Psalms 37:4 says:
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart!
This verse is very exciting. But too much of the time we focus only on the second half of this verse. God told me recently to put my focus on delighting myself in Him. He told me not to focus on getting the desires of my heart so much as just finding joy in Him.
The Bible talks about stirring ourselves up in the things of God. We find so many things to be excited about but just knowing the Lord and walking with Him is so much more exciting than anything of this world.
Just hearing the name of Jesus brings me so much joy!
When we delight ourselves in the Lord we can feel like it is Christmas all year long in our hearts!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Word Does Not Return Void
Isaiah 55:10,11
As the rain and the snow come down from Heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me void but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it!
This verse is amazing to me! So often we feel that in order to minister to someone we have to labor and struggle to get them to understand. But this verse says that we can let God's Word do the work! For whenever the Word of God is preached (or heard or read) it will not return void but it will accomplish it's purpose!
As the rain and the snow come down from Heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me void but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it!
This verse is amazing to me! So often we feel that in order to minister to someone we have to labor and struggle to get them to understand. But this verse says that we can let God's Word do the work! For whenever the Word of God is preached (or heard or read) it will not return void but it will accomplish it's purpose!
Isaiah 55: 1,2
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fair. Isaiah 55:1,2
This verse makes me think of all the "things" we struggle and strive for. It makes me think of all the material things that we think we cannot be happy without. This is such a good reminder to me, that it is such a waste to spend my money and energy on things that will not really satisfy. Some material things will bring us joy for a time, but usually it is short lived and then replaced with a desire to get the next thing!
What really satisfies? God! God really satisfies! God fills that emptiness and brings true and lasting joy and contentment.
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! The things we need the most are free to us! Wine is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, I believe milk is symbolic of the true food we need, the Word of God!
Come friends let us feast on the Holy Spirit and the Word! Let us place our priorities on things that truly satisfy!
This verse makes me think of all the "things" we struggle and strive for. It makes me think of all the material things that we think we cannot be happy without. This is such a good reminder to me, that it is such a waste to spend my money and energy on things that will not really satisfy. Some material things will bring us joy for a time, but usually it is short lived and then replaced with a desire to get the next thing!
What really satisfies? God! God really satisfies! God fills that emptiness and brings true and lasting joy and contentment.
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! The things we need the most are free to us! Wine is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, I believe milk is symbolic of the true food we need, the Word of God!
Come friends let us feast on the Holy Spirit and the Word! Let us place our priorities on things that truly satisfy!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Endure
The Bible says that for the JOY set before Him Jesus endured the cross! I was thinking about that scripture this morning and just heard in my heart, "Can you endure the cross that is set before you in order to obtain the joy that is also set before you?"
We all have different crosses to bear, but we all have one in common, "the flesh". We all have to crucify our flesh daily because it is an enemy of our spirit and of the Holy Spirit! Our flesh will always complain and try to stop us from pursuing the things of God.
Can you endure the cross that is set before you in order to obtain the joy? The joy of reward in not only the life to come, but in this life as well? Jesus promises reward here on earth and also our eternal reward.
If it was just the eternal reward alone it would be worth it!!!!!
I want to say that if anyone reading this wants a scripture reference and I haven't given one just ask. You can leave a comment in the comment section or contact me some other way!
Thought for the day - Keep your eyes on the Joy set before you!
We all have different crosses to bear, but we all have one in common, "the flesh". We all have to crucify our flesh daily because it is an enemy of our spirit and of the Holy Spirit! Our flesh will always complain and try to stop us from pursuing the things of God.
Can you endure the cross that is set before you in order to obtain the joy? The joy of reward in not only the life to come, but in this life as well? Jesus promises reward here on earth and also our eternal reward.
If it was just the eternal reward alone it would be worth it!!!!!
I want to say that if anyone reading this wants a scripture reference and I haven't given one just ask. You can leave a comment in the comment section or contact me some other way!
Thought for the day - Keep your eyes on the Joy set before you!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Revelation!!!
The last couple weeks have been AMAZING for me! Why, you ask? Well, I got a revelation! Now, I want all of YOU to get a revelation too!
What was my revelation, you ask?
I AM the righteousness of Christ! I am worthy! Worthy means, full of worth! I am valuable to Jesus. I can always approach the throne of God with no hesitation because "There is therefore, NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!!!!"
Well, you might say, haven't you known that for years now? I mean you've been a Christian for years. It's kind of hard to explain but I'll try. Yes, I have known this for years. But it's almost as if I haven't been able to truly receive. I mean, it's been preached to me and preached to me. But for some reason, I have always, deep inside, felt unworthy. Sometimes I would feel that I couldn't worship because I would be worrying about my failures. Sometimes I would feel that I couldn't pray because I haven't been perfect the last 24 hours. I've sinned, I've made some pretty big mistakes. Somewhere deep inside, where I didn't know it, I felt shame, I always felt "less". Does that make sense? I didn't do it consciously but it was always there.
Listen to me friends, THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!!! He will always try to make us feel ashamed and make us feel unworthy.
OK so, how did I get this revelation? Well, to start out with, I prayed and prayed and prayed for it. Then God showed me something. Even though this has been preached to me for years, I needed to get into the Word of God and get this revelation for myself. To me, it means so much more to be reading the Bible and get understanding for yourself because this is something that no one can ever take away from you. You cannot be shaken if your foundation is built on the revelation of the Word of God! Especially those revelations that you have gotten yourself! You will be like a tree planted by the waters, unable to be moved!
I really really love the Amplified Bible. In my opinion it brings out the truest meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew text. It does take longer to read but it is worth it!
So I started reading Romans in the Amplified Bible and low and behold I discovered that God has given me his righteousness as a gift. If I have accepted Him as my Saviour and asked for forgiveness of sin then I am righteous. God just loves me so much that He wants to be with me 24 hours a day, so He made me clean and righteous for His good pleasure! So He can be with me now, all day every day and so He can be with me for all of eternity! Praise God!
Here is an example of a portion of text from the Amplified Bible:
Romans 3:23-25
Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives: All are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith.
This chapter is so good I encourage you to read it all. Read the whole book of Romans in the Amplified if you can. It is so good to read it again and again and just let the revelation soak in.
So the good news is, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are acceptable to Him. You are not acceptable one minute and then unacceptable the next. You are always acceptable, always welcome in His courts. You are so full of worth. If you don't think so, then take a look at the picture of Jesus on the cross. If you would have been the only person alive on earth, Jesus still would have died for you! Do you know how Jesus endured the cross? By keeping His eyes on the joy set before Him. What is the joy set before Him? Eternity with YOU!
Give God some praise!!!
What was my revelation, you ask?
I AM the righteousness of Christ! I am worthy! Worthy means, full of worth! I am valuable to Jesus. I can always approach the throne of God with no hesitation because "There is therefore, NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus!!!!"
Well, you might say, haven't you known that for years now? I mean you've been a Christian for years. It's kind of hard to explain but I'll try. Yes, I have known this for years. But it's almost as if I haven't been able to truly receive. I mean, it's been preached to me and preached to me. But for some reason, I have always, deep inside, felt unworthy. Sometimes I would feel that I couldn't worship because I would be worrying about my failures. Sometimes I would feel that I couldn't pray because I haven't been perfect the last 24 hours. I've sinned, I've made some pretty big mistakes. Somewhere deep inside, where I didn't know it, I felt shame, I always felt "less". Does that make sense? I didn't do it consciously but it was always there.
Listen to me friends, THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!!! He will always try to make us feel ashamed and make us feel unworthy.
OK so, how did I get this revelation? Well, to start out with, I prayed and prayed and prayed for it. Then God showed me something. Even though this has been preached to me for years, I needed to get into the Word of God and get this revelation for myself. To me, it means so much more to be reading the Bible and get understanding for yourself because this is something that no one can ever take away from you. You cannot be shaken if your foundation is built on the revelation of the Word of God! Especially those revelations that you have gotten yourself! You will be like a tree planted by the waters, unable to be moved!
I really really love the Amplified Bible. In my opinion it brings out the truest meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew text. It does take longer to read but it is worth it!
So I started reading Romans in the Amplified Bible and low and behold I discovered that God has given me his righteousness as a gift. If I have accepted Him as my Saviour and asked for forgiveness of sin then I am righteous. God just loves me so much that He wants to be with me 24 hours a day, so He made me clean and righteous for His good pleasure! So He can be with me now, all day every day and so He can be with me for all of eternity! Praise God!
Here is an example of a portion of text from the Amplified Bible:
Romans 3:23-25
Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives: All are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith.
This chapter is so good I encourage you to read it all. Read the whole book of Romans in the Amplified if you can. It is so good to read it again and again and just let the revelation soak in.
So the good news is, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are acceptable to Him. You are not acceptable one minute and then unacceptable the next. You are always acceptable, always welcome in His courts. You are so full of worth. If you don't think so, then take a look at the picture of Jesus on the cross. If you would have been the only person alive on earth, Jesus still would have died for you! Do you know how Jesus endured the cross? By keeping His eyes on the joy set before Him. What is the joy set before Him? Eternity with YOU!
Give God some praise!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Unconditional Love
God gave me this commission two weeks ago and He wanted me to share it with you, (that is anyone who is willing to read this).
You see, God loves each of us unconditionally. While we were still SINNERS, Christ died for us. It can be hard to love unlovable people. People who are mean, rude, uncaring, don't attract our affections. But God loved us, while we were this way, enough that He was willing to die for us so that He could be with us for all of eternity.
God, told me that Sunday a couple of weeks ago, that He wants me to begin to practice this kind of love toward all the people in my life. First my spouse and children. Then my extended family, friends, and acquaintances. And last strangers that I will run across. Unconditional love. What does that mean exactly? To me, the purest definition is love with no strings attached. It means I choose to love you no matter how you act toward me. You may disappoint me, irritate me, or completely fail me and I will still love you. It means actively loving by serving you, praying for you, being compassionate and kind toward you, and by always giving you the benefit of the doubt.
So with the Grace of God and to the best of my ability in Him, I pledge to love those in my life unconditionally. I hope you will too.
Lastly I want to share an excerpt from the devotional book I like called God Calling.
This is God directly talking to us.
"Never judge. The heart of man is so delicate, so complex, only its Maker can know it. Each heart is so different, actuated by different motives, controlled by different circumstances, influenced by different sufferings.
How can one judge of another? Leave it to Me the unravelling of the puzzles of life. Leave to Me the teaching of understanding. Bring each heart to Me, its Maker, and leave it with Me. Secure in the certainty that all that is wrong I can set right."
Isn't that profound? I love it! I choose to love unconditionally! Will I ever mess up? Yes! And I hope you will still love me unconditionally...
You see, God loves each of us unconditionally. While we were still SINNERS, Christ died for us. It can be hard to love unlovable people. People who are mean, rude, uncaring, don't attract our affections. But God loved us, while we were this way, enough that He was willing to die for us so that He could be with us for all of eternity.
God, told me that Sunday a couple of weeks ago, that He wants me to begin to practice this kind of love toward all the people in my life. First my spouse and children. Then my extended family, friends, and acquaintances. And last strangers that I will run across. Unconditional love. What does that mean exactly? To me, the purest definition is love with no strings attached. It means I choose to love you no matter how you act toward me. You may disappoint me, irritate me, or completely fail me and I will still love you. It means actively loving by serving you, praying for you, being compassionate and kind toward you, and by always giving you the benefit of the doubt.
So with the Grace of God and to the best of my ability in Him, I pledge to love those in my life unconditionally. I hope you will too.
Lastly I want to share an excerpt from the devotional book I like called God Calling.
This is God directly talking to us.
"Never judge. The heart of man is so delicate, so complex, only its Maker can know it. Each heart is so different, actuated by different motives, controlled by different circumstances, influenced by different sufferings.
How can one judge of another? Leave it to Me the unravelling of the puzzles of life. Leave to Me the teaching of understanding. Bring each heart to Me, its Maker, and leave it with Me. Secure in the certainty that all that is wrong I can set right."
Isn't that profound? I love it! I choose to love unconditionally! Will I ever mess up? Yes! And I hope you will still love me unconditionally...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Stellan
Today, I am thinking of baby Stellan and his family. Stellan is a 5 month old baby who is going into a very risky heart surgery right now, even as I type. His is an amazing story of God's grace. If you want to check out his story here is the website http://mycharmingkids.blogspot.com/
Wow, I just can only imagine how is parents are feeling right now. His parents were told that he would die in the womb! But he was born seemingly very healthy. Lately his heart problems have come back and his case has been practically untreatable. So the doctors decided to do a heart ablation. It is something they normally don't do on babies. But it has come to the last resort.
So a few minutes ago a young mother had to say goodbye to her beautiful son, knowing full well the risks of the operation. She had to say goodbye totally trusting God and putting Stellan's life in God's hands. What a great place to put it though.
She says she is totally at peace. God's supernatural peace is surrounding her at this moment.
All we have to do is ask and the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank you God! Thank you that you are always there when we call. Thank you that you are a simple acknowledgement away, always forgiving when we ask, always loving unconditionally. Be with this family today God and show yourself strong on their behalf.
Wow, I just can only imagine how is parents are feeling right now. His parents were told that he would die in the womb! But he was born seemingly very healthy. Lately his heart problems have come back and his case has been practically untreatable. So the doctors decided to do a heart ablation. It is something they normally don't do on babies. But it has come to the last resort.
So a few minutes ago a young mother had to say goodbye to her beautiful son, knowing full well the risks of the operation. She had to say goodbye totally trusting God and putting Stellan's life in God's hands. What a great place to put it though.
She says she is totally at peace. God's supernatural peace is surrounding her at this moment.
All we have to do is ask and the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank you God! Thank you that you are always there when we call. Thank you that you are a simple acknowledgement away, always forgiving when we ask, always loving unconditionally. Be with this family today God and show yourself strong on their behalf.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Truth
Real truth is based on the Word of God. The Word of God is the standard we look to when determining what is true and what is not. Who or What has the final say in your life? Oprah? Channel 5 news? Your emotions?
We cannot even trust our emotions to tell us the truth! We cannot trust our bodies to tell us the truth. Our bodies might be screaming, "I'm sick!!!" But the Word of God says, "By His stripes we WERE healed!" I know, it's hard to make sense of that sometimes. But by meditating on the Word, we can get a revelation, and all of the sudden "know" the truth. "By Golly, if God says I am healed then I AM healed!" For God is not a man that He should lie!
T.V. and newspapers constantly blare doom and gloom and scary things. This is when we have to focus on the truth, the Word of God and the thousands of promises for us that are in it!
Philippians 4:8
Whatever is noble, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
We cannot even trust our emotions to tell us the truth! We cannot trust our bodies to tell us the truth. Our bodies might be screaming, "I'm sick!!!" But the Word of God says, "By His stripes we WERE healed!" I know, it's hard to make sense of that sometimes. But by meditating on the Word, we can get a revelation, and all of the sudden "know" the truth. "By Golly, if God says I am healed then I AM healed!" For God is not a man that He should lie!
T.V. and newspapers constantly blare doom and gloom and scary things. This is when we have to focus on the truth, the Word of God and the thousands of promises for us that are in it!
Philippians 4:8
Whatever is noble, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Without This I am Nothing
1 Corinthians 13 says:
If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, I am nothing.
Wow. This verse really hit me anew when I read it this time.
I have been praying and asking God for a lot of things. I have been earnestly seeking after a lot of things lately. I have asked God for more faith. I have asked him for health. I have asked him for finances.
I asked God to lead me in my Bible reading last night and this verse is where He led me.
Basically, He was saying to me, You can have all these things, Kristi, but without love YOU ARE NOTHING.
The first step for each of us is to receive God's love for us. How many times have we heard, "God loves you"? I think it kind of just bounces off of us we've heard it so many times. But how many of us really know that God loves us and accepts us? We have to receive His love, and then we will be able to truly love Him back. And then our lives will be about love. God is love. Our lives will be about loving God and others. Our lives will be about God.
This is the thing we must seek first. And then the rest will come.
If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, I am nothing.
Wow. This verse really hit me anew when I read it this time.
I have been praying and asking God for a lot of things. I have been earnestly seeking after a lot of things lately. I have asked God for more faith. I have asked him for health. I have asked him for finances.
I asked God to lead me in my Bible reading last night and this verse is where He led me.
Basically, He was saying to me, You can have all these things, Kristi, but without love YOU ARE NOTHING.
The first step for each of us is to receive God's love for us. How many times have we heard, "God loves you"? I think it kind of just bounces off of us we've heard it so many times. But how many of us really know that God loves us and accepts us? We have to receive His love, and then we will be able to truly love Him back. And then our lives will be about love. God is love. Our lives will be about loving God and others. Our lives will be about God.
This is the thing we must seek first. And then the rest will come.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fix Your Eyes of Jesus
Thanks to my sister, Joni, for leading me to this verse today.
Life has been stressful lately. Too many times, I look away from Jesus, who is my peace, and set my eyes on my circumstances.
God has shown me time and again that the only way to keep my peace is to keep my eyes fixed steadily on Him.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hallelujah! What a terrific verse. It's all about perspective friends! What perspective are you looking at life from? Are you looking through the perspective of fear, doubt, worry, and stress? Then you have your eyes on your circumstances! We all do that at times. We have to train ourselves to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith!
Life has been stressful lately. Too many times, I look away from Jesus, who is my peace, and set my eyes on my circumstances.
God has shown me time and again that the only way to keep my peace is to keep my eyes fixed steadily on Him.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hallelujah! What a terrific verse. It's all about perspective friends! What perspective are you looking at life from? Are you looking through the perspective of fear, doubt, worry, and stress? Then you have your eyes on your circumstances! We all do that at times. We have to train ourselves to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Psalm 91
When I moved to Austin with my husband and children, I felt like I was loosing everything that ever made my world solid. I had to leave my family, my church, my friends, and my new house. I had to give it all up and venture into a world unknown. It was terrifying, to say the least.
I spent my days before the move mostly crying.
When we were driving down there, God spoke to me in my spirit through a Bible verse. I clung to that verse like a drowning man would cling to a hand held out to him. It was God holding His hand out to me, saying, "Hang on daughter, just hang on to me."
The verse was Psalms 91:1 -
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I would say that verse over and over. I remember it the most when I was in my car. My kids would say, "Mom, why do you keep saying that verse?" But it was my safe place. God became my safe hiding place. Our stay in Austin accomplished a lot. I was able to do some growing up, learn that I could survive without my family. Danny got his culinary degree. We made a lot of great friends and so did our kids. But most of all I learned that God was my safe hiding place! I learned to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. It's the best place on earth.
Whenever I start to fear I know that I have left my safe place and must run home. I have to find my way home in order to survive.
I went on to memorize most of Psalm 91. ( Unfortunately I have forgotten a lot of it) The whole chapter is amazing! I would encourage you to read it. Even every day if possible. You will find jewels of great worth in that chapter.
Let God be your safe hiding place! Seek to dwell in the secret place of the Most High God. Do what ever it takes to get there. Sell all you have and buy the field of great worth.
I spent my days before the move mostly crying.
When we were driving down there, God spoke to me in my spirit through a Bible verse. I clung to that verse like a drowning man would cling to a hand held out to him. It was God holding His hand out to me, saying, "Hang on daughter, just hang on to me."
The verse was Psalms 91:1 -
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I would say that verse over and over. I remember it the most when I was in my car. My kids would say, "Mom, why do you keep saying that verse?" But it was my safe place. God became my safe hiding place. Our stay in Austin accomplished a lot. I was able to do some growing up, learn that I could survive without my family. Danny got his culinary degree. We made a lot of great friends and so did our kids. But most of all I learned that God was my safe hiding place! I learned to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. It's the best place on earth.
Whenever I start to fear I know that I have left my safe place and must run home. I have to find my way home in order to survive.
I went on to memorize most of Psalm 91. ( Unfortunately I have forgotten a lot of it) The whole chapter is amazing! I would encourage you to read it. Even every day if possible. You will find jewels of great worth in that chapter.
Let God be your safe hiding place! Seek to dwell in the secret place of the Most High God. Do what ever it takes to get there. Sell all you have and buy the field of great worth.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Waiting
There is a Godly kind of waiting that the Bible speaks of.
Psalm 27:14 says:
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Isiah 40:31 says:
Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
When most of us think of waiting, we think of sitting around twiddling our thumbs or something like that. That is not the kind of waiting that God is talking about. I've been listening to John Waller's song, "While I'm Waiting". It is the most amazing song. I highly recommend it! If you can, go listen to it. You can get on utube and type in John Waller and some choices will come up.
This song talks about the Godly kind of waiting, it says, "I will worship will I'm waiting, I will serve you while I'm waiting." It talks about being patient and taking every step in obedience.
You see, God's promises are true and when you pray God's will then He will work in your life. It may not always turn out the way you want it to but He will always work for your good. One thing I have noticed about God is that there is almost always a waiting period. When we pray for healing, for finances, or a loved ones salvation usually God is going to give us some directions, some steps to take and we are going to have to be obedient. And then we are going to have to wait. Sometimes we wait a short time and sometimes until it almost seems too late. But God is never too late, He is always right on time.
So how long do we wait before we give up? God says, "As long as it takes, my child, as long as it takes."
So serve Him while your waiting! Worship while your waiting!
Psalm 27:14 says:
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Isiah 40:31 says:
Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
When most of us think of waiting, we think of sitting around twiddling our thumbs or something like that. That is not the kind of waiting that God is talking about. I've been listening to John Waller's song, "While I'm Waiting". It is the most amazing song. I highly recommend it! If you can, go listen to it. You can get on utube and type in John Waller and some choices will come up.
This song talks about the Godly kind of waiting, it says, "I will worship will I'm waiting, I will serve you while I'm waiting." It talks about being patient and taking every step in obedience.
You see, God's promises are true and when you pray God's will then He will work in your life. It may not always turn out the way you want it to but He will always work for your good. One thing I have noticed about God is that there is almost always a waiting period. When we pray for healing, for finances, or a loved ones salvation usually God is going to give us some directions, some steps to take and we are going to have to be obedient. And then we are going to have to wait. Sometimes we wait a short time and sometimes until it almost seems too late. But God is never too late, He is always right on time.
So how long do we wait before we give up? God says, "As long as it takes, my child, as long as it takes."
So serve Him while your waiting! Worship while your waiting!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Without this.... you cannot please God.
What is the one thing that pleases God the most? What does he seek after?
Hebrews 11:6 says:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those whose earnestly seek Him.
So what is faith? Faith is just believing God. I can feel His longing right now to find someone who will just believe Him. Someone, is there is anyone? Anyone who will dare believe without seeing? Anyone who will open His Word and believe everything it says?
Have you heard the saying, "Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing." This is so true with our God. First comes the believing, then comes the tangible evidence. And the correlation grows to the more we believe Him the more we will see Him.
Isn't it amazing how God chose to work this? But one thing I can promise you, if you believe Him, and grow in Him, He will reveal Himself to you. Right now God is so real to me that there is no one on earth that could convince me that He doesn't exist.
To know what an orange tastes like, you first have to peel it, and bite into it, right? Same concept with God.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good."
A second thought for the day:
God is wanting you to come away with Him today. Just find a few minutes and a quiet place and be with Him. He is longing for you. Just go there and by "faith" know that He is with you. It doesn't matter what you do there. You can talk to Him or praise Him or just sit and breath in His presence, He just wants you to be with Him.
Hebrews 11:6 says:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those whose earnestly seek Him.
So what is faith? Faith is just believing God. I can feel His longing right now to find someone who will just believe Him. Someone, is there is anyone? Anyone who will dare believe without seeing? Anyone who will open His Word and believe everything it says?
Have you heard the saying, "Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing." This is so true with our God. First comes the believing, then comes the tangible evidence. And the correlation grows to the more we believe Him the more we will see Him.
Isn't it amazing how God chose to work this? But one thing I can promise you, if you believe Him, and grow in Him, He will reveal Himself to you. Right now God is so real to me that there is no one on earth that could convince me that He doesn't exist.
To know what an orange tastes like, you first have to peel it, and bite into it, right? Same concept with God.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good."
A second thought for the day:
God is wanting you to come away with Him today. Just find a few minutes and a quiet place and be with Him. He is longing for you. Just go there and by "faith" know that He is with you. It doesn't matter what you do there. You can talk to Him or praise Him or just sit and breath in His presence, He just wants you to be with Him.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Do You Keep God in a Little Box?
It really makes me sad when I hear people saying how they just don't believe something that is in the Word of God. There are many things of God that may seem strange to our natural minds, but is it up to us to say what is truth and what is not? The one and only true source of all truth is God and His Word. Nothing can be lifted higher. Certainly not the opinions of man. Oh how we limit God. Sometimes we choose to put Him in a little box of only what our minds can handle. How sad, oh how very sad. It just breaks my heart how much we miss when we choose not to believe. I encourage you today to get brave. Seek truth at all costs. Say to God, "Whatever you have for me, I want it! Don't hold anything back! Please God reveal the truth to me about everything that I've been blinded to!" I've been doing this for years and it is amazing how much God has opened my eyes to!
Friends, we serve a great BIG God with endless exciting characteristics! With endless adventures and joy and power! Our God is able to do anything!
I love this verse in 2 Timothy 4:3,4
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
This makes me think of so many people who decide what they want to believe and then find teachings to back that up! How sad, what a waste! Think about this, what good is believing something or learning about something that is not the truth???
True wisdom seeks truth. The truth is the Word of God.
Proverbs 2:1-12
My son if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse...
I challenge you today to seek truth with all your heart. Seek the Word of God for truth. Seek it constantly, make it your goal in life. Read the Word, meditate on it, learn it, Go for it!
Friends, we serve a great BIG God with endless exciting characteristics! With endless adventures and joy and power! Our God is able to do anything!
I love this verse in 2 Timothy 4:3,4
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
This makes me think of so many people who decide what they want to believe and then find teachings to back that up! How sad, what a waste! Think about this, what good is believing something or learning about something that is not the truth???
True wisdom seeks truth. The truth is the Word of God.
Proverbs 2:1-12
My son if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse...
I challenge you today to seek truth with all your heart. Seek the Word of God for truth. Seek it constantly, make it your goal in life. Read the Word, meditate on it, learn it, Go for it!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Prayer
Our church is doing a class for new believer's called, "Christian Concepts." Actually many of us are going through it even though we aren't all "new" Christians. It is packed full of really great information.
On Wednesday night the lesson was on prayer. It was basically just a lesson to get you started on praying. I think it is great for everyone to hear so I am going to share it with you.
The first point is that it is good to set aside a certain time each day when you will not be interrupted. Set aside at least 15 minutes at first. Once you get in the habit of this your prayer time is very likely to grow.
There are five basic points for a good prayer time. You can do this on one hand, remembering each thing with one of your fingers if you want.
#1. Worship - Worship can be so many things but basically it is taking time to tell God how great and awesome He is. You can use some of His many names while worshiping Him.
For example, "Father, I worship you, I bless your Holy Name. Thank you for being my comforter, my healer, my Redeemer, etc." You can sing to Him or just tell Him in your own words how much He means to you.
#2. Actually, I almost always do this step first. It's repentance. Repentance actually means "turning away from". During this step you ask God to forgive you of all your sins. If any particular ones come to mind ask for forgiveness for those. Then ask God to help you to stop doing this particular sin and make up your mind to do your best to turn from it. By the way, it is nearly impossible to stop committing a particular sin without the help of God! So ask for help.
#3. Pray for your leaders. This means your president, governors, congressmen, judges, leaders in the schools, etc. It also means your pastor.
#4. Pray for your friends and family.
#5. Pray for yourself.
Then take the time to read at least one chapter of your Bible. Hopefully as you grow in this you will be spending more and more time in prayer and more time in the Word of God.
Some other thoughts on prayer are:
1. Pray the Word of God back to Him. As you learn His promises repeat them back to Him in prayer! The Bible says that God's Word does not return void. When it is spoken out, power goes forth. These are some of the most powerful prayers!
2. It is good and important to set aside a special time to pray each day but don't limit your prayers to this time period. Have a mind set of prayer all day. Constantly thanking Him, asking Him for help, worshipping Him, or praying for a need that you see before you.
3. It is good to keep a notebook with you during prayer time to jot down those things that you remember you have to get done that day. That way you can write it down and get back to focusing on God.
Satan will try to get you distracted in any way he can!
Ok, go for it!
On Wednesday night the lesson was on prayer. It was basically just a lesson to get you started on praying. I think it is great for everyone to hear so I am going to share it with you.
The first point is that it is good to set aside a certain time each day when you will not be interrupted. Set aside at least 15 minutes at first. Once you get in the habit of this your prayer time is very likely to grow.
There are five basic points for a good prayer time. You can do this on one hand, remembering each thing with one of your fingers if you want.
#1. Worship - Worship can be so many things but basically it is taking time to tell God how great and awesome He is. You can use some of His many names while worshiping Him.
For example, "Father, I worship you, I bless your Holy Name. Thank you for being my comforter, my healer, my Redeemer, etc." You can sing to Him or just tell Him in your own words how much He means to you.
#2. Actually, I almost always do this step first. It's repentance. Repentance actually means "turning away from". During this step you ask God to forgive you of all your sins. If any particular ones come to mind ask for forgiveness for those. Then ask God to help you to stop doing this particular sin and make up your mind to do your best to turn from it. By the way, it is nearly impossible to stop committing a particular sin without the help of God! So ask for help.
#3. Pray for your leaders. This means your president, governors, congressmen, judges, leaders in the schools, etc. It also means your pastor.
#4. Pray for your friends and family.
#5. Pray for yourself.
Then take the time to read at least one chapter of your Bible. Hopefully as you grow in this you will be spending more and more time in prayer and more time in the Word of God.
Some other thoughts on prayer are:
1. Pray the Word of God back to Him. As you learn His promises repeat them back to Him in prayer! The Bible says that God's Word does not return void. When it is spoken out, power goes forth. These are some of the most powerful prayers!
2. It is good and important to set aside a special time to pray each day but don't limit your prayers to this time period. Have a mind set of prayer all day. Constantly thanking Him, asking Him for help, worshipping Him, or praying for a need that you see before you.
3. It is good to keep a notebook with you during prayer time to jot down those things that you remember you have to get done that day. That way you can write it down and get back to focusing on God.
Satan will try to get you distracted in any way he can!
Ok, go for it!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Two World views: Whom will you serve?
1 Corinthians 18-26:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to them who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
There are basically two world views. There is the worldly view and the Biblical view. Very few people truly look at life through God's eyes.
The worldly view says, "look out for yourself, get all you can get, get as much education as you can, get as much wealth as you can, you are only important if you have lots of education and lots of money, do what makes you happy at all costs".
The Biblical world view says, "Follow after God with all your heart, give Him your life, seek in all things to do His will, give your life away to to others, spend your time learning of Him then all things will fall into place".
In the worldly view, education is a god. But isn't it funny that God says the wisdom of this world is foolishness to Him?
Yes education is important to a point. For example, if God has called someone to be a doctor then they need to get the education that is appropriate for being a doctor, if God has called someone to be a missionary then the education they need would be different. What I am saying is each of us should follow God's plan for our lives and not let the world dictate our lives.
God's way is higher. The Biblical world view is the "true" world view. God created the world and everything in it. He is the King of science and mathematics! He created English and the other languages.
We need to examine our thinking! Is all our information coming from the world and the worldly perspective? If so then it is time to put on the mind of Christ! How do we do that? Through His word! We need to spend more time filling our minds with His word (the truth) than we do filling our minds with the world's word! What are you filling your mind with today? Do you spend hours watching t.v. and reading worldly books and only minutes reading your Bible? Ouch, I know! But what we put in is what we will get out! I challenge you to examine your thinking today, and make it a priority to fill your mind with truth.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to them who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
There are basically two world views. There is the worldly view and the Biblical view. Very few people truly look at life through God's eyes.
The worldly view says, "look out for yourself, get all you can get, get as much education as you can, get as much wealth as you can, you are only important if you have lots of education and lots of money, do what makes you happy at all costs".
The Biblical world view says, "Follow after God with all your heart, give Him your life, seek in all things to do His will, give your life away to to others, spend your time learning of Him then all things will fall into place".
In the worldly view, education is a god. But isn't it funny that God says the wisdom of this world is foolishness to Him?
Yes education is important to a point. For example, if God has called someone to be a doctor then they need to get the education that is appropriate for being a doctor, if God has called someone to be a missionary then the education they need would be different. What I am saying is each of us should follow God's plan for our lives and not let the world dictate our lives.
God's way is higher. The Biblical world view is the "true" world view. God created the world and everything in it. He is the King of science and mathematics! He created English and the other languages.
We need to examine our thinking! Is all our information coming from the world and the worldly perspective? If so then it is time to put on the mind of Christ! How do we do that? Through His word! We need to spend more time filling our minds with His word (the truth) than we do filling our minds with the world's word! What are you filling your mind with today? Do you spend hours watching t.v. and reading worldly books and only minutes reading your Bible? Ouch, I know! But what we put in is what we will get out! I challenge you to examine your thinking today, and make it a priority to fill your mind with truth.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Lean Not on Your Own Understanding
Proverbs 3:5-7 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
I love this verse because it encourages us to "lean not on our own understanding." It means that we can't always figure everything out but if we trust in God and acknowledge Him in everything then He will direct our footsteps and everything will work out!
Is there something going on in your life that you just don't understand? Well, God is giving you permission to NOT try and figure or reason it out. Just acknowledge Him and let Him take care of it. You may understand clearly later or you may never understand this side of Heaven. But one thing you can be sure of is that God is Good and He is Faithful and He loves you and is working all things together for your good! I love what Joyce Meyer says, "You may not know but it is good enough that you know the One who does know."
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
I love this verse because it encourages us to "lean not on our own understanding." It means that we can't always figure everything out but if we trust in God and acknowledge Him in everything then He will direct our footsteps and everything will work out!
Is there something going on in your life that you just don't understand? Well, God is giving you permission to NOT try and figure or reason it out. Just acknowledge Him and let Him take care of it. You may understand clearly later or you may never understand this side of Heaven. But one thing you can be sure of is that God is Good and He is Faithful and He loves you and is working all things together for your good! I love what Joyce Meyer says, "You may not know but it is good enough that you know the One who does know."
Friday, January 9, 2009
God's Favor
Just a little bit to chew on today.
"One moment of God's favor is worth a lifetime of your labor."
Evangelist Mike Brown says this a lot. God really gave me revelation about this statement. I have this statement written and posted all around my house!
Just think about it, what may take us a lifetime of work to accomplish God can do in a moment!
We so often say that we just don't have time for God. But if we take the time for God, then with his anointing, everything we do can be accomplished much easier and faster than without His anointing.
God can give us one idea that could make millions. He can give us organizational strategies that make house cleaning easier and faster. Etc. etc Do you see what I am saying?
Meditate on this today. Let it become a revelation for you! Think about what you have been struggling with, couldn't God's anointing bring it all together in one moment?
"One moment of God's favor is worth a lifetime of your labor."
Evangelist Mike Brown says this a lot. God really gave me revelation about this statement. I have this statement written and posted all around my house!
Just think about it, what may take us a lifetime of work to accomplish God can do in a moment!
We so often say that we just don't have time for God. But if we take the time for God, then with his anointing, everything we do can be accomplished much easier and faster than without His anointing.
God can give us one idea that could make millions. He can give us organizational strategies that make house cleaning easier and faster. Etc. etc Do you see what I am saying?
Meditate on this today. Let it become a revelation for you! Think about what you have been struggling with, couldn't God's anointing bring it all together in one moment?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Forgiveness
Mark 11:26 says:
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Did you know that verse was in your Bible? If we don't forgive others then God will not forgive us! Wow! That's serious.
God wanted me to write to you today about the importance of forgiveness. It's not always easy to forgive but it is essential. Forgiveness doesn't start with a feeling, it starts with a choice. We choose to forgive, then we choose to give our negative emotions to God. When I forgive someone I say, "Person, I choose to forgive you. You no longer owe me anything." Then I pray to God and tell Him exactly how I feel. I ask Him to take the bitterness and anger and turn it into love. The Word says that God will give us beauty for ashes. So I ask Him to make beauty for my ashes.
Then if the negative feelings come up again I just remind myself that I have already forgiven them.
Another really good and Biblical thing to do is to pray for them and then do something to bless them if possible. This can be really hard to do! But it is amazing how it helps.
So let's walk in forgiveness today! If someone offends us or does us wrong let's immediately begin the process of forgiving them. Also, ask God to bring to your mind anyone that you need to forgive and go through this process with each one.
You can do it!
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Did you know that verse was in your Bible? If we don't forgive others then God will not forgive us! Wow! That's serious.
God wanted me to write to you today about the importance of forgiveness. It's not always easy to forgive but it is essential. Forgiveness doesn't start with a feeling, it starts with a choice. We choose to forgive, then we choose to give our negative emotions to God. When I forgive someone I say, "Person, I choose to forgive you. You no longer owe me anything." Then I pray to God and tell Him exactly how I feel. I ask Him to take the bitterness and anger and turn it into love. The Word says that God will give us beauty for ashes. So I ask Him to make beauty for my ashes.
Then if the negative feelings come up again I just remind myself that I have already forgiven them.
Another really good and Biblical thing to do is to pray for them and then do something to bless them if possible. This can be really hard to do! But it is amazing how it helps.
So let's walk in forgiveness today! If someone offends us or does us wrong let's immediately begin the process of forgiving them. Also, ask God to bring to your mind anyone that you need to forgive and go through this process with each one.
You can do it!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
True Love
Many times, we tend to think of love as a feeling. We say, "I love you" to many different people. Often, we say it just because we have a gushy feeling towards them at the time. But true love is "agape" love, the God kind of love.
Agape love is not a feeling, it is choice with actions following.
1Corinthians 13 is the perfect description of agape love.
All of the chapter is good and vital but I will start with verse 4:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
I challenge you this first month of January 2009 to study love. How about we read this section of scripture every day during January and really meditate on each word? For God is love. When you are reading the Bible you can replace the name "God" with the word "love" and you may get some new revelation!
Learning to love is the first and most important lifelong goal of every Christian. And remember we must start with those closest to us!
Agape love is not a feeling, it is choice with actions following.
1Corinthians 13 is the perfect description of agape love.
All of the chapter is good and vital but I will start with verse 4:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
I challenge you this first month of January 2009 to study love. How about we read this section of scripture every day during January and really meditate on each word? For God is love. When you are reading the Bible you can replace the name "God" with the word "love" and you may get some new revelation!
Learning to love is the first and most important lifelong goal of every Christian. And remember we must start with those closest to us!
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