Psalm 9:10(NKJV)
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
On Easter Sunday our two daughters came to church with their families. They don't do this often enough. My eight year old grandson sat on my one side and the five year old grandson sat on the other side. Usually the eight year old sits with his parents so this was a treat for me. It was the first time for my five year old.
During one song my eight year old ask me who were they singing about. Was it Ya Who Ya? I tried not to laugh at what he thought he heard and explained it was Yahweh. It was another word to describe Lord or Jesus.
Later in the service he asked another question, and then another. I said a silent prayer thanking God for speaking to my grandson's heart.
Several years ago I attended a ladies Bible study that focused on names of our Lord and what they meant. Jehoval-nissi, The Lord My Banner. Jehoval-jireh, The Lord will Provide. Elohim, Creator. El Elyon, The Most High God. Jehovah-shalom, The Lord is Peace. Jehovah-sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts. El Olam, The Everlast God. Jehovah-raah, The Lord My Shepherd. Jehovah-rapha, The Lord That Healeth.
My God is the great healer, the Lord of Lords, the great Creator, and He provides me with all I need.
Heavenly Father thank you for being my everything. Amen.
Friday, April 29, 2011
STAND FAST
II Corinthians 1:24 (NAS)
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.
It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day things that go on in our lives. Before you know it we are out at the lake, on a picnic, or just sleeping in on Sunday morning. We tell ourselves just this once. I've been working hard all week, I'm tired, and even the excuse of I deserve a day for me.
Before you know it one time leads to two, then three, and it gets harder to break the cycle. You wake up one day and you can't remember the last day you attended church. You've even convinced yourself that God still loves you, He's not a bad God, you're not a bad person, and even the age old excuse the church is full of hypocrites anyway.
No our God is not a bad God, He is a loving God full of grace and mercy. But He is also a God that asks His people to stand fast in our faith. To praise and worship Him on the Sabbath. Prayer for each other gives strength to all. Together we can remain faithful until Christ's return.
Dear Father thank you for Your love. Forgive me when I fail You. Amen.
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.
It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day things that go on in our lives. Before you know it we are out at the lake, on a picnic, or just sleeping in on Sunday morning. We tell ourselves just this once. I've been working hard all week, I'm tired, and even the excuse of I deserve a day for me.
Before you know it one time leads to two, then three, and it gets harder to break the cycle. You wake up one day and you can't remember the last day you attended church. You've even convinced yourself that God still loves you, He's not a bad God, you're not a bad person, and even the age old excuse the church is full of hypocrites anyway.
No our God is not a bad God, He is a loving God full of grace and mercy. But He is also a God that asks His people to stand fast in our faith. To praise and worship Him on the Sabbath. Prayer for each other gives strength to all. Together we can remain faithful until Christ's return.
Dear Father thank you for Your love. Forgive me when I fail You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
FOLLOW YOUR HEART
Ruth 1:16 (NAS)
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you, for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."
I was with a group of writers a few weeks ago and someone told me they didn't feel comfortable changing their story to fit the audience. If they did then it wouldn't be their story. I asked her how did she feel about that and what was her heart telling her to do? Then I told I would follow my heart.
I had that same problem with one of my stories too. My story still lays in a box and it will stay there until I feel comfortable finishing it. When my heart tells me it is time.
Ruth followed her heart when she went with her mother-in-law. She knew this was the right choice, what God wanted her to do.
Similiar struggles pull on our hearts every day weather we realize it or not. You might say it's our conscience telling us to do something. A seed is planted then our subconscience takes over. Do we do this certain thing or do we let it go? A tug of war ensues.
A group of children are at play when one suggests they do some mischief. One child knows this isn't right but is afraid to say anything. Their heart or conscience starts to bother them, telling them no you shouldn't do this. There again another tug of war within.
The bottom line is follow what your heart is telling you. Some may say it's your conscience but I'd like to think God speaks to me through my heart. I know right from wrong, when someone needs a hug, a kind word, or even when to keep my mouth shut. God through His grace and spirit touches me and lets me know what to do. I like to think it's through my heart.
Heavenly Father thank you for letting me know when You are with me guiding me, through my heart. Amen.
But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you, for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."
I was with a group of writers a few weeks ago and someone told me they didn't feel comfortable changing their story to fit the audience. If they did then it wouldn't be their story. I asked her how did she feel about that and what was her heart telling her to do? Then I told I would follow my heart.
I had that same problem with one of my stories too. My story still lays in a box and it will stay there until I feel comfortable finishing it. When my heart tells me it is time.
Ruth followed her heart when she went with her mother-in-law. She knew this was the right choice, what God wanted her to do.
Similiar struggles pull on our hearts every day weather we realize it or not. You might say it's our conscience telling us to do something. A seed is planted then our subconscience takes over. Do we do this certain thing or do we let it go? A tug of war ensues.
A group of children are at play when one suggests they do some mischief. One child knows this isn't right but is afraid to say anything. Their heart or conscience starts to bother them, telling them no you shouldn't do this. There again another tug of war within.
The bottom line is follow what your heart is telling you. Some may say it's your conscience but I'd like to think God speaks to me through my heart. I know right from wrong, when someone needs a hug, a kind word, or even when to keep my mouth shut. God through His grace and spirit touches me and lets me know what to do. I like to think it's through my heart.
Heavenly Father thank you for letting me know when You are with me guiding me, through my heart. Amen.
Monday, April 18, 2011
MY OLD DAYS
Genesis 15:15 (NAS)
And as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.
Hello Lord. Here I am again. Yes today is one of my old days again. You know what I mean. Not that I'm feeling old, but I guess what I'm trying to say is, I feel over whelmed today. I want to slow things down so I can get more things done. Give me more hours in the day maybe.
I get up early enough, make the bed, start a load of laundry, feed the dogs, and the day begins. It's one thing then another, the phone rings taking up my time, time i set a side to do what I need to get done and what I so wished I could get done.
By noon I feel like I could take a nap, but know I must push forward. On to still another chore and then before you know it, it's time to fix dinner.
I know Lord I feel like I'm complaining again. I have so much to be thankful for. Why if it wasn't for my health I wouldn't be getting up each day to hear the birds sing or see the trees blowing in the wind. I'd miss the fragrant sweet smell of the roses by my front door. Much less be able to clean and cook for the day.
Lord I just miss being able to do things faster. You know like I used to be able to do when I was twenty or even thirty. You say it's my time to slow down and bask in Your glory. Reflect on my life and let You take my hand and lead me. You know that's hard Father. I'm still trying to stay in control. I forget that You are in control.
Thank you Father for reminding me that You are in control of my life. I pray that I call to mind each morning when I first get up and then continually throughout the day that You, oh Lord, are in control. I may not be able to take the steps two at a time but each step I take You are with me. Thank you Lord. Amen.
And as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.
Hello Lord. Here I am again. Yes today is one of my old days again. You know what I mean. Not that I'm feeling old, but I guess what I'm trying to say is, I feel over whelmed today. I want to slow things down so I can get more things done. Give me more hours in the day maybe.
I get up early enough, make the bed, start a load of laundry, feed the dogs, and the day begins. It's one thing then another, the phone rings taking up my time, time i set a side to do what I need to get done and what I so wished I could get done.
By noon I feel like I could take a nap, but know I must push forward. On to still another chore and then before you know it, it's time to fix dinner.
I know Lord I feel like I'm complaining again. I have so much to be thankful for. Why if it wasn't for my health I wouldn't be getting up each day to hear the birds sing or see the trees blowing in the wind. I'd miss the fragrant sweet smell of the roses by my front door. Much less be able to clean and cook for the day.
Lord I just miss being able to do things faster. You know like I used to be able to do when I was twenty or even thirty. You say it's my time to slow down and bask in Your glory. Reflect on my life and let You take my hand and lead me. You know that's hard Father. I'm still trying to stay in control. I forget that You are in control.
Thank you Father for reminding me that You are in control of my life. I pray that I call to mind each morning when I first get up and then continually throughout the day that You, oh Lord, are in control. I may not be able to take the steps two at a time but each step I take You are with me. Thank you Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
AM I READY
Luke 21:10-11 (NAS)
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
I was sent an e-mail the other day asking me if I was ready for Jesus to return. They cited the current wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, terrorists, floods, tornados, hurricanes, and the list goes on.
Jesus said these things would all happen before His return. But He also said that the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
What He is saying is that we are to be faithful and have patience. We are to pursue righteousness and gentleness. As He has said all along treat your neighbors as you would treat yourself, always. Keep the ten commandments every day. Pray and seek God's guidance for your life. Help those that hunger, hunger for food and for God's message.
Yes, there have been more and frequent earthquakes, more floods and hurricanes than in the past. These will continue and be more frequent. There will always be wars and rumors of wars. This has been since the beginning of time, and it will continue until man can learn to live together and love each other. And that will be when Christ returns.
So the question still remains. Am I ready? Do I keep God's Commandments? Do I seek His guidance and keep Him first and foremost in my daily life? Am I in His Word daily? Are you?
Dear Heavenly Father that you for Your promise to return and take Your children home to live with You forever. Amen.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
I was sent an e-mail the other day asking me if I was ready for Jesus to return. They cited the current wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, terrorists, floods, tornados, hurricanes, and the list goes on.
Jesus said these things would all happen before His return. But He also said that the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
What He is saying is that we are to be faithful and have patience. We are to pursue righteousness and gentleness. As He has said all along treat your neighbors as you would treat yourself, always. Keep the ten commandments every day. Pray and seek God's guidance for your life. Help those that hunger, hunger for food and for God's message.
Yes, there have been more and frequent earthquakes, more floods and hurricanes than in the past. These will continue and be more frequent. There will always be wars and rumors of wars. This has been since the beginning of time, and it will continue until man can learn to live together and love each other. And that will be when Christ returns.
So the question still remains. Am I ready? Do I keep God's Commandments? Do I seek His guidance and keep Him first and foremost in my daily life? Am I in His Word daily? Are you?
Dear Heavenly Father that you for Your promise to return and take Your children home to live with You forever. Amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
THE "C" WORD
Jeremiah 15:18 NAS
Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable?
This morning I received an e-mail from a dear friend I hadn't heard from in quite some time. She said she had been battling cancer in her foot but lost. The doctor amputated her leg up to the knee and she is now learning how to walk with her new leg.
I lost my brother to colon cancer eight years ago, his sweet wife last year to breast cancer, a girlfriend ten years ago to ovarian cancer, and another girlfriend two years ago to breast cancer. If I sat here long enough I could probably think of a few more but these have been close to my heart.
If each one of us thought about it you could think of people you know yourself that have had that dreaded disease or have been battling it. Cancer will eat away at your body until it finally wins.
The evil one is much like cancer. He will eat away at your heart, mind, body, and soul a little at a time until he has taken all of you. Weather it is from lying, stealing, cheating, murder, or pornography. Satan revels each time he captures another soul. He starts out small, maybe a little white lie, what will that hurt? Then another and another lie ensues. Or just a peek at the dirty book, no one will know. It could be money laying around and you think I'll put it back before they know it's gone.
The only true way to keep Satan from eating at you is ask God to keep you in His hands. To keep the evil one at bay. Find strength in the Lord through prayer and reading His Word. Ask for His guidance each day. He will never let you down. That doesn't mean you will never have problems or sickness but with God's guidance and grace you can go through life with renewed peace and reassurance.
Dear Father I pray for those who do not know Your love and grace. Please be with them as they fight with the evil one. Amen.
Why has my pain been perpetual and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream with water that is unreliable?
This morning I received an e-mail from a dear friend I hadn't heard from in quite some time. She said she had been battling cancer in her foot but lost. The doctor amputated her leg up to the knee and she is now learning how to walk with her new leg.
I lost my brother to colon cancer eight years ago, his sweet wife last year to breast cancer, a girlfriend ten years ago to ovarian cancer, and another girlfriend two years ago to breast cancer. If I sat here long enough I could probably think of a few more but these have been close to my heart.
If each one of us thought about it you could think of people you know yourself that have had that dreaded disease or have been battling it. Cancer will eat away at your body until it finally wins.
The evil one is much like cancer. He will eat away at your heart, mind, body, and soul a little at a time until he has taken all of you. Weather it is from lying, stealing, cheating, murder, or pornography. Satan revels each time he captures another soul. He starts out small, maybe a little white lie, what will that hurt? Then another and another lie ensues. Or just a peek at the dirty book, no one will know. It could be money laying around and you think I'll put it back before they know it's gone.
The only true way to keep Satan from eating at you is ask God to keep you in His hands. To keep the evil one at bay. Find strength in the Lord through prayer and reading His Word. Ask for His guidance each day. He will never let you down. That doesn't mean you will never have problems or sickness but with God's guidance and grace you can go through life with renewed peace and reassurance.
Dear Father I pray for those who do not know Your love and grace. Please be with them as they fight with the evil one. Amen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
SHOW DONT' TELL
Psalm 69:6 NAS
May those who wait for Thee not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts: May those who seek Thee not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.
As a writer I tell other writers to show me what they are wanting to say, not tell me. It makes a better story to show someone, draw a picture, a scene, etc, rather than tell them what is going on. Sometimes I have to be reminded of that too.
As a Christian I also need to be aware that there are others watching how I live my life. God expects me to live as Christ lived his life.
I must guard my tongue against petty gossip and running down another person to make myself look better. As Jesus said I will come into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I can only be an example by reading God's word every day and asking for His help.
I must guard my eyes against all idols and anything that is detestable in God's sight. I must restrain my feet from every evil way so that I may keep God's word.
I must use my hands to help others whether in crisis or not. To give a hug when needed or a pat on the back for a job well done. I must use my ears to listen to the pain and hurt of others.
And last, but not least, my heart needs to be like the heart of Jesus Christ. Love like He loves. Forgive like He does. Through Him all things are possible. You may not feel like you can do these things but when you ask Him for His help He is there. You can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Dear Father in Heaven please hear my prayer and give me a heart for others so that I may love like You. Amen.
May those who wait for Thee not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts: May those who seek Thee not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.
As a writer I tell other writers to show me what they are wanting to say, not tell me. It makes a better story to show someone, draw a picture, a scene, etc, rather than tell them what is going on. Sometimes I have to be reminded of that too.
As a Christian I also need to be aware that there are others watching how I live my life. God expects me to live as Christ lived his life.
I must guard my tongue against petty gossip and running down another person to make myself look better. As Jesus said I will come into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I can only be an example by reading God's word every day and asking for His help.
I must guard my eyes against all idols and anything that is detestable in God's sight. I must restrain my feet from every evil way so that I may keep God's word.
I must use my hands to help others whether in crisis or not. To give a hug when needed or a pat on the back for a job well done. I must use my ears to listen to the pain and hurt of others.
And last, but not least, my heart needs to be like the heart of Jesus Christ. Love like He loves. Forgive like He does. Through Him all things are possible. You may not feel like you can do these things but when you ask Him for His help He is there. You can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Dear Father in Heaven please hear my prayer and give me a heart for others so that I may love like You. Amen.
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