Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you all know the reason why I have not been blogging as often as when I first started is because I have been working hard on making a CD! I use all the spare minutes I can, (ones I would otherwise use to write blogs!), to working on this project. PLEASE pray for me! During your time of prayer I ask that you would specifically lift me and this whole ordeal up to the Father. I truly believe this project will come into being through prayer. Every morning in my devotional time God has been specifically leading me concerning this project and it has been a joy to hear from Him and be directed by Him. But in all honesty, the unseen battle in the spiritual realm is pressing on me. If you could please pray specifically for...
*My time spent on it to be efficient and productive
*To be in the Spirit and sensitive to the Spirit
*For God to provide financially for the project
*To have wisdom and knowledge in the decisions we make concerning the CD
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Relationships for the Glory of God
Here is a principle in scripture that if we would just grasp it and trust God by faith, we would all be a happier and more secure people.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away."
Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Do you live in light of eternity? This world, especially our culture, is absorbed in an "American Dream." They are living for materialism and for each other. God gives the blessing of human relationships but they are only able to be a blessing when the LORD Jesus Christ is sitting on the throne, in REALITY, in your life. You may think in your mind, "Yes, the Lord is on the throne." But is that the reality? As the time is short that we have on earth and the Lord's return is near, has the enemy deceived you and robbed you of labor in prayer, sharing with the lost and discipling others because you have become consumed with making life for yourself here on earth? Have you considered the people that God has placed in your life as people to minister to? Do you seek to get your needs met by them? You will only waste years of your life and expend energy trying real hard only to learn and realize God never created them to meet your needs. This verse in 1 Corinthians may seem radical to you, but let me suggest it to be more logical, practical and wise above being radical. By obeying this verse by faith and using your emotions and energies for the things of the kingdom of God, things that will not fade away, you will remove vast amounts of disappointment, sorrow and tension in your human relationships. Please do not misunderstand and take this out of context...what you sow into a relationship is what you will reap. Your relationships are to be a testimony and witness to the lost world around you. But do not believe the preaching of the world that you have to live like they do. You do not HAVE to be materialistic. You do not HAVE to experience all the joys this world has to offer. The world is living like this because they are seeking what we already have! They are searching for what we have found! Allow this teaching in scripture to FREE you and FREE your friends and loved ones. When conflict or trials come in a friendship allow it to deepen the friendship. God puts us in situations in relationships so we can learn how to live out our Christian faith. The deepest being that of a relationship with a spouse. How wonderfully sanctifying! How beautiful the process can be. When Billy and I were engaged, God very persistently gave us Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God gives us what we need. He will not allow people and things to satisfy because God is into reality. Do not believe and illusion that we live this out perfectly, but by God's grace alone it is our goal. God alone can meet our needs and in His goodness He does not allow the things of this world to give us satisfaction to our soul. We have the choice to test God in seeking these things to satisfy, but we will be choosing to learn the hard way. Love others and put them before yourself. JESUS IS COMING! The time is short and He is returning soon! Are you ready?????
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away."
Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Do you live in light of eternity? This world, especially our culture, is absorbed in an "American Dream." They are living for materialism and for each other. God gives the blessing of human relationships but they are only able to be a blessing when the LORD Jesus Christ is sitting on the throne, in REALITY, in your life. You may think in your mind, "Yes, the Lord is on the throne." But is that the reality? As the time is short that we have on earth and the Lord's return is near, has the enemy deceived you and robbed you of labor in prayer, sharing with the lost and discipling others because you have become consumed with making life for yourself here on earth? Have you considered the people that God has placed in your life as people to minister to? Do you seek to get your needs met by them? You will only waste years of your life and expend energy trying real hard only to learn and realize God never created them to meet your needs. This verse in 1 Corinthians may seem radical to you, but let me suggest it to be more logical, practical and wise above being radical. By obeying this verse by faith and using your emotions and energies for the things of the kingdom of God, things that will not fade away, you will remove vast amounts of disappointment, sorrow and tension in your human relationships. Please do not misunderstand and take this out of context...what you sow into a relationship is what you will reap. Your relationships are to be a testimony and witness to the lost world around you. But do not believe the preaching of the world that you have to live like they do. You do not HAVE to be materialistic. You do not HAVE to experience all the joys this world has to offer. The world is living like this because they are seeking what we already have! They are searching for what we have found! Allow this teaching in scripture to FREE you and FREE your friends and loved ones. When conflict or trials come in a friendship allow it to deepen the friendship. God puts us in situations in relationships so we can learn how to live out our Christian faith. The deepest being that of a relationship with a spouse. How wonderfully sanctifying! How beautiful the process can be. When Billy and I were engaged, God very persistently gave us Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God gives us what we need. He will not allow people and things to satisfy because God is into reality. Do not believe and illusion that we live this out perfectly, but by God's grace alone it is our goal. God alone can meet our needs and in His goodness He does not allow the things of this world to give us satisfaction to our soul. We have the choice to test God in seeking these things to satisfy, but we will be choosing to learn the hard way. Love others and put them before yourself. JESUS IS COMING! The time is short and He is returning soon! Are you ready?????
Monday, December 21, 2009
You Have the Right
Galatians 4:6-7 "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."
Are you still in bondage? Are there areas the enemy still has a strong grip on in your life? Remember your daily battle ground is your mind. Are you taking those thoughts captive? Your life shows what you believe. What are you believing? Do you believe you have been set free? Do you believe you are an adopted child of God and now you have rights? Before Christ you were a slave of unrighteousness. The blood of Christ, which has justified you, purchased all the rights of your inheritance. You know what you inherited? Freedom. When the enemy torments you with ways of bondage and preys on your fears to cripple you, choose to believe the truth of your right to freedom. No, you don't deserve it and you did not earn it. But it is yours!!! Christ purchased it for you. Show gratitude and thankfulness to God today for the freedom that He bought for you. I don't know about you but this sounds like the greatest Christmas gift of all. And the most expensive one by far.
Are you still in bondage? Are there areas the enemy still has a strong grip on in your life? Remember your daily battle ground is your mind. Are you taking those thoughts captive? Your life shows what you believe. What are you believing? Do you believe you have been set free? Do you believe you are an adopted child of God and now you have rights? Before Christ you were a slave of unrighteousness. The blood of Christ, which has justified you, purchased all the rights of your inheritance. You know what you inherited? Freedom. When the enemy torments you with ways of bondage and preys on your fears to cripple you, choose to believe the truth of your right to freedom. No, you don't deserve it and you did not earn it. But it is yours!!! Christ purchased it for you. Show gratitude and thankfulness to God today for the freedom that He bought for you. I don't know about you but this sounds like the greatest Christmas gift of all. And the most expensive one by far.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Today's Book Recommendation
Need a good book recommendation? Need to dig a little deeper in your walk with God? If you haven't yet already, I HIGHLY recommend reading any of Elizabeth George's Books...starting with this one!
A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART by Elizabeth George
OR...
A YOUNG WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART by Elizabeth George
Check out all Elizabeth George Books on various topics at ElizabethGeorge.com
A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART by Elizabeth George
OR...
A YOUNG WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART by Elizabeth George
Check out all Elizabeth George Books on various topics at ElizabethGeorge.com
Friday, December 4, 2009
Spiritual Warfare Discussion
Click HERE to watch a discussion between Cheryl Brodersen and Sharon Ries on Spiritual Warfare. I was so well reminded and learned a lot about this topic during this discussion. I really encourage you to take the time to watch it!
http://www.hischannel.com/streambird/2000/2007tue/vodtv.php
http://www.hischannel.com/streambird/2000/2007tue/vodtv.php
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Treasures from Psalm 119
Be refreshed with these sweet reminders...
Is the Word of God alive to you?
Pray Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law."
Are you entangled in sin? Make God's Word your treasure...then your heart will be attached.
Matthew 6:21 "For where your is, there will your heart be also."
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee."
Held in bondage by unguarded eyes?
Psalm 119:37 "Turn my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways." If your focus is on the treasures of this world and what the world craves after regarding success, beauty and satisfaction...your character will be shallow because all of these things are here for a moment.
Affliction can be good
Psalm 119:67 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word."
God is faithful.
Remember your responsibility
Psalm 119:101 "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word."
Oh the pain we can avoid! Remember how weak we are and be wise in your daily decisions. See sin for what it is. Call it what it is.
Remain faithful
Psalm 119: 130 "The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
Be faithful to be in God's Word and you will day by day, month by month, year by year and God will open you eyes to truth more and more. You may not understand a lot now but He will be faithful to give you understanding.
Broken is beautiful
Psalm 119:136 "My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Thy law."
Don't want to stumble? Love God's Word.
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble."
It doesn't say those who read or know God's law, it says those who LOVE it. Set up your life around treasuring God's Word, then your heart will be attached...you will LOVE His Word. Love is most powerful. Guard your heart with God's Word and the enemy will be restricted in your life.
Is the Word of God alive to you?
Pray Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law."
Are you entangled in sin? Make God's Word your treasure...then your heart will be attached.
Matthew 6:21 "For where your is, there will your heart be also."
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee."
Held in bondage by unguarded eyes?
Psalm 119:37 "Turn my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways." If your focus is on the treasures of this world and what the world craves after regarding success, beauty and satisfaction...your character will be shallow because all of these things are here for a moment.
Affliction can be good
Psalm 119:67 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word."
God is faithful.
Remember your responsibility
Psalm 119:101 "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word."
Oh the pain we can avoid! Remember how weak we are and be wise in your daily decisions. See sin for what it is. Call it what it is.
Remain faithful
Psalm 119: 130 "The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
Be faithful to be in God's Word and you will day by day, month by month, year by year and God will open you eyes to truth more and more. You may not understand a lot now but He will be faithful to give you understanding.
Broken is beautiful
Psalm 119:136 "My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Thy law."
Don't want to stumble? Love God's Word.
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble."
It doesn't say those who read or know God's law, it says those who LOVE it. Set up your life around treasuring God's Word, then your heart will be attached...you will LOVE His Word. Love is most powerful. Guard your heart with God's Word and the enemy will be restricted in your life.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Words of Wisdom Concerning Ministry
Are you in a season of preparation? Here are some words of wisdom from Pastor Jon Courson about ministry that have been encouraging me greatly lately.
"To you, who, like me, want to be used by God, I would say as did Zechariah, 'Don't despise the days of small things" (4:10). You may be on the backside of the desert, going through boring times or difficult situations, but know this: It's part of God's preparation."
"In this offering of consecration [Lev 8:25-27a], Aaron's and his sons's hands were initially empty. The Hebrew word translated 'consecration' means 'to fill the hands.' We usually think of consecration in terms of what we can bring to the Lord, what we can give Him, what we can do for Him -when in reality consecration means we come before the Lord with empty hands and let Him fill them as He chooses."
"Ministry is like the measles. You can't give it unless you've got it. You can't give blessing unless you're blessed. And you won't be blessed until you're locked in, tucked away, set aside -for how long? Until God's preparatory work in you is complete. Aaron and his sons were no doubt eager to begin, but they were to wait in order that they die not. Many ministries die because people don't know the meaning of a personal devotional life, of spending chunks of time locked away in the presence of God."
-taken from Jon Courson's Application Commentary
-Get into God's presence. Learn how to spend time with Him and receive fresh words from Him. Ministry will be an overflow of that. Stay connected to the vine and bear fruit that lasts.
"To you, who, like me, want to be used by God, I would say as did Zechariah, 'Don't despise the days of small things" (4:10). You may be on the backside of the desert, going through boring times or difficult situations, but know this: It's part of God's preparation."
"In this offering of consecration [Lev 8:25-27a], Aaron's and his sons's hands were initially empty. The Hebrew word translated 'consecration' means 'to fill the hands.' We usually think of consecration in terms of what we can bring to the Lord, what we can give Him, what we can do for Him -when in reality consecration means we come before the Lord with empty hands and let Him fill them as He chooses."
"Ministry is like the measles. You can't give it unless you've got it. You can't give blessing unless you're blessed. And you won't be blessed until you're locked in, tucked away, set aside -for how long? Until God's preparatory work in you is complete. Aaron and his sons were no doubt eager to begin, but they were to wait in order that they die not. Many ministries die because people don't know the meaning of a personal devotional life, of spending chunks of time locked away in the presence of God."
-taken from Jon Courson's Application Commentary
-Get into God's presence. Learn how to spend time with Him and receive fresh words from Him. Ministry will be an overflow of that. Stay connected to the vine and bear fruit that lasts.
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