Good afternoon!
Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
My mind is always wandering, always planning, always trying to figure things out. My life right now feels as if it is in a holding pattern. I am in a place that is not neccesarily bad but also not a place I want to be forever. What I dream of doing and becoming is not economically or financially possible right now. I am in a holding pattern. Destined for greater things for His glory but stuck in the issues of every day life.
But I believe it is temporary. Why? Because knowing what I was about to face before I ever got to this holding pattern, I stepped out in faith and reached out to God. I prayed and had the elders of my church pray over my husband and I. And God met us there and gave us instructions. He is very cool to do that, especially with my wandering and always planning brain! "This will test us and our marriage," he spoke through His messenger. "But this is temporary and we will see what kind of family we are when this is done."
I would rather not be here. I would love it if it were financially possible for me not to work and to raise my kids at home. I would love the extra time to volunteer and work in ministries. I want my hour of just "me and God" time that I used to have. With the stress of working full time, taking care of my almost 2 year old triplets, finding time to spend with my husband, connecting with friends and fellowshipping, paying bills, grocery shopping, and cleaning the house, my "me and God" time has decreased to the 30 minutes I get driving to work!
But reading this verse puts my heart at rest knowing that He has ordained this time in my life for a reason and He will make it beautiful despite how I feel about it now. I know that one day I will look back on this time in my life and be able to see growth and mercy and provision and miracles! There is no way I can fathom why it has to be this way but I will not wallow in defeat or despair, wishing things were different. God knows my beginning all the way to my end. He knows my children's beginning, their end and all those who will be touched by their testamonies. God is using this time to change us in ways we cannot begin to fathom. I pray we pass the test and come out fresh and renewed on the other side. I pray we come out beautiful!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Isaiah 43:21
Good morning!
Isaiah 43:21: The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.
God created you to be with Him. Simple as that. He won't relent until He has it all. Your heart, your life, your love, your worship, your praise. He is so in love with you...His love is as strong as death...His jealousy is as demanding as the grave. I've never heard God described so passionately as He is in this song. This is not a sweet, feel good worship song. It is deep and intoxicating, desperate and bold. "I don't want talk about you, like You're not in the room. I wanna look right at You, wanna sing right to You." If you sing these words, you'll begin to worship on a whole new level. You'll feel like you have a one on one audience with Jesus Himself. You'll feel like the only reason why you were put on this earth is to praise Him. And then you'll understand and appreciate Isaiah 43:21 even more!
This song by Jesus Culture is a lot longer than this video. Go buy their album, Your Love Never Fails and be ready to worship Him for real, be ready to come alive, be ready to sing a solo for the Creator of the universe.
Isaiah 43:21: The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.
God created you to be with Him. Simple as that. He won't relent until He has it all. Your heart, your life, your love, your worship, your praise. He is so in love with you...His love is as strong as death...His jealousy is as demanding as the grave. I've never heard God described so passionately as He is in this song. This is not a sweet, feel good worship song. It is deep and intoxicating, desperate and bold. "I don't want talk about you, like You're not in the room. I wanna look right at You, wanna sing right to You." If you sing these words, you'll begin to worship on a whole new level. You'll feel like you have a one on one audience with Jesus Himself. You'll feel like the only reason why you were put on this earth is to praise Him. And then you'll understand and appreciate Isaiah 43:21 even more!
This song by Jesus Culture is a lot longer than this video. Go buy their album, Your Love Never Fails and be ready to worship Him for real, be ready to come alive, be ready to sing a solo for the Creator of the universe.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Romans 5:3-5
Good evening!
Romans 5:3-5: And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
This Scripture always reminds me of that praise and worship song that sings over and over again, "He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name!"
We all will be afflicted with something during our lifetime. In fact, more times than not I find myself being afflicted by one thing or another. It may not be a big deal to most people, but you are afflicted by it. It is something you are bothered by and it is hindering you. How do you handle those afflictions, those irritations, those hiccups, those bumps in the road, those problems that won't seem to budge?
In these instances, you can either withstand and endure or wither and fall apart. God wants to see what kind of person you are. We would be a pretty boring people if we never had anything to overcome, to have victory over, or to make us feel a wide range of emotions. Yes, I hate having to always be afflicted by something but I know that if I rejoice and be glad for what I do have and choose to look at my problems positively, then my character will be proven in the eyes of God. How awesome is that?!
Sure I won't always get it right the first time. I may throw a pity party and want to pull the cover of my head. I may throw my hands up towards the sky and say to God, "Really? This too on top of everything else?!" But I quickly remember that this is just a test. He has never let me down before...why would He let me down now? So as I endure being afflicted, I do the things I know I am supposed to be doing. Praying. Trusting. Tithing. Believing. My character is proven righteous and all of sudden, there it is. Hope! God always shows up and gives you those nuggets to help you carry on.
He gives you hope that does not disappoint, Hallelujah! He pours His love out all over you, all over your problem and all over your future. You will not stay afflicted for long. Sure there are times when that affliction is major and the hurt is more than you can bare. I've been there too. It took me years to realize that if I truly rejoiced through my affliction, my whole outlook would change, my endurance would create proven character and that character would produce hope. But I can tell you that this has been the greatest thing I have ever learned. Once I really got a hold of this, my life has changed.
The afflictions will never stop coming but neither does the love that God pours out on me. What a great word today Lord, thank you!
Romans 5:3-5: And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
This Scripture always reminds me of that praise and worship song that sings over and over again, "He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name!"
We all will be afflicted with something during our lifetime. In fact, more times than not I find myself being afflicted by one thing or another. It may not be a big deal to most people, but you are afflicted by it. It is something you are bothered by and it is hindering you. How do you handle those afflictions, those irritations, those hiccups, those bumps in the road, those problems that won't seem to budge?
In these instances, you can either withstand and endure or wither and fall apart. God wants to see what kind of person you are. We would be a pretty boring people if we never had anything to overcome, to have victory over, or to make us feel a wide range of emotions. Yes, I hate having to always be afflicted by something but I know that if I rejoice and be glad for what I do have and choose to look at my problems positively, then my character will be proven in the eyes of God. How awesome is that?!
Sure I won't always get it right the first time. I may throw a pity party and want to pull the cover of my head. I may throw my hands up towards the sky and say to God, "Really? This too on top of everything else?!" But I quickly remember that this is just a test. He has never let me down before...why would He let me down now? So as I endure being afflicted, I do the things I know I am supposed to be doing. Praying. Trusting. Tithing. Believing. My character is proven righteous and all of sudden, there it is. Hope! God always shows up and gives you those nuggets to help you carry on.
He gives you hope that does not disappoint, Hallelujah! He pours His love out all over you, all over your problem and all over your future. You will not stay afflicted for long. Sure there are times when that affliction is major and the hurt is more than you can bare. I've been there too. It took me years to realize that if I truly rejoiced through my affliction, my whole outlook would change, my endurance would create proven character and that character would produce hope. But I can tell you that this has been the greatest thing I have ever learned. Once I really got a hold of this, my life has changed.
The afflictions will never stop coming but neither does the love that God pours out on me. What a great word today Lord, thank you!
Monday, September 14, 2009
1 John 5:14-15
Good evening!
1 John 5:14-15: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.
Too bad it doesn't say "we have what we have asked Him for instantly"! That would be nice huh?!
In my experience, it usually doesn't happen instantly. In my experience, things that are special are worth the wait. In my experience, knowing He hears me and cares for me is more important than getting what I want, when I want it.
If you truly value God's will for your life over your own, then praying for what you want or need will happen. Trust Him. Have that confidence that at the perfect timing, He will come through for you. Be glad that your prayers don't just hit the ceiling. You don't have to go far when you are asking according to His will. He will hear you. He is listening. You will have what you asked Him for...in His perfect will and timing.
I hope this gives you confidence today. Keep believing and praying because He is still listening.
1 John 5:14-15: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.
Too bad it doesn't say "we have what we have asked Him for instantly"! That would be nice huh?!
In my experience, it usually doesn't happen instantly. In my experience, things that are special are worth the wait. In my experience, knowing He hears me and cares for me is more important than getting what I want, when I want it.
If you truly value God's will for your life over your own, then praying for what you want or need will happen. Trust Him. Have that confidence that at the perfect timing, He will come through for you. Be glad that your prayers don't just hit the ceiling. You don't have to go far when you are asking according to His will. He will hear you. He is listening. You will have what you asked Him for...in His perfect will and timing.
I hope this gives you confidence today. Keep believing and praying because He is still listening.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Matthew 21:9
Good evening!
Matthew 21:9: Then the crowds who went ahead of Him and those who followed kept shouting: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!
These lyrics are my life's new motto. They've become my new purpose and call every morning when I arise to face each day. I hope they become yours too!
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to Eternity
Matthew 21:9: Then the crowds who went ahead of Him and those who followed kept shouting: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!
These lyrics are my life's new motto. They've become my new purpose and call every morning when I arise to face each day. I hope they become yours too!
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to Eternity
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Psalm 130:1-2
Good evening!
Psalm 130:1-2: Out of the depths I call to You, LORD! Lord, listen to my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Yes, I am having one of those weeks. Financial worries. Household stresses. My children's health. One thing after another.
Have you ever felt like you had to cry out from the depths of yourself to God? You can't get through another moment without Him intervening. You are crying out for Him to listen to you.
It's in times like these when the devil is sneakier than ever on his hunt to overtake and destroy you. Have the peace of knowing that the Lord is attentive to your cry for help. The answer is coming. He has already planned your escape from that problem. The check is in the mail. Blessings are hurriedly on their way to replace the curse that is crippling you. Healing and wellness are already yours in the name of Jesus. He is making a way where there is no way.
Out of the depths I call to You God. You and You alone. I praise You in advance for the miracles that are coming. Thank You for hearing me this week!
Psalm 130:1-2: Out of the depths I call to You, LORD! Lord, listen to my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my cry for help.
Yes, I am having one of those weeks. Financial worries. Household stresses. My children's health. One thing after another.
Have you ever felt like you had to cry out from the depths of yourself to God? You can't get through another moment without Him intervening. You are crying out for Him to listen to you.
It's in times like these when the devil is sneakier than ever on his hunt to overtake and destroy you. Have the peace of knowing that the Lord is attentive to your cry for help. The answer is coming. He has already planned your escape from that problem. The check is in the mail. Blessings are hurriedly on their way to replace the curse that is crippling you. Healing and wellness are already yours in the name of Jesus. He is making a way where there is no way.
Out of the depths I call to You God. You and You alone. I praise You in advance for the miracles that are coming. Thank You for hearing me this week!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Colossians 1:13
Good evening!
Colossians 1:13: He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The moment you invite Jesus into your life, you change instantly. The darkness you have known and are living in immediately disappears. You open your eyes to a new world. You are no longer dwelling in a dark pit. You are forever a resident of God's Kingdom. You have a new hope. You begin to see yourself and your life with a brand new purpose. Those mistakes you have made are no longer weighing you down and keeping you in the dark. For the first time in your life, you feel freedom because you've been released of the burden of sin.
He is the Almighty Rescuer. He can transfer you out of where you are faster than the blink of an eye. You belong with the Son He loves. Your home is waiting for you. Stop stumbling in the darkness and open your eyes to goodness and eternal light. Today is the day for redemption. You can be forgiven. He has already paid the price.
I promise it'll be the ride of your life and you'll wonder why it took you so long to be rescued.
Colossians 1:13: He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The moment you invite Jesus into your life, you change instantly. The darkness you have known and are living in immediately disappears. You open your eyes to a new world. You are no longer dwelling in a dark pit. You are forever a resident of God's Kingdom. You have a new hope. You begin to see yourself and your life with a brand new purpose. Those mistakes you have made are no longer weighing you down and keeping you in the dark. For the first time in your life, you feel freedom because you've been released of the burden of sin.
He is the Almighty Rescuer. He can transfer you out of where you are faster than the blink of an eye. You belong with the Son He loves. Your home is waiting for you. Stop stumbling in the darkness and open your eyes to goodness and eternal light. Today is the day for redemption. You can be forgiven. He has already paid the price.
I promise it'll be the ride of your life and you'll wonder why it took you so long to be rescued.
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