Deuteronomy 7:6
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Deuteronomy 7:6
Sunday, May 27, 2012
"Redeemed"
I'm not who I used to be because of JESUS! Thank YOU LORD for setting me free!
At times I forget that I don't have to go back anymore...don't have to fight it.
I am changed...redeemed...forgiven. Worthy because of what JESUS did
for me!
I am second to HIM because...I am Redeemed!
I hope you enjoy "Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU&feature=related
At times I forget that I don't have to go back anymore...don't have to fight it.
I am changed...redeemed...forgiven. Worthy because of what JESUS did
for me!
I am second to HIM because...I am Redeemed!
I hope you enjoy "Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU&feature=related
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Still Learning
For many weeks I have found myself feeling lost. There has been no reason I could put my thoughts too...just lost. A feeling that seems to be down deep within...one I can't get away from. I have just found myself slipping away from all that I have come to know...from all that I enjoy doing...from all that is important to me. This scared me! My thoughts have been...jumbled. This past week has helped me to get some perspective on all of this.
The past eight days was everything I knew it was going to be...and more. There were many emotions that overtook all my thoughts. Thinking I was prepared...I was not. My days were busy...hectic...sad...and overwhelming. I spent seven nights alone in a hotel room. This was good because it was quiet but also not good because most thoughts were not constructive thoughts. The first couple of days my mind was filled with thoughts that were not from God. I did ask Him for help but took it no further. Then when I felt I could go no further I "actually" picked up my bible and said...God, please help me. Show me something in Your Word that will help me to make it through this time. You know what? He did just that. The Bible I had with me has a lot of little post it tabs marking scriptures I have highlighted. Some are yellow and some are black/white polka dots. My hand went right to a polka dot one and I knew that this is what the Lord wanted me to read...
Isaiah 41:10 & 13
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
The past eight days was everything I knew it was going to be...and more. There were many emotions that overtook all my thoughts. Thinking I was prepared...I was not. My days were busy...hectic...sad...and overwhelming. I spent seven nights alone in a hotel room. This was good because it was quiet but also not good because most thoughts were not constructive thoughts. The first couple of days my mind was filled with thoughts that were not from God. I did ask Him for help but took it no further. Then when I felt I could go no further I "actually" picked up my bible and said...God, please help me. Show me something in Your Word that will help me to make it through this time. You know what? He did just that. The Bible I had with me has a lot of little post it tabs marking scriptures I have highlighted. Some are yellow and some are black/white polka dots. My hand went right to a polka dot one and I knew that this is what the Lord wanted me to read...
Isaiah 41:10 & 13
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
13 For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
I have the Amplified version of verse 10 written in the margin...
10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
This was exactly what I needed to read to get me through the place where I found myself at. Looking up what dismayed is, it was a lot of how I was feeling...
utter disheartenment...
agitation of mind; perturbation; alarmed.
I needed strength, help and yes...even to be hardened to a degree to the circumstances where I was. Nothing changed while I was there. I couldn't make things different...couldn't fix the issues that I walked in to. Basically...everything is when I left...as it was when I arrived. For myself...
I have learned that no matter how lost I am feeling...God is still there. Actually...God is still here...with me. The "lost" feeling comes from much anticipation of things I have no control over. Things I have to turn over to the Lord because He is the only one that can do anything to change them...I can't. I have to learn to let go of many things that don't make sense to me...people and the circumstances that they are in. Find my way fully back to the things that are good for...and important...to me.
I'm sharing this today because there may be some of you in similar places right now. You may be finding yourself in the midst of things you just don't understand. I've decided that only God knows and understands everything in our lives...we weren't meant to. My story, and circumstance, is different than yours is but it is still only God that can help you through it. He is always there with us we just have to call on Him to help us.
Still learning to just give it up to Him...
I needed strength, help and yes...even to be hardened to a degree to the circumstances where I was. Nothing changed while I was there. I couldn't make things different...couldn't fix the issues that I walked in to. Basically...everything is when I left...as it was when I arrived. For myself...
I have learned that no matter how lost I am feeling...God is still there. Actually...God is still here...with me. The "lost" feeling comes from much anticipation of things I have no control over. Things I have to turn over to the Lord because He is the only one that can do anything to change them...I can't. I have to learn to let go of many things that don't make sense to me...people and the circumstances that they are in. Find my way fully back to the things that are good for...and important...to me.
I'm sharing this today because there may be some of you in similar places right now. You may be finding yourself in the midst of things you just don't understand. I've decided that only God knows and understands everything in our lives...we weren't meant to. My story, and circumstance, is different than yours is but it is still only God that can help you through it. He is always there with us we just have to call on Him to help us.
Still learning to just give it up to Him...
Friday, May 25, 2012
Pray For Others
This morning I was looking at a devotional I had downloaded onto my IPad . I started flipping through the pages looking for something that would pertain to the situation I have found myself in this last week. As usual, the Lord led me to one that does.
It talks about how blatant sin is and how it's just an attempt to fill the emptiness of your soul. I know this from my own life and how I lived before I was a Christian. Satan just totally blinds people...and binds them up...to what seems to us that they are at a point of no return. But that's just not how it really is. People are doing the most hellish and vile things because they are searching for peace...hope...love...for GOD...yet they don't realize it. They are just searching in the wrong places.
We are surrounded everyday with people that are searching. It could be strangers, friends, or even family that don't know the Lord. Maybe at one time they did and because of things that have happened in their lives they went another way. They started searching for peace, thought they found it, but really what they found was just a bigger lie from the devil. They get caught up and before they know it they are just lost in satan's lies. He controls them and everything they do. Many times there is no talking to someone because satan has them so totally. However, there is always hope for them. As Christians we just have to continue to pray and not forget that the Lord does mighty miracles everyday. We just have to pray and believe.
For us as Christians we aren't blinded by satan's lies anymore. We may let him get us down sometimes but we know the Truth and the Truth has set us free! We have seen the light of Christ and have HIS great love within us. We aren't any better than those who don't know Christ we just have Jesus in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit within us, to help us.
2 Corinthians 4:4
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
Today let's remember to pray earnestly for those in our lives that need to find Jesus as their Savior. Remember how you felt before you asked Jesus into your heart? I was so alone and afraid and I remember it well. Think back...remember...and pray for those around you as others prayed for you.
It talks about how blatant sin is and how it's just an attempt to fill the emptiness of your soul. I know this from my own life and how I lived before I was a Christian. Satan just totally blinds people...and binds them up...to what seems to us that they are at a point of no return. But that's just not how it really is. People are doing the most hellish and vile things because they are searching for peace...hope...love...for GOD...yet they don't realize it. They are just searching in the wrong places.
We are surrounded everyday with people that are searching. It could be strangers, friends, or even family that don't know the Lord. Maybe at one time they did and because of things that have happened in their lives they went another way. They started searching for peace, thought they found it, but really what they found was just a bigger lie from the devil. They get caught up and before they know it they are just lost in satan's lies. He controls them and everything they do. Many times there is no talking to someone because satan has them so totally. However, there is always hope for them. As Christians we just have to continue to pray and not forget that the Lord does mighty miracles everyday. We just have to pray and believe.
For us as Christians we aren't blinded by satan's lies anymore. We may let him get us down sometimes but we know the Truth and the Truth has set us free! We have seen the light of Christ and have HIS great love within us. We aren't any better than those who don't know Christ we just have Jesus in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit within us, to help us.
2 Corinthians 4:4
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
Today let's remember to pray earnestly for those in our lives that need to find Jesus as their Savior. Remember how you felt before you asked Jesus into your heart? I was so alone and afraid and I remember it well. Think back...remember...and pray for those around you as others prayed for you.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sins Infection
Infections are a bad thing. Recently my Mom fell and ended up with an infection in her arm. Because of that she was in the hospital for a few days. Luckily we live in a time that many infections can be healed with medicine. However, there is another type of infection that medicine won't do anything for...sin!
Last night I spent a few hours with someone that is totally infected. So deep in the sins of this world that the only thing that will help is a real miracle. He needs God...to give His heart to Jesus...to be healed from the infection in his mind and his heart. Unfortunately, this person doesn't see a need at all, to change. He has been totally immersed in what he thinks is the pleasures of this life for 30 plus years and is totally deceived.
Where I find myself sitting today...in the midst of this and more...I opened my Bible to try to find some focus. This is what I read....
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
New Living Translation (NLT)
The Futility of Pleasure
2 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
My study Bible says this about vs. 2-3...
"Laughter and wine" have been means of searching for happiness for many people since the beginning of human existence, but the Teacher learned very quickly that such happiness was temporary and thus "foolishness."
This is my brother trying to cheer himself...but it's not working and never will. In the midst of his futility....he causes much pain too himself and others. Situations in his life are getting worse which is causing more pain in the life of those around him. His life has lost all happiness. I am at a loss for any answers as to what to do. This whole situation is going to take a "But GOD" moment!
The infection of sin touches the lives of all that are connected. The thing is...we all have to choose to not be overcome by the infection in another persons life. Only the Lord can take care of this. He can change minds and hearts. When people are immersed in so many different types of sins infection, only the Lord can help.
Last night I spent a few hours with someone that is totally infected. So deep in the sins of this world that the only thing that will help is a real miracle. He needs God...to give His heart to Jesus...to be healed from the infection in his mind and his heart. Unfortunately, this person doesn't see a need at all, to change. He has been totally immersed in what he thinks is the pleasures of this life for 30 plus years and is totally deceived.
Where I find myself sitting today...in the midst of this and more...I opened my Bible to try to find some focus. This is what I read....
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
New Living Translation (NLT)
The Futility of Pleasure
2 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
My study Bible says this about vs. 2-3...
"Laughter and wine" have been means of searching for happiness for many people since the beginning of human existence, but the Teacher learned very quickly that such happiness was temporary and thus "foolishness."
This is my brother trying to cheer himself...but it's not working and never will. In the midst of his futility....he causes much pain too himself and others. Situations in his life are getting worse which is causing more pain in the life of those around him. His life has lost all happiness. I am at a loss for any answers as to what to do. This whole situation is going to take a "But GOD" moment!
The infection of sin touches the lives of all that are connected. The thing is...we all have to choose to not be overcome by the infection in another persons life. Only the Lord can take care of this. He can change minds and hearts. When people are immersed in so many different types of sins infection, only the Lord can help.
Friday, May 18, 2012
In Him You Find Rest
Father God tonight I ask You for peace. You say in Your word that You know everything about me...the tiniest details of my life. I believe that You know everywhere I've been in my life...good or bad. You know all the places I am going to go to next. There isn't anything I can do, or anyplace I can go, that You Lord won't be with me. And...no matter where I go You will be there guiding my way...protecting my heart and my mind...leading me in everything that I do and say. You will give me peace and wisdom as I need it. I think of the 23rd Psalm and believe that yes...You are my shepherd and in You I can find rest and peace. When everything around me is crazy...You will protect me and give me comfort. I am leaning on You Lord knowing that You will be with me...helping me to make good decisions...keeping me calm...and helping me to keep my mind, and my heart, constantly turned towards You. Thank You Father God for loving me.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
When I'm feeling a little unsure of things in my life, I like to go back to the 23rd Psalm and read it. At times I say it from memory when I don't have a Bible. It's one of those chapters in the Bible that just helps me to feel calm and peaceful no matter what is going on.
God is good and He loves us more than we can even comprehend. When you really think about that...it's a good feeling.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
All Praise Belongs To HIM!
I listened to a song tonight by the Maranatha! Singers called...All The Praise Belongs To YOU. It talks about how He is worthy...faithful...holy! It says...no one else compares with HIM. How true that is. HE is so worthy. Today I know that...I feel it! I have felt it all day. HIS love...HIS joy...HIS peace. Last night when I posted I was being really transparent and truthful. The thing about that is, when I am, and I write it for the world to read...it's as if the LORD begins a healing process in me. Why does it have to happen that way? Showing everyone how I fail? Maybe it's just because I'm stubborn...I don't know. But I do know HE is more than willing to help me at anytime...I guess I'm just not always ready to receive. The good part is...
I have learned something this time. Being stubborn...angry at GOD...feeling sorry for myself...none of this works. Life goes on whether you're (me) having a good time or not! It just goes on without you (me). I have decided I want to be a part of life...not be on the sidelines. Not be all bound up by doubts and fears and just plain junk in my life! I want my life to always revolve around the LORD. Today I received an e-mail and this person reminded me of this...
HE makes everything new, we are a new creation in CHRIST JESUS! We mess up...HE picks us up! We just have to remember we won't get ourselves into trouble if we follow close to HIM.
That's the message that I believe the LORD has been trying to get through to me. I read it in things yesterday and now again today. The difference today is...I am choosing to listen. I am setting my mind on things above and not things of this earth. Will I always succeed and be perfect in my endeavors to do the right thing? No...probably not. But with the LORD's help I'm going to strive for that.
Colossians 3:1-4
Living the New Life
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.
Monday, May 14, 2012
WHY?
Lately I have been wondering what is wrong with me. Why don't I have that "good" feeling inside anymore? Why am I hiding from people I love...not "really" talking to them...not being myself with them? "What" has been happening on the inside of me to make me such a different person than I thought I was becoming? I have been having all these questions and no answers for 3-4 weeks now.
I have been in bad humor...stressed...anxious...and becoming withdrawn again, hiding. Going to church and wanting to just get out. Trying to pray has been just that...trying and then giving up! Reading my Bible...I look at it and think, Not happening for me!...and I don't look at it again. Why?
Today, after getting home, I decided to look at my blog. I've been noticing lately that a lot of people have been going back and reading my posts from 2009/2010. Today, Let Him Rock You was being read a lot. So...I read it. God started getting my attention just like He did when I wrote it in October of 2010. So that got me to thinking. What was going on in my life then? Why did I write that? So, I read the one just before it...Seek Him. By going back and reading what the Lord gave me to write 1 1/2 years ago I'm finding the answer to my Why?
Maybe I'm...running...running...running...I've always been good at that. Not in a physical sense but more in a spiritual sense. Why? Things I just don't understand completely. Fears. Doubts. Questions.
So what's the answer to this? I can continue on and keep running...the wrong way, or...I can go back like I was. Hidden and withdrawn from everyone...miserable. Or...I can get a grip and do what Isaiah 55:6 says...
Call on him now while he is near.
I have been in bad humor...stressed...anxious...and becoming withdrawn again, hiding. Going to church and wanting to just get out. Trying to pray has been just that...trying and then giving up! Reading my Bible...I look at it and think, Not happening for me!...and I don't look at it again. Why?
Today, after getting home, I decided to look at my blog. I've been noticing lately that a lot of people have been going back and reading my posts from 2009/2010. Today, Let Him Rock You was being read a lot. So...I read it. God started getting my attention just like He did when I wrote it in October of 2010. So that got me to thinking. What was going on in my life then? Why did I write that? So, I read the one just before it...Seek Him. By going back and reading what the Lord gave me to write 1 1/2 years ago I'm finding the answer to my Why?
Maybe I'm...running...running...running...I've always been good at that. Not in a physical sense but more in a spiritual sense. Why? Things I just don't understand completely. Fears. Doubts. Questions.
So what's the answer to this? I can continue on and keep running...the wrong way, or...I can go back like I was. Hidden and withdrawn from everyone...miserable. Or...I can get a grip and do what Isaiah 55:6 says...
Isaiah 55:6 (New Living Translation)
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.Call on him now while he is near.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Women Of GOD
It's been a while since I've posted anything but I think this is a good way to start up again...
Telling people how I feel, and expressing how I feel, has always been hard for me. Hugging and saying I love you never used to be something I did. Because of what the Lord has done for me, and two people He placed in my life, most of the time it comes easy...still working on all of the time! LOL I know that many times I probably seem distant and as if I don't care...that's not the case. Sometimes old habits and ways just come back and hit me! So in light of all this, here we go...
I want to take Mothers Day as an opportunity to thank the Lord for a couple of Moms in my life that both read this blog. They are both Moms and Grandmothers and yes...even Great Grandmothers! Their children and families are greatly blessed to have them. They are both great women of God and serve Him faithfully. I've been hearing a lot lately how we need to tell the people in our lives that are important to us...that they are. You never know if you will get another chance or not. So today I'm doing that with all the "Moms" in my life
Amy...I love you. To me you are kind of like a second real Mom and a special friend. You're there for me anytime and I can talk to you if I need to and...you yell at me in a nice sort of way just like my real Mom! But...I have to admit that when you have it was something I needed to hear. You have prayed for me and counseled me many times and always make time for me in your busy schedule. Those dinners we have had have been priceless moments for me! Lets keep doing these. Thank you for all that you have done for me and for being who you are.
Marge...I love you. For me you are my spiritual Mom, a mentor and a special friend. The countless hours we have spent on the phone talking...at your house talking...long e-mails of questions and problems, then answers...have been some of the best conversations I have ever had. Praying we have many more times like these in the future. I have learned so much from you...you have no idea. We have shared many special times of prayer where the Lord has healed my mind and body of many things. Most of all you helped me on the day I needed help most...you led me in the sinners prayer and talked to me for hours! Thank you.
I could go on and on about all the ways these two ladies have touched my life but I'll just finish with this.
You both have a special place in my life and in my heart! Most of the time I don't think I really am deserving of the love you have both shown to me. If not for the two of you I wouldn't be where I am today spiritually, relationally, and even mentally. My prayer is that someday I can become just half the women of God that you both are. Writing this out to you both...and feeling what I feel just doing it...is making me cry. You both know that for me that's a miracle.
I pray you both had an awesome day with your families.
Love and hugs to you both,
Chelle
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