am not talking about cursing or talking about subjects that would be offensive to the Holy Spirit, but just normal talking but some folks think people in the Lord's service are different. They are different in a manner, as the annointing of the Lord falls to them to do what they are called by Him to do, but they are still just man or woman, God's creations. They have bad days, they get ill, they get tired, they get disappointed in things, in people, yes, and they can't always have that silly grin on their faces. The enemy really does his best work against those called of the Lord to minister to others and it is not always easy to act like things are okay.
What I have discovered is that the Lord does not want us to behave like everyday is a holiday in our lives. It's not and we should never pretend that it is. We have hard days just like everyone else, we Christians do and it is no shame to let people see our frailities. In fact a lot of times I think it helps others to see that bad days happen to all God's children; illness, heartache, disappointments; we are all the same under Heaven; just God's children who are constantly in need of their Savior, Jesus. Without the Lord, where would we be? God's grace pours out to all who call on Him. His grace measures out to us according to our need. I may need more grace tomorrow than I will on Friday, and you may need more on Thursday than you will tomorrow. God always knows just what we need and He gives it to us when we ask.
Father, I still do not know what happened to the topic of "Communicating what is of the Lord". This certainly has taken a different turn. I am in Your hands, I always yield to what the Holy Spirit tells me to type. And here we are, showing our humanness, explaining the vulnerable creature that I am. We are all subject to be watched, looked at with....what can I say....waiting for us to mess up? Some people would. Some people find it hard to watch children of God who love Him so much and always want to talk about their adoration for Him. It makes some uncomfortable. I got over trying to "watch" my words long ago. I am not "politically correct", can't ever remember being so, but definitely am not now. I am Holy Spirit correct. I would rather be criticized for something I said that may or may not offend earthly inhabitants than I would want to offend the Holy Spirit or my Lord God. I have done that in my past and will not do it again. I will not pretend to be someone I am not just because I would fear it is not proper for work or any other place I may be. I am who I am, a daughter of God, and I love Him with all my heart. I wear my love for my Lord as surely as I would be wearing a sign.
Lord, this did not go where I thought it would, but I pray it will bless those for whom You intend it. You are my everything, I am just Your worshiper, Your child who loves You so much. I pray that I can be always who You made me to be; that those who watch me only see You in my, and when I do act more human that they understand, I pray You will give them the grace and mercy to show to me, I pray they will realize that no matter who we are in You, it important thing about us is that You are in us, totally immersing Yourself through us, body, spirit and soul.
Monday, November 28, 2011
WIDOWHOOD
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him."
I would not have thought that the Lord would have me write about this particular part of my life, but I see that not talking about it just lets the enemy use pieces of it to hurt me with. There is no great drama with me. I was not ready to have my husband go, to leave me when he did, but he was so ill that as I think about it I know that the Lord was merciful. I never raged at the Lord over it, as I knew Robert was so happy where he had gone. Robert was so concerned for me, I believe, or he probably would have been gone earlier. I believe a lot of times husbands and wifes that truly love their mates will prolong leaving when the Lord calls as they are concerned as to what will happen to their loved ones. But, trust in the Lord, He will never take one without a plan for the other.
The years have passed so quickly, it will be three years in February. It seems almost impossible that it has been so long. All the memories are so, like yesterday, all the details, even to what people said. Just never seems to be erased from my mind. Some of the things, I would choose to forget if possible, some things I never want to leave my heart. But the years have passed. I remember looking at my wedding rings and being so grieved that first year or so. About eighteen months passed with my hurting each time I looked at my hand when my ring finger began to itch so badly under my rings. My rings had only been off my fingers probably five or six times since we had been married. But the itching was so bad. I moved the rings down and there was nothing on my finger to cause the itch. This continued for a couple of weeks until I could not stand it any longer and had to take the rings off. The next day my finger stopped itching. I just kept asking the Lord "what is going on here?" I put the rings back on and the itching began again, so I removed them again. My finger felt so naked, so strange, so I would put whatever ring on I could just to have something there, but all my rings were too big for this finger and they would turn and bother me. My sister-in-law and I went to James Avery one day to look around and see what they had. I had never been in the store before so it was a real treat. I found a ring, a plain silver ring with the cross on it. After wearing it for a day or so and realizing it was too big, I returned it and got one that fit perfectly. I waited to see if the itching would begin again, but no, it was perfect.
I believe the hardest time I had was with myself. I would go into such depression over nothing and then I would be hard on myself thinking I should get over this. But there is no set time on grief. Each person is different. Some people are okay after a couple of months, some people grieve for years. I knew a lady once that had some coveralls of her husbands hanging on the outisde of closet door. She told me they had been there since he passed away. I thought perhaps he had recently passed, but it had been twenty years. Inside the closet were all his things still. She could not let him go. And that is okay, for it was how she coped with the loss. We all have to sort things out for ourselves. We have to let the Lord lead us into His plan, show us what is right for us. You cannot let anyone make you think that you should be over things, or that you are and should not. Everyone has a time that will come to remove the sackcloth, the grieving period and move on. I believe if you have children it takes on a completely different tone. You have not only yourself to think about but your children who are grieving also. The Lord, and your trust in Him, is so dear at this time. Give Him your burdens and He will guide you and help you through it all.
Trusting the Lord with my life is how I manage. I know I would be nowhere if it were not for my Lord. The Lord has taken care of me, just as He says in His Word that He will. His love for women who are widows is so evident, so special we are to Him. He becomes our Husband, the One that looks after us and supplies our needs. When I think of the women who are widowed and do not know Him, it saddens me. My Lord is my life.
TImes of the year also makes widowhood difficult. If your spouse dies at a holiday, automatically that holiday becomes one that is more difficult that the others. I had a hard time for all the firsts during year one. The first Easter, Father's Day, our birthdays, and then the real holiday season came, with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just wanted to go to sleep and wake up after they were over. But no, these days as well as the regular ones must be lived through. Thank You, Lord. Now I am going into the third holiday season since Robert has been gone. I have done more this year, but still it is difficult. He was so into all the lights and decorations and I just don't have that in me again yet. The good part of this is that I can celebrate Christmas in my way, as my Lord's Birthday, with my thanks and gratitude to Him for His goodness, His love and mercy. I enjoy the rest of the holiday, but am perfectly content to share my day with my Lord, His day with me. But then again, no children. This takes on more meaning when there are children. Each person, each widow, God's timing for each one, different.
My heart goes out to those widows I see, new widows, young widows with children, finding their way, looking to the Lord for His plan, praying and seeking Him, some hope diminished but still looking up with expectation. The enemy does a good job at stealing joy with his memories, he uses them strongly to try and get us to question the Lord with "Whys"; but we need to be prayed up at these times. The Holy Spirit will give memories that soothe, comfort. Those memories will not conjure up "whys", they will bring forth "thank You's" to our Lord.
I ask the Lord to bless those of you that are reading this, if you have suffered the loss of your spouse. I ask that He pour His comforting peace over you and return His joy to your heart. The joy may be different now, but it will be His joy and it will fill your heart with His love.
Thank You, my Lord, for Your provision, for Your divine mercy and Your wonderful love. The peace and joy You have given me have made my life so beautiful this last year. After a couple of years that were so hard, just when I wondered what my life could be, You began Your work in me and gave me "Joy Unspeakable". I love You so.
I would not have thought that the Lord would have me write about this particular part of my life, but I see that not talking about it just lets the enemy use pieces of it to hurt me with. There is no great drama with me. I was not ready to have my husband go, to leave me when he did, but he was so ill that as I think about it I know that the Lord was merciful. I never raged at the Lord over it, as I knew Robert was so happy where he had gone. Robert was so concerned for me, I believe, or he probably would have been gone earlier. I believe a lot of times husbands and wifes that truly love their mates will prolong leaving when the Lord calls as they are concerned as to what will happen to their loved ones. But, trust in the Lord, He will never take one without a plan for the other.
The years have passed so quickly, it will be three years in February. It seems almost impossible that it has been so long. All the memories are so, like yesterday, all the details, even to what people said. Just never seems to be erased from my mind. Some of the things, I would choose to forget if possible, some things I never want to leave my heart. But the years have passed. I remember looking at my wedding rings and being so grieved that first year or so. About eighteen months passed with my hurting each time I looked at my hand when my ring finger began to itch so badly under my rings. My rings had only been off my fingers probably five or six times since we had been married. But the itching was so bad. I moved the rings down and there was nothing on my finger to cause the itch. This continued for a couple of weeks until I could not stand it any longer and had to take the rings off. The next day my finger stopped itching. I just kept asking the Lord "what is going on here?" I put the rings back on and the itching began again, so I removed them again. My finger felt so naked, so strange, so I would put whatever ring on I could just to have something there, but all my rings were too big for this finger and they would turn and bother me. My sister-in-law and I went to James Avery one day to look around and see what they had. I had never been in the store before so it was a real treat. I found a ring, a plain silver ring with the cross on it. After wearing it for a day or so and realizing it was too big, I returned it and got one that fit perfectly. I waited to see if the itching would begin again, but no, it was perfect.
I believe the hardest time I had was with myself. I would go into such depression over nothing and then I would be hard on myself thinking I should get over this. But there is no set time on grief. Each person is different. Some people are okay after a couple of months, some people grieve for years. I knew a lady once that had some coveralls of her husbands hanging on the outisde of closet door. She told me they had been there since he passed away. I thought perhaps he had recently passed, but it had been twenty years. Inside the closet were all his things still. She could not let him go. And that is okay, for it was how she coped with the loss. We all have to sort things out for ourselves. We have to let the Lord lead us into His plan, show us what is right for us. You cannot let anyone make you think that you should be over things, or that you are and should not. Everyone has a time that will come to remove the sackcloth, the grieving period and move on. I believe if you have children it takes on a completely different tone. You have not only yourself to think about but your children who are grieving also. The Lord, and your trust in Him, is so dear at this time. Give Him your burdens and He will guide you and help you through it all.
Trusting the Lord with my life is how I manage. I know I would be nowhere if it were not for my Lord. The Lord has taken care of me, just as He says in His Word that He will. His love for women who are widows is so evident, so special we are to Him. He becomes our Husband, the One that looks after us and supplies our needs. When I think of the women who are widowed and do not know Him, it saddens me. My Lord is my life.
TImes of the year also makes widowhood difficult. If your spouse dies at a holiday, automatically that holiday becomes one that is more difficult that the others. I had a hard time for all the firsts during year one. The first Easter, Father's Day, our birthdays, and then the real holiday season came, with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just wanted to go to sleep and wake up after they were over. But no, these days as well as the regular ones must be lived through. Thank You, Lord. Now I am going into the third holiday season since Robert has been gone. I have done more this year, but still it is difficult. He was so into all the lights and decorations and I just don't have that in me again yet. The good part of this is that I can celebrate Christmas in my way, as my Lord's Birthday, with my thanks and gratitude to Him for His goodness, His love and mercy. I enjoy the rest of the holiday, but am perfectly content to share my day with my Lord, His day with me. But then again, no children. This takes on more meaning when there are children. Each person, each widow, God's timing for each one, different.
My heart goes out to those widows I see, new widows, young widows with children, finding their way, looking to the Lord for His plan, praying and seeking Him, some hope diminished but still looking up with expectation. The enemy does a good job at stealing joy with his memories, he uses them strongly to try and get us to question the Lord with "Whys"; but we need to be prayed up at these times. The Holy Spirit will give memories that soothe, comfort. Those memories will not conjure up "whys", they will bring forth "thank You's" to our Lord.
I ask the Lord to bless those of you that are reading this, if you have suffered the loss of your spouse. I ask that He pour His comforting peace over you and return His joy to your heart. The joy may be different now, but it will be His joy and it will fill your heart with His love.
Thank You, my Lord, for Your provision, for Your divine mercy and Your wonderful love. The peace and joy You have given me have made my life so beautiful this last year. After a couple of years that were so hard, just when I wondered what my life could be, You began Your work in me and gave me "Joy Unspeakable". I love You so.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
I HAVE GREAT JOY
Psalm 31:7-8 "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place."
Sweet Lord, wonderful Savior, my Rose of Sharon, how beautiful are Your ways, Your tenderness to me. In my afflictions You have not given me over to the enemy for his treatment of me, but have lifted me up, my spirit rising to the top of the mountain where You are. My body may be in the valley, suffering with the symptons but my spirit rises up to You in praise.
I believe my Lord, that when ailments come, if we refuse to let the enemy overtake us, our body may suffer for a while but our spirits stay healthy. When we can keep our spirit healthy, not letting our body overtake the spirit and cause it to be ill also, healing will come at a much faster pace. My mind is on You my King, on Your Word. Scriptures come rushing forth from my heart of Your healing power, Your willingness for me to be healed. Nowhere in the world does it say that You might heal me, that You thought about healing someone in the Word tomorrow or next week. The Word says You healed all that asked. I asked You to heal me and I believe I am healed. Actually I sound worse than I feel, Lord as I know the healing is already flowing in my body.
Missing church this morning was difficult for me, Father, but You, once again, showed me it was Your plan for me to rest. As I found a service to watch on TV, You provided me with a service of how my Savior walked the earth, healing the afflicted. My heart just sighed in awe when I saw what message You chose for me, how You used everything to make sure I had Your message. I had already read in the Word the scriptures I knew were for me this morning, and then You fortified those with Your message. Thank You, my God. Thank You.
I have great joy tonight as I know You are with me, that I am loved so much by You. I know You have already spoken the Word for me to be healed and I am standing on that Word, as I stand with You on the mountain of Your Holiness, away from the enemy that so wanted to drag me down. Your Spirit is lifting my body out of it's valley to join my joyful spirit that is praising You and worshiping You for Your goodness and mercy to me.
I love You so much my Lord. There is no one like You, no one cares for me as You do or choses to be with me, to draw me in to Your Presence. Above all things that the enemy can try to do to me, You are Supreme, You are Mighty, You are my Healer, You are my God and I worship You alone.
11-27-11
Sweet Lord, wonderful Savior, my Rose of Sharon, how beautiful are Your ways, Your tenderness to me. In my afflictions You have not given me over to the enemy for his treatment of me, but have lifted me up, my spirit rising to the top of the mountain where You are. My body may be in the valley, suffering with the symptons but my spirit rises up to You in praise.
I believe my Lord, that when ailments come, if we refuse to let the enemy overtake us, our body may suffer for a while but our spirits stay healthy. When we can keep our spirit healthy, not letting our body overtake the spirit and cause it to be ill also, healing will come at a much faster pace. My mind is on You my King, on Your Word. Scriptures come rushing forth from my heart of Your healing power, Your willingness for me to be healed. Nowhere in the world does it say that You might heal me, that You thought about healing someone in the Word tomorrow or next week. The Word says You healed all that asked. I asked You to heal me and I believe I am healed. Actually I sound worse than I feel, Lord as I know the healing is already flowing in my body.
Missing church this morning was difficult for me, Father, but You, once again, showed me it was Your plan for me to rest. As I found a service to watch on TV, You provided me with a service of how my Savior walked the earth, healing the afflicted. My heart just sighed in awe when I saw what message You chose for me, how You used everything to make sure I had Your message. I had already read in the Word the scriptures I knew were for me this morning, and then You fortified those with Your message. Thank You, my God. Thank You.
I have great joy tonight as I know You are with me, that I am loved so much by You. I know You have already spoken the Word for me to be healed and I am standing on that Word, as I stand with You on the mountain of Your Holiness, away from the enemy that so wanted to drag me down. Your Spirit is lifting my body out of it's valley to join my joyful spirit that is praising You and worshiping You for Your goodness and mercy to me.
I love You so much my Lord. There is no one like You, no one cares for me as You do or choses to be with me, to draw me in to Your Presence. Above all things that the enemy can try to do to me, You are Supreme, You are Mighty, You are my Healer, You are my God and I worship You alone.
11-27-11
Saturday, November 26, 2011
PAPPA, AM I DREAMING?
Revelation 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly."
I have been watching Hallmark movies this evening, sweet, beautiful stories of Christmas miracles. The joy that is displayed when the dreams and desires of people come true at this special time of year. Yes, I realize that these movies are made to end happily and all involved get their dreams, their wishes, and so many think this is not real life. Things like this do not always happen. But they can....
I believe the choices we make, the dreams we have, the things we wish for, they are attainable if the basis for them are rooted and founded in our Lord. If we dream to be a millionaire, perhaps that is a dream made not quite on the good and pure. I think sometimes of the things I could do if I had a lot of money, how perhaps I could make a difference in the lives of so many that are struggling, but then I also realize that I would probably get in the Lord's way of His plan for these people. We are not the answer. You, my God, are the only true answer for all. We are to make a difference in the manner in which our God has planned for us. The things He does through us has to be His will, in His timing. We have to make sure we do not get in His way. But once again, I rabbit trail....
The dreams we have, when we dream of the plans the Lord has for us, when our dreams become entwined in His plans for us, then we will see those dreams come to be. We must be patient as it will be in His time, not ours, for we must be ready and prepared for the dream to be right, to be complete in us. Wishes, how simple it would be if we could just make a wish and know it will materialize. Here again, if our wishes are to be the servant of our Lord, to serve Him and to serve others, to live our lives for Him alone and to glorify Him, those wishes will be manifested. When our heart's desire is to be like our Lord, to love others, to be His vessel, His Light to others, then our wishes will come true. Our God will see to that as it is His delight to have those wishes reach His ears; His heart.
My God, how I love You. As I seek You, desiring to see Your face, in my heart I know one day I will stand before You and look into Your eyes and see that beautiful look of love that I dream about. I feel Your love all around me, Your Presence surrounds me as it has these last few hours as I sat watching these little movies. I could feel Your hand on me as I wept for their joy, the happiness they felt as their dreams came true touching my heart; I could feel You smile down on me seeing the joy that these little things gave my heart. I love when You spend the time with me, just when I am doing the smallest of things, like watching TV, You will be with me and let me feel You there.
I have simple wishes, Lord, but I have strong desires. My wish is for all to come to know You, to come before You in repentance giving their lives to You. I wish that all would know Your joy and Your peace; Your mighty presence. Those things I wish Lord. My desires are so much greater. One of my greatest desires is to see the people of this earth bow before You and worship You with all their hearts, singing from the depths of their souls beautiful new songs of love to You, songs of passion and thanks to You. I want to see this whole earth worship You my Lord. I desire that so much. My heart overflows with thanksgiving when I am in a service and everyone is worshiping You, their God and King, and not worrying about the time or what anyone thinks. Just having You on their hearts and minds, just loving You. I want to see You praised for Who You are, not for anything You can do or they want, but just for Who You are; the God of all Creation and Majesty; our Father.
And, my Lord God, my only other desire is to see You face to face. To know Your arms around me, to feel Your breath on my face, to have You with me all the time. I want to know You are there; I love Your presence here my Lord, but so many times, I feel You leave and I know it is so my desire stays strong, my longing stays fresh for You, but I want You to stay. I want to wake up each day knowing I just have to go a little distance to be before Your throne to worship You with the Heavenly Choirs and never wake up to ask "Pappa, am I dreaming?". I desire eternity with my Lord. I love You so.
11-26-11
I have been watching Hallmark movies this evening, sweet, beautiful stories of Christmas miracles. The joy that is displayed when the dreams and desires of people come true at this special time of year. Yes, I realize that these movies are made to end happily and all involved get their dreams, their wishes, and so many think this is not real life. Things like this do not always happen. But they can....
I believe the choices we make, the dreams we have, the things we wish for, they are attainable if the basis for them are rooted and founded in our Lord. If we dream to be a millionaire, perhaps that is a dream made not quite on the good and pure. I think sometimes of the things I could do if I had a lot of money, how perhaps I could make a difference in the lives of so many that are struggling, but then I also realize that I would probably get in the Lord's way of His plan for these people. We are not the answer. You, my God, are the only true answer for all. We are to make a difference in the manner in which our God has planned for us. The things He does through us has to be His will, in His timing. We have to make sure we do not get in His way. But once again, I rabbit trail....
The dreams we have, when we dream of the plans the Lord has for us, when our dreams become entwined in His plans for us, then we will see those dreams come to be. We must be patient as it will be in His time, not ours, for we must be ready and prepared for the dream to be right, to be complete in us. Wishes, how simple it would be if we could just make a wish and know it will materialize. Here again, if our wishes are to be the servant of our Lord, to serve Him and to serve others, to live our lives for Him alone and to glorify Him, those wishes will be manifested. When our heart's desire is to be like our Lord, to love others, to be His vessel, His Light to others, then our wishes will come true. Our God will see to that as it is His delight to have those wishes reach His ears; His heart.
My God, how I love You. As I seek You, desiring to see Your face, in my heart I know one day I will stand before You and look into Your eyes and see that beautiful look of love that I dream about. I feel Your love all around me, Your Presence surrounds me as it has these last few hours as I sat watching these little movies. I could feel Your hand on me as I wept for their joy, the happiness they felt as their dreams came true touching my heart; I could feel You smile down on me seeing the joy that these little things gave my heart. I love when You spend the time with me, just when I am doing the smallest of things, like watching TV, You will be with me and let me feel You there.
I have simple wishes, Lord, but I have strong desires. My wish is for all to come to know You, to come before You in repentance giving their lives to You. I wish that all would know Your joy and Your peace; Your mighty presence. Those things I wish Lord. My desires are so much greater. One of my greatest desires is to see the people of this earth bow before You and worship You with all their hearts, singing from the depths of their souls beautiful new songs of love to You, songs of passion and thanks to You. I want to see this whole earth worship You my Lord. I desire that so much. My heart overflows with thanksgiving when I am in a service and everyone is worshiping You, their God and King, and not worrying about the time or what anyone thinks. Just having You on their hearts and minds, just loving You. I want to see You praised for Who You are, not for anything You can do or they want, but just for Who You are; the God of all Creation and Majesty; our Father.
And, my Lord God, my only other desire is to see You face to face. To know Your arms around me, to feel Your breath on my face, to have You with me all the time. I want to know You are there; I love Your presence here my Lord, but so many times, I feel You leave and I know it is so my desire stays strong, my longing stays fresh for You, but I want You to stay. I want to wake up each day knowing I just have to go a little distance to be before Your throne to worship You with the Heavenly Choirs and never wake up to ask "Pappa, am I dreaming?". I desire eternity with my Lord. I love You so.
11-26-11
Friday, November 25, 2011
THE HOLINESS OF MY LORD
Isaiah 6:3 "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"
My heart is stirred within me, my spirit is melting in total surrender; my soul cries out to my God, "Holy, Holy are You Lord." So holy is my God. Today I have thought so often of my Lord, my mind staying on Him while I was working and tonight I am overwhelmed by His Beauty, His Holiness. I can hardly write for His Glory and Presence tonight. Message after message lately about The Cross has come to me and as I have thought and considered the Cross where my Lord hung, taking on all my sins, all my disease, all my afflictions, His Holiness becomes more and more evident. Only God would give all, only my Lord would suffer all, only my God would love so much that He would sacrifice what was the Holiest of Holies for me, for you, to be redeemed. O my God, how can I ever love You as much as I think You deserve to be loved? What can I do to truly tell You and show You how much I thank You for my redemption.
When I think of Your going through the trials and the pain. I know You suffered such pain as those whips and hands beat You. It hurts me so to think of what You endured. I know the Cross was necessary because of my sin, Lord God, and I can only promise You these things:
I will never take the sacrifice You made for me lightly. You have forgiven me for past neglect and brought me back to the foot of the Cross and made everything new with me, new mercies, new life, a new relationship between You and me that nothing can break, nothing can interrupt. You have given me such love, such beautiful love that I know I will never find here on earth through humans. Humans are not capable of such unconditional love as You are my Lord. You have given me new life, a life in You. And You, my God, are so Holy.
I will love You forever my Lord. I will worship You with all my heart and soul, my spirit will sing to You in the night as I rest, my lips will praise You throughout each day. I will tell of Your grace and mercy to all You send to me, to all I come in contact with, there will be no doubt to Whom I belong. No one will have to ask if I am a child of God as it will be evident from my contenance; the joy on my face and the peace in my soul. My life will reflect Your goodness and I will be Your Light for others to see. Your Holiness, my Lord, for others to know.
Holy, Holy, Holy is my God Almighty, Holy is the King I love, Holy is the Lord that I live for. Your Holiness draws me to my knees and down on my face before You my God. I live for Your Holy Presence to surround me, I am lost in Your love, Your beauty. When will You come for me, my Lord, when will Your Holiness come down from Your throne and receive Your Bride. I long for Your coming, Lord, I long for Your coming.
My Lord, I am but one who loves You so much. I honor You my Lord. My life has been changed from death to life because of the Cross, because of Your love for me. I can never leave You, my Lord, I never want to go from You. Keep me close to You, dear Lord, close to Your Holiness where I can smell the fragrance of Your love, where I can feel the touch of Your breath as You draw me close to You, where I can stay in Your Presence. Draw me, Lord, close to You.
11-25-11
My heart is stirred within me, my spirit is melting in total surrender; my soul cries out to my God, "Holy, Holy are You Lord." So holy is my God. Today I have thought so often of my Lord, my mind staying on Him while I was working and tonight I am overwhelmed by His Beauty, His Holiness. I can hardly write for His Glory and Presence tonight. Message after message lately about The Cross has come to me and as I have thought and considered the Cross where my Lord hung, taking on all my sins, all my disease, all my afflictions, His Holiness becomes more and more evident. Only God would give all, only my Lord would suffer all, only my God would love so much that He would sacrifice what was the Holiest of Holies for me, for you, to be redeemed. O my God, how can I ever love You as much as I think You deserve to be loved? What can I do to truly tell You and show You how much I thank You for my redemption.
When I think of Your going through the trials and the pain. I know You suffered such pain as those whips and hands beat You. It hurts me so to think of what You endured. I know the Cross was necessary because of my sin, Lord God, and I can only promise You these things:
I will never take the sacrifice You made for me lightly. You have forgiven me for past neglect and brought me back to the foot of the Cross and made everything new with me, new mercies, new life, a new relationship between You and me that nothing can break, nothing can interrupt. You have given me such love, such beautiful love that I know I will never find here on earth through humans. Humans are not capable of such unconditional love as You are my Lord. You have given me new life, a life in You. And You, my God, are so Holy.
I will love You forever my Lord. I will worship You with all my heart and soul, my spirit will sing to You in the night as I rest, my lips will praise You throughout each day. I will tell of Your grace and mercy to all You send to me, to all I come in contact with, there will be no doubt to Whom I belong. No one will have to ask if I am a child of God as it will be evident from my contenance; the joy on my face and the peace in my soul. My life will reflect Your goodness and I will be Your Light for others to see. Your Holiness, my Lord, for others to know.
Holy, Holy, Holy is my God Almighty, Holy is the King I love, Holy is the Lord that I live for. Your Holiness draws me to my knees and down on my face before You my God. I live for Your Holy Presence to surround me, I am lost in Your love, Your beauty. When will You come for me, my Lord, when will Your Holiness come down from Your throne and receive Your Bride. I long for Your coming, Lord, I long for Your coming.
My Lord, I am but one who loves You so much. I honor You my Lord. My life has been changed from death to life because of the Cross, because of Your love for me. I can never leave You, my Lord, I never want to go from You. Keep me close to You, dear Lord, close to Your Holiness where I can smell the fragrance of Your love, where I can feel the touch of Your breath as You draw me close to You, where I can stay in Your Presence. Draw me, Lord, close to You.
11-25-11
Thursday, November 24, 2011
VANISHING TRADITIONS
Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
What a wonderful Thanksgiving, Lord. I thank You for Your sweet peace and restful nature with me today. Family is what days like this all all about. I was not with my family, but You, Lord supplied me with a wonderful friend's family to share Your abundance with. I was thinking of all those who are far from family and perhaps was not blessed as I was.
I remember Thanksgiving dinner when I was a child. All of us lived near, within 15 miles or so and would gather at Grandmother's house. All the cousins were there, about 13 of us when our aunt had her first family children there. As I was saying grace today, thank you dear friend, for inviting me to do so. I so love thanking my Father for His blessings, His provision. I was honored by this. Thank you so much. I remembered my cousin, the youngest boy, would somehow always get to say grace. I guess it was because he wanted to so badly and of course, I was too shy. Yes, I was very shy. But he would say grace for what seemed to be forever, thanking the Lord for each dish on the table, down to the butter. Yes, I do laugh about it, as now I can see his intent was to be truly thankful for the Lord's blessings, but we were so hungry......Yes, Father, I can see You smiling at this memory also. His looking up and down the table to make sure he had not forgotten anything as the rest of us were praying he was finished so we could eat. How funny it was. But we knew it would be every holiday meal, it was a tradition.
As I was washing dishes today after dinner, amidst the objections of Char, I was remembering another tradition. Grandmother and I doing dishes together. I would wash and she would dry. Remember the time I kept washing the same bowl, and washed it so many times before I realized she was drying it and putting it back on the dirty dish side. We were so busy visiting as we did our work I never noticed until the fourth or fifth time. How we laughed and laughed. What a wonderful memory, it was tradition.
I don't remember when football entered the picture for Thanksgiving afternoon, but it kind of took the place of other traditions, marking itself as a tradition. We use to play games, play football outside, or just sat around and visited, catching up with family on what was happening. Resting, many catching catnaps, waking up to coffee and pie. Restful, beautiful afternoons. Then the dividing up of the leftovers and everyone going home, full, content, anxiously thinking about the next holiday to be together.
So many things that were common place, that held such joy. Sunday afternoons were a time for driving over to visit family or friends. Having coffee, laughing about the good old days. No one seems to have time for this anymore. Traditions are being lost and it seems like not too many are noticing. Of course, so many of us live further apart, but even before that time came, we just seem to be too tired to do the things we use to. Lord, what is to be done with us, Your children? Is it too late to regain those traditions that are so important to what family is, what You wanted for us? Is it too late to begin to put our lives back in the path You had made for us?
You, my Lord, my God made us into families. You gave us friends. You gave us Your Son to redeem us from all our sin, all our shame. So often, families, friends, and yes, Your Son, are put to the side as the world sucks us onto its roller coaster ride. But that is a choice, I see, to ride or to get off and just let You give us Your rest. To live in the world as You have planned for us, not for what the world sets as priorities, but Your priorities Father. You, our Lord, family, friends. Opening ourselves up for relationship with You first and then with those that You place in our lives.
I love the old traditions, Lord. Even so many that are not attainable now, the ones You have for me are. I place You first, Lord. That will never change. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for drawing my attention to my Lord God in a continual pattern that holds me captive to Him. Thank You for making my family, even though I am apart from them, thank You for drawing them close to my heart, in my prayers, in my thoughts. And my friends, Lord, I thank You for giving me good friends that love You as I do, and that understand how much I love You and appreciate that love. It is nice to have friends I can talk about You to, sharing Your love and blessings with.
Father, put the love for traditions of faith, family and friends in the hearts of Your children. Let the younger generation be taught the pure love and enjoyment of being with family, their own and the family of God. Give us all a desire to seek You and enjoy the time You will set aside for us to have traditions like today, Thanksgiving. Let us give You control over our time as You will see that time is set aside for Your traditions.
My God, I thank You for the freedom to worship and praise You. A tradition set in the hearts of those children that love You so much, worshiping and praising You with all their hearts. This, my God, will never vanish from my heart. The scripture, "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest", Father, this scripture gives me peace knowing that I can come to You when my days are so hectic, and You will take all the burdens of the day and give me peace, give me rest in You. This is the time that all should look to You, Lord, for Your rest, Your peace. The world cannot hold us from you, only our own selves can do that. I come to You, my God, I come to You seeking Your rest, Your beautiful rest. You give and give to me peace, sweet peace. Like a river it flows over my soul, drawing me into Your arms to rest in You. Thank You, Lord.
Traditions, let's hold on to as many as we can......Our Lord God, never let go of Who He is, and What He does for each of us everyday. He gives rest, He gives peace, He alone gives life. My wonderful, wonderful, Lord God, my life is in You. I bless Your Holy Name.
11-24-11
What a wonderful Thanksgiving, Lord. I thank You for Your sweet peace and restful nature with me today. Family is what days like this all all about. I was not with my family, but You, Lord supplied me with a wonderful friend's family to share Your abundance with. I was thinking of all those who are far from family and perhaps was not blessed as I was.
I remember Thanksgiving dinner when I was a child. All of us lived near, within 15 miles or so and would gather at Grandmother's house. All the cousins were there, about 13 of us when our aunt had her first family children there. As I was saying grace today, thank you dear friend, for inviting me to do so. I so love thanking my Father for His blessings, His provision. I was honored by this. Thank you so much. I remembered my cousin, the youngest boy, would somehow always get to say grace. I guess it was because he wanted to so badly and of course, I was too shy. Yes, I was very shy. But he would say grace for what seemed to be forever, thanking the Lord for each dish on the table, down to the butter. Yes, I do laugh about it, as now I can see his intent was to be truly thankful for the Lord's blessings, but we were so hungry......Yes, Father, I can see You smiling at this memory also. His looking up and down the table to make sure he had not forgotten anything as the rest of us were praying he was finished so we could eat. How funny it was. But we knew it would be every holiday meal, it was a tradition.
As I was washing dishes today after dinner, amidst the objections of Char, I was remembering another tradition. Grandmother and I doing dishes together. I would wash and she would dry. Remember the time I kept washing the same bowl, and washed it so many times before I realized she was drying it and putting it back on the dirty dish side. We were so busy visiting as we did our work I never noticed until the fourth or fifth time. How we laughed and laughed. What a wonderful memory, it was tradition.
I don't remember when football entered the picture for Thanksgiving afternoon, but it kind of took the place of other traditions, marking itself as a tradition. We use to play games, play football outside, or just sat around and visited, catching up with family on what was happening. Resting, many catching catnaps, waking up to coffee and pie. Restful, beautiful afternoons. Then the dividing up of the leftovers and everyone going home, full, content, anxiously thinking about the next holiday to be together.
So many things that were common place, that held such joy. Sunday afternoons were a time for driving over to visit family or friends. Having coffee, laughing about the good old days. No one seems to have time for this anymore. Traditions are being lost and it seems like not too many are noticing. Of course, so many of us live further apart, but even before that time came, we just seem to be too tired to do the things we use to. Lord, what is to be done with us, Your children? Is it too late to regain those traditions that are so important to what family is, what You wanted for us? Is it too late to begin to put our lives back in the path You had made for us?
You, my Lord, my God made us into families. You gave us friends. You gave us Your Son to redeem us from all our sin, all our shame. So often, families, friends, and yes, Your Son, are put to the side as the world sucks us onto its roller coaster ride. But that is a choice, I see, to ride or to get off and just let You give us Your rest. To live in the world as You have planned for us, not for what the world sets as priorities, but Your priorities Father. You, our Lord, family, friends. Opening ourselves up for relationship with You first and then with those that You place in our lives.
I love the old traditions, Lord. Even so many that are not attainable now, the ones You have for me are. I place You first, Lord. That will never change. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for drawing my attention to my Lord God in a continual pattern that holds me captive to Him. Thank You for making my family, even though I am apart from them, thank You for drawing them close to my heart, in my prayers, in my thoughts. And my friends, Lord, I thank You for giving me good friends that love You as I do, and that understand how much I love You and appreciate that love. It is nice to have friends I can talk about You to, sharing Your love and blessings with.
Father, put the love for traditions of faith, family and friends in the hearts of Your children. Let the younger generation be taught the pure love and enjoyment of being with family, their own and the family of God. Give us all a desire to seek You and enjoy the time You will set aside for us to have traditions like today, Thanksgiving. Let us give You control over our time as You will see that time is set aside for Your traditions.
My God, I thank You for the freedom to worship and praise You. A tradition set in the hearts of those children that love You so much, worshiping and praising You with all their hearts. This, my God, will never vanish from my heart. The scripture, "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest", Father, this scripture gives me peace knowing that I can come to You when my days are so hectic, and You will take all the burdens of the day and give me peace, give me rest in You. This is the time that all should look to You, Lord, for Your rest, Your peace. The world cannot hold us from you, only our own selves can do that. I come to You, my God, I come to You seeking Your rest, Your beautiful rest. You give and give to me peace, sweet peace. Like a river it flows over my soul, drawing me into Your arms to rest in You. Thank You, Lord.
Traditions, let's hold on to as many as we can......Our Lord God, never let go of Who He is, and What He does for each of us everyday. He gives rest, He gives peace, He alone gives life. My wonderful, wonderful, Lord God, my life is in You. I bless Your Holy Name.
11-24-11
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
PSALM 100
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
This is probably the second Psalm I ever memorized, the first being Psalm 23. But this is a Psalm of thanksgiving, of rejoicing in the Lord and thanking Him for all the blessings He gives us, and for His precious everlasing love and faithfulness.
Have you noticed people singing in church. Worship the Lord with gladness, the Word tells us. Come before Him with joyful songs. You cannot sing joyful songs with a heart that is being dutiful. No, you must sing unto the Lord with a joyful heart. Any song will be joyous if it is sang with a joyful heart. When we worship the Lord, it should be done with gladness. It doesn't matter what you are going through, that situation should have nothing to do with your attitude to the Lord, your God. Enter into His gates, that means when you begin to worship Him, our Lord, truly worship Him, you will enter into His presence, and in His presence all things can change. Your circumstances can change when you forget about yourself and concentrate on the One whose love no one can take from you. Enter into His courts with thanksgiving, let all those around you see you, a child of God, abandoning yourself in total love and songs of thanksgiving to Him, to the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Totally giving yourself to Him through worship.
We are His sheep. Sheep blindly follow the shepherd, hearing only his voice. The Lord wants us to follow Him, listening only to His voice to guide us, shutting down all other distractions of the world, listen just for His voice, His words of love and wisdom. Just His voice.
Give the Lord thanks always. There is not a day that goes by that the Lord is not intervening on your behalf, moving the pieces around so that you walk in the Light He has put before you. His Light, guiding you through your days, so that you do not stumble and fall, so that you are blessed and well. Thank Him, thank Him, thank Him. We can never thank the Lord enough for the sacrifices He has made for us. Thank Him, thank Him, thank Him.
Our God is so good to us, so very good to us. Think on your day, just this one. Remember how good the Lord has been to you, no matter what your day was like, the Lord was good to you. New mercies this morning, grace for all you needed this day, He has supplied your needs. Not necessary your wants, but you needs. His love will never leave us; there is nothing we can do to keep the Lord from loving us; and His faithfulness will continue forever. He will be faithful in all things to us, all things. He will supply all our needs, He will answer our prayers, He will heal our bodies, He will never leave or forsake us. He will always love us and He will always be faithful to His promises, to His Word.
This Psalm was written so many years ago and was true to the generation during the time it was first written. It is true to our parent's generation, it is so true to our generation and it will be the same for generations to come. The Word of the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Our God does not change. Any changing comes from us as we are given that beautiful love, renewed by His mercy daily, and given more grace, and more grace; we are changed into children of a loving God that should want nothing more than to worship Him always and to thank Him, thank Him and thank Him.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow. As I think about my Lord and what He has done for me, so many words of thanks to Him spring from my heart. But I am most thankful for the Cross, that wooden cross beam that displayed the most beautiful example of love that ever will be known to man. Thank You for loving me Lord, and for giving me life in You through the Cross. I love You my Lord and will always sing my words of thanksgiving to You, my King, my Savior, my Beloved.
11-23-2011
This is probably the second Psalm I ever memorized, the first being Psalm 23. But this is a Psalm of thanksgiving, of rejoicing in the Lord and thanking Him for all the blessings He gives us, and for His precious everlasing love and faithfulness.
Have you noticed people singing in church. Worship the Lord with gladness, the Word tells us. Come before Him with joyful songs. You cannot sing joyful songs with a heart that is being dutiful. No, you must sing unto the Lord with a joyful heart. Any song will be joyous if it is sang with a joyful heart. When we worship the Lord, it should be done with gladness. It doesn't matter what you are going through, that situation should have nothing to do with your attitude to the Lord, your God. Enter into His gates, that means when you begin to worship Him, our Lord, truly worship Him, you will enter into His presence, and in His presence all things can change. Your circumstances can change when you forget about yourself and concentrate on the One whose love no one can take from you. Enter into His courts with thanksgiving, let all those around you see you, a child of God, abandoning yourself in total love and songs of thanksgiving to Him, to the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Totally giving yourself to Him through worship.
We are His sheep. Sheep blindly follow the shepherd, hearing only his voice. The Lord wants us to follow Him, listening only to His voice to guide us, shutting down all other distractions of the world, listen just for His voice, His words of love and wisdom. Just His voice.
Give the Lord thanks always. There is not a day that goes by that the Lord is not intervening on your behalf, moving the pieces around so that you walk in the Light He has put before you. His Light, guiding you through your days, so that you do not stumble and fall, so that you are blessed and well. Thank Him, thank Him, thank Him. We can never thank the Lord enough for the sacrifices He has made for us. Thank Him, thank Him, thank Him.
Our God is so good to us, so very good to us. Think on your day, just this one. Remember how good the Lord has been to you, no matter what your day was like, the Lord was good to you. New mercies this morning, grace for all you needed this day, He has supplied your needs. Not necessary your wants, but you needs. His love will never leave us; there is nothing we can do to keep the Lord from loving us; and His faithfulness will continue forever. He will be faithful in all things to us, all things. He will supply all our needs, He will answer our prayers, He will heal our bodies, He will never leave or forsake us. He will always love us and He will always be faithful to His promises, to His Word.
This Psalm was written so many years ago and was true to the generation during the time it was first written. It is true to our parent's generation, it is so true to our generation and it will be the same for generations to come. The Word of the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Our God does not change. Any changing comes from us as we are given that beautiful love, renewed by His mercy daily, and given more grace, and more grace; we are changed into children of a loving God that should want nothing more than to worship Him always and to thank Him, thank Him and thank Him.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow. As I think about my Lord and what He has done for me, so many words of thanks to Him spring from my heart. But I am most thankful for the Cross, that wooden cross beam that displayed the most beautiful example of love that ever will be known to man. Thank You for loving me Lord, and for giving me life in You through the Cross. I love You my Lord and will always sing my words of thanksgiving to You, my King, my Savior, my Beloved.
11-23-2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
FLOOD OF MEMORIES
Psalm 118:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
As Thanksgiving draws near, memories began to flood my mind and my heart. Memories of those Thanksgiving gatherings. We always drove to Robert's family home in Louisiana in those early years of our marriage. It took about an hour and a half to get there and we would leave early on Thanksgiving Day and drive those ninety miles or so. We had all the traditional Thanksgiving food, so much food. There was always a few people around the table that were not family, but my mother- in-law was one of those special ladies that would not leave anyone home alone on a Sunday for dinner, much less a holiday. There was always a lot of laughter, good food, much love there. I especially remember the sweet potato pies that a lady in their town made. Mom always bought about a dozen so each of the kids would have a couple to take home.
About four in the afternoon we would leave to drive home, and on the way home, we would stop at my mama and daddys for leftovers. I always left room for leftovers at mama's as no one could cook like my mama. For years we did this, two big meals on that day, until of course, when mama and daddy were gone. It is hard for me to remember those couple of years afterwards, I cannot even remember what we did. But not long afterwards, I begin to do my own cooking of the meal on Thanksgiving. I remember replicating everything that graced mama's table as that is what I knew. Robert had no complaints in this as he loved it all too.
And then Robert was gone. The last two years I went to my brother-in-laws for Thanksgiving, and I did not cook much of anything. I baked pies. But his year I am going to cook a little something to take to my friends. There will be around twenty people there and it should be a wonderful day. I will bake a turkey, make dressing and pies. I am looking forward to doing this and will begin tomorrow.
Of all these memories that come to me, the memory that invades my mind the most is the remembrance of my Lord God staying so close to me, always close but especially so in those years following the loss of mama and daddy and then the years since Robert went to join them to be with the Lord. My Lord never left me for a minute. You ever think that when you lose someone so much a part of you that there will be such an empty place? Well, there is, for a good while, but then one morning you wake up and you find that the empty place has begun to fill up with more of the Lord, more of Him, less pain and sorrow, more peace and joy. You find that there is that want to be a part of the holiday again, cooking, baking, being with friends and family. You find that you no longer feel guilty that you are alive and enjoying the things that your loved one enjoyed so much. That is okay to enjoy the good food, the fellowship and the specialness of the day. I felt so guilty for so long after Robert passed, everytime I laughed and was happy I would stop and think, I am supposed to be grieving, not happy. But that is a great tool of the enemy to keep you in bondage. We should never feel guilty. My loved ones are enjoying the presence of my God. They have a beautiful life and I know they want me to have the same. My Lord has blessed me with all the goodness of His Kingdom and I know He expects me to be happy and joyous. So, grieving set aside, no more guilt, just happiness in the life the Lord has prepared for me. I miss my parents so much, and I miss my Robert, my husband, my best friend, but I have life that the Lord has given to me. I have peace and joy that comes from my Father and it has replaced all the sorrow. Truly sorrow lasts for the night and true joy comes in the morning. I never understood that years ago, but I know its deep meaning now. There is joy in the morning when the Lord is your God.
The memories, once painful, now such a comfort and blessing to me. I know that memories are a gift from the Lord. It keeps those we love so much that are gone, a part of our lives forever. I give You thanks my Lord, for You are good, and it is Your love that brings to me this beautiful flood of memeories this night. I love You so much, my Lord, my God.
As Thanksgiving draws near, memories began to flood my mind and my heart. Memories of those Thanksgiving gatherings. We always drove to Robert's family home in Louisiana in those early years of our marriage. It took about an hour and a half to get there and we would leave early on Thanksgiving Day and drive those ninety miles or so. We had all the traditional Thanksgiving food, so much food. There was always a few people around the table that were not family, but my mother- in-law was one of those special ladies that would not leave anyone home alone on a Sunday for dinner, much less a holiday. There was always a lot of laughter, good food, much love there. I especially remember the sweet potato pies that a lady in their town made. Mom always bought about a dozen so each of the kids would have a couple to take home.
About four in the afternoon we would leave to drive home, and on the way home, we would stop at my mama and daddys for leftovers. I always left room for leftovers at mama's as no one could cook like my mama. For years we did this, two big meals on that day, until of course, when mama and daddy were gone. It is hard for me to remember those couple of years afterwards, I cannot even remember what we did. But not long afterwards, I begin to do my own cooking of the meal on Thanksgiving. I remember replicating everything that graced mama's table as that is what I knew. Robert had no complaints in this as he loved it all too.
And then Robert was gone. The last two years I went to my brother-in-laws for Thanksgiving, and I did not cook much of anything. I baked pies. But his year I am going to cook a little something to take to my friends. There will be around twenty people there and it should be a wonderful day. I will bake a turkey, make dressing and pies. I am looking forward to doing this and will begin tomorrow.
Of all these memories that come to me, the memory that invades my mind the most is the remembrance of my Lord God staying so close to me, always close but especially so in those years following the loss of mama and daddy and then the years since Robert went to join them to be with the Lord. My Lord never left me for a minute. You ever think that when you lose someone so much a part of you that there will be such an empty place? Well, there is, for a good while, but then one morning you wake up and you find that the empty place has begun to fill up with more of the Lord, more of Him, less pain and sorrow, more peace and joy. You find that there is that want to be a part of the holiday again, cooking, baking, being with friends and family. You find that you no longer feel guilty that you are alive and enjoying the things that your loved one enjoyed so much. That is okay to enjoy the good food, the fellowship and the specialness of the day. I felt so guilty for so long after Robert passed, everytime I laughed and was happy I would stop and think, I am supposed to be grieving, not happy. But that is a great tool of the enemy to keep you in bondage. We should never feel guilty. My loved ones are enjoying the presence of my God. They have a beautiful life and I know they want me to have the same. My Lord has blessed me with all the goodness of His Kingdom and I know He expects me to be happy and joyous. So, grieving set aside, no more guilt, just happiness in the life the Lord has prepared for me. I miss my parents so much, and I miss my Robert, my husband, my best friend, but I have life that the Lord has given to me. I have peace and joy that comes from my Father and it has replaced all the sorrow. Truly sorrow lasts for the night and true joy comes in the morning. I never understood that years ago, but I know its deep meaning now. There is joy in the morning when the Lord is your God.
The memories, once painful, now such a comfort and blessing to me. I know that memories are a gift from the Lord. It keeps those we love so much that are gone, a part of our lives forever. I give You thanks my Lord, for You are good, and it is Your love that brings to me this beautiful flood of memeories this night. I love You so much, my Lord, my God.
Monday, November 21, 2011
HE GIVETH AND GIVETH MORE GRACE
Hebrews 12:12 "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."
Well, I have to tell you.....or perhaps you will know exactly what this verse means. It's explanation is perfectly clear to me tonight. I sorta moaned all weekend about how tired I was. Just so exhausted I could hardly think straight. Even woke up Sunday morning thinking I could not possibly get dressed and drive to church. The Holy Spirit had a totally different plan for me. He urged me up and I am so thankful He did as I said last night, services were so beautiful and I was healed inside and out. My spirit was so restored, and yet, this morning I found myself "woe is me" again. Things have become more intense at work due to the season, the ending of the year, so many reasons, but what is this to who I am?
A friend sent out Psalm 103 today. Just the words Psalm 103. At my lunch break I read the scriptures and it just lifted me up. All my sins forgiven....all my diseases healed...my life redeemed from the pit....I am crowned with love and compassion....my desire of good things is satisfied....and my youth is renewed. How can you possibility read such passionate words from the Father and not be lifted out of what ever self wallowing there is?
If my arms are feeble and my knees weak, then I should be lifting them even more to worship my God, and kneeling more to thank Him for His goodness to me. Sometimes the enemy can slip in and put a prideful attitude about you making you feel that you don't need to ask for your needs, for favor in your day.......but the Lord waits to hear you ask for just that. He wants us to realize that our life is absolutely nothing without His grace. He wants to supply our every need, but He would like to hear us ask. God knows what we need, but in the asking, we are submitting ourselves to His authority, His Kingdom rule, His supply closet. He is waiting to send everything our way, but it has to be in His time, His will for our life. He wants us to submit ourselves to His plan for our lives, even if that means a shake up in how we see things.
Concern for my life, the way I see it, (just writing that now seems odd and comical to me) had me down, struggling for breath today and then, then God. How excellent are Your ways, my Lord, how beautiful are Your mercies, sent down over and over.....and Your grace, more grace as needed than before. Just the few moments reading Your Word, as You reveal to me my life in You, Your promises to me, O my God, what am I compared to Who You are. How foolish not to look beyond my day and see the day You have planned for me. No matter what happens to what is normal for me, it is Your plan that is there ahead of me. If this life I lead, this job, the work I do, where I live, how I live, if that all changes tomorrow, I know it will be because of Your plan that is progressing, a plan that is for my future, to be better for me. And if You keep me doing what I am doing, You will make it bright and beautiful, You will show me Your will for it, why I am doing what I am doing. It is so beyond me, it is all about You, my Lord God. It is all about You.
I love You, my Lord. There is none like You and I will never let go You. I will cling to You as You are my Rock, my Foundation, my Strength, my Everything. Forgive me, my Lord. Just forgive me, your foolish child. I trust You with all that is in me and I rejoice in whatever suffering I may have as I know it is to purify me for Your Glory. May my life glorify You, my God, may my life give You priase. May my life be pleasing unto You, my King.
11-21-11
Well, I have to tell you.....or perhaps you will know exactly what this verse means. It's explanation is perfectly clear to me tonight. I sorta moaned all weekend about how tired I was. Just so exhausted I could hardly think straight. Even woke up Sunday morning thinking I could not possibly get dressed and drive to church. The Holy Spirit had a totally different plan for me. He urged me up and I am so thankful He did as I said last night, services were so beautiful and I was healed inside and out. My spirit was so restored, and yet, this morning I found myself "woe is me" again. Things have become more intense at work due to the season, the ending of the year, so many reasons, but what is this to who I am?
A friend sent out Psalm 103 today. Just the words Psalm 103. At my lunch break I read the scriptures and it just lifted me up. All my sins forgiven....all my diseases healed...my life redeemed from the pit....I am crowned with love and compassion....my desire of good things is satisfied....and my youth is renewed. How can you possibility read such passionate words from the Father and not be lifted out of what ever self wallowing there is?
If my arms are feeble and my knees weak, then I should be lifting them even more to worship my God, and kneeling more to thank Him for His goodness to me. Sometimes the enemy can slip in and put a prideful attitude about you making you feel that you don't need to ask for your needs, for favor in your day.......but the Lord waits to hear you ask for just that. He wants us to realize that our life is absolutely nothing without His grace. He wants to supply our every need, but He would like to hear us ask. God knows what we need, but in the asking, we are submitting ourselves to His authority, His Kingdom rule, His supply closet. He is waiting to send everything our way, but it has to be in His time, His will for our life. He wants us to submit ourselves to His plan for our lives, even if that means a shake up in how we see things.
Concern for my life, the way I see it, (just writing that now seems odd and comical to me) had me down, struggling for breath today and then, then God. How excellent are Your ways, my Lord, how beautiful are Your mercies, sent down over and over.....and Your grace, more grace as needed than before. Just the few moments reading Your Word, as You reveal to me my life in You, Your promises to me, O my God, what am I compared to Who You are. How foolish not to look beyond my day and see the day You have planned for me. No matter what happens to what is normal for me, it is Your plan that is there ahead of me. If this life I lead, this job, the work I do, where I live, how I live, if that all changes tomorrow, I know it will be because of Your plan that is progressing, a plan that is for my future, to be better for me. And if You keep me doing what I am doing, You will make it bright and beautiful, You will show me Your will for it, why I am doing what I am doing. It is so beyond me, it is all about You, my Lord God. It is all about You.
I love You, my Lord. There is none like You and I will never let go You. I will cling to You as You are my Rock, my Foundation, my Strength, my Everything. Forgive me, my Lord. Just forgive me, your foolish child. I trust You with all that is in me and I rejoice in whatever suffering I may have as I know it is to purify me for Your Glory. May my life glorify You, my God, may my life give You priase. May my life be pleasing unto You, my King.
11-21-11
Sunday, November 20, 2011
THERE'S HEALING FOUND IN HIS PRESENCE
Isaiah 42:5 "This is what God the Lord says...he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it..."
How wonderful You are my Lord, so beautiful and good to me. To all Your children. What a blessing this morning's service was. I am still so full of joy and, well, just.....so hard to describe Lord, but You know what is in my heart. I was so tired this morning, and thought of staying home, but, sweet, sweet, Holy Spirit, thank You, thank You, sweet Spirit, You drew me up and out. When the praises began to my Lord, I began to be revived, just being in His house with His children and then as we praised, pastor prayed, and then Your young annointed man stepped up to pray. And he prayed down Your Spirit, Your Presence filled the sanctuary. As Your Presence sweetened the air in the room, people came up for a touch from You, for healing of body and spirits. As worship went up to thank You each time Your touch was felt by Your child, more Annointing fell, more Power came down, Your Glory swept across the room.
Just standing on the second row, time after time I could feel the wind of Your Presence pass by and I knew that anything in my body that was not right was being healed at that moment. I did not have to move, You came to me and to everyone in that room that was giving their all to You. Everyone that was loving You and worshiping You, lifting up the Holy Name of Jesus was touched. Three people were beautifully healed of injuries, sickness....right there, miracle after miracle. You showed up and did what only You can do, my God, You healed Your people. Your Promises felt and recognized as truth, today in our midst, not years ago, but today Your Word, Your Promises still the same. You never change, You never forget Your covenant with Your people.
Just Your Presence is enough....you need no words in the Presence, just that flow of heartfelt worshp and love going to Your throne room. And You look at the hearts, You feel the love, You see the purity of the worship lifting up to You; You never disappoint, Lord, never. You come when the invitation is given to You with such love and adoration. You come when You see Your children hungrey and thirsty and when they acknowledge that no one can satisfy them but You. You come when their worship is from the depths of their souls, when the spirits collide with those of the enemy and stay strong enough to burst through that cloud that the enemy wants to put over us. You come, knowing that we will not stop calling You until You come to us. You come because You love us with such passion, You cannot stay away when You see how we need You, how we love You.
Thank You, Lord. I have such a peace, such a joy radiating in my soul, in my spirit that will not leave. My weariness is lifted, replaced with a strength that only You could supply. I love You, Lord. I am so blessed. Healing can be found by anyone needing a touch.....they only have to find Your Presence....and my Lord God, in love, in worship, in prayer....Your Presence can be found. Whenever hearts are giving their all to You, Your Presence will be found.
How wonderful You are my Lord, so beautiful and good to me. To all Your children. What a blessing this morning's service was. I am still so full of joy and, well, just.....so hard to describe Lord, but You know what is in my heart. I was so tired this morning, and thought of staying home, but, sweet, sweet, Holy Spirit, thank You, thank You, sweet Spirit, You drew me up and out. When the praises began to my Lord, I began to be revived, just being in His house with His children and then as we praised, pastor prayed, and then Your young annointed man stepped up to pray. And he prayed down Your Spirit, Your Presence filled the sanctuary. As Your Presence sweetened the air in the room, people came up for a touch from You, for healing of body and spirits. As worship went up to thank You each time Your touch was felt by Your child, more Annointing fell, more Power came down, Your Glory swept across the room.
Just standing on the second row, time after time I could feel the wind of Your Presence pass by and I knew that anything in my body that was not right was being healed at that moment. I did not have to move, You came to me and to everyone in that room that was giving their all to You. Everyone that was loving You and worshiping You, lifting up the Holy Name of Jesus was touched. Three people were beautifully healed of injuries, sickness....right there, miracle after miracle. You showed up and did what only You can do, my God, You healed Your people. Your Promises felt and recognized as truth, today in our midst, not years ago, but today Your Word, Your Promises still the same. You never change, You never forget Your covenant with Your people.
Just Your Presence is enough....you need no words in the Presence, just that flow of heartfelt worshp and love going to Your throne room. And You look at the hearts, You feel the love, You see the purity of the worship lifting up to You; You never disappoint, Lord, never. You come when the invitation is given to You with such love and adoration. You come when You see Your children hungrey and thirsty and when they acknowledge that no one can satisfy them but You. You come when their worship is from the depths of their souls, when the spirits collide with those of the enemy and stay strong enough to burst through that cloud that the enemy wants to put over us. You come, knowing that we will not stop calling You until You come to us. You come because You love us with such passion, You cannot stay away when You see how we need You, how we love You.
Thank You, Lord. I have such a peace, such a joy radiating in my soul, in my spirit that will not leave. My weariness is lifted, replaced with a strength that only You could supply. I love You, Lord. I am so blessed. Healing can be found by anyone needing a touch.....they only have to find Your Presence....and my Lord God, in love, in worship, in prayer....Your Presence can be found. Whenever hearts are giving their all to You, Your Presence will be found.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I DO LOVE YOU
Psalm 63:3 "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."
There is a new billboard up on the freeway just as I exit for work. I don't normally look up at the billboards but this morning my eyes were drawn upward and I saw the big words "I DO LOVE YOU" above a big diamond ring. I don't even know what jewelry store it was advertising for because as soon as I saw the words and the ring the Holy Spirit began to speak, saying
"My Lord says you are His jewel. You are His Bride. My Jewel, My Bride, as the ring reflects the completion of My love, as I encircle you with My unconditional, neverending love, as you see these words, remember, I Do Love You with a passion and urgency for you to know Me, to be with Me in spirit and in eternity. I am coming in a renewal of excitement that will quench all the thirst and hunger for Me that you have felt. My Spirit will move across this land and you will see I Do Love You."
I am so blessed my God, by Your words, by Your messages to me. You never fail to show me just what I mean to You; You use all means on earth to convey Your words to me, Your messages to me that will cut through any cloudiness and confusion I may be having. You are intent on my knowing just Who You are and What You are at all times. I know You love me, in my heart there is no doubt, but when You go to such degrees to point it out to me, on a morning like this one, when I was so tired, but going to work knowing that my strength would be coming from You as it is each day, not dreading what I was doing but knowing that all would be perfected in You; You still take the special time to show me Your love and to give me Your special words for this morning.
I know I am not Your only child that You show Yourself to, I pray they all have that kind of relationship with You that allows them to be held by You and to be loved so specially by You. I love You so much my Lord, my God, You are everything to me. I cannot praise You enough, my God. I just want to worship You as long as I have breath. Being so tired today, I still have felt that supernatural strength from You to do my work and to return home. My Lord, You have my entire heart, my soul, my being is Yours alone.
I do love you. I will not forget this morning, nor will I ever forget Your words to me. I know You love me; I know we share a special relationship that I will not do anything to spoil. I cannot live without Your love and Your presence. You continue to thrill me with Your presence and Your goodness in my life is amazing. Thank You, my Lord, thank You. I do love You, my Lord. I, also, do love You.
11-19-11
There is a new billboard up on the freeway just as I exit for work. I don't normally look up at the billboards but this morning my eyes were drawn upward and I saw the big words "I DO LOVE YOU" above a big diamond ring. I don't even know what jewelry store it was advertising for because as soon as I saw the words and the ring the Holy Spirit began to speak, saying
"My Lord says you are His jewel. You are His Bride. My Jewel, My Bride, as the ring reflects the completion of My love, as I encircle you with My unconditional, neverending love, as you see these words, remember, I Do Love You with a passion and urgency for you to know Me, to be with Me in spirit and in eternity. I am coming in a renewal of excitement that will quench all the thirst and hunger for Me that you have felt. My Spirit will move across this land and you will see I Do Love You."
I am so blessed my God, by Your words, by Your messages to me. You never fail to show me just what I mean to You; You use all means on earth to convey Your words to me, Your messages to me that will cut through any cloudiness and confusion I may be having. You are intent on my knowing just Who You are and What You are at all times. I know You love me, in my heart there is no doubt, but when You go to such degrees to point it out to me, on a morning like this one, when I was so tired, but going to work knowing that my strength would be coming from You as it is each day, not dreading what I was doing but knowing that all would be perfected in You; You still take the special time to show me Your love and to give me Your special words for this morning.
I know I am not Your only child that You show Yourself to, I pray they all have that kind of relationship with You that allows them to be held by You and to be loved so specially by You. I love You so much my Lord, my God, You are everything to me. I cannot praise You enough, my God. I just want to worship You as long as I have breath. Being so tired today, I still have felt that supernatural strength from You to do my work and to return home. My Lord, You have my entire heart, my soul, my being is Yours alone.
I do love you. I will not forget this morning, nor will I ever forget Your words to me. I know You love me; I know we share a special relationship that I will not do anything to spoil. I cannot live without Your love and Your presence. You continue to thrill me with Your presence and Your goodness in my life is amazing. Thank You, my Lord, thank You. I do love You, my Lord. I, also, do love You.
11-19-11
Friday, November 18, 2011
MY STRENGTH IS IN YOU LORD
Psalm 18:1 "I love you, O Lord, my strength."
So weary tonight my Lord. I was thinking driving home, how much harder the day would have been had You not been with me. This afternoon early, as I listened to beautiful piano music playing on my IPhone, I just leaned back and let my eyes close for a moment and drifted into Your presence, into Your arms and let You refresh me. That is what I needed and You did not fail me, You strengthened me with Your love, Your peace, Your Power and gave me more grace, grace to finish the day. And tomorrow will be so busy also. Such an early day for me again. but I know no matter what the day holds, You will be there with me, right by my side.
I bless You my Lord for Your goodness and mercy to me. I bless Your Holy Name, Jesus. You are so beautiful to me. As I long to see Your face, I close my eyes and look into the Spirit to see You. I only have a portion of Your face. One day, I will see You face to face and look into Your beautiful, gentle eyes. That day I will behold my Beloved Jesus, whom I have longed for so long to see, to be with. I know I am ready when You are ready to come for me, dear Lord. I so long for You, so long for You.
My Lord, I go to rest now, knowing that You have assigned angels to watch over me. I know I will find You as I call to You. Holy Spirit, let my rest be in You tonight. Continue to draw my spirit to worship as I rest. I never want to fail to be worshiping my King, my Lord God. I love You so. I know You will strengthen me as I rest, restoring my body and mind. I lean onto You, my Lord.....my desire for You to dwell with me this night....for the rest of my life.
11-18-11
So weary tonight my Lord. I was thinking driving home, how much harder the day would have been had You not been with me. This afternoon early, as I listened to beautiful piano music playing on my IPhone, I just leaned back and let my eyes close for a moment and drifted into Your presence, into Your arms and let You refresh me. That is what I needed and You did not fail me, You strengthened me with Your love, Your peace, Your Power and gave me more grace, grace to finish the day. And tomorrow will be so busy also. Such an early day for me again. but I know no matter what the day holds, You will be there with me, right by my side.
I bless You my Lord for Your goodness and mercy to me. I bless Your Holy Name, Jesus. You are so beautiful to me. As I long to see Your face, I close my eyes and look into the Spirit to see You. I only have a portion of Your face. One day, I will see You face to face and look into Your beautiful, gentle eyes. That day I will behold my Beloved Jesus, whom I have longed for so long to see, to be with. I know I am ready when You are ready to come for me, dear Lord. I so long for You, so long for You.
My Lord, I go to rest now, knowing that You have assigned angels to watch over me. I know I will find You as I call to You. Holy Spirit, let my rest be in You tonight. Continue to draw my spirit to worship as I rest. I never want to fail to be worshiping my King, my Lord God. I love You so. I know You will strengthen me as I rest, restoring my body and mind. I lean onto You, my Lord.....my desire for You to dwell with me this night....for the rest of my life.
11-18-11
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I WAS PUT ON HOLD
Psalm 18:6,16 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (16) He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."
I had a customer today that had a problem and needed me to call another company for her, a company that we do business through. It took forty-five minutes to get this done. From the first person that told me, "I need to put you on hold and ask someone", only to disconnect me, to the last person that finally gave me an answer and then it was not one in the customers best interest. But as I was passed from one person to another, each needing to put me on hold, I had time to consider what was going on. I began to get a little irritated and when I felt this rising up in me the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "the Father never puts you on hold when you call Him".
Immediately, I began to calm down and relax in the words of the Holy Spirit and began to think on all the times I had called upon my God to help me. What would I have done it He would have told me to hold for a minute and then had Him pass me to someone else. What if He would have just disconnected me. How could I have gotten through all the things in the last few years had not my Lord, my God, instantly answered my call for help. Not one time has my Lord ever told me to hold for a minute. Now sometimes my prayers are not answered right away, but when a true cry for help goes up to the Lord from one of His beloved children, He responds. If we are in danger, if we have the enemy's hands around our throats cutting off life, the Lord comes flying down on the wings of an eagle to surround the enemy and snatch us right out of his grip. If you have never known the life saving answer to a cry for help....well, of course you know this feeling. We, all of God's children, at one time or another, have known His saving grace when we cry out in distress to Him.
As I was thinking about this, my heart became so full of thanksgiving for all those times that the Lord heard my cry and came to my rescue. He is everywhere, He is all knowing, He is Omnipotent, our God is. He hears the smallest cry, sometimes whispered out in a wimper but He hears it and responds to His child. He doesn't pass us off to someone else, He always has time for us. The Lord is never too busy to talk to us, to give us direction, to give us answers to the problems we have. He will so often lead me to His Word as there are answers there to all life's problems. When we search the Word for His direction, His answers to our problems, truly yielding to the Lord, He is faithful to illuminate the answers to us. He wants us to know His ways, His truth and He will not hide them from us. He is ready and eager to help us, we never have to wait to seek the Lord in His Word. Every answer and response from our Lord is in the best interests for our lives, the answers that will give us life in Him, refreshing, beautiful life.
Father, I thank You from the deepest part of me for lifting me from the snares of the enemy so many times. He doesn't give us trying to entrap me, but You don't ever leave me to him. You always pull me out of his grasp. You are waiting for my call, Lord, always waiting. You never forsake me, you will never abandon me to the enemy. You are my God, You are my Salvation and my Strength. You are the Power, You are the Glory forever and ever. You will never put me on hold. You will always be there for me. My Lord God, my Father, Pappa.
11-17-11
I had a customer today that had a problem and needed me to call another company for her, a company that we do business through. It took forty-five minutes to get this done. From the first person that told me, "I need to put you on hold and ask someone", only to disconnect me, to the last person that finally gave me an answer and then it was not one in the customers best interest. But as I was passed from one person to another, each needing to put me on hold, I had time to consider what was going on. I began to get a little irritated and when I felt this rising up in me the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "the Father never puts you on hold when you call Him".
Immediately, I began to calm down and relax in the words of the Holy Spirit and began to think on all the times I had called upon my God to help me. What would I have done it He would have told me to hold for a minute and then had Him pass me to someone else. What if He would have just disconnected me. How could I have gotten through all the things in the last few years had not my Lord, my God, instantly answered my call for help. Not one time has my Lord ever told me to hold for a minute. Now sometimes my prayers are not answered right away, but when a true cry for help goes up to the Lord from one of His beloved children, He responds. If we are in danger, if we have the enemy's hands around our throats cutting off life, the Lord comes flying down on the wings of an eagle to surround the enemy and snatch us right out of his grip. If you have never known the life saving answer to a cry for help....well, of course you know this feeling. We, all of God's children, at one time or another, have known His saving grace when we cry out in distress to Him.
As I was thinking about this, my heart became so full of thanksgiving for all those times that the Lord heard my cry and came to my rescue. He is everywhere, He is all knowing, He is Omnipotent, our God is. He hears the smallest cry, sometimes whispered out in a wimper but He hears it and responds to His child. He doesn't pass us off to someone else, He always has time for us. The Lord is never too busy to talk to us, to give us direction, to give us answers to the problems we have. He will so often lead me to His Word as there are answers there to all life's problems. When we search the Word for His direction, His answers to our problems, truly yielding to the Lord, He is faithful to illuminate the answers to us. He wants us to know His ways, His truth and He will not hide them from us. He is ready and eager to help us, we never have to wait to seek the Lord in His Word. Every answer and response from our Lord is in the best interests for our lives, the answers that will give us life in Him, refreshing, beautiful life.
Father, I thank You from the deepest part of me for lifting me from the snares of the enemy so many times. He doesn't give us trying to entrap me, but You don't ever leave me to him. You always pull me out of his grasp. You are waiting for my call, Lord, always waiting. You never forsake me, you will never abandon me to the enemy. You are my God, You are my Salvation and my Strength. You are the Power, You are the Glory forever and ever. You will never put me on hold. You will always be there for me. My Lord God, my Father, Pappa.
11-17-11
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
WHAT LIES AHEAD
Psalm 37:37 "Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace."
A few days ago a dear friend asked me, "if you could do anything you wanted to for the rest of your life, could go anywhere, do anything, what would you do?" I did not even hesitate for I knew what was in my heart. I answered, "I would want to go all over teaching people to worship our Lord".
Now, I don't necessary see myself leading worship services, I have sang in Praise and Worship groups for a good part of my Christian life, but I play no instrument, and where singing may be a part, it is not the focus for me. I just want to encourage people, just let them understand what worshiping the Lord means. Just what it does for their relationship with the Lord, how it pleases Him when He hears His children loving Him with their heart's worship to Him. Just how this pure worship draws Him down to be with them, showing up in their worship time and making Himself known to them. Oh, what heaven is attainable when you worship the Lord with all your being, all your heart and spirit, when the truth of your heart flows out of your spirit as your voice calls out in song and melody with love, with adoration for the Great I Am.
What joy fills my heart when I am in a service where there is no holding back by the children of God, where they are on their feet, lifting their hands up to their God, their Maker and giving Him the adoration He deserves. I could just stand and be silent, and often do, just to hear the pureness of this sound of love going up to the Lord, just feeling Him smile and sigh deeply at the sweet incense flowing up to His throne room. And then when I feel His presence come, when the Holy Spirit begins to move around the room, sometimes I look about to see if He is recognized by those there. Not everyone recognizes Him. I think it is a lack of expectation. Not a lack of worship on their part, but so many do not know how to recognize the Lord's presence. They don't truly expect Him. But when I see some faces, there is no doubt they know just Who is beside them, entering in with them. Oh, the glory that is shining on their faces.
I want to have everyone know this experience through worship. I want to be able to share what the Lord does through our worship, what happens to us when we truly give of ourselves completely as we lift up the Name of our Lord in worship, as we sing praises to His Name, as we sing those new songs that flow from deep within our souls up to His throne room, entering into the sound of Heaven with the angels as they sing to our King. What beauty is there as you feel your voice join with thousands of heavenly voices honoring the Lord with heartfelt worship. Just thinking about it gives me joy.
You cannot show up on Sunday morning and expect to worship with your whole heart if worship is not something you do often. It is not going to happen. I want to teach the children of God that in order to give your all to the Lord on Sunday, you have to be giving Him your all in worship all week long. If you only worship on Sunday, it will sound as tinkling brass to the Lord. He may be glad you are worshiping Him but it will not touch His heart as if you do this all the time. When you worship Him at home, in your car, everywhere you are, whether out loud or in your spirit and heart, on Sunday morning, when your voice rises up to give glory to our Lord, He will hear you and say "there's my son now", or "there's my daughter, aahhhhh". Such a quiet affection will flow down to you as you know you have touched His heart. If you are worshiping all the time, when you get into a service, the Lord will use you as an example of how to worship Him; He will let you be the light of worship for others to see, for all to see how His glory falls on you as you worship Him. And yes, you can definitely see God's glory on someone that is worshiping Him with their entire being.
So that is what I would love to do. I believe soon the Lord will open doors for me to do this for Him, to give Him the glory of what He has done in my life, to allow me to worship Him in word as well as song. My delight is to delight Him alone. I love You my Lord. I thank You that You have given me this life, and I want to give this life back to You, to give you the praise and all the worship that You deserve for being the God that I love, for being the God that so tenderly loves me.
11-16-11
A few days ago a dear friend asked me, "if you could do anything you wanted to for the rest of your life, could go anywhere, do anything, what would you do?" I did not even hesitate for I knew what was in my heart. I answered, "I would want to go all over teaching people to worship our Lord".
Now, I don't necessary see myself leading worship services, I have sang in Praise and Worship groups for a good part of my Christian life, but I play no instrument, and where singing may be a part, it is not the focus for me. I just want to encourage people, just let them understand what worshiping the Lord means. Just what it does for their relationship with the Lord, how it pleases Him when He hears His children loving Him with their heart's worship to Him. Just how this pure worship draws Him down to be with them, showing up in their worship time and making Himself known to them. Oh, what heaven is attainable when you worship the Lord with all your being, all your heart and spirit, when the truth of your heart flows out of your spirit as your voice calls out in song and melody with love, with adoration for the Great I Am.
What joy fills my heart when I am in a service where there is no holding back by the children of God, where they are on their feet, lifting their hands up to their God, their Maker and giving Him the adoration He deserves. I could just stand and be silent, and often do, just to hear the pureness of this sound of love going up to the Lord, just feeling Him smile and sigh deeply at the sweet incense flowing up to His throne room. And then when I feel His presence come, when the Holy Spirit begins to move around the room, sometimes I look about to see if He is recognized by those there. Not everyone recognizes Him. I think it is a lack of expectation. Not a lack of worship on their part, but so many do not know how to recognize the Lord's presence. They don't truly expect Him. But when I see some faces, there is no doubt they know just Who is beside them, entering in with them. Oh, the glory that is shining on their faces.
I want to have everyone know this experience through worship. I want to be able to share what the Lord does through our worship, what happens to us when we truly give of ourselves completely as we lift up the Name of our Lord in worship, as we sing praises to His Name, as we sing those new songs that flow from deep within our souls up to His throne room, entering into the sound of Heaven with the angels as they sing to our King. What beauty is there as you feel your voice join with thousands of heavenly voices honoring the Lord with heartfelt worship. Just thinking about it gives me joy.
You cannot show up on Sunday morning and expect to worship with your whole heart if worship is not something you do often. It is not going to happen. I want to teach the children of God that in order to give your all to the Lord on Sunday, you have to be giving Him your all in worship all week long. If you only worship on Sunday, it will sound as tinkling brass to the Lord. He may be glad you are worshiping Him but it will not touch His heart as if you do this all the time. When you worship Him at home, in your car, everywhere you are, whether out loud or in your spirit and heart, on Sunday morning, when your voice rises up to give glory to our Lord, He will hear you and say "there's my son now", or "there's my daughter, aahhhhh". Such a quiet affection will flow down to you as you know you have touched His heart. If you are worshiping all the time, when you get into a service, the Lord will use you as an example of how to worship Him; He will let you be the light of worship for others to see, for all to see how His glory falls on you as you worship Him. And yes, you can definitely see God's glory on someone that is worshiping Him with their entire being.
So that is what I would love to do. I believe soon the Lord will open doors for me to do this for Him, to give Him the glory of what He has done in my life, to allow me to worship Him in word as well as song. My delight is to delight Him alone. I love You my Lord. I thank You that You have given me this life, and I want to give this life back to You, to give you the praise and all the worship that You deserve for being the God that I love, for being the God that so tenderly loves me.
11-16-11
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
THE GIFT OF WELCOME
Mark 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
The holiday season is upon us. Called the holiday season, I think, because of the closeness of Thanksgiving and Christmas, then New Years. The beautiful time of year when hearts seem a little lighter, people seem to laugh more, seem a little more polite, caring. But that is not all people. There are those who would prefer that this time of year just pass them by. There is not much joy for them, and the days just seem to pull them down.
I helped some friends last weekend with their project. They have 152, and hope to have a few more, nice backpacks that they filled with all kinds of tolietries and then, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, stocking hat, muffler and a rain jacket. Along with this backpack they will be making sack lunches to give out. They will spend their Sunday morning after Thanksgiving, downtown in an area where there are a number of homeless people. Just people that are down on their luck, just needing that gift of welcome. Welcome from God's hand to them. Handing across the love of the Father to these folks. With each backpack will go the welcome of love and friendship, warmth and caring that we have been told to pass from the Father through us to others.
Where did we get from the important things of this life to where we think of what we can find under the tree. After a few hours those new things will lose their shine, lose their interest, and then we are just waiting for the next holiday season. The meaning of this time of year is two fold.
First is Thanksgiving. This day is the day that we think of all the things we have to be thankful for. So many make this day the day to thank each other, and to thank the Lord for His blessings and care for the past year. What if this year, each day, we tell each other how much we appreciate them, and how about if we begin each day, from now on, to thank our Creator for the love, the guidance, the wisdom, the blessings He bestows on us each day, each day giving us new mercies, grace for the day, and more love than we will ever be able to understand. True thanksgiving is not about what we will do that day, what we will eat, but how we will pass that thanks, that giving to those that need a welcome back to the love of the Lord.
Christmas. It is not a tree, it is not presents. It is about the Gift, the true Gift. Jesus came, as a babe, He came to bring us life, life abundantly, and to give us freedom in Him. He died to give us life eternal and the most beautiful gift of all, relationship with the Father, a oneness with our God that will never end. Christmas is about opening our hearts and welcoming those in who need a show of love and friendship. We all know people that are alone, needing friends. Give the gift of welcome to those the Lord puts on your heart. The Lord knows just who will bless you as you bless them with His love.
Thanksgiving, not just about football and food; Christmas, not just about shopping and gifts. They are about the gift of welcome. Welcoming in your heart the true spirit of this season, sharing, showing the love of the Lord to all He leads you to. Giving gifts that will never end, either in the heart of the recipient or your heart. The gift of welcome will become tops on your list for each year if you will let the Holy Spirit lead you to seeing others with God's eyes, loving others with God's heart. The reward? Well, it's the gift of welcome to the Lord's heart, His throne room, His Presence.
11-15-11
The holiday season is upon us. Called the holiday season, I think, because of the closeness of Thanksgiving and Christmas, then New Years. The beautiful time of year when hearts seem a little lighter, people seem to laugh more, seem a little more polite, caring. But that is not all people. There are those who would prefer that this time of year just pass them by. There is not much joy for them, and the days just seem to pull them down.
I helped some friends last weekend with their project. They have 152, and hope to have a few more, nice backpacks that they filled with all kinds of tolietries and then, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, stocking hat, muffler and a rain jacket. Along with this backpack they will be making sack lunches to give out. They will spend their Sunday morning after Thanksgiving, downtown in an area where there are a number of homeless people. Just people that are down on their luck, just needing that gift of welcome. Welcome from God's hand to them. Handing across the love of the Father to these folks. With each backpack will go the welcome of love and friendship, warmth and caring that we have been told to pass from the Father through us to others.
Where did we get from the important things of this life to where we think of what we can find under the tree. After a few hours those new things will lose their shine, lose their interest, and then we are just waiting for the next holiday season. The meaning of this time of year is two fold.
First is Thanksgiving. This day is the day that we think of all the things we have to be thankful for. So many make this day the day to thank each other, and to thank the Lord for His blessings and care for the past year. What if this year, each day, we tell each other how much we appreciate them, and how about if we begin each day, from now on, to thank our Creator for the love, the guidance, the wisdom, the blessings He bestows on us each day, each day giving us new mercies, grace for the day, and more love than we will ever be able to understand. True thanksgiving is not about what we will do that day, what we will eat, but how we will pass that thanks, that giving to those that need a welcome back to the love of the Lord.
Christmas. It is not a tree, it is not presents. It is about the Gift, the true Gift. Jesus came, as a babe, He came to bring us life, life abundantly, and to give us freedom in Him. He died to give us life eternal and the most beautiful gift of all, relationship with the Father, a oneness with our God that will never end. Christmas is about opening our hearts and welcoming those in who need a show of love and friendship. We all know people that are alone, needing friends. Give the gift of welcome to those the Lord puts on your heart. The Lord knows just who will bless you as you bless them with His love.
Thanksgiving, not just about football and food; Christmas, not just about shopping and gifts. They are about the gift of welcome. Welcoming in your heart the true spirit of this season, sharing, showing the love of the Lord to all He leads you to. Giving gifts that will never end, either in the heart of the recipient or your heart. The gift of welcome will become tops on your list for each year if you will let the Holy Spirit lead you to seeing others with God's eyes, loving others with God's heart. The reward? Well, it's the gift of welcome to the Lord's heart, His throne room, His Presence.
11-15-11
Monday, November 14, 2011
GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
Romans 3:3 "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?"
Do you ever wonder if people will ever get the beauty of our God? I think so often that they just read enough of the Word to get an idea of what God is and never study long enough to see Who He is. These are the same people that will want to argue the Word and not want to truly learn what the Lord has to say to us. It is sad, I feel, as they will never really know the "whole" truth. The truth that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
God does not change. His faithfulness is the same if one has a great faith or just maintaining enough trust to say that they trust God and have faith in Him. These people have great fear. Fear and faith do not go in the same sentence, it does not work that way. The faithfulness of God does not change. Our faith does not determine His faithfulness to us. It is the same as His love. His love is unconditional and is not based on our love for Him. So is His faithfulness. He is faithful to keep His Word, His promises are true for each of us. The gulf between His faithfulness and our faith comes as if we have not faith, then we do not believe the truth of His promises. It is our lack that keeps us from seeing His faithfulness. It is there, all the promises of His Word, available to each of us, according to our faith.
Think on how the Lord has supplied a need in the past when you did not know what would happen, think about how He healed you, how when you were afraid, remember how His peace came to you? How you were healed, perhaps not in your time frame, but in His perfect timing. There are reasons we may never know as to the timing of the Lord, but He is faithful to produce everything in His perfect time. One day when we get to Glory, we will understand immediately what was going on in our lives. Today, just know that all things will be done to to give the Lord glory, to honor Him alone.
Your love, O Lord, Your faithfulness; never ending; never changing; never lacking. I am complete in Your love, my God. I know of Your faithfulness to me, and I praise You for always showing me that I can trust You with all my heart. You have never let me down and I know You will always be with me, to protect me, to love me, to bless me. I love You so much, my Lord. I will worship You for Your beautiful love and faithfulness. I will worship You for Who You are, my Beloved Lord and Savior.
11-14-11
Do you ever wonder if people will ever get the beauty of our God? I think so often that they just read enough of the Word to get an idea of what God is and never study long enough to see Who He is. These are the same people that will want to argue the Word and not want to truly learn what the Lord has to say to us. It is sad, I feel, as they will never really know the "whole" truth. The truth that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
God does not change. His faithfulness is the same if one has a great faith or just maintaining enough trust to say that they trust God and have faith in Him. These people have great fear. Fear and faith do not go in the same sentence, it does not work that way. The faithfulness of God does not change. Our faith does not determine His faithfulness to us. It is the same as His love. His love is unconditional and is not based on our love for Him. So is His faithfulness. He is faithful to keep His Word, His promises are true for each of us. The gulf between His faithfulness and our faith comes as if we have not faith, then we do not believe the truth of His promises. It is our lack that keeps us from seeing His faithfulness. It is there, all the promises of His Word, available to each of us, according to our faith.
Think on how the Lord has supplied a need in the past when you did not know what would happen, think about how He healed you, how when you were afraid, remember how His peace came to you? How you were healed, perhaps not in your time frame, but in His perfect timing. There are reasons we may never know as to the timing of the Lord, but He is faithful to produce everything in His perfect time. One day when we get to Glory, we will understand immediately what was going on in our lives. Today, just know that all things will be done to to give the Lord glory, to honor Him alone.
Your love, O Lord, Your faithfulness; never ending; never changing; never lacking. I am complete in Your love, my God. I know of Your faithfulness to me, and I praise You for always showing me that I can trust You with all my heart. You have never let me down and I know You will always be with me, to protect me, to love me, to bless me. I love You so much, my Lord. I will worship You for Your beautiful love and faithfulness. I will worship You for Who You are, my Beloved Lord and Savior.
11-14-11
Sunday, November 13, 2011
THE BEAUTY OF THE WALK
Isaiah 66:22 "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me, declares the Lord, so will your name and descendants endure."
The Lord loves to show me revelation in His Word and when that special revealing of the scripture comes, it floods over me like a waterfall of glory. As I was reading the Word and I read this verse, I stopped, went back and began to read it again and again, slower each time. My name will endure. I will endure. Not just that I will live long life or that my name will live on, but each day, each step of the walk I have in Jesus, I will endure.
I will endure what ever the day brings, whether it be blessings or the curses of the enemy and his companions. Whether people dislike me and want to persecute me for being a child of the King, or if I am lifted high to the heavens to dance with my Lord for a moment. No matter what the day brings, I will endure it as I have the strength of my God poured into me; I have the helmet of salvation hovering over me; I have the breastplate of righteousness defending me and I have the shield of faith flowing out of me, knowing that the Lord is more than able to keep me on the path He has put in front of me. I will endure all things each day, each moment.
The fact that I can endure, that the Lord has promised me that as sure as the new heavens and new earth will endure, so will I. My God does not say things He does not mean and that He does not do. His Word proclaims He is a God that cannot lie, so no matter what the enemy tells me when things look bad, God has said I will endure all things, just like the new heaven and new earth will endure. This earth as we know it might pass away, but I will endure. I might come to a day when I can not buy or sell, as you can be certain I will not be letting any one put the mark on me; still, I will endure. I have complete faith that my Lord will take care of my needs. And should I be persecuted for my faith, for my love of my God, still I will endure, my name will endure. My God shall never leave me or forsake me.
Enduring, sometimes people think that enduring is putting up with things the way they are.....but I know enduring is having the forces and power of Almighty God behind you and in you and with you at all times. That is the beauty of the walk I have with my Lord. I know that I am going to endure everything in His name and that His blessings will never cease to flow to me from His throne. I know that He will flood me with His presence as I worship Him with love and adoration that will never cease. I know that my Lord will come one day soon and this particular walk will be over. How pleased I pray my Lord will be with the manner in which I have endured the walk. I know He is pleased with my love, with my worship, and my yielding everything to Him.
I love You my Lord, my King. You have given me beauty in my walk with You and I know with You, because of You, I will endure.
11-13-11
The Lord loves to show me revelation in His Word and when that special revealing of the scripture comes, it floods over me like a waterfall of glory. As I was reading the Word and I read this verse, I stopped, went back and began to read it again and again, slower each time. My name will endure. I will endure. Not just that I will live long life or that my name will live on, but each day, each step of the walk I have in Jesus, I will endure.
I will endure what ever the day brings, whether it be blessings or the curses of the enemy and his companions. Whether people dislike me and want to persecute me for being a child of the King, or if I am lifted high to the heavens to dance with my Lord for a moment. No matter what the day brings, I will endure it as I have the strength of my God poured into me; I have the helmet of salvation hovering over me; I have the breastplate of righteousness defending me and I have the shield of faith flowing out of me, knowing that the Lord is more than able to keep me on the path He has put in front of me. I will endure all things each day, each moment.
The fact that I can endure, that the Lord has promised me that as sure as the new heavens and new earth will endure, so will I. My God does not say things He does not mean and that He does not do. His Word proclaims He is a God that cannot lie, so no matter what the enemy tells me when things look bad, God has said I will endure all things, just like the new heaven and new earth will endure. This earth as we know it might pass away, but I will endure. I might come to a day when I can not buy or sell, as you can be certain I will not be letting any one put the mark on me; still, I will endure. I have complete faith that my Lord will take care of my needs. And should I be persecuted for my faith, for my love of my God, still I will endure, my name will endure. My God shall never leave me or forsake me.
Enduring, sometimes people think that enduring is putting up with things the way they are.....but I know enduring is having the forces and power of Almighty God behind you and in you and with you at all times. That is the beauty of the walk I have with my Lord. I know that I am going to endure everything in His name and that His blessings will never cease to flow to me from His throne. I know that He will flood me with His presence as I worship Him with love and adoration that will never cease. I know that my Lord will come one day soon and this particular walk will be over. How pleased I pray my Lord will be with the manner in which I have endured the walk. I know He is pleased with my love, with my worship, and my yielding everything to Him.
I love You my Lord, my King. You have given me beauty in my walk with You and I know with You, because of You, I will endure.
11-13-11
Saturday, November 12, 2011
I WANT TO LIVE
Psalm 21:4 "He asked you for life, and you gave it to him....length of days, for ever and ever."
How often do we consider what life should be....besides, waking up each day, going through the motions, often just like the day before, and then bed at night just to awake to do the same thing again. We so often just view our lives as one day after the next, nothing changing, just the same ol', same ol. It doesn 't need to be.....not at all.
When I was just living day to day; well, to say the least it was boring. I did not feel that I had a purpose, a real mission, if you will, in life. And then the miracle of the Lord; not my salvation as I knew I was saved, however, this was a beautiful miracle. But the miracle of giving me life. Until we know what we are to do in this world, the reason that the Lord has for us, it doesn't seem like we are really living. I can't tell you I know everything that the Lord has planned, as I don't believe He reveals it all to us at one time. I don't know that we could handle the "whole plan" at once. And I believe the Lord knows this, that is why I think only portions are shown to us at a time. But as the plan is revealed to us, each portion, there is encouragement and excitement for each day. Real life stirs up in our hearts and we go to the day with expectation and awe. I expect to see what the Lord has for me unfold each day. I don't think too much about it the day before, as the Lord doesn't want us to get ahead of Him; I just do today, live in this day, loving this day, and then tomorrow when it gets here. This is not to say that I don't make some kind of plan for the next day, as we all need to know what we will be doing; what I am saying is that sometimes there may be a change and we need to be able to flow with it. We need to accept that the Lord has a plan different than the one we had, and look to it with excitement, as He will have something very special for us in it. It will only be exciting if we look to it with joy and anticipation; you know the enemy will try to put a fear in you of the unexpected, "oh, what will happen since I am not going to do...", yes, he does try that. But with complete trust in the Lord, we just go right out and follow the Holy Spirit's lead into just what the Lord has for us.
I cannot wait for tomorrow. Today was beautiful, so satisfying and good. Tomorrow is the Lord's day, a day to go and join in with my brothers and sisters in the Lord and worship Him, give Him all the glory, all the honor, for He is truly so worthy of all my praise, all my worship.
I want to live. I don't want to just exist in a state of going through the motions; I want to bring all I have in the Lord to each new day. I know I will be given the grace I need for each day, I know He will give me the direction I need, I know His strength will be sufficient for all I need. I want to live with the full expectation of God's glory in my life. I want to live knowing that by yielding to Him, my Lord and King, He will use me to fulfil His plan that will bring Him the glory and the honor. I want to live each day in His love, so precious and unconditional, and in His Presence, my reward for obeying Him without question. With love and anticipation, each day, each new day in my God, my beautiful Lord, I want to live.
11-12-11
How often do we consider what life should be....besides, waking up each day, going through the motions, often just like the day before, and then bed at night just to awake to do the same thing again. We so often just view our lives as one day after the next, nothing changing, just the same ol', same ol. It doesn 't need to be.....not at all.
When I was just living day to day; well, to say the least it was boring. I did not feel that I had a purpose, a real mission, if you will, in life. And then the miracle of the Lord; not my salvation as I knew I was saved, however, this was a beautiful miracle. But the miracle of giving me life. Until we know what we are to do in this world, the reason that the Lord has for us, it doesn't seem like we are really living. I can't tell you I know everything that the Lord has planned, as I don't believe He reveals it all to us at one time. I don't know that we could handle the "whole plan" at once. And I believe the Lord knows this, that is why I think only portions are shown to us at a time. But as the plan is revealed to us, each portion, there is encouragement and excitement for each day. Real life stirs up in our hearts and we go to the day with expectation and awe. I expect to see what the Lord has for me unfold each day. I don't think too much about it the day before, as the Lord doesn't want us to get ahead of Him; I just do today, live in this day, loving this day, and then tomorrow when it gets here. This is not to say that I don't make some kind of plan for the next day, as we all need to know what we will be doing; what I am saying is that sometimes there may be a change and we need to be able to flow with it. We need to accept that the Lord has a plan different than the one we had, and look to it with excitement, as He will have something very special for us in it. It will only be exciting if we look to it with joy and anticipation; you know the enemy will try to put a fear in you of the unexpected, "oh, what will happen since I am not going to do...", yes, he does try that. But with complete trust in the Lord, we just go right out and follow the Holy Spirit's lead into just what the Lord has for us.
I cannot wait for tomorrow. Today was beautiful, so satisfying and good. Tomorrow is the Lord's day, a day to go and join in with my brothers and sisters in the Lord and worship Him, give Him all the glory, all the honor, for He is truly so worthy of all my praise, all my worship.
I want to live. I don't want to just exist in a state of going through the motions; I want to bring all I have in the Lord to each new day. I know I will be given the grace I need for each day, I know He will give me the direction I need, I know His strength will be sufficient for all I need. I want to live with the full expectation of God's glory in my life. I want to live knowing that by yielding to Him, my Lord and King, He will use me to fulfil His plan that will bring Him the glory and the honor. I want to live each day in His love, so precious and unconditional, and in His Presence, my reward for obeying Him without question. With love and anticipation, each day, each new day in my God, my beautiful Lord, I want to live.
11-12-11
Friday, November 11, 2011
FREEDOM FOR ALL
1 Corinthians 15:24 "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power."
Today is Veterans Day. A day set aside to thank and celebrate those that have fought the fight against the dominion, authority, and power of those who set out to destroy and cripple those weaker than themselves for reasons of greed, hate and at times just from lack of the truth of why they are really fighting; following one that has deceived them. But whatever the reason behind war, our soldiers and veterans of wars are heroes, galantly giving of themselves to bring freedom to those people that cannot fight the fight alone. Most wars are against weaker countries that are known for not having the technology and machinery of the country wanting to take them over. Subsidies of their countries, religion, and sometimes it is just because "we have always been at war with them". Reminds me a little of the Hatfields and McCoys, generations down still fighting and no one remembers why. Now remember, these are just my feelings, but think about it....you can find it true so often. A ruler can insite his people to war just because they follow what he says, thinking it is true. Sad, but real in today's world.
As I was thinking about our freedom, the Lord talked to me about the freedom of His children. How we are free in Him, the moment we come to Him, the moment we repent of our sins and give our lives to Him. We are free. But how many of God's children realize that freedom? How many still think they are supposed to be bound up by the things of the world. Yes, we will have tribulation, but it is not to us it is aimed, it is to our God. So why do we try to handle these things. Give them straight to the Lord, it is a battle only He can win. Our job is to recognize the attacks and to rest securely in Him as He fights the battle for us. If we try to fight these battles, we will only suffer unnecessary pain and disappointment. No matter what the battle is, it is won by trusting the Lord. The only way to win...complete faith in God. Now this doesn't mean that all things will turn out as you expect them to, winning....sometimes winning means to let the Lord do a work in us, showing us that the outcome of a battle is not always in being the winner in the world, but in being a winner in the lesson that He is teaching us. No matter what happens, we are conquerors in Him, whether it reflects it to others or not. What does it matter to a child of God if the person persecuting us thinks he has overshadowed us, beaten us down. We don't have anything to prove to this world, we only have to prove our trust and faith in our Lord....to Him.
Have faith in God. God is our All in All. This is true freedom for the children of God. Faith in the One who made us, who made this world, the universe. Fear of what this earth holds keeps us from the ultimate joy and peace that the Lord has given us. Fear is opposite of freedom. Give it all to God, every problem, every illness, every thought of tomorrow. God knows what is tomorrow, let us just delight in what He has given us today, His many blessings and our freedom.
God bless our America, our land, the land of the free. Let us never fail to thank those who make this freedom possible. And let us never fail to thank the One who makes this freedom eternal in Him.
11-11-11
Today is Veterans Day. A day set aside to thank and celebrate those that have fought the fight against the dominion, authority, and power of those who set out to destroy and cripple those weaker than themselves for reasons of greed, hate and at times just from lack of the truth of why they are really fighting; following one that has deceived them. But whatever the reason behind war, our soldiers and veterans of wars are heroes, galantly giving of themselves to bring freedom to those people that cannot fight the fight alone. Most wars are against weaker countries that are known for not having the technology and machinery of the country wanting to take them over. Subsidies of their countries, religion, and sometimes it is just because "we have always been at war with them". Reminds me a little of the Hatfields and McCoys, generations down still fighting and no one remembers why. Now remember, these are just my feelings, but think about it....you can find it true so often. A ruler can insite his people to war just because they follow what he says, thinking it is true. Sad, but real in today's world.
As I was thinking about our freedom, the Lord talked to me about the freedom of His children. How we are free in Him, the moment we come to Him, the moment we repent of our sins and give our lives to Him. We are free. But how many of God's children realize that freedom? How many still think they are supposed to be bound up by the things of the world. Yes, we will have tribulation, but it is not to us it is aimed, it is to our God. So why do we try to handle these things. Give them straight to the Lord, it is a battle only He can win. Our job is to recognize the attacks and to rest securely in Him as He fights the battle for us. If we try to fight these battles, we will only suffer unnecessary pain and disappointment. No matter what the battle is, it is won by trusting the Lord. The only way to win...complete faith in God. Now this doesn't mean that all things will turn out as you expect them to, winning....sometimes winning means to let the Lord do a work in us, showing us that the outcome of a battle is not always in being the winner in the world, but in being a winner in the lesson that He is teaching us. No matter what happens, we are conquerors in Him, whether it reflects it to others or not. What does it matter to a child of God if the person persecuting us thinks he has overshadowed us, beaten us down. We don't have anything to prove to this world, we only have to prove our trust and faith in our Lord....to Him.
Have faith in God. God is our All in All. This is true freedom for the children of God. Faith in the One who made us, who made this world, the universe. Fear of what this earth holds keeps us from the ultimate joy and peace that the Lord has given us. Fear is opposite of freedom. Give it all to God, every problem, every illness, every thought of tomorrow. God knows what is tomorrow, let us just delight in what He has given us today, His many blessings and our freedom.
God bless our America, our land, the land of the free. Let us never fail to thank those who make this freedom possible. And let us never fail to thank the One who makes this freedom eternal in Him.
11-11-11
Thursday, November 10, 2011
DAY 365 DEDICATED TO MY GOD
2 Peter 3:8 "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends; With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
My Lord God, this is the 365th day, one complete year that I have written each day to You, my Lord, glorifying, loving, worshiping You in this blog that You told me to write. So many times, it was just in under the midnight hour but it was in. I have thought many times it was an act of obedience that You had me writing each day, to see if I would be obedient to Your command. I have not missed a night dear Lord of posting these blogs. I don't know how many people read them, I see some comments, some not. It seems strange that the ones that touched me deepest, I saw no activity. But You know, don't You Father; and the ones that seemed less important in what I wrote, touched many. It was never about me alone. I realize that. So many nights as I sat here and wrote from my heart what the Holy Spirit was drawing out of me, pouring through me from You, I could see You using it to heal me, to pull out those deep, hidden things that I did not even realize were still there. The words You gave me to help others, I just wrote what You gave me, I didn't understand it all, but You gave it and I wrote it. And then my favorite nights, when I just was able to pour out of my heart and soul my love and adoration for You, my King. I was just able to put into words, try to explain, how very much my entire being depended on You, You alone. I love You so much my Lord. Nothing I do is worth anything if You are not in it. If You are not present in each day, then the day doesn't hold anything for me. You are Who makes my life beautiful.
What now, Father? I sense You want me to keep writing, I want to do what You will for me. Only Your will. I will wait on You Lord, to guide me; if it is each night, or when You give me a special word, You lead, I will follow. How awesome it has been to be taught through these messages, to be given visions to share. I am always amazed at the power and purity of You, Lord. So powerful and yet so gentle, loving. Even in power, Your love shows through. All I can think is how holy You are, how very holy. I worship You my Lord. I give You all my worship. I am so blessed to be Your worshiper; so blessed. I love to sing my songs to You, I love to sing my praises to You. I love to be in Your presence, Your sweet presence.
My Lord, Day 365, now the year is done....but I have a deep feeling that You have only just begun to work through me, to pour out Your words through me. I am so excited to see what tomorrow will bring, what the next year will have in store for me in You. This 10th day of November, 2011, ends one year of writing to You, and tomorrow will begin the new year...what will You have for me; what will You have me accomplish in You, for You, for Your Glory.
My Lord God, this is the 365th day, one complete year that I have written each day to You, my Lord, glorifying, loving, worshiping You in this blog that You told me to write. So many times, it was just in under the midnight hour but it was in. I have thought many times it was an act of obedience that You had me writing each day, to see if I would be obedient to Your command. I have not missed a night dear Lord of posting these blogs. I don't know how many people read them, I see some comments, some not. It seems strange that the ones that touched me deepest, I saw no activity. But You know, don't You Father; and the ones that seemed less important in what I wrote, touched many. It was never about me alone. I realize that. So many nights as I sat here and wrote from my heart what the Holy Spirit was drawing out of me, pouring through me from You, I could see You using it to heal me, to pull out those deep, hidden things that I did not even realize were still there. The words You gave me to help others, I just wrote what You gave me, I didn't understand it all, but You gave it and I wrote it. And then my favorite nights, when I just was able to pour out of my heart and soul my love and adoration for You, my King. I was just able to put into words, try to explain, how very much my entire being depended on You, You alone. I love You so much my Lord. Nothing I do is worth anything if You are not in it. If You are not present in each day, then the day doesn't hold anything for me. You are Who makes my life beautiful.
What now, Father? I sense You want me to keep writing, I want to do what You will for me. Only Your will. I will wait on You Lord, to guide me; if it is each night, or when You give me a special word, You lead, I will follow. How awesome it has been to be taught through these messages, to be given visions to share. I am always amazed at the power and purity of You, Lord. So powerful and yet so gentle, loving. Even in power, Your love shows through. All I can think is how holy You are, how very holy. I worship You my Lord. I give You all my worship. I am so blessed to be Your worshiper; so blessed. I love to sing my songs to You, I love to sing my praises to You. I love to be in Your presence, Your sweet presence.
My Lord, Day 365, now the year is done....but I have a deep feeling that You have only just begun to work through me, to pour out Your words through me. I am so excited to see what tomorrow will bring, what the next year will have in store for me in You. This 10th day of November, 2011, ends one year of writing to You, and tomorrow will begin the new year...what will You have for me; what will You have me accomplish in You, for You, for Your Glory.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
UNSHAKABLE GRACE
1 Timothy 1:14 "The grace of the Lord was poured out on me abundantly along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
I remember when the Lord first drew me back to Him, back to savation's redemption, after a number of years of drifting, living a life I am not proud of....but you know, He has used that to His glory also, and He tells me it's forgotten. Thank You, my Lord. But when the Lord drew me back to Him at that time I returned to singing in church. It had been a while, and for years of using my voice to sing for the world, I was once again singing for the Lord. Just about every song I sang was about grace. I was overwhelmed with the grace of my God. I still am. It is the one most amazing gifts I have received from my Lord. I think it is probably one of the three most wonderful gifts from God. The first I believe is love. Without His love, His unconditional love for us, nothing else would have happened. After His love, comes salvation. Salvation came with the beauty of His Son, my Savior, Jesus, who came to die for me. Here began the gift of grace. His grace, His unshakable grace extended to us every time we do anything that is not of Him. Every time we step one way off the path, it is grace, His grace that draws us back. I will never understand this amazing grace, this pure love that flows outward towards me no matter what I do.
When I think about the cross....when I see pictures or videos of the remembrance of the beatings, the scorning, the mocking my Savior was given, it tears at my heart a little more each time. If I see that beautiful face, those gentle eyes and see that crown of thorns upon His head, tears well up in my eyes and my breathing halts as I see what love and grace did for me. My God, how can I ever let You know how very much I love You. My heart is so full, please look there to see how much I love You, how thankful I am that You never gave up on me and that Your grace was extended to me, time and time and time again.
I remember those songs of grace, still so many of my favorite today, "grace, grace, God's grace"; "that grace has been extended to me", and the beautiful "amazing grace, how sweet the sound". Words of songs Lord, that have been life to me. They were Your hand extended as I was finding my way back to You. Songs I could sing to You to tell You how much I loved You, how much I was blessed by the grace You gave me. That unshakable grace, grace that no matter what I do, is still extended to me. Your grace is not dependant on what or who I am, Your beautiful grace is because of Who You are. It has everything to do with You. I thank You Lord. I worship You. You are my God. You are everything to me, my whole life.
One more day is almost done, another day in which I have been given so much love, so much grace. It flows down to me from Your throne, constantly pouring over me like a warm summer rain, refreshing me and restoring me, drawing me to Your side, keeping me in Your will; beautiful love, amazing grace. This 9th day of November, 2011, I am so still before You, my God. So still, so quiet, so amazed, so in awe....of Your unshakable grace, Your unconditional love....for me. My God, I love You so.
I remember when the Lord first drew me back to Him, back to savation's redemption, after a number of years of drifting, living a life I am not proud of....but you know, He has used that to His glory also, and He tells me it's forgotten. Thank You, my Lord. But when the Lord drew me back to Him at that time I returned to singing in church. It had been a while, and for years of using my voice to sing for the world, I was once again singing for the Lord. Just about every song I sang was about grace. I was overwhelmed with the grace of my God. I still am. It is the one most amazing gifts I have received from my Lord. I think it is probably one of the three most wonderful gifts from God. The first I believe is love. Without His love, His unconditional love for us, nothing else would have happened. After His love, comes salvation. Salvation came with the beauty of His Son, my Savior, Jesus, who came to die for me. Here began the gift of grace. His grace, His unshakable grace extended to us every time we do anything that is not of Him. Every time we step one way off the path, it is grace, His grace that draws us back. I will never understand this amazing grace, this pure love that flows outward towards me no matter what I do.
When I think about the cross....when I see pictures or videos of the remembrance of the beatings, the scorning, the mocking my Savior was given, it tears at my heart a little more each time. If I see that beautiful face, those gentle eyes and see that crown of thorns upon His head, tears well up in my eyes and my breathing halts as I see what love and grace did for me. My God, how can I ever let You know how very much I love You. My heart is so full, please look there to see how much I love You, how thankful I am that You never gave up on me and that Your grace was extended to me, time and time and time again.
I remember those songs of grace, still so many of my favorite today, "grace, grace, God's grace"; "that grace has been extended to me", and the beautiful "amazing grace, how sweet the sound". Words of songs Lord, that have been life to me. They were Your hand extended as I was finding my way back to You. Songs I could sing to You to tell You how much I loved You, how much I was blessed by the grace You gave me. That unshakable grace, grace that no matter what I do, is still extended to me. Your grace is not dependant on what or who I am, Your beautiful grace is because of Who You are. It has everything to do with You. I thank You Lord. I worship You. You are my God. You are everything to me, my whole life.
One more day is almost done, another day in which I have been given so much love, so much grace. It flows down to me from Your throne, constantly pouring over me like a warm summer rain, refreshing me and restoring me, drawing me to Your side, keeping me in Your will; beautiful love, amazing grace. This 9th day of November, 2011, I am so still before You, my God. So still, so quiet, so amazed, so in awe....of Your unshakable grace, Your unconditional love....for me. My God, I love You so.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
ALL I CAN ASK
Jude 24-25 "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy..... to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen."
I don't know why things happen. Tragedies, whether weather related, war related, just sin related, I don't know. I have stopped asking why....my God, if I am to trust You completely, I cannot keep asking why things happens as they do. I have to stop wondering why it wasn't stopped, or if those people were meant to die, or to be hurt. I can do this no more. I trust You. I trust You with all my heart. I have to just lean into You; trusting You, and know You are in complete control of my life, of this earth. I certainly do not believe You are causing all things to happen. I believe the choices that man has made through the years is the cause of so much that happens. Wars are a result from greed and a thirst for power. The ones being persecuted are defenders of their homes, their lives. I believe that You look after Your chosen and will protect them. But greed; power, culprits; sinful evil culprits.
As I study the Word, I find so much happened to Your children along their journey as they would disregard everything You did for them, and chose to worship idols instead of the Living God, the Father who gave them all good things. Punishment was given to draw them back to You. I feel that some of what happens today, the things that man initiates, You use to for Your glory and to draw men back to You. In all things, Lord, You are to be glorified. You alone are Holy, You alone are glorious.
But as I have thought about this today, I am so blessed You are in control of my life. I don't have to worry about what is happening, or what will happen, I know You are in control of everything that happens in my life. I must learn to accept the unpleasant, hard things as well as the things that bring me joy. I must realize in all things I am more than a conqueror in You. I must know that what ever comes across my path, as long as I keep myself in Your will, give you my devotion; I love You so much, Lord; give You my will and accept Your will for me; subject myself to serve only You, that no matter what happens, you will turn it around for good for me.
You have told me...draw near to Me....and I will draw near to you. Yahweh Shammah; the Lord is There. You are with me no matter where I am, what is going on, You are there. So I can rest in You, my God, knowing that You will keep me unto You through the rain, the sunshine, whatever this life brings my way, You are more than able, You are so willing, You are there, my Yahweh Shammah.
This 8th day of November, 2011, my Lord God, I worship You with all that is within me, I know You love me, O how You love me. I am my Beloved's and He is mine....how You love me. No matter what happens, my Lord, all I can ask is that You keep me unto You, unto You until that day You come for me. Blessed Savior, beautiful Lord.
I don't know why things happen. Tragedies, whether weather related, war related, just sin related, I don't know. I have stopped asking why....my God, if I am to trust You completely, I cannot keep asking why things happens as they do. I have to stop wondering why it wasn't stopped, or if those people were meant to die, or to be hurt. I can do this no more. I trust You. I trust You with all my heart. I have to just lean into You; trusting You, and know You are in complete control of my life, of this earth. I certainly do not believe You are causing all things to happen. I believe the choices that man has made through the years is the cause of so much that happens. Wars are a result from greed and a thirst for power. The ones being persecuted are defenders of their homes, their lives. I believe that You look after Your chosen and will protect them. But greed; power, culprits; sinful evil culprits.
As I study the Word, I find so much happened to Your children along their journey as they would disregard everything You did for them, and chose to worship idols instead of the Living God, the Father who gave them all good things. Punishment was given to draw them back to You. I feel that some of what happens today, the things that man initiates, You use to for Your glory and to draw men back to You. In all things, Lord, You are to be glorified. You alone are Holy, You alone are glorious.
But as I have thought about this today, I am so blessed You are in control of my life. I don't have to worry about what is happening, or what will happen, I know You are in control of everything that happens in my life. I must learn to accept the unpleasant, hard things as well as the things that bring me joy. I must realize in all things I am more than a conqueror in You. I must know that what ever comes across my path, as long as I keep myself in Your will, give you my devotion; I love You so much, Lord; give You my will and accept Your will for me; subject myself to serve only You, that no matter what happens, you will turn it around for good for me.
You have told me...draw near to Me....and I will draw near to you. Yahweh Shammah; the Lord is There. You are with me no matter where I am, what is going on, You are there. So I can rest in You, my God, knowing that You will keep me unto You through the rain, the sunshine, whatever this life brings my way, You are more than able, You are so willing, You are there, my Yahweh Shammah.
This 8th day of November, 2011, my Lord God, I worship You with all that is within me, I know You love me, O how You love me. I am my Beloved's and He is mine....how You love me. No matter what happens, my Lord, all I can ask is that You keep me unto You, unto You until that day You come for me. Blessed Savior, beautiful Lord.
Monday, November 7, 2011
THE SWEETNESS OF JESUS
Proverbs 13:19a "A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..."
I would have loved to have walked this earth when Jesus was here. To think of this, to have been here with Jesus, it is excitement so hard to contain these thoughts. Thinking of my Lord Jesus, when He was but a child. Can you imagine having a child that was pure joy. That sin could not corrupt; that nothing His friends did, or things He heard would enter His heart or cause Him to be discontent with His life. I can't even imagine what children of this era would have thought; no hi-tech toys to play with, toys that you had to make, or your dad or mom made for you. No McDonalds....you can't imagine that either. But this world has come a long way since our Lord walked the earth.
The only time the Bible talks about Jesus causing His parents any anxiety was when He was twelve and stayed in the temple while His family journeyed home thinking He was with them. When they retraced their steps and several days later found Him still in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions, I believe they reacted the same as we would have finding our child after hours of searching, not days. I imagine they were frantic worrying something had happened to Him. And as Jesus did no wrong, He did not know that He had done wrong, and just explained that He had to be in His Father's house. He knew the importance of being in the Father's house. Learning, inquiring of the Father. This is a desire that the Lord wishes would be in our hearts also. Realizing that His parents were truly anxious over this, I believe Jesus was careful not to cause them undo stress after this while He was growing up as the Word doesn't mention anything like this occurrance again. The Word says Mary treasured all these things in her heart. I feel that when Mary saw her Beloved Son on the cross, all these things from her heart, all the memories, all the sweetness of her Boy, came flashing through her mind. Her sweet little Boy, the love of her life, the miracle from her womb, now leaving her. I wonder if she realized that once again, He was going to His Father's house. This time, to forever be known as the Savior of the World.
Such sweetness in a Boy, such sweetness in a Man, and the most precious sweetness in my Lord. I have such a depth of love for my Savior, when I worship Him, I feel that sweetness penetrating my heart and my soul. I am not sure I have the right words to explain this, except that it is a sweet....I guess it is the Spirit that flows with the sweetness of the Lord. I have smelled the fragrance of His love, I have seen the beauty of His Holiness, and I feel the sweetness. Does that make sense to you? I can feel the sweetness of my Lord. There is no other explanation for it, but feeling. The gentle, soft touch of the Lord exudes such sweetness.
Holy are You, Lord. My God, what can I say that will explain to others the wonder I feel in Your Presence. I am so undone....my heart is overwhelmed with love for You. I will never understand why You have chosen me, I will never cease to be amazed by the love You have for me, or the sacrifice You paid for my sins; I only know that when You drew me to You, finally stopped me in my way and showed Yourself to me as I had never known You before, I could do nothing else but fall deeply in love with You. You fill my thoughts constantly, my life is so joyous because of You. I love You, my Lord, how I love You.
This 7th day of November, 2010, I am lost in the sweetness of my Lord Jesus. My Precious Lord, the sweetness of You, of Your love, of Your touch. I am lost.
I would have loved to have walked this earth when Jesus was here. To think of this, to have been here with Jesus, it is excitement so hard to contain these thoughts. Thinking of my Lord Jesus, when He was but a child. Can you imagine having a child that was pure joy. That sin could not corrupt; that nothing His friends did, or things He heard would enter His heart or cause Him to be discontent with His life. I can't even imagine what children of this era would have thought; no hi-tech toys to play with, toys that you had to make, or your dad or mom made for you. No McDonalds....you can't imagine that either. But this world has come a long way since our Lord walked the earth.
The only time the Bible talks about Jesus causing His parents any anxiety was when He was twelve and stayed in the temple while His family journeyed home thinking He was with them. When they retraced their steps and several days later found Him still in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions, I believe they reacted the same as we would have finding our child after hours of searching, not days. I imagine they were frantic worrying something had happened to Him. And as Jesus did no wrong, He did not know that He had done wrong, and just explained that He had to be in His Father's house. He knew the importance of being in the Father's house. Learning, inquiring of the Father. This is a desire that the Lord wishes would be in our hearts also. Realizing that His parents were truly anxious over this, I believe Jesus was careful not to cause them undo stress after this while He was growing up as the Word doesn't mention anything like this occurrance again. The Word says Mary treasured all these things in her heart. I feel that when Mary saw her Beloved Son on the cross, all these things from her heart, all the memories, all the sweetness of her Boy, came flashing through her mind. Her sweet little Boy, the love of her life, the miracle from her womb, now leaving her. I wonder if she realized that once again, He was going to His Father's house. This time, to forever be known as the Savior of the World.
Such sweetness in a Boy, such sweetness in a Man, and the most precious sweetness in my Lord. I have such a depth of love for my Savior, when I worship Him, I feel that sweetness penetrating my heart and my soul. I am not sure I have the right words to explain this, except that it is a sweet....I guess it is the Spirit that flows with the sweetness of the Lord. I have smelled the fragrance of His love, I have seen the beauty of His Holiness, and I feel the sweetness. Does that make sense to you? I can feel the sweetness of my Lord. There is no other explanation for it, but feeling. The gentle, soft touch of the Lord exudes such sweetness.
Holy are You, Lord. My God, what can I say that will explain to others the wonder I feel in Your Presence. I am so undone....my heart is overwhelmed with love for You. I will never understand why You have chosen me, I will never cease to be amazed by the love You have for me, or the sacrifice You paid for my sins; I only know that when You drew me to You, finally stopped me in my way and showed Yourself to me as I had never known You before, I could do nothing else but fall deeply in love with You. You fill my thoughts constantly, my life is so joyous because of You. I love You, my Lord, how I love You.
This 7th day of November, 2010, I am lost in the sweetness of my Lord Jesus. My Precious Lord, the sweetness of You, of Your love, of Your touch. I am lost.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
TIME TO RECEIVE
1 John 3:21-22 "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him."
What a wonderful service this morning. It is such a blessing to go to services that you know are controled completely by the Holy Spirit. Worship was beautiful, prophetic. Then the pastor actually had them put the pulpit in place, he had a mesage and was going to preach it. He always has a message but when the Holy Spirit is moving, he yields to the Spirit and lets the Lord control our services. He will speak but it will be from the Spirit of God and not what he had brought to the service to preach. So this morning he got up and had us turn to Genesis, to the account of Jacob and the ladder. As he began prefacing what Jacob was to experience, the Holy Spirit took his words and first thing we knew he was speaking about asking, praying and receiving, the emphasis on receiving. And just left the pulpit behind and was once again on the steps of the platform letting the Lord pour out of him what He had for us.
Receive....this truly touched my heart. We ask, but do we always ask in faith. Do we truly believe that when we ask, when we pray, that we will receive the blessing from the Lord. Whether it be healing, financial, restoration; are we believing? Yes, I know you, like myself, we believe. We have faith. But do we continue to ask, do we continue to pray and ask the Lord for the same thing? It is time to open our arms and know that the answer to our prayer is here; it is ready to be received. The Lord is waiting for us to open our hearts to His blessing, to receive in our spirits that for which we asked, to allow our bodies to receive the healing power of the Lord; to let ourselves be open to the blessings that the Lord is sending our way. My heart tells me if I keep asking and asking, at what point am I telling the Lord that I have faith. If I have to keep asking, I feel like I am saying "I am not sure You heard me, or I am not certain that I have prayed and asked enough". I feel strange saying I believe in You, Lord; I believe in Your Word and then keep asking for the same thing. I am going to ask, I am going to ask that His will be done in this situation, and then I am going to thank Him for blessing me with an answer, an answer that reflects His will for my life, His will covering me with love and protection....just as His Word tells me. And then I am going to receive from the Lord. What the Lord gives me in answer to my prayer, I will receive; you see, I know that all things, all things must be according to His Word. His Word tells me that I am blessed, I am loved, I am cherished by God Almighty. I am the head, not the tail; I am blessed, not cursed; I am alive in Christ; the sinful man is dead. I am victorious, I am not a loser but a achiever who has the power and strength of the Lord. I will receive the miracle that I am seeking; I will receive the beautiful peace that I seek; and I will know the presence of my God here on earth.
It is now, it is for this time, that receiving of the Lord is forthcoming. His Word declares that the fields are white for harvest, and we are harvesters; as we harvest for the Lord, the Lord pours out a harvest of blessings on us. His Word does not return void to Him or to us. When we pray His Word, when we share His Word, it returns to us through Him. If we ask in Jesus Name, it is given in Jesus Name. His Word is true, then, now, and forever; true.
I receive from You, my King. I receive the blessings You so desire to give me; I receive healing, I receive my Daily Bread, my substance needed each day; I receive blessings in my work; I receive the beautiful friendships You have sent and are sending my way; I receive the love of my Savior, my God and King; and precious Lord, I receive the most beautiful blessing of all....Your Presence.
This 6th day of November, 2011, I thank You, my Lord. I thank You that You have taught me how to pray, You have proved Yourself faithful to me, building my faith; I believe in You my God; and I thank You Lord that You are teaching me to receive. You are opening me up to the Glory of Your Kingdom, You are drawing me up to You, hands up lifted, waiting, knowing and expecting to receive.
What a wonderful service this morning. It is such a blessing to go to services that you know are controled completely by the Holy Spirit. Worship was beautiful, prophetic. Then the pastor actually had them put the pulpit in place, he had a mesage and was going to preach it. He always has a message but when the Holy Spirit is moving, he yields to the Spirit and lets the Lord control our services. He will speak but it will be from the Spirit of God and not what he had brought to the service to preach. So this morning he got up and had us turn to Genesis, to the account of Jacob and the ladder. As he began prefacing what Jacob was to experience, the Holy Spirit took his words and first thing we knew he was speaking about asking, praying and receiving, the emphasis on receiving. And just left the pulpit behind and was once again on the steps of the platform letting the Lord pour out of him what He had for us.
Receive....this truly touched my heart. We ask, but do we always ask in faith. Do we truly believe that when we ask, when we pray, that we will receive the blessing from the Lord. Whether it be healing, financial, restoration; are we believing? Yes, I know you, like myself, we believe. We have faith. But do we continue to ask, do we continue to pray and ask the Lord for the same thing? It is time to open our arms and know that the answer to our prayer is here; it is ready to be received. The Lord is waiting for us to open our hearts to His blessing, to receive in our spirits that for which we asked, to allow our bodies to receive the healing power of the Lord; to let ourselves be open to the blessings that the Lord is sending our way. My heart tells me if I keep asking and asking, at what point am I telling the Lord that I have faith. If I have to keep asking, I feel like I am saying "I am not sure You heard me, or I am not certain that I have prayed and asked enough". I feel strange saying I believe in You, Lord; I believe in Your Word and then keep asking for the same thing. I am going to ask, I am going to ask that His will be done in this situation, and then I am going to thank Him for blessing me with an answer, an answer that reflects His will for my life, His will covering me with love and protection....just as His Word tells me. And then I am going to receive from the Lord. What the Lord gives me in answer to my prayer, I will receive; you see, I know that all things, all things must be according to His Word. His Word tells me that I am blessed, I am loved, I am cherished by God Almighty. I am the head, not the tail; I am blessed, not cursed; I am alive in Christ; the sinful man is dead. I am victorious, I am not a loser but a achiever who has the power and strength of the Lord. I will receive the miracle that I am seeking; I will receive the beautiful peace that I seek; and I will know the presence of my God here on earth.
It is now, it is for this time, that receiving of the Lord is forthcoming. His Word declares that the fields are white for harvest, and we are harvesters; as we harvest for the Lord, the Lord pours out a harvest of blessings on us. His Word does not return void to Him or to us. When we pray His Word, when we share His Word, it returns to us through Him. If we ask in Jesus Name, it is given in Jesus Name. His Word is true, then, now, and forever; true.
I receive from You, my King. I receive the blessings You so desire to give me; I receive healing, I receive my Daily Bread, my substance needed each day; I receive blessings in my work; I receive the beautiful friendships You have sent and are sending my way; I receive the love of my Savior, my God and King; and precious Lord, I receive the most beautiful blessing of all....Your Presence.
This 6th day of November, 2011, I thank You, my Lord. I thank You that You have taught me how to pray, You have proved Yourself faithful to me, building my faith; I believe in You my God; and I thank You Lord that You are teaching me to receive. You are opening me up to the Glory of Your Kingdom, You are drawing me up to You, hands up lifted, waiting, knowing and expecting to receive.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
SONG OF THE HEART
Revelation 5:9 "And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Dearest Father,
Tonight I write to You. I write to You from my heart. My heart is filled with graditude, thanksgiving to You for the many blessings You have given to me. My God, how You have changed my life. You have given me such hope and excitement for life, this life I have now in You. My heart is so full of love for You, my Lord. Oh, Jesus, how I love You. Just the mention of Your Name brings such joy to me. I never knew before the last sixteen months just how much I would come to love You; just how much I would adore You and desire to spend time in Your Presence. Lord, what a difference my life has become since You truly took over my life.
Remember, Lord, how I use to be....just playing the role, just singing the words, just going through the motions. And now, I sing a new song to You every day. It is the song of my heart; it is the pure love and adoration of a God that has made me feel so special, so precious and loved. I know without a doubt that I am special to You, I am precious in Your sight and I know that You love me beyond any love I can imagine. There is no role playing now, and the words, those words that were just on the page, now jump out from my spirit in love and worship to You. I don't always sing the same words others are singing as the Holy Spirit draws up from me that special, one of a kind, never heard before, song of my heart; the song I sing just for You my God, just to tell You of my love for You, just to praise You from the depths of my being, to worship You in spirit and in truth.
I am just Your child, Father. Just Your child that desires to give You all the glory, all the honor, all the praise for Who You are, my God, my wonderful, beautiful Lord. I tried the other day to see Your face and in that special moment, I saw in my spirit, a face that had unusual features that are not the norm to me. Your hair, I did not see as the glow of light around you was so bright, so beautiful. Your mouth were words flowing out, words of life, words of healing, words of encouragement. Your eyes, all the pictures I have show you with brown eyes, but I could not tell as all I saw when I looked into Your eyes was pure love shining back at me. Just pure love as You looked at me. My God, when I saw Your face, it was not what I thought I would see, Your face was so much more than anything my mind could have thought. Your face was the most beautiful face, the most exquisite picture of beauty that I had ever seen. You are so beautiful my Lord. So beautiful. Your facial features reflect just who You are. All the beauty of my Savior, my King and Master, all the beauty comes from Your heart.
Let me worship You, my Lord, until You bring me to my eternal rest in You. Let me sing praises to Your Holy Name, let me glorify You on this earth. And then one day, when it is time for my reward, if You should tarry, then draw me to You, my God, and just let me sit at Your feet and worship You as my heart so desires. Just as my soul cries out to; just as my spirit longs to sing the new songs of my desire for You. Let me worship You, my King, no matter where I am, always let me worship You.
With the song of my heart, my Lord, I am truly
Your child, Your worshiper.
November 5, 2011
Dearest Father,
Tonight I write to You. I write to You from my heart. My heart is filled with graditude, thanksgiving to You for the many blessings You have given to me. My God, how You have changed my life. You have given me such hope and excitement for life, this life I have now in You. My heart is so full of love for You, my Lord. Oh, Jesus, how I love You. Just the mention of Your Name brings such joy to me. I never knew before the last sixteen months just how much I would come to love You; just how much I would adore You and desire to spend time in Your Presence. Lord, what a difference my life has become since You truly took over my life.
Remember, Lord, how I use to be....just playing the role, just singing the words, just going through the motions. And now, I sing a new song to You every day. It is the song of my heart; it is the pure love and adoration of a God that has made me feel so special, so precious and loved. I know without a doubt that I am special to You, I am precious in Your sight and I know that You love me beyond any love I can imagine. There is no role playing now, and the words, those words that were just on the page, now jump out from my spirit in love and worship to You. I don't always sing the same words others are singing as the Holy Spirit draws up from me that special, one of a kind, never heard before, song of my heart; the song I sing just for You my God, just to tell You of my love for You, just to praise You from the depths of my being, to worship You in spirit and in truth.
I am just Your child, Father. Just Your child that desires to give You all the glory, all the honor, all the praise for Who You are, my God, my wonderful, beautiful Lord. I tried the other day to see Your face and in that special moment, I saw in my spirit, a face that had unusual features that are not the norm to me. Your hair, I did not see as the glow of light around you was so bright, so beautiful. Your mouth were words flowing out, words of life, words of healing, words of encouragement. Your eyes, all the pictures I have show you with brown eyes, but I could not tell as all I saw when I looked into Your eyes was pure love shining back at me. Just pure love as You looked at me. My God, when I saw Your face, it was not what I thought I would see, Your face was so much more than anything my mind could have thought. Your face was the most beautiful face, the most exquisite picture of beauty that I had ever seen. You are so beautiful my Lord. So beautiful. Your facial features reflect just who You are. All the beauty of my Savior, my King and Master, all the beauty comes from Your heart.
Let me worship You, my Lord, until You bring me to my eternal rest in You. Let me sing praises to Your Holy Name, let me glorify You on this earth. And then one day, when it is time for my reward, if You should tarry, then draw me to You, my God, and just let me sit at Your feet and worship You as my heart so desires. Just as my soul cries out to; just as my spirit longs to sing the new songs of my desire for You. Let me worship You, my King, no matter where I am, always let me worship You.
With the song of my heart, my Lord, I am truly
Your child, Your worshiper.
November 5, 2011
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