Sunday, February 27, 2011

Big Daddy Weave - Hold Me Jesus

Strong Enough

Do you ever have those times when things just aren't quite right with you? There is stuff going on in your life and you just can't seem to get on top of the situation! It happens to me as I'm sure it does to most everyone else. It might be just everyday life problems...an illness...job issues...family...habits...addictions. Whatever the issue is...it's dragging you down and you can't seem to win! You might think and even say...

GOD, I'm just not strong enough! A few days back I was saying that. I was thinking about throwing in the proverbial towel and checking in on some of my old habits. Instead I chose to write about it...Darkness Rises...what a title. I actually even posted it! Sometime...hours later...I got my brain back and took the post off my blog. I really hoped that no one had read it because in a way I felt as if I was giving the devil kudos. At the very least he was getting credit for getting into my head once again! The LORD is the only One I ever want to give glory...honor...and praise too!!

Good did come out of this and lessons were learned. Sometimes things can be so big that you alone are not strong enough. You can try to deal with it on your own or you can have friends pray with and for you. That is a good thing to do. I like this passage in The Message Bible...

Matthew 18:18-20
"Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."

Well, guess what? I didn't do that because I was thinking of it as failure. In reality, sharing and praying together is good because when God answers your prayer you both are blessed by it. I think it helps to build faith for everyone involved. And too, if someone else is praying with you it doesn't seem like you are alone in the situation...you "can be" strong enough! The other thing I learned in this was that God is faithful! I talked to God...wavered back and forth a bit...and He helped me and saw me through it!

There is a song I heard on the radio today called...Hold Me Jesus. If you don't know it you should listen to it. It's a Rich Mullins song. I'm partial to the Big Daddy Weave version. I am posting it on my blog if you want to hear it. Here are the lyrics...

Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS
Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace


Rich Mullins

Now I should write a post called...Darkness...Snuffed Out!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Be Teachable

Today I was driving home from the store and stopped at a four way stop. We all know the rules...the person there first gets to go first. In the event of a tie...the person on the right gets to be on their way before we do. Well you know, just like the rest of life...sometimes we don't play by the rules. That was me today! I was cold, wanted to get home...saw my chance and took it! The car that was supposed to go ahead of me wasn't as quick on the gas pedal as I was, so...I left first! It was no big thing...at least for the moment...

Have you ever heard the word Christianese? If you haven't, all it means is this. Christians have their own language when talking about anything to do with God. Now if you are not a Christian...or you have not been around Christian people much...you may not know what some one means when they say something like..."I felt a check in my spirit." Let me be clear, I am not trying to be disrespectful at all. Christians don't even think about how some of the words or phrases may sound to non Christians. It's really...just how they talk! I said all of that to say this...

When I left the stop sign out of turn today I immediately knew that I had done something I shouldn't have. It was kind of like when you repeat maybe a little tid bit of gossip to someone. You know it wasn't the Christian thing to do but it was already done. You get that little "check in your spirit." For me however it was different. I'm pretty sure that God is trying to get me up to speed on a few things because...it's more than "a check". It is actually more like a loud voice goes off in my head! Something like..."Why did you do that? That was not Christian like at all. You need to be an example in all things you do." What is your first thought when God reminds you of how you should have acted or what you should have done? It should be to immediately ask for forgiveness. And, so I did, but...

Have you ever found that sometimes you do things because you know you should and not necessarily because you really are sincere. Well, Hello...that was me messing up again! As soon as I said..."I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that"...I knew I didn't mean it and so did the Lord! The loud voice went off again. Kind of like..."If you don't mean it, don't say it." I thought about it and had to admit that I hadn't been sincere. However, the second time I was. Why am I telling you this? Not because I want you to know all my faults. I don't. It's because, even when there is no one else with us...no one else around that knows us...God is here. As I said in my last post...

We need to be conscience of the fact that we are always in Gods presence. He is always with us...seeing...listening...and feeling everything we do. I know that He is trying to get me to realize this. It's a great thing to know that God is always with us. At the same time we have a responsibility to live our lives in a manner that glorifies Him. So...it was a big deal when I went out of turn at the stop sign. I did it deliberately and that makes it a sin. Lately I have been talking to the Lord and asking Him to make me aware of things in my life that aren't right. Help me to be closer to Him. Teach me to live in the way I should and too get rid of all my old ways. You know, He will be more than happy to help you with all of that so you can grow in Him. So...if you don't mean it...don't ask Him!

Ps 119:17-18 New King James

Deal bountifully with Your servant,
         That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see
         Wondrous things from Your law.

Ps 25:8-9 NLT
The Lord is good and does what is right;
      he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right,
      teaching them his way.

Draw near to the Lord today and ask Him to give you a teachable heart so that you might grow and learn all He has to teach you.
Excerpt from...Passionate Prayer by Catherine Martin

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Become Christlike

Sometimes I think about what it must have been like to be with Jesus everyday. Walk around with Him and see Him heal the sick...preach...cast out demons...raise the dead!! Can you imagine!! Then there were times when they just sat and listened while He taught them...probably at times just visited like we do with our family and friends...ate together. They just shared their life with Him. Think about it. What it would have been like? Then tonight I read something that made me think about God in the Old Testament. Can you imagine having God talk to you as He did Adam in the garden? Or being in God's presence as Moses was when the ten commandments were written down? He didn't actually sit down with God but he certainly knew he was in Gods presence. What about how it is today?

If you think about it, everyday we are in Gods presence. We can't see Him but we know He is there. Is that a good thing? If you were to think about God being with you all the time would you act the way you act...say the things you say...do the things you do...even go some of the places you go? If you are a Christian, He is right there with you in all you say and do! For me...when I stop and think about that now...I have to admit that He is probably disappointed many times. I was thinking how I have been lately and I have to say I am thankful that the Lord understands that we are human. He is the one who made us and He knows all about our shortcomings. However...we can't use being "human" as an excuse. As soon as we realize that we have acted in some way that we shouldn't have...said something wrong...had an attitude...whatever the case is...we need to ask for forgiveness immediately. Don't continue doing the things that "down deep" you know are wrong!

If you want your relationship to grow, and you want to mature as a Christian, do what you know is the right thing. Ask for forgiveness and work on changing the things in you that aren't Christ like. You can't do it on your own. You need to ask the Lord to help you to change and to grow in the ways He wants you to. Ask Him specifically what you need to change. If you are sincere about it He will let you know...sometimes in ways you least expect! Once the Lord brings your shortcomings out into the light...start dealing with them. I like this little saying...

For only if we let Him in, can He pull us out!

My main goal is to become more Christlike and to have a better relationship with Him. In order to be more Christlike I have to let Him renew my mind. I need to think about Him and give Him complete control of every part of me. One way to help do that is to keep Him in my thoughts at all times. Talk to Him...read and meditate on His word. Remember that I am not who I used to be.

Colossians 3:1-4 & 10

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Passionate Prayer or...Just Talking

Passionate...

expressing, showing, or marked by intense or strong feeling; emotional: passionate language; fervid: 

Lately I have been reading a book called Passionate Prayer...a devotional. Prayer has always been a word I wasn't real fond of. When I think of prayer I think of people that are really just putting on a show for other people to see. Kind of like the Pharisees in Jesus' day. They didn't have a relationship with God...they just wanted people to think they were holy...in my opinion. Prayer sounds to me like a "spiritual" word and I don't think of myself as spiritual. Needless to say...praying has always been a hard thing for me. So...what I like to call praying is...talking to God. For me it makes it more personal and just a little easier. So...whatever you like to call it...expressing your thoughts and feelings to God is a good thing. The writer of this book likes to use different chapters from Psalm. So today I was reading more of the Psalms and found this one that David wrote.

Psalm 143:3-10 The Message Bible

 3-6 The enemy hunted me down;
      he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.
   He put me in a black hole,
      buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.
   I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,
      my heart heavy, like lead.
   I remembered the old days,
      went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
   Stretched out my hands to you,
      as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.
 7-10 Hurry with your answer, God!
      I'm nearly at the end of my rope.
   Don't turn away; don't ignore me!
      That would be certain death.
   If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,
      I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you.
   Point out the road I must travel;
      I'm all ears, all eyes before you.
   Save me from my enemies, God
      you're my only hope!
   Teach me how to live to please you,
      because you're my God.
   Lead me by your blessed Spirit
      into cleared and level pastureland
11-12 Keep up your reputation, God—give me life!
      In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
   In your great love, vanquish my enemies;
      make a clean sweep of those who harass me.
   And why? Because I'm your servant.

I thought this was great. I like David because he just "talked to God"! He used everyday, normal language. If he needed help...he just told God he needed help. If he sinned...eventually he confessed. If he was having a good day...he told God. Whatever was on his heart...David just "talked". When David needed God to answer him quickly...he told God that. David had a good relationship with God.

One of my goals this year is to have a better relationship. Talking to God on a regular basis is crucial to that. In fact...when I don't start my day talking to Him things don't go very well. But...it's not just how you start your day. From the time you get up...until you go to sleep each night...you should constantly have Him in your thoughts. You don't have to be having conversation all the time but, if you just talk a little every hour to Him you will be amazed how much better you feel. Besides that, God will let you know He is there with you. You might not hear Him but you can feel Him. You will just know He is there with you. If something isn't going right...you feel anxious...fear creeps in...whatever the case is, just whisper something as simple as...I Trust YOU JESUS...help me with this JESUS, or how about...thank You JESUS...I love You JESUS. HE will make a difference!

Check out Psalm 143. Do you ever feel like that? At times I do. I have felt stomped on, beaten down...and sometimes literally just hangin' on the edge...more times than I care to tell you! What I am learning is this...sometimes you have to talk to God like David did in verses 7-12. Ask...GOD---Give me life!! Just tell Him how it is. Then...

You need to thank and praise Him for being there and listening to you. Worship Him! He deserves it. Praise ...Thanksgiving...Worship...they move GOD! Try it and see what a difference HE will make in your life!!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

His Abiding Love

Unyielding you
Unyielding me
How did God ever see
The place in you
The place in me
Where He would one day
Abide in you
Abide in me

Relentless Father
Relentless Son
The one and only
Everlasting One
He placed in you
He placed in me
Within that place
Only He can see

Undying Hope
Unmerited Grace
Unfailing Mercy
That you might see
That I might see
His Abiding Love
He put in you
He put in me

Friday, February 11, 2011

LIGHT or dark...you choose

Ever notice that sometimes your day just doesn't go the way you have it planned? Happens a lot for all of us I'm sure. I had my day all planned...work four hours...doc appointment...stop at a store...go home and read a book...drink coffee!! I absolutely love coffee...just a little side note. LOL Anyway...the first three items went as scheduled. Then it all went downhill...for a while...

I had a two hour phone conversation that I wasn't expecting. Now...I will tell you this. I love the person I was talking to but it was a pretty one sided conversation. Not one sided just because I didn't get to talk but also because we hold different views on life. Sometimes even though you want to tell your views on things you just have to not say anything because it will cause problems. Because of the news I received, and the content of the conversation, I found myself feeling more and more distressed as time passed. Eventually I was able to end the conversation and go home. My point in telling you this small part of my day is this...

The devil is always doing his best to mess with you and people you love. Sometimes he gets a hold of people and they allow him to become their master. There is a big price to pay when you follow satan instead of God. But...that's a whole other post. What is important for this post is this...

When I got home I did what needed to be done and then sat down. I thought about the conversation and didn't know what to do about any of it. I knew I should read my Bible but just couldn't. I picked up a book I had gotten earlier today and started flipping through just reading parts here and there. This is what I read...

Psalm 16:5-8 (Message Bible)

 5-6 My choice is you, God, first and only.
      And now I find I'm your choice!
   You set me up with a house and yard.
      And then you made me your heir!

 7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake
      is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
   Day and night I'll stick with God;
      I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.

You see...GOD is my choice! Just like the person I talked today...He was not always my choice either. HE is my conscience choice. No one told me I had too choose Him and no one told Him he had too choose me! Once I made that choice He has been beside me in everything. He takes care of me and gives me everything I need. So yes!! I will stick with GOD because HE is the best thing going anywhere!! So...

I was feeling better about the day and decided to look at my e-mail. There was one from Gaither Homecoming which I usually don't pay any attention to...I opened it anyway. They had a place where you could watch the new Alaskan video they made. I clicked on it and what a difference it made in my attitude. The first song is...Bless The LORD oh my soul and all that is within me, Bless HIS Holy Name!!! Wow...what a difference just hearing songs about the LORD, and then beginning to worship HIM, can make in your day...let alone your life!! All of a sudden I was feeling good again. GOD can change your whole attitude when you begin to worship HIM and just realize that HE is the answer for you. HE is the answer for everyone. Unfortunately, until you turn your life over to HIM you just don't realize that.

There are so many people that have major life problems because they have let satan have total control of their lives. That control starts with something that you think is innocent. Just a thought or maybe something that you think could be fun to try...something exciting! After all...life can get boring and you need to jazz it up a bit! Don't listen to the lies! They can end up devastating your life and others around you.

Choose the LORD. Life with Him is not boring. You never know what you might be doing next. Usually it's something you really didn't expect to be doing. Whatever it is...it will be right for you. Don't continue to walk in darkness. Turn to the LIGHT and walk with HIM.

1 John 1:5-7

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.


Search your soul today. If you aren't walking in the LIGHT...you are living with the darkness. Don't let dark take root in you!!


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

More Than Serious

The Lord is continually reminding me this year of something I believe He said to me. GOD doesn't want me to stay this year where I ended last year. You will probably see this mentioned in a few posts this year because truthfully...that's how this blog works. If I can't get away from the thought...I just write it out! Right now there are many thoughts swirling around in my head and I'm not sure how to start, so...

Thinking back on Monday and Tuesday I knew that I needed to get more than serious with GOD. I'm thinking that He uses the things that we go through as stepping stones to launch us into a deeper relationship with HIM. At least for me I believe that's how it is. In my life He uses those times to really make me think about everything He has done for me and where I could have been if not for Him. He also uses these times to make me think about where I am going with Him. It seems that He always brings about change in me...to some degree...when it is all said and done. This time even more so. I don't know that I have ever used this term before but I think being broken before God is how I would describe how I felt. Even though I didn't actually act on the temptation...I really considered it! I believe that we all have turning points in our lives. This one seemed to be one for me. What's kind of funny about it is this...

I think about things...a lot. This morning...in my daily talk with GOD in the car...it really hit me. This is serious stuff and I really need to work on our relationship. I really don't want to stay where I was anymore than He wants me to! You know, I have noticed that He picks the oddest times to really work on me. Thankfully there is not a lot of people out yet when I go to work! So I came home and read some in my Bible. Then tonight I read some more. I was flipping through, reading some of the things I had highlighted, and found a reference to Colossians...so I turned there.

Colossians 2:6-7
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 3:1-4
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

My study Bible says this...Jesus guides us through His Spirit, and He is our source of power and comfort. Don't try living a single day without Him. Continually keep your mind and heart oriented toward God's kingdom and not this world.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

John 1:5

You wake up in the morning
to just another day
Then before you know it
a storms brewing...it's on it's way!

Soon Turmoil swarms around you
Chaos looms...Beware!
You wonder where your headed
OH please GOD...not Despair!

Then you see it coming
Darkness beats down in your soul
Why...OH why do you let it
you need the LIGHT to take control!

It only takes a moment
for Fear to settle in
Then comes Doubt and Confusion
OH why did I listen...again!

You would think I'd learn my lesson
it's happened time and time again
It starts with just a thought
and then...Oh NO!...condemned!

Darkness tries to tell you
"You failed...yet once again!
When will you ever learn
I've got you...just give in!"

You try not to believe it
but Alas!...he convinces you
So you think you'll just give up
no need to try...you're through!

Then you start to thinking
"I've been this way before!
Way too many times
I've let Darkness through the door!"

I need to find the LIGHT
the ONE that illuminates my soul!
"Please...shine on me now
Come in please...take control!"

That was all HE needed
just an invitation to come in
Do you see the LIGHT
HE is your welcome friend!

You should always keep HIM close
HE will brighten up your day
The darkness HE will scatter
LIGHT is just...a prayer away!


John 1:5
5 The light shines in the darkness,
      and the darkness can never extinguish it.


Just like this poem says...sometimes we wake up thinking it's going to be just a normal day and before we know it..."whack"...it's as if someone smacked us!! That's actually how my last two days have both been. Now...when that happens to us we have two choices. We can either start really talking to God and let Him take over or...we can let the devil have his way with us. I'm gonna let you in on what probably is not a big secret...the poem kind of gives it away...I didn't let God take over! All that I described in the poem really has been my last two days! The blog I posted last night was one of those that was for me just as much as it was for anyone else that might have needed it. The last thing I did last night was read the scriptures and post them. So...I was doing good when I went to bed. But...I didn't sleep well, turned my alarm off and got up late! What a way to start. Then...nothing at work had changed...another stressful day! So...I found myself going down that same path! Yesterday it was turmoil, chaos and despair...today...fear, doubt and confusion! You know why...


Satan knows the things that get too you. He uses the same things all the time...he just mixes them up a bit. He puts thoughts in your mind...memories of how you used too handle stressful situations. You start thinking about those things and remember that you really did like some of those things you used to do. So...the more you think about them. You know, thoughts like...what can it hurt. No one but you will know and...other Christians do it everyday. Then after thinking on those things a while, something happened...it was as if my soul became alive again! I knew there was no way I would let darkness win in this way again! Darkness was not coming back through that door! I would not!!...Give in!! All I had to do was let Jesus...the LIGHT...take control once again!! He really is just a prayer away and He really does scatter the darkness!!

There is a passage in Psalm 51 that is good to pray everyday.

Psalm 51:10-12
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
      Renew a loyal spirit within me.
 11 Do not banish me from your presence,
      and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
      and make me willing to obey you.


I like this because everyday we all need the LORD to give us a clean heart. We mess up. We think things, say things, do things that are wrong! We need HIM to renew and restore us constantly! We all go through stressful situations in life. We all have temptations that wear us down. Darkness is always right in your face trying to beat you down...body, soul and spirit. But...The LIGHT...JESUS...HE's right there ready to build you back up and make you new again.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Scriptures To Think About

Tonight I feel like I should just post some scriptures. Read them...think about them...let them soak into your soul. There is nothing that can help you like the Word of the Lord!!  It is all powerful!! Ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word as you read these.

Deuteronomy 30:6



 6 “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!

Deuteronomy 30:10


10 The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20


19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.


1 Samuel 16:7b
7 The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”


Job 22:21-28

 21 “Submit to God, and you will have peace;
      then things will go well for you.
 22 Listen to his instructions,
      and store them in your heart.
 23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—
      so clean up your life.
 24 If you give up your lust for money
      and throw your precious gold into the river,
 25 the Almighty himself will be your treasure.
      He will be your precious silver!
 26 “Then you will take delight in the Almighty
      and look up to God.
 27 You will pray to him, and he will hear you,
      and you will fulfill your vows to him.
 28 You will succeed in whatever you choose to do,
      and light will shine on the road ahead of you.


Psalm 18:30
30 God’s way is perfect.
      All the Lord’s promises prove true.
      He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.


Psalm 86:5-7 & 15


 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
      so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
 6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
      hear my urgent cry.
 7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
      and you will answer me.
15 But you, O Lord,
      are a God of compassion and mercy,
   slow to get angry
      and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.


Psalm 105:4
Search for the Lord and for his strength;
      continually seek him.


Isaiah 55:6-7

 6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
      Call on him now while he is near.
 7 Let the wicked change their ways
      and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
   Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
      Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.



Isaiah 55:10-11

 10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
      and stay on the ground to water the earth.
   They cause the grain to grow,
      producing seed for the farmer
      and bread for the hungry.
 11 It is the same with my word.
      I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
   It will accomplish all I want it to,
      and it will prosper everywhere I send it.


All scripture is from the New Living Translation study Bible

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Because He Lives

There's an old song I was listening to called Because He Lives. I remember hearing this many times as I was growing up. It never meant anything to me because I wasn't a Christian, but now...all I can say is...Because HE lives I really can face tomorrow!! There were so many times in my life when I didn't care if another day came for me or not! In fact, more than once I thought about not seeing another day...but now...as the song says...

Life is worth the living just because HE Lives!!

Sometimes it seems like no matter what we do life just keeps getting worse. Nothing is right. We are lonely, maybe even depressed, and in fact just plain miserable! So instead of turning to the ONE that can help us we turn to other things...temporary fixes. Then we start putting up walls to protect ourselves...keep all the hurtful things away from us. The problem is, those walls also keep out Who can help us. The longer you keep running from God, refusing to totally surrender to Him, the more walls you put up. After a while you have built a fortress around yourself. The longer you leave it there...the more miserable you become! I know this because...that's part of my story. I was the master wall builder...mine had barbed wire around the tops...and I thought it was impenetrable! But...there was One factor that I didn't factor in...But GOD!! He may not knock down your walls because you do have "free will". But, the Holy Spirit will continue to work even when you aren't aware it is Him!

So...after a whole lifetime of knowing about Christ, but not really knowing Him...

One day I had to find out what was on the other side of that fortress. I had to find out if God really cared or not! I was almost positive He didn't but something, or someone...the Holy Spirit...kept after me too just really make sure. I found out that He really does care!! He cares so much that He doesn't just bulldoze your fortress down. He works with you...as you allow Him...to tear it down one brick at a time if that's how you want to do it. For me some of the walls are gone but others, well...I still retreat behind them sometimes. It's okay. God knows we are human and waits for us to come back out so He can help us.

As you can tell from reading my posts...God and I still have lots of work to do!! But, I can tell you this...

No matter what is happening right now, or how bad you think things are, if you will just turn your life completely over to the Lord, totally surrender...JESUS CHRIST can make a real difference for you!! I can't tell you that everything will change instantly...it might and it might not...because life is hard and many times unfair...But God!!

At least give Him a chance. You might be surprised at what He can do for you and how much your life will change...I was!!

Just talk to Him. Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to really come into your life...totally surrender to Him!! Take one more chance!

Joel 2:32 (New Living Translation)

32 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
      will be saved,

Psalm 91:15 (New Living Translation)

 15 When they call on me, I will answer;
      I will be with them in trouble.
      I will rescue and honor them.


Psalm 50:15 (New Living Translation)

15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
      and I will rescue you,
      and you will give me glory.”


Isaiah 55:3 (New Living Translation)

3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
      Listen, and you will find life.
   I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
      I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Adore ME

As some of you know I generally talk to God when I drive to work in the mornings. Sometimes it's just a one sided conversation where I repeat the same thing daily. You know, the kind of prayer that resembles..."Now I lay me down to sleep"...except it's the morning version. In other words, the same rote prayer...without any real feeling or depth...you pray every day because you know you need to talk to God. Something like..."Please forgive me for all the bad stuff I did yesterday and help me not to do it today! Keep all my friends and family safe and give us a good day. Amen"...or whatever your version happens to be. Then there are times when I really get into it and pray more earnestly. Talk to God like He's sitting beside me and even ask Him questions. I'm pretty sure that's the kind of prayers He likes best. Sincere, honest, heart felt conversations with Him. Sooo...this is about to become another one of those transparent posts again because the other day...We had one of those conversations...

In the last, almost, three and a half years I have asked some of you more questions than I have asked in my entire life. I do the same thing with God. Sometimes He lets me know beyond any doubt what the answer is. So my main question the other day was..."How can I get to know you better, in a deeper way? How do I get closer to YOU!" Immediately it was..."Adore, you have to adore Me." Right then I knew it was an answer from God because adore is a word I just don't use. I don't think I have ever adored anyone. So I just kind of laughed and said, "God, I know this must be coming from you because I don't even know what it really means or how to do it." Which...I hate to admit it, but...I was telling the truth! Anyway, eventually I got to work and really forgot about it for a while. Then a day or two later I was reading a devotional book called,Passionate Prayer. I couldn't believe what it said, Adore God In Prayer. Every single day in that week had a section called, Adore God In Prayer. In fact, what I had totally missed the first week was, everyday in the book has a section called...Adore God In Prayer. Amazing isn't it!! I am a little slow at times but I think I'm catching on now.This is what God wants me to do, adore HIM! So...I looked up the word adore to get the exact meaning. Adore...To love intensely, love with your entire heart and soul. WOW! Can't get a whole lot plainer than that can it?

In the book it says, "it's a life changing experience when you learn to walk and talk with God." So...obviously, the first thing I need to work on is probably not the same thing you need to work on. For me, learning to love with my entire heart and soul is the main thing. Adore HIM! It might be the same for you or it might be something entirely different. Whatever it is, the one thing we need to remember is this...God doesn't want me, or you, to stay this year...where we ended last year. We all need to break out of our boxes and grow in Him. Whatever it takes! Learn to talk with God about everything.

This is a quote from Oswald Chambers;

"Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on the wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God."

Mark 1:35 (New King James Version)
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.



Who else could set a better example for us than JESUS??