Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
I was talking to a friend the other day about dating and all the time we spend talking about dating, thinking about dating, getting anxious about dating...and I told her that I was wasn't going to worry about dating anymore since Jesus says that marriage is only here on earth anyway (Matthew 22:30). And she said, 'Yeah...then why do we spend some much time focusing on it?!'
Now, I know that God made marriage and also said it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). But it's one thing to desire and believe in marriage, and it's another to spend too much time thinking about something hardly in our control. As long as our desires ultimately are to glorify God then I think God will honor them. After all he says to delight in him and he will give us the desires of our heart. (Ps 37:4)
So to start off my new year's resolutions, I am going to keep this verse in mind...that I need to set my mind on things above, not on things here on earth.
* Give my worries and cares to the Lord
* Show love to those who are hard to love
* Share the good news of Jesus with someone
* Realize my time here on earth is only temporary
* Pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end...
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace...The LORD came to earth and gives us peace. Peace of 'no end. He is the God of Peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23). I love how the words say in Isaiah that 'unto US a child is born.' And in Luke, 'unto YOU is born...a Savior.' He came for us! He came for you! He is the good news of great joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10).
I was thinking of some of the Christmas songs that talk about this peace Jesus brings...
~Peace on earth goodwill towards men (I heard the bells on Christmas Day)
~Peace on earth and mercy mild (Hark! The herald angles sing)
~And his name shall be called....The Prince of Peace (Handels Messiah)
~He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One! (Emmanuel, Amy Grant)
~And Peace to men on earth (O Little Town of Bethlehelm)
Jesus came not only to us to save us, but also he brings peace.
May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who came to us.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast because they trust in you.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
REST
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Be still and know that I am God...
With all the craziness that goes with the month of December, it's a hard month to 'be still.' To add to the craziness, this month I am buying a house, visiting my new niece, and having surgery. This verse in particular gave me peace as I was handling the inspection for the house while talking to the insurance company about my surgery and learning my sister was in labor, all in the same day! When it rains....
The Bible says God gives rest.
Rest for the weary.
Rest from our labors.
Rest from our worries.
Rest from our enemies.
Even God rested after he created the world.
Rest is good.
I recently saw a video of a cowboy who fell off a horse and went into a coma. He described where he went while they worked on his body. He said it was a place of peace...and there was no rush and no 'gotta dos,' as he says. And there was lots of love, more love than we can imagine (click here to see 'cowboy visits heaven'). I think heaven will be the ultimate place of rest. Which is why we say 'Rest in peace' I suppose...(Isaiah 57:2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die).
This week as I have been recovering, I have had the opportunity to get lots of rest! I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed for three straight days without going anywhere! (Okay, wait, I think I do remember...I was really sick New Year's three year ago...). Anyway, with everyone helping to take care of me, I have had the chance to see what a wonderful family I have. I was able to sew, take naps, read, listen to music, and spend time with my family and my little dog. Even though I'm looking forward to feeling better and going back to my daily routine, it's been good for my soul, as well as my body, to rest.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I AM COMING SOON
Revelation is one of the most quoted books...here are a few of the beautiful passages found in this book.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (3:20)
Day and night they never stop saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come...You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (4:8, 11)
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (7:16-17)
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
“I am making everything new!” (21:5)
SEVEN is the number of perfection (and six is the number representing imperfection...it's close to seven, but not quite). In Revelation 13:18 it talks about the number of a man will be 666. The number seven is repeated throughout this book. There are the seven stars that represent the angles of the seven churches, the seven lamps that represent the seven churhces, the seven seals, seven thunders, seven angels with seven plaques, seven bowls of God's wrath, and the beast with seven heads representing seven hills and the seven kings.
The seven churches mentioned in Revelation (2-3):
1. EPHESUS - 'You do not love me or others the way you did at first.'
Action: *Remember how you used to love me and turn back to me*
God's Promise: I will give you food from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Deut. 7:9 God keeps his covenant with those who love him.
2. SYMRNA - 'You are in poverty, yet you are rich.'
Action: *Fear not what you are about to suffer*
God's Promise: If you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you a crown of life.
James 2:5 God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and they are the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him.
3. PERGAMOS - 'You live where Satan's throne is.'
Action: *Repent of your sins*
God's Promise: I will give you the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is the god of this world and has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News and theydon’t understand this message about the glory of Christ.
4. THYATIRA - 'You tolerate immorality.'
Action: *Hold on till I come and obey me to the very end*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes I will give power over nations.
1 Corinthians 6:18 God says to run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.
5. SARDIS - 'I know your works but you are dead.'
Action: *Wake up and hold firmly to what you have heard and believed*
God's Promise: Those who are worthy will walk with me in white.
Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
6. Philadelphia - 'You have kept my word so I will keep you from the hour of testing.'
Action: *Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown*
God's Promise: The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
John 17:15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
7. LAODICEA - 'You are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm.'
Action: *I correct and discipline everyone I love; be zealous and turn from your indifference*
God's Promise: To him who overcomes will sit with me on my throne.
Proverbs 3:12 Because the LORD disciplines those he loves...
"Yes, I am coming soon." (22:2)
Sunday, December 2, 2012
GROWING PAINS
Last week I showed up to my pilates class and I was the only person there...the class usually ranges from 5 to 20 people and I wasn't so sure I wanted to do this class alone. I was tempted to tell the instructor that I had to "get something out of my car" so I could escape but I wasn't quick enough...plus I kept thinking surely someone will show up late, right?! So we started and I did the 2 minutes of push-ups without taking breaks for the first time ever! (and these were real push-ups too!) As the class went on, I saw my body perform and do things I didn't think possible. I also thought my legs were going to fall off at one point as well. The next day I was so sore! A friend of mine who trains for triathlons was so excited for me and said she loved feeling sore afterwards because that means that her muscles are growing.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Her comment puzzled me at first...who loves feeling sore?! But I started to see what she was talking about when later that week I could tell a difference in my core. And I felt stronger. It reminded of this verse:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I saw how she considered it pure joy when her muscles were sore and her body was aching. And it was because she knew what the soreness meant...it meant she was stronger. So when we face trials we should see past the pain of the situation...and instead see that it will make us stronger as it will grow our faith. It also helped me see how asking God to take away our trials that it's like asking for bigger muscles but not wanting to workout. When we pray to love others more, God will send us someone hard to love. When we pray for patience, God will send us something that gets on our nerves.
I do want to grow bigger spiritual muscles, even though it's painful. I want faith that can move mountains. When we have faith, our doubts and fears go away. (PS. I also want bigger biceps...)
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
LOVE
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
(click here to listen)
This is one of my favorite songs. The author George Matheson wrote it in 5 minutes and felt divinely inspired as the words just fell onto the page. To me, this song sums up the message of Jesus, the Gospel: His Love will not let us go. There is nothing we can do to avoid God's love. No matter what we have done or how little we may deserve it. We cannot escape it.
LOVE...
God is Love.
We cannot escape His Love.
His Love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Whoever doesn't Love doesn't know God (1 John 4:8).
We are able to Love because He Loved us (John 4:19).
And He came to save us because of Love (John 3:16).
One of the most humbling passages to me is in 1 Corinthians. It says if I could speak all languages of the earth and of angels but did not love others, I would be like a noisy cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom mysteries and have all knowledge and faith that can move mountains but I do not have love, I am nothing. It says if I sell all my belongings but I haven't loved, then I gain nothing.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love never loses faith.
Love endures through every circumstance.
Love rejoices when truth wins.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love always protects.
Love lasts forever.
LOVE...
This is really the only commandment we have to focus on. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). Then the second is that we are to love others as ourselves. There is no greater commandment above these (Mark 12:31).
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.
(click here to listen)
This is one of my favorite songs. The author George Matheson wrote it in 5 minutes and felt divinely inspired as the words just fell onto the page. To me, this song sums up the message of Jesus, the Gospel: His Love will not let us go. There is nothing we can do to avoid God's love. No matter what we have done or how little we may deserve it. We cannot escape it.
LOVE...
God is Love.
We cannot escape His Love.
His Love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Whoever doesn't Love doesn't know God (1 John 4:8).
We are able to Love because He Loved us (John 4:19).
And He came to save us because of Love (John 3:16).
One of the most humbling passages to me is in 1 Corinthians. It says if I could speak all languages of the earth and of angels but did not love others, I would be like a noisy cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom mysteries and have all knowledge and faith that can move mountains but I do not have love, I am nothing. It says if I sell all my belongings but I haven't loved, then I gain nothing.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love never loses faith.
Love endures through every circumstance.
Love rejoices when truth wins.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love always protects.
Love lasts forever.
LOVE...
This is really the only commandment we have to focus on. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37). Then the second is that we are to love others as ourselves. There is no greater commandment above these (Mark 12:31).
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
WAIT
Isaiah 40:31
But they that WAIT upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lately, God has been showing me how impatient I am. I was driving back from visiting family a couple of weeks ago and there was lots of traffic on 45. I saw the right lane was moving so I try to move lanes and of course as soon as I finally got over, the left lane started to move. I did this two more times until I realized I must be the deciding factor in which lane would move....whichever one I was in stopped! So I decided to exit and take the feeder that looked like it was moving nicely. But after a little time of cruising on the feeder, it stopped moving. Of course then I saw how now the highway was the place to be. If I had only been more patient, I would be moving instead of sitting!
Wait...I say this word a lot, mainly to my dog. I tell him to wait when he tries to get me up when my alarm goes off in the morning and I want to snooze for five more minutes. Wait, I tell him to before eating his food or getting a treat. Or when we are crossing a street. Or before leaving the house.
So I have noticed God slowing me down and telling me to wait as well. I want answers right away, but God says wait. I want to know how is everything going to turn out, and God says wait.
I remember something my grandmother said to me a month before she died last year at 100 years old:
"When you have God, you have everything you need. Everything else is just a surprise."
As I am waiting for things in my life and find myself being impatient, these wise words give me perspective and help me slow down. God has blessed me with His peace and His presence and has given me a new life. If I can wait and hope in the Lord, then I will be able to hear and follow Him.
If I can live with anticipation instead of expectation, then I won't be disappointed or in a hurry.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
But they that WAIT upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lately, God has been showing me how impatient I am. I was driving back from visiting family a couple of weeks ago and there was lots of traffic on 45. I saw the right lane was moving so I try to move lanes and of course as soon as I finally got over, the left lane started to move. I did this two more times until I realized I must be the deciding factor in which lane would move....whichever one I was in stopped! So I decided to exit and take the feeder that looked like it was moving nicely. But after a little time of cruising on the feeder, it stopped moving. Of course then I saw how now the highway was the place to be. If I had only been more patient, I would be moving instead of sitting!
Wait...I say this word a lot, mainly to my dog. I tell him to wait when he tries to get me up when my alarm goes off in the morning and I want to snooze for five more minutes. Wait, I tell him to before eating his food or getting a treat. Or when we are crossing a street. Or before leaving the house.
So I have noticed God slowing me down and telling me to wait as well. I want answers right away, but God says wait. I want to know how is everything going to turn out, and God says wait.
I remember something my grandmother said to me a month before she died last year at 100 years old:
"When you have God, you have everything you need. Everything else is just a surprise."
As I am waiting for things in my life and find myself being impatient, these wise words give me perspective and help me slow down. God has blessed me with His peace and His presence and has given me a new life. If I can wait and hope in the Lord, then I will be able to hear and follow Him.
If I can live with anticipation instead of expectation, then I won't be disappointed or in a hurry.
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
HE GIVES AND TAKES AWAY
Last November I wrote this story about what God was teaching me through my dog...and I'm so grateful that God healed him and that he is sitting by my side right now, one year later, in perfect health!
As I write this I am on a plane on my way to Omaha to visit my 5 month old niece, a trip I almost cancelled multiple times because my dog has been sick and it has put my life on hold. I had no idea how much I loved this 8 pound Maltese until I watched him start to slowly die; it just broke my heart. I asked God to either heal him or please take him, quickly. But He did neither. I had to face the unknown every day, and it was almost too much for me to handle as I struggled with the lack of control I had over the situation.
Day by day he got worse. After a bone marrow biopsy and a blood transfusion, he started to improve. But he wasn't quite the same and the effects of the strong medications he was on made him extremely hungry and thirsty. I was up all hours of the night some nights feeding him or taking him to the bathroom. I had a friend come let him out during the day because he started having accidents. I began to have extreme fatigue and often doubted that I even made the right decision to 'save' him. I remember crying in church one week as we sang the song "He gives and takes away...but I still choose to say, Oh, blessed be Your Name." And my eyes were opened to what God was trying to show me. I was hanging onto my sweet dog, and I knew I had to let him go and give him to God. He wasn't mine to keep forever.
Of course this opened the door to many conversations I started having with God about death and why we all die someday. I didn't like death very much and told him so. My heart was hurting so badly and I realized I hadn't cried this much since my divorce 5 years ago. Ironically, I had been protecting myself from relationships to avoid this exact pain! But God gently showed me that I can't hide from pain in this life, because then I would also miss out on love. And loving my dog was worth all the tears.
Jesus says there will be heartaches here on earth. We aren't in heaven yet. So there are still tears, There is sadness and suffering. There is death. There is pain. But Jesus has overcome all this! He brings peace in the midst of our struggles. He is there with us through the pain. I don't know how this part of my story will end, but I thanked God for blessing me with a little best friend these past four years. I told God I trusted Him and that He knew best. The most beautiful part of this painful experience is that God used my love of a sweet white fluffy dog to show me more of who He is and His amazing love for me.
Thank you, Lord when you give, and bless you even more when you take away, for that is when we see you more clearly than ever before. And where we learn that you are enough.
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.
As I write this I am on a plane on my way to Omaha to visit my 5 month old niece, a trip I almost cancelled multiple times because my dog has been sick and it has put my life on hold. I had no idea how much I loved this 8 pound Maltese until I watched him start to slowly die; it just broke my heart. I asked God to either heal him or please take him, quickly. But He did neither. I had to face the unknown every day, and it was almost too much for me to handle as I struggled with the lack of control I had over the situation.
Day by day he got worse. After a bone marrow biopsy and a blood transfusion, he started to improve. But he wasn't quite the same and the effects of the strong medications he was on made him extremely hungry and thirsty. I was up all hours of the night some nights feeding him or taking him to the bathroom. I had a friend come let him out during the day because he started having accidents. I began to have extreme fatigue and often doubted that I even made the right decision to 'save' him. I remember crying in church one week as we sang the song "He gives and takes away...but I still choose to say, Oh, blessed be Your Name." And my eyes were opened to what God was trying to show me. I was hanging onto my sweet dog, and I knew I had to let him go and give him to God. He wasn't mine to keep forever.
Of course this opened the door to many conversations I started having with God about death and why we all die someday. I didn't like death very much and told him so. My heart was hurting so badly and I realized I hadn't cried this much since my divorce 5 years ago. Ironically, I had been protecting myself from relationships to avoid this exact pain! But God gently showed me that I can't hide from pain in this life, because then I would also miss out on love. And loving my dog was worth all the tears.
Jesus says there will be heartaches here on earth. We aren't in heaven yet. So there are still tears, There is sadness and suffering. There is death. There is pain. But Jesus has overcome all this! He brings peace in the midst of our struggles. He is there with us through the pain. I don't know how this part of my story will end, but I thanked God for blessing me with a little best friend these past four years. I told God I trusted Him and that He knew best. The most beautiful part of this painful experience is that God used my love of a sweet white fluffy dog to show me more of who He is and His amazing love for me.
Thank you, Lord when you give, and bless you even more when you take away, for that is when we see you more clearly than ever before. And where we learn that you are enough.
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
TAKE MY HAND, NOT MY LIFE
WEEK 6 on the sidewalk:
As I look to the right as I'm standing on the sidewalk, this is the billboard that almost seems to stare down onto the planned parenthood building: "Take my hand, not my life."
Today marks the end of the my first 40 days for life. Across the country people have joined in prayer. Prayers to end abortion. Prayers for our doctors. Prayers for the clinic workers. Prayers for the mothers and fathers. Prayers for our nation. Prayers for healing and forgiveness. Prayer for mercy. Prayers for the souls of the unborn babies.
And these prayers have been heard! Many babies have been saved because of the prayers of intercession. It has been so inspiring to see others with the same passion God has placed on my heart.
I want to take a stand for life is because I realize how precious life is...how precious each life is to God. The God of the Universe knows me...He made me in my mother's womb. Just as he knows the day he created me, he also knows when my days here on Earth will be finished. My days may be numbered, but His thoughts about me cannot be numbered! I am grateful to know that my mistakes in life have been forgiven because I have faith in the saving power of Jesus. He is always with those who believe in Him.
One day we will all face our Creator, and every tongue will confess that He is God. If you don't know Abba, God our Father, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He wants to know you. And knowing Him will change your life.
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
As I look to the right as I'm standing on the sidewalk, this is the billboard that almost seems to stare down onto the planned parenthood building: "Take my hand, not my life."
Today marks the end of the my first 40 days for life. Across the country people have joined in prayer. Prayers to end abortion. Prayers for our doctors. Prayers for the clinic workers. Prayers for the mothers and fathers. Prayers for our nation. Prayers for healing and forgiveness. Prayer for mercy. Prayers for the souls of the unborn babies.
And these prayers have been heard! Many babies have been saved because of the prayers of intercession. It has been so inspiring to see others with the same passion God has placed on my heart.
I want to take a stand for life is because I realize how precious life is...how precious each life is to God. The God of the Universe knows me...He made me in my mother's womb. Just as he knows the day he created me, he also knows when my days here on Earth will be finished. My days may be numbered, but His thoughts about me cannot be numbered! I am grateful to know that my mistakes in life have been forgiven because I have faith in the saving power of Jesus. He is always with those who believe in Him.
One day we will all face our Creator, and every tongue will confess that He is God. If you don't know Abba, God our Father, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He wants to know you. And knowing Him will change your life.
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
LIFE LIBERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
WEEK 5 on the sidewalk:
This week I have been praying for our president and our leaders. And for the upcoming election. I voted early on Friday (and used the Texas Right to Life voters guide that lists the pro-life candidates) so my part is done!
According to our constitution,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Merriam-Webster says unalienable means surrendered or transferred, incapable of being alienated. The first of these unalienable rights mentioned is LIFE. Life given by our Creator. Not by the government. Not by a mother. By God.
Psalm 51:5
For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
As a nation, we are not respecting the life of a helpless baby in the womb when we silently watch as 1.2 million abortions are done every year. We are choosing which lives we will end; so essentially we are playing God.
This chart is based of abortions in the US in 2011:
Many Germans quietly watched as the Nazi's killed the Jews. They chose to not object or take a stand for what they believed in because of fear or maybe just not wanting to get involved. But closing your eyes doesn't make the problem go away. How are we any different? Are we afraid of offending someone who feels differently or are we not wanting to get involved in something that is political? By not standing up for these little ones, are we partially responsible for allowing their deaths to occur?
Many people who are pro-choice will argue, that they personally would never have an abortion, but they say they can't tell someone else what to do. This sounds fine until they are confronted with what they are really saying. If they believe the baby is indeed a baby, then morally they have to stand up for all babies. And what about partial birth abortions, where the baby survives the abortion and is still alive outside the womb and the doctor can still end the baby's life?
I hope our nation will vote for life this election and elect leaders who will protect the unborn. President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have ever had in the White House. I hope we have not become a nation that doesn't respect life...it's a right, after all. May God have mercy on us for what we allow to take place in our nation.
Every life is precious. At every age...God breathes life into us when we are born and he decides when our last breath will be. Who are we to say that someone doesn't have the right to live? And once we start determining who gets to live, how and where do we draw the line?
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
This week I have been praying for our president and our leaders. And for the upcoming election. I voted early on Friday (and used the Texas Right to Life voters guide that lists the pro-life candidates) so my part is done!
According to our constitution,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Merriam-Webster says unalienable means surrendered or transferred, incapable of being alienated. The first of these unalienable rights mentioned is LIFE. Life given by our Creator. Not by the government. Not by a mother. By God.
Psalm 51:5
For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
As a nation, we are not respecting the life of a helpless baby in the womb when we silently watch as 1.2 million abortions are done every year. We are choosing which lives we will end; so essentially we are playing God.
This chart is based of abortions in the US in 2011:
| Gestational Age | Percentage | Yearly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 9 weeks | 61.8% | 749,232 |
| 9-10 weeks | 17.1% | 207,312 |
| 11-12 weeks | 9.1% | 110,324 |
| 13-15 weeks | 6.6% | 80,015 |
| 16-20 weeks | 3.8% | 46,069 |
| 21+ weeks | 1.5% | 18,185 |
Many Germans quietly watched as the Nazi's killed the Jews. They chose to not object or take a stand for what they believed in because of fear or maybe just not wanting to get involved. But closing your eyes doesn't make the problem go away. How are we any different? Are we afraid of offending someone who feels differently or are we not wanting to get involved in something that is political? By not standing up for these little ones, are we partially responsible for allowing their deaths to occur?
Many people who are pro-choice will argue, that they personally would never have an abortion, but they say they can't tell someone else what to do. This sounds fine until they are confronted with what they are really saying. If they believe the baby is indeed a baby, then morally they have to stand up for all babies. And what about partial birth abortions, where the baby survives the abortion and is still alive outside the womb and the doctor can still end the baby's life?
I hope our nation will vote for life this election and elect leaders who will protect the unborn. President Obama is the most pro-abortion president we have ever had in the White House. I hope we have not become a nation that doesn't respect life...it's a right, after all. May God have mercy on us for what we allow to take place in our nation.
Every life is precious. At every age...God breathes life into us when we are born and he decides when our last breath will be. Who are we to say that someone doesn't have the right to live? And once we start determining who gets to live, how and where do we draw the line?
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
BATTLEFIELD
WEEK 4 on the sidewalk:
Eph 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This past week, I experienced a spiritual battle. I was confused and discouraged. My mind felt like it was in a fog. I was discouraged I felt beat down and couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. I know I have been through attacks from the devil before, but this time different...I wasn't able to break free. I finally shared what was going on with a friend and she prayed for me. I immediately felt peace...peace that I had been seeking for over a week. I thought back to the sidewalk counseling preparation material I had read, and I was warned to be prepared for a spiritual battle. I had no idea how real this battle would be.
Every Christian should expect Satan to attack.
Satan comes to kill steal and destroy (John 10:10)
Satan wants to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31)
Satan is the Father of Lies (John 8:44)
Satan prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Charles Stanley says, "Satan takes a deliberate willful moment in our life to do anything and everything he can to destroy us. It's an assault upon our emotions and an assault upon our mind. He always attacks the mind. That's his battlefield."
What God says about how to fight off Satan.
1. God's Word
Jesus showed us this when he was tempted by Satan three times in the wilderness; each time he fought Satan by quoting from Deuteronomy.
-Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut 8:3)
-Do not put the Lord your God to the test (Deut 6:16)
-Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (Deut 6:13)
2. Armor of God
Belt of Truth - The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18)
Breastplate of Righteousness -Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Sandals of Peace - You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3)
Shield of Faith - And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power (1 Peter 1:5)
Helmet of Salvation - But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation (Psalm 13:5)
Sword of the Spirit - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword (Heb 4:12)
3. Prayer
We can pray and ask God to put a hedge of protection around us. We can also ask other believers to pray on our behalf and intercede for us when we are weak and not able to fight alone. When Jesus prayed for us to the Father, he asked God not to take us out of the world, but to keep us from the evil one (John 17:14-15). We are surrounded by evil in this world, but because of Jesus, we are protected and have nothing to fear.
Whenever we take a stand for God we will face a battle against darkness and evil powers. Abortion is truly is a battle between life and death, good and evil, truth and lies. This past week God showed me the amazing power of prayer in fighting these battles, the reality of Satan and the undeniable battle every believer will encounter, and the perfect peace He gives us in the midst of this battle.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Eph 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This past week, I experienced a spiritual battle. I was confused and discouraged. My mind felt like it was in a fog. I was discouraged I felt beat down and couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. I know I have been through attacks from the devil before, but this time different...I wasn't able to break free. I finally shared what was going on with a friend and she prayed for me. I immediately felt peace...peace that I had been seeking for over a week. I thought back to the sidewalk counseling preparation material I had read, and I was warned to be prepared for a spiritual battle. I had no idea how real this battle would be.
Every Christian should expect Satan to attack.
Satan comes to kill steal and destroy (John 10:10)
Satan wants to sift us like wheat (Luke 22:31)
Satan is the Father of Lies (John 8:44)
Satan prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Charles Stanley says, "Satan takes a deliberate willful moment in our life to do anything and everything he can to destroy us. It's an assault upon our emotions and an assault upon our mind. He always attacks the mind. That's his battlefield."
What God says about how to fight off Satan.
1. God's Word
Jesus showed us this when he was tempted by Satan three times in the wilderness; each time he fought Satan by quoting from Deuteronomy.
-Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut 8:3)
-Do not put the Lord your God to the test (Deut 6:16)
-Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (Deut 6:13)
2. Armor of God
Belt of Truth - The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18)
Breastplate of Righteousness -Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)
Sandals of Peace - You will keep in perfect peace those minds who are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3)
Shield of Faith - And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power (1 Peter 1:5)
Helmet of Salvation - But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation (Psalm 13:5)
Sword of the Spirit - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword (Heb 4:12)
3. Prayer
We can pray and ask God to put a hedge of protection around us. We can also ask other believers to pray on our behalf and intercede for us when we are weak and not able to fight alone. When Jesus prayed for us to the Father, he asked God not to take us out of the world, but to keep us from the evil one (John 17:14-15). We are surrounded by evil in this world, but because of Jesus, we are protected and have nothing to fear.
Whenever we take a stand for God we will face a battle against darkness and evil powers. Abortion is truly is a battle between life and death, good and evil, truth and lies. This past week God showed me the amazing power of prayer in fighting these battles, the reality of Satan and the undeniable battle every believer will encounter, and the perfect peace He gives us in the midst of this battle.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
GOD'S PLAN
WEEK 3 on the sidewalk:
In our culture, we decide so many things for ourselves...We decide where we are going to work, where we will live, what we will buy, what we will eat, and even what Starbucks drink to order. Everything is available to us. There are some people who are not as 'fortunate'...some do not know how they will get their next meal or when they will get the next paycheck. But I wonder if they are really less fortunate when their situations cause them to more readily see their dependence on the Lord. Whether we realize our need for Him or not, God is ultimately the one with complete control over our lives. Actually everything is only available to us because God allows it.
We also decide when we will start our families and how many kids we will have. I was shopping at Target the other day and passed the aisle that said 'Family Planning.' What exactly does this mean? And there is 'Planned Parenthood.' The words sound so nice and positive, but really they missing something...Where is God in all these plans? Are we getting so good at planning our families that we don't need God?
If there was a 'family planning' aisle in the Bible, it would consist of ways to seek fertility, instead of today's 'family planning' methods, which have more to do with avoiding or ending new life. The Bible shows how fertility was a blessing from God and how infertility and avoiding pregnancy was never part of His plan.
*God blessed Abraham and said He will multiply his descendants beyond number.
(Genesis 26:24)
*God promises His people food, water, and no illness, miscarriages or infertility.
(Exodus 23:26)
*When Onon avoided creating an heir for his brother, God considered this evil and took his life. (Genesis 38:9-10)
*When Sarah lied about being Abraham's sister God cursed the land with infertility.
(Genesis 20:18)
*God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply.
(Genesis 1:28, 9:7)
*Jeremiah prophesied that God said to multiply and not dwindle away.
(Jeremiah 29:6)
I wonder what it would look like if our culture completely turned the family planning over to God. Would we still use birth control or other ways to avoid conception as much if we allowed God to do the planning? Our culture says it's okay to end a pregnancy if it's not in our plans. But what does God say? Have we forgotten who creates life?
We may make our plans but it is God who directs our steps. May we allow God to light our path and not close our eyes to a culture that doesn't honor or respect life.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
In our culture, we decide so many things for ourselves...We decide where we are going to work, where we will live, what we will buy, what we will eat, and even what Starbucks drink to order. Everything is available to us. There are some people who are not as 'fortunate'...some do not know how they will get their next meal or when they will get the next paycheck. But I wonder if they are really less fortunate when their situations cause them to more readily see their dependence on the Lord. Whether we realize our need for Him or not, God is ultimately the one with complete control over our lives. Actually everything is only available to us because God allows it.
We also decide when we will start our families and how many kids we will have. I was shopping at Target the other day and passed the aisle that said 'Family Planning.' What exactly does this mean? And there is 'Planned Parenthood.' The words sound so nice and positive, but really they missing something...Where is God in all these plans? Are we getting so good at planning our families that we don't need God?
If there was a 'family planning' aisle in the Bible, it would consist of ways to seek fertility, instead of today's 'family planning' methods, which have more to do with avoiding or ending new life. The Bible shows how fertility was a blessing from God and how infertility and avoiding pregnancy was never part of His plan.
*God blessed Abraham and said He will multiply his descendants beyond number.
(Genesis 26:24)
*God promises His people food, water, and no illness, miscarriages or infertility.
(Exodus 23:26)
*When Onon avoided creating an heir for his brother, God considered this evil and took his life. (Genesis 38:9-10)
*When Sarah lied about being Abraham's sister God cursed the land with infertility.
(Genesis 20:18)
*God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply.
(Genesis 1:28, 9:7)
*Jeremiah prophesied that God said to multiply and not dwindle away.
(Jeremiah 29:6)
I wonder what it would look like if our culture completely turned the family planning over to God. Would we still use birth control or other ways to avoid conception as much if we allowed God to do the planning? Our culture says it's okay to end a pregnancy if it's not in our plans. But what does God say? Have we forgotten who creates life?
We may make our plans but it is God who directs our steps. May we allow God to light our path and not close our eyes to a culture that doesn't honor or respect life.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
WHEN
WEEK 2 on the sidewalk:
The prayer guide I was given for the sidewalk counseling starts with a song, and the words are from Isaiah...
Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the LORD says -
he who created you...
he who formed you...
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."
Sometimes as I am standing on the sidewalk, I will talk to other people praying there, or I will try to communicate with cars as they drive by. And other times it's very quiet...God's presence is so strong. When it's quiet, I meditate on these words and the part that stood out to me is this... God says when the waters get rough and when I go through the fire. Not if but when.
Often when I pray, I think I ask God to make the waters calm or to make the fire go away. I tell God what I am going through is hard. But God hasn't promised me that I won't go through difficult circumstances. Instead he promises that he will be there with me.
He tells me to not be afraid.
He will keep me safe.
I am precious to him.
He loves me.
I am his.
He created me.
He has redeemed me.
My prayer is that all will know the amazing love God has for them. That they aren't alone. And that they have a Creator. And a Savior.
The prayer guide I was given for the sidewalk counseling starts with a song, and the words are from Isaiah...
Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the LORD says -
he who created you...
he who formed you...
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."
Sometimes as I am standing on the sidewalk, I will talk to other people praying there, or I will try to communicate with cars as they drive by. And other times it's very quiet...God's presence is so strong. When it's quiet, I meditate on these words and the part that stood out to me is this... God says when the waters get rough and when I go through the fire. Not if but when.
Often when I pray, I think I ask God to make the waters calm or to make the fire go away. I tell God what I am going through is hard. But God hasn't promised me that I won't go through difficult circumstances. Instead he promises that he will be there with me.
He tells me to not be afraid.
He will keep me safe.
I am precious to him.
He loves me.
I am his.
He created me.
He has redeemed me.
My prayer is that all will know the amazing love God has for them. That they aren't alone. And that they have a Creator. And a Savior.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
ON THE SIDEWALK
WEEK 1:
I went to PP to pray three times this past week for the 40 days for Life. It was different than I had expected. There I was at 7am on the starting day and I didn't see crowds of people all praying and being passionate for this cause that is so dear to my heart. I only saw 3 or 4 people standing along the sidewalk, peacefully praying. I asked God 'Where are all the people?'
One woman came out and talked to me and Sue, the lady I had met on the sidewalk. As she approached us she started shaking her head, and Sue said 'Oh I bet she's coming to tell us what she thinks of us.' Sue has been sidewalk counseling for 5 years, every Saturday. Her dedication is amazing. Anyway, this woman starts to cry and says, 'This is affecting me so much more than I thought it would.' She explains that she tried to talk her friend Tory out of getting an abortion, but she wouldn't listen. The abortion was happening at that very moment as she stood with us in tears. The woman told us that she had had an abortion years ago and had gone through counseling afterwards. She later had two daughters and now has grandchildren. She said looking at those 11 women waiting in line to terminate their pregnancies was more than she could handle. I wonder who their babies would have been. I wonder what color their hair would have been, and what their personalities would be like. I told the woman that someday both of them would meet their babies in heaven. I bet that's the last time she drives someone to an abortion clinic.
I have felt God's presence there so strongly while we stand and pray. I wave at every car that passes by, and I sometimes get a wave back from, both PP employees or people going into the clinic. As I stared at the six-story building, the verse that came to my mind was 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.' The grandmother I met is forgiven. And her friend Tory is forgiven. Jesus already died for their sins (and thankfully mine as well). He said 'It is finished.' But that doesn't take away the pain that mothers, fathers, generations even, will go through because of their choices.
I just began to pray that God would open their eyes to the truth of what abortion does. It stops a baby's beating heart. I pray for their hearts to be changed. It is amazing to see God moving and be a part of His work along that sidewalk on the Gulf Coast Freeway. He is truly bigger than that 78,000 square foot building. And even though I only saw four people there that first day, I know his armies of angels are mightier than my eyes can see. Maybe it's my eyes that need to be opened...
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...'
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?' the servant asked. 'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayer, 'Open his eyes, LORD so that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he look and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
I went to PP to pray three times this past week for the 40 days for Life. It was different than I had expected. There I was at 7am on the starting day and I didn't see crowds of people all praying and being passionate for this cause that is so dear to my heart. I only saw 3 or 4 people standing along the sidewalk, peacefully praying. I asked God 'Where are all the people?'
One woman came out and talked to me and Sue, the lady I had met on the sidewalk. As she approached us she started shaking her head, and Sue said 'Oh I bet she's coming to tell us what she thinks of us.' Sue has been sidewalk counseling for 5 years, every Saturday. Her dedication is amazing. Anyway, this woman starts to cry and says, 'This is affecting me so much more than I thought it would.' She explains that she tried to talk her friend Tory out of getting an abortion, but she wouldn't listen. The abortion was happening at that very moment as she stood with us in tears. The woman told us that she had had an abortion years ago and had gone through counseling afterwards. She later had two daughters and now has grandchildren. She said looking at those 11 women waiting in line to terminate their pregnancies was more than she could handle. I wonder who their babies would have been. I wonder what color their hair would have been, and what their personalities would be like. I told the woman that someday both of them would meet their babies in heaven. I bet that's the last time she drives someone to an abortion clinic.
I have felt God's presence there so strongly while we stand and pray. I wave at every car that passes by, and I sometimes get a wave back from, both PP employees or people going into the clinic. As I stared at the six-story building, the verse that came to my mind was 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.' The grandmother I met is forgiven. And her friend Tory is forgiven. Jesus already died for their sins (and thankfully mine as well). He said 'It is finished.' But that doesn't take away the pain that mothers, fathers, generations even, will go through because of their choices.
I just began to pray that God would open their eyes to the truth of what abortion does. It stops a baby's beating heart. I pray for their hearts to be changed. It is amazing to see God moving and be a part of His work along that sidewalk on the Gulf Coast Freeway. He is truly bigger than that 78,000 square foot building. And even though I only saw four people there that first day, I know his armies of angels are mightier than my eyes can see. Maybe it's my eyes that need to be opened...
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...'
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?' the servant asked. 'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayer, 'Open his eyes, LORD so that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he look and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
LIGHT
Jesus said he is the LIGHT of the world. He is light...the opposite of darkness. He brings life with his light...the opposite of death. (John 8:12) The first part of creation was creating life. Without the light of the sun all life would cease on earth.
Jesus also said we are the LIGHT of the world. When his Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are able to radiate His light. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we don't produce our own light but we reflect the light we see from God (Matthew 5:14).
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider for abortions in the United States, and the Houston PP building is the largest abortion facility in the nation. This Wednesday, the Coalition for Life will stand for LIFE outside the PP building for 40 days. They will be there to pray and intercede for life. It is estimated that 78 abortions occur every day in Houston. Over a million each year in the US. It actually beats breast cancer and even stroke for the number one killer. It's actually the largest genocide in human history, with over 50 million babies aborted since 1973.
This year, I'll be joining the fight and will stand with them. I will ask God to have mercy our country for what we as a people have chosen and pray for Him to heal our land.
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
John 8:12
I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
Jesus also said we are the LIGHT of the world. When his Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are able to radiate His light. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we don't produce our own light but we reflect the light we see from God (Matthew 5:14).
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider for abortions in the United States, and the Houston PP building is the largest abortion facility in the nation. This Wednesday, the Coalition for Life will stand for LIFE outside the PP building for 40 days. They will be there to pray and intercede for life. It is estimated that 78 abortions occur every day in Houston. Over a million each year in the US. It actually beats breast cancer and even stroke for the number one killer. It's actually the largest genocide in human history, with over 50 million babies aborted since 1973.
This year, I'll be joining the fight and will stand with them. I will ask God to have mercy our country for what we as a people have chosen and pray for Him to heal our land.
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
John 8:12
I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
THORNS
There are three ways Satan takes me away from God and His word...
1. Cares, worries, being overwhelmed in this world, this age, this life
-Let's see, my worries are basically dating, dealing with drama in my family, thinking about growing old alone
2. Wealth, riches...they lure, tempt, make false promises, seduce
-I am always wanting to buy things I don't need (right now it's a new car!), or I see things that others have and want it, or I think my savings account is my security
3. Our own desires, lusts, longings, evil desires, and many other things that take us away from God
-I desire to be in a relationship and belong somewhere; I long to not suffer or be in pain. And even though God gives us desires, that desire become evil when it becomes more important to us than He is.
The result of these distractions is...
1. They crowd in, choke God's message, choke His word.
2. Keep the teaching from growing and producing fruit, strangles what I have heard.
3. Nothing comes of it, and I am unfruitful.
I may hear the word, but the seed among thorns of distraction prevent me from growing. Without connecting to Jesus, the vine, I can produce no fruit. Watch for the thorns in your life that are disguised as something good but can take us away from God.
So this made me question what do I really desire?
So besides a great guy in my life, a BMW, and a Marc Jacobs handbag, this is what I really want...
-to know God
-to believe His promises
-to have faith in what I cannot see
-to feel His presence
-to serve in His kingdom
-to see God's wisdom, not my own
-to have peace and to be still
-to love others and not judge them
-for others to experience Jesus' amazing love
-to set my affections on things above, not things in this world
-for our nation to respect the life of the unborn
-for my words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
-for my life to glorify God and be an offering to Him
-good, encouraging, and uplifting friendships
-to know God's word so I can be armed
-the Lord's will to be done in my life
-to find joy in suffering, knowing this grows me and He never leaves me
-all my loved ones to know and walk with Jesus
-to really know and understand God's deep and unconditional love for me
-peace, patience, rest, hope
Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19
...and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
1. Cares, worries, being overwhelmed in this world, this age, this life
-Let's see, my worries are basically dating, dealing with drama in my family, thinking about growing old alone
2. Wealth, riches...they lure, tempt, make false promises, seduce
-I am always wanting to buy things I don't need (right now it's a new car!), or I see things that others have and want it, or I think my savings account is my security
3. Our own desires, lusts, longings, evil desires, and many other things that take us away from God
-I desire to be in a relationship and belong somewhere; I long to not suffer or be in pain. And even though God gives us desires, that desire become evil when it becomes more important to us than He is.
The result of these distractions is...
1. They crowd in, choke God's message, choke His word.
2. Keep the teaching from growing and producing fruit, strangles what I have heard.
3. Nothing comes of it, and I am unfruitful.
I may hear the word, but the seed among thorns of distraction prevent me from growing. Without connecting to Jesus, the vine, I can produce no fruit. Watch for the thorns in your life that are disguised as something good but can take us away from God.
So this made me question what do I really desire?
So besides a great guy in my life, a BMW, and a Marc Jacobs handbag, this is what I really want...
-to know God
-to believe His promises
-to have faith in what I cannot see
-to feel His presence
-to serve in His kingdom
-to see God's wisdom, not my own
-to have peace and to be still
-to love others and not judge them
-for others to experience Jesus' amazing love
-to set my affections on things above, not things in this world
-for our nation to respect the life of the unborn
-for my words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
-for my life to glorify God and be an offering to Him
-good, encouraging, and uplifting friendships
-to know God's word so I can be armed
-the Lord's will to be done in my life
-to find joy in suffering, knowing this grows me and He never leaves me
-all my loved ones to know and walk with Jesus
-to really know and understand God's deep and unconditional love for me
-peace, patience, rest, hope
Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19
...and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
EL ROI
As I went to stand in line to board the Southwest flight to go home, I looked around and realized I was all alone. My boarding number was C18...there was no one in front of me or behind me. "Am I on the right flight?" was the first thought that ran through my head. So I followed the B 31-60 group as some of them saw me alone and gestured for me to come over and board with them. When I got on the place the flight attendant asked me if I was the last one and I told her yes and that I was the only one in my boarding group and showed her my number. She laughed and said that was strange.
Then as the same flight attendant was coming by towards the end of the flight with the trash bag I asked her if I was going to be receiving my drink. She looked surprised and said "Oh did they forget you?" Apparently my row had been skipped! She laughed and said, "Must be that C18 number!"
Again I felt alone and forgotten. Does anyone see me?!
Then I heard God answer me...(guess He is the only one who heard my question since it wasn't aloud). He said "I see you."
Even when I feel like the world has forgotten about me, little C18, God sees me. And He hears me.
In Genesis 16, Hagar had run away after being mistreated by Sarai, her mistress. An angel of the LORD finds her and tells her to go back. The angel tells her God has heard of her affliction, and Hagar gives God the name EL ROI, the God who sees.
Genesis 16:11, 13
...for the Lord has heard of your misery...
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Then as the same flight attendant was coming by towards the end of the flight with the trash bag I asked her if I was going to be receiving my drink. She looked surprised and said "Oh did they forget you?" Apparently my row had been skipped! She laughed and said, "Must be that C18 number!"
Again I felt alone and forgotten. Does anyone see me?!
Then I heard God answer me...(guess He is the only one who heard my question since it wasn't aloud). He said "I see you."
Even when I feel like the world has forgotten about me, little C18, God sees me. And He hears me.
In Genesis 16, Hagar had run away after being mistreated by Sarai, her mistress. An angel of the LORD finds her and tells her to go back. The angel tells her God has heard of her affliction, and Hagar gives God the name EL ROI, the God who sees.
Genesis 16:11, 13
...for the Lord has heard of your misery...
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Sunday, September 2, 2012
PURE
PURE...I have been meditating on what this word means. Pure is actually the name of these snack bars I like to eat. They are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, full of protein, fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants. They are even Kosher! Pretty pure...(the apple cinnamon is my favorite!)
In the Old Testament, the word pure is used to describe the type of gold, oil or incense that is to be used in the Tabernacle. Job says his prayer is pure, and that he is pure and innocent (Job 16:17; 33:9). Later the bible says God's word is pure and that every man thinks his ways are pure, but God judges his motives (Ps. 119:140, Prov. 30:5; 16:2).
David says "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..." So in order to be holy and approach God, we must be pure (Ps. 24:3).
In the New Testament, the word pure is mentioned in one of my favorite verses, where we are told on what 8 things to think on...true, honest, just, PURE, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we should think on things that are pure (Phil. 4:8).
James says wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Another list of 8... So godly wisdom is first pure (James 3:17).
Peter writes that since we have purified our souls by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit, we should love others with a pure heart. He also reminds Christ's followers to have pure minds. (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1).
In Revelation, heaven is described as having angles clothed in pure bright linen, and the streets of the city are pure gold. And in the very last chapter John is shown a pure river of living water, clear as crystal (Rev. 22:1).
God's word is PURE.
God's wisdom is PURE, above all else.
Our souls are PURE by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit.
Our thoughts and our minds should be PURE.
Our hearts should be PURE so we can love others, and be able to enter in God's holy presence.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see God.
In the Old Testament, the word pure is used to describe the type of gold, oil or incense that is to be used in the Tabernacle. Job says his prayer is pure, and that he is pure and innocent (Job 16:17; 33:9). Later the bible says God's word is pure and that every man thinks his ways are pure, but God judges his motives (Ps. 119:140, Prov. 30:5; 16:2).
David says "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..." So in order to be holy and approach God, we must be pure (Ps. 24:3).
In the New Testament, the word pure is mentioned in one of my favorite verses, where we are told on what 8 things to think on...true, honest, just, PURE, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we should think on things that are pure (Phil. 4:8).
James says wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Another list of 8... So godly wisdom is first pure (James 3:17).
Peter writes that since we have purified our souls by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit, we should love others with a pure heart. He also reminds Christ's followers to have pure minds. (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1).
In Revelation, heaven is described as having angles clothed in pure bright linen, and the streets of the city are pure gold. And in the very last chapter John is shown a pure river of living water, clear as crystal (Rev. 22:1).
God's word is PURE.
God's wisdom is PURE, above all else.
Our souls are PURE by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit.
Our thoughts and our minds should be PURE.
Our hearts should be PURE so we can love others, and be able to enter in God's holy presence.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see God.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
BEST JOB EVER
I do love my job, but it is not the best job ever.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking to this lady and she had mentioned that she had been stressed recently and wasn't getting good sleep. Somehow it came up that her stress was due to the fact that her daughter was pregnant at only 16 years old. She was devastated. She opened up to me that she was angry...Why HER daughter? They went to church. She raised her to love Jesus. She prayed. This wasn't supposed to happen. And it was tearing her up.
I listened and told her that this situation may be a surprise to her, but it wasn't a surprise to God. And even if a baby wasn't in the picture, her daughter was still living apart from God's protection as she was engaging in premarital sex. But the pregnancy brought out the situation into the light and made it seem so much worse. I shared with her the verse from Genesis where Joseph says his brothers meant it for evil but God used it for good. She surprised me and actually quoted the exact verse in Genesis and I knew this woman knew her Bible!
We talked more and I could sense the close walk she had with the Lord. I told her I would be praying for her and her daughter...and her little grand baby. She said her daughter didn't seem to know what a big deal this was. And she was angry at her for 'messing up'. I told her that God may use this baby and difficult situation to bring her daughter closer to Him. I reminded her that God has great plans for her life. And her daughter's life. And a plan for this new life, her grandchild.. And after all, we all mess up!
She started crying saying she knew God had but me in her path that morning. I was in awe! This was the best feeling in the world...to be used by God. I didn't know God had been using me until she told me, and it was awesome!
Thank you Lord, that we get to be part of your work here on earth. When God's love and His word is flowing through us, we can't help but spill over into other people's lives. And when you are used by God, you will know that it had nothing to do with you...and EVERYTHING to do with Him.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking to this lady and she had mentioned that she had been stressed recently and wasn't getting good sleep. Somehow it came up that her stress was due to the fact that her daughter was pregnant at only 16 years old. She was devastated. She opened up to me that she was angry...Why HER daughter? They went to church. She raised her to love Jesus. She prayed. This wasn't supposed to happen. And it was tearing her up.
I listened and told her that this situation may be a surprise to her, but it wasn't a surprise to God. And even if a baby wasn't in the picture, her daughter was still living apart from God's protection as she was engaging in premarital sex. But the pregnancy brought out the situation into the light and made it seem so much worse. I shared with her the verse from Genesis where Joseph says his brothers meant it for evil but God used it for good. She surprised me and actually quoted the exact verse in Genesis and I knew this woman knew her Bible!
We talked more and I could sense the close walk she had with the Lord. I told her I would be praying for her and her daughter...and her little grand baby. She said her daughter didn't seem to know what a big deal this was. And she was angry at her for 'messing up'. I told her that God may use this baby and difficult situation to bring her daughter closer to Him. I reminded her that God has great plans for her life. And her daughter's life. And a plan for this new life, her grandchild.. And after all, we all mess up!
She started crying saying she knew God had but me in her path that morning. I was in awe! This was the best feeling in the world...to be used by God. I didn't know God had been using me until she told me, and it was awesome!
Thank you Lord, that we get to be part of your work here on earth. When God's love and His word is flowing through us, we can't help but spill over into other people's lives. And when you are used by God, you will know that it had nothing to do with you...and EVERYTHING to do with Him.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
MY PRAYER
So I bought this new TV (mainly to watch the US open coming later this month) and I needed help picking up and carrying this TV home. So Friday night I prayed and told God about my situation and my need and told him I believed He would a big strong guy with a truck to assist me. This made sense to me because He promises that He will sustain me and take care of me, even better than He takes care of the birds in the sky.
The next day I realized no one had called me to help me yet. I hadn't randomly run into any of my neighbors so that I could ask for help. I was a little surprised that God had not yet answered my prayer...and I prayed again and reminded Him that I was single and did not have the strong muscles needed. I asked Him who I should call and how long I would need to wait. (not my favorite...waiting)
The story from the Old Testament came to my mind where God says the river will part AS SOON AS they step in and start to walk in it! I realized I needed to make that first step of faith and believe that Jesus would answer my prayer.
First I went to the store to see it the TV would even fit in my car. To my surprise, it fit! I thanked God and drove home. When I drove into my parking garage, no one was there to carry this big TV into my apartment. So I stared at it for a while in my trunk and then I tried to get it out of the car. To my surprise it wasn't very heavy. Or maybe God made my muscles strong...either way I was able to carry it in all by myself (okay so I admit I did have to take a couple of breaks).
I had expected God to answer my prayer in a specific way, but He still answered my prayer, even though it wasn't the way I had planned. God showed me that when I think I am weak, I am really strong because of Him. He is my helper in time of need. He reminded me through this that He is ALWAYS there for me, always ready to help me.
Sometimes I look for external means of help, when my help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. He is stronger and more powerful than anyone here on earth. Sometimes He uses others to help us, and sometimes He answers the need Himself. His power is in us because Christ is in us. He is always faithful.
Matthew 6:25-26
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Joshua 3:13
And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth —set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.
The next day I realized no one had called me to help me yet. I hadn't randomly run into any of my neighbors so that I could ask for help. I was a little surprised that God had not yet answered my prayer...and I prayed again and reminded Him that I was single and did not have the strong muscles needed. I asked Him who I should call and how long I would need to wait. (not my favorite...waiting)
The story from the Old Testament came to my mind where God says the river will part AS SOON AS they step in and start to walk in it! I realized I needed to make that first step of faith and believe that Jesus would answer my prayer.
First I went to the store to see it the TV would even fit in my car. To my surprise, it fit! I thanked God and drove home. When I drove into my parking garage, no one was there to carry this big TV into my apartment. So I stared at it for a while in my trunk and then I tried to get it out of the car. To my surprise it wasn't very heavy. Or maybe God made my muscles strong...either way I was able to carry it in all by myself (okay so I admit I did have to take a couple of breaks).
I had expected God to answer my prayer in a specific way, but He still answered my prayer, even though it wasn't the way I had planned. God showed me that when I think I am weak, I am really strong because of Him. He is my helper in time of need. He reminded me through this that He is ALWAYS there for me, always ready to help me.
Sometimes I look for external means of help, when my help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. He is stronger and more powerful than anyone here on earth. Sometimes He uses others to help us, and sometimes He answers the need Himself. His power is in us because Christ is in us. He is always faithful.
Matthew 6:25-26
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Joshua 3:13
And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth —set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
GOLD
As I was watching the Olympics earlier this month, I already had read that the US women had won the GOLD in the team gymnastics event. And even though I knew the ending, I still found myself nervous for them as they were performing those amazing flips in the air and trying to stick their landings.
It caused me to reflect on our lives here on earth. We already know how it's going to end. Jesus comes on a white horse and defeats evil forever! And when I get worried or anxious, I am getting caught up in the drama and forgetting I already know who takes gold!
Jesus tells us he has conquered the world so that we can have peace. We don't have to be anxious about anything. We have nothing to fear so we can live courageously for Him. Despite trials, sorrows, or suffering we may experience, we can still have peace. God is in control...and He already won!
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
PRECIOUS
You are deeply loved, highly esteemed and precious to your Lord Holy God.
He is watching your comings and goings.
Everyday He is with you.
Ask for favor for your day every morning.
You have nothing to fear for your God is sovereign and has great plans for you.
Trust Him.
Walk in faith.
Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Love your God and know His love for you.
Believe nothing with Him is impossible.
Daniel 10:19
Don't be afraid for you are precious to god......you are deeply loved by god.
Psalm 121:8
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Matthew 28:20
I am with you everyday, even to the end of time.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you.
2 Samuel 7:28
For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
Jeremiah 29:10
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for good and not disaster, to give you a hope and a future.
2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
2 Cor 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Romans 8:38
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Luke 1:37
With God nothing is impossible.
He is watching your comings and goings.
Everyday He is with you.
Ask for favor for your day every morning.
You have nothing to fear for your God is sovereign and has great plans for you.
Trust Him.
Walk in faith.
Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Love your God and know His love for you.
Believe nothing with Him is impossible.
Daniel 10:19
Don't be afraid for you are precious to god......you are deeply loved by god.
Psalm 121:8
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Matthew 28:20
I am with you everyday, even to the end of time.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you.
2 Samuel 7:28
For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
Jeremiah 29:10
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for good and not disaster, to give you a hope and a future.
2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
2 Cor 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Romans 8:38
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
Luke 1:37
With God nothing is impossible.
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