Most people who are blogging today (Chrismas Eve) are writing about Christmas. Writing about the miracle of Jesus coming into the world - to save us - to give us life and salvation - born in a lowly stable - surrounded by the shepherds. So amazing - so wonderful!!! Today brings final preparations for my family to arrive. Cookies being made, house dusted, beds made and preparations for a toddler and a baby to stay. I spend alot of time making my home warm and comfortable. As I write this all out I can't help but think and wonder what kind of preperations we take in our lives to be close to Jesus. To strengthen our relationship with him. I know for me I love my morning time in the word but I must confess that I too, like you, have my days where I get going and forget, or just purposely lay it aside until "later" only to find at the end of the day that it never happened. I would prefer never to fail in this area but I don't live in failure, because Jesus wouldn't want me to live in failure but in his grace, his forgiveness.
The miracle of Christmas is in my life. The miracle of a virgin birth. Wow! I want you to take a moment to think about something. Mary was conceived through the Holy Spirit. Now stop and think for a moment the power in this conception. Seriously, conceived through the Holy Spirit. We cannot even comprehend this kind of power. Now if you are a believer, this power, this Holy Spirit is alive in you. Right now, every moment, you have the power of the Holy Spirit within you. Can't forgive someone who has hurt you? Remember that you have the power within you. Don't try to tap into yourself but tap into the Spirit. Pray, seek Christ to be revealed in you and you will be able to do more than you could ever ask or imagine.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It's worth it
Today brings a lightness of heart for me. No matter what trials in life you face, trust in Him, seek Him - don't stop. When you fall down, when you doubt, when your scared, keep seeking him - don't stop.
When the three disciples went with Jesus up a high mountain and Jesus was transfigured before them, "his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light" God the father spoke from a cloud and said "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them saying. 'Rise, and have no fear.'" Isn't Jesus amazing!!! How often don't we really listen to Jesus. We face things that are so uncertain, sometimes even fearful, we face hurts and what do we do? Don't we way too often become afraid? Now think for a moment about the underlined words above. Those words are from the God of the Universe, the creator of this world, our creator. Look outside at everything you see, the creator of all of that told us to listen to Jesus. Then Jesus next words to us are "HAVE NO FEAR." I believe that the peace that transends all understanding comes when we truly believe and listen to Jesus words.
There is a young woman in my life, not my daughter by blood, that has become a special friend. God has broken down any age barriers and we can share life and be completely "real" with each other. If I had not moved to Ohio I would never have met her and would have missed out on a special friendship. We were talking the other day about how we so often try to plan our life out ourself. We know it is completely rediculous but we do it anyway. Can you relate? We have such a merciful and patient God. He is always drawing us back, beckoning us to him, to just trust him, to believe him, that he has a plan. I told my friend that my life, in no aspect, has any of it ever turned out the way I thought it would, or the way I planned. It is through what I do not see that God moves in miraculous ways. I love that!!! Is it always easy? no way. Is it worth it - you bet.
When the three disciples went with Jesus up a high mountain and Jesus was transfigured before them, "his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light" God the father spoke from a cloud and said "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them saying. 'Rise, and have no fear.'" Isn't Jesus amazing!!! How often don't we really listen to Jesus. We face things that are so uncertain, sometimes even fearful, we face hurts and what do we do? Don't we way too often become afraid? Now think for a moment about the underlined words above. Those words are from the God of the Universe, the creator of this world, our creator. Look outside at everything you see, the creator of all of that told us to listen to Jesus. Then Jesus next words to us are "HAVE NO FEAR." I believe that the peace that transends all understanding comes when we truly believe and listen to Jesus words.
There is a young woman in my life, not my daughter by blood, that has become a special friend. God has broken down any age barriers and we can share life and be completely "real" with each other. If I had not moved to Ohio I would never have met her and would have missed out on a special friendship. We were talking the other day about how we so often try to plan our life out ourself. We know it is completely rediculous but we do it anyway. Can you relate? We have such a merciful and patient God. He is always drawing us back, beckoning us to him, to just trust him, to believe him, that he has a plan. I told my friend that my life, in no aspect, has any of it ever turned out the way I thought it would, or the way I planned. It is through what I do not see that God moves in miraculous ways. I love that!!! Is it always easy? no way. Is it worth it - you bet.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
PRAYERS NEEDED
Yesterday I was reading an article in the Columbus news online about a home being built in the Columbus area for girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking and how Ohio has finally become one of 42 states to make sex trafficking a felony. Seriously, I cannot understand how it hasn't been a felony before. My heart began to break even more as I read the article. This is one of the most haneous acts of violence.
Recently God has opened up the opportunity for me to become a mentor at The Daughter Project. http://thedaughterproject.org/ Please won't you consider being a prayer partner for me and donating online to help these girls in their recovery. You see, so many people out there do not know the love of Jesus. So many peole are hurting and broken. I believe that all of us fit in to those categories, some have just faced harder life situations. But the love of Jesus is stronger than anything, stronger even than death. Death could not even hold him down. This is who is on our side, this is who loves us and this is who came to redeem and set us free from the bondages that Satan has put people under. "He came that we would have life, and have it abundantly."
I know that it will be tough to be a mentor in this area. I know that I will/do have times when I feel inadequate, weak and wonder if I will be able to really do this. God will be there with me. I know that I will need your prayers to see me through. To give me the words of Christ to speak and for peace in my heart as I minister in tough situations.
As I closed my eyes to listen to this song I could not help but think about my own daughters. I think about how much they are loved, by me as a mom and by the people in their life. That is so precious to me, they are so precious to me. Then I thought about what it would be like to be a young girl who has be "taken" and forced into sex trafficking. I think about these young girls sitting in a corner in a little room, curled up in a corner, scared and crying, feeling like nobody loves her and even not even knowing about love at all. Then I hear the end of this song when the man hears a voice deep inside speaking love into him. That is what I pray for these girls. That they would hear God speak to them with a love they have never known. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!
Recently God has opened up the opportunity for me to become a mentor at The Daughter Project. http://thedaughterproject.org/ Please won't you consider being a prayer partner for me and donating online to help these girls in their recovery. You see, so many people out there do not know the love of Jesus. So many peole are hurting and broken. I believe that all of us fit in to those categories, some have just faced harder life situations. But the love of Jesus is stronger than anything, stronger even than death. Death could not even hold him down. This is who is on our side, this is who loves us and this is who came to redeem and set us free from the bondages that Satan has put people under. "He came that we would have life, and have it abundantly."
I know that it will be tough to be a mentor in this area. I know that I will/do have times when I feel inadequate, weak and wonder if I will be able to really do this. God will be there with me. I know that I will need your prayers to see me through. To give me the words of Christ to speak and for peace in my heart as I minister in tough situations.
As I closed my eyes to listen to this song I could not help but think about my own daughters. I think about how much they are loved, by me as a mom and by the people in their life. That is so precious to me, they are so precious to me. Then I thought about what it would be like to be a young girl who has be "taken" and forced into sex trafficking. I think about these young girls sitting in a corner in a little room, curled up in a corner, scared and crying, feeling like nobody loves her and even not even knowing about love at all. Then I hear the end of this song when the man hears a voice deep inside speaking love into him. That is what I pray for these girls. That they would hear God speak to them with a love they have never known. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Is your heart in need of work?
Seems that my heart is always in need of some work. From envy to anger to selfishness to doubt to ...etc. I don't know about you but when I read the following words from Jesus I have to take a good look at myself. "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person." Matt. 16:18 Jesus spoke these words to his disciples who still didn't get it. Sometimes that makes me feel a little better when I read how Jesus was often helping his disciples to 'get it.' I am in need of that regularly. Scripture is great at helping me to be more confused, more understanding, more convicted and more filled with grace. I love all of that and need it all in my faith walk.
When I speak words of grumbling or complaining, when I speak words of doubting what God is doing in my life that really shows where my heart is. But when I speak words of being grateful, despite what I see around me - when I speak words of God's faithfulness, despite the circumstances - when I can bring glory and honor to God NO MATTER WHAT with my words - then my heart will be changed. Lord change my heart, soften my heart and fill me anew with your Holy Spirit.
As I look out the window and see the bright winter sun shining and the gentle glimmering of the snow flurries I am reminded of the majesty of God, the power of God. That he would create such beauty for my eyes to behold is truly an amazing gift that we so often take for granted. May we all this day give priase and glory and honor to God despite what our eyes see around us. I do not want to be like Peter when Jesus spoke to him and said "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Our God - yes he is amazing - he is all knowing - all powerful - all loving - those are truths. Hold onto them today.
When I speak words of grumbling or complaining, when I speak words of doubting what God is doing in my life that really shows where my heart is. But when I speak words of being grateful, despite what I see around me - when I speak words of God's faithfulness, despite the circumstances - when I can bring glory and honor to God NO MATTER WHAT with my words - then my heart will be changed. Lord change my heart, soften my heart and fill me anew with your Holy Spirit.
As I look out the window and see the bright winter sun shining and the gentle glimmering of the snow flurries I am reminded of the majesty of God, the power of God. That he would create such beauty for my eyes to behold is truly an amazing gift that we so often take for granted. May we all this day give priase and glory and honor to God despite what our eyes see around us. I do not want to be like Peter when Jesus spoke to him and said "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Our God - yes he is amazing - he is all knowing - all powerful - all loving - those are truths. Hold onto them today.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Our understanding - only that
I was blogging when I accidently hit something on the keyboard which deleted the entire blog. Maybe I just wasn't suppose to blog that so I will attempt another try. As you read the following words I want you to hear them as words spoken directly into your life and circumstance. The underlined words I have heard spoken to me a number of times this past week. I think the Lord is trying to tell me something.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."
You see, my understanding is only that. Mine. Do I know what tomorrrow holds? No - so why do I even look to my own understanding?! This God who loves me knows that my wisdom is only fleeting but when I fear him (honor him) and lean on him he will bring refreshment to me. None of us do this like we should, we get caught up in our own plans and forget that this God of the universe has our life all in order already. I think we all know what our body feels like when we become anxious about something. We can't sleep, we become fearful, we get snappy with others...etc. This is all in attempt to use our own wisdom to figure things out. How sad that we miss out on the fresh healing refreshment that Christ offers to us.
"Come, you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." If you haven't been there in a while (like me) and your longing for the refreshing that Christ has for you just stop and get quiet. Close your eyes and ask him to refresh you. These are his promises to us and his promises never fail. Let's hold on to the truth.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."
You see, my understanding is only that. Mine. Do I know what tomorrrow holds? No - so why do I even look to my own understanding?! This God who loves me knows that my wisdom is only fleeting but when I fear him (honor him) and lean on him he will bring refreshment to me. None of us do this like we should, we get caught up in our own plans and forget that this God of the universe has our life all in order already. I think we all know what our body feels like when we become anxious about something. We can't sleep, we become fearful, we get snappy with others...etc. This is all in attempt to use our own wisdom to figure things out. How sad that we miss out on the fresh healing refreshment that Christ offers to us.
"Come, you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." If you haven't been there in a while (like me) and your longing for the refreshing that Christ has for you just stop and get quiet. Close your eyes and ask him to refresh you. These are his promises to us and his promises never fail. Let's hold on to the truth.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Don't Stop
Reading Jesus healings is always so cool to me. He healed the sick so simply and without trying to get attention. Just with love and compassion. I read again the story of when he sent the demons into the pigs and they ran into the waters and drowned. Hear this "The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region." Matthew 8
Why would any of us ever think that we will be accepted by following Jesus? Some people will be drawn to Christ in us, others will want us to just go away. The teachings of Jesus were and are hard for people. In a nation where Christianity is becoming less and less it is important that we seek the face of God. It is important that we ask ourselves 'Have I diminished Jesus in my life? Have I forgotten what the bible says? Have I listened to this world over what Jesus says?'
Jesus did incredible miracles - Jesus death and resurrection are true - His promises for us are true - But I think how sad he must be when he sees his people turning away and following what the world has to offer. He is longing for you - He is longing for you to surrender the things of this world and to come to him in complete surrender. The beauty that he has for you is more than you could even begin to imagine. Let his miracles speak truth into your life. The truth of his power - that power that lives alive in you. His grace is enough for you. Nothing can separate you from his love - nothing!
Are you hoping for a miracle in your life? Me too! Keep praying it, never stop.
Why would any of us ever think that we will be accepted by following Jesus? Some people will be drawn to Christ in us, others will want us to just go away. The teachings of Jesus were and are hard for people. In a nation where Christianity is becoming less and less it is important that we seek the face of God. It is important that we ask ourselves 'Have I diminished Jesus in my life? Have I forgotten what the bible says? Have I listened to this world over what Jesus says?'
Jesus did incredible miracles - Jesus death and resurrection are true - His promises for us are true - But I think how sad he must be when he sees his people turning away and following what the world has to offer. He is longing for you - He is longing for you to surrender the things of this world and to come to him in complete surrender. The beauty that he has for you is more than you could even begin to imagine. Let his miracles speak truth into your life. The truth of his power - that power that lives alive in you. His grace is enough for you. Nothing can separate you from his love - nothing!
Are you hoping for a miracle in your life? Me too! Keep praying it, never stop.
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