The Great I Am!

Isaiah 61: 1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.

8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations."

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2Yh4exnBU0

Sing Unto God

Psalms is a book full of religious songs to God. It encourages the mind and uplifts the soul. If any have ever struggled in the holding pattern of God's timing, his instruction is to worship while we are waiting.

Faith in action. Lord thank you for provision that I know is on the way, answers that I cannot see, divine appointments that I cannot even imagine! We are blessed to be God's children. Let us make sure that we show our appreciation in worship and in song for all he has done for us, and all he is doing, even when we don't see the way.

Psalm 52:9 " I will praise thee forever, because thou has done it, and I will wait on thy name, for it is good before thy saints".

Song:" I Will Worship While I'm Waiting". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb7TSGptd3Y

God Of This City....

This song was initially put out in 2006 by a Belfast-modern worship band on a trip to Pattaya, Thailand. Their story and song is below and well worth reading.

Story. http://www.titletrakk.com/music-interviews/bluetree-story-beyond-the-song-feature.htm

Song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

Sing, Sing, Sing

Psalm 19:14. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord my strength, my redeemer."
Song lyrics, "What's not to love about you, heaven and earth adore you, kings and kingdoms bow down, you are the one we're living for". Powerful words. We have much to sing about. Even in our darkest hour, God is with us, never leaving or forsaking His children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGPN2Z-bgS0

All Of Me...

"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God". 1 Corinthians 10:31. Let this be our hearts cry, use all of us, right where we are, in prayer, words and deeds. Use us for your glory. We lift up Haiti in prayer as rescue workers move in, and relief workers seek to help those who are hurt. I pray for comfort to families who have lost loved ones, and salvation to the lost. Hope in a desperate situation! We pray and reach out to help those in need not only in Haiti, but right where we are, today, this moment, use all of us for your glory in Jesus name we pray.

Song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh4ac4znuRk

Are We Hungry For More Of God?

I dare say that nothing moves the heart of a parent more than that of humble appreciation from their child. On the flip side I would say nothing disheartens a parent more than an arrogant demanding spirit of their child.

Is it possible that God shares similar views about us? When we learn and come to an understanding of our insignificance and inferiority in the grand scheme of things it demands humbleness. "Our righteousness is as filthy rags". Isaiah 64:6. "I can do nothing without God". John 15. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing". Humble, broken, grateful, gratitude melts the heart of a parent , and I dare say God.

Are we in God's way of blessing us, because we want what we think is best? Are we so arrogant that we think we know more than God? Help us to know our frame, that we are but dust. Psalm 103:14, yet we are children of the most high, Psalm 82. Help us to know where our dependence is, Ephesians 2:12 "Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

Humble, grateful to our heavenly, loving father. We cannot even begin to imagine the plans he has for us. Help us to understand and repent of our arrogance and lean on him for divine guidance and direction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gPbAz4H6ZE&feature=related

"Oh Holy Night"

What a beautiful song to remember our Savior. "Fall on your knees, oh hear the angels voices, oh night divine, when Christ was born, oh night divine!" Remember and reflect this holiday season and I pray God's blessing and favor on each and everyone of you. My hope is to see you again when I return from my travels after the first of the year. Listen and be inspired anew by, Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers and the Gaithers. The flavor of your choosing....God bless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AgOMsXLCtw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PqvAdz5cYE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5el-SGM5q1I

God Is The Rewarder

There are many examples in the bible where God intervenes and provides for those who serve Him. The scripture reminds us that it rains on the just and the unjust, however God's children will never be forsaken. God encourages us in His word not to quit or give up, for when you least expect it He will show up. His ways are higher than our ways.

I was reading this morning a post from a former student on Facebook, where she commented that she had lost control of everything! Her dear friend responded so wisely, "Give God the control and He'll never let you down. We weren't meant to control our lives. He has a better plan than we could ever make :)" That is an exact quote! Wow is right! Bless that young lady for speaking truth to her friend during a time of seeming distress.

Are you in distress today, or are you in a place to be a blessing? Either way calls for action. Moving forward and not losing faith and hope during your struggles, recognizing that you are a child of the most high, or reaching out in your circle of influence to those who need a lift, or a word of encouragement, like this young lady did?

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

Psalm 25 video, from the mouths of babes....and kudos to an awesome dad! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZtqnm_f-SQ

Bless The Lord....

Psalm 103. A beautiful passage of God's faithfulness and our gratitude for all He has done and promises to do, not only for us, but our children's, children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTe16UEN-Ag

Loving With An Open Hand

This past week while sharing with friends, we talked about the desire and need to be loved with an open hand. While listening to the radio a while back there was a pastor who reflected on the same message in terms of how we are to love the things and people here on earth. The message was that change is inevitable if we are to be used of God, and that means being able to let go of things we are attached to here on earth. If we view life here with a open hand and stewards of God's blessings instead of owners, then we do not get upset as things come and go in our lives.

This is easy with some things yet harder with others. The question to ask is, " Is there something I am not willing to allow to leave my life if that is what God asks of me?" Remember the rich young man that God loved who had done everything, right according to the law yet God said this to him in Luke 18:18-23.

[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"

[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

Questions to consider. Are we missing out on God's greatest blessings for us because things are more important than surrender? Do we  trust God enough to let go of our "stuff" or relationships and let him become the center of our lives, for our good and the good of others around us? Do we love others with an open hand?

May we all be encouraged to take inventory of our lives today and consider where we may be holding on and not loving openly. Blessings to you and yours today as we show God's love to those around us, with an open hand.

Glory to God, Forever....

An awesome song, with an incredibly simple message. Take my life and let it be an offering for your glory. May this be our heart's cry forever.

"Glory To God" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h64opCwLZCw

11 Corinthians 4:15. "For all things are for our sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God".

I Trust In Thee, O Lord

Psalm Chapters 31-32 reminds us that we can trust God to forgive our sins and protect us. He also promises divine guidance and direction if we listen to Him. Read again today for continued strength and encouragement in your daily walk.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31-32%2CActs+23%3A16-35&version=NIV

Faithful Hearts

What is the condition of your heart? If you are like me you have heard "The pathway to hell is paved with good intentions," but is it really? Are our intentions not a reflection of our heart? Though we may fail our intended outcome, we keep striving because our heart is in the right place.

How many have ever had a child and punished them for trying? I dare say not many. Why would we expect our heavenly Father to be any less compassionate towards us? We will all make mistakes and fail, because we are trying, but God is always willing to use us if we are faithful in our walk with Him.

The other day I had many opportunities to lend a helping hand. It would seem at ever corner someone was reaching out for help, and God allowed me to be in the right place at the right time. It is during those times I am reminded that this is why we are here, in a very tangible way. Today, this moment, right where we are, mistakes and all. God is able to use us IF we allow ourselves to be available, to our family, friends, neighbors and sometimes even strangers.

May our hearts be faithful today in all we do, "For Your Glory". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krjy4PjVkAE

You Are There!

Remember David and all of his afflictions. Remember all God has done for you and me. God's grace is enough for his children."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." Hebrew 13:5. "Yeah though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Be comforted in God's word and promises today. Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODs78s6ceWA

What A Privilege

As we begin each day and throughout the day are we thanking and asking God for his protection and blessing in all we do? There is a peace and comfort in a relationship that allows us to step out and walk the walk that is before us even when we do not know the way. Trusting in God's protection and provision is an awesome privilege that I could not imagine living without.

I know based on scripture and my personal walk that he is guiding and protecting each of us and our families on our journeys. If not for the Lord, where would we be? Yes hard times come, disappointments and heartaches, but through it all, God is beside us, holding, keeping, guiding and leading us each step of the way.

Song. "What a Privilege We Have In Jesus" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLAg2NDcOt4

Weathering The Storms

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen according to the bible. When we practice faith in our daily walk then the fear of the unknown is placed in God's hands recognizing that He is the provider and supplier of all our needs. His ways are higher than our ways and He desires that all come to know Him as their personal savior.

So when that storm hits as it invariably will, rest in the knowledge that God is working all things to good that love him and are called according to His purpose. Whether He is working in our lives or those around us, we can be confident and not fearful because God's word promises hope and help for His children. May God's peace that passes understanding keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him the one true God.

"Speak Oh Lord"

A beautiful song of prayer for our lives each day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsQ-gMkOSok

I Keep Running Into You

Having just returned from what was intended to be a work weekend before my daughter started school ended up quite different from what I thought I was doing. Yes I did get what I had planned accomplished, but God had his plans for me too. That is where the lyrics to this song come to mind, "I keep running into you".

Psalm 32:8-9 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which though shall go. I will guide thee with my eye. Be ye not as the horse, or mule that has no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle."

May we all be pliable and ready to go where he leads us each day.

Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4zkkK5BrME

Hope For The Weary

"I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:3-4

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

This Is Grace....

An article written by Tom Gilbert — June 2005, I'd like to share about "Coming As You Are".

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 NIV)

Come as you are, as you were,
As I want you to be
As a friend, as an old enemy.
— Nirvana from “Come As You Are”

When Jesus walked the Earth he went about bringing Good News to others, especially for the downtrodden, the hurting, the sick and, of course, sinners.

He was not going about condemning these people. His criticisms were mainly toward the religious leaders of the day and towards the self-righteous.

This is an interesting thing. Christ came to call sinners, but he did not make it a requirement to get your life together first and be righteous. Instead he offered compassion and the invitation to follow him. He accepted them for who they were and he did not demand immediate change.

How very different from what people then, and now, expect of God. Most of us tend to think God will not love us unless we are “good”. And since no one can measure up to the high standard of goodness we wallow in our unworthiness. We are insecure. We keep trying to get it right, but without realizing that God and Jesus are freely offering the help we so desperately need to live our lives. This is why grace is such an amazing thing. It is commonplace Christian theology that we are “saved by grace, not by righteousness” and yet we still attempt to live up to high moral standards without surrendering to this grace. Or worse, we simply compromise; believing that all will be forgiven without ever having a transformation of the heart.

"I Cannot, He Can, I will Let Him".

It seems to me that the transformation takes place by first admitting we can not do it on our own, accepting God’s love and mercy (the grace), and then doing what Jesus taught.

In the Gospel of Matthew the religious leaders of the day ask Jesus why he was eating and hanging out with sinners (like tax collectors who were considered most unclean). Jesus answers the question by telling them that sick people are the ones who need a doctor. He quoted Old Testament prophets when he instructed the Pharisees to find out what the verse from Hosea 6:6 means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Who is more Christ like, the preacher who condemns or the person who spends time helping the poor, the hungry and the downtrodden?

Here Comes Everybody

Maybe one of the challenges we have with this “come as you are” teaching is that it means God’s invitation is for everyone. It is all inclusive, not exclusive. This means there will be people at the banquet table of the Lord that we would prefer not to sit with.

If it was good enough for Jesus to meet people where they were and offer compassion, forgiveness and love then it should be okay with us. How differently the message of the Gospel (which means “Good News”) sounds when we don’t demand that people accept it right away or tell them they are condemned to hell. People need to see our love in action and they need to know that God loves everyone in spite of their shortcomings. Making a decision to follow Christ might take some thought, but if we welcome others in Jesus’ name without demanding immediate conversion then we give people the opportunity to consider the message first.

Rules and regulations miss the point. Yes, we need order and good orderly direction and the kind that you find throughout the Bible is practical and proper. Maybe we could spend more time suggesting that seekers consider the message first and then share our own experience of God’s love in our lives. As I’ve heard a friend share, “I was once where you are now. Come find out where you can be.”

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 - NIV)".

Sing, Sing, Sing

So many things to be grateful for that my heart is singing. Healing, protection, provision and blessings abound! We are called as Christians to give thanks with a grateful heart for all that Christ has done for us. May our heart's singing be filled with gratitude for all His many benefits and divine provisions that He so lovingly bestows on us His children.

"How Can I Keep from Singing" by Chris Tomlin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Of0ntOdDZU

Lead Me To The Cross......

Am I willing to be led to the cross? Is that my hearts' cry? Am I willing to go through tough times, heart aches, and trials to get there?

These are questions that are hard to answer honestly, until we are there, in the fire, being tested and tried. If the hardships lead us to the cross though, I pray our answer is yes. I pray we are like Lot, Joseph, Noah and others in the bible, that when put to the test our answer is like Jesus', "Not my will Lord, but yours be done". Luke 21-22:42.

Song.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Nci1ATvPg

Psalms

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He Shall Never suffer the righteous to be moved". Psalm 55:22 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9pEb-Ej7U

Psalm 63:3 " Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee".

Singing God's Praise

We all have much to be grateful for, but are we? Are we singing God's praise? Are we grateful for all He has done and is doing in our lives? I pray the answer is yes and here is a song that's on my heart with that very thought in mind by Chris Tomlin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY

Come As You Are

Micah Chapter 6:6-8. " Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calfs a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" Verse 8 sums it up beautifully. " He hath shown thee what the Lord doth require of thee, Do justly, and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God."

Summer Travels

I like most of you have set aside some time to spend with my family and have been on the road traveling and visiting family and friends that we are not able to see during the school year. It is a refreshing time in that it is a chance to live in the moment, without strict schedules and take time to get off the beaten path. What I am learning is that it's also a great opportunity to practice what I've been studying in God's word. Much like a field trip gives students hands on application to what they've learned in the books, or physical training allows you the ability to compete in a sporting event, studying God's word daily prepares us to be used of God. It's amazing to me the opportunities that are presented when I slow down enough to listen to "His" still small voice. I have been blessed by being a blessing, such that I am wowed and charged by the experience! I encourage each of you to try this simple prayer, if you're not already, and get ready to be a blessing and be blessed in the process! "Lord use me today for your glory. Open and close the doors where you'd have me go, in Jesus name I pray."

Matthew Chapter 9: 37-38. " The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest."

All For The Glory of God

A beautiful song and lyrics by Casting Crowns-"Lifesong"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaia32TsPqo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsQD7rSTnxM

I Will Rise!

Wondering what to do next? Where to go? I encourage you to get started right where you are and put one foot in front of the other and reach out to friends and neighbors for their advice and help. Are we to be blessed, or to be a blessing?

As we struggle to make ends meet and to be good stewards of what God has entrusted us with, then when opportunity arises we could reach out and lend a hand, a kind word, or encouragement, and be God's hands and feet. Did he provide for us just so we could get by? Are we wondering about tomorrow, what if there is not enough for me? Is fear of the unknown paralyzing you today?

Let us let go and let God, and see the transformation in our homes, neighborhoods and community! Do we really believe he is the provider of all our blessings? If so we can trust he will also continue to provide when we share and or even give out of our need.

I encourage you to reach out to someone today who is hurting or struggling and or let your needs be known to those who are closest to you and see the sense of purpose we all can have in this moment. What a great way to let our light's shine for God's glory and start the great adventure, trusting God into the unknown!

Song. "The Great Adventure" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk

Oh My God...

I came across this video while looking for something else, but upon viewing I had to share. Riveting yet far from pretty. Something to consider..... by "Jars of Clay". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqeyisb688

Faith With Works

In I Samuel 17:14-58  we read about David and Goliath and how David looked to God and his past victories for his ability to succeed in his present challenge. He knew God delivered him from the lion and the bear and therefore could and would deliver him against Goliath. Something to note that is most commendable is that David had plenty of nay sayers around him, yet he chose to look to God and not his circumstances.

The other thing David did because of his personal walk with Jesus was he stepped out in faith to do the very act even though it didn't make sense. Five smooth stones against a giant???? However, David trusted God and used what he had. He remembered that God had delivered him in the past and would do so again because he had a personal relationship with Him. His job was to step out in faith and do what he knew to do. He didn't have to change who he was before he could act or become something he wasn't for God to use him. 

Are we facing a Goliath in our life today? Are we prayed up and ready to go? Are we listening to the nay sayers or are we trusting in God's sovereignty? I'm confident that whatever we're facing that God has a plan. I pray we do our part and step out in faith and allow God to use us for His glory.