As I awake this morning the chorus to this song is on my heart. I give you my heart, I give you my soul, Lord have your way with me. Every step that I take every move that I make Lord have your way with me.
Total surrender to God's ways. Not my will, but yours be done. A freeing way to live by letting go of preconceived outcomes, willing, open, flexible and adaptable. As I write these adjectives they also remind me of some of the adds posted for international schools. Now on the heels of finishing my second year abroad I better understand what that really means!:-) However, with God it is totally different. He loves us more than we can imagine and is working all things to our good!
When we understand God has a divine plan for our lives and that he made us for a purpose, why would we not ask him to show us the way? We can struggle, get lost, discouraged, get in trouble, all while he is there waiting, watching, willing to help. Loving us with an open hand, just waiting for us to ask, surrender. Are we asking, are we willing to trust him? What would our actions say about our beliefs?
Once we understand that God is on our side, that he loves us more than we can imagine and he is the Creator of the universe, why would we not ask?
As children of God we have the privilege of a relationship with the Creator of the world. We are blessed, forgiven, protected, encouraged and free to live a life that is holy without spot or blemish because he loves us! That my friends should melt our hearts! How can we not love God, when he first loved us and is willing to show us daily just how much, if we ask him. Total surrender to our Creator.....
Song: "I Give You my Heart" .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZGzu6oI9b4
A daily inspirational walk of scriptures,thoughts and songs to uplift and encourage your mind and soul.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
God is So Good!
A familiar song verse, "Through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God. Through it all, I have learned to depend upon his word." I have learned in good times and bad that God is there for his children. I have learned to listen to the still small voice for divine guidance and direction that his word says that IF we follow his commandments then we have access to the promises that are in his word. So even when bad times come, if we know we are doing what is right by his spirit that is within us, then we can trust God to see us through. Pay close attention to the word "through". His word does not say over, under or around, but he does promise to never leave or forsake us.
I did not get to where I am today on my own and I will not stand on my own and I am glad we do not have too. God is working all things for our good and we can rest in his promises of protection and provision as his children.
Are you struggling today and losing hope or wondering why? My encouragement to you today is to hold on and trust in GOD. He loves you more than you can imagine!
I did not get to where I am today on my own and I will not stand on my own and I am glad we do not have too. God is working all things for our good and we can rest in his promises of protection and provision as his children.
Are you struggling today and losing hope or wondering why? My encouragement to you today is to hold on and trust in GOD. He loves you more than you can imagine!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
I Exalt Thee, Oh Lord!
While waiting we are called to praise his holy name. Is there uncertainty in your future? Are you anxious about your next step. Have you prayed and yet you are in the fire? If you are like me the answer is yes to all the above!
As we continue in our daily walk may we be reminded to rest, relax and let God be our guide. Learning to listen to his still small voice and then act on his prompting. Depend upon his word and promises to see us through, with a conscience decision to relax and not be anxious. A deliberate, focused determination to read his word and trust in his promises as we start each new day.
When teaching students I encourage them to make healthy daily habits that are to be done everyday, not just when they feel like them, so that they can become healthy adults. How much more does that apply to our spiritual life? Daily steps and choices that reinforce our positive choices, allow us to keep the course even during times of uncertainty. It is in the daily discipline of self, that allows us to grow stronger physically, emotionally and most certainly spiritually.
Are you filled with despair, uncertainty and anxiety? Rest assured you are not alone, the only thing you have to remember is to turn it over to God and trust that he cares for you. Be encouraged in reading his word daily and let him speak to your heart in a personal way that only he can do. And last but not least, praise him for all of his many benefits. I exalt thee oh God! Listen and be encouraged today on your walk..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arPrM8RCiyo
"In Your Time".http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtcBURtm5Aw
As we continue in our daily walk may we be reminded to rest, relax and let God be our guide. Learning to listen to his still small voice and then act on his prompting. Depend upon his word and promises to see us through, with a conscience decision to relax and not be anxious. A deliberate, focused determination to read his word and trust in his promises as we start each new day.
When teaching students I encourage them to make healthy daily habits that are to be done everyday, not just when they feel like them, so that they can become healthy adults. How much more does that apply to our spiritual life? Daily steps and choices that reinforce our positive choices, allow us to keep the course even during times of uncertainty. It is in the daily discipline of self, that allows us to grow stronger physically, emotionally and most certainly spiritually.
Are you filled with despair, uncertainty and anxiety? Rest assured you are not alone, the only thing you have to remember is to turn it over to God and trust that he cares for you. Be encouraged in reading his word daily and let him speak to your heart in a personal way that only he can do. And last but not least, praise him for all of his many benefits. I exalt thee oh God! Listen and be encouraged today on your walk..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arPrM8RCiyo
"In Your Time".http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtcBURtm5Aw
Friday, February 21, 2014
How Great The Father's Love For Us!
We often have a hard time understanding God's love for us, and sometimes think he's only there periodically. As we grow stronger in our walk with Christ through daily reading and prayer we will develop a relationship that is so awesome we will wonder how we ever made it without him! Just as any relationship needs cultivating, our walk with God needs to be the same. Think of it like a parent to a child that is only nice or calls when they want something, hmm....yet that is what we often do to God. He desires to be the one we look too in all situations and contrary to popular belief, he is never too busy or tired.
Some of you may ask how do I know this? Our experience and daily walk with Christ should be our confidence, backed up by his word. The many answered prayers and unexpected favor that is shown to us are constant reminders of his love. Are we looking for his hand and listening to his still small voice?
I am wowed by his ever present provision in my life and my loved ones, through good times and bad. I am indeed humbled that he hears my every prayer, even when it is something as simple as finding my cat, or my way home, he is my closest friend.
I am wowed by his ever present provision in my life and my loved ones, through good times and bad. I am indeed humbled that he hears my every prayer, even when it is something as simple as finding my cat, or my way home, he is my closest friend.
When we develop a strong relationship with God, he is always the first one we turn too in gratitude for all he has given us and he comes first in our lives as we reflect his love to those around us, because it is what is in us. Matthew Ch. 24 vs. 34 " For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Whatever we are filled up with is invariably what comes out, whether it be good or evil."
May we all desire to have that intimate walk with God with a lasting peace and hope that passes all understanding, more than all the temporary dainties this world has to offer.
Song: "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k&feature=kp
Grateful Hearts
At the end of the month when funds are low, we are often stretched and stressed when we look to ourselves for all of our needs. As a child, the bible story in Luke of the poor widow who gave 2 mites comes to mind when Jesus said she had given more than all the kings, made an impression on me. God encourages us to be cheerful givers, not building up treasures for ourselves, but trusting him to supply our every need. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and All these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6 vs.33.
As we leave a season of thankfulness and enter a season of giving, I am reminded of the song verse that says, "Give thanks with a grateful heart." Grateful giving is what we are called to do and if we have not, God instructs us to ask, so that our dependence is on him. II Kings, Ch 4-8. Talks about the widow who has no money to pay the debtors and Elisha instructs her to gather vessels to pour her only pot of oil into so that she may then sell the oil and pay her debts.
God is also the supplier of all our needs, yet he says that when we give out of our need and trust him, his heart is touched by our generosity, and his love then shines brightly through all we think, say and do.
God is also the supplier of all our needs, yet he says that when we give out of our need and trust him, his heart is touched by our generosity, and his love then shines brightly through all we think, say and do.
I pray our hearts are like the widow's, not looking to the things of this world, but looking to God the author and finisher of our faith, being a faithful witness in word and deed to those around us.
Song: Give Thanks....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0fkWA2INw
Song: Give Thanks....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0fkWA2INw
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Our Destiny.....
Forever God is with us, forever and ever and ever....What an awesome thought and promise. Always, even through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for God is with us! Psalm 23. Can we really understand? I think I only have moments of clarity where I go "Wow", but then life comes back to me and I forget and go on about "life". How do I keep that understanding in my everyday choices, attitudes, my walk? Hmm.....much to consider. My quiet moments help.
Thank you Lord for this day, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Learning to be grateful and reflective in the common, ordinary miracles, daily. A spirit of praise and gratitude for ALL he has done. The right and privilege to pray for someone, today. To share my hope and my faith for a better tomorrow to those in my path. Right where I am hmmm.....
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I have a role, to be God's light. To be his hands and feet, to meet the needs right where I am. Wow! Yeah, I get it, but then I forget.....
Lord, help me to remember and open my eyes to your will, to those in need, helping me to be used of you today and the next. On purpose, meaningful, reflective and intentional living this moment and the next, in Jesus name I pray.
Thought provoking link.http://capeverde-islands.com/station.html
Song: Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUH_NzfRmb
Godspeed.....
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Here I am to Worship
This morning as I go through my lists of things to do and reflect on where I am and my next journey, I am reminded of my mission to serve God first. I have to be willing to let go of money, family, comforts and position. Then and only then can God use me for his glory. Not my will, but yours be done.....
As we reflect on our jobs as God's servants and our purpose today, this song comes to mind. May God use our gifts and talents for his glory to worship his sovereign presence in our lives. A world version of "Here I am to Worship. " by Michael W. Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kAjok4-Uk
As we reflect on our jobs as God's servants and our purpose today, this song comes to mind. May God use our gifts and talents for his glory to worship his sovereign presence in our lives. A world version of "Here I am to Worship. " by Michael W. Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kAjok4-Uk
Monday, February 17, 2014
Keeping Our Eyes On Jesus!
Matthew Ch.7 vs. 15 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves".
As Jesus instructs his disciples and sends them to the lost as a witness to heaven, he gives them guidelines to follow. One being Matthew, Ch.10 vs.16 "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." He knows the world in which they are instructed to witness in will have those who are imposters, yet he encourages his disciples and us not to get discouraged, but to keep pressing on and spreading his word, giving hope for this life and our life to come.
In the natural it is easy to get discouraged when we see evil and bad exist in the name of religion, but his word says that we are to keep our eyes on him and not fret, because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.
The parable of the seeds is also given saying the sower knows not what will take root, but that we as his disciples are to keep planting seeds with an understanding that there will be good and bad that spring up together, but there will come a day when they will be separated. Luke Ch. 17 vs. 34-36. Talks about two in bed, in the field and working together, yet one is taken and the other is left.
So keep the faith and keep pressing on, for in a day when you know not, the Son of man will return to judge the living and the dead, judging not the outward, but the inward heart of man. Help us to be counted as worthy servants doing the will of the Father that is in heaven.
Song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnhUh2tt97Q
Song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnhUh2tt97Q
Sunday, February 16, 2014
This Is The Day!
I have started my search for my next teaching post and have had to come up with a list of what is really important in order to get a sense of direction and narrow my search. Is it money, beautiful location, prestige or purpose? A question that helps to center me is, if this was my last post would I have any regrets? As I reflect on that one question my search becomes easier as I set aside the weights that so easily distract me. Hebrews 12:1-2. Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In the bible it also states that this is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. My time here is to be used wisely and enjoyed. So the question is what is wisely, what makes me happy? Is it money, relationships, food, family, activities? Obviously the list could go on and on for all of us depending on our current position in life.
For younger people it may be college, careers, marriage, house, car, kids, vacations etc. Where does it all stop? What happens when we achieve all we can, what next? One might say well then I store up plenty and enjoy the rest of my life doing what I want to do. The bible also shares about the gentleman who thought the same and tore down his barns to store his excess. He was called a fool, and told that night his life would end. Ecclesiastes 1-3,Psalm 45,Ephesians 2 NKJV - The Vanity of Life ...
the writer concludes that all of life is vanity. God says that our life is to be enjoyed. To eat, drink and enjoy today, for it is a gift from God.
So where does all of this information leave me on my initial question? How am I spending my time? Is it wisely, am I storing up treasure in heaven where moth and dust does not corrupt? If I gain the whole world and lose my soul, is it for not? At the end of each day can I say I have used it wisely, by sharing God's love with someone else? Today, this moment is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I think I have my answer. May your day be as reflective and enjoyable.
Godspeed to all....Song.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD2pq-Eit1k
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In the bible it also states that this is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. My time here is to be used wisely and enjoyed. So the question is what is wisely, what makes me happy? Is it money, relationships, food, family, activities? Obviously the list could go on and on for all of us depending on our current position in life.
For younger people it may be college, careers, marriage, house, car, kids, vacations etc. Where does it all stop? What happens when we achieve all we can, what next? One might say well then I store up plenty and enjoy the rest of my life doing what I want to do. The bible also shares about the gentleman who thought the same and tore down his barns to store his excess. He was called a fool, and told that night his life would end. Ecclesiastes 1-3,Psalm 45,Ephesians 2 NKJV - The Vanity of Life ...
the writer concludes that all of life is vanity. God says that our life is to be enjoyed. To eat, drink and enjoy today, for it is a gift from God.
So where does all of this information leave me on my initial question? How am I spending my time? Is it wisely, am I storing up treasure in heaven where moth and dust does not corrupt? If I gain the whole world and lose my soul, is it for not? At the end of each day can I say I have used it wisely, by sharing God's love with someone else? Today, this moment is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I think I have my answer. May your day be as reflective and enjoyable.
Godspeed to all....Song.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD2pq-Eit1k
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Going Through The Motions.....
What if?______ We can all fill in the blank with many things. How many of us ask ourselves that question, before it is too late? Are we living to our fullest potential or just going through the motions? Do we have passion, love, hope, excitement for today, tomorrow in what God has planned for us? Great questions to ponder. God's ways are higher than ours, dare we let go of trying to control everything based on our own understanding and let God direct us in the way he desires? When he speaks to our hearts are we willing to go where he wants us too? Do we trust him enough to say yes Lord, wherever you lead I will follow? What dreams has God placed in your heart today? Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone and say, "yes"?
An awesome song by Matthew West. "The Motions"
Choices....
Each day we have choices and based on those choices consequences will follow that leave marks on those we encounter. As Christians we must realize that our daily choices will affect those around us whether for good or bad, we are leaving a mark.
I recently had the privilege of overseeing some college instructors who were just learning to teach. What I found myself sharing with them as they made mistakes, was that the students they were teaching were like fresh play dough. The instructor's words and actions were making an impression on these young kids for better or for worse. Yes they were just teaching a game, but in the process they were impacting them for life about how to be kind, use good language when frustrated, how to persevere, how to win and lose graciously, and to feel good about their efforts.
As Christians we do the same thing in our walk for Christ. We walk daily among those who are less fortunate, need a helping hand, or a kind word. Are we sharing Christ to those in our path with our everyday words and actions?
Lord, open our eyes and help us to see those who are less fortunate and give a helping hand, a kind word to those who are struggling, share the love of Christ with an attitude of gratitude in all we do, leaving good marks on those we meet, for a good testament to Christ who lives in us.
Below are some quotes and sayings I found that are guaranteed to make us reflect on our own choices and what those actions are telling others.....
Quotes:
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
- Leo Buscaglia.
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.
Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things
do occur in our interactions with other people that would tempt us to take offense.
However, ultimately it is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false.
To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted
or imposed upon us by someone or something else.
- David A. Bednar.
Every day I live, I am more convinced that the waste of life lies
in the love we have not given, the powers we have not used,
the selfish prudence that will risk nothing and which,
shirking pain, misses happiness as well.
- Mary Cholmondeley.
If we work upon marble, it will perish.
If we work upon brass, time will erode it.
If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust.
But if we work upon men’s immortal minds, if we imbue them
with high principles, with love of God and love of their fellowmen,
we engrave on those tablets something which no time will erase.
and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity.
- Daniel Webster.
Nobody grows old by
merely living a number of years.
People grow old by deserting their ideals.
You are as young as your faith, and as old as your doubt;
As young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear;
As young as your hope, as old as your despair.
.- Douglas MacArthur.
A great many people think they are thinking
when they are really rearranging their prejudices.
- William James.
We must endure the winter, if we would value spring,
and the forest must be silent, . . . before the robins sing.
Flowers lay in darkness, before they bud & bloom,
and the sweetest rays of sunlight shine
after storm and gloom.
- Anonymous (edited by m.m.).
If you change the way you look at things,
the things you look at . . . change.
- Wayne Dyer.
When you come
to the edge of the Light you've known,
and now, must step into the darkness of unknown,
having faith means one of two things: Within the shadows,
there will be solid ground upon which to stand,
or . . . you will be taught to fly.
- Lorraine Ortner-Blake.
With the strength of human bodies that gradually fall apart,
we diligently endure in life's journey, faithfully pulling handcarts
loaded with personal trials and troubles across a vast prairie of opportunity;
where our loving Lord Jesus is ever willing to walk with us; bear each heavy burden,
till we reach the valley of His promise—forgiven and redeemed.
- Matt Moody .
My experience convinces me that optimism is just another word for amnesia—
no matter how bad my life is, I forget about it when the sun rises and I find myself with another chance! "A certain day became a presence to me; there it was, confronting me:
a sky, air, light—a being. And before it started to descend from the height of noon,
it leaned over & struck my shoulder as if with the flat of a sword, granting
me honor and a task. The day's blow rang out, metallic—
or it was I, a bell awakened, and what I heard
was my whole self saying and singing
what it knew . . . . I can.
.- Denise Levertov.
The only real revolution is in
the enlightenment of the mind
and the improvement of character,
the only real emancipation is individual,
and the only real revolutionaries
are philosophers and saints.
- Durant.
You don't drown by falling into troubled waters; instead,
you drown because you don't know how to swim, or
fail to fully apply the ability to swim. There is
always a way out of turbulent waters:
Find it! Learn it! Apply it!
- Matt Moody .
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves,
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You're playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that
other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we naturally inspire
others to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,
our shining presence automatically liberates others.
- Marianne Williamson.
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
and optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill.
Excellence versus Winning
If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it;
Every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
When an archer is shooting for nothing . . . he has all his skill.
If he shoots for a brass buckle . . . he is already nervous.
If he shoots for a prize of gold . . . he goes blind;
or sees two targets . . . he is out of his mind!
His skill has not changed. But the prize . . . divides him. He cares.
He thinks more of winning than of shooting . . .
and the need to win drains him of power.
- Chuang Tzu, 400 B.C..
Trying to do well and trying to beat others are two different things.
Excellence and victory are conceptually distinct . . . and are experienced differently.
- Alfie Kohn.
Whenever you fall, pick something up.
- Oswald Avery.
There are two ways to live your life.
One as though nothing is a miracle.
The other as though everything is a miracle..
- Albert Einstein.
Four People
This is a story about four people named:
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done
and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, . . . but Nobody did it.
Now Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it,
but Nobody realized . . . that Everybody wouldn't do it.
In the end, Everybody blamed Somebody
when Nobody did . . . what Anybody could have done.
Tao of Leadership
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need..
By yielding, I endure. The empty space is filled.
When I give of myself, I become more.
When I feel most destroyed, I am about to grow.
When I desire nothing, A great deal comes to me.
For Those Who Have Suffered
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, . . . that I might learn humility.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, . . . that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, . . . that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given affliction, . . . that I might feel the need for Grace.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, . . . that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I foolishly asked for . . .
but received everything I hoped for.
"For God performeth the thing that is appointed for me,
He hath tried me, and I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10,14)
For Those Who have Lost Loved Ones
You can a shed tear that she is gone
or smile that she has lived.
You can close your eyes and curse your emptiness
or open your eyes and be filled with the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and mourn yesterday
or live for tomorrow . . . because of yesterday.
Your heart can feel sad because you're not with her
or feel glad because she is with God.
You can think of her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
- David Harkin.
The Birth Called Death
In a beautiful blue lagoon
on a clear day, a fine sailing-ship
spreads its brilliant white canvas in a fresh morning breeze
and sails out to the open sea. We watch her glide away magnificently
through the deep blue and gradually see her grow smaller and smaller
as she nears the horizon. Finally, where the sea and sky meet,
she slips silently from sight; and someone near me says,
"There, she is gone!" Gone where?
Gone from sight -- that is all.
She is still as large in mast and hull and sail,
still just as able to bear her load. And we can be sure that,
just as we say, "There, she is gone!" another says, "There, she comes!"
- Paul Dunn.
Change
They must often change,
who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
- Confucius.
Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
- James A. Baldwin.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
This Little Light of Mine....
God's word gives us specific instruction about how to live. If you love me keep my commandments. John Ch. 15 vs. 7 "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done." As God's children we are called to be his disciples, and to let his love shine to those who are lost that they might come to know him as their personal Savior.
As Christians it is important that we are prayed up and filled up with the holy spirit, so that when trials and hardships come, others would see Christ in us and not our human weaknesses. If we are the same as the world, Christ's light is hidden or even put out. Usually it is how we handle our hardships and pain that is our greatest witness for something bigger than ourselves that lives within us, that ultimately draws others to him.
Romans Chapter 12 gives specific instruction of how to handle ourselves as Christians and to walk according to Christ and not the world, blessing those that persecute us and cursing not. Rejoicing with those that rejoice and weeping with those that weep. Patient in tribulation, continuing always in prayer, providing all things honest in the sight of all men.
May we all remember the children's song of "This Little Light of Mine" and shine bright today.
Romans Ch 15. vs. 13 " Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Song,"Light of the World" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qswhu5QyXgU
Sunday, February 9, 2014
I Stand In Awe of You!
This morning in church on our school campus a gentleman from India who works for Gideon bibles spoke about the translation of bibles into the various languages in India and its' distribution throughout the country.
He shared a story of a gentleman that received one of the bibles and read several of the stories where Jesus brought people back to life and he decided that if this was true, then he would bring his mother who died to the local church some miles away and have the church pray for her.
After a long journey with his recently deceased mom he entered the church and told the pastor of his mission. The pastor was taken aback, but promises to come back with the congregation and pray. After a day of praying with the gentleman not being willing to give up, his the mom sits up and asks where her son has brought her?
This pretty much sums up what I have experienced here in India. God's work is real to these people. They live it and believe it because they depend on it! It is not a fairy-tale or just a nice story to tell. After listening to this preacher I had to reflect to myself. Am I not one of the latter ones, with my western views and comforts that make me less than dependent on God and his word?
I must say after listening to this gentleman it caused me to reflect and to earnestly pray, reminding myself that God's word is true and with confidence I should be praying more earnestly for those on my list! God's word will not return void. He says, "We have not because we ask not".
Do you have radical faith like this man or even that the size of a mustard seed? I think the bible also calls it faith as a child. It really is too simple is it not? If God said it, I believe it and that is that! May God speak to your heart today and encourage you as he has to me, to trust him more completely and truly believe in his word and watch him perform miracles in your life and mine! May God richly bless each and everyone of you.
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Qx1e33Ook
:
He shared a story of a gentleman that received one of the bibles and read several of the stories where Jesus brought people back to life and he decided that if this was true, then he would bring his mother who died to the local church some miles away and have the church pray for her.
After a long journey with his recently deceased mom he entered the church and told the pastor of his mission. The pastor was taken aback, but promises to come back with the congregation and pray. After a day of praying with the gentleman not being willing to give up, his the mom sits up and asks where her son has brought her?
This pretty much sums up what I have experienced here in India. God's work is real to these people. They live it and believe it because they depend on it! It is not a fairy-tale or just a nice story to tell. After listening to this preacher I had to reflect to myself. Am I not one of the latter ones, with my western views and comforts that make me less than dependent on God and his word?
I must say after listening to this gentleman it caused me to reflect and to earnestly pray, reminding myself that God's word is true and with confidence I should be praying more earnestly for those on my list! God's word will not return void. He says, "We have not because we ask not".
Do you have radical faith like this man or even that the size of a mustard seed? I think the bible also calls it faith as a child. It really is too simple is it not? If God said it, I believe it and that is that! May God speak to your heart today and encourage you as he has to me, to trust him more completely and truly believe in his word and watch him perform miracles in your life and mine! May God richly bless each and everyone of you.
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Qx1e33Ook
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Saturday, February 1, 2014
God Will Make A Way!
For most Psalm Chapter 23 is a well known chapter. God's promise of provision and protection, with ultimate guidance and subsequent blessing. Who would not want these blessings, but as any good parent or teacher knows they come with guidelines.
Early in the school year I would always let my students know what they could expect from me. I would establish my classroom rules and my expectations. I would then encourage them to follow these rules with the understanding that there were consequences for their choices and as their teacher I promised to be firm, fair and consistent in enforcing those rules. Ultimately the choice was theirs, so I encouraged them to choose wisely.
God made us with a free will with the ability to think and reason to make our own choices. He also sets out guidelines and provisions with promises and consequences based on our choices. We have hopefully learned that he is indeed firm, fair and consistent with his promises, even more so than the best parent or teacher tries to be.
As we all seek for justice and fairness in this world we can rest in God's promises to know that ultimately fairness will prevail, both in our lives and others. Let us look inward and make sure we are choosing wisely as God's children today and discipline ourselves to make good decisions so that we might have the confidence in his ultimate protection and blessings that he promises his children. He desires the best for us, but ultimately the choice is ours.
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o
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