Unwanted Intrusions vs Open Door Blessings

I sat staring into the doctor's eyes as he told me to "go back on the walker" or else! It was like a bad dream. The "or else" meant another surgery. Surgery number 5.

The prayer went something like this.. "Oh Lord, how am I ever going to deal with this? Why? I asked you to heal me and I am still broken. I do not understand! Please help me understand."

God is very active in our day to day lives. He is continually drawing us and wooing us. He often answers our prayers through people and situations that we don't even realize. Sometimes He answers, but we are so busy looking for some kind of big "revelation" that we don't see the answer right before our faces.

This time, I feel that he answered my prayer for understanding through my Pastor's blog entry. Through this post God showed me how my unwanted intrusion could very possibly turn into an open door blessing.

"Dear Lord, Thank you for answered prayer and helping us to see that although we often view our situations as unwanted intrusions, they may very well be open door blessings. Please help me to look past the flesh and see through to the spiritual. Thank you for using our Pastor, Family and Friends to support, encourage and point us to You in this dying world. Help us as we seek to live a Cross centered life. Amen"

Just a Closer Walk

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Note: You can follow Pastor Blackstock's Blog through this link:

http://cjblackstock.blogspot.com

*Thanksgiving * Praise * Worship*

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During this season of Thanksgiving consider this...

Thanksgiving

Praise

Worship

How important are these things if we truly desire to grow spiritually and why are these concepts so contrary to the human nature's desire?

The Bible clearly points out human nature (flesh) is in constant rebellion against God and is not subject to Him.

So what is the great human problem all about?

Romans 1:21 says "When the knew God they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful.

KNEW means to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of, perceive, feel.

GLORIFIED means "to praise, to honor (close to the meaning of worship), to extol, to magnify.

THANKFUL means "to be grateful, fel thankful, give thanks.

In Revelation4:11 the Bible says "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things for thy pleasure they are and were created."

WORTHY means "weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of value, worth as much"

and WHY IS HE WORTHY? because he has created all things...one who creates has the right to use what he creates in the way he chooses.

and WHY DID HE CREATE US? for his pleasure.

So what is our problem? Isaiah 53:6a says that we have turned every one to his own way. (rebellion against God...missing God's purpose)

So what is the remedy? "The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" Isaiah 53:6b Christ's death on the Cross has the power to change us from rebellious, self-centered people to those who value the work of Christ and will thus worship and glorify the One who bought us with His own blood.

God desires our companionship and fellowship and therefore created us in His image. He deserves our thanksgiving, praise, and worship because of who He is and His determined purpose.

Although our human nature (flesh) does not desire to do these things the Bible tells us in Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
If we walk in the spirit it is possible to be Thankful, Praise and Worship our God.

"Be ye thankful Col. 3:15
"Praise the Lord all ye nations" Rom 15:11
"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God" Mt 4:10

Dear Lord,
Please help me to walk in the spirit so not to fulfill the desires of the flesh. You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory. In Jesus Name Amen

New Attitude

After returning from this long awaited, first time ever, dream of a life-time cruise, things have suddenly changed.

Having been out in the middle of the ocean for five days, things seemed to have taken on an entirely different meaning. Oh yes, it was beyond wonderful. The beauty of God's Creation left me speechless (and that, my friends, is a miracle in itself).

Suddenly, I felt very very small. So undeserving of such a wonderful experience. The only thing that has ever made me feel this way is knowing and experiencing the Love of our Heavenly Father.

Since I've been home, I cannot get the thought of the dying world all around us out of my mind. It seems that, now more than ever before, God seriously desires us to tell others how much He loves them, and to do this as quickly as we possibly can.

The gospel message has nothing to do with what we do, not because of what they do, but only because of what HE did in dying so that we may live. Dying so that we may know of His Great Love for us, accept his death as complete payment for our sin and live with Him eternally.

"Thank you seems so inadequate, God, for all you do for us. For your Unconditional Love, Mercy and Forgiveness toward us. Please send your Holy Spirit to open hearts to receive Your gospel message of redemption, justification and eternal life through our repentance and acceptance of your finished work at Calvary".


I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

Refrain

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

Refrain

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

Refrain

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Refrain

Created for a Purpose

Some things are made for one purpose and one purpose only. This lady salmon you see in the picture was made to swim from the ocean to freshwater (upstream) for the sole purpose of procreation.

As I ponder this message from our Pastor this evening, I can't help but ask myself, what is my purpose?

The message was clear... bear fruit. Make more Christians.

As I approach living in the latter part of one half century, I can't help but realize some facts of life. One thing stands out over all... just how long has it taken me to come to the realization that my sole purpose in this life is procreation...bearing fruit... making more Christians? I look ahead and realize that some of the best years have swiftly passed. Time to get busy with the remaining days, should the Lord tarry!!

"Lord, please help me to press forward and point others to you. Help me to show others how much you love them and remind me to pray daily for the lost. Help me to kneel at the cross as I continue seeking to live the cross driven life, for however many days you have planned for my life."


Kneel at the cross,
Christ will meet you there,
Come while He waits for you;
List to His voice,
Leave with Him your care
And begin life anew.


Kneel at the cross, (at the cross)
Leave (ev'ry care) ev'ry care;
Kneel at the cross (at the cross)
Jesus will meet you there. (meet you there)


Kneel at the cross,
There is room for all
Who would His glory share;
Bliss there awaits,
Harm can ne'er befall
Those who are anchored there.


Kneel at the cross, (at the cross)
Leave (ev'ry care) ev'ry care;
Kneel at the cross (at the cross)
Jesus will meet you there. (meet you there)


Kneel at the cross
Give your idols up,
Look unto realms above;
Turn not away
To Life's sparkling cup,
Trust only in His love.


Kneel at the cross, (at the cross)
Leave (ev'ry care) ev'ry care;
Kneel at the cross (at the cross)
Jesus will meet you there. (meet you there)

His Ways Are Not Our Ways...

Momentum is building as the time draws nearer for my daughter to leave home again for college.

All around me I hear of individual's school bills being 'paid in full'. Some by unindentified sources, some by loving relatives and others whose families are just financially blessed enough to cover all expenses. It seems that we have been praying for a long time and trying our best to believe that a special miracle will somehow happen for our family too.

As I stand gazing up at the heaven's, not-so-patiently waiting for them to miraculously open up and rain down the tuition money she needs, I am reminded that my way's are not God's ways.

Very often lately, when thoughts of how her tuition will be met, I find myself asking God things like, "What are we doing that we are not supposed to be doing?" and "Should we not be doing something that we are doing?" and "What is it exactly that is preventing our own miracle of Your 'heavenly blessings?".

Then, I am reminded of the scripture, "... for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."Mat 5:45b

Today, as I work on a project that may bring in extra income, the Lord seems to be showing me something. Maybe, just maybe the resources for college tuition will come in from a different source? Maybe the source is not from an unidentified source or even a well meaning relative. What if that source is me? God has provided everything our family needs up to this point. Why would He not continue to give us just what we need? He tells us over and over through His Word that His promises are "Yes and Amen".

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Eph 3:20

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29:11

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 1Ki 8:56

"Lord, forgive me for looking at other's when I should be focusing on praising you for your Goodness to my family. Thank you for providing for us our daily needs and even some of our wants. Thank you, most of all for paying the incredible debt of the entire world's sin IN FULL. You are Wonderful,Mighty, Awesome, Powerful, and Loving! Blessed Be Your Name in all the Earth."

"For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." 2Cr 1:20


Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
The glories of my God and king!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Refrain:
Blessed be the Name, blessed be the Name,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Blessed be the Name, blessed be the Name,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Jesus! the Name that charms our fears,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
His blood can make the foulest clean,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
I never shall forget that day,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
When Jesus washed my sins away,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Send in the Clown

"Patches"
"Welcome to the Lighthouse Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 2010 Big Top Circus!!!"

The Ringleader's opening annoucement echoes as only a memory now. As I begin to reflect on last week's Vacation Bible School I am comforted in knowing Jesus Christ IS God, loves each of us unconditionally, came to this earth to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world.

As I sat eating popcorn and sno-cones, watching the strong man, lion tamer, clowns, illusionist, unicycling bear, man on stilts, caged 'beast', the faces of children and all the wonderful exciting things around me; it was easy to see God's Love for us through it all.

Our Pastor stood and shared God's Love each night and, once again, the Gospel Message became so real to me. Not only is the Gospel message the way to Heaven, it is an encouragement that sin has been defeated and reassurance of our home in Heaven. The Gospel Message is not only the method in which God has chosen to save lost souls, but also one that continually reassures, encourages and soothes.

Sometimes, I feel like one of those clumsy, shy clowns as I try to live a life for GOD, tripping and stumbling, stuttering and stammering. Like "Dipstick" the clown at VBS who was overcome by the APE and ended up making him do tricks, I feel the devil often "takes over", makes me jump through hoops and puts fear in me so that I am not very good in furthering God's Kingdom. I really do want to be a clown for Jesus and share the way of eternal life... HE is the answer!

Today I want to share the BIBLE WAY (the only True way) to eternal salvation. My hearts prayer is that you will trust Christ today.

The first step to salvation is to realize that we are all sinners.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:Romans 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Romans 3:23

I mean, who hasn't sinned? Ever told a lie? stolen anything (yes, cookies from mom's cookie jar count)? Of course, we all have sinned!

Next, you must know that because of sin there must be a price paid:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:23

God being a Just God, must punish sin.

This price can be paid by you with an eternity in Hell, or you can accept that Jesus Christ paid for your sin by suffering death on a cross:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8

To accept Jesus’ payment for your sin simply call on His name and ask Him to forgive your sins and save you. Yes it is that easy... we tend to like to complicate things, but God has made it so simple!


That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Romans 10:9-13

If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, take time right now to pray, confessing your sin and asking Him to save you.

When you accept Jesus, He is faithful to do what He said He would - He forgives you and saves you.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.1 John 5:13

If you have read this and come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour please take the time to send a comment to give God the Glory that He deserves!

"Dear Lord, thank you for your Perfect Plan. You know that my heart is so full today as I realize that over 40 souls were kept from eternal fires of Hell. You also know that I am sad to think that there are so many that have not heard, or will not hear, or even worse, have heard, but continue to reject You. I pray that your Holy spirit will draw souls to this blog that would like to accept you and your FREE pardon of sin today and you would honor your Word that says "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37 You are an awesome wonderful God and I love you! Thank you for loving us. Help me to stay on my knees, seeking your help in leading the Cross Driven life."

"....I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

THE NEED FOR CHANGE

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:3


Today's journal entry rings a familiar tune in what we have heard since pre-election days. But the type of change I'm talking about has nothing to do with the poor horse by the name of "Change" that the politicians continue to beat to death.

The change in which I'm journaling about today, is the change that is brought about only by the Holy Spirit of God. This type of change comes only through a complete humbling and yielding to the Mighty Hand of God; realizing first, our great need for change in our hearts.

The Lord speaks through my Sunday School Lesson for this coming Sunday. I love the story that prefaces our lesson...

" A man from the back mountains of Tennessee took his family to a shopping center and, for the very first time in his life, encountered an elevator. He watched as a haggardly old woman entered the elevator and the doors closed behind her. A few minutes later the doors opened and a beautiful young woman marched smartly out of the doors. The father hollered to his young son, "Billy! Go get your maw and let's run her through this thing!".

"If only it were that easy!", you may say. Actually, if we do it according to the Bible way, it is that easy. The hard part is that the flesh doesn't like the realizing and humbling. Once that is down, the rest is easy. IF you, in your spirit, truly yield to the Holy Spirit to do the Work God promised He will do. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak. Mark 14:38

But even before that, we must have a realization that before there can be growth, there must be birth. Have you experienced the new birth in Jesus Christ? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:16

If you have experienced the new-birth, there is the old nature that needs to be dealt with. If we don't realize that our sinful nature was crucified at the cross, we will never experience victory.

There is no greater life than one that is yielded to God. Yielding to God will lead to a changed life that reflects Grace. We must be willing to look to God and His Word for the Power to change.

"Dear Lord, I confess to you that I am totally helpless with out You. I long for the true change that only Your Power can bring. I humbly admit my need for change and believe your Word and yield to your Spirit. Thank you for honoring your promises as I journey on this cross-driven road of life".

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart;
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Refrain:
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart; And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart.

My Daughter/Myself

For weeks now I've curiously watched Mommy and Daddy Wren build their nest.


The hanging basket of impatiens that my daughters gave me for Mother's Day on our front porch was their choice for the perfect location to raise their little family.


Day in and day out, I curiously watch as they attend to their nest, waiting for the birth of their babies.

Several days ago, my daughter, (who, I am lately realizing is very much my twin), seemed to be getting just as curious and appeared as though she could contain it no longer. She was ready to satisfy her curiosity and take a look inside. I cautioned her not to bother the nest, as the babies needed time to hatch and maybe we shouldn't make the parents nervous.

Yesterday, as I was busy about daily chores, I thought I heard little peeps crying out to Mommy and Daddy Wren. Although I was still concerned about disturbing the nest, like my daughter, my curiosity was quickly outweighing my worry.

Well, today, my daughter's curiosity finally got the best of her. As I heard the chair scrape across the porch headed for the potted plant, I quickly 'ran' for the front door. Before I could put my hand on the door knob, I heard a loud 'crash'.

I opened the door, and to my horror, I saw clumps of nest, and newborn baby birds laying at my daughters feet. I immediately panicked and began to cry.

If you have been following this journal, you know that it is in response to my Bible Study Leader's challenge to journal for 30 days, the ways in which the Lord speaks to me.

How would you react to this situation? Better yet.. how would Christ want you to react?

Scenario A)

"Oh no!!! Why can't you just listen to me? I told you not to bother the nest and you just can't listen to me! When are you going to listen to me??? You NEVER listen!" {Mom storms off to her room hysterically crying and angry. Chances are, she will stew over it all day.. maybe more than one day.. give her daughter major guilt trips and bury it deep enough to firmly take root as bitterness, thereby further driving her daughter away and ruining her fragile relationship.}

Scenario B)

"It's ok honey, sometimes it takes us a long time to realize that we should listen to our parents. It's taken me over 49 years to realize how important it is to listen to my authorities. I know you feel bad enough as it is, and I'm sorry that it happened. You didn't mean to hurt those baby birds, you were just curious. They will be ok. But that doesn't mean it was ok to disobey. It's never ok to disobey. Let this be a lesson to you to listen to those that God puts in authority over you. Maybe God allowed this just to show you that you need help in this area of your life."

I wish I could say I chose Scenario B.

I began with Scenario A to the the point of hysterically going to my room and closing the door. It was then that the Lord spoke very clearly to my heart. He reminded me of the many times I had 'pulled the chair up to the nest'. And of the many times he lovingly showed me where I was wrong, and encouraged me to obey Him, for my own safety and good.

How many times have I chosen Scenario B in all my years of parenting? Not very many.

As God Faithfully heals my inadequacies and lovingly refines me into His Image, I am humbled and grateful for the way He continues to show Mercy and Grace to us, although, time after time, we reject His Love for us through pride and disobedience.
By the way, my husband and daughter gently placed the birds back in their nest (with a piece of bark), and Mommy and Daddy Wren are tending to them.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."Luke12:6&7

After the Lord spoke to my heart, I held my daughter and chose Scenario B. What Peace the Lord imparted as I obeyed His Voice.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phl 4:7

"Lord, thank you, again, for Who you are and how You love me. Thank you for making a Way for everyone to receive forgiveness for sins and shortcomings through the substitutionary death of your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving the Supreme Sacrifice so that we may be forgiven and live eternally with You!

Please help me each day to chose Your Way in all areas of life as I daily go to the Cross and long to live a Cross-driven life"


HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,
Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.
But I'll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.

In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see
Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.
He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.

On Casting Stones...

Twelve days ago, when my Bible Study leader challenged me to begin this 30 day journal journey, I had no idea of the incredible ways that God would reveal Himself to me! He speaks through His Awesome Creation, His Everlasting Word and His Children.

Today it was through His preached Word that He spoke to my heart. This was a very hard lesson, one in which I would have preferred not to hear. It ended up being similar to emergency open heart surgery in which I 'flat-lined' and needed resuscitation several times.

As the Preacher delivered the message, he seemed to relentlessly speak of my judgmental, hypocritical and critical spirit, etc. I began to sense the finger of GOD pointing directly at me. After I stopped saying "not me, nope, not for me" long enough to actually hear what He had to say to me, I realized I was indeed guilty and in need of correction.

Like a child after a good spanking, I am still crying. As I finally get to the point where I have begun to stop trying to justify and blame my behavior on someone else, I realize my Father is right.

As in so many areas in God's Word, this matter of judging others has been sorely distorted by the prince of the power of the air... the devil. Since the beginning of time, the devil has come to us asking, "Yea, hath God said?" He would have us look at others and see their faults and use the excuse of 'the good of the church, setting a good example, not bringing reproach on Christ, etc.', as reason for us to judge and criticize. All of these reasons I have recently used as 'justification' for my judgmental hypocritical and critical spirit.

God's word is very clear on casting stones.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.Jhn 8:7

Realizing that I am the "chiefest among sinners", I wipe my tears and crawl up into my Father's lap as His Loving Arms surround and comfort me. I know now that under no circumstances do I have any right to judge, criticize or condemn anyone other than myself.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.1Cr 11:31

Even after all of the correction and chastisement, He Loves me and shows His great Mercy on me tonight.

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

"Lord, against thee and thee alone have I sinned. I know there is nothing I can do to atone for my sin as even at best, my works are as filthy rags. I am humbled and ashamed at my behavior. Please forgive me. Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to pay for my sin and the sin of the whole world. Please forgive me for my judgemental and critical spirit as I humbly bow at the Cross of Christ and seek your help in leading the Cross-driven life you have set before me."


Jesus Paid It All

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
And now complete in Him,
My robe, His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down,
All down at Jesus’ feet.

On Friendship...

Friends.

Everybody has them... or should, anyway.

The need to have a friend and be a friend is woven into the fiber of our very being.

Recently, back in my home-town, some of my classmates met for a 'Girls Night Out'. The pictures quickly appeared on facebook along with the comments (many from boys that had crushes on them 'back in the day'). I was truly amazed at how beautiful these girls looked after so many years! As I looked closer, I believe the Lord showed me that what I was seeing wasn't so much their beauty, (although obviously apparent), but the happiness they shared in being with close friends, reminiscing of days gone by and sharing with each other about their lives since high school.

I truly believe that we are 'created in His Image' and part of that Image is being a friend and having a friend.

When I looked around at those I come in contact with on a regular basis, I began to realize just how much true friendship should really mean to me. I began asking myself what my life would be without true friends. I now have a new appreciation for those that God has put in my life and have purposed in my heart never, ever to take them for granted again.

There are so many lonely and hurting people in the world today. Many are elderly and many are children and young adults who just need to feel the unconditional love of a true friend. Many have suffered great neglect and abusive relationships. You may just be surprised... one that seems the most cheerful, may be just the one that is the most in need of a true and loving friend.

Jesus befriended the unfriendly. He sought out those that the world cast away. He came "seeking to save that which is lost". What better way to encourage a lonely, hurting human being than to introduce them to Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Not only are you giving them a Friend for their time on this earth, you are giving them a Friend for all eternity.

Why not be a friend today and introduce someone to the Greatest Friend they could ever know?

"Dear Lord, please forgive me for taking my friends for granted and for feeling sorry for myself. Help me to remember that your word says in Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Help me never be so selfish not to seek others in friendship and to tell others about Jesus, the Greatest friend on Earth and in Heaven... Help me to humbly kneel at the foot of the Cross as I continue to seek to lead a Cross-driven life.

"NO NOT ONE
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases,
No, not one! No, not one!
Refrain:
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one! No, not one!
There’s not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one! No, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one! No, not one!
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Was e’er a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!

Having done all...STAND

Today God speaks through His Word and a song...


For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:12-18




Until He Comes
There are hilltops that I must climb, there are rivers that I must cross,
there are trials that I may not understand.
But I am sure there'll always be, Grace sufficient for even me...
Until Jesus comes again.

Until He comes, I will love him, though I may not see...
My broken heart and bitter tears are good for me..
And the darkest valley's may be left to cross until I'm home,
But I'll take it to Calvary... until he comes...

There are times I'll walk alone, there are times I know I'll cry,
Sometimes I'll wonder if I'll ever smile again.
But I refuse to turn around or stop and lay my armor down...
Until Jesus Comes for me...

Until He comes, I will love him, though I may not see... my broken heart and bitter tears are good for me.. and the darkest valley's may be left to cross until I'm home, but I'll take it to Calvary... until he comes...


"Thank you Lord for the Grace sufficient for us in these times of trials. Please help me to be an encouragement to others. Forgive me where I fail and help even my enemies to be at peace with me as I continue doing my best to "take it to Calvary" and live the cross-driven life."

God Will Make This Trial a Blessing

Ever wondered why some things happen?

Then you look back and realize that if that bad situation had not happened a good thing would never have happened?

How often do we complain when things don't go our way?

We are late for an appointment and we get behind Mr. Slowness... keeper of the speed. Of course there are NO passing lanes and he,(yes he), insists on going at least 30 mile UNDER the speed limit. Likely he is driving an old pick up with exhaust fumes billowing all around. When he FINALLY makes that left hand turn, (after endless waiting for complete clearance as far as the eye can see), you notice, far up ahead in the distance, what looks like red and blue lights flashing.

And then it hits you... Had you not been behind Mr Slowness, chances are you would have ended up right in the middle of that fatal crash!

Since posting about Abiding in Christ through Trials a few days ago, I have been unable to get away from the thought "Why trials?". The Lord is showing me that in order to keep us from harm, He must allow trials! If only we could see through our inconveniences to this Truth!

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"1Pet.1:7

Trials must also be endured in order to complete His Perfect Plan in the furtherance of the Gospel message of salvation by Grace through Faith in the risen Son of God.

Take, for example, our friend Trey. Trey has placed his complete faith in God to provide the means to be a part of the New Testament Church Pioneers summer missions program. (A mission program through the Crown College that reaches out for Christ and helping churches and pastors in regions throughout the USA and the world.) Several days ago their vehicle had broken down in Wyoming. Long story short, Trey was able to witness to someone while waiting for the mechanic. Had the breakdown not occurred, this person may not have heard the Truth of the Gospel.

"We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true; As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things. 2Cr 6:1-10

"Lord, thank you for caring about us enough to allow trials for protection and the furtherance of your Gospel message. Please give me grace to endure and a heart to accept trials of life, trusting you are the author and finisher of our faith. Help me never to take my eyes of of the Cross of Calvary as I seek to live the Cross Driven life."

God Will Make This Trial a Blessing


I’ve just come into a valley one like I’ve never been before.
I keep searching for a way out seems like pad locks are on the doors.
Oh ther must be another sunrise another sunset that I’ll see.
God will make this trial a blessing that’s the love he has for me.

I was not the first one to come into this place.
You see every child of God this test you must face.
It is here that God will mold you and make you what you ought to be.
God will make this trial a blessing just be patient you will see.

Now I’m standing on a mountain looking back I can see.
When I was in that lowest valley his strong hand was leading me.
Oh its good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory.
God has made this trial a blessing oh the grace he gives to me.

God will make this trial a blessing tho it sends me to my knees.
Tho my tears flow like a river yet in him there’s sweet relief.
There’s no need to get discouraged there’s no need to talk defeat.
God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see.

Till Death Us Do Part

Q. Why does the groom carry the bride over the threshold?

A.
The ancient Romans started it: the bride had to show that she was not at all crazy about leaving her father's home, and so was dragged over the threshold to her groom's house. Ancients also believed that evil spirits, in a last-ditch effort to curse the couple, hovered at the threshold of their new home, so the bride had to be lifted to ensure that the spirits couldn't enter her body through the soles of her feet. These days, it's just fun!



Today, I take a 'blog-break' to post this very thought provoking note I received from a friend on the internet.

MARRIAGE

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6

I AM NOT IN CONTROL

CONFRONTATION. It was inevitable. There was no way around it. For the past several days it was obvious that I was right in the middle of the refiners fire. It was time for the Master to pull me out of the fire and see if the dross was gone. Would He see His reflection in me?

As much as I dreaded the confrontation, I almost welcomed it. After all, this may be the end of the seemingly endless days and nights of enemy attack, anguish and frustration. I already knew the LORD was working, so I may as well just yield to Him and allow Him to finish the job.

Since beginning this 30 day journaling challenge, God has used several methods to speak to me, His Word (The Bible), Family, Music, Sunday School Lessons, Preaching, Nature, etc.)

Today He seemed to be speaking to me through a very dear Christian sister and friend.

It is amazing to me how so often it seems that the very thing that the enemy intends for bad, the Lord makes for good in the end. Today was one of those times.

I am reminded of the story in Genesis chapters 37-50 of Joseph and how his brother's sold him into slavery..(intending bad). and how, time after time, God intervened and allowed Joseph to overcome so many so many obstacles that the devil intended to do what he does best... kill steal and destroy. When it was all over, said and done, Joseph actually ended up ruling over Egypt and taking care of his brothers.

"... ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good,.." Gen 50:20

After sharing our hearts, praying together and praising God for His good blessings on our lives, the Lord used my friend to help me remember that when I try and carry loads that simply may not be mine to carry, frustration will come. I can keep from those frustrations that keep me in bondage and from experiencing the Joy of the Lord by simply stating these five words:

"I AM NOT IN CONTROL".

I am so thankful that God does indeed use our trials to bring us into fellowship with Him. He so often uses people that we love the most to speak words of encouragement and truth into our lives at just the right time, so that we may overcome in these trials.

So, when we find ourselves taking on the problems of the universe... remember these words:

"I AM NOT IN CONTROL"

Aren't you glad you and I are not in control of the universe and God is the Ruler of all things? I am!


"Dear Lord, Thank you again for speaking to me. Thank you for putting other's in our lives to help us and point us to you. Please help me to remember these words when things seem to get overwhelming in my life. Help me to continue kneeling at the cross daily as I seek to live the Cross-driven life."




Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiners fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

Abiding in His Presence

Abide... interesting word.. one that is not used very often in our day. I asked one of my teenage daughters what she thought the word meant and she said, matter-of-factly... "Um.. Mom, that means to hang out!"... you know, with a 'sing-song'.."get a clue" tone that only a 15 year old girl of the 21'st century is capable of using. The Webster's dictionary defines the word abide as: "To remain or settle down." A word that is definitely foreign to our society today !

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." John 15:1-4

To think that the Creator of the Universe gives each of us a personal invitation to abide with Him! Not to mention the fact that when we accept his invitation we are able to partake in the amazing love of Christ!

But how? How can we abide in Christ?

First... to abide anywhere, we must enter into the place. Before we can abide with an individual, we must enter into a relationship. The way to enter the relations with Jesus is by faith through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Trusting His death and resurrection for the payment of your sins. From the moment you accept Him, you can abide with Him in a personal relationship.

After we enter into the relationship, He invites us to come along side him and draw life from Him and hold on to Him like branches clinging to a vine. It is a life long journey!

We can abide through Prayer: "Draw nigh to God and He will draw night to you." James 4:8

We can abide through Trials: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 1Pe 1:7

I love the story I heard recently during Sunday School about the man in the old western times who was carrying a heavy bag of grain on his shoulder... another man drove by with a horse and one of those buckboard carts and said "Jump up here on the buckboard with me.. it's too hot to be walking today." The man thanked him and got up on the seat with the driver with the grain still on his shoulder. After a while, the driver said" Why don't you put that grain down and relax?" The man said, Oh, no. It's enough that you would allow me to ride... I would never ask you to carry my load, too!".

Is this what we are saying to the LORD? "Please save us, forgive us and give us a heavenly home.. but I wouldn't ask you to carry my load."

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Pe 5:7

"Dear Lord, thank you for your salvation invitation and the invitation to continually abide in Your presence. Help me to graciously accept your daily invitation to abide in your Holy Spirit abides in me, as I seek to lead a 'Cross-driven' life."

The Wrath of God/The Wrath of Me

"


OOOO I AM SO INCREDIBLY ANGRY!"
I felt myself 'going down' into the pit, taking the bait, caught in the trap that Satan had so subtly laid out especially for me. The buttons were being pushed and I was losing ground, not doing much to stop myself from going under. My heart started racing and my breathing became heavy. Let's just say, I had reverted back to the 'old' man...
I had crossed the proverbial "line".

"Well, well, well, CONGRATULATIONS 'OLD MAN'!!! You have successfully accomplished exactly what the devil set out for us to do! Something hurtful that would cause lasting damage. Way to go Old Man!!!"

Coming to my senses, I suddenly realized that my anger had become sin at a record rate. I took a few deep breaths and the Lord brought a classic "anger" story from the Bible to my mind. It was the story about Moses disobeying God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, and thereby losing his blessing of actually making it into the promised land.

"Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also]. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. Numbers 20:8-12


With my breathing and heart-rate slowly returning to normal, I began talking to the Lord. "God, you get angry, don't you? You must know how to control it, or we wouldn't be here! (breath in, breath out) Thank you Lord for not giving us what we deserve! Wow...I can't begin to imagine just how great your wrath could be! Thank you SO much for your Mercy!". At that moment I felt as though he was speaking to my heart saying, "Yes, daughter, you are created in My Image, and that includes the ability to control your anger, too."

Did Jesus ever get angry? Yes, He got angry when men came into His Father's House and made it a 'den of thieves'. He got angry because they were buying and selling an making a mockery of the House of Prayer. There were probably times that Jesus would just give a look of displeasure, and that would be sufficient, but there were times when His Father's good name was being dishonored and he had to stand for Truth.

"Yes, daughter, ... that includes the ability to control your anger, too."

But how? How are we to control our anger? Well... how are we to do anything according to His Will? He gives us a complete instruction book with everything we need to accomplish everything He has set out for us to do.

THE BIBLE

God's Holy Word!

Here are two of many weapons in the Scriptures that we may use as we seek to control our anger.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2Cor10:3-5

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Phl 4:13

Lord, please help me to see my own anger for what it is and other's anger through Your Eyes. Help me to recall the scriptures I need that would best help me not to 'fall into the pit'of anger. Thank you again for your Grace and Mercy in turning your anger from us. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who took your wrath upon Himself so that we may be forgiven and justified. Help me to kneel at the foot of the cross every day and live a "cross-driven" life.

Abiding in Prayer

During our Ladies Bible Study and prayer meeting, one of the ladies had asked us to choose a day this week to pray for one of our dear sisters that has been ill for a long period of time.

Today is my day.

As I approach the Lord, many questions and some doubts arise concerning my ability to pray and to get those prayers answered. Of course many of these thoughts are self-generated, some are placed in my mind by the prince of the power of the air, but most importantly are those that are placed in my mind and heart by the Word of God.

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it" Isa 55:11

Thanks be to GOD!

So.. instead of focusing on my thoughts or the thoughts that the enemy would have me me to believe, I choose to focus on the unfailing Word of God.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." Phil 4:8

On the topic of hearing God speak...My Aunt reminded me yesterday that God is ALWAYS speaking to us. All we have to do is pick up the Bible and read and He speaks! Her exact words were "He speaks to us as much as we read!" Isn't that a wonderful thought! We do not have to wait to hear specifically (although those occasions when the LORD speaks directly to us are fantastic moments...) whenever we need a Word of encouragement, confidence in knowing He is with us in every turn of life, when we need love to name a few.... HIS Word is here...

The need to fulfill the great commission (Mark 16:15) just became that much more important! Imagine not having that privilege? It is difficult for us in America to realize that there are so many in this world that do not have access to a Bible much less one (or two or ten) of their own!

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. "

I believe God just spoke to me again of this great need. Pray for our missionaries and support them financially!!

This verse just came to mind concerning the many promises in His Word...

Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.1Ki 8:56

Thank you, God for the privilege of prayer, the gift of your Word and for your promises and for speaking to us through your Word.

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.John 15:7

Join me in praying for sister's complete healing today...

Washing Jesus Feet

It would have been easy to stay home this morning. Not that I didn't feel good enough to go... but had I listened to those wonderful voices (my valley neighbors) I would have probably agreed that I could use the rest after a week with my six year old Granddaughter; we had a guest preacher so it wouldn't be like missing our own Pastor preach and the fact that we also had a guest quartet, so our music program would not be impacted by one missing voice in the choir... you get the picture...

But remembering the probability that the Creator of the Universe may just speak to me was so exciting that I chose not to heed the voices and began to focus on listening for His Voice..

Now, although God can and does speak to us any time any place (He is, after all, sovereign GOD).. the chance that I may actually HEAR may increase when I get around His people and His Word...

Before heading out to God's house, I picked up the Bible and read Solomon chapter 3. I began to ask the LORD to speak to me.

It wasn't until half way through Sunday School, when my teacher was teaching on the Joy of the Lord that my spirit was quieted enough to hear Him. My teacher mentioned our lives being like a "roller coaster",(clue: my facebook status two days ago was about being on the roller coaster of life... well.. THAT got my attention..was He getting ready to speak??). My teacher went on to say that the JOY OF THE LORD is always available... but we must CHOOSE to partake in it. I thought, "I am so glad I came to hear this!"

It was then that the Holy Spirit brought the following verses back to my mind from Solomon 3:

"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me: [to whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, ..."

How often we desire to hear His Voice!! Not necessarily consciously, but, I believe there is a place that God has placed in every human being's heart that longs to hear His Voice and His Voice alone. We seek to hear His voice in so many ways, but oftentimes, it is when we are found by the 'watchmen'...(our teachers and preachers and Pastor and Christian friends and maybe even by ourselves, when we allow the LORD to open our spiritual, watching for Him) that point us to His Word...which "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Through the rest of the service, God spoke through so many different things. From the Choir to special music to the preaching of God's word.

"And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,'And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.Luke 7:37 & 38

"And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." Luk 7:44-48

When we, with humble gratitude truly seek the LORD, HE will not only speak to us, He will forgive our sins...

God spoke to me today... "Your sins, which are many, are forgiven...."

Praise be unto God.

Through my disappointments
Strife and discontentment
I cast my every care upon the Lord
No matter what obsession
Pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock

Chorus:
I'm standing on the solid rock of ages (standing on the rock, on the rock of ages)
Safe from all the storm that rages (safe from every storm, all the storm that rages)
Rich but not from Satan's wages (rich in love, I'm rich, not from Satan's wages)
I'm standing on the solid rock

Out of the mouths of Babes

I try and sing a song after devotions, so this morning I sang the old song "What Sins are you Talking about?",and I believe the Lord spoke to me again through my Granddaughter.

Here's how the conversation went...

"Nana... you know when Jesus comes back he will open the book and there won't be anything in there".

"Tell me what you mean, sweetie..".

"Well, my friend told me that.. the bad things we do won't be in the book when Jesus comes back".

Wow...

God showed me that while I'm praying, He has other's busy about the business of sharing His truths with my family and we don't have to run the entire plantation ...

I am starting to see how keeping a journal will help me see the many ways God speaks to us throughout the day!

What Sins Are You Talking About?

I remember the days when I was bent low with the burdens of sin and strife
Then Jesus came in and rescued me and gave me a brand new life.
Now as I thank Him day after day for washing my sins away,
It seems I can almost hear the voice of the blessed Savior say.

What sins are you talking about
I don't remember them anymore.
From the Book of Life they've all been torn out
I don't remember them anymore.

Day 1 of my own 30 day challenge

When our Bible study leader recommended joining in some ongoing challenges from some of her blogging ventures, I jumped on the wagon... like my 'Peter' personality would have me to do.

Ready fire aim!.. (but this time, I may just hit the target!)

One of the challenges is to journal daily on what God says to me through daily devotions.

Let the journey begin...

This morning I read Solomon chapter 2 and right away I felt the Lord speak to me, telling me that in my valley's He is there.

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." Song 2:1-2

So often when I am in the valley, (and it seems lately that I have made a little home for myself there), I realize that He is truly the 'lily among thorns'. As well-meaning as my family and brothers and sisters in Christ may be, there is no comparison to the love and care of the 'Lily of my valley".

King Solomon goes on to point out the apple tree among the other trees of the wood. He compares the "sweet to the taste" fruit of this tree to his 'beloved among sons'. It seems that the LORD is saying to me that no matter what the world has to offer, He is the 'sweetest' among all others.

Years ago, I remember being in the girls club at my church and one of the fondest and oldest memories I have is learning a scripture song to the next verse.

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me [was] love." Song 2:4

Although I don't recall him speaking to me at that very moment, I do remember, years later, when he did! And nothing can compare to the joy he gave me when I realized that His Banner over me is truly LOVE in its purest form.

I could certainly identify with Solomon as I continued reading in verses 5 & 6 ..
Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.

Apples... there's that word again... !

I believe the Lord is wooing and drawing me into closer fellowship with him. In this hi-tech age, so many things distract us from quality time (sweet fruit of fellowship) with the LORD.

I need your help Lord to make the right choices. Thank you Lord for speaking to me this morning and being the Lily of my valley, Rose of Sharon and the apple tree of my life....