Good morning!
Psalm 100: Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we are His - His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.
This is my all time favorite Psalm. It makes me happy. So does Thanksgiving. I just want to cry when I think about all that I have to be thankful for. My family is healthy, we have jobs, a roof is over our head, our house is warm and there is food on the table. Love abounds in my house and I have an awesome family. Tomorrow, we will all be together, eating and laughing and making memories. I just love this time of the year!
But what I am most thankful for is that Jesus forgave me, healed me, saved me, and made me a new creature. I am thankful that He died, just for me. And because of that, I will shout triumphantly to the Lord and come before Him with joyful songs. He is my God and I will praise and thank Him because He is oh...so...good! His love is eternal and will continue in my family for generations to come.
I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Joshua 1:9
Good morning!
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Amplified)
I've been needing a lot of reminding of this Scripture lately...have you? Seems as though I am always facing something terrfiying up ahead. But that only means God is using you and growing you and stretching you. Sure it doesn't feel good at times, but don't be dismayed! Facing the unknown can sometimes want to make you tremble in fear, but don't be afraid!
God reminds us this morning, "Have I not commanded you?!" This isn't a recommendation of how to live but a commandment! BE STRONG! BE VIGOROUS! BE VERY COURAGEOUS!
I have a photo shoot tonight that is probably my biggest and toughest task yet. It is outside of my comfort zone. What if I fail? What if I disappoint? STOP!
God is expanding my business and I will be strong, vigorous and courageous...full of confidence and ability! I will not be afraid of the unknown...instead I will embrace it. I do not have to fear because the Lord my God will be with me WHEREVER I go!
You may be facing something far bigger and daunting than a photo shoot today. Life may be so scary for you, that you are shaking as you read this. God is commanding you to stop and be strong, be vigorous, and be courageous. He is with you wherever you go and will help, complete and bless your situation in the most perfect of ways. His way.
Have a great weekend everyone and go ROCK this day today!
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Amplified)
I've been needing a lot of reminding of this Scripture lately...have you? Seems as though I am always facing something terrfiying up ahead. But that only means God is using you and growing you and stretching you. Sure it doesn't feel good at times, but don't be dismayed! Facing the unknown can sometimes want to make you tremble in fear, but don't be afraid!
God reminds us this morning, "Have I not commanded you?!" This isn't a recommendation of how to live but a commandment! BE STRONG! BE VIGOROUS! BE VERY COURAGEOUS!
I have a photo shoot tonight that is probably my biggest and toughest task yet. It is outside of my comfort zone. What if I fail? What if I disappoint? STOP!
God is expanding my business and I will be strong, vigorous and courageous...full of confidence and ability! I will not be afraid of the unknown...instead I will embrace it. I do not have to fear because the Lord my God will be with me WHEREVER I go!
You may be facing something far bigger and daunting than a photo shoot today. Life may be so scary for you, that you are shaking as you read this. God is commanding you to stop and be strong, be vigorous, and be courageous. He is with you wherever you go and will help, complete and bless your situation in the most perfect of ways. His way.
Have a great weekend everyone and go ROCK this day today!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ephesians 2:8
Good morning!
Ephesians 2:8: For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God. (Amplied)
As we near the Christmas season, our minds are cluttered by what to buy our family and friends. This time of year beats you over the head with sales and marketing and savings and presents! Everything is new and shiny but seems to fade once the new year comes. All of those gifts are forgotten and you are usually in debt because of them!
But the gift that God gives is everlasting. It is meaningful. It is life-changing. It is fullfilling and satisfying. It is given freely just because He loves you. The faith that is inside of you takes hold of that gift and all of a sudden, you are made partakers of Christ's salvation! There is nothing you have to do on your own. It is simply a gift that you must reach out and accept. He does not beat you over the head. He does not lure you in with fancy andvertisments that don't live up to the hype. His gift of salvation will be the best gift you have ever received. You will want more of Him after the new year comes. All of your debts are forgiven and you will never forget how that moment felt when you gave your life over to Him and experienced that gift for the first time.
Sure it's fun to open present on Chrismtas morning but let's never forget the ultimate gift. Salvation wrapped up in free grace and opened with your faith!
To: My child
From: Your Loving Father
Because: I love you
Ephesians 2:8: For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God. (Amplied)
As we near the Christmas season, our minds are cluttered by what to buy our family and friends. This time of year beats you over the head with sales and marketing and savings and presents! Everything is new and shiny but seems to fade once the new year comes. All of those gifts are forgotten and you are usually in debt because of them!
But the gift that God gives is everlasting. It is meaningful. It is life-changing. It is fullfilling and satisfying. It is given freely just because He loves you. The faith that is inside of you takes hold of that gift and all of a sudden, you are made partakers of Christ's salvation! There is nothing you have to do on your own. It is simply a gift that you must reach out and accept. He does not beat you over the head. He does not lure you in with fancy andvertisments that don't live up to the hype. His gift of salvation will be the best gift you have ever received. You will want more of Him after the new year comes. All of your debts are forgiven and you will never forget how that moment felt when you gave your life over to Him and experienced that gift for the first time.
Sure it's fun to open present on Chrismtas morning but let's never forget the ultimate gift. Salvation wrapped up in free grace and opened with your faith!
To: My child
From: Your Loving Father
Because: I love you
Monday, November 9, 2009
Psalm 46:10
Good morning!
Psalm 46:10: Be still, and that I am God.
Life bustling, thoughts racing, worry settling, priorities scrambling, hope failing, confusion invading, doubt creeping, passion fading, darkness looming, faith decreasing.
Stop.
BE STILL!
In the stillness of Him, life slows down, your mind is at peace, worry is given over to Him, priorities shift to Him first, hope is renewed, wisdom triumphs over confusion, belief stomps out doubt, passion comes alive, your world brightens leaving no trace of darkness, and faith increases and builds and shows you that you can conquer anything.
"They don’t have to understand you...be still. Wait and know I understand you...be still...be still."
Enjoy this Flyleaf song "Again" and go pick up their new alsbum. It is so good!
Psalm 46:10: Be still, and that I am God.
Life bustling, thoughts racing, worry settling, priorities scrambling, hope failing, confusion invading, doubt creeping, passion fading, darkness looming, faith decreasing.
Stop.
BE STILL!
In the stillness of Him, life slows down, your mind is at peace, worry is given over to Him, priorities shift to Him first, hope is renewed, wisdom triumphs over confusion, belief stomps out doubt, passion comes alive, your world brightens leaving no trace of darkness, and faith increases and builds and shows you that you can conquer anything.
"They don’t have to understand you...be still. Wait and know I understand you...be still...be still."
Enjoy this Flyleaf song "Again" and go pick up their new alsbum. It is so good!
Friday, November 6, 2009
1 Timothy 4:14
Good morning!
1 Timothy 4:14: Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been in need and relied on the elders of my church to lay hands on me and pray for me. The first time I can remember was when I was a baby Christian. I went to a Vineyard church, all by myself. I think I was crying from the beginning of the service all the way to the end. God was just breaking me because I needed a lot of help! I responded to the altar call which was very unlike me. I stood in front of this couple who was probably my mom's age. I didn't know what to do! But they could tell I was in great need. And not neglecting the gift that was in them, they reached out to me and spoke out loud what God was giving them to say. "Do you know someone named Ryan?" I raised my head, tears are now streaming down my cheeks, and replied, "Yes...that is my brother." They asked what was going on with him and I started explaining the trouble he was in with drugs and how he was far away from us. I wanted him to come home. So we prayed and thus began the journey of God breaking my brother and bringing him back to Him...and to us. Just like we had prayed! Now, he is a worship leader at a church and is certainly not neglecting His gift of music and glorifying God!
I wonder what would have happened if that couple, who I don't know from Adam, had neglected their gift and didn't come to church that day. What if they had just given up and decided to be selfish that day? God needs people to use and He has given each of us a gift. It may not be to be an elder of a church, but He can still use you in other ways. Don't be surprised when He speaks to you to go talk to that person, or call someone out of the blue, or be friends with someone you may not like.
For me, my gift seems to be helping people, in whatever fashion that God tells me to. I have reached out to people who have wronged me and in turn, found out that they were hurting far worse than I ever was. My battle with infertility has led me to reach out to some great women and I have friends now all over the country. We've shared our struggles together and grew closer to the Lord. And now, He wants me to continue in spreading His word through this blog. It's something I do not have experience in, yet I will not neglect it. I do have a busy life...working two jobs and raising triplets can do that to you! But I will not neglect the gift that God has given me. Maybe one day, someone will remember and speak of me the way I do about that wonderful couple. Glory to God!
What gift has God given you? Don't neglect it!
1 Timothy 4:14: Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been in need and relied on the elders of my church to lay hands on me and pray for me. The first time I can remember was when I was a baby Christian. I went to a Vineyard church, all by myself. I think I was crying from the beginning of the service all the way to the end. God was just breaking me because I needed a lot of help! I responded to the altar call which was very unlike me. I stood in front of this couple who was probably my mom's age. I didn't know what to do! But they could tell I was in great need. And not neglecting the gift that was in them, they reached out to me and spoke out loud what God was giving them to say. "Do you know someone named Ryan?" I raised my head, tears are now streaming down my cheeks, and replied, "Yes...that is my brother." They asked what was going on with him and I started explaining the trouble he was in with drugs and how he was far away from us. I wanted him to come home. So we prayed and thus began the journey of God breaking my brother and bringing him back to Him...and to us. Just like we had prayed! Now, he is a worship leader at a church and is certainly not neglecting His gift of music and glorifying God!
I wonder what would have happened if that couple, who I don't know from Adam, had neglected their gift and didn't come to church that day. What if they had just given up and decided to be selfish that day? God needs people to use and He has given each of us a gift. It may not be to be an elder of a church, but He can still use you in other ways. Don't be surprised when He speaks to you to go talk to that person, or call someone out of the blue, or be friends with someone you may not like.
For me, my gift seems to be helping people, in whatever fashion that God tells me to. I have reached out to people who have wronged me and in turn, found out that they were hurting far worse than I ever was. My battle with infertility has led me to reach out to some great women and I have friends now all over the country. We've shared our struggles together and grew closer to the Lord. And now, He wants me to continue in spreading His word through this blog. It's something I do not have experience in, yet I will not neglect it. I do have a busy life...working two jobs and raising triplets can do that to you! But I will not neglect the gift that God has given me. Maybe one day, someone will remember and speak of me the way I do about that wonderful couple. Glory to God!
What gift has God given you? Don't neglect it!
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