Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 Amplified
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. Matthew 11:29 Amplified
Have you been unsettled? Homeless? Between or betwixt? Just felt like you were supposed to be somewhere else? You know that place where rearranging the furniture just doesn’t do it. You feel that pull on your spirit that you need to move but you have no idea where. You wake up with that feeling like you are supposed to do something today but you can’t remember what it was. You are determined to wear a certain outfit but when you go to the closet you discover it is still in the laundry. You find something else to wear and head to the kitchen. An omelet would taste great but when you open the fridge there are no eggs. You get ready to head out the door and can’t find the car keys. You sigh and say out loud, “God am I supposed to leave the house today?”
For the last four and a half years, it has felt like my whole life as I knew it had been misplaced. I have asked God every day where I should look for it. I searched the Bible, spiritual books, health books, doctors offices, the internet, godly people’s advice, soaked in praise and worship CD’s, godly tv shows and more. It has been a severe battle. I have persevered and continue to search for “that faith that makes a tadpole slap a whale.” I’ve cried buckets of tears, screamed at the devil until I was hoarse, and prayed and begged God for the knowledge, wisdom and discernment for the situation for countless hours. I’ve done everything anyone suggested, everything I knew to do and still I did not see the way out. While lying in my bed, I have stood on the word, rested in Him, got angry at the devil, trusted God, read the word, sought His face, journalized, read out load healing scriptures and healing confessions, prayed and tried not to doubt that the promises for healing so clearly stated in the bible are indeed for me too. I’ve asked where I missed it and tried to figure it all out. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out just what God wants me to do. Who does he want me to talk to? What medical treatment? What should my diet consist of and what supplements does he want me to take? How much rest? What activity and how much? What should I read and what to pray? What should I do LORD? What should I do?
I always get the same answer--rest.
And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] disease. Mark 5:34
In order to heal my body, He needs to first heal my soul. To do that, I need to give Him all the keys to my soul. Total surrendor (rest in Him) is required. I have always cringed at the thought of letting anyone ever have that kind of control over me again. But I am learning when the right one has control of my life, I am at peace and no longer in turmoil. He knows what is best for me and that is His only agenda. My LORD loves me and with an unending love. He knows the end from the beginning and the stuff in between. He knows all that I have been through and where I will come out. And He will definately work it all for His good for those that love Him. That includes me!
Lord, bless me so that I may be a blessing to others. I ask for a supernatural gift of faith to get me through this time of testing and the movement into the beauty of your rest. Heal my hurts and soul. You can pierce my heart to my soul and restore it all. I thank you Lord my healer. You are doing a marvelous work in me. Todah! I praise you for all you have done, are doing and going to do in my life. In Jesus' name. AMEN
Monday, June 16, 2008
I Worship You In Dance
Brenda J. Kuhlmann
March 7, 2008
I Worship You In Dance
Oh LORD I long to dance before You on my feet once again!
I don’t want any barriers to keep me from You!
Why this interruption has happened is not for me to question
other than to seek You more.
Change after repentance, dancing after mourning,
LORD I do not know how I could be so stubborn.
The words I speak of longing more of you—
Where does my desire come from?
How do You speak? Where do You stand?
How long must I suffer before the dawn breaks?
Speak, ADONAI, speak! Let me know You hear my pleas!
I can’t rest until I have heard from You!
I won’t rest without You!
Your presence is my breath.
Your Spirit is my pulse.
Your love is my strength.
Pull me up on my feet and lift me high above it all.
Hold my hands gently and twirl me in Your presence!
Again let me feel Your breath on my face!
Whisper to my soul so that my heart leaps for You once again!
Please my LORD, strengthen me in Your precious presence,
Once again, ADONAI, let me worship You in dance.
Pull me up on my feet and lift me high above it all,
As my soul worships You in dance.
March 7, 2008
I Worship You In Dance
Oh LORD I long to dance before You on my feet once again!
I don’t want any barriers to keep me from You!
Why this interruption has happened is not for me to question
other than to seek You more.
Change after repentance, dancing after mourning,
LORD I do not know how I could be so stubborn.
The words I speak of longing more of you—
Where does my desire come from?
How do You speak? Where do You stand?
How long must I suffer before the dawn breaks?
Speak, ADONAI, speak! Let me know You hear my pleas!
I can’t rest until I have heard from You!
I won’t rest without You!
Your presence is my breath.
Your Spirit is my pulse.
Your love is my strength.
Pull me up on my feet and lift me high above it all.
Hold my hands gently and twirl me in Your presence!
Again let me feel Your breath on my face!
Whisper to my soul so that my heart leaps for You once again!
Please my LORD, strengthen me in Your precious presence,
Once again, ADONAI, let me worship You in dance.
Pull me up on my feet and lift me high above it all,
As my soul worships You in dance.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
Is it not the task of the ear to discriminate between [wise and unwise] words, just as the mouth distinguishes [between desirable and undesirable] food? Job 12:11 AMP
2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. 3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. 4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. Job 34:2-4 (New International Version)
This came from four friends talking to each other. Three came to comfort the one, Job. They sat with him in silence at first. On the same day he lost all his possessions, he had lost his 7 sons and 3 daughters. Three times I have sat with friends who have lost a child-the children were 7 (cancer), 17 (car accident) and 19 (car accident). I could not find the words to console that heartache from losing one child. I cannot fathom the grief from losing all 10 of your children. As a friend, it grieved me deeply that I couldn't make their pain go away. I felt their grief in my own heart. It has been years and as I think of it today my heart still swells with grief and tears stain my cheeks. When you care about someone, when you love your friends, their tests and trials touch your heart too. You can learn together.
The next day, Job became very ill as well. We would say, "stress and grief will do that sometimes." This is the point that the friends are visiting with him. After a time, they begin to talk to him. They are trying to help him out of this pit of affliction. They reason what God's role in all this is and how Job may regain His favor. After some time passed, I remember thinking that I needed to help my friend's get "back on track". It was so difficult to see them so deeply mired in grief. I just wanted to reach out a hand and pull them out of that mire that their tears could not wash away. I wanted their heartache to be healed instantly but these things take time and the scar never completely disappears.
Friends have good intentions. Thank God for their comforting arms and shoulders to cry on. I am so thankful for the special ones that will lie down on the floor with you when you have fallen flat on your face, take hold of your hands and pray. And, for those hands that reach out to pull you up off the floor when you need to draw from their strength in God to remind you of yours to get up on your feet again.
I have always desired to be a good friend like that. On many occasion I have tried to do and say what I thought God wanted but didn't get the results-at least not right away. I have always wanted the instant fix--but the bigger hurts require more than a "kiss" to heal. They require calling 911 or rather Psalm 91:1. 1HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Or as Jesus said in Mark 9:29 And He replied to them, This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.
Somewhere in this conversation I think Job's friends realized this was much too big for them to figure out and help him through. They realized it was only God who was going to be able to heal Job. Job 36 5 CJB "Look, God is powerful and despises no one, powerful in His strength of understanding. 22"Look, God is exalted in his strength; who is a teacher like him? 26Look, God is great, beyond what we can know; the number of his years is uncountable. They go on to list all the wonders of God and lastly say: 37:24 This is why people fear him; He does not consider those who think of themselves as wise."
Then the light bulb came on. Job 38:1 says, Then ADONAI answered Job out of the storm. He got a word. His ears tested and his heart heard. He listened to God and answered: Job 42:2, 5, 6 "I know that you can do everything, that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 5 I had heard about you with my ears, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I detest [myself] and repent in dust and ashes." And here is the rest of the story: 7After ADONAI had spoken these words to Job, ADONAI said to Elifaz the Teimani, "My anger is blazing against you and your two friends, because, unlike my servant Job, you have not spoken rightly about me. 8So now, get yourselves seven young bulls and seven rams, go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering. My servant Job will pray for you - because him I will accept - so that I won't punish you as your boorishness deserves; because you have not spoken rightly about me, as my servant Job has." 9So Elifaz the Teimani, Bildad the Shuchi and Tzofar the Na'amati went and did what ADONAI had ordered them to do, and ADONAI accepted Job['s prayer]. 10When Job prayed for his friends, ADONAI restored his fortunes; ADONAI gave Job twice as much as he had had before. 11Then all his brothers and sisters came to him, also all who had known him before, and they ate a meal with him in his house. They consoled and comforted him for all the evils ADONAI had inflicted on him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. 12ADONAI blessed Job's later situation even more than his earlier one - he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He also had seven sons and three daughters. 14The first he named Y'mimah; the second, K'tzi'ah; and the third, Keren-Hapukh. 15Nowhere in the land could women be found as beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them inheritances along with their brothers. 16After this, Job lived 140 years, long enough to see his sons and grandsons, four generations. 17Then, old and full of days, Job died.
Job humbled himself before God. He stopped justifying all his actions and qualifying himself. He stopped questioning God and simply accepted his situation. Then he repented of all the things he had done and said, known and unknown, and laid himself at God's feet--now at his lowest point, Job was God's servant. Then God had something He could truly work with. He used Job to pray for his friends and blessed him for his obedience.
Is it not the task of the ear to discriminate between [wise and unwise] words, just as the mouth distinguishes [between desirable and undesirable] food? Job 12:11 AMP Job learned that his friends deeply cared for him. Their intentions were good. They tried to help with their words but the wise and desirable words came from God. Some words are to be spit out and some savored. The true wisdom Job sought in his most difficult situation could only come from his master. He needed to hear the voice of his shepherd. As Job delighted in serving God he was lifted out of the ashes. When Job humbled himself and was obedient, God delighted in his servant Job.
I am sure Job was thankful that his friends stayed with him, encouraging him, until he finally heard from God. Maybe not so much at the time but later when he realized they didn't give up on him. They held him up until he finally got the word he so desperately needed from God. Sometimes, we can't see the forest for the trees or distinguish desirable from undesirable food. This is especially true when pain is dimming our eyes. I believe Job's friends learned a lot from this too.
LORD, I am so thankful for all my friends that have been encouraging me through my bodily affliction. The last four and a half years have been so difficult not only for me but for all my friends and loved ones around me. LORD, I pray for them all today. Comfort them as only You can. Bless each and every one that has physically tended my needs, prayed, asked others to pray and met all my needs as you directed with a blessing so big they cannot contain it. LORD, forgive me of all my transgressions. LORD, I repent. I lay before you a most humble servant. You know my heart and my deep desire to be a blessing to all your children. LORD, speak and let my heart hear your words. Fill me with your strength to do your will. Lord, I want to be able to minister to others as you direct in whatever capacity you command. In Jesus' name, I pray. AMEN
2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. 3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. 4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. Job 34:2-4 (New International Version)
This came from four friends talking to each other. Three came to comfort the one, Job. They sat with him in silence at first. On the same day he lost all his possessions, he had lost his 7 sons and 3 daughters. Three times I have sat with friends who have lost a child-the children were 7 (cancer), 17 (car accident) and 19 (car accident). I could not find the words to console that heartache from losing one child. I cannot fathom the grief from losing all 10 of your children. As a friend, it grieved me deeply that I couldn't make their pain go away. I felt their grief in my own heart. It has been years and as I think of it today my heart still swells with grief and tears stain my cheeks. When you care about someone, when you love your friends, their tests and trials touch your heart too. You can learn together.
The next day, Job became very ill as well. We would say, "stress and grief will do that sometimes." This is the point that the friends are visiting with him. After a time, they begin to talk to him. They are trying to help him out of this pit of affliction. They reason what God's role in all this is and how Job may regain His favor. After some time passed, I remember thinking that I needed to help my friend's get "back on track". It was so difficult to see them so deeply mired in grief. I just wanted to reach out a hand and pull them out of that mire that their tears could not wash away. I wanted their heartache to be healed instantly but these things take time and the scar never completely disappears.
Friends have good intentions. Thank God for their comforting arms and shoulders to cry on. I am so thankful for the special ones that will lie down on the floor with you when you have fallen flat on your face, take hold of your hands and pray. And, for those hands that reach out to pull you up off the floor when you need to draw from their strength in God to remind you of yours to get up on your feet again.
I have always desired to be a good friend like that. On many occasion I have tried to do and say what I thought God wanted but didn't get the results-at least not right away. I have always wanted the instant fix--but the bigger hurts require more than a "kiss" to heal. They require calling 911 or rather Psalm 91:1. 1HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Or as Jesus said in Mark 9:29 And He replied to them, This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.
Somewhere in this conversation I think Job's friends realized this was much too big for them to figure out and help him through. They realized it was only God who was going to be able to heal Job. Job 36 5 CJB "Look, God is powerful and despises no one, powerful in His strength of understanding. 22"Look, God is exalted in his strength; who is a teacher like him? 26Look, God is great, beyond what we can know; the number of his years is uncountable. They go on to list all the wonders of God and lastly say: 37:24 This is why people fear him; He does not consider those who think of themselves as wise."
Then the light bulb came on. Job 38:1 says, Then ADONAI answered Job out of the storm. He got a word. His ears tested and his heart heard. He listened to God and answered: Job 42:2, 5, 6 "I know that you can do everything, that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 5 I had heard about you with my ears, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I detest [myself] and repent in dust and ashes." And here is the rest of the story: 7After ADONAI had spoken these words to Job, ADONAI said to Elifaz the Teimani, "My anger is blazing against you and your two friends, because, unlike my servant Job, you have not spoken rightly about me. 8So now, get yourselves seven young bulls and seven rams, go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering. My servant Job will pray for you - because him I will accept - so that I won't punish you as your boorishness deserves; because you have not spoken rightly about me, as my servant Job has." 9So Elifaz the Teimani, Bildad the Shuchi and Tzofar the Na'amati went and did what ADONAI had ordered them to do, and ADONAI accepted Job['s prayer]. 10When Job prayed for his friends, ADONAI restored his fortunes; ADONAI gave Job twice as much as he had had before. 11Then all his brothers and sisters came to him, also all who had known him before, and they ate a meal with him in his house. They consoled and comforted him for all the evils ADONAI had inflicted on him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. 12ADONAI blessed Job's later situation even more than his earlier one - he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He also had seven sons and three daughters. 14The first he named Y'mimah; the second, K'tzi'ah; and the third, Keren-Hapukh. 15Nowhere in the land could women be found as beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them inheritances along with their brothers. 16After this, Job lived 140 years, long enough to see his sons and grandsons, four generations. 17Then, old and full of days, Job died.
Job humbled himself before God. He stopped justifying all his actions and qualifying himself. He stopped questioning God and simply accepted his situation. Then he repented of all the things he had done and said, known and unknown, and laid himself at God's feet--now at his lowest point, Job was God's servant. Then God had something He could truly work with. He used Job to pray for his friends and blessed him for his obedience.
Is it not the task of the ear to discriminate between [wise and unwise] words, just as the mouth distinguishes [between desirable and undesirable] food? Job 12:11 AMP Job learned that his friends deeply cared for him. Their intentions were good. They tried to help with their words but the wise and desirable words came from God. Some words are to be spit out and some savored. The true wisdom Job sought in his most difficult situation could only come from his master. He needed to hear the voice of his shepherd. As Job delighted in serving God he was lifted out of the ashes. When Job humbled himself and was obedient, God delighted in his servant Job.
I am sure Job was thankful that his friends stayed with him, encouraging him, until he finally heard from God. Maybe not so much at the time but later when he realized they didn't give up on him. They held him up until he finally got the word he so desperately needed from God. Sometimes, we can't see the forest for the trees or distinguish desirable from undesirable food. This is especially true when pain is dimming our eyes. I believe Job's friends learned a lot from this too.
LORD, I am so thankful for all my friends that have been encouraging me through my bodily affliction. The last four and a half years have been so difficult not only for me but for all my friends and loved ones around me. LORD, I pray for them all today. Comfort them as only You can. Bless each and every one that has physically tended my needs, prayed, asked others to pray and met all my needs as you directed with a blessing so big they cannot contain it. LORD, forgive me of all my transgressions. LORD, I repent. I lay before you a most humble servant. You know my heart and my deep desire to be a blessing to all your children. LORD, speak and let my heart hear your words. Fill me with your strength to do your will. Lord, I want to be able to minister to others as you direct in whatever capacity you command. In Jesus' name, I pray. AMEN
Friday, June 6, 2008
Giants
For those who know the sound of a Goliath, David gives this reminder: focus on giants---you stumble; focus on God---your giants tumble. If you're ready to face your giants, let David's story inspire you. Max Lucado
Giants-we all face them. Many turn and run. Some stand frozen in fear. Some scream and some cry. Some close their eyes and pretend they aren't there. Some laugh hysterically. Some faint. And then there are the Davids. They stand erect knowing their covenant with God. They pray and listen. They take up whatever God has given them to fight that particular giant and hurl it with all the strength God has given them right between the eyes of that giant. They expect it to fall and ro cut off its head. They aren't accepting any thing less. They aren't hearing the lies of the enemy; they are only hearing the voice of their Lord.
Think about it. What giant are you facing right now? Are you going to be a Saul or a David?
Lord, I no longer want to be a coward in this fight. I want to stand erect in the knowledge of our covenant. With You on my side, what do I have to be afraid of? No one can beat You. Especially not satan who has no power to create only to destroy. You created him and You rule over him. You have given that authority to me as well. To speak the name of Jesus and he must flee. It is a powerful weapon the tongue--especially when You back it up. I pray for wisdom, knowledge and discernment in Jesus' Name. AMEN
Giants-we all face them. Many turn and run. Some stand frozen in fear. Some scream and some cry. Some close their eyes and pretend they aren't there. Some laugh hysterically. Some faint. And then there are the Davids. They stand erect knowing their covenant with God. They pray and listen. They take up whatever God has given them to fight that particular giant and hurl it with all the strength God has given them right between the eyes of that giant. They expect it to fall and ro cut off its head. They aren't accepting any thing less. They aren't hearing the lies of the enemy; they are only hearing the voice of their Lord.
Think about it. What giant are you facing right now? Are you going to be a Saul or a David?
Lord, I no longer want to be a coward in this fight. I want to stand erect in the knowledge of our covenant. With You on my side, what do I have to be afraid of? No one can beat You. Especially not satan who has no power to create only to destroy. You created him and You rule over him. You have given that authority to me as well. To speak the name of Jesus and he must flee. It is a powerful weapon the tongue--especially when You back it up. I pray for wisdom, knowledge and discernment in Jesus' Name. AMEN
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Convinced but is it the truth
Elihu went on to say: "Are you so convinced you are right, that you say, I am more just than God'? For you ask what advantage it is to you, How do I gain from not sinning"? Job 35:1-3 (Complete Jewish Bible)
Job was in a mighty sticky situation. He had lost his children, wealth, and health. Now that is definately a set of trials that none of us wants to go through. Any one of them would make you question how it happened. But, Job was truly devistated and yet he did not blame God.
I have learned a lot lately about how bad things happen to good people. God is just. He set some things up from the very beginning so He wouldn't have to deal with it all. So many have said or done things and made decisions that seemed like a 'mosquito' at the time and found out it really was an 'elephant' that trampled them in ways they had not imagined. I used to tell my children to be careful making decisions because they had potential to ruin the rest of their lives as they had planned in a matter of a few seconds. When my son gave me that "what you talking about" look, I asked him a few questions. Ok, how long does it take to swerve over the center line in a car? How long does it take to aim a gun and pull a trigger? How long does it take to swallow a pill or smoke a pipe? How long to conceive or contract a STD? Or, to get in the car with someone who may force a bad decision consequence on you?
These examples are easy to picture but what about the less obvious? What about all the words we have spoken that set things in motion? God's word tells us if you do this then I'll do this. If you don't do this or do that then it will bring this on you. All the promises are met with conditions. So many times I have heard people justify their not giving there life over to God by saying if God was a loving God why would He allow this to happen. It is simple, if you speed you get a ticket. If you steal you have to pay the fine or go to jail. That's if you get caught. God has placed gravity in place as a natural law and he has just as powerful but unseen spiritual laws. Then God doesn't have to be policing us all the time. The things that happen are consequences for things that we may not realize you or your ancestors did. Don't panic. He gave us the rule book. His word tells us how to clear debts and make positive changes. It tells us of His love and marvelous grace. It tells us how he shed His precious blood and gave His life so that we may be redeemed and live an abundant life hear on earth and spend eternity in heaven with Him.
Lord, I am so thankful for your gifts. Your gift of grace that held me until I found you. Your gift of forgiveness and salvation. Your gift of unending unconditional love. Your presence that will never leave not forasake me. Your blessing on my life. I have so much to be thankful for and yet my mouth does not utter a sound. I am in awe of all you have done for me. How could someone so magnificent take the time to care for me? Love me so much He would give His one and only son for me to have a second chance at life and an eternal life in heaven? It is humbling. It is exciting. It is comforting. It is God.
Job was in a mighty sticky situation. He had lost his children, wealth, and health. Now that is definately a set of trials that none of us wants to go through. Any one of them would make you question how it happened. But, Job was truly devistated and yet he did not blame God.
I have learned a lot lately about how bad things happen to good people. God is just. He set some things up from the very beginning so He wouldn't have to deal with it all. So many have said or done things and made decisions that seemed like a 'mosquito' at the time and found out it really was an 'elephant' that trampled them in ways they had not imagined. I used to tell my children to be careful making decisions because they had potential to ruin the rest of their lives as they had planned in a matter of a few seconds. When my son gave me that "what you talking about" look, I asked him a few questions. Ok, how long does it take to swerve over the center line in a car? How long does it take to aim a gun and pull a trigger? How long does it take to swallow a pill or smoke a pipe? How long to conceive or contract a STD? Or, to get in the car with someone who may force a bad decision consequence on you?
These examples are easy to picture but what about the less obvious? What about all the words we have spoken that set things in motion? God's word tells us if you do this then I'll do this. If you don't do this or do that then it will bring this on you. All the promises are met with conditions. So many times I have heard people justify their not giving there life over to God by saying if God was a loving God why would He allow this to happen. It is simple, if you speed you get a ticket. If you steal you have to pay the fine or go to jail. That's if you get caught. God has placed gravity in place as a natural law and he has just as powerful but unseen spiritual laws. Then God doesn't have to be policing us all the time. The things that happen are consequences for things that we may not realize you or your ancestors did. Don't panic. He gave us the rule book. His word tells us how to clear debts and make positive changes. It tells us of His love and marvelous grace. It tells us how he shed His precious blood and gave His life so that we may be redeemed and live an abundant life hear on earth and spend eternity in heaven with Him.
Lord, I am so thankful for your gifts. Your gift of grace that held me until I found you. Your gift of forgiveness and salvation. Your gift of unending unconditional love. Your presence that will never leave not forasake me. Your blessing on my life. I have so much to be thankful for and yet my mouth does not utter a sound. I am in awe of all you have done for me. How could someone so magnificent take the time to care for me? Love me so much He would give His one and only son for me to have a second chance at life and an eternal life in heaven? It is humbling. It is exciting. It is comforting. It is God.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
United We Stand--Divided I Fall Flat On My Face
Those who obey his commands remain united with him and he with them. Here is how we know that he remains united with us: by the Spirit whom he gave us. 1 John 3:24 TCJB
I really have been "on my face a lot lately." When I seem to have tripped and fallen on my face, I find I am in a perfect position to seek God for the forgiveness, repent and get the direction to get back up and persevere on the path again.
Have you ever gone for a long hike and got so weary that you found yourself tripping and lagging behind? Did you ever miscalculate and stay out too long without a flashlight making it tedious searching to find your way home? Maybe you were just going for a short little walk to clear your head and the next thing you knew you were miles from home. I have although it has been years but I remember those sudden feelings of despair, confusion, panic and embarrassment.
It is so important to keep your guard up and focus. So many times I have meditated on Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer." If you are always aware of His presence and seeking the Holy Spirit at all times-staying united-the path will be straight and smooth. The bumps will be less jolting, you won't notice the sand in your shoes and you'll always keep the spring in your step. I envision the path to even have reflectors along the sides for night walking, lots of benches, water fountains, port-a-pottys and ripe fruit trees with snacks. He meets all our needs when we stay connected. And best of all, my best friend is always there to listen when I need to talk and He gives the very best advice when I ask Him. He never leaves me nor forsakes me. Even when I step out on my own and fall flat on my face, He will be there to lift me up with His victorious right hand.
Thank you Lord for teaching me that although you would rather I listen and obey, if I step out in faith and fall, You will pick me up and set me aright when I ask for your forgiveness, repent, listen for your instruction and go forth in obedience. It is a process. For some of us it is a much longer process, I am so thankful You are so patient, loving, kind and merciful.
I really have been "on my face a lot lately." When I seem to have tripped and fallen on my face, I find I am in a perfect position to seek God for the forgiveness, repent and get the direction to get back up and persevere on the path again.
Have you ever gone for a long hike and got so weary that you found yourself tripping and lagging behind? Did you ever miscalculate and stay out too long without a flashlight making it tedious searching to find your way home? Maybe you were just going for a short little walk to clear your head and the next thing you knew you were miles from home. I have although it has been years but I remember those sudden feelings of despair, confusion, panic and embarrassment.
It is so important to keep your guard up and focus. So many times I have meditated on Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer." If you are always aware of His presence and seeking the Holy Spirit at all times-staying united-the path will be straight and smooth. The bumps will be less jolting, you won't notice the sand in your shoes and you'll always keep the spring in your step. I envision the path to even have reflectors along the sides for night walking, lots of benches, water fountains, port-a-pottys and ripe fruit trees with snacks. He meets all our needs when we stay connected. And best of all, my best friend is always there to listen when I need to talk and He gives the very best advice when I ask Him. He never leaves me nor forsakes me. Even when I step out on my own and fall flat on my face, He will be there to lift me up with His victorious right hand.
Thank you Lord for teaching me that although you would rather I listen and obey, if I step out in faith and fall, You will pick me up and set me aright when I ask for your forgiveness, repent, listen for your instruction and go forth in obedience. It is a process. For some of us it is a much longer process, I am so thankful You are so patient, loving, kind and merciful.
THE POWER OF ONE SENTENCE
I received this e-mail this morning and it got me thinking: "When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. I believe God can shift things around for you today and make things work in your favor. What are you believing for Him to do today?"
It had the usual send this on to everyone and you'll be blessed stuff that I deleted and added these scriptures at the end:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, And no mind has imagined What God has prepared For those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
"Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you!" I Samuel 12:24
I forwarded it to all the people I felt needed some special encouragement in this area today. Then God really began to percolate in my spirit about the power of His words, the strength in believing them and results of that combination.
Many times I have had a bottle of vinegar, a box of baking soda in my cupboard and a sink with a mountain of sludge. Although they are all in my kitchen and each one very useful and powerful in their own right, when they are put together the chemical reaction of the vinegar and the baking soda will unclog the drain. And it helps to run hot water down the drain afterwards.
A problem can clog up your thinking, stink up your mood and stop spiritual progress. Reading God's word out loud will electrify the atmosphere and lift your spirits. Then there is the catalyst for a miracle. Matthew 21:22 NIV If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Believing God's word can change your mood and attitude.
Dear friends, if our hearts know nothing against us, we have confidence in approaching God; 22then, whatever we ask for, we receive from him; because we are obeying his commands and doing the things that please him. 23This is his command: that we are to trust in the person and power of his Son Yeshua the Messiah and to keep loving one another, just as he commanded us. 1 John 3:21-23 TCJB Praying and asking God to intervene on your behalf may seem like a neutral task but without it He can do nothing.
And the hot water you ask--Todah--Praise Him and thank Him for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He is going to do. Keep the lines of comunication open and flush the lines daily.
LORD, I thank you for all you have done, are doing and going to do in my life. I thank You for today and the ways You will use me for your service. I thank you for your love, mercy, kindness, favor and grace. I thank you for all your sacrifices so that I may stand in Your presence, go boldly to your throne and ask in Jesus' name for strength, knowledge, wisdom, discernment and grace that is sufficient for all my trials and tribulations of this world. For You are my strength in everything. You know my needs and have made provision for them. You have loved me with an everlasting love and I thank you and praise you my LORD.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Heart Smiles
So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 The Message Translation
Today has been another resty day. These are the days I need what I call heart smiles. They are little encouragements from God that He loves me no matter what I am going through. We have all had trials and difficult situations of various sizes. I have learned that no matter what the size, color or variety of your situation when you are going through it, your life gets consumed by it if you let it. Some are more difficult than others to lasso, pull down, hog tie, raise your victorious hand and declare God is in control. Plain and simply, if He wasn't, I wouldn't be here.
On many an occasion throughout my life, I have dealt or not dealt with my trials by shifting my focus from myself to needs of others. If I can't "fix" my unfixable problem then I'll just "fix" someone else's that is fixable. That's how I became a fixaholic. It started very early in life. Want to keep Momma happy? Be an overachiever. Want to make the teachers happy? Be an overachiever. Want to be the best wife and mother? That alone will wear you out. Want to make an employer happy? Be an overachiever. Want your business to be successful? Be an overachiever. You can see where this is going can't you? Especially when one of your biggest unfixable problems has always been health issues. Yep, in the toilet every time. And once again I have found myself swirling around in the blue water so to speak.
How did I get there this time? I stepped out of the boat and the wind and waves took me down. Evidently, my faith is just not strong enough to hold me up yet. I guess this time it is called don't let God down or the church family that is praying for you. It has been going on for about a month now. I had some very good upward momentum for a few weeks then it just started slowly sliding backwards. I ignored all the signs that I was depleting "my batteries" and pressed forward determined to have total victory. I kept pressing through the pain and various other symptoms. You know what they say "no pain-no gain". Well, I had enough pain and symptoms this past week to gain a baby elephant and nothing to show for it. Except, I know my LORD has been with me through it all and it is His will that I be healed. I am not giving up. I refuse to give in. That is what has got me through this far. All that determination and stubbornness along with God's unending mercy and grace got me through the first 36 years until I found Him. For the last twelve and the rest, His unending love will see me through. I am dusting myself off and without condemnation, this time, I will rest when He says rest--In JESUS' name!
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20 The Message Translation
Lord, You alone are my strength. Fill me LORD with Your mighty presence. Holy Spirit comfort me. I will not waiver from the truth--I am healed by the stripes of Jesus, I am free from the bondage of sickness, pain and infirmity! AMEN
Today has been another resty day. These are the days I need what I call heart smiles. They are little encouragements from God that He loves me no matter what I am going through. We have all had trials and difficult situations of various sizes. I have learned that no matter what the size, color or variety of your situation when you are going through it, your life gets consumed by it if you let it. Some are more difficult than others to lasso, pull down, hog tie, raise your victorious hand and declare God is in control. Plain and simply, if He wasn't, I wouldn't be here.
On many an occasion throughout my life, I have dealt or not dealt with my trials by shifting my focus from myself to needs of others. If I can't "fix" my unfixable problem then I'll just "fix" someone else's that is fixable. That's how I became a fixaholic. It started very early in life. Want to keep Momma happy? Be an overachiever. Want to make the teachers happy? Be an overachiever. Want to be the best wife and mother? That alone will wear you out. Want to make an employer happy? Be an overachiever. Want your business to be successful? Be an overachiever. You can see where this is going can't you? Especially when one of your biggest unfixable problems has always been health issues. Yep, in the toilet every time. And once again I have found myself swirling around in the blue water so to speak.
How did I get there this time? I stepped out of the boat and the wind and waves took me down. Evidently, my faith is just not strong enough to hold me up yet. I guess this time it is called don't let God down or the church family that is praying for you. It has been going on for about a month now. I had some very good upward momentum for a few weeks then it just started slowly sliding backwards. I ignored all the signs that I was depleting "my batteries" and pressed forward determined to have total victory. I kept pressing through the pain and various other symptoms. You know what they say "no pain-no gain". Well, I had enough pain and symptoms this past week to gain a baby elephant and nothing to show for it. Except, I know my LORD has been with me through it all and it is His will that I be healed. I am not giving up. I refuse to give in. That is what has got me through this far. All that determination and stubbornness along with God's unending mercy and grace got me through the first 36 years until I found Him. For the last twelve and the rest, His unending love will see me through. I am dusting myself off and without condemnation, this time, I will rest when He says rest--In JESUS' name!
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20 The Message Translation
Lord, You alone are my strength. Fill me LORD with Your mighty presence. Holy Spirit comfort me. I will not waiver from the truth--I am healed by the stripes of Jesus, I am free from the bondage of sickness, pain and infirmity! AMEN
Sunday, June 1, 2008
War
Focused on the Goal 12-14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15-16 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. Philippians 3:14-16 (The Message)
That about the size, where you put your eyes, that's about the size of it. Those are lyrics from an old Seseme Street song. It has been going through my head this morning with pictures.
I believe God was saying that to us in His word in so many different ways. He says to keep your focus on Him and not on our trials and tribulations. To have strong faith in His power and not fear the hardships of this world. You shall reap the harvest if you faint not.
This week has been a real test and trial. The lesson was once again 'How to stay focused on Him and keep my focus off symptoms'. When the pain levels are high, fever us raging and every breath is a struggle it is a bigger battle to face head on with strength and courage and faith in the truth that "by His stripes I am healed!" We made it through the week and will make it through the next. Someone once said the "biggest battles of every war was the last one fought". In that case, I'll pack the food and ammo and dig a deep fox hole--I intend to win the war!
28-29"But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure. How in the world do you think it's possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first? Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out. 30"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse. Matthew 12:29-30 (The Message)
That about the size, where you put your eyes, that's about the size of it. Those are lyrics from an old Seseme Street song. It has been going through my head this morning with pictures.
I believe God was saying that to us in His word in so many different ways. He says to keep your focus on Him and not on our trials and tribulations. To have strong faith in His power and not fear the hardships of this world. You shall reap the harvest if you faint not.
This week has been a real test and trial. The lesson was once again 'How to stay focused on Him and keep my focus off symptoms'. When the pain levels are high, fever us raging and every breath is a struggle it is a bigger battle to face head on with strength and courage and faith in the truth that "by His stripes I am healed!" We made it through the week and will make it through the next. Someone once said the "biggest battles of every war was the last one fought". In that case, I'll pack the food and ammo and dig a deep fox hole--I intend to win the war!
28-29"But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure. How in the world do you think it's possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first? Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out. 30"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse. Matthew 12:29-30 (The Message)
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