On my knees, head down, hands at side with palms up in reverence..... as if I can do anything else. All I can do is sit here overwhelmed by your personal love for me. I have no strength outside of yours. My desire for things other than you were burned off and you continue to cradle as you mold me. Pliable and quick I am to lay at your feet everything - you break my heart time and time and time again only to enlarge it and fill me beyond my understanding. My complete trust is in you as I lean into your urgings on each ledge I come to. No one told me how much I would finally see when I truly believed even as blind as I am. This blind faith is not wishing on uncertainties. It's knowing that all that you are is everything. I'm at your feet. If nothing else, allow me this closeness. Pull me close to you. I want to see your face. This is all about you, and you are about me. It's not possible to imagine the depth of your love for us. It would be too much....for now.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Who Do You Relate To In The Bible?
Mary Magdalene.
Her history is questioend at times but the fact is that she loved Jesus and she served willingly. We don't know what she was healed from but it's said that she was set free from several demons. "Demons" are also seen as a spirit of depression, self-injurious behavior, anxiety issues, debilitating insecurities, anger, paranoias, etc demons. I think things like these are what she suffered from. I relate to these things.
I grew up thinking that there was this big thing I was going to do for God. That somewhere down the road my life would come to a climax...the moment I had waited and prpared for my entire life. I've sat and thought on this question and the truth, for me, is that sometimes it's the daily small things of being faithful that are our calling. Being humble, not needing a spotlight, just wanting to follow and be close, being faithful in all I do. Grateful and faithful...mary M. is symbolic of these. I'm just soo grateful. If all else failed, I know my God will not fail me. No matter how close I get, I feel like I can't get close enough.
Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Her history is questioend at times but the fact is that she loved Jesus and she served willingly. We don't know what she was healed from but it's said that she was set free from several demons. "Demons" are also seen as a spirit of depression, self-injurious behavior, anxiety issues, debilitating insecurities, anger, paranoias, etc demons. I think things like these are what she suffered from. I relate to these things.
I grew up thinking that there was this big thing I was going to do for God. That somewhere down the road my life would come to a climax...the moment I had waited and prpared for my entire life. I've sat and thought on this question and the truth, for me, is that sometimes it's the daily small things of being faithful that are our calling. Being humble, not needing a spotlight, just wanting to follow and be close, being faithful in all I do. Grateful and faithful...mary M. is symbolic of these. I'm just soo grateful. If all else failed, I know my God will not fail me. No matter how close I get, I feel like I can't get close enough.
Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
To add:
I think we fit different characters according to our life phase. We are all doubting Thomas from time to time even for just a split second. Over time (I hate saying "with age"), I've cooled my horses on the impatience and fear things. I'm just...here. God can take care of it all. I don't want the stress of control anymore.
I was just cleaning the toilet while I thought: "Lord knows I've been a Jezebel, and I liked it. Man, God, I was soooo bad.
Just thought you needed to hear that - toilet thing an-all.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Enemy Wants To Get You Out Of A Position Of Effectiveness
"The enemy wants to get you out of a position of effectiveness." Pastor Kile Bateman
^ This struck me soo strongly on different aspects.
1. It's a reminder that we are at war in the spiritual realm.
2. That we are only to obey, and if that means to stay out of God's way then so be it. He doesn't need us. He wants us. So, don't charge into a battle without asking God first how exactly He wants to use you and where He wants to use you. He's got this covered. It's finished. We are just playing out the rest of the story so just listen to him and follow along. We can either have significant part in this or we can get lost in the general mass of those who didn't have the faith and courage to obey and assist at God's side.
3. Most profoundly, for me, the enemy is not making it personal when he attacks us. That's right. It's nothing personal against us. That would mean that he cares enough about us to find out about us, to learn our heart, and to really get to know us. But the devil doesn't care about us, so his attacks are not personal. It's nothing but mere battle strategy. Cold, calculated, general attacks -so don't take his obstacles personal. Don't get swallowed up in emotions that pull you into a pit of self-sympathy. Get mad. Get mad at the enemy for daring to think he could use you as his tool or that he could pull you out of your God ordered position of victorious authority. The truth is that the attacks WILL come when you are obeying God. Obeying doesn't keep us from being stressed out or without obstacles. It protects us during the attacks. What you fear is actually what you worship because when you are crippled in fear, you are obsessed with the object of your fear. When you start to have doubtful thoughts, begin to feel fearful, or have hurt feelings - tell satan to shut up. Stay at your post and keep looking where you need to be looking.
"The apostle Peter warns, "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" (4:7). He is saying, in other words, "This is no time for lightness. You have to get sober-minded about spiritual matters. It is an issue of life and death."// David Wilkerson
Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
2 Cor 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Heb 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Daughter Of God: Priceless
You are not fragile, My Daughter.
Weak in some areas but perfect in my strength.
Fully capable - you ARE.
Willing is all you have to be.
I did not create you in fear.
I did not fashion you just to be ripped apart.
I made you.
You are called "mine".
You are called "mine".
Only I define you.
I love you.
You're the only one of your kind for
you were made from flesh.
Pulled from perfection
to highlight my creation.
Pulled from perfection
to highlight my creation.
You were never a problem.
You were the answer to a problem.
You are twice refined.
In you, your nurturing heart allows me to shine.
Through you, my flow is smoothest.
By your insightfulness, I'm seen more clearly.
You were not an afterthought.
You were a final touch.
~me
~me
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Eternity On The Life-Line
December 13, 2011
Klove (radio station) was telling a story yesterday morning about a stabbing. I can't remember the specific details, but basically a man was stabbed. He was able to make it to a neighbors house to ask for help. Of the few members in that home that were there, one stepped forward instantly. The victim's physical need was obviously urgent and someone called for help. The first neighbor out the door ran to kneel beside him and immediately asked him if he was saved. She asked him "Do you want salvation?" The victim, in his last few breaths responded "yes, I do." The neighbor prayed over and with him the prayer of salvation. Meanwhile the others scurried around trying to tend to him physically. EMS arrived. The man passed on shortly after.
Let that soak in for a second...
She knew instantly that the greatest need, in that moment for that man, would be for his eternal soul. She did not hesitate. She ran. She did not question what was truly important. She knew. She was not frazzled because she knew this was not about her.
How many of us would think that way? How many of us would be prepared for something like this?
This is how we need to see each person we encounter - as someone possibly taking their last breaths. Will we step forward - no, will we RUN to our knees toward those that are dying in every sense?
What an amazing testimony. I can only imagine what the reunion in heaven is going to look and sound like between the two people above.
To those that question this story in the literal sense - if someone can be saved on their death bed, here's my opinion on it:
1. Luke 23:41-43 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
^ Jesus said this to the thief that was crucified next to him who believed in him and asked to be with him.
2. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
Remember the parable of the field workers where the last worker to join the field was paid the same as the first one that joined earlier in the day. We shouldn't wait to be on death's door to accept the giftof salvation, but if the moment were to ever arise that this was what someone was facing, we better believe that it's a legit window to help secure their eternity. Their soul will be rewarded salvation just as much as the soul that accepted salvation earlier in life.
3. Luke 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, rejoice with me: for I have found the piece which I had lost
Believing or non-beliveing, we are still God's precious. We are either saved or lost. It overwhelms me how God rejoices over each and every one of us being found and I feel that means at any time while we are on earth before we physically die.
4. John 11: 25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
I think "whosoever liveth" pretty much covers anyone.
Klove (radio station) was telling a story yesterday morning about a stabbing. I can't remember the specific details, but basically a man was stabbed. He was able to make it to a neighbors house to ask for help. Of the few members in that home that were there, one stepped forward instantly. The victim's physical need was obviously urgent and someone called for help. The first neighbor out the door ran to kneel beside him and immediately asked him if he was saved. She asked him "Do you want salvation?" The victim, in his last few breaths responded "yes, I do." The neighbor prayed over and with him the prayer of salvation. Meanwhile the others scurried around trying to tend to him physically. EMS arrived. The man passed on shortly after.
Let that soak in for a second...
She knew instantly that the greatest need, in that moment for that man, would be for his eternal soul. She did not hesitate. She ran. She did not question what was truly important. She knew. She was not frazzled because she knew this was not about her.
How many of us would think that way? How many of us would be prepared for something like this?
This is how we need to see each person we encounter - as someone possibly taking their last breaths. Will we step forward - no, will we RUN to our knees toward those that are dying in every sense?
What an amazing testimony. I can only imagine what the reunion in heaven is going to look and sound like between the two people above.
To those that question this story in the literal sense - if someone can be saved on their death bed, here's my opinion on it:
1. Luke 23:41-43 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
^ Jesus said this to the thief that was crucified next to him who believed in him and asked to be with him.
2. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
Remember the parable of the field workers where the last worker to join the field was paid the same as the first one that joined earlier in the day. We shouldn't wait to be on death's door to accept the giftof salvation, but if the moment were to ever arise that this was what someone was facing, we better believe that it's a legit window to help secure their eternity. Their soul will be rewarded salvation just as much as the soul that accepted salvation earlier in life.
3. Luke 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, rejoice with me: for I have found the piece which I had lost
Believing or non-beliveing, we are still God's precious. We are either saved or lost. It overwhelms me how God rejoices over each and every one of us being found and I feel that means at any time while we are on earth before we physically die.
4. John 11: 25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
I think "whosoever liveth" pretty much covers anyone.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Voice In The Dark by Beth Moore
I can not say enough, daily, how much I love this woman.
Be blessed.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"Why I Hate Religion"
I've seen some back and forth about this video. Some feel it's an attack on the faith. I don't see it that way. I see it as an attack on legalism....false religion.
IMO, he is describing "false religion" and has described it really well. So everytime he says "religion", I take it as him talking about false religion. I think there are others taking it otherwise, and in that I can see where there would be offense, but I don't see it as an attack on the faith.
I don't see it as a message saying "sin all you want, grace will cover it". I don't see it as saying we don't have to do any changing in our lives. Not at all. I think he addressing how the church has put so many restrictions and judgmental attitudes on people that they feel they can not freely approach salvation. Salvation is not earned. It's a gift.
"IT IS DONE" is about initial salvation. Christ died and rose again so that we did not have to die for sin. We now have the option of life. Yes, we need to make efforts to reflect a life of Christ, but we do not earn the salvation that begins our journey. It's a gift, to us...to ALL of us. When we can freely approach salvation then we understand grace, and grace is what keeps us getting up every morning knowing that we just need to do our best and that our weaknesses are not bigger than God. Religion as false religion is the reason I tried so hard to be athiest for years. All I could see was the world's view of God and what a Christian "should be. In this thinking, no one can measure up in it's eyes. We are defined by how God sees us though, and he's searching for the unwanted, the undesireable, the snubbed, the unrighteously judged, and the lost. He's searching for the ones that get turned away at church or get scoffed at or the ones that try but feel they can't add up. None of us add up! We never will! That's the beauty of grace! Why would Christ die to give us grace if we didn't need it?
I don't see it as a message saying "sin all you want, grace will cover it". I don't see it as saying we don't have to do any changing in our lives. Not at all. I think he addressing how the church has put so many restrictions and judgmental attitudes on people that they feel they can not freely approach salvation. Salvation is not earned. It's a gift.
"IT IS DONE" is about initial salvation. Christ died and rose again so that we did not have to die for sin. We now have the option of life. Yes, we need to make efforts to reflect a life of Christ, but we do not earn the salvation that begins our journey. It's a gift, to us...to ALL of us. When we can freely approach salvation then we understand grace, and grace is what keeps us getting up every morning knowing that we just need to do our best and that our weaknesses are not bigger than God. Religion as false religion is the reason I tried so hard to be athiest for years. All I could see was the world's view of God and what a Christian "should be. In this thinking, no one can measure up in it's eyes. We are defined by how God sees us though, and he's searching for the unwanted, the undesireable, the snubbed, the unrighteously judged, and the lost. He's searching for the ones that get turned away at church or get scoffed at or the ones that try but feel they can't add up. None of us add up! We never will! That's the beauty of grace! Why would Christ die to give us grace if we didn't need it?
I see this video as attacking a prominent world's mindset of this faith, not the faith. I do back up this video, but I do want to acknowledge that maybe he should use "false religion" vs "religion" since definitions/angles always change with the culture. We have a responsibility to be very careful in our wording and/or how we are perceived especially when trying to be good examples. No everyone is going to understand your intentions, so we should be very careful. Anyhoo...for those interested or not liking it. Just a tidbit on how I see it/understood it...
Monday, January 9, 2012
Daniel Fast Meals
I'm on day...six on the Daniel Fast. I'm going to record my more favorited meals so that I can reference them. As this goes on, I will just add the new meals to this post. So, it will be changing with add ons during the next couple weeks. I'll come back later this week and add in the "how to's" on these dishes. That's been the amazing thing that I've noticed while doing this - the veggies are the stars of the show so you don't have to "create" a flavor. You just add, per your preference, what you want to spice it up with. The seasonings/herbs and amounts are up to you. Let nature do its thing. :)
CILANTRO CHIL'E LIME RICE THING
TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI
KEEPING BREAKFAST SIMPLE WITH POTATOES
CILANTRO CHIL'E LIME RICE THING
TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI
THE TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI DURING DEMOLITION
KEEPING BREAKFAST SIMPLE WITH POTATOES
BREAD FINDS
VEGGIE SAGE RICE THROWDOWN
Praying "For" A Spouse
My thoughts on this:
I was thinking about this idea today and something didn't sit right with me. I couldn't pinpoint it until now. When you hear this topic we all assume there's going to be a list that follows for each individual and what they are praying for in a person. There's nothing wrong with that. I dont 'think it's neccessarily about praying for certain qualities in someone. Yes, there are things you can pray for, but it's something bigger than that. You don't need to just pray for a special someone, but pray FOR them like pray for their protection, guidance, discernament, and spiritual growth. It's not neccessarily just praying for them to be known to you right now or what you "want". God made you. He knows what you like and what you need. Are you going to trust Him in that?
If there is someone out there who is meant to be in your life as a future spouse, then you/we need to be praying FOR their well being. If there is a plan that includes you as being a partnered with someone, then you/we have a responsibility to be spiritual support for them right now. Even if we can't see ourselves married right now or have no clue who this person may be, that doesn't negate the fact that you may meet someone down the road that needs your spiritual intercession for them right now. I hope I'm making sense.
I dont think there's a better way to love a person then to love them before you ever meet them. Love them enough to be praying them through their "right now". In other words, it might help if we not make this issue about us and what we want. Maybe we should make it about them. That seems more ....right...to me. Just a thought. For me, for someone else...but there it is.
I was thinking about this idea today and something didn't sit right with me. I couldn't pinpoint it until now. When you hear this topic we all assume there's going to be a list that follows for each individual and what they are praying for in a person. There's nothing wrong with that. I dont 'think it's neccessarily about praying for certain qualities in someone. Yes, there are things you can pray for, but it's something bigger than that. You don't need to just pray for a special someone, but pray FOR them like pray for their protection, guidance, discernament, and spiritual growth. It's not neccessarily just praying for them to be known to you right now or what you "want". God made you. He knows what you like and what you need. Are you going to trust Him in that?
If there is someone out there who is meant to be in your life as a future spouse, then you/we need to be praying FOR their well being. If there is a plan that includes you as being a partnered with someone, then you/we have a responsibility to be spiritual support for them right now. Even if we can't see ourselves married right now or have no clue who this person may be, that doesn't negate the fact that you may meet someone down the road that needs your spiritual intercession for them right now. I hope I'm making sense.
I dont think there's a better way to love a person then to love them before you ever meet them. Love them enough to be praying them through their "right now". In other words, it might help if we not make this issue about us and what we want. Maybe we should make it about them. That seems more ....right...to me. Just a thought. For me, for someone else...but there it is.
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