Good morning!
Isaiah 43:10-11: "You are My witnesses and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. No god was formed before Me, and there will be none after Me. I, I am the LORD, and there is no other Savior but Me."
Whoa...no argument here! I can't think of a better Scripture for Winning Souls Wednesday! You can search your whole lifetime and there is no other Savior but Him. No Buddha, no prophet, no man or deity can save you. You are His witness and His servant that He has chosen. He wants you to stop looking elsewhere for answers and finally believe and understand that, "I AM HE!" I can just hear Him saying, "Look no further child, there was none before Me and there will be none after Me. I can save you...I am all you need!"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24
Good morning!
Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24: My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is. Then I thought: My future is lost, as well as my hope from the LORD. Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.
I've been depressed before and have had my share of bad days, but can only think of one time in my life when I truly forgot what happiness was. That is not a fun place to be. When you've gotten to this point in life, you will usually be there awhile. This Scripture is not talking about your 24 hour deprivations of peace. This is the big time...you are in a hole of sadness...with no end in sight.
I was so close to never becoming a mother. I tried so hard to be positive, have faith, believe. But deep down, I was sinking into a trench where I couldn't remember what it felt like to be happy. The future that I had dreamed about for years and longed to have was lost. Year after year, problem after problem, failure after failure. Void of peace...unimaginable sadness...hopelessness.
But God never left me, even when I felt so alone. He always reminded me He was there. I remember having days when having a baby was all I could think about and many nights where I would cry myself to sleep. But I also remember those times when I could see my soon to be son's face, I swear I could. And I would press on. Hope would rise up in me, against all odds. I could have just given up...no one would have blamed me. But I held on and strived to get out of that black hole of sadness and hopelessness. The more I did that, the more I realized that as long as I had God's love, I would be alright. Even if my dream never came true, He would give me another dream. His love replaced that sadness and I found hope again.
I want to tell you today that His love can replace any sadness you have. You can have peace again. You can have hope in your heart again. You will remember what happiness feels like again. His never ending love is the key. His mercies are new every morning. Fight to get out of that pit...say it over and over again if you have to! The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.
I have happiness again in my life, peace flows in my life, and I have hope in the Lord. Not because my dream came true...not because I finally became a mother. Happiness, peace and hope are mine because of God's faithful love for me.
I love The Message version so I'll close with it: I gave up on life altogether. I've forgotten what the good life is like. I said to myself, "This is it. I'm finished. God is a lost cause." But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.
Lamentations 3:17-18, 21-24: My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is. Then I thought: My future is lost, as well as my hope from the LORD. Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.
I've been depressed before and have had my share of bad days, but can only think of one time in my life when I truly forgot what happiness was. That is not a fun place to be. When you've gotten to this point in life, you will usually be there awhile. This Scripture is not talking about your 24 hour deprivations of peace. This is the big time...you are in a hole of sadness...with no end in sight.
I was so close to never becoming a mother. I tried so hard to be positive, have faith, believe. But deep down, I was sinking into a trench where I couldn't remember what it felt like to be happy. The future that I had dreamed about for years and longed to have was lost. Year after year, problem after problem, failure after failure. Void of peace...unimaginable sadness...hopelessness.
But God never left me, even when I felt so alone. He always reminded me He was there. I remember having days when having a baby was all I could think about and many nights where I would cry myself to sleep. But I also remember those times when I could see my soon to be son's face, I swear I could. And I would press on. Hope would rise up in me, against all odds. I could have just given up...no one would have blamed me. But I held on and strived to get out of that black hole of sadness and hopelessness. The more I did that, the more I realized that as long as I had God's love, I would be alright. Even if my dream never came true, He would give me another dream. His love replaced that sadness and I found hope again.
I want to tell you today that His love can replace any sadness you have. You can have peace again. You can have hope in your heart again. You will remember what happiness feels like again. His never ending love is the key. His mercies are new every morning. Fight to get out of that pit...say it over and over again if you have to! The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.
I have happiness again in my life, peace flows in my life, and I have hope in the Lord. Not because my dream came true...not because I finally became a mother. Happiness, peace and hope are mine because of God's faithful love for me.
I love The Message version so I'll close with it: I gave up on life altogether. I've forgotten what the good life is like. I said to myself, "This is it. I'm finished. God is a lost cause." But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.
Psalm 33:4
Good afternoon!
Psalm 33:4: For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
There are times when a person can only take so much. I've heard about so much death, so much sickness, so much pain this weekend. I just want to scream, and it's not even happening to my family. Even though I don't understand any of it, I do know that I know that I know that God is faithful. In the begininng, He is faithful. Through it all, He is faithful. In the end, He is still faithful. Whether we understand it or want to accept what is happening, He is faithful. He is good and loving toward all He is made.
Please pray for my friend Josh Ness who lost his step-dad just days ago from a sudden heart attack at the age of 55.
Please pray for little 5 year old Reagan, who has brain cancer with only weeks to live. She just got to have Christmas in July...read about her story here.
Finally, please pray for Stellan. This little guy has been through so much and he needs immediate prayers!
I love this song and it reminds me that no matter how bleak things look around me, my God is the Faithful One!
Psalm 33:4: For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
There are times when a person can only take so much. I've heard about so much death, so much sickness, so much pain this weekend. I just want to scream, and it's not even happening to my family. Even though I don't understand any of it, I do know that I know that I know that God is faithful. In the begininng, He is faithful. Through it all, He is faithful. In the end, He is still faithful. Whether we understand it or want to accept what is happening, He is faithful. He is good and loving toward all He is made.
Please pray for my friend Josh Ness who lost his step-dad just days ago from a sudden heart attack at the age of 55.
Please pray for little 5 year old Reagan, who has brain cancer with only weeks to live. She just got to have Christmas in July...read about her story here.
Finally, please pray for Stellan. This little guy has been through so much and he needs immediate prayers!
I love this song and it reminds me that no matter how bleak things look around me, my God is the Faithful One!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Psalm 117
Good evening!
Psalm 117: Praise the LORD, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples! For great is His faithful love to us; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!
I just feel like praising Him today...
I have so much to be thankful for...
God loves me no matter what...
God never stops doing good for me...
He is faithful...let's praise Him...give Him all the glory...His faithfulness endures forever.
Hallelujah!
I hope you've had a wonderful day...I can't complain at all with mine!
Psalm 117: Praise the LORD, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples! For great is His faithful love to us; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!
I just feel like praising Him today...
I have so much to be thankful for...
God loves me no matter what...
God never stops doing good for me...
He is faithful...let's praise Him...give Him all the glory...His faithfulness endures forever.
Hallelujah!
I hope you've had a wonderful day...I can't complain at all with mine!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Luke 21:27-28
Good evening!
Luke 21:27-28: Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!
I was praying this morning about what Scripture would be today's Winning Souls Wednesday and was surprised when the Lord dropped this into my mind. It didn't sound very much like a Scripture I would use to lead people to Him. When I think about the end times, I tend to get anxious and my mind wanders around the "what ifs" and the "how is it's". The world is bad enough right now and still the Lord tarries. How bad is it going to get before when we finally do see that magnificent cloud beaming gloriously in the sky?
But this Word speaks of not a scary time but of a joyful time! His children won't be shuddering in fear but standing courageously with heads lifted high. While the world is suffering, our chains are falling off and freedom is ours for eternity. The world will be afflicted with God only knows what kind of sicknesses while we are receiving our new bodies that will forever be perfect.
The more I think about it, the more I can see now how this is the perfect Scripture to lead people to Him. Jesus is coming and I think He is trying to get us ready. Verse 33 of this same chapter sums it. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will never pass away." I hope these words that He spoke over 2000 years ago will bring you to realize that they are true for you too. Your redemption is near!
Luke 21:27-28: Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!
I was praying this morning about what Scripture would be today's Winning Souls Wednesday and was surprised when the Lord dropped this into my mind. It didn't sound very much like a Scripture I would use to lead people to Him. When I think about the end times, I tend to get anxious and my mind wanders around the "what ifs" and the "how is it's". The world is bad enough right now and still the Lord tarries. How bad is it going to get before when we finally do see that magnificent cloud beaming gloriously in the sky?
But this Word speaks of not a scary time but of a joyful time! His children won't be shuddering in fear but standing courageously with heads lifted high. While the world is suffering, our chains are falling off and freedom is ours for eternity. The world will be afflicted with God only knows what kind of sicknesses while we are receiving our new bodies that will forever be perfect.
The more I think about it, the more I can see now how this is the perfect Scripture to lead people to Him. Jesus is coming and I think He is trying to get us ready. Verse 33 of this same chapter sums it. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will never pass away." I hope these words that He spoke over 2000 years ago will bring you to realize that they are true for you too. Your redemption is near!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Matthew 5:13-16
Good morning!
Matthew 5:13-16: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
I love salt! I pretty much put salt on everything, even fruit. It brings out the taste in everything that I eat. I enjoy food so much more when it is salty! So I like to imagine myself as salt, being something that people like to be around and look forward to tasting. I like to think I bring out good in people and make things better when I am around. I hope that there is Someone inside of me that just oozes out to other people. They can't put their finger on it but they want to taste more of it!
Jesus is all light, there is no darkness in Him. So if He lives in us, His light should be shining forth from us at all times, illuminating the path for others to find Him. That is the whole reason why we are here and why we have come to know Him as Savior. If it were just for us, then the Kingdom wouldn't grow! It's our job to be the salt and the light of the world. Don't let your light be hidden under a "blanket". Don't let your salt lose it's taste. Let everyone see Jesus in you and give God all the glory!
Matthew 5:13-16: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
I love salt! I pretty much put salt on everything, even fruit. It brings out the taste in everything that I eat. I enjoy food so much more when it is salty! So I like to imagine myself as salt, being something that people like to be around and look forward to tasting. I like to think I bring out good in people and make things better when I am around. I hope that there is Someone inside of me that just oozes out to other people. They can't put their finger on it but they want to taste more of it!
Jesus is all light, there is no darkness in Him. So if He lives in us, His light should be shining forth from us at all times, illuminating the path for others to find Him. That is the whole reason why we are here and why we have come to know Him as Savior. If it were just for us, then the Kingdom wouldn't grow! It's our job to be the salt and the light of the world. Don't let your light be hidden under a "blanket". Don't let your salt lose it's taste. Let everyone see Jesus in you and give God all the glory!
Psalm 71:8, 23
Good morning!
Psalm 71:8, 23: My mouth is full of praise and honor to You all day long. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You, because You have redeemed me.
I love this song so much. When I sing it, I truly feel like my lips shout for joy! Because I am no longer the person that I was, my mouth is full of praise. I could go on all day telling you the stories of how He has redeemed me. I pray this song becomes one of your favorites to sing to Him.
With everything...
Psalm 71:8, 23: My mouth is full of praise and honor to You all day long. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You, because You have redeemed me.
I love this song so much. When I sing it, I truly feel like my lips shout for joy! Because I am no longer the person that I was, my mouth is full of praise. I could go on all day telling you the stories of how He has redeemed me. I pray this song becomes one of your favorites to sing to Him.
With everything...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Psalm 116:1-2
Good morning!
Psalm 116:1-2: I love the LORD because He heard my voice; He heard my call for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.
This is a special edition of Quick Word because today is it's one year anniversary! These are the verses I used for the very 1st Quick Word that was emailed out to just my friends and family and now it has spread to China, India, Africa, Malaysia, England, Italy, France, Central America and Canada. I emailed out that 1st Quick Word as my six month old babies napped and now they are 18 months old and are in daycare all day as I am now back working full time outside of the home. So much has changed but these verses still hold true! God is doing amazing things with me and my family. He is not done with us yet and neither are my appeals for mercy. He will always turns His ear to me as long as I live. His Word is spreading, He is working and moving and lives are being changed. If it's only mine, then it was worth it! I look forward to another year with you and I pray that the countries double and that we see new wonders that we've never seen before.
Please share with me your favorite Quick Word, whether it was emailed to you or here on the blog. I'd love to hear from you about what God is doing in your life!
I'd like to add another verse from the same Psalm that sums up Winning Souls Wednesday. Verse 13 says "I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD."
Take it...that cup is yours!
Psalm 116:1-2: I love the LORD because He heard my voice; He heard my call for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.
This is a special edition of Quick Word because today is it's one year anniversary! These are the verses I used for the very 1st Quick Word that was emailed out to just my friends and family and now it has spread to China, India, Africa, Malaysia, England, Italy, France, Central America and Canada. I emailed out that 1st Quick Word as my six month old babies napped and now they are 18 months old and are in daycare all day as I am now back working full time outside of the home. So much has changed but these verses still hold true! God is doing amazing things with me and my family. He is not done with us yet and neither are my appeals for mercy. He will always turns His ear to me as long as I live. His Word is spreading, He is working and moving and lives are being changed. If it's only mine, then it was worth it! I look forward to another year with you and I pray that the countries double and that we see new wonders that we've never seen before.
Please share with me your favorite Quick Word, whether it was emailed to you or here on the blog. I'd love to hear from you about what God is doing in your life!
I'd like to add another verse from the same Psalm that sums up Winning Souls Wednesday. Verse 13 says "I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD."
Take it...that cup is yours!
Romans 12:21
Good evening!
Romans 12:21: Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Evil needs only a crack in the door to be able to come in. You won't even know it has entered at times. But before you know it, evil has taken over. It's won and you are conquered and you wish you could just go back and make sure that door was closed.
I wish I could not only go back and close that door today, I wish I could deadbolt lock it!
But you can't go back, you can only go forward. You can turn around, face your back to that evil, and simply decide to do good. That good will push that evil right back through the door, just like that. You can conquer it, no matter how long that door has been open. No matter how long that evil has been winning, you can be victorious.
Don't let it get the best of you...get the best of it by doing good.
That is my goal from now on...no more striding the fence. No more questionable movies. No more leaving that door unlocked. I have too much to lose and I will not be conquered. Good will ooze out of me at every opportunity and I will conquer over what is trying to destroy me. Thank you Jesus for giving us a way out and second, third, and fourth chances!
Romans 12:21: Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Evil needs only a crack in the door to be able to come in. You won't even know it has entered at times. But before you know it, evil has taken over. It's won and you are conquered and you wish you could just go back and make sure that door was closed.
I wish I could not only go back and close that door today, I wish I could deadbolt lock it!
But you can't go back, you can only go forward. You can turn around, face your back to that evil, and simply decide to do good. That good will push that evil right back through the door, just like that. You can conquer it, no matter how long that door has been open. No matter how long that evil has been winning, you can be victorious.
Don't let it get the best of you...get the best of it by doing good.
That is my goal from now on...no more striding the fence. No more questionable movies. No more leaving that door unlocked. I have too much to lose and I will not be conquered. Good will ooze out of me at every opportunity and I will conquer over what is trying to destroy me. Thank you Jesus for giving us a way out and second, third, and fourth chances!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
John 8:36
Good morning!
John 8:36: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
There is no other worship song that gets me moving like this one! When the Son sets you free, He sets you free in every way. The Message version says, So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. Through your mind, all through your body, your complete soul, your marriage, any and all relationships. You are indeed free and that should make you want to dance! It should make you want to run with your hands held high, waiving happily that freedom and liberty are yours!
I pray this song kicks your week off on the right foot...dancing and free!
John 8:36: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
There is no other worship song that gets me moving like this one! When the Son sets you free, He sets you free in every way. The Message version says, So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. Through your mind, all through your body, your complete soul, your marriage, any and all relationships. You are indeed free and that should make you want to dance! It should make you want to run with your hands held high, waiving happily that freedom and liberty are yours!
I pray this song kicks your week off on the right foot...dancing and free!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Jeremiah 15:11
Good afternoon!
Jeremiah 15:11: The LORD said: Assuredly, I will set you free and care for you. Assuredly, I will intercede for you in a time of trouble, in your time of distress, with the enemy.
Please join with me and pray for the Martino family. They are literally going through hell right now and need your prayers. Thankfully, God promises and assures us that He will care for us. He will stand in between you and the enemy when he is attacking you. When distress and trouble come, God intervenes and sets us free. I am sure it will be awhile before this family feels like they are free but with God's help, all things are possible. Right now, I am just praying that they will survive this time of trouble since to me, it is the worst time of trouble I can think of.
Hug your children tight tonight...remember there are those who would do anything to do that again and can't. Have a great weekend everyone!
Jeremiah 15:11: The LORD said: Assuredly, I will set you free and care for you. Assuredly, I will intercede for you in a time of trouble, in your time of distress, with the enemy.
Please join with me and pray for the Martino family. They are literally going through hell right now and need your prayers. Thankfully, God promises and assures us that He will care for us. He will stand in between you and the enemy when he is attacking you. When distress and trouble come, God intervenes and sets us free. I am sure it will be awhile before this family feels like they are free but with God's help, all things are possible. Right now, I am just praying that they will survive this time of trouble since to me, it is the worst time of trouble I can think of.
Hug your children tight tonight...remember there are those who would do anything to do that again and can't. Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Matthew 5:6
Good evening!
Matthew 5:6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they are filled.
It's only been four days since I am no longer a stay at home mom, with time in the morning to spend in my Bible and pray and study. How quickly I feel empty! How quickly I have become hungry! This week has been so full of changes but the one change I don't want to happen is for my quest for righteousness and to be close to God to wain or cease all together. It's only been four days and I need to be filled!
I promise going back to work will not interrupt my relationship with the Lord and what He has called me to do. The Quick Word will go on...I may not be on time every morning but I will do my best to keep sharing with you what God is sharing with me. And if I do that, I will be blessed. And that is what is most important to me!
Check out The Message version...I LOVE IT!
You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
I couldn't have said it better myself!
Matthew 5:6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they are filled.
It's only been four days since I am no longer a stay at home mom, with time in the morning to spend in my Bible and pray and study. How quickly I feel empty! How quickly I have become hungry! This week has been so full of changes but the one change I don't want to happen is for my quest for righteousness and to be close to God to wain or cease all together. It's only been four days and I need to be filled!
I promise going back to work will not interrupt my relationship with the Lord and what He has called me to do. The Quick Word will go on...I may not be on time every morning but I will do my best to keep sharing with you what God is sharing with me. And if I do that, I will be blessed. And that is what is most important to me!
Check out The Message version...I LOVE IT!
You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
I couldn't have said it better myself!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Matthew 11:28
Good morning!
Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
I will promise you that knowing Jesus as your Savior is the best feeling in the world. There is no other love like His. I can also promise you that even though you know His love, it doesn't exclude you from having trials and troubles. There are some days where you feel that you are forgotten. Some days seem too tough to handle. Everything seems to always come crashing around you at once, and over and over again! I remember having days like that before I knew Jesus' love. I was hopeless, never knowing if my circumstances were going to change. Never knowing if good was going to come.
I have had a rough past 5 days. Saturday, our A/C in our house went out. July in Texas is not a good time to go without air conditioning. Nothing we could do until Monday since it was a holiday weekend. So we packed up and moved in with my mom, triplets, dog and all! We also realized Saturday that our dryer had gone out too. So that was supposed to be fixed Tuesday. Monday came and it was my first day back at work, starting a new job. The kids' were starting daycare for the first time and we were busy getting them ready in the morning. I missed them so much and was so ready to see them by the end of the day. As soon as we got them home, the throwing up began. All three kids at the same time. Kris and I were going back and forth, cleaning up puke. Comforting babies. It didn't make things any better being that I was also sick! We scrambled to find arrangements for them yesterday since they would not be able to go back to school. It's been a crazy weekend and the week didn't start out like I had planned and wanted it to. But, the dryer got fixed, the A/C got fixed, the kids got better and we only had to survive one night of puking.
God took care of us. We were weary and we knew we had a place to go to get rest. We knew we would make it through. That is the priceless assurance of having hope. You can have it too by knowing Jesus as your Savior. Yes He takes your sins away. Yes He can heal you in every way. But He also has made Himself an open door, where you can always come and find rest. If it's been awhile since you came to Him and found rest, then I bet you have been weary long enough.
Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
I will promise you that knowing Jesus as your Savior is the best feeling in the world. There is no other love like His. I can also promise you that even though you know His love, it doesn't exclude you from having trials and troubles. There are some days where you feel that you are forgotten. Some days seem too tough to handle. Everything seems to always come crashing around you at once, and over and over again! I remember having days like that before I knew Jesus' love. I was hopeless, never knowing if my circumstances were going to change. Never knowing if good was going to come.
I have had a rough past 5 days. Saturday, our A/C in our house went out. July in Texas is not a good time to go without air conditioning. Nothing we could do until Monday since it was a holiday weekend. So we packed up and moved in with my mom, triplets, dog and all! We also realized Saturday that our dryer had gone out too. So that was supposed to be fixed Tuesday. Monday came and it was my first day back at work, starting a new job. The kids' were starting daycare for the first time and we were busy getting them ready in the morning. I missed them so much and was so ready to see them by the end of the day. As soon as we got them home, the throwing up began. All three kids at the same time. Kris and I were going back and forth, cleaning up puke. Comforting babies. It didn't make things any better being that I was also sick! We scrambled to find arrangements for them yesterday since they would not be able to go back to school. It's been a crazy weekend and the week didn't start out like I had planned and wanted it to. But, the dryer got fixed, the A/C got fixed, the kids got better and we only had to survive one night of puking.
God took care of us. We were weary and we knew we had a place to go to get rest. We knew we would make it through. That is the priceless assurance of having hope. You can have it too by knowing Jesus as your Savior. Yes He takes your sins away. Yes He can heal you in every way. But He also has made Himself an open door, where you can always come and find rest. If it's been awhile since you came to Him and found rest, then I bet you have been weary long enough.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Psalm 23:5
Good morning!
Psalm 23:5: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
"The presence of my enemies" can mean so many things! You don't literally have to have an army beating down your door, waiting to attack you. Many things can feel that big to you: financial problems, marriage problems, self-esteem problems. Life is full of "the presence of my enemies"! Some days it seems like it's too much to take and even before you get out the door in the morning, you've already lost.
But God says He prepares a table for you right in front of, face to face with your own personal enemy! While that presence is bearing down, meant to destroy you, God says, "Take a seat! And not at just any old table. Sit at the King's table with Me." And while you are safely seated at His table, He will anoint your head with oil. The Hebrew word for anoint here is dashen, and the literal translation is to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint. While "the presence of my enemies" are waiting to attack, I am getting filled and becoming fat with prosperity...so much so that I am overflowing! Hallelujah!
The next time you sense that problem is turning into "the presence of my enemies", stop and see the table that God has prepared just for you. He is there with you...let Him anoint your head with oil and fatten you up with goodness and prosperity. You will be overflowing with Him so much those enemies won't stand a chance!
Psalm 23:5: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
"The presence of my enemies" can mean so many things! You don't literally have to have an army beating down your door, waiting to attack you. Many things can feel that big to you: financial problems, marriage problems, self-esteem problems. Life is full of "the presence of my enemies"! Some days it seems like it's too much to take and even before you get out the door in the morning, you've already lost.
But God says He prepares a table for you right in front of, face to face with your own personal enemy! While that presence is bearing down, meant to destroy you, God says, "Take a seat! And not at just any old table. Sit at the King's table with Me." And while you are safely seated at His table, He will anoint your head with oil. The Hebrew word for anoint here is dashen, and the literal translation is to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint. While "the presence of my enemies" are waiting to attack, I am getting filled and becoming fat with prosperity...so much so that I am overflowing! Hallelujah!
The next time you sense that problem is turning into "the presence of my enemies", stop and see the table that God has prepared just for you. He is there with you...let Him anoint your head with oil and fatten you up with goodness and prosperity. You will be overflowing with Him so much those enemies won't stand a chance!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Romans 10:9, 13
Good morning!
Romans 10:9, 13: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Such a simple proclamation, yet it feels like the biggest task in your life when you are about to make it. In fact, it is one of the most meaningful times in your life. You will remember it forever. Don't enter into lightly or flippantly. You are taking a stand in your life and declaring before the world not only what you believe, but who you are from here on out. Your life will change forever. You will be on a new roller coaster, different than what you've been on before, but this one is much more fun and satisfying. So, when you are ready, get alone with God, call out to Him and make this proclamation. Most importantly, read Matthew 13:1-23 about the Parable of the Sower. Make sure your seed falls on good ground! God wants to create purpose and passions in you and He can't do that if you are excited and joyful in the beginning but fall away soon after. This is forever...make sure you are ready for this commitment. Sounds like I am talking about having children right?! Well, to me it is very similar. The love we have for our children and the way we view them is the same way the Father loves us and views us. He wants a relationship with you that lasts an eternity. His Hand is ready to write your name in the Book of Life. Come and start your new life today!
Romans 10:9, 13: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Such a simple proclamation, yet it feels like the biggest task in your life when you are about to make it. In fact, it is one of the most meaningful times in your life. You will remember it forever. Don't enter into lightly or flippantly. You are taking a stand in your life and declaring before the world not only what you believe, but who you are from here on out. Your life will change forever. You will be on a new roller coaster, different than what you've been on before, but this one is much more fun and satisfying. So, when you are ready, get alone with God, call out to Him and make this proclamation. Most importantly, read Matthew 13:1-23 about the Parable of the Sower. Make sure your seed falls on good ground! God wants to create purpose and passions in you and He can't do that if you are excited and joyful in the beginning but fall away soon after. This is forever...make sure you are ready for this commitment. Sounds like I am talking about having children right?! Well, to me it is very similar. The love we have for our children and the way we view them is the same way the Father loves us and views us. He wants a relationship with you that lasts an eternity. His Hand is ready to write your name in the Book of Life. Come and start your new life today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)