So...2012 is almost over. Some of it has been good and some...not so much. In fact there are a few things if I could change them...or somehow talk God into it...I would. But...I have learned that God sees things differently than we do. He knows the big picture and we don't. Sometimes though it's hard to grasp the way He does things. However...I accept His ways because I know they really are better than mine. God really does have everything in His control and He has us in His hands. I am thankful!
To all of my bloggy friends out there...HAPPY NEW YEAR!
To everyone who reads this blog...I pray it has somehow blessed you this past year. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!
May you all have a blessed 2013.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Unshakeable
How's your faith? Saturday morning I awoke thinking about faith. You know. How some people have this great...amazing...long lasting...almost seems unshakeable...faith! How do they have faith like that? Is it because of how long they have been a Christian? How many amazing things they have seen God do in their life or in the life of others? Or is it just because they have a stronger belief than myself? I actually even had a conversation with someone in the afternoon about faith. I also thought about all of the amazing things that I have seen God do...before I was a Christian and since. However...I still don't know how to have...and keep...that strong faith! Now, I know that in the bible it says...
Romans 10:17 NKJ
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I like the Amplified version as well.
Romans 10:17 AMP
So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
Well...needless to say...I have thought about faith a lot this weekend and I want to tell you that I do have faith. Without faith I wouldn't be where I am today. There are so many things I wouldn't be doing if it weren't for faith in God. Here's a small list...
Writing this blog
Sleeping at night...most of the time with my light off!!
Going to a life group...even if I don't say much.
Asking for prayer.
Praying for family and friends.
Most of all...I wouldn't be a Christian if it weren't for faith.
There are many things I do now that a few years ago...even some just a few months ago...I wouldn't be doing if not for the faith I have in God. The problem is getting...and keeping...a strong faith. A faith that is not shaken because of circumstances. I don't want to live a gung-ho...wholeheartedly enthusiastic...faith filled life one day and a ho-hum...weary or routine...faith filled life the next! I want to be consistant in my faith. I want a complete...undivided and uncompromised...faith. Is that possible? I believe it is...with the Lords help!
While writing this post tonight the Lord let me know what my one word is for 2013.
Unshakeable!
If I don't have unshakeable faith I will never be as strong as I need to be...as the Lord wants me to be.
There will be moments when things may shake me a bit but I need to only let them be moments. Never should it be days...sometimes even weeks!...that my faith seems almost gone.
I want to live a faith filled...whole heartedly enthusiastic...life doing what the Lord has for me to do.
How about you? What kind of a life do you want to live? Ask the Lord what He wants to change in your life this next year.
Romans 10:17 NKJ
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I like the Amplified version as well.
Romans 10:17 AMP
So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
Well...needless to say...I have thought about faith a lot this weekend and I want to tell you that I do have faith. Without faith I wouldn't be where I am today. There are so many things I wouldn't be doing if it weren't for faith in God. Here's a small list...
Writing this blog
Sleeping at night...most of the time with my light off!!
Going to a life group...even if I don't say much.
Asking for prayer.
Praying for family and friends.
Most of all...I wouldn't be a Christian if it weren't for faith.
There are many things I do now that a few years ago...even some just a few months ago...I wouldn't be doing if not for the faith I have in God. The problem is getting...and keeping...a strong faith. A faith that is not shaken because of circumstances. I don't want to live a gung-ho...wholeheartedly enthusiastic...faith filled life one day and a ho-hum...weary or routine...faith filled life the next! I want to be consistant in my faith. I want a complete...undivided and uncompromised...faith. Is that possible? I believe it is...with the Lords help!
While writing this post tonight the Lord let me know what my one word is for 2013.
Unshakeable!
If I don't have unshakeable faith I will never be as strong as I need to be...as the Lord wants me to be.
There will be moments when things may shake me a bit but I need to only let them be moments. Never should it be days...sometimes even weeks!...that my faith seems almost gone.
I want to live a faith filled...whole heartedly enthusiastic...life doing what the Lord has for me to do.
How about you? What kind of a life do you want to live? Ask the Lord what He wants to change in your life this next year.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Untitled
Trying to find
a way out of the mess
Lightning comes in
and brings much distress
What do you do
where do you go
Pain can be freeing
you've heard it said so
Looking to find
the right path to take
So many twists
what turn do I take?
Keep going forward
don't take a break
Look all around
the earths ready to quake
Lights on it's way
dark to defeat
Your minds in a jumble
don't end up in heap
Things change so quickly
how did I get
From there to here
Lickety split!
Life's like a maze
a prize at the end
Just don't break stride
your in it to win
a way out of the mess
Lightning comes in
and brings much distress
What do you do
where do you go
Pain can be freeing
you've heard it said so
Looking to find
the right path to take
So many twists
what turn do I take?
Keep going forward
don't take a break
Look all around
the earths ready to quake
Lights on it's way
dark to defeat
Your minds in a jumble
don't end up in heap
Things change so quickly
how did I get
From there to here
Lickety split!
Life's like a maze
a prize at the end
Just don't break stride
your in it to win
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
JESUS Birth...The Story Of The Century
Luke 2:7-14
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
How many times have you heard something said to be...The Story of the Century!? Well, I have to tell you, unless it was the news report of baby Jesus being born that night so long ago, in the little town of Bethlehem...it fell far short of the title. And the story didn't end there. The wise men went looking for Him...
Matthew 2:1-12
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Can you imagine the trip those wise men must have had? I'm sure they probably encountered many things on their way to find Jesus. The Bible doesn't tell us any of that. What it does tell us is when they finally found Jesus...they fell down and worshipped Him!
Most of us heard the story of Jesus birth our whole life. But...just like the wise men many of us went searching. Searching for peace...happiness...joy...just a life worth living! We didn't even know what we were looking for or how to find it. And...like the wise men...we encountered many things along the way. But...We just knew that there had to be something better than what our life was. And...just like the wise men...it took some of us years to find Him. But oh...when we did...how our lives changed forever!
I didn't literally fall down and worship Him, though I should have. Like many of you reading this...I was too messed up to even realize fully what had just taken place in my heart...my life. But now I know. The same Jesus that was born in Bethlehem...died on the cross...lives in my heart today! He doesn't care what I did while I was searching. He doesn't care that I didn't immediately fall to my knees in worship. All He cares is that I asked Him to forgive me and come into my life. That I do the best I can...everyday...to live for Him and show His love to others. Those who know Him as their Savior and those who don't know Him...yet.
There is no better time than today...Christmas...for you to come to know Him. To ask Jesus to forgive you and begin to live your life for Him. So many things can go wrong in this life. Things can happen that we aren't expecting. We can get sick...people we love can get sick...how do we cope with this? It's hard. The only way we can is with Jesus.
Think about it. Ask Jesus into your life. You don't have to change before you do. He wants you to come to Him just like you are. Talk to Him like you would a friend. Jesus will listen and He will help you.
Have a Merry Christmas!
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
How many times have you heard something said to be...The Story of the Century!? Well, I have to tell you, unless it was the news report of baby Jesus being born that night so long ago, in the little town of Bethlehem...it fell far short of the title. And the story didn't end there. The wise men went looking for Him...
Matthew 2:1-12
Now
when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Can you imagine the trip those wise men must have had? I'm sure they probably encountered many things on their way to find Jesus. The Bible doesn't tell us any of that. What it does tell us is when they finally found Jesus...they fell down and worshipped Him!
Most of us heard the story of Jesus birth our whole life. But...just like the wise men many of us went searching. Searching for peace...happiness...joy...just a life worth living! We didn't even know what we were looking for or how to find it. And...like the wise men...we encountered many things along the way. But...We just knew that there had to be something better than what our life was. And...just like the wise men...it took some of us years to find Him. But oh...when we did...how our lives changed forever!
I didn't literally fall down and worship Him, though I should have. Like many of you reading this...I was too messed up to even realize fully what had just taken place in my heart...my life. But now I know. The same Jesus that was born in Bethlehem...died on the cross...lives in my heart today! He doesn't care what I did while I was searching. He doesn't care that I didn't immediately fall to my knees in worship. All He cares is that I asked Him to forgive me and come into my life. That I do the best I can...everyday...to live for Him and show His love to others. Those who know Him as their Savior and those who don't know Him...yet.
There is no better time than today...Christmas...for you to come to know Him. To ask Jesus to forgive you and begin to live your life for Him. So many things can go wrong in this life. Things can happen that we aren't expecting. We can get sick...people we love can get sick...how do we cope with this? It's hard. The only way we can is with Jesus.
Think about it. Ask Jesus into your life. You don't have to change before you do. He wants you to come to Him just like you are. Talk to Him like you would a friend. Jesus will listen and He will help you.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
GOD Has It All Under Control
Faith...trust...peace...believing that no matter what, GOD has it all under control. That all sounds good doesn't it? In fact, if you can have those things and truly believe, then you can stand through the storms of this life.
In my lifetime I have heard people say they have faith...trust...peace...and no matter what they will always believe! I have then seen those same people change...turn...when the unexpected happened in their life.
"GOD?!"...they would say. "How could HE let this happen!" "Where is HE?" "Doesn't HE care?"
You know the stories. Their faith...trust...peace and belief seem to fly out the window like the wind! Those people never influenced me in a positive way. In fact...just the opposite. Who needs faith like that?! If your faith is only good when everything in your life is going from good to great...who cares?
But...if you have faith...trust...peace and belief when your life gets shook to the core...then you have it all. I believe those are the ones who truly know the GOD that has it "all" in HIS control. Those are the people that I look up to...the ones that have impacted my life in a positive way. Do you know anyone like that? Someone that has impacted your life? I do...
Wayne...
I want you to know that you have impacted me. You have encouraged me greatly. Through your journey this past year I have seen you continue to worship the LORD regardless of how bad you have felt. Even in those times at church when you were sitting because of how you felt...while everyone else stood...you were there. Singing...worshiping...praising the LORD and encouraging others! I have only heard you say good things the LORD has done for you. No matter how bad it gets I have never heard you say, "Where is GOD in all of this?" You have only said things about having a better...closer...relationship with the LORD. You have even said, "I wouldn't change a thing." WOW! That was hard for me to get a hold of but I knew beyond any doubt...you meant it with your whole heart! You have given nothing but praise to our LORD. I have listened to your words...watched your life...saw how you have lived what you say you believe, and through it all, how you have modeled faith...trust...peace and belief, that no matter what...GOD has it all under control! I have no doubt that you will continue to serve HIM whatever the circumstance. Thank you Wayne, for not just talking the talk but for really walking out and living what you say you believe! Daily you have been an inspiration to me. There have been times in the last few months that my faith has not been what it should be. I have let fear get in and faith walk out. It's in those times that I remember some of the things I have heard you say...seeing you pray for others and their needs...including me. Because of all of this you have helped me to believe that no matter what the circumstance...GOD truly does have it all under control. Wayne...you are a true man of GOD. You have made a great impact on my life and I believe you have greatly impacted the lives of all who know you. With my whole heart I say...Thank you Wayne. I love you.
This is just a little bit about the man I have asked you all to pray for. We are all still believing for a miracle to take place in Wayne. Our GOD is the GOD of miracles. I know that prayer changes things and prayer still moves the Hand of GOD. I also know this...GOD really does have everything under control! Thank you all for your prayers for Wayne and Marge.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
In my lifetime I have heard people say they have faith...trust...peace...and no matter what they will always believe! I have then seen those same people change...turn...when the unexpected happened in their life.
"GOD?!"...they would say. "How could HE let this happen!" "Where is HE?" "Doesn't HE care?"
You know the stories. Their faith...trust...peace and belief seem to fly out the window like the wind! Those people never influenced me in a positive way. In fact...just the opposite. Who needs faith like that?! If your faith is only good when everything in your life is going from good to great...who cares?
But...if you have faith...trust...peace and belief when your life gets shook to the core...then you have it all. I believe those are the ones who truly know the GOD that has it "all" in HIS control. Those are the people that I look up to...the ones that have impacted my life in a positive way. Do you know anyone like that? Someone that has impacted your life? I do...
Wayne...
I want you to know that you have impacted me. You have encouraged me greatly. Through your journey this past year I have seen you continue to worship the LORD regardless of how bad you have felt. Even in those times at church when you were sitting because of how you felt...while everyone else stood...you were there. Singing...worshiping...praising the LORD and encouraging others! I have only heard you say good things the LORD has done for you. No matter how bad it gets I have never heard you say, "Where is GOD in all of this?" You have only said things about having a better...closer...relationship with the LORD. You have even said, "I wouldn't change a thing." WOW! That was hard for me to get a hold of but I knew beyond any doubt...you meant it with your whole heart! You have given nothing but praise to our LORD. I have listened to your words...watched your life...saw how you have lived what you say you believe, and through it all, how you have modeled faith...trust...peace and belief, that no matter what...GOD has it all under control! I have no doubt that you will continue to serve HIM whatever the circumstance. Thank you Wayne, for not just talking the talk but for really walking out and living what you say you believe! Daily you have been an inspiration to me. There have been times in the last few months that my faith has not been what it should be. I have let fear get in and faith walk out. It's in those times that I remember some of the things I have heard you say...seeing you pray for others and their needs...including me. Because of all of this you have helped me to believe that no matter what the circumstance...GOD truly does have it all under control. Wayne...you are a true man of GOD. You have made a great impact on my life and I believe you have greatly impacted the lives of all who know you. With my whole heart I say...Thank you Wayne. I love you.
This is just a little bit about the man I have asked you all to pray for. We are all still believing for a miracle to take place in Wayne. Our GOD is the GOD of miracles. I know that prayer changes things and prayer still moves the Hand of GOD. I also know this...GOD really does have everything under control! Thank you all for your prayers for Wayne and Marge.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then
you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 11:1 AMP
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 11:1 AMP
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
20 Now
all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within
us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
My Prayer Today
Father God
here I am
again
Bowing down
humbleness within
You know me
outside
and
You know me
in
Where do I start
Do I speak it out
or let You read
my heart
In all that's happening
You
are in charge
You
have control
I
I know this
but
sometimes
well
sometimes there are questions
Mostly though
I don't get answers
Yet
I still know
You
are there
waiting
Waiting for me
to bow
To give it all
everything
to You
And
right now
that's what I'm doing
Laying it all
all
everything
at Your feet Lord
And then thanking
Thanking You Lord
for what You
are going to do
What You
are doing
even now
In my life and
the lives of all
everyone
I love
here I am
again
Bowing down
humbleness within
You know me
outside
and
You know me
in
Where do I start
Do I speak it out
or let You read
my heart
In all that's happening
You
are in charge
You
have control
I
I know this
but
sometimes
well
sometimes there are questions
Mostly though
I don't get answers
Yet
I still know
You
are there
waiting
Waiting for me
to bow
To give it all
everything
to You
And
right now
that's what I'm doing
Laying it all
all
everything
at Your feet Lord
And then thanking
Thanking You Lord
for what You
are going to do
What You
are doing
even now
In my life and
the lives of all
everyone
I love
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Lord, I Need You Now
Tonight I don't know where I'm going with this but I just feel like I
need to write. Somehow, when things aren't all that good, writing seems
to bring me closer to God. Writing about the Lord...listening to
Christian music...is therapy for me. Music reaches down into my soul and
helps me to get in touch with the Lord...just to feel Him closer to me.
That's what I'm wanting for myself right now and that's what I'm
wanting for you!
A great song I was listening to tonight was...
If There Ever Was A Time
If there ever was a time, I needed you before, Lord I need You now.
If there ever was a trial, I couldn't handle on my own, that's how this feels somehow.
That's
just a couple of lines but very important ones. No matter what...there
is never a moment that we don't need the Lord. Right now is the time.
Trials...yeah...we all have them. Sometimes you think you can handle
them on your own...but you can't. I have found this for myself so many
times in the last 5 years...I needed His help over and over, and I need it now.
I
think there are many of us that feel like this right now. Whether it's
us going through trials, or family or friends that are...we Need the
LORD and His help. There are so many things that we depend on the Lord
for during bad times in our lives.
Comfort...peace...joy...healing...strength...He provides all of these
things for us. We just need to press in close to Him.
Press in.
I
have said this many times in the last couple of months. Pressing in
seems to be an urgency for me right now. Stress...anxiety...feeling down
or sick...all these things get better when you press in to Him! Do what
ever it takes for yourself to get closer to the Lord.
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good,
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him.
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Here's a link to the song. Sorry for the ads on it but I wanted you to hear it.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Love...a GOD Sized Word
Live second...make Jesus first in our lives. That's what we as Christians are called to do. In my last post on this I have chosen
Week 7: Day 3
Week 7: Day 3
Mark 12:29-31
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Love is not a feeling...But a God-sized word.
Doug Bender
Love...for some of us...me...that word and what it stands for was hard. And then...something incredible happened...I met Jesus and He begin changing my heart, my soul, my mind...everything about me. I found out that it really is a God-sized word!
Wrapping my mind around the fact that Jesus loves me regardless of all that I have done in my life...
now that was hard for me! Most of my life I didn't even believe that He wanted anything to do with me and now...He loves me!! Then people I don't really know are showing me love. Whoa...this was different! Then...the clincher. He wants me to love others...no matter what!
Some people in our lives are easy to love. We know that they love and care for us. We feel it from them. They show it to us all the time. It's easy to love them back.
But...We all have people in our lives that have wronged us in some way. Some who have really done terrible things to us. According to everything the Lord tells us...we even have to love them! The remarkable thing about that for me was...Once I forgave these people I did begin to love them. Only because of the love of Jesus in my life!
Then there are others that I don't know at all and yet I love them too. They are our neighbors in this life. Ones we run into everyday that are hurting. Ones that don't know Jesus as we do. Ones that need to know that someone...just loves them! They need to know that someone cares for them. Not just us...but JESUS!
Love...it really is a God-sized word!
The only way we can love as we are supposed to is this...to live second.
live second you won't be sorry. It's not always easy...but it is what we are called to do!
Love is not a feeling...But a God-sized word.
Doug Bender
Love...for some of us...me...that word and what it stands for was hard. And then...something incredible happened...I met Jesus and He begin changing my heart, my soul, my mind...everything about me. I found out that it really is a God-sized word!
Wrapping my mind around the fact that Jesus loves me regardless of all that I have done in my life...
now that was hard for me! Most of my life I didn't even believe that He wanted anything to do with me and now...He loves me!! Then people I don't really know are showing me love. Whoa...this was different! Then...the clincher. He wants me to love others...no matter what!
Some people in our lives are easy to love. We know that they love and care for us. We feel it from them. They show it to us all the time. It's easy to love them back.
But...We all have people in our lives that have wronged us in some way. Some who have really done terrible things to us. According to everything the Lord tells us...we even have to love them! The remarkable thing about that for me was...Once I forgave these people I did begin to love them. Only because of the love of Jesus in my life!
Then there are others that I don't know at all and yet I love them too. They are our neighbors in this life. Ones we run into everyday that are hurting. Ones that don't know Jesus as we do. Ones that need to know that someone...just loves them! They need to know that someone cares for them. Not just us...but JESUS!
Love...it really is a God-sized word!
The only way we can love as we are supposed to is this...to live second.
live second you won't be sorry. It's not always easy...but it is what we are called to do!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
He Knows Us
Tonight as I opened my I am second daily reader I was drawn to write about the devotion titled Known. It is week 9, day 7.
Psalm 139:1-6
Doug Bender
Think about that statement. It really isn't profound, but if you're a Christian you know it to be truth.
God...He does know everything. All of our thoughts...our words...our feelings. He knows everything our eyes read...ears hear...hands touch...feet go. How does that make you feel?
I know before becoming a Christian it just wasn't that big of a thing to me. I was who counted. I was first in my life. Jesus was mostly an after thought. But now...
I want His thoughts to be my thoughts...His words to be my words. I want to feel compassion like He feels for people. Love like He loves....see with His eyes...and go only where He wants me to go. I want everything I do and say to be what He wants me to do and say. Do I accomplish this on a daily basis? Do you?
I think it's important that throughout our day we ask the Lord to search our hearts. Help us to remember that only with His help can we accomplish what He wants us to. Only with His help can we make Jesus number one in our lives. Only with His help can we truly...
live second
Get the book
live second
365 Ways to Make Jesus First
by Doug Bender
It will be a great devotional to start off your new year with.
Psalm 139:1-6
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Nothing is hidden, nothing is secret, nothing escapes God's eyes.
Think about that statement. It really isn't profound, but if you're a Christian you know it to be truth.
God...He does know everything. All of our thoughts...our words...our feelings. He knows everything our eyes read...ears hear...hands touch...feet go. How does that make you feel?
I know before becoming a Christian it just wasn't that big of a thing to me. I was who counted. I was first in my life. Jesus was mostly an after thought. But now...
I want His thoughts to be my thoughts...His words to be my words. I want to feel compassion like He feels for people. Love like He loves....see with His eyes...and go only where He wants me to go. I want everything I do and say to be what He wants me to do and say. Do I accomplish this on a daily basis? Do you?
I think it's important that throughout our day we ask the Lord to search our hearts. Help us to remember that only with His help can we accomplish what He wants us to. Only with His help can we make Jesus number one in our lives. Only with His help can we truly...
live second
Get the book
live second
365 Ways to Make Jesus First
by Doug Bender
It will be a great devotional to start off your new year with.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Struggles
This is my second post for the Living Second blog campaign and I have to tell you that this has been hard for me and I'm not sure why. Writing with transparency has always been something that I have done since I begin my journey in the blog world but somehow...this has been different. Tonight I started to write on two different days in the book and deleted them both. I knew they weren't the right ones. I ended up at session 2, Day 4: Death to Sin...in the struggle section. I'm thinking this fits because I know about struggles. I've had my fair share of them since becoming a
Christian as I'm sure you have too. So...here we go!
Read Romans 6:1-14
This passage talks about how sin's power is broken. Verse 12 says this...
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
That's a great verse but...how do we do that? Every minute of every day we have to commit to putting Jesus first...in everything!
After giving my life to Jesus there was one thing I continued to hold on to for a long time. That "thing" for me was a sin. I knew it was but I just had a hard time with giving it up completely. I didn't actually do this thing but I thought about it whenever things in my life didn't go well. Because I let that "thing" have control over me...I was having a hard time. I didn't realize for a while that as long as I held on to this...Jesus would never really be first in my life. There finally came a day when I knew that I had to make a choice. Give in to the sinful desire that I hadn't totally let go of, or...give myself completely to God.
Romans 6:13-14
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
I chose God and I have never regretted it. That particular sin is no longer my master as it once was. Gods grace was, and still is, my freedom.
I want Jesus to be number One...as I strive to live second daily.
Christian as I'm sure you have too. So...here we go!
Read Romans 6:1-14
This passage talks about how sin's power is broken. Verse 12 says this...
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
That's a great verse but...how do we do that? Every minute of every day we have to commit to putting Jesus first...in everything!
After giving my life to Jesus there was one thing I continued to hold on to for a long time. That "thing" for me was a sin. I knew it was but I just had a hard time with giving it up completely. I didn't actually do this thing but I thought about it whenever things in my life didn't go well. Because I let that "thing" have control over me...I was having a hard time. I didn't realize for a while that as long as I held on to this...Jesus would never really be first in my life. There finally came a day when I knew that I had to make a choice. Give in to the sinful desire that I hadn't totally let go of, or...give myself completely to God.
Romans 6:13-14
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
I chose God and I have never regretted it. That particular sin is no longer my master as it once was. Gods grace was, and still is, my freedom.
I want Jesus to be number One...as I strive to live second daily.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Forgiven
This is the first in a series of four posts I will be writing this week. I am taking part in, the Week Of Second Campaign promoting the new book...
Live Second:365 Ways To Make Jesus First by Doug Bender.
Your sins are forgiven. . . . Your faith has saved you; go in
peace.
—Luke 7:48, 50
Read the story in Luke 7:30-50
For fifty two years I listened to a lie from satan and lived my life how I wanted...just like the woman from the story in Luke...always thinking of myself as being in charge and being number one...doing whatever I chose to do. Raised in a Christian home...my dad an elder in the church and my mom a Sunday school teacher and women's leader...you would think I would have known better. The problem was...
the lie I listened to when I was a small child...nine I believe...which caused me to live by my own set of rules. In church every time the doors were open...but never believing that anything said was meant for me. I started smoking somewhere around ten and taking any kind of pills I could get my hands on by the time I was in 7th grade...often mixing amphetamines and barbiturates together because I needed to not feel all the pain of my life. Drinking started in high school. It was in those years that I would try to get others to join in on the "fun" I was having. Telling them how much they would like the feeling the drugs gave them. It was always a good time to be had yet...
I lived in fear because I knew if Jesus came back I would go to hell. Jesus didn't come back and I continued to live as if I were all that mattered. I was number one, living life that was always on a down hill spiral. At forty-nine I left my home town and moved to Idaho. My thought was...
If I leave and go someplace new maybe I can convince God that He wants me. Convince Him to somehow give me a second chance. I didn't know it then but this was all in God's plan for me. Things did begin to change. God begin to use people to speak into my life. People I didn't even know. God wanted me to know He loved me. He wanted to be number one...First in my life. God...
He is a life changer! He changed my life on August 10, 2007. Jesus came into my life. On that day...Jesus became my Savior. Jesus became First in my life. I always want to live second...
Praise the LORD! I am forgiven and...
I am second.
Live Second:365 Ways To Make Jesus First by Doug Bender.
Your sins are forgiven. . . . Your faith has saved you; go in
peace.
—Luke 7:48, 50
Read the story in Luke 7:30-50
For fifty two years I listened to a lie from satan and lived my life how I wanted...just like the woman from the story in Luke...always thinking of myself as being in charge and being number one...doing whatever I chose to do. Raised in a Christian home...my dad an elder in the church and my mom a Sunday school teacher and women's leader...you would think I would have known better. The problem was...
the lie I listened to when I was a small child...nine I believe...which caused me to live by my own set of rules. In church every time the doors were open...but never believing that anything said was meant for me. I started smoking somewhere around ten and taking any kind of pills I could get my hands on by the time I was in 7th grade...often mixing amphetamines and barbiturates together because I needed to not feel all the pain of my life. Drinking started in high school. It was in those years that I would try to get others to join in on the "fun" I was having. Telling them how much they would like the feeling the drugs gave them. It was always a good time to be had yet...
I lived in fear because I knew if Jesus came back I would go to hell. Jesus didn't come back and I continued to live as if I were all that mattered. I was number one, living life that was always on a down hill spiral. At forty-nine I left my home town and moved to Idaho. My thought was...
If I leave and go someplace new maybe I can convince God that He wants me. Convince Him to somehow give me a second chance. I didn't know it then but this was all in God's plan for me. Things did begin to change. God begin to use people to speak into my life. People I didn't even know. God wanted me to know He loved me. He wanted to be number one...First in my life. God...
He is a life changer! He changed my life on August 10, 2007. Jesus came into my life. On that day...Jesus became my Savior. Jesus became First in my life. I always want to live second...
Praise the LORD! I am forgiven and...
I am second.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Keep Getting The Word Out
I want to apologize for the comment that was left on my blog today. It had a link to a porn site on it. Lately I have been inundated with porn comments but this is the first time that one has gotten through the spam detector. Thank you Jan for e-mailing me and letting me know. I may not have went back to the post for a while and more people would have seen it.
When this stuff happens I believe it is just one more thing the enemy uses to try to get his foot in the door and mess with us. satan knows that the Lord uses our blogs to get His Word out and satan doesn't want that to happen. I think we need to pray for the Lord's covering over our blogs so that these spam attacks stop happening.
Jesus tell us that He is the way to salvation. The way to live a free and abundant life. On the other hand...satans purpose is to destroy us. We need to stay strong and fight the enemy. Get the Word of the Lord out.
John 10:9-10
9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
When this stuff happens I believe it is just one more thing the enemy uses to try to get his foot in the door and mess with us. satan knows that the Lord uses our blogs to get His Word out and satan doesn't want that to happen. I think we need to pray for the Lord's covering over our blogs so that these spam attacks stop happening.
Jesus tell us that He is the way to salvation. The way to live a free and abundant life. On the other hand...satans purpose is to destroy us. We need to stay strong and fight the enemy. Get the Word of the Lord out.
John 10:9-10
9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
He Is With Us
Isaiah 43:2
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
I thought that this verse is a great way to start the day. We always need to remember this. The Lord is with us through everything we go through in life. Now and then we might tend to forget...momentarily. But, if we truly believe in what we say we believe in, in the next moment we come back strong and know...The Lord is with us through everything.
Don't listen to satans lies. We all know the truth if we know the Lord. We have a big GOD and He is more than able to take care of us...and the best thing...HE wants to take care of us. The Lord loves us with an unfailing love.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Jehovah Rapha
Every three months we get this little devotional at church called; The Word For You Today. Sometimes I pick it up and read a few of the days all at once instead of reading them as I should. Tonight I picked it up and turned it to December 10th. The title is...Believe God For Your Healing. The verse they used was the last few words of Exodus 15:26, "I am the Lord, who heals you." For me to read this tonight I believe is a God thing. If you know me you know I have a heart issue. Lately it has been making me sick a lot and I'm not real happy about it. As I read this devotion tonight I realized that I need to really believe God is going to heal me and not just say it because that's what everyone wants to hear from me. Here is some of what the devotion says...
One of the names God chooses to be called by is "Jehova Rapha", which means "I am the Lord who heals." Now, if God calls himself the healer, then you have the right to believe what He says and expect that, given an opportunity, He will perform His role competently.
Here are a few verses that were used...
Psalm 138:2b NLT
for your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
Malachi 3:6a
“I am the Lord, and I do not change."
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So...I read this and thought about how I have really just got to do what this says...
Believe God for my healing. And, I have to pray in faith...believing!
I know that this is all true. So...
Starting right now I am going to start claiming what I know to be true. Jesus Christ is the same and He never changes. He is the only one who can heal and He is going to heal me. Marge told me some weeks back that...the answer is on the way! I believed it then but somewhere lost that belief. Right now I am claiming that word and in faith believing that my healing is on the way!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Just An Outlet Tonight
Ever have life just totally knock you down? Well, lately it's been getting to me big time. It seems when things aren't going well in one part of my life...physically...spiritually...or mentally...that all the rest eventually start being affected. I don't like that I let that happen. When I give in to circumstances of life in one area it's a lot easier to let the negative into my life in all the other areas.
After some less than good moments tonight I looked down at my Bible...laying open on my desk where I had left it last night...and read this...
Psalm 63:1
O God, You are my God;
I earnestly search for You.
My soul thirsts for You;
my whole body longs for You
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
This is saying to me how I am feeling. With everything I have...the entirety of me...my whole being is longing for Him. For God. When things are happening in my life and I'm not trusting God with them as I know I should, my spiritual life starts lacking. My soul starts to get dry and ache.
Sometimes I know that I need to really press in to God and yet I let things just hold me back. It's as if I have hit a wall and I can't go over it...under it...or around it. For me, I know I just have to push my way through it.
Reading further on...
Psalm 63:6-8
I lie awake thinking of You,
meditating on you through the night.
Because You are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
I cling to You;
Your strong right hand holds me securely.
Tonight I know that this is the answer. To think on and meditate on the Lord. He is my help in the time of trouble. In the time of anything in my life that throws me off balance. I have to cling...hold on to the Lord...through all the stuff in my life. I know this is true for me. I know this is right.
I really didn't start writing this tonight for anyone except myself...as an outlet for how I am feeling.
But as I end it I know that there are probably others reading this that are struggling with things in their life as well. If so...try doing what David did. Meditate on the good things of God. Let Him lift you out of the place you have let yourself get into.
After some less than good moments tonight I looked down at my Bible...laying open on my desk where I had left it last night...and read this...
Psalm 63:1
O God, You are my God;
I earnestly search for You.
My soul thirsts for You;
my whole body longs for You
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
This is saying to me how I am feeling. With everything I have...the entirety of me...my whole being is longing for Him. For God. When things are happening in my life and I'm not trusting God with them as I know I should, my spiritual life starts lacking. My soul starts to get dry and ache.
Sometimes I know that I need to really press in to God and yet I let things just hold me back. It's as if I have hit a wall and I can't go over it...under it...or around it. For me, I know I just have to push my way through it.
Reading further on...
Psalm 63:6-8
I lie awake thinking of You,
meditating on you through the night.
Because You are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
I cling to You;
Your strong right hand holds me securely.
Tonight I know that this is the answer. To think on and meditate on the Lord. He is my help in the time of trouble. In the time of anything in my life that throws me off balance. I have to cling...hold on to the Lord...through all the stuff in my life. I know this is true for me. I know this is right.
I really didn't start writing this tonight for anyone except myself...as an outlet for how I am feeling.
But as I end it I know that there are probably others reading this that are struggling with things in their life as well. If so...try doing what David did. Meditate on the good things of God. Let Him lift you out of the place you have let yourself get into.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
It's That Trust Issue Again
Tonight while sitting and thinking...way more than I should be...I was finding myself getting into a bit of a funk. You know...having my own little party! While doing this, every know and again it would flash in my thoughts...read your Bible. As I'm sure you can guess, I didn't get right up and grab it! But... just as I am persistently stubborn...the Holy Spirit is also persistent. The thought just kept coming to me...Read your Bible. Finally I went and got it and decided to read in Psalms. This is where I turned.
Psalm 62:5-8
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
This is perfect! I know when things are going well, and when they aren't, that God is my rock...fortress...hope...salvation and refuge. I also know that the Lord must really want me to get this because on November 10th I used these same verses in my post. Tonight I believe what He wants me to know and what He wants you to know is this...
It doesn't matter what we are going through. The Lord our God is with us. We need to just put our life in His hands and trust Him with it...at all times!
Psalm 62:5-8
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
This is perfect! I know when things are going well, and when they aren't, that God is my rock...fortress...hope...salvation and refuge. I also know that the Lord must really want me to get this because on November 10th I used these same verses in my post. Tonight I believe what He wants me to know and what He wants you to know is this...
It doesn't matter what we are going through. The Lord our God is with us. We need to just put our life in His hands and trust Him with it...at all times!
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