Good morning!
Isaiah 40:10-11: See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Sometimes your day just doesn't go as you had planned. Well, it seems my whole week has been like that! I haven't slept a full night all week, this heat wave is making every one cranky, my children are stuck inside and because of their boredom, they decide to attack their poor mother, and because of their loud attacks every day, I think I got my first migraine yesterday and haven't felt well since. I feel run down, overused, beat up, weak. I try my best to have a good attitude but within minutes, I am defeated once again and the day gets longer and longer and worse and worse.
As I read this Scripture this morning, I realized that a lot of my problems stem from me trying to do everything on my own. I don't recognize that my Shepherd is right beside me the whole time. He comes with Power and yet I don't claim it as my own. I reach out to Him out of desperation once everything has slid downhill instead of asking for Him to fill me with His power while I am still on top of the hill, facing the day ahead of me.
This morning, I will let my Shepherd gather me in His arms this morning and hold me close to His heart. And God knows I need to be gently lead since I have 3 year old triplets attached to me at all times, making my hair gray and testing my mouths propensity to spew out curse words. :)
I hope your week has gone better than mine, but if not, know that your Shepherd is there for you and He comes in Power! He tends to His loved ones, He gathers them to His heart as He carries them and He gently leads those who have young. The moms all over the world thank you for that Lord! Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Psalm 40:1-3
Good morning!
Psalm 40:1-3: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
This verse describes exactly what happens when you accept Jesus into our heart and are saved. You cry out to Him in desperation, with an open and repentant heart. He turns immediately to you, hears you and touches your life. He lifts you out of the suffocating quick sand that you were existing in. He brings you out of the dirt and filth and you feel clean again. Only used to feeling shaky and unsure, you are surprised when He sets your feet on solid ground and you can finally stand tall for all the world to see. Your old language is replaced by a new song of praise. Liberation feels so good that all you want to do is climb to a mountaintop and shout your new song for all the world to hear.
If you think you are stuck in mud and slime so deep that you can never get out, think again. God CAN pull you up and He CAN bring you out. There is nothing too big for God to extract. There is no mess too dirty that God can not only clean, but make it so that it looks as if it were never there in the first place. There is no condition that can keep God from making your feet stand sure and walk with purpose for all eternity.
He can bring you up.
He can bring you out.
He can clean you up.
He can help you stand.
He can put a new song in your heart.
The old can pass away; He can make all things new. All you have to do is cry out and watch Him turn.
Psalm 40:1-3: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
This verse describes exactly what happens when you accept Jesus into our heart and are saved. You cry out to Him in desperation, with an open and repentant heart. He turns immediately to you, hears you and touches your life. He lifts you out of the suffocating quick sand that you were existing in. He brings you out of the dirt and filth and you feel clean again. Only used to feeling shaky and unsure, you are surprised when He sets your feet on solid ground and you can finally stand tall for all the world to see. Your old language is replaced by a new song of praise. Liberation feels so good that all you want to do is climb to a mountaintop and shout your new song for all the world to hear.
If you think you are stuck in mud and slime so deep that you can never get out, think again. God CAN pull you up and He CAN bring you out. There is nothing too big for God to extract. There is no mess too dirty that God can not only clean, but make it so that it looks as if it were never there in the first place. There is no condition that can keep God from making your feet stand sure and walk with purpose for all eternity.
He can bring you up.
He can bring you out.
He can clean you up.
He can help you stand.
He can put a new song in your heart.
The old can pass away; He can make all things new. All you have to do is cry out and watch Him turn.
Monday, July 25, 2011
John 1:29
Good morning!
John 1:29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
We've been talking a lot about the Lamb of God this past month at church. Last Sunday, my Pastor spoke of the resurrection and it reminded me that the crucifixion of Jesus would have meant nothing if it had not have been for the resurrection! He paid it all on the cross. All our blood-red sins are washed as white as snow. And then he raised Himself from the grave and is alive right where He is supposed to be, with His Father. I love this song we sang at church Sunday and I wanted to share it with the world in case you haven't heard it yet.
Praise the One who paid my debt and raised His life up from the dead!
John 1:29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
We've been talking a lot about the Lamb of God this past month at church. Last Sunday, my Pastor spoke of the resurrection and it reminded me that the crucifixion of Jesus would have meant nothing if it had not have been for the resurrection! He paid it all on the cross. All our blood-red sins are washed as white as snow. And then he raised Himself from the grave and is alive right where He is supposed to be, with His Father. I love this song we sang at church Sunday and I wanted to share it with the world in case you haven't heard it yet.
Praise the One who paid my debt and raised His life up from the dead!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Matthew 11:28-30
Good morning!
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The Lord was speaking verse 30 to me this morning as I laid in bed and listened to my kids already up early and watching TV. Over and over again. It takes me a little bit to get the hint. Oh, maybe I need to write about this this morning! I looked back at previous Quick Words and I had already written about this two summers ago. But I think because there are so many people who are weary and burdened right now that it needs to be addressed once again!
We all know this Scripture; it is one we hear a lot. But check out The Message version!
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fighting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Oh man that is good! Don't you just love God's Word?! Two years ago, I wrote about this Scripture because I was going through a lot at once. House problems, work problems, kid problems. All at once fell on top of us. But this version of the Scripture goes deeper than that doesn't it? How many people out there are tired, worn out and burned out on religion? How many people are so entangled in their lives that they can never get away and spend just 10 minutes alone with God? How many people feel like they have reached the end of their rope? How many people just want to let go of the rope altogether? Just drop the rope!! Go with God and get away with Him. He is the only prescription for recovery. Walk and work with Him. Watch how He does it! I bet you will find that how you were doing it is all wrong. His whole goal is to teach you how to live freely and lightly while doing His Kingdom work. I don't know about you but I am so ready to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I am ready for my load to be lightened. I am ready to get away with Him and recover my life. I am ready to take a real rest. Jesus said, "Come to me." Will you come?
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The Lord was speaking verse 30 to me this morning as I laid in bed and listened to my kids already up early and watching TV. Over and over again. It takes me a little bit to get the hint. Oh, maybe I need to write about this this morning! I looked back at previous Quick Words and I had already written about this two summers ago. But I think because there are so many people who are weary and burdened right now that it needs to be addressed once again!
We all know this Scripture; it is one we hear a lot. But check out The Message version!
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fighting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Oh man that is good! Don't you just love God's Word?! Two years ago, I wrote about this Scripture because I was going through a lot at once. House problems, work problems, kid problems. All at once fell on top of us. But this version of the Scripture goes deeper than that doesn't it? How many people out there are tired, worn out and burned out on religion? How many people are so entangled in their lives that they can never get away and spend just 10 minutes alone with God? How many people feel like they have reached the end of their rope? How many people just want to let go of the rope altogether? Just drop the rope!! Go with God and get away with Him. He is the only prescription for recovery. Walk and work with Him. Watch how He does it! I bet you will find that how you were doing it is all wrong. His whole goal is to teach you how to live freely and lightly while doing His Kingdom work. I don't know about you but I am so ready to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I am ready for my load to be lightened. I am ready to get away with Him and recover my life. I am ready to take a real rest. Jesus said, "Come to me." Will you come?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Revelation 5:12
Good morning!
Revelation 5:12: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
I've always been taught that the way you end your prayers is, "In Jesus name we pray, Amen." When I heard my pastor talk about this Scripture last week, I decided I wanted to start using this instead. I want to teach my kids this now, so it will be engrained in them. The knowledge that Jesus is the Lamb that was slain for all of our sins. He deserves all the power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
Check out this sermon from our church. Genesis Metro Church Click on "Latest Message"and if you listen to the end, you'll hear about this Scripture. The mp3 is http://www.genesismetro.org/media/audio/messages/20110717.mp3
Pastor Tim explains so eloquently what Jesus went through for all sinners and what really happened on the Mount of Transfiguration. Very cool!!
Revelation 5:12: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
I've always been taught that the way you end your prayers is, "In Jesus name we pray, Amen." When I heard my pastor talk about this Scripture last week, I decided I wanted to start using this instead. I want to teach my kids this now, so it will be engrained in them. The knowledge that Jesus is the Lamb that was slain for all of our sins. He deserves all the power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
Check out this sermon from our church. Genesis Metro Church Click on "Latest Message"and if you listen to the end, you'll hear about this Scripture. The mp3 is http://www.genesismetro.org/media/audio/messages/20110717.mp3
Pastor Tim explains so eloquently what Jesus went through for all sinners and what really happened on the Mount of Transfiguration. Very cool!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
2 Timothy: 20-21
2 Timothy: 20-21: In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets - some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. (The Message)
Last October, while attending my church's Women's Retreat, I picked out from a tub of rolled up Scriptures 2 Timothy. It was an actual torn page out of a Bible so it was front and back which covered chapters 1-3. I knew instantly why I had chosen this one; why God designed for me only to read this Book. What I love about it is every time I re-read it, a different verse jumps out at me. Whatever I am going through, there are words in these few chapters that always seem to be exactly what I need to hear. And this morning was no exception.
I pulled out my Message Bible to compare the verses and somehow I just understood verses 20 and 21 better in The Message version. It's simple and to the point which totally describes me in a nut shell!
A lot of people struggle with knowing what God has called them to do. Is it a ministry? Do I lead a Bible Study in my church? Do I volunteer with a local ministry? Sometimes the thinking overwhelms us and then we just end up doing nothing because we don't want to get ahead of God. Excuses, excuses! I think this Scripture explains plainly what we ALL are supposed to be doing. And that is being a blessing to others. However that comes about, in our everyday lives, at work, with our family and friends, we are to be a blessing to others.
The more I read this, the more I kept asking, "How do I become the kind of container God can use?" First, I have to open my mind. I have to get out of my own way and realize that maybe this time, I don't need to be refined and proper to reach someone. Maybe the way to be a blessing to someone is get down and dirty. Maybe I have to go into the dark alleys where the trash is kept. Maybe I have to get out of my comfort zone and go where I usually don't. God is looking for containers He can use to present gifts to hurting people. But I bet most people expect it to come in a special golden box and not a cardboard box. It reminds me of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. They finally find the Knight who guards the cup that Jesus drank out of at the Last Supper. All these beautiful and ornate goblets were displayed yet it was the small wooden cup that was the winner. God doesn't need the bright and fancy things of this world to bring people to Him. He Himself is bright and fancy...all that other stuff just gets in the way of His awesome Glory!
2 Timothy 3:17 I think goes great with the above referenced Scripture. It's a great ending to this message. I believe it gives us the perfect equation to accomplish becoming the container God wants us to become. "Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." How do you know what God has for you to do? You get in His Word. He will put together and shape you. We are called to reach those who are hurting and lost. They may be in the dirty streets where light no longer shines. You may not speak as a refined and educated pastor but if you go and present yourself as something God has put together, it won't matter what you sound or look like, your container will be a blessing!
Who is God asking you to bless this week?
Last October, while attending my church's Women's Retreat, I picked out from a tub of rolled up Scriptures 2 Timothy. It was an actual torn page out of a Bible so it was front and back which covered chapters 1-3. I knew instantly why I had chosen this one; why God designed for me only to read this Book. What I love about it is every time I re-read it, a different verse jumps out at me. Whatever I am going through, there are words in these few chapters that always seem to be exactly what I need to hear. And this morning was no exception.
I pulled out my Message Bible to compare the verses and somehow I just understood verses 20 and 21 better in The Message version. It's simple and to the point which totally describes me in a nut shell!
A lot of people struggle with knowing what God has called them to do. Is it a ministry? Do I lead a Bible Study in my church? Do I volunteer with a local ministry? Sometimes the thinking overwhelms us and then we just end up doing nothing because we don't want to get ahead of God. Excuses, excuses! I think this Scripture explains plainly what we ALL are supposed to be doing. And that is being a blessing to others. However that comes about, in our everyday lives, at work, with our family and friends, we are to be a blessing to others.
The more I read this, the more I kept asking, "How do I become the kind of container God can use?" First, I have to open my mind. I have to get out of my own way and realize that maybe this time, I don't need to be refined and proper to reach someone. Maybe the way to be a blessing to someone is get down and dirty. Maybe I have to go into the dark alleys where the trash is kept. Maybe I have to get out of my comfort zone and go where I usually don't. God is looking for containers He can use to present gifts to hurting people. But I bet most people expect it to come in a special golden box and not a cardboard box. It reminds me of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. They finally find the Knight who guards the cup that Jesus drank out of at the Last Supper. All these beautiful and ornate goblets were displayed yet it was the small wooden cup that was the winner. God doesn't need the bright and fancy things of this world to bring people to Him. He Himself is bright and fancy...all that other stuff just gets in the way of His awesome Glory!
2 Timothy 3:17 I think goes great with the above referenced Scripture. It's a great ending to this message. I believe it gives us the perfect equation to accomplish becoming the container God wants us to become. "Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." How do you know what God has for you to do? You get in His Word. He will put together and shape you. We are called to reach those who are hurting and lost. They may be in the dirty streets where light no longer shines. You may not speak as a refined and educated pastor but if you go and present yourself as something God has put together, it won't matter what you sound or look like, your container will be a blessing!
Who is God asking you to bless this week?
Monday, July 18, 2011
Romans 8:14-15
Romans 8:14-15: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
We've been singing this awesome song in church the past few weeks and I love it so much I wanted to share it with the world.
In honesty, I have not been living up to my true potential and birthright lately. What an honor it is to be called a daughter of the King and yet I take for granted a lot of the privileges that go with that title. I neglect the accessibility through prayer to my Father daily. I allow myself to exist in a weakened state instead of claiming the power that rose Christ from the dead. I unknowingly share in His glory; just a little bit still counts! Most of all, I put other indulgences in front of the King of the Universe. As you can see, I have a lot of work to do! But that's okay because we all do!
This song speaks to the true meaning of Christianity which is relationship. What a true relationship between a son or daughter with his or her Father should be. Acknowledging the freedom we have from the mistakes our earthly families made in our lives. Taking hold of the victory that is ours because of what the Father asked His only Son to do at the Cross. Thanking Him for driving the darkness out so that we could see again and for all eternity. There is nothing in the world that can separate us from His love but we sure do take the scenic route a lot of the times, don't we?!
It is my goal to reconnect back to my Father and step back into the role that I know He sees for me. I want to start seeing myself as the Princess He created me to be. The daughter who has a divine purpose and position to adhere to in His Kingdom. I want to make my Abba proud!
Love has a Name. Turn back to Your Father and reclaim your sonship today!
We've been singing this awesome song in church the past few weeks and I love it so much I wanted to share it with the world.
In honesty, I have not been living up to my true potential and birthright lately. What an honor it is to be called a daughter of the King and yet I take for granted a lot of the privileges that go with that title. I neglect the accessibility through prayer to my Father daily. I allow myself to exist in a weakened state instead of claiming the power that rose Christ from the dead. I unknowingly share in His glory; just a little bit still counts! Most of all, I put other indulgences in front of the King of the Universe. As you can see, I have a lot of work to do! But that's okay because we all do!
This song speaks to the true meaning of Christianity which is relationship. What a true relationship between a son or daughter with his or her Father should be. Acknowledging the freedom we have from the mistakes our earthly families made in our lives. Taking hold of the victory that is ours because of what the Father asked His only Son to do at the Cross. Thanking Him for driving the darkness out so that we could see again and for all eternity. There is nothing in the world that can separate us from His love but we sure do take the scenic route a lot of the times, don't we?!
It is my goal to reconnect back to my Father and step back into the role that I know He sees for me. I want to start seeing myself as the Princess He created me to be. The daughter who has a divine purpose and position to adhere to in His Kingdom. I want to make my Abba proud!
Love has a Name. Turn back to Your Father and reclaim your sonship today!
Romans 8:14-15
Romans 8:14-15: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
We've been singing this awesome song in church the past few weeks and I love it so much I wanted to share it with the world.
In honesty, I have not been living up to my true potential and birthright lately. What an honor it is to be called a daughter of the King and yet I take for granted a lot of the privileges that go with that title. The neglect the accessibility through prayer to my Father daily. I allow myself to be exist in a weakened state instead of claiming the power that rose Christ from the dead. I unknowingly share in His glory; just a little bit still counts! Most of all, I put other indulgences in front of the King of the Universe. As you can see, I have a lot of work to do! But that's okay because we all do!
This song speaks to the true meaning of Christianity which is relationship. What a true relationship between a son or daughter with his or her Father should be. Acknowledging the freedom we have from the mistakes our earthly families made in our lives. Taking hold of the victory that is ours because of what the Father asked His only Son to do at the Cross. Thanking Him for driving the darkness out so that we could see again and for all eternity. There is nothing in the world that can separate us from His love but we sure do take the scenic route a lot of the times, don't we?!
It is my goal to reconnect back to my Father and step back into the role that I know He sees for me. I want to start seeing myself as the Princess He created me to be. The daughter who has a divine purpose and position to adhere to in His Kingdom. I want to make my Abba proud!
Love has a Name. Turn back to Your Father and reclaim your sonship today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N3zac7648
We've been singing this awesome song in church the past few weeks and I love it so much I wanted to share it with the world.
In honesty, I have not been living up to my true potential and birthright lately. What an honor it is to be called a daughter of the King and yet I take for granted a lot of the privileges that go with that title. The neglect the accessibility through prayer to my Father daily. I allow myself to be exist in a weakened state instead of claiming the power that rose Christ from the dead. I unknowingly share in His glory; just a little bit still counts! Most of all, I put other indulgences in front of the King of the Universe. As you can see, I have a lot of work to do! But that's okay because we all do!
This song speaks to the true meaning of Christianity which is relationship. What a true relationship between a son or daughter with his or her Father should be. Acknowledging the freedom we have from the mistakes our earthly families made in our lives. Taking hold of the victory that is ours because of what the Father asked His only Son to do at the Cross. Thanking Him for driving the darkness out so that we could see again and for all eternity. There is nothing in the world that can separate us from His love but we sure do take the scenic route a lot of the times, don't we?!
It is my goal to reconnect back to my Father and step back into the role that I know He sees for me. I want to start seeing myself as the Princess He created me to be. The daughter who has a divine purpose and position to adhere to in His Kingdom. I want to make my Abba proud!
Love has a Name. Turn back to Your Father and reclaim your sonship today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1N3zac7648
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