"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain...and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
(Hebrews 10:19-23)
In the Old Testament times, priests had to go to the temple and make sacrifices for the sins of the people. A curtain seperated the people from God's presence for God could not be in the presence of sin. In God's great love and mercy, He made a way, through the cross for us to be reconciled with Him. Through faith in Jesus we would now be able to approach God with freedom and confidence. ( Eph 3:12) God longed to live among us. To shower us with His love and blessings. He who had no sin became sin for us so that we might be pure and clean and righteous in God's sight. Jesus sits at the Father's right hand as our great priest. He is our hope, our key that unlocks the door to enter into the Most Holy Place, the place where God dwells. Our faith gives us confidence and assurance. No longer does a curtain seperate us from divine love. No longer do we need to live in darkness! "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness.." (John 1:4-5) No longer do we need to be comformed to the world! (Romans 12:2) Reconciliation with God brings us the peace and freedom that we long for.
You are faithful, O God. You have provided a "new way" to enter into your Holy Kingdom. Your kingdom has come for those who trust in the finished work of Jesus. When Jesus breathed His last breath and gave up His Spirit, the curtian was torn. Your light flooded the temple and the doors were open for any who would desire freedom from this world. "Come all who are weary and I will give you rest.... When the world overwhelms us, from the Lord comes deliverance. When stress and anxiety stalk us, you lead us beside quiet waters that will restore our soul. You show us the wonder of your great love and hide us in the shadow of your wings from the enemies who desire to destroy us. When darkness looms around us, you shine your light in and upon us. Washed with your pure water, we are new creations created to walk in the light of your love. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful...We are forgiven, righteous and perfect in your sight. You shower us with grace, mercy and compassion. The veil has been torn. The door is open and the light of your face is shining upon us! Let us draw near to you, O God, with a heart full of assurance. We put our hope in your unfailing love.
"One you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation if you continue in your faith, establihed and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." (Colossians 1:23)
"such is a generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob." (Psalm 24:6)
"Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:17-18)
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December 31, 2011
December 29, 2011
The Good News
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
"the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10)
Do not be afraid. There is good news for all the people! Jesus has come! God, in His great love and mercy has sent us a Savior! This Savior would show us God. We would not have to live in darkness any longer. The light has come. He is the way, the truth and light and ANYONE who would come to him would inherit eternal life and be given forgiveness of his sins of living in darkness. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy...He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." (2 Sam 22:17-20)
He is the head of the body, the church and He holds all things together (Col 1:18) We were once alienated from God but because of Jesus, we are reconciled to the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. This is the gospel and it is being proclaimed to every creature under heaven. We are servants of this wonderful Good News! Hallelujah!
God has chosen us to make know the glorious riches of this mystery which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col 1:27)
As a child of the living God you are promised an inheritance. You have been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of light. Jesus is the light for our path. He has rescued us from darkness and in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 1:13)
As children of the light, just as we received Christ by faith, we have been given power and authority to continue to live in him, to be rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the our faith and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col 2:6)
Father God,
Thank you for sending your Son to earth to turn our darkness into light. We desire the full riches of complete understanding. We desire to know in our hearts, your mystery, namely Jesus Christ in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge abide. Open the eyes of our hearts to see your light. Shine the light of your glory on us! Set our hearts and minds on things above. Clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12)Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Fill us with your love. Love came down on Christmas Day. It is the indescribable gift. Open our hearts to receive our inheritance. Then, open doors that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. He is our hope, our Savior, our reconciliation to you. Amen
"And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:10)
And because of this I rejoice and I will continue to rejoice.....
"the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10)
Do not be afraid. There is good news for all the people! Jesus has come! God, in His great love and mercy has sent us a Savior! This Savior would show us God. We would not have to live in darkness any longer. The light has come. He is the way, the truth and light and ANYONE who would come to him would inherit eternal life and be given forgiveness of his sins of living in darkness. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy...He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." (2 Sam 22:17-20)
He is the head of the body, the church and He holds all things together (Col 1:18) We were once alienated from God but because of Jesus, we are reconciled to the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. This is the gospel and it is being proclaimed to every creature under heaven. We are servants of this wonderful Good News! Hallelujah!
God has chosen us to make know the glorious riches of this mystery which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col 1:27)
As a child of the living God you are promised an inheritance. You have been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of light. Jesus is the light for our path. He has rescued us from darkness and in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 1:13)
As children of the light, just as we received Christ by faith, we have been given power and authority to continue to live in him, to be rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the our faith and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col 2:6)
Father God,
Thank you for sending your Son to earth to turn our darkness into light. We desire the full riches of complete understanding. We desire to know in our hearts, your mystery, namely Jesus Christ in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge abide. Open the eyes of our hearts to see your light. Shine the light of your glory on us! Set our hearts and minds on things above. Clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12)Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Fill us with your love. Love came down on Christmas Day. It is the indescribable gift. Open our hearts to receive our inheritance. Then, open doors that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. He is our hope, our Savior, our reconciliation to you. Amen
"And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:10)
And because of this I rejoice and I will continue to rejoice.....
December 06, 2011
Blessed are the Pure in Heart
In his book, Healing, Francis MacNutt, a Catholic priest, says that "the healing ministry should be an ordinary, normal part of the life of every Christian community. The sick need healing, just as much as they did in Christ's day. The larger issues of injustice will be helped when individuals in society are themselves made whole-when they are healed emotionally so that they can enter into healthy relationships, so that they are not acting out of prejudices or ancient hurts."
Luke tells us that Jesus stood up to read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah "the Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19)
Healing is still needed in the church today and Jesus is still healing. He is freeing us from sin, from ignorance, weakness, disoriented emotions and physical sickness in order to give us new life, a new relationship of love and union with his Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor 2:9)
Tonight I will be commissioned to minister at a faith based counseling center to women in need. I've been trained, prayed up, battered by the enemy, and lifted again by God. I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of God's work here on earth. Yes, we have been chosen to be a part of God's amazing ministry of healing and reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18) It's hard to believe but God has set us apart, filled us with his Spirit and showered us with his grace. We are vessels of the Holy Spirit. We have all that we need through Him that loved us to help "bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and comfort all who mourn." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
2 Cor 1:3 tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Cor 1:3) He desires to use us as vessels of His love and healing power to those who are afflicted and brokenhearted. We feel so incapable yet His power is made perfect in our weakness and His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor 12:9) It is our heavenly Father's desire that His sons and daughters "receive 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." (Isaiah 61:3)
"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed….(Psalm 10:17-18a)
You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
You will deliver your children in times of trouble. You will protect and preserve their life. (Psalm 41:1-2)
You send forth your word and heal and rescue them from the grave. (Psalm 107:20)
God promises to restore all that is lost for His dearly loved children. He invades our darkness and calls us to "Be free!" He has compassion on us and guides and leads us besides springs of water. (Isaiah 49:10) We are a chosen people who belong to God that we may declare His praises for calling us out of darkness into the wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Father,
Thank you for choosing me and each of the woman that will attend the service this evening. I pray that each woman being commissioned tonight would know and grow in your abundant love, grace and mercy. That she believe in and trust on your power that is at work within her as your living water flows from her to a broken and hurting world. Strengthen her through your Spirit. Root and establish each women in love that they will know how to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is your magnificent love. Fill them with your fullness. You are faithful and will continue the work that you began , healing us in body, mind and spirit so that we can comfort those with the comfort you have given us. May your great name be glorified and the whole earth be filled with your glory! (Psalm 72:19) Amen
Luke tells us that Jesus stood up to read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah "the Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19)
Healing is still needed in the church today and Jesus is still healing. He is freeing us from sin, from ignorance, weakness, disoriented emotions and physical sickness in order to give us new life, a new relationship of love and union with his Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor 2:9)
Tonight I will be commissioned to minister at a faith based counseling center to women in need. I've been trained, prayed up, battered by the enemy, and lifted again by God. I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of God's work here on earth. Yes, we have been chosen to be a part of God's amazing ministry of healing and reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18) It's hard to believe but God has set us apart, filled us with his Spirit and showered us with his grace. We are vessels of the Holy Spirit. We have all that we need through Him that loved us to help "bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and comfort all who mourn." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
2 Cor 1:3 tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Cor 1:3) He desires to use us as vessels of His love and healing power to those who are afflicted and brokenhearted. We feel so incapable yet His power is made perfect in our weakness and His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor 12:9) It is our heavenly Father's desire that His sons and daughters "receive 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." (Isaiah 61:3)
"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed….(Psalm 10:17-18a)
You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
You will deliver your children in times of trouble. You will protect and preserve their life. (Psalm 41:1-2)
You send forth your word and heal and rescue them from the grave. (Psalm 107:20)
God promises to restore all that is lost for His dearly loved children. He invades our darkness and calls us to "Be free!" He has compassion on us and guides and leads us besides springs of water. (Isaiah 49:10) We are a chosen people who belong to God that we may declare His praises for calling us out of darkness into the wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Father,
Thank you for choosing me and each of the woman that will attend the service this evening. I pray that each woman being commissioned tonight would know and grow in your abundant love, grace and mercy. That she believe in and trust on your power that is at work within her as your living water flows from her to a broken and hurting world. Strengthen her through your Spirit. Root and establish each women in love that they will know how to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is your magnificent love. Fill them with your fullness. You are faithful and will continue the work that you began , healing us in body, mind and spirit so that we can comfort those with the comfort you have given us. May your great name be glorified and the whole earth be filled with your glory! (Psalm 72:19) Amen
October 27, 2011
The Truth
Jesus came to reconcile us to God that we can live the life that we were created to live. This life is the abundant life. It is the life of love, joy and peace. It is a life connected and in relationship with God who loves us like no other.
"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3:1)
We believe and receive this amazing truth. The Father loves us. We are His children. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us into this amazing truth. We are being freed from our past, growing in perserverance, character and hope. This process is all done by God's amazing grace in pouring out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5)
"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) When we are saved, we are automatically born again and given the Spirit of God to live within us.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade…" (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Such is the life of being a Christian. We are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are healed and transformed by God's gift of grace.
We cannot know God or His plan for our lives unless we are born again and receive God's Spirit. We must surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit. "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him." (Romans 8:9) "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but by words taught us by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (1 Cor 2:12-13)
Regardless of what the enemy and the world tries to tell you or scare you about the Holy Spirit, the truth is -- We must be born again. When we are born of God, He gives us the Holy Spirit. It doesn't matter if we believe it or not, Scripture tells us again and again. It's true.
Being a Christian means "Christ in you, the hope of Glory". The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of all believers. God reveals who He is, who we are and how life is to be lived through His Spirit. No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ((Cor 2:11))
"If you will but ask and yield, He will fill you with His streams of living water, and they will flow out of you to a thirsty and dying world, enabling you to live and serve in His power. But without Him you can do nothing."(John 15:5)
Christ in us is a reality. But we must say yes to this reality. Saying yes involves giving up our control and submitting to the working of the Holy Spirit within us. Without Him, we can do nothing. We will never live the life that God created us to live. We will never be transformed into the image of Christ. We will never be filled with love and joy and peace and patience. The Holy Spirit lives in our Spirit. God's revelations come from the Holy Spirit.
Father God,
Thank you for a new birth. Thank you for the third person of the trinity, your Holy Spirit. Remove the lies of the world and the enemy of this world and reveal this truth deep into our heart. We are new creations. We are convicted and comforted, healed and empowered; secure and sealed with eternal life. Born from above, we are reconciled to you through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the cross. Submitting to and relying on the Holy Spirit can be our heart's desire. It is how we hear from you. It is how we know the deep things. It is the only way to live the truths of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Today, by faith, we claim the presence, direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. Amen-
"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3:1)
We believe and receive this amazing truth. The Father loves us. We are His children. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us into this amazing truth. We are being freed from our past, growing in perserverance, character and hope. This process is all done by God's amazing grace in pouring out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5)
"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) When we are saved, we are automatically born again and given the Spirit of God to live within us.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade…" (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Such is the life of being a Christian. We are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are healed and transformed by God's gift of grace.
We cannot know God or His plan for our lives unless we are born again and receive God's Spirit. We must surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit. "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him." (Romans 8:9) "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but by words taught us by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (1 Cor 2:12-13)
Regardless of what the enemy and the world tries to tell you or scare you about the Holy Spirit, the truth is -- We must be born again. When we are born of God, He gives us the Holy Spirit. It doesn't matter if we believe it or not, Scripture tells us again and again. It's true.
Being a Christian means "Christ in you, the hope of Glory". The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of all believers. God reveals who He is, who we are and how life is to be lived through His Spirit. No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ((Cor 2:11))
"If you will but ask and yield, He will fill you with His streams of living water, and they will flow out of you to a thirsty and dying world, enabling you to live and serve in His power. But without Him you can do nothing."(John 15:5)
Christ in us is a reality. But we must say yes to this reality. Saying yes involves giving up our control and submitting to the working of the Holy Spirit within us. Without Him, we can do nothing. We will never live the life that God created us to live. We will never be transformed into the image of Christ. We will never be filled with love and joy and peace and patience. The Holy Spirit lives in our Spirit. God's revelations come from the Holy Spirit.
Father God,
Thank you for a new birth. Thank you for the third person of the trinity, your Holy Spirit. Remove the lies of the world and the enemy of this world and reveal this truth deep into our heart. We are new creations. We are convicted and comforted, healed and empowered; secure and sealed with eternal life. Born from above, we are reconciled to you through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the cross. Submitting to and relying on the Holy Spirit can be our heart's desire. It is how we hear from you. It is how we know the deep things. It is the only way to live the truths of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Today, by faith, we claim the presence, direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. Amen-
September 01, 2011
A Perfect Gift
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly light, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)
This Friday afternoon, we will put Jamie on a plane headed to Pau, France where she will spend 4 months studying, experiencing the culture, enjoying the new foods and gaining new perspectives on how others live. This has been a dream of hers and she has worked hard and God has blessed us abundantly that this dream could become a reality.
The other day in my small group we discussed the question "What have I been able to give over to God?" My answer, spoken with great confident assurance, was my daughter, Jamie. Today, the day before she leaves, I am contemplating that question along with my answer. Have I really given my daughter over to God? Do I trust God to take care of her like I do?
I flip through the "Words of Life" that I've been e-mailing her regularly since she started college nearly 3 years ago. I read the promises of God that I had hoped would bring peace in the midst of her storms and joy in the life experiences that God had ordained for this time in her life. I read how I told her time and time again that God loves her more than she can imagine and that He has a good and perfect plan for her life. (Romans 8:28-30), (Jer. 29:11) That she is a chosen daughter of the King, highly favored and created for a purpose. She knows that the Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) (Psalm 46:1) That "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." She knows that the God makes her steps firm (2 Samuel 22:33-34) and that she has an inheritance as God's chosen one.
God is creator and sustainer. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." (Acts 17:24-25) When Jesus approached the men that would become the disciples, he told them to leave everything and follow him. In essence he was saying, can you trust me to take care of all your treasured possessions?
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (10:37-39)
God gives us many gifts and blessings. Perfect gifts from heaven above. We are to be good stewards of all he has given us. But ultimately, everything belongs to God. "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)
"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure… Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in our presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:5, 9-11)
God loves Jamie even more than I do and He loves you too! He has given us a portion and cup and has made us secure. He is our rock, fortress and deliver. He is our shield. He reaches down from on high and takes hold of us. He brings us out into a spacious place and rescues us because he delights in us! (Psalm 18)
"now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:6-7)
"How great is his joy in the victories you give? You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him--length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. FOR THE KING TRUSTS IN THE LORD; THROUGH THE UNFAILING LOVE OF THE MOST HIGH HE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might." (Psalm 21:1-7, 13)
Have I given my sweet, precious "darling" girl over to the loving, faithful, protective God I call Father? He will carry her as a father carries his son. (Deut. 1:31) His Spirit will fill her with love, power and a sound mind. His living water will flow out of her to a thirsty dying world as she serves God in His power. (John 15:5) His angels will protect her wherever she goes. (Psalm 91:11) He will supply all of her needs. ((Phil. 4:19) I thank God everyday for trusting me with this most precious gift. His daughter, brought forth into this world to live out His most perfect plan for her life. Now its time that I trust him.
"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:10-11)
This Friday afternoon, we will put Jamie on a plane headed to Pau, France where she will spend 4 months studying, experiencing the culture, enjoying the new foods and gaining new perspectives on how others live. This has been a dream of hers and she has worked hard and God has blessed us abundantly that this dream could become a reality.
The other day in my small group we discussed the question "What have I been able to give over to God?" My answer, spoken with great confident assurance, was my daughter, Jamie. Today, the day before she leaves, I am contemplating that question along with my answer. Have I really given my daughter over to God? Do I trust God to take care of her like I do?
I flip through the "Words of Life" that I've been e-mailing her regularly since she started college nearly 3 years ago. I read the promises of God that I had hoped would bring peace in the midst of her storms and joy in the life experiences that God had ordained for this time in her life. I read how I told her time and time again that God loves her more than she can imagine and that He has a good and perfect plan for her life. (Romans 8:28-30), (Jer. 29:11) That she is a chosen daughter of the King, highly favored and created for a purpose. She knows that the Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) (Psalm 46:1) That "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." She knows that the God makes her steps firm (2 Samuel 22:33-34) and that she has an inheritance as God's chosen one.
God is creator and sustainer. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." (Acts 17:24-25) When Jesus approached the men that would become the disciples, he told them to leave everything and follow him. In essence he was saying, can you trust me to take care of all your treasured possessions?
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (10:37-39)
God gives us many gifts and blessings. Perfect gifts from heaven above. We are to be good stewards of all he has given us. But ultimately, everything belongs to God. "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)
"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure… Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in our presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:5, 9-11)
God loves Jamie even more than I do and He loves you too! He has given us a portion and cup and has made us secure. He is our rock, fortress and deliver. He is our shield. He reaches down from on high and takes hold of us. He brings us out into a spacious place and rescues us because he delights in us! (Psalm 18)
"now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:6-7)
"How great is his joy in the victories you give? You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him--length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. FOR THE KING TRUSTS IN THE LORD; THROUGH THE UNFAILING LOVE OF THE MOST HIGH HE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might." (Psalm 21:1-7, 13)
Have I given my sweet, precious "darling" girl over to the loving, faithful, protective God I call Father? He will carry her as a father carries his son. (Deut. 1:31) His Spirit will fill her with love, power and a sound mind. His living water will flow out of her to a thirsty dying world as she serves God in His power. (John 15:5) His angels will protect her wherever she goes. (Psalm 91:11) He will supply all of her needs. ((Phil. 4:19) I thank God everyday for trusting me with this most precious gift. His daughter, brought forth into this world to live out His most perfect plan for her life. Now its time that I trust him.
"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:10-11)
August 16, 2011
Where's God??
When my kids were small, we purchased the "Where's Waldo" books. Every inch of each page was filled with "things". Somewhere amongst the "things" was Waldo. Every page was different but the one thing that always remained the same was that somewhere on that page you could find Waldo.
We have a Father in heaven who, like Waldo, can be found on every page of our lives. Amongst the joys as well as the sorrows, whether we see Him or not, God is nestled among the "things" of life.
"If they will but seek my face…. (2 Chron 7:14) Sometimes Waldo was difficult to find but John tells us in the book of Revelation that God's face is "like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Rev 1:16) Psalm 19:1 tells us that "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." God wants to be found. He is waiting to lead you beside quiet waters, to restore your soul and guide you in paths of righteousness. We need not fear any evil for He is with us. (Psalm 23)
If they will but turn to me….
He will receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek his face. (Psalm 24)
The Lord is our light and salvation. The Lord is our stronghold. We can gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27) As we lift our eyes to the maker, we see the voice of the Lord is over the waters, the voice of the Lord is powerful and majestic. His unfailing love is priceless. "Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of his wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights" (Psalm 36:7-8) When we find him, we dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. When we commit our way to him and trust in him, He makes our righteousness shine like the dawn. As we seek and knock on heaven's door, God is waiting to be found and our soul finds rest. He turns our wailing into dancing and clothes us with joy. (Psalm 30 & 31)
"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." (Psalm 33:13-15)
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut 4:29)
Precious Lord,
Help us to quiet ourselves from all the "things" on the pages of our lives - that we would find you. "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands." (Hebrews 1::10) The earth is full of your unfailing love. You who formed the mountains by your power and stilled the roaring of the seas and waves, shine your face upon us and show us the wonder of your great love! Reach down from on high and take us to your temple where we meditate on your unfailing love. Open our eyes that we may see you! Our hearts rejoice as your unfailing love rests upon us. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:5) Amen
We have a Father in heaven who, like Waldo, can be found on every page of our lives. Amongst the joys as well as the sorrows, whether we see Him or not, God is nestled among the "things" of life.
"If they will but seek my face…. (2 Chron 7:14) Sometimes Waldo was difficult to find but John tells us in the book of Revelation that God's face is "like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Rev 1:16) Psalm 19:1 tells us that "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." God wants to be found. He is waiting to lead you beside quiet waters, to restore your soul and guide you in paths of righteousness. We need not fear any evil for He is with us. (Psalm 23)
If they will but turn to me….
He will receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek his face. (Psalm 24)
The Lord is our light and salvation. The Lord is our stronghold. We can gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27) As we lift our eyes to the maker, we see the voice of the Lord is over the waters, the voice of the Lord is powerful and majestic. His unfailing love is priceless. "Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of his wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights" (Psalm 36:7-8) When we find him, we dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. When we commit our way to him and trust in him, He makes our righteousness shine like the dawn. As we seek and knock on heaven's door, God is waiting to be found and our soul finds rest. He turns our wailing into dancing and clothes us with joy. (Psalm 30 & 31)
"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." (Psalm 33:13-15)
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut 4:29)
Precious Lord,
Help us to quiet ourselves from all the "things" on the pages of our lives - that we would find you. "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands." (Hebrews 1::10) The earth is full of your unfailing love. You who formed the mountains by your power and stilled the roaring of the seas and waves, shine your face upon us and show us the wonder of your great love! Reach down from on high and take us to your temple where we meditate on your unfailing love. Open our eyes that we may see you! Our hearts rejoice as your unfailing love rests upon us. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:5) Amen
July 01, 2011
Darkness and Light
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12)
There is a reason most of us do not like darkness. Things are hidden in darkness. We automatically assume that in some way, evil is present.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. "In Him was life, that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)
"When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us in darkness so that we will not know the love and glory of God. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness but God said, "Let light shine out of darkness". Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and to expose the darkness.
"He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)
John tells us "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:8)
As Christians, we have come into the light. "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruits of light consist in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph. 5:8-14)
The Psalmist cry's out "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord" (Psalm 4:6b; 89:15))
We are children of the light and we are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14) God promises us that He will take hold of our hand and keep us that we may be a light to the world and when we let our light shine, all will see the glory of God. The eyes of the blind will be opened and the captives will be free from their prison of darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7) "God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and don't live by the truth. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us." (1 John 1:5-7)
The kingdom of darkness is built on lies, secrets and deceit. It requires the absence of light to survive. We can "turn on the light" but bringing in the presence of Christ. His Spirit dwells with you and He is the Spirit of truth. The book of Revelation tells us about what heaven will be like. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light...On no day will its gates ever be shut for there will be no night (darkness) there. Nothing impure will ever enter it..." (Rev 21:23-27)
Almighty God,
You are the light of the world. We are blind and grope around like drunkards in the darkness. (Job 12:25) Let the light of your face shine on us and expose our secret sins, our false beliefs, the lies that the enemy would have us believe. He desires to keep us blind. You have removed the blinders! Pour your love and truth into our hearts, light our path so that we can walk. Instill your Word into our hearts. Speak to our innermost being. Examine our thoughts and motives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness...blot out all my iniquity." Create in me a pure heart, O God! (Psalm 51:6-9) You do not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings. You desire a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. We are a chosen people whom you called out of darkness into the your wonderful light! (1 Peter 2:9) In heaven, there is no darkness. Bring heaven to earth where the glory of God gives it light and the lamb of God sustains it. It is there that I will have the light of life and my voice will declare your praise and glory. Amen
There is a reason most of us do not like darkness. Things are hidden in darkness. We automatically assume that in some way, evil is present.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. "In Him was life, that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)
"When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us in darkness so that we will not know the love and glory of God. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness but God said, "Let light shine out of darkness". Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and to expose the darkness.
"He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)
John tells us "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:8)
As Christians, we have come into the light. "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruits of light consist in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph. 5:8-14)
The Psalmist cry's out "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord" (Psalm 4:6b; 89:15))
We are children of the light and we are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14) God promises us that He will take hold of our hand and keep us that we may be a light to the world and when we let our light shine, all will see the glory of God. The eyes of the blind will be opened and the captives will be free from their prison of darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7) "God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and don't live by the truth. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us." (1 John 1:5-7)
The kingdom of darkness is built on lies, secrets and deceit. It requires the absence of light to survive. We can "turn on the light" but bringing in the presence of Christ. His Spirit dwells with you and He is the Spirit of truth. The book of Revelation tells us about what heaven will be like. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light...On no day will its gates ever be shut for there will be no night (darkness) there. Nothing impure will ever enter it..." (Rev 21:23-27)
Almighty God,
You are the light of the world. We are blind and grope around like drunkards in the darkness. (Job 12:25) Let the light of your face shine on us and expose our secret sins, our false beliefs, the lies that the enemy would have us believe. He desires to keep us blind. You have removed the blinders! Pour your love and truth into our hearts, light our path so that we can walk. Instill your Word into our hearts. Speak to our innermost being. Examine our thoughts and motives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness...blot out all my iniquity." Create in me a pure heart, O God! (Psalm 51:6-9) You do not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings. You desire a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. We are a chosen people whom you called out of darkness into the your wonderful light! (1 Peter 2:9) In heaven, there is no darkness. Bring heaven to earth where the glory of God gives it light and the lamb of God sustains it. It is there that I will have the light of life and my voice will declare your praise and glory. Amen
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