Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
My morning devotion....
I love my morning devotion especially when the Lord uses it to put me back in my place....
STOP TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in its time.
A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.
STOP TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in its time.
A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sitting at my desk, listening to this amazing version by Hillsong of Jesus, Lover of my Soul makes me question all my pity party conversations I had these past few days about God’s will as to where I am to be and why?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1gohets64E
You know, whether we want to admit it or not, GOD needs no help from us. He’s very capable of making decisions, acting on those decisions, and carrying them through without us. He hasn’t changed - he’s always the same, which means, just as in the old testament, and in the new testament, he’s the SAME today!!
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
In I John 4:8, it says that “GOD is love”… plain and simple. I am so thankful that this is true - because if he wasn’t, then you and I would be in a heap of trouble!! We’d be lost and undone, without a hope for eternity! GOD chose to send us Jesus, to redeem us from our sins, through grace by faith, and it’s still in His plans for everyone living, or those that will be born before His return. As I told someone today, it was in His plans for us to be saved, to become His children ….
There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus loves every sinner - I’m living proof! - that HE will save whomever it pleases Him - there is nobody that is immune to His wooing - you either accept or you don’t. God doesn’t need us to do His work; it was finished at Calvary. He just wants us to be like Him and share Him with everyone we come in contact with.
Now, He’s just waiting for those that will ‘accept Him’ for what He intended - the Redeemer of your Soul, the one who satisfies like no other, gives you peace when there is NO peace to be found, healing when they say you can’t be healed, love when you feel unloveable.
Let GOD handle the situation. He’s much better at that than any of us could ever be. He hasn’t placed me in ‘authority’ over any souls yet, and I don’t expect Him to ever do - so I believe, until I hear otherwise, that ANYONE can be saved!
So, if you read the scriptures like I do, then you realize that JESUS hasn’t changed; he still does the things he did long ago, and without HIM, we can do nothing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1gohets64E
You know, whether we want to admit it or not, GOD needs no help from us. He’s very capable of making decisions, acting on those decisions, and carrying them through without us. He hasn’t changed - he’s always the same, which means, just as in the old testament, and in the new testament, he’s the SAME today!!
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
In I John 4:8, it says that “GOD is love”… plain and simple. I am so thankful that this is true - because if he wasn’t, then you and I would be in a heap of trouble!! We’d be lost and undone, without a hope for eternity! GOD chose to send us Jesus, to redeem us from our sins, through grace by faith, and it’s still in His plans for everyone living, or those that will be born before His return. As I told someone today, it was in His plans for us to be saved, to become His children ….
There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus loves every sinner - I’m living proof! - that HE will save whomever it pleases Him - there is nobody that is immune to His wooing - you either accept or you don’t. God doesn’t need us to do His work; it was finished at Calvary. He just wants us to be like Him and share Him with everyone we come in contact with.
Now, He’s just waiting for those that will ‘accept Him’ for what He intended - the Redeemer of your Soul, the one who satisfies like no other, gives you peace when there is NO peace to be found, healing when they say you can’t be healed, love when you feel unloveable.
Let GOD handle the situation. He’s much better at that than any of us could ever be. He hasn’t placed me in ‘authority’ over any souls yet, and I don’t expect Him to ever do - so I believe, until I hear otherwise, that ANYONE can be saved!
So, if you read the scriptures like I do, then you realize that JESUS hasn’t changed; he still does the things he did long ago, and without HIM, we can do nothing.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Another Year....
"And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns." (Philippians 1:6, TLB)
Invariably, the six days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is a time when we look back at the year and reflect upon our successes and our failures. We look at the good times and the bad times. Most of us even make resolutions for the new year that we rarely keep. Yet, it’s important that we bring closure to the past year and make sure that we’ve learned and grown from whatever came our way.
The end of the year is also an important time to evaluate our spiritual growth. Sure we should look at and learn from the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that 2009 has brought us, but we should also pay some attention to the spiritual side of our sojourn as well.
Each year I ask myself, "Am I farther along in my walk with Jesus that I was the year before?" It’s a question that each of us should ask. The fact is God expects us to look at ourselves and take account of where we stand in our relationship with Him. You see when we repented of our sins and asked Jesus to come and live in our hearts, it didn’t mean that we just dropped a few bad habits. Repentance means that we want to change everything about our lives and move in a different direction, running towards God instead of away from Him. Are you still running in the same direction?
There are a number of other barometers that can help us determine just how much we have grown. My list is not all-inclusive, but it’s a good start and deals with some very basic standards about Christian growth.
Probably the most important question that you should ask yourself is, "Have I looked more like Christ this year?" It may sound a little arrogant, but it’s biblical. "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." (1 Peter 1:15) Are you more Christ-like in your actions and thoughts?
The Bible calls the process of becoming more Christ-like, sanctification, and complete sanctification doesn’t happen overnight. It’s gradual and should increase from year to year. It also requires that we grow in the knowledge God’s word which is why Jesus said, "Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17) So, have you grown in the knowledge of God’s word?
Have you been a better witness for Christ? Jesus tells us at Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Have you lead anyone to Christ, or have you encouraged anyone to even want to know Christ after looking at your life? If not, perhaps you feel as convicted as the four leprous men in 2 Kings, who after stealing silver, gold and clothing, said to each other, "We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves". (2 Kings 7:9)
Finally, do you attend church regularly? God expects us to go to church which is why He says at Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. The truth is we are commanded to attend church. More importantly, we are also commanded to encourage one another to go as well. When did you last invite someone to go to church with you?
Take a hard look at yourself before this year ends. You may not like all that you see, but don’t get discouraged. Remember what the poet, J. Sidlow Baxter, observed, "What God chooses, He cleanses. What God cleanses, He molds. What God molds, He fills. What God fills, He uses."
Friday, July 31, 2009
I LOVE Uncle Ozzie.....
THE DISCIPLINE OF DISILLUSIONMENT
"Jesus did not commit Himself unto them for He knew what was in man." John 2:24-25
Disillusionment means that there are no more false judgments in life. To be undeceived by disillusionment may leave us cynical and unkindly severe in our judgment of others, but the disillusionment which comes from God brings us to the place where we see men and women as they really are, and yet there is no cynicism, we have no stinging, bitter things to say. Many of the cruel things in life spring from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts; we are true only to our ideas of one another. Everything is either delightful and fine, or mean and dastardly, according to our idea.
The refusal to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering in human life. It works in this way - if we love a human being and do not love God, we demand of him every perfection and every rectitude, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; we are demanding of a human being that which he or she cannot give. There is only one Being Who can satisfy the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Why Our Lord is apparently so severe regarding every human relationship is because He knows that every relationship not based on loyalty to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no man, yet He was never suspicious, never bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man, was so perfect that He despaired of no one. If our trust is placed in human beings, we shall end in despairing of everyone.
~~~What amazing words to attempt to live by~~~ Oh in a perfect world....
"Jesus did not commit Himself unto them for He knew what was in man." John 2:24-25
Disillusionment means that there are no more false judgments in life. To be undeceived by disillusionment may leave us cynical and unkindly severe in our judgment of others, but the disillusionment which comes from God brings us to the place where we see men and women as they really are, and yet there is no cynicism, we have no stinging, bitter things to say. Many of the cruel things in life spring from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts; we are true only to our ideas of one another. Everything is either delightful and fine, or mean and dastardly, according to our idea.
The refusal to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering in human life. It works in this way - if we love a human being and do not love God, we demand of him every perfection and every rectitude, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; we are demanding of a human being that which he or she cannot give. There is only one Being Who can satisfy the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Why Our Lord is apparently so severe regarding every human relationship is because He knows that every relationship not based on loyalty to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no man, yet He was never suspicious, never bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man, was so perfect that He despaired of no one. If our trust is placed in human beings, we shall end in despairing of everyone.
~~~What amazing words to attempt to live by~~~ Oh in a perfect world....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Why... You said your would respect my wishes...
I am so dis-heartened by some. I just don't understand why people do and say what they do. I am the first to admit that I am not perfect. I fall flat on my face MANY times (sometimes in a day) and the Lord picks me up once I am repentive... HE IS AN AMAZING GOD!
But when people give you their word. They say that they understand and respect your wishes. You want their virtue's to be honest and upright. That they will do as they say and their word is their word. Both Russ and I have tried to teach by example this to our girls. Again, they nor we are perfect. But I will do my best as a parent to help keep them accountable - confront issues - isn't that what a parent is suppose to do?
But I don't understand deliberate deception. When you KNOW that what you are choosing to do will harm and hurt an others feelings ~ that it is complete disrespect ~ and you still do it ~ to fulfill your own earthly desire... Where is your character in that? Why?
When this happens, you have the right and justification to feel violated. There has been no respect shown. To be hurt, and to cry. But don't forget.... The most important thing... God's character in YOU is what matters. HE WILL reveal to those around in HIS ways, the truth and character of each of us. HE is a REDEEMING and LOVING Father.
So, as I live my life... I give HIM my questions that I have of others and will TRY the best I can not to judge... AS HE will do that. I only can pray for my girls to be honest and completely true to their words... They are learning... falling flat on their faces too, sometimes. THANK GOD for HIS AMAZING GRACE!
But when people give you their word. They say that they understand and respect your wishes. You want their virtue's to be honest and upright. That they will do as they say and their word is their word. Both Russ and I have tried to teach by example this to our girls. Again, they nor we are perfect. But I will do my best as a parent to help keep them accountable - confront issues - isn't that what a parent is suppose to do?
But I don't understand deliberate deception. When you KNOW that what you are choosing to do will harm and hurt an others feelings ~ that it is complete disrespect ~ and you still do it ~ to fulfill your own earthly desire... Where is your character in that? Why?
When this happens, you have the right and justification to feel violated. There has been no respect shown. To be hurt, and to cry. But don't forget.... The most important thing... God's character in YOU is what matters. HE WILL reveal to those around in HIS ways, the truth and character of each of us. HE is a REDEEMING and LOVING Father.
So, as I live my life... I give HIM my questions that I have of others and will TRY the best I can not to judge... AS HE will do that. I only can pray for my girls to be honest and completely true to their words... They are learning... falling flat on their faces too, sometimes. THANK GOD for HIS AMAZING GRACE!
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Lyrics are below. There is no cursing. This is about how we don't laugh about God when we're in danger but if we're at a party then we laugh at God and it's not right.
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late and their kid's not back from that party yet
No one laughs at God when their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and they say "We've got some bad new, sir,"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine, fire or flood
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that They're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
Ha ha
Ha ha
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they got and they don't know what for No one laughs at God on the day they realize that the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes
No one's laughing at God when they're saying their goodbyes
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that they're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God in a hospital
No one's laughing at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
We're all laughing with God
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late and their kid's not back from that party yet
No one laughs at God when their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and they say "We've got some bad new, sir,"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine, fire or flood
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that They're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
Ha ha
Ha ha
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they got and they don't know what for No one laughs at God on the day they realize that the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes
No one's laughing at God when they're saying their goodbyes
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that they're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God in a hospital
No one's laughing at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
We're all laughing with God
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