Waiting Upon God

"Strength arise as we wait upon the Lord. Our hope our strong deliverer." Words to a song that remind us that God's timing is never late or early. He encourages us in our struggles through remembrance of past victories and his word, to wait. He knows our every need, he desires to take care of us as only a loving Father can and sometimes the answer is immediate, yet other times it is to wait, or even no for our own good.

Trusting in our heavenly Father who knows what we need before we even ask, is what is referred to in the bible as faith as a child. Humbly coming to Jesus with thanksgiving for the many blessings he has bestowed on us in the past and letting our request be known to him. His word promises to never leave or forsake us. So even if we are feeling alone today, we need to trust in our knowledge and past experience, not relying on how we feel in the moment.  Look to our heavenly Father and know he cares for you and me as only a parent can!

As a coach, teacher and parent we call this "self talk". What are we telling ourselves today? I encourage you to memorize scripture and repeat it when the devil comes and tempts us to look at the storm and not our Savior! Listen to this song and be encouraged in your struggles today when you are tempted to fear.

Song: Everlasting God. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM

What Are We Afraid Of?

Do you ever find yourself worrying about your circumstances, fretting the unknown? I think for most of us that is a pretty normal occurrence, yet the bible calls us as Christians
to think differently. Let us look and see what it has to say about how we should think.

Matthew Ch. 6 vs 33-34. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Take no thought for tomorrow, for today is evil enough with promise that says, I will take care of you, I know what you have need of." The gospel of Matthew is full of instruction and encouragement.

I am relieved to know we serve a loving God who knows our every need. Not only are we promised eternal salvation, but the fix is in. We have a winner in our corner, the end has already been determined. We have absolutely NO reason to fear! What more could we ask for in this life, and in our life to come.

We are honored to serve a loving God that knows our every need even before we ask. He desires to give us his best. Let us get out of the way with our small thinking and rejoice! God is working all things for our good. Brothers and sisters in Christ we have reason to be excited!

 The question then is, why are we living in fear, under our circumstances? Do we not believe in his promises, have faith or trust the maker of heaven and earth?

Christ scolds us in Matthew Ch. 6 vs.30, "Oh ye of little faith." With his disciples he does the same. Ch.8 vs. 26. I am sure he must get tired of us with all of our whining."Let us run with patience the race that is before us, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews Ch. 12 vs 1-2.

Song: "Mighty to Save" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8rlTIU8_Y

GIve Me Words To Speak.....

A few years back my daughter came home from school and shared what a guest speaker had encouraged them to do. They started by making a bracelet of yarn and every time they complained about something they were encouraged to move it to the other arm. It was a simple exercise to make them aware of how much they might be complaining, often times without even realizing it.

 What if we took the same exercise and moved the bracelet every time we showed gratitude? I wonder how much my own bracelet would move? We all have much to be grateful for even in our most dire circumstances, but sometimes the habit of gratefulness needs to be practiced until we start seeing all God has done for us each day.

Though times are tough and obviously people are concerned about what the future holds, we are asked to be faithful stewards of what we have, and keep our eyes on Jesus and not the storm. Let us hold firm and keep the faith, being good stewards of the manifold of grace that God had gives us each day. Help us to build each other up in words and deed, shinning God's love to those around us in all we say and do. I John Ch. 3-5. 

Thought for the day: If we were convicted of being Christians, would there be enough evidence?
Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Xk6sc62EY

Numbering Our Days.......

For the past couple of days the scriptures that keep popping up when I read are those in Psalms that speak of numbering our days. Psalms, Ch.90, Psalm, Ch.39 vs.4. They speak of knowing our end and measuring our days with an understanding of how frail we are.

I then turn to the New Testament in Matthew Ch. 24, which gives the signs of the end. All of these scriptures are reminders to reflect on our lives and make sure we are living each moment with a scrutiny of it being our last. What if it was our last for whatever reason, or that of our loved ones? We have only to look at the recent news in Oklahoma as a sobering example of just how fleeting life can be.

Just as we assess our daily aspirations and goals, I pray that we are also reminded to ask,"Are we living like we are suppose to today?" Common questions are, what if Jesus was here with us, what if we would never see that person again, what if we knew someone was watching, what if that thought or word was broadcast across the media for all the world to see, what if ?

Is our conscience clear, are we living like it is our last, would we have regrets, would we do things differently, are we making the most of everyday, would Jesus say well done good and faithful servant? Piercing questions that might cause us to cringe, yet if we come to the "light" and pray for him to help us to number our days, help us to know our end and how frail that we are, I dare say we would all make some changes in our decisions right now.

May God speak to our hearts as he continually guides and directs our footsteps. The chorus to a song that is on my heart is "Never once did he make us walk alone. He is faithful. Listen and be encouraged today. Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2CpU39tM0c

Second Chances...

Some of us will get second chances yet others will not. How do we know? Truth is we do not. What if you were one of the recent tornado victims, what would you say to others in retrospect? "What if" could apply to many situations around us each day. The bible states to number or days. Enjoy your life and leave treasures in heaven, by being a blessing and sharing God's love each day.This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad it in!

The other day in church there was also a life changing event that happened right at the end of service. An older lady passed out and as we stretched her out on the pews, she was "gone". Her eyes starred back at us cold and unmoving. The moment of action seem to have passed. The niece starts to panic as her aunt is just visiting and was in good health, now this. In that very moment the older lady comes back to us, alive. Wow! She wants to sit up but we say no, just lay her for a minute. We check her vitals and called off the ambulance. She is alive!

I must confess that was a first for me and apparently several others in the room as well. As the pastor cleared out the congregation to make way for help we were left with some pretty somber, but happy people. What just happened? We all knew by the look in her eyes that she was gone, some even voiced that fact, yet in that moment of realization she came back. With a niece in tears and everyone gathered around, the lady was startled, shocked, embarrassed. She did not know what we knew. Today could have, should have been her last. She however had a second chance....

How about you? I hope none of us go through that experience or the one in Oklahoma, but if we did would we live differently afterwards? Somber thought, but enlightening as well. 

Song of the day." I'm gonna live for today." By Natalie Grant. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEhn0CQ49Kw

In Warfare With the Devil!

The other day I received an email from my daughter's dad with no explanation just 3 attachments from a hospital where she is traveling in another country with her name on it. Want to talk about a heart racing moment! It was as if I had just started sprinting as fast as I could up hill. My body was screaming danger and was reacting and preparing for the worst! As I tried to open the attachments my fingers were thick and I could not get them opened to see what had happened. In the natural I was panicking, then I remembered to pray. Better late than never I suppose, but boy was I on full throttle as I then tried to calm myself and see what was wrong.

Have you ever been there where you get jabbed and realize just how vulnerable you really are? Now most would and have described me as rock solid and steady. I rarely waver in tough situations or at least outwardly. Whispered prayers come second nature and then I become focused on the task usually very calmly, irrespective of the situation. The other day however was different. Even I was surprised at my immediate physical anxiety! At that moment and in reflection it has created in me more empathy and compassion for others' in their distress, but also an insight into Gods' love for us!

My reflection as a result of that moment was that there is nothing God does not feel when we hurt! I can attest to that based on my own experience the other day. Nothing hits the heart of a parent more than the pain of their child, nothing!

I am pleased to report after I was finally able to open the attachments and read them, that there was good news in the reports that were sent, but the experience did bring me to my knees once again, which is not a bad place to be either....

I am here to tell you that God is on our side, and though Satan may throw us curve balls and try to trip us up, it should get us excited because there is something around the corner he does not want us to get too, so press on harder and keep the faith because together we will come out victorious! "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world". 1 John 4:4
Enlightening sermon:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lvpgndRyTY

The Power Of Our Words

Whether we are an adult or child, words have power and how we use them has a profound impact for good or for bad, whether we intend them too or not. I am sure each of us can remember something that was said that was hurtful and how it shaped our view of ourselves to the negative. My hope is that you also have a memory of positive things that were said, that helped and encouraged you. My prayer for each of  us today, is found in Psalm 19:14:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer".

Below are a few more examples of what Gods' word has to say about "our" words.

James 1:26 "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless".

Luke 6:45. "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks".

Proverbs 29:20 "Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him".

Proverbs 16:23-24 "The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body".

James 3:1-12 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire"!

Lord, help us to remember your words and make you a proud parent by what we say and do, in Jesus name I pray.

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKfhlHoemPI

You're A Child Of God

I remember my thoughts, wishes and dreams for my own daughter as she graduated from high school and now college, and I am sure it is not unlike many of yours. As parents we pray our children will grow up and do great things, keeping God first and foremost in their lives, but recognizing that they will have to choose daily the right path to walk on, sometimes uphill and against the crowd. We pray we have prepared them as best we can for what lies ahead with enough hope to persevere in the face of difficulty, yet enjoy the blessings that God has in store for them through it all.

As parents we have the opportunity to model God's love to our children, but also like God, we recognize that they will make their own choices, despite what we do.

The comfort we have as parents is also found in scripture. Proverbs 22:6: "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."

A touching story I thought to include for all of those facing graduation this year. Blessings.....

http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-657-A+Bible+For+Graduation.html

Where is Our Hope?

 Faith by its biblical definition, "Is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Hebrew Ch.11. The bible also states that faith without works is dead. James Ch.2 vs.26.

The bible has much to say about faith and living for God. Some have taken these scriptures and spun the phrase, that God helps those that help themselves, however this is not biblical, so what is the difference? Hebrews Ch. 11 lists the many examples of the people of faith in the bible and what they did and then what God did as a result of their faith in action. 

The difference in faith and my works is that faith in God is it is his work not mine. He does however require that we jump, walk and move towards the expected deliverance or outcome, without the means or the knowing how, yet trusting in him to provide. By doing this we recognize it is not of ourselves that we are delivered or provided for, but by Christ alone, hence he gets the glory and not us.

When I come up against things that I need help, my first response is a whispered prayer. Help me, I need your guidance and the answer is there immediately. Other times I have to wait and trust. I must confess the waiting is tough, but through the experience my faith grows stronger.

 If you are going through a low point or are asked to walk into the unknown, get excited because God is about to show up! Peter asked to get out of a boat into a stormy sea, and there God called him and met him.

Let us be encouraged today in whatever situation we find ourselves to keep our eyes on Jesus, and trust he will see us through. Jesus after all is "the author and finisher of our faith". Hebrews 12:2.

God's Blessing and Protection For You!

Psalm 3:4, "Salvation belongs unto the Lord; thy blessing is upon thy people. 4:8, I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou Lord only makest me to dwell in safety. 5:12 , For thou Lord will bless the righteous, with favor thou will compass him as with a shield. 6:8-9, Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer."

If any of you have ever been attacked, discouraged or downtrodden these are powerful words from God. He is with you, he will see you through, you are a child of the most high. Do not surrender your position as a child of God. Satan is a liar and God's promises are true. Keep your eyes on him, the one true God, author and finisher of our faith. Stand strong in the Lord and he will sustain you. Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit sayeth the Lord.

When we get in God's word and study it we are able to stand against the wiles of the devil, putting on the whole armor of God.

Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXAqoZuYvyA

A Prayer For Our Children

On the heels of Mother's Day it is no wonder this is on my heart. As I am drawn to Psalm 144:12, I lift up my thanks to God for his divine protection and favor for me and my family. I pray for my daughter as she continues her walk in Christ ,wherever she goes, and pray that she continues to be used of God in a mighty way as his light shines through her in all she does.

As a parent this verse speaks to my heart and I am grateful to be able to pray blessings and favor upon my child. "That our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace” (Psalm 144:12).

I found this excerpt from a sermon on this verse I would like to share. 
"Children like this don’t happen by chance. If we want sons like mighty oaks and daughters like graceful pillars, we must pray for this and we must work for this. Indeed, producing children like this is the work of a lifetime. It is our greatest and highest and noblest work, the finest gift we can give to the world. If we come to the end of life and have done great things (as the world counts greatness), but our children are not walking with the Lord, how will we ever be satisfied? And if we come to the end and our dreams of worldly fame have not come to pass, but our children love Jesus, we can go down to the grave smiling, knowing that our time on earth has not been in vain".

Beautiful words with a call to action. My prayer today is that we be the parents and grandparents that God has called us to be, for our childrens' sake and the hope of the world.

Song: "Somebody's Praying"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI_h_IRfRe8

"You Alone Are The Famous One"

A beautiful song of gratitude to the maker of heaven and earth. God has spoiled us with his creation and many blessings. I pray we are accepting the gifts and grace with humble, gratefulness for all he has done, and continues to do for us daily as his children.

Song: "Famous One" by Chris Tomlin  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxLIFA2aW2A

A Parent's Love...

As parents, moms and dads, I believe this love is the closest we can come to knowing how much God loves us. The scripture reads, "We being evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him"? Matthew 7:11

A fitting verse for upcoming Mother's day. Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inner most being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

God created us and fashioned us in his image. He came and died that we might have eternal life.
We are not worthy, yet God loves us, forgives us and calls us his own. What do we do, to earn such love? The answer is nothing, except accept him as our personal savior. John 3:16.

With God all things are possible! What is stopping you from total surrender? He wants to walk with you daily and be your guide, comforter, companion, fill your void and give meaning to this life. He is motivated out of love, and desires the best for you now and for eternity. 2 Peter 3:9.

Don't wait, Jesus is calling you now....

Song: "I Surrender All" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om4qyTbaHdc

Provisions are Being Made

Have you ever been in a situation and questioned why is this happening?  In the midst of a struggle it is often hard to see that provisions are being made, and sometimes it is not until further on our journey that our eyes are further enlightened to the blessing that is in the fire. May we learn to trust in God's divine provision, even when we do not understand.

 We may never know the whys of some of life's toughest questions, but we can trust in an ever loving God that is working behind the scenes on our behalf. Maybe one day we will get a backstage pass and have full understanding, but today help us as Christians to shine bright in our struggles and trust in the living God who cares for us.

Philippians Ch. 4 vs.5 -7"The peace of God that passes ALL understanding keep our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the Peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Vs. 9 Those things, which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, Do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Prayer: I lift up our prayer group and new friendships made, looking to you the author and finisher of our faith to answer their prayers spoken and unspoken, knowing you hear our heart's cry, in Jesus name I pray.

Song:" I Give You My Heart" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rioyt4Qwk3E

Ready Yourselves!

This morning the "Call to Prayer" goes off as I write and I am reminded of the different views and religions we all have around us each day. The question I then pose to myself is, what is my role in all of this? The thought "Ready Myself" comes to mind.

How we live today will and does affect the choices people make around us, whether we intend for it to or not. People cannot help but take note, it is part of human behavior and part of how we learn.

Question. What are we teaching those around us today? Are we toxic or helpful? I do not believe we have a choice to be neutral. I have included a quote that I identify with regularly as of late. When posed with the question of what do I do, this famous quote and song seems to be a good starting point.

Do Good Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
You will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend a year building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa.


Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6BW_5WosgA

Where Is Your Hope?

As I answer emails this morning, I find prayers have been answered for friends and loved ones and I am reminded once again that God is good! I pray you are bringing all of your needs and hearts' cry to the one who created and loves you!

John 15:7. "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done". Where is your hope?  I am wowed by the awesome God we serve and I pray you are too. Go in  strength and confidence of the Lord, lifting up your needs to him in prayer and be confident "He is working all things to good that love him".

Song. God is Good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSLGSLdN394

Leaving A Legacy

As parents I believe we all desire to leave something for our kids and grandkids. We quite naturally think of material possessions and worldly wealth and these things are fine, but they are temporal. Daily we are leaving impressions on those around us that will ultimately be our legacy.

It is that helping hand, a lift to a stranger, encouragement to a child, student or spouse. The smile, handshake or wave. The kind word spoken in private. God would call them "treasures in heaven". When that day comes, when we take our last breath, we will have left marks, impressions and impacts on all of those around us. Our families and those closest to us will remember us by what we did and said far longer than any material wealth we could offer.

 I recently heard on the radio station an insight that I would like to share. The speaker said, "Our direction in life trumps our intention." It does not matter where I intended to go or what I intended to do, if I am headed in the wrong direction, my outcome will be reflective of the direction I am headed, not my intention. Hmmm....much to consider.

Prayer: Lord take our hands and guide us in your way that leaves meaningful, lasting impressions that would draw others to you. Help us to be more like you so that when that day comes that we leave this world we will go in peace, knowing we have run our race well and left a well marked path that leads straight to you.

Song: Take My Hand:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1d4Rp8SXF8