Good morning!
Ephesians 6:7-8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is a slave or free.
Imagine if everything we did was as if Jesus Himself was standing right there next to us. How awesome would our prayers be? How quickly would all the everyday things that become more important to us melt away? Gossip would never begin in the first place. Hate-filled words would be quickly silenced and replaced with uplifting and loving words. Meaningless quarrels between friends and families would cease and deep relationships would grow in their place.
I believe God wants us to use that word wholeheartedly a lot more often! If we are serving, praying, loving, believing, and trusting wholeheartedly, it means we are completely and sincerely devoted, determined and enthusiastic! If we pursue everything wholeheartedly, then we are completely committed, free from all reserve or hesitation. We need to stop worrying about what everyone around us thinks or says about us. For it is God we are living for and working for and serving for. He will reward those who do good in His name. He wants to see hearts that are open and willing to do His will!
Will you incorporate this word more as an adjective that describes you? I will if you will!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Luke 9:23-24
Good morning!
Luke 9:23-24: Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
I love the words to this song because it reminds me of this verse every time. "Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost." Nothing compares to knowing the love of my Savior and feeling Him living in my heart. I hope you enjoy this song this morning and that it sets your mind back on Him. I pray we all daily take up our cross and follow Him. Lead me to the cross Lord Jesus!
Luke 9:23-24: Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
I love the words to this song because it reminds me of this verse every time. "Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost." Nothing compares to knowing the love of my Savior and feeling Him living in my heart. I hope you enjoy this song this morning and that it sets your mind back on Him. I pray we all daily take up our cross and follow Him. Lead me to the cross Lord Jesus!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Philippians 4:4-5
Good morning!
Philippians 4:4-5: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I used to read this as just a bunch of sentences jumbled together just because. But now that I read it again this morning, it flows differently for me and I understand it better. I don't believe the Spirit of God inspired Paul to just throw some random sentences down on the page together. I believe it was meant for a reason that these short sentences are grouped together.
The word rejoice means to feel joy or great delight. When I think of the Lord and everything that He means to me, I begin to feel joy in my heart and I delight in Him! But I think Paul is saying...don't just stop there! Keep going...keep rejoicing! Rejoice again in Him and the more you do, the more your heart softens and your countenance changes. Gentleness oozes out of you...you just can't help it! Soon, everyone will start to see your mild temper and soft speech. It will be soothing to them and I believe that joy that you feel in your heart will be visible to all too. And then, most importantly, after you have delighted in Him and rejoiced and your whole day has changed and is sunnier and brighter...He is there with you. He is near, you can feel Him. It feels as if you can reach out and touch Him. The feeling is overwhelming and it makes you want to rejoice all over again!
So if you haven't guessed what my advice for you this weekend is yet, it's rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say...REJOICE!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Philippians 4:4-5: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I used to read this as just a bunch of sentences jumbled together just because. But now that I read it again this morning, it flows differently for me and I understand it better. I don't believe the Spirit of God inspired Paul to just throw some random sentences down on the page together. I believe it was meant for a reason that these short sentences are grouped together.
The word rejoice means to feel joy or great delight. When I think of the Lord and everything that He means to me, I begin to feel joy in my heart and I delight in Him! But I think Paul is saying...don't just stop there! Keep going...keep rejoicing! Rejoice again in Him and the more you do, the more your heart softens and your countenance changes. Gentleness oozes out of you...you just can't help it! Soon, everyone will start to see your mild temper and soft speech. It will be soothing to them and I believe that joy that you feel in your heart will be visible to all too. And then, most importantly, after you have delighted in Him and rejoiced and your whole day has changed and is sunnier and brighter...He is there with you. He is near, you can feel Him. It feels as if you can reach out and touch Him. The feeling is overwhelming and it makes you want to rejoice all over again!
So if you haven't guessed what my advice for you this weekend is yet, it's rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say...REJOICE!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Psalm 147:10-11
Good morning!
Psalm 147:10-11: His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
I've been struggling with the decision of going back to work full time (outside the home!) for awhile now. I hate the thought of leaving my children with someone else to raise them, someone else to play with them, someone else to love on them. When I pray I find myself sometimes spouting off to God the things that I can do best for them, my talents in going back to work, my thoughts on all things! So maybe this Word is just for me today. I don't think God cares to hear all about what I can do or want to do! I believe He is waiting for me to put my trust in Him, respect His authority in my life and surrender everything over to Him. Instead of praying for what I need to do, I need to start placing this situation over into His hands and asking Him to work it all out. He delights in those who fear Him, not in ones who rely more on their own abilities and then ask Him to help them out when they aren't strong enough! He delights in the ones who puts their hope in His unfailing love, not ones who worry and hold onto their children like they are their possessions.
Whatever your situation may be, it will never work out for good until it is fully handed over to God with great respect and reverence, and you let go of the reigns and hope and trust in His love for you. He loves my children more than I do...He created them! He has a plan for them and from past experience, His plans don't always line up with my plans! I am so thankful I was able to stay home with them as long as I have. We've survived for two years on one pretty small income only by the grace of God!
I believe He is moving and He is not impressed with any skill of mine that is for sure! I only move along with Him because of His great love for me and my family. I will continue to keep Him first in my life because without Him, I am nothing. And I know that He will bring the right job along and the perfect person to take care of my children...because He loves me...forever and ever. Amen!
Psalm 147:10-11: His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
I've been struggling with the decision of going back to work full time (outside the home!) for awhile now. I hate the thought of leaving my children with someone else to raise them, someone else to play with them, someone else to love on them. When I pray I find myself sometimes spouting off to God the things that I can do best for them, my talents in going back to work, my thoughts on all things! So maybe this Word is just for me today. I don't think God cares to hear all about what I can do or want to do! I believe He is waiting for me to put my trust in Him, respect His authority in my life and surrender everything over to Him. Instead of praying for what I need to do, I need to start placing this situation over into His hands and asking Him to work it all out. He delights in those who fear Him, not in ones who rely more on their own abilities and then ask Him to help them out when they aren't strong enough! He delights in the ones who puts their hope in His unfailing love, not ones who worry and hold onto their children like they are their possessions.
Whatever your situation may be, it will never work out for good until it is fully handed over to God with great respect and reverence, and you let go of the reigns and hope and trust in His love for you. He loves my children more than I do...He created them! He has a plan for them and from past experience, His plans don't always line up with my plans! I am so thankful I was able to stay home with them as long as I have. We've survived for two years on one pretty small income only by the grace of God!
I believe He is moving and He is not impressed with any skill of mine that is for sure! I only move along with Him because of His great love for me and my family. I will continue to keep Him first in my life because without Him, I am nothing. And I know that He will bring the right job along and the perfect person to take care of my children...because He loves me...forever and ever. Amen!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
John 7:37-38
Good morning!
John 7:37-38: On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
Dried out, cracked and brittle was a really good way you could have described me...pre-Jesus! I always had an attitude that made most people standoffish of me and even intimidated. The years of being dried up on the inside began to show on the outside. It felt like I could never get well inside. I knew something was wrong with me but could never put my finger on it. I had heard the truth from my mom and others throughout my life but nothing ever seemed real until I made the choice to step out in faith and go to a small church that was being held in an elementary school. The moment I stepped into His house, I felt different. His presence was all around me and those streams of living water started flowing in me, watering every dry branch, filling every empty hole, and hydrating me from the inside out.
I believed in Him and suddenly, His Spirit was creating a new me! No longer was my exterior hard and cold. No longer were my insides falling apart. There was new life inside of me, nurturing and growing gifts and passions and dreams. I was made whole once again, no longer whithering away but flourishing and beautiful!
Are you thirsty? I was. Is nothing satisfying that emptiness that you feel in your gut? Me either.
Jesus said all you have to do is come and drink...He will do the rest!
John 7:37-38: On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
Dried out, cracked and brittle was a really good way you could have described me...pre-Jesus! I always had an attitude that made most people standoffish of me and even intimidated. The years of being dried up on the inside began to show on the outside. It felt like I could never get well inside. I knew something was wrong with me but could never put my finger on it. I had heard the truth from my mom and others throughout my life but nothing ever seemed real until I made the choice to step out in faith and go to a small church that was being held in an elementary school. The moment I stepped into His house, I felt different. His presence was all around me and those streams of living water started flowing in me, watering every dry branch, filling every empty hole, and hydrating me from the inside out.
I believed in Him and suddenly, His Spirit was creating a new me! No longer was my exterior hard and cold. No longer were my insides falling apart. There was new life inside of me, nurturing and growing gifts and passions and dreams. I was made whole once again, no longer whithering away but flourishing and beautiful!
Are you thirsty? I was. Is nothing satisfying that emptiness that you feel in your gut? Me either.
Jesus said all you have to do is come and drink...He will do the rest!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
2 Timothy 4:2
Good morning!
2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
I think this should be my mission statement for this blog. It describes exactly what I believe God was wanting me to do through it. By writing and studying His Word for almost a year now, I've been able to know and discern what is truth and what is make believe. I feel more prepared now to stand up for what I believe when the occasion presents itself. I feel like I now have the right words to say when a friend needs help or has a prayer need.
But I believe we are all called to preach the Word! Who else is going to stand up against all of the false doctrine and wishy-washy lessons being taught in this world today? As Christians, we have to be prepared in good times and in bad to use His Word effectively to further the Kingdom. Now this does not mean beating someone over the head with your Bible. Correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction!
This world is getting worse by the day but it is up to us to preach the good news, to spread His Word to hurting people all across this country and this world...starting with the people you see every day.
2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
I think this should be my mission statement for this blog. It describes exactly what I believe God was wanting me to do through it. By writing and studying His Word for almost a year now, I've been able to know and discern what is truth and what is make believe. I feel more prepared now to stand up for what I believe when the occasion presents itself. I feel like I now have the right words to say when a friend needs help or has a prayer need.
But I believe we are all called to preach the Word! Who else is going to stand up against all of the false doctrine and wishy-washy lessons being taught in this world today? As Christians, we have to be prepared in good times and in bad to use His Word effectively to further the Kingdom. Now this does not mean beating someone over the head with your Bible. Correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction!
This world is getting worse by the day but it is up to us to preach the good news, to spread His Word to hurting people all across this country and this world...starting with the people you see every day.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Psalm 145
Good morning!
Psalm 145: I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
I imagine everyone needs to hear these words today! I was going to just pick a verse out of this Psalm but the whole thing is so good that I just put the whole thing on here!
I think my favorite verse out of it all is verse 15: The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. I think that verse was just for me this morning! Which one speaks to your heart? Leave a comment and share with me!
Enjoy some Shane and Shane this morning, singing about this very Psalm.
Psalm 145: I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
I imagine everyone needs to hear these words today! I was going to just pick a verse out of this Psalm but the whole thing is so good that I just put the whole thing on here!
I think my favorite verse out of it all is verse 15: The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. I think that verse was just for me this morning! Which one speaks to your heart? Leave a comment and share with me!
Enjoy some Shane and Shane this morning, singing about this very Psalm.
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