Why is it the toughest thing to do is showing I love You?
A stone
Either towards You or fall towards mistakes.
Here I am Peter treading water in the storm,
Simply take your hand to be reborn.
Breathe and walk in step, never letting go.
I'm horrible at dancing fortunately now you lead.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
A year ago today I was sitting in Tennessee reading Psalm 27 by the fire.
Today I am readying Psalm 26 in Florida by the fire of the sun.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
Blessed be my rock,
My mind the enemy of uncontrollable conspiracy
Without You continually showing words of stability
Restored to speak a fragrance of love
At peace I'll fall asleep.
Lord without keeping your word in my mind I find that I am above all the most horrible person. Thank you for bringing me to clarity.
Amen
Today I am readying Psalm 26 in Florida by the fire of the sun.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
Blessed be my rock,
My mind the enemy of uncontrollable conspiracy
Without You continually showing words of stability
Restored to speak a fragrance of love
At peace I'll fall asleep.
Lord without keeping your word in my mind I find that I am above all the most horrible person. Thank you for bringing me to clarity.
Amen
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A memory of Grace
Time and sin have always interested me. What amount of time covers sin? I remember that I cannot give time to anyone, I cannot give trust back to someone.
Neglecting truth constantly shows that there is something to truth being distant in time.
We always might say "refresh my memory." Or "that just happened, I remember." .
What does it take for time with reconciliation to claim the memory of those wronged?
Certainly some people have much better memories than others, a blessing and a curse, for both parties.
You might remember forever what someone did to you. Facing daily to forgive them in your heart as God has constantly forgives you. Or you might forget the wrongs done to you and also forget what wrongs you have received grace for.
In both cases there is an infinite amount of grace being spilled out for us.
I was just scanning my topical Bible and was not surprised to see that even Jesus' disciples needed to be reminded not only of what Jesus had already told them but of words from the Prophets.
When reading these words in my youth I thought of the disciples as bumbling idiots. The joke was on me. Now every time I read scripture it is as new constantly hearing the Spirit whisper, "don't you remember? Haven't you heard before? Did I not already tell you this? "
Now my mind is eager, knowing now that I see the disciples as kindred spirits in stupidity and as bold believers in action as they trained their minds for memory allowing the Spirit to work through them in their letters.
1 Peter 1
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter, years after having his memory shaken by the call of a rooster, draws us a picture of how his memory being restored and trained understood that his foundation is set by those prophets before him. That prophecy fulfilled in the hope of Christ. His voice anew, an unshaken foundation of the grace he saw from Christ after denying not once but three times.
I pray that my foundation be set and grows on these words. My thoughts not my own but His, and of His consistency in grace.
Neglecting truth constantly shows that there is something to truth being distant in time.
We always might say "refresh my memory." Or "that just happened, I remember." .
What does it take for time with reconciliation to claim the memory of those wronged?
Certainly some people have much better memories than others, a blessing and a curse, for both parties.
You might remember forever what someone did to you. Facing daily to forgive them in your heart as God has constantly forgives you. Or you might forget the wrongs done to you and also forget what wrongs you have received grace for.
In both cases there is an infinite amount of grace being spilled out for us.
I was just scanning my topical Bible and was not surprised to see that even Jesus' disciples needed to be reminded not only of what Jesus had already told them but of words from the Prophets.
When reading these words in my youth I thought of the disciples as bumbling idiots. The joke was on me. Now every time I read scripture it is as new constantly hearing the Spirit whisper, "don't you remember? Haven't you heard before? Did I not already tell you this? "
Now my mind is eager, knowing now that I see the disciples as kindred spirits in stupidity and as bold believers in action as they trained their minds for memory allowing the Spirit to work through them in their letters.
1 Peter 1
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter, years after having his memory shaken by the call of a rooster, draws us a picture of how his memory being restored and trained understood that his foundation is set by those prophets before him. That prophecy fulfilled in the hope of Christ. His voice anew, an unshaken foundation of the grace he saw from Christ after denying not once but three times.
I pray that my foundation be set and grows on these words. My thoughts not my own but His, and of His consistency in grace.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Simply shaken as I realize my feet are falling in on this foundation I built for myself.
There it is again i see that strength wilted under me as I pretend to stand on my own two feet.
His foundation looked so much better than mine and still I moved away.
How did he do it? With just spit and mud ever yet healing and strong His foundation astounding my imagination.
But walked away to build my own.
He even had my name engraved, I put my hand prints in before it was dry.
I crawl back and there I see it my place saved. By His grace even laying on His foundation I have more strength.
Thank you for my foundation my Lord my grace. Here I'll lay till you pull me up.
There it is again i see that strength wilted under me as I pretend to stand on my own two feet.
His foundation looked so much better than mine and still I moved away.
How did he do it? With just spit and mud ever yet healing and strong His foundation astounding my imagination.
But walked away to build my own.
He even had my name engraved, I put my hand prints in before it was dry.
I crawl back and there I see it my place saved. By His grace even laying on His foundation I have more strength.
Thank you for my foundation my Lord my grace. Here I'll lay till you pull me up.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
A year to date
This is as true to my life today as it was when I first put this up. With tears and much learning I am still growing.
Romans 8:1-8 (NIV)
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:1-8 (NIV)
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Monday, November 12, 2012
LORD Prepare Me
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men1 awho will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is gthe hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
LORD how can i be so weary so far from the front line? I have become such easy prey for the enemy. My calluses have fallen from my hands from lack of battle.Please LORD hold my hand back to the strength to hold the sword of truth, that the enemy will fall away in fear of your light in my eyes.
I praise you for your grace in discipline that leads to discipleship. Thank you for providing the words of Paul that I might learn today what Timothy learned yesterday.
Create me to be a trustworthy servant of your everlasting word. I say "I love you", I say "I respect you". Remind me that these are mere words that mean nothing without grace in genuine love of persevering action.
LORD I do love you.
Amen
LORD how can i be so weary so far from the front line? I have become such easy prey for the enemy. My calluses have fallen from my hands from lack of battle.Please LORD hold my hand back to the strength to hold the sword of truth, that the enemy will fall away in fear of your light in my eyes.
I praise you for your grace in discipline that leads to discipleship. Thank you for providing the words of Paul that I might learn today what Timothy learned yesterday.
Create me to be a trustworthy servant of your everlasting word. I say "I love you", I say "I respect you". Remind me that these are mere words that mean nothing without grace in genuine love of persevering action.
LORD I do love you.
Amen
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Drained
Drained yet doing nothing
Pathetic like a paralytic
Yawning in the midst of war
My life unimagined in a state of realism
I'll eat to sleep and drink to anything
No hope in self all is passed
Relieved by death now to rest.
Pathetic like a paralytic
Yawning in the midst of war
My life unimagined in a state of realism
I'll eat to sleep and drink to anything
No hope in self all is passed
Relieved by death now to rest.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Shattered mirror
I had this idea from a dream I had last night.
I was being so self focused so scared of what others thought of me. As I stood in front of this mirror God came and shattered it into a million little bits.
That wasn't all that he shattered. He broke me. In His grace so that by his love I could share that powerful out pouring of his love to the world and stop focusing on myself. Stop caring what I though or what others though and understand what it truly means to be broken in grace. Being reminded that.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Act as though you have been broken by the grace of God for the Joy of His Glory.
When I look back into this broken mirror I am made joyful of the memory that God loved me enough to save me from me.
I was being so self focused so scared of what others thought of me. As I stood in front of this mirror God came and shattered it into a million little bits.
That wasn't all that he shattered. He broke me. In His grace so that by his love I could share that powerful out pouring of his love to the world and stop focusing on myself. Stop caring what I though or what others though and understand what it truly means to be broken in grace. Being reminded that.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Act as though you have been broken by the grace of God for the Joy of His Glory.
When I look back into this broken mirror I am made joyful of the memory that God loved me enough to save me from me.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Mosaic of Love
What about this wounded soldier?
Does he stand a chance?
Frightened to meet the king he shakes.
Will the king recognize these self inflicted wounds?
Hiding his own stabbed heart the soldier called forward.
His face in shame yet the King pulls him closer.
Lifts his head and peers into the eyes.
All fear passed as the soldier sees that his King's face is the Mosaic of Love.
Does he stand a chance?
Frightened to meet the king he shakes.
Will the king recognize these self inflicted wounds?
Hiding his own stabbed heart the soldier called forward.
His face in shame yet the King pulls him closer.
Lifts his head and peers into the eyes.
All fear passed as the soldier sees that his King's face is the Mosaic of Love.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
I'll be His stone
Oh how little I focus when you are out of sight,
Your presence demands I seek and fight
I'll lift my head and seek your face
Stop looking where I'm walking and let you lead.
Oh How I can't believe this faith
LORD my redeemer carry me.
Who can resist your love?
This powerful presence of sustenance.
Ah sweet relief! You carry my belief!
Thank you LORD for my focus,
Form me as a stone ready to be slung.
Pick me of five and I'll survive
With your direction as my means
I'll slay this life's Philistine.
Your presence demands I seek and fight
I'll lift my head and seek your face
Stop looking where I'm walking and let you lead.
Oh How I can't believe this faith
LORD my redeemer carry me.
Who can resist your love?
This powerful presence of sustenance.
Ah sweet relief! You carry my belief!
Thank you LORD for my focus,
Form me as a stone ready to be slung.
Pick me of five and I'll survive
With your direction as my means
I'll slay this life's Philistine.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Dirt path
Being followed on a dirt road isn't as painful or even new as it once was.
This is my road and I know every pebble and ripple in the sand.
The moon is out in full glory and my follower is lurking in the shadows of the trees.
I am a conscience temptation as I make sure to walk in the center of the path.
I feel his eyes peering into the back of my neck, searching my mind for fear.
I don't walk in fear, I walk in hope.
Though his eyes pierce like daggers my way is not shaken and my foot is grounded.
He moves from shadow to shadow without touching the ground or making a noise.
The silence on the path creates a tense conversation.
My soul knows he is here for my demise, waiting to strike.
The shadows cross the road at this point.
His opportunity is here! I inhale and exhale.
He looms over me pressing on me with such intense power, my balance falters as I find myself now kneeling on the ground.
His eyes scream victory! As my lips whisper his finish.
His time complete, passed away.
As for Christ He is my weapon, my hope and strength.
Though I fall I will stand once again on Him.
This is my road and I know every pebble and ripple in the sand.
The moon is out in full glory and my follower is lurking in the shadows of the trees.
I am a conscience temptation as I make sure to walk in the center of the path.
I feel his eyes peering into the back of my neck, searching my mind for fear.
I don't walk in fear, I walk in hope.
Though his eyes pierce like daggers my way is not shaken and my foot is grounded.
He moves from shadow to shadow without touching the ground or making a noise.
The silence on the path creates a tense conversation.
My soul knows he is here for my demise, waiting to strike.
The shadows cross the road at this point.
His opportunity is here! I inhale and exhale.
He looms over me pressing on me with such intense power, my balance falters as I find myself now kneeling on the ground.
His eyes scream victory! As my lips whisper his finish.
His time complete, passed away.
As for Christ He is my weapon, my hope and strength.
Though I fall I will stand once again on Him.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
That's you.
Does sencerity Take the fall
Because aggression takes the stage?
This act only fools the audience.
While your eyes penetrate right through
I hope you see the mirror behind
Refine your vision and recall
Those memories are real.
That's the piece of me that's you.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Please Lord clear me for thinking,
These headaches of life's pains last less than a tiny speck of sand When compared to your infinite being
This week is almost over and time DOES heal,
Never soon enough I'm afraid.
I demand to much here and now.
To this weekend I'll need Your love the most
Take me and hold me.
Only In Your knowing is this piece of me at peace
Amen
These headaches of life's pains last less than a tiny speck of sand When compared to your infinite being
This week is almost over and time DOES heal,
Never soon enough I'm afraid.
I demand to much here and now.
To this weekend I'll need Your love the most
Take me and hold me.
Only In Your knowing is this piece of me at peace
Amen
Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Run
The sun turned on
Perfect day for a run
Smile- the air whips within the leaves
Everything is green
Past the fields a race against the wind
I never win
To much fun to let it end
I'll run through creek past the bridge
Onward to the setting sun.
Perfect day for a run
Smile- the air whips within the leaves
Everything is green
Past the fields a race against the wind
I never win
To much fun to let it end
I'll run through creek past the bridge
Onward to the setting sun.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Death
Death where is your sting?
Death I have victory!
You answer-
'did you forget your life story?
How you wronged the ones you loved
Lied and cheated to get above
The way you avoided God
So far - you even went abroad
We had you in our grasp
Your mind in mental debauchery
It was then we were about to win
We cannot abide in the place He will be
He called you out
You answered-We had to flee'
Oh Death I say to you!
The Spirit that raised Christ is in me.
I breathe life
I am set free
Thanks be to the Father of Christ for delivering!
Death I have victory!
You answer-
'did you forget your life story?
How you wronged the ones you loved
Lied and cheated to get above
The way you avoided God
So far - you even went abroad
We had you in our grasp
Your mind in mental debauchery
It was then we were about to win
We cannot abide in the place He will be
He called you out
You answered-We had to flee'
Oh Death I say to you!
The Spirit that raised Christ is in me.
I breathe life
I am set free
Thanks be to the Father of Christ for delivering!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The young have seen the dirty streets of the mind and heart.
The war is raging and there is no blood shed on the field.
Their minds are shattered innocence lost.
LORD see our youth? They hold on to dust confused to think they are diamonds.
It's ok
To
See blood.
Lord startle my interest towards you.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The war is raging and there is no blood shed on the field.
Their minds are shattered innocence lost.
LORD see our youth? They hold on to dust confused to think they are diamonds.
It's ok
To
See blood.
Lord startle my interest towards you.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Glorious Day
What a glorious day!
The LORD my rock is the foundation.
This high is felt from head to toe,
I have seen His love and He is gracious to me!
LORD look at me- your son!
Smile and rejoice this day is done,
I lived your love and your gospel is abounding!
I hold no regrets for your lessons are deep,
They touch where my mind and heart meet.
Certainly you are my light, my glory and knowledge of true salvation.
Amen.
The LORD my rock is the foundation.
This high is felt from head to toe,
I have seen His love and He is gracious to me!
LORD look at me- your son!
Smile and rejoice this day is done,
I lived your love and your gospel is abounding!
I hold no regrets for your lessons are deep,
They touch where my mind and heart meet.
Certainly you are my light, my glory and knowledge of true salvation.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
1 John 2:12-14
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
---------
Lord my prayer tonight is to know you as a child, to know you from my beginning, and use this knowledge to defeat the evil one by the word you have placed in my heart.
Amen
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
1 John 2:12-14
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
---------
Lord my prayer tonight is to know you as a child, to know you from my beginning, and use this knowledge to defeat the evil one by the word you have placed in my heart.
Amen
Friday, May 4, 2012
For the wages of sin is death
but the gift of God is eternal life.
My ancestors sought the light
I tried myself in plight
My brothers insisted on glory
I tried myself with folly
Knowledge was next,
And despite my attempt I reasoned out to my own contempt
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"
has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
but the gift of God is eternal life.
My ancestors sought the light
I tried myself in plight
My brothers insisted on glory
I tried myself with folly
Knowledge was next,
And despite my attempt I reasoned out to my own contempt
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"
has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A Prayer against selfishness
So selfish I am.
I act in ways to my gain.
Forget others.
Not one but me, that's what matters.
Inward my thoughts go,
Into this black hole of my soul.
Who will save me?
Psalm 119:36-40
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to SELFISH gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
CONFIRM to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold I LONG for your precepts;
in YOUR righteousness give me LIFE!
AMEN.
I act in ways to my gain.
Forget others.
Not one but me, that's what matters.
Inward my thoughts go,
Into this black hole of my soul.
Who will save me?
Psalm 119:36-40
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to SELFISH gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
CONFIRM to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold I LONG for your precepts;
in YOUR righteousness give me LIFE!
AMEN.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
A prayer of regretable words.
Oh! Sorrow that is so bitter
Even more severe the pain in the bowls,
Fists against the wall the pain will not fall,
What Grace should indwell but that of Christ's?
Take me Home or give me reason,
Without You I'm not satisfied,
Direct my sorrow slow my anger,
My tongue set ablaze by the Spirit,
Once again humbled by Your love.
Teach me to speak Grace.
Amen
Even more severe the pain in the bowls,
Fists against the wall the pain will not fall,
What Grace should indwell but that of Christ's?
Take me Home or give me reason,
Without You I'm not satisfied,
Direct my sorrow slow my anger,
My tongue set ablaze by the Spirit,
Once again humbled by Your love.
Teach me to speak Grace.
Amen
Friday, April 13, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
I love athletics. And I love watching an athlete work hard to achieve a new goal.
I am currently living in East Tennessee and this place has some of the hilliest roads I have ever seen.
The biking group here are pretty intense. No more then two men I saw today.
Taking on one of the steepest hills in my area they were pushing and sweating as each pedal fell and the other rose. Wearing helmets and protective pants they trudged forward. The wind picked up and their little red ties flew behind them like capes.
I hope you realize that who I saw today were two men of the Morman faith spreading their word with the same vigor as any of the best bicyclers.
They did encourage me. Not that I believe Mormanism in the least. It is encouraging to know that if these men with a false message can work this hard to spread it, how much more can I with the TRUTH?
Remember the false prophets of Baal and Elijah? This is much the same thought. The false prophets worked so hard for their altar to bring forth fire.
2 Kimgs 18:24-40
24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people answered, "It is well spoken."
25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it."
26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made.
27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, "Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down.
31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD came, saying, "Israel shall be your name,"
32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed.
33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood."
34 And he said, "Do it a second time." And they did it a second time. And he said, "Do it a third time." And they did it a third time.
35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.
36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.
37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God."
40 And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
These men bicycling up this hill are providing themselves nothing more for their lives than larger muscles and stamena. Both of these are very vital to staying healthy on earth. Neither of those help you enter the Kingdom of our LORD.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
May the LORD create prepare for me a road both up hill and down hill, making me His workmanship, not of my own strength.
Amen
I am currently living in East Tennessee and this place has some of the hilliest roads I have ever seen.
The biking group here are pretty intense. No more then two men I saw today.
Taking on one of the steepest hills in my area they were pushing and sweating as each pedal fell and the other rose. Wearing helmets and protective pants they trudged forward. The wind picked up and their little red ties flew behind them like capes.
I hope you realize that who I saw today were two men of the Morman faith spreading their word with the same vigor as any of the best bicyclers.
They did encourage me. Not that I believe Mormanism in the least. It is encouraging to know that if these men with a false message can work this hard to spread it, how much more can I with the TRUTH?
Remember the false prophets of Baal and Elijah? This is much the same thought. The false prophets worked so hard for their altar to bring forth fire.
2 Kimgs 18:24-40
24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people answered, "It is well spoken."
25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it."
26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made.
27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, "Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down.
31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD came, saying, "Israel shall be your name,"
32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed.
33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood."
34 And he said, "Do it a second time." And they did it a second time. And he said, "Do it a third time." And they did it a third time.
35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.
36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.
37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God."
40 And Elijah said to them, "Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape." And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
These men bicycling up this hill are providing themselves nothing more for their lives than larger muscles and stamena. Both of these are very vital to staying healthy on earth. Neither of those help you enter the Kingdom of our LORD.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
May the LORD create prepare for me a road both up hill and down hill, making me His workmanship, not of my own strength.
Amen
Sunday, April 8, 2012
I can think of nothing more fitting to write about than these scriptures today.
MATTHEW 28:1-8
"1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you."
8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples."
MARK 15:1-8
"1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
3 And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back-it was very large.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.
6 And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."
8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."
LUKE 24:1-8
"1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest."
JOHN 20:1-8
"1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;"
As I studied these scripture accounts about the resurrection I was perplexed as to why all the accounts were different, yet with the same out come. The Messiah was no longer in the tomb.
A commentator I respect had this to say about these accounts.
"Critics may say that the Biblical witnesses discredit themselves with bias and contradictions. But surely you can’t rule out a witness for the resurrection because he believes in it. That’s like deciding the issue before you have heard the evidence, since more than likely those who did see it would believe it. As for the charge of contradictions, it may be that apparent discrepancies (like one angel vs. two angels at the tomb, Mark 16:15; Luke 24:4) are owing to different but not disparate ways of reporting the same perceived reality. But even if we admitted minor discrepancies in detail a witness is not discredited for that, especially if his testimony is largely corroborated by others.
So how shall we credit these witnesses? Persons win our trust by the beauty of their character. When all we have is their writings (and that is all we have) then we must try to perceive the spirit and the purpose of the writer in his message. If we detect a spirit of humility and integrity and sobriety and a purpose of love and truth then we will give credence to the author. If we detect a conniving, duplicitous, self-seeking attitude, we will tend to discredit what he said."
1 Corithians 15:3-8
"3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."
I am also reminded that the apostles had thought with the death of Christ all hope was lost, they scattered scared and hid because the "hope" they had was lost.
LUKE 24:21
"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened."
I believe and trust that my savior lived and died and conquered death. So that my life is not living to die, but living to live.
MATTHEW 28:1-8
"1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you."
8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples."
MARK 15:1-8
"1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.
3 And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"
4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back-it was very large.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.
6 And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."
8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."
LUKE 24:1-8
"1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest."
JOHN 20:1-8
"1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;"
As I studied these scripture accounts about the resurrection I was perplexed as to why all the accounts were different, yet with the same out come. The Messiah was no longer in the tomb.
A commentator I respect had this to say about these accounts.
"Critics may say that the Biblical witnesses discredit themselves with bias and contradictions. But surely you can’t rule out a witness for the resurrection because he believes in it. That’s like deciding the issue before you have heard the evidence, since more than likely those who did see it would believe it. As for the charge of contradictions, it may be that apparent discrepancies (like one angel vs. two angels at the tomb, Mark 16:15; Luke 24:4) are owing to different but not disparate ways of reporting the same perceived reality. But even if we admitted minor discrepancies in detail a witness is not discredited for that, especially if his testimony is largely corroborated by others.
So how shall we credit these witnesses? Persons win our trust by the beauty of their character. When all we have is their writings (and that is all we have) then we must try to perceive the spirit and the purpose of the writer in his message. If we detect a spirit of humility and integrity and sobriety and a purpose of love and truth then we will give credence to the author. If we detect a conniving, duplicitous, self-seeking attitude, we will tend to discredit what he said."
1 Corithians 15:3-8
"3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."
I am also reminded that the apostles had thought with the death of Christ all hope was lost, they scattered scared and hid because the "hope" they had was lost.
LUKE 24:21
"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened."
I believe and trust that my savior lived and died and conquered death. So that my life is not living to die, but living to live.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
At that time Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,
“Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
(Joshua 10:12-13 ESV)
I watched the moon last night and was praying. I know it did not stand still because I saw it move with the rotation of the Earth.
Watching the moon reminded me of this passage. Time is the motion of light. Age is the length of life. There is one moment in history when one can not mesure one by the other and Joshua lived in it.
“Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
(Joshua 10:12-13 ESV)
I watched the moon last night and was praying. I know it did not stand still because I saw it move with the rotation of the Earth.
Watching the moon reminded me of this passage. Time is the motion of light. Age is the length of life. There is one moment in history when one can not mesure one by the other and Joshua lived in it.
Monday, April 2, 2012
I thought about planting a flower today. I don't have the patience to water and take proper care for a flower. So I opted out and instead downloaded a picture of a flower so I can pretend that I planted it.
I read a comic that my sister wrote and I think I am just now understanding the punch line. "I don't like popcorn" I get it now, the little guy ate to much.
A Psalm of David I read this morning.
O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves. Selah
Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
(Psalm 54 ESV)
LORD I choose to sacrifice to you.
I read a comic that my sister wrote and I think I am just now understanding the punch line. "I don't like popcorn" I get it now, the little guy ate to much.
A Psalm of David I read this morning.
O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves. Selah
Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
(Psalm 54 ESV)
LORD I choose to sacrifice to you.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Artificial Heart
Can man live an artificial heart? I don't want to be so rash as to say "NO!" but To this day not one human has lived with an artificial heart and survived.
In 1982 one of the first artificial heart surgeries was performed on a dentist from Seattle. He suffered in agony for 112 days then passed away.
Another man from Indiana replaced his heart and lived a little bit better of a life, but complications quickly caught up with him and he passed away. Not before speaking with Ronald Reagan and being apart of his towns parade.
I don't think that being a cyborg makes you less human. I personally think that our humaness prevents us from allowing cyborgness from taking over.
Our bodies are so sensitive to types of bacteria that it prevents the artificial hearts from working.
It is hard for me to remember that my body is made up of many members, and these members are saved with me in the salvation of the LORD. In as much as these members are under the curse of sin on earth. Such as my heart.
This made me think of Paul when he wrote.
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
(Romans 6:19 ESV)
In as much as I can by the strength of Christ I will set my members towards His service. I leave my sinful heart in His hands. I leave my beating heart in His hands. Nothing artificial simply weak.
source:http://www.wired.com/thisdayintech/2009/12/dayintech_1202jarvikheart/
Thursday, March 29, 2012
I wait.
The love I have experienced is deep,
The love I have seen is sobering,
Why then does my heart go on rejecting?
LORD my Messiah you have given me You,
there is always doubt within and constant regret,
This curse of being human encompasses the truths of your blessings.
The Psalmist wrote; Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
Again I am reminded and my heart is projecting
The light of your salvation in my life.
I smile and at peace.
I am here waiting patiently for You LORD, my Messiah.
Amen
The love I have seen is sobering,
Why then does my heart go on rejecting?
LORD my Messiah you have given me You,
there is always doubt within and constant regret,
This curse of being human encompasses the truths of your blessings.
The Psalmist wrote; Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
Again I am reminded and my heart is projecting
The light of your salvation in my life.
I smile and at peace.
I am here waiting patiently for You LORD, my Messiah.
Amen
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Living
In a time of prayer last night I called out desperately to Christ asking what vision it was He has for my life. The Holy Spirit sent this scripture to my heart.
Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Through Christ I am loving, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful,gentle and have self control.
The LORD's plan for my life is not different than to have this fruit.
I pray despite how I feel today tomorrow and all days following I am an example of these fruit. I trust that with Christ's help all things are possible and I know that He desires good for my life, and for your life despite what your current circumstances are.
Lord be with me today another new day to present myself as a living sacrifice for your glory. Thank you for guarding my heart and protecting me from my enemies. Lord you say "seek my face" and I seek so desperately for you. Lift me.
Amen.
Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Through Christ I am loving, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful,gentle and have self control.
The LORD's plan for my life is not different than to have this fruit.
I pray despite how I feel today tomorrow and all days following I am an example of these fruit. I trust that with Christ's help all things are possible and I know that He desires good for my life, and for your life despite what your current circumstances are.
Lord be with me today another new day to present myself as a living sacrifice for your glory. Thank you for guarding my heart and protecting me from my enemies. Lord you say "seek my face" and I seek so desperately for you. Lift me.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Yah
though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
(1 Timothy 1:13-15 ESV)
Though I am a great sinner, once a man who secretly lived in unbelief my God's grace over flowed for me. My faith in peace in fully satisfied in Him.
My relationship with Christ is not one of CO-DEPENDANCE
It is one of FULL-DEPENDANCE.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
I have realized something about myself this weekend. I depend far to much on coffee.
This morning I sat in church and went to my grandparents for lunch. I began getting a monster headache and could barely eat anything, and laid down on the couch for three hours.
This is not the first caffeine headache i have ever had, and I should know better than to let my body become that codependent on something like coffee.
Coffee is pretty sneaky and tricks me.
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
(2 Timothy 2:20-26 ESV)
I think that much like coffee Satan sneaks into our lives and destroys us, tricking our minds that we need something other than Christ to make it in this world.
Granted coffee is not Satan, and I still will drink coffee but thinking about how sneaky it is helped me realize how demonicly sinister Satan is.
LORD help me to be a wooden cup in Your house ready for use when You need me, fill me with grace to share with Your guests.
Amen
This morning I sat in church and went to my grandparents for lunch. I began getting a monster headache and could barely eat anything, and laid down on the couch for three hours.
This is not the first caffeine headache i have ever had, and I should know better than to let my body become that codependent on something like coffee.
Coffee is pretty sneaky and tricks me.
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
(2 Timothy 2:20-26 ESV)
I think that much like coffee Satan sneaks into our lives and destroys us, tricking our minds that we need something other than Christ to make it in this world.
Granted coffee is not Satan, and I still will drink coffee but thinking about how sneaky it is helped me realize how demonicly sinister Satan is.
LORD help me to be a wooden cup in Your house ready for use when You need me, fill me with grace to share with Your guests.
Amen
Friday, March 16, 2012
Oh sweet sorrow what burning loss.
How often I believe and yet still pray for that unbelief,
My courage to often a whim of emotion,
no foundation in devotion.
LORD my delight, corrector of things I thought
sending the Helper to bring concrete my emotional feet.
Implant your word in my Heart so the scoffers won't mock,
Plant me in Your vineyard; be my guard.
Let me be troubled in spirit and like Christ testify of my gardener.
Let me be, "Like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season"
and let not my leaf wither; in all I do I prosper by You my Messiah.
(Psalm 1 paraphrased)
How often I believe and yet still pray for that unbelief,
My courage to often a whim of emotion,
no foundation in devotion.
LORD my delight, corrector of things I thought
sending the Helper to bring concrete my emotional feet.
Implant your word in my Heart so the scoffers won't mock,
Plant me in Your vineyard; be my guard.
Let me be troubled in spirit and like Christ testify of my gardener.
Let me be, "Like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season"
and let not my leaf wither; in all I do I prosper by You my Messiah.
(Psalm 1 paraphrased)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
At home, wherever.
I burnt my tongue today. I hate it when this happens. I lose the ability to taste certain flavors and other flavors become out of control!
I read this when I woke up this morning.
I thought of you.
The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger shares its joy.
(Proverbs 14:10 ESV)
Thanks HEART.
God once again I lay this heart on the table.
Daily I see this pattern that makes me able.
I look back as He sets me free
Is it ok to play in this field?
A smile of encouragement
There is no containing how cavalier my body becomes.
Set free by Christ my heart is home.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Slave to a new master
I had a conversation today with a wise man that shared with me proper prayer and appropriate prayer.
He was talking about praying for the will of God. In all circumstances pray that God be at work teaching you.
Don't block His Spirit from sending its grace in your life. Allow Him to touch you, move you and be at work loving on you forward into His kingdom.
There have been times that I felt jilted or miss treated and find excuses not to allow God to love me back into righteous joy.
This leaves me simply miserable considering the only one I trust I am pushing away.
He also reminded me that no matter where you are and what you do you are counseling people by your actions.
The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the people God has sent me even in this past week to talk with.
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
(Romans 6:19 ESV)
Though I will never be perfect my master will direct me to righteousness.
When I am in the world with the MARK of Christ in my actions lawless men and women will recognize Christ in me.
Thank you LORD for continuing to send people into my life that encourage me and speak truth to me. Thank you for the lost men and women that I have been able to share your name to. Take my tongue and make it have the fragrance of your words. I depend on you- I will only say something stupid.
-AMEN
Monday, March 12, 2012
A man from APOLLO
I love getting to know people. God sent me a special man to get to know today. One of our employees is an elderly gentleman who does handy work for our company. I have given him endless amounts of tasks in the last couple of months. In that time I never had the opportunity to talk with him.
Today God gave me the chance to sit down and find out how he ended up working with us.
To my delight I found out he lived in Florida for a long time in the city of Mims very close to an area I grew up in! He worked with NASA during all of the APOLLO missions, missing only two- the tragedy of the first APOLLO mission and the glory of the last one which was the only one to launch at night.
He was full of inside stories of each of the missions, and was apart of the team that worked with Ken Mattingly simulating solutions for the APOLLO 13 disaster.
God gives each of us such amazing experiences. And when we let Him write our story we can talk about our lives with a history of JOY.
As he sat and told me these stories I could see a twinkle in his eye with an air of excitement. I look forward to speaking about what Christ has done in my life with a twinkle in my eye and air of anticipation for what He has for me next.
Break me LORD, mold me!
My history is Your story.
I flee from a broken past in my eyes,
All I see from Your arms is a life flowered by Your grace.
Perspective seems everything
From my eyes I see blame and shame,
From your ROCK I see my life whole
from pieces to peace.
I praise only You.
AMEN
Today God gave me the chance to sit down and find out how he ended up working with us.
To my delight I found out he lived in Florida for a long time in the city of Mims very close to an area I grew up in! He worked with NASA during all of the APOLLO missions, missing only two- the tragedy of the first APOLLO mission and the glory of the last one which was the only one to launch at night.
He was full of inside stories of each of the missions, and was apart of the team that worked with Ken Mattingly simulating solutions for the APOLLO 13 disaster.
God gives each of us such amazing experiences. And when we let Him write our story we can talk about our lives with a history of JOY.
As he sat and told me these stories I could see a twinkle in his eye with an air of excitement. I look forward to speaking about what Christ has done in my life with a twinkle in my eye and air of anticipation for what He has for me next.
Break me LORD, mold me!
My history is Your story.
I flee from a broken past in my eyes,
All I see from Your arms is a life flowered by Your grace.
Perspective seems everything
From my eyes I see blame and shame,
From your ROCK I see my life whole
from pieces to peace.
I praise only You.
AMEN
http://youtu.be/xnWw24s5gG8
LORD you are my light my salvation my grace.
You know my desire to glorify you. I am Yours. You have bought me.
No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of YOU in me!
I love you so much my Christ.
Amen
LORD you are my light my salvation my grace.
You know my desire to glorify you. I am Yours. You have bought me.
No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of YOU in me!
I love you so much my Christ.
Amen
Friday, March 9, 2012
Inner Hope
I went and saw "The Muppets" with my sisters and cousins tonight.
I am always inspired when I see the creativity of others. I love seeing stories come together and a plot twist and turn.
It is also interesting how much philosophy and world view come into play in a movie created for children.
The main character is encouraged to discover within himself the special gift he can add to the group- to believe in himself and then he can succeed.
I have found that if I was to follow this idea for my own life I would be terribly disappointed with myself.
The Psalmist writes this to our God:
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
(Psalm 139:14 ESV)
God has created you and me as individuals and we are to find our hope in Christ. When I look within myself as a Christian I see that He is the one holding me together. If I was not saved I would look inside for some form of hope and find myself empty and without help.
Obviously this movie was from a secular perspective attempting to encourage young people and build self esteem.
In fact I really enjoyed the movie and laughed through most of it. I wish the creativity of these writers could be used to help young Christian children laugh and find their inner hope in Christ.
We all are created with WONDER and MIRCLE by a LORD who LOVES us. He has given each a gift and when you find Him that gift can be used FULLY.
LORD thank you for completing me.
Amen.
I am always inspired when I see the creativity of others. I love seeing stories come together and a plot twist and turn.
It is also interesting how much philosophy and world view come into play in a movie created for children.
The main character is encouraged to discover within himself the special gift he can add to the group- to believe in himself and then he can succeed.
I have found that if I was to follow this idea for my own life I would be terribly disappointed with myself.
The Psalmist writes this to our God:
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
(Psalm 139:14 ESV)
God has created you and me as individuals and we are to find our hope in Christ. When I look within myself as a Christian I see that He is the one holding me together. If I was not saved I would look inside for some form of hope and find myself empty and without help.
Obviously this movie was from a secular perspective attempting to encourage young people and build self esteem.
In fact I really enjoyed the movie and laughed through most of it. I wish the creativity of these writers could be used to help young Christian children laugh and find their inner hope in Christ.
We all are created with WONDER and MIRCLE by a LORD who LOVES us. He has given each a gift and when you find Him that gift can be used FULLY.
LORD thank you for completing me.
Amen.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Prayer
What is my prayer but what my heart feels?
Does my prayer need to be logical?
Does my prayer need to behave in a certain way in order for there to be a response?
Logic:
God is Love
My prayer needs to be directed towards love.
My need is God. My need is LOVE.
LORD my lack is love, my lack is YOU. Fill my cup, run over.
_________________________
"Surprised by Joy"
SURPRISED by joy--impatient as the Wind I turned to share the transport--Oh! with whom But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb, That spot which no vicissitude can find? Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind-- But how could I forget thee? Through what power, Even for the least division of an hour, Have I been so beguiled as to be blind To my most grievous loss?--That thought's return Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore, Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn, Knowing my heart's best treasure was no more; That neither present time, nor years unborn Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.
-William Wordsworth
Does my prayer need to be logical?
Does my prayer need to behave in a certain way in order for there to be a response?
Logic:
God is Love
My prayer needs to be directed towards love.
My need is God. My need is LOVE.
LORD my lack is love, my lack is YOU. Fill my cup, run over.
_________________________
"Surprised by Joy"
SURPRISED by joy--impatient as the Wind I turned to share the transport--Oh! with whom But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb, That spot which no vicissitude can find? Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind-- But how could I forget thee? Through what power, Even for the least division of an hour, Have I been so beguiled as to be blind To my most grievous loss?--That thought's return Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore, Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn, Knowing my heart's best treasure was no more; That neither present time, nor years unborn Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.
-William Wordsworth
Certainly 'feelings' have a place integrated with the logic of my prayer.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
(Psalm 42:5-6 ESV)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What is with the drama?
I look back and am so excited because I am not there any more.
I am glad that God has created time so that we can move on with life and not sit in one place at a constant state.
People who say they are trustworthy some times aren't. People are simply disappointing, me included.
I praise my LORD for giving the promise of making perfect in me, something I cannot do.
My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
(Proverbs 7:1-3 ESV)
When ever anyone actively pursues wisdom the LORD greatly provides.
James writes,
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
(James 1:5 ESV)
Now James also reminds the reader that also:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
(James 1:22-25 ESV)
I don't know about you but if I am not actively in the WORD of GOD then I actively forget the WORD of GOD. It is WORK- Therefore an ACTION VERB! Not that my SALVATION is dependent on this WORK but my expression of LOVE is.
How does God know I love HIS grace that He gave me FREELY? By my LOVE in OBEDIENCE.
Some times people have a way of suffocating any freedom in grace. Surely they have forgotten that it is only by GRACE that any OBEDIENCE is capable.
GRACE not taken for granted (ROMANS 6 in mind).
Remember you and I are sinners; our natural intent is always wrong. That is why Paul reminds us in Philippians to train our minds.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)
Granted people can spend their lives working out and using a microscope to discover all the sins. And as they see each of them attach that label to themselves.
ex. "I am a liar." "I am a murder." "I am glutton." "I am an alcoholic." ...ect.
People will hold on to these sins as something not rid of but apart of their being. Granted this is a fallen world and each of the examples are mere attributes to the problem of sin.
SIN conquered on the CROSS and LIVED out in a BELIEVER or CHRISTIAN.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV)
You and I need to be saying- nay yelling this;
"GLUTTONY where is your sting?!"
"LYING you are DEAD!!"
"HATE there is DEATH for you LOVE indwells me now!!!"
"DRINK you have LOST Christ has the VICTORY!"
LORD build me. ENGRAVE Your wisdom on my heart. I know I am slow; teach me on Your time. I am here. A willing vessel.
AMEN
I am glad that God has created time so that we can move on with life and not sit in one place at a constant state.
People who say they are trustworthy some times aren't. People are simply disappointing, me included.
I praise my LORD for giving the promise of making perfect in me, something I cannot do.
My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
(Proverbs 7:1-3 ESV)
When ever anyone actively pursues wisdom the LORD greatly provides.
James writes,
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
(James 1:5 ESV)
Now James also reminds the reader that also:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
(James 1:22-25 ESV)
I don't know about you but if I am not actively in the WORD of GOD then I actively forget the WORD of GOD. It is WORK- Therefore an ACTION VERB! Not that my SALVATION is dependent on this WORK but my expression of LOVE is.
How does God know I love HIS grace that He gave me FREELY? By my LOVE in OBEDIENCE.
Some times people have a way of suffocating any freedom in grace. Surely they have forgotten that it is only by GRACE that any OBEDIENCE is capable.
GRACE not taken for granted (ROMANS 6 in mind).
Remember you and I are sinners; our natural intent is always wrong. That is why Paul reminds us in Philippians to train our minds.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)
Granted people can spend their lives working out and using a microscope to discover all the sins. And as they see each of them attach that label to themselves.
ex. "I am a liar." "I am a murder." "I am glutton." "I am an alcoholic." ...ect.
People will hold on to these sins as something not rid of but apart of their being. Granted this is a fallen world and each of the examples are mere attributes to the problem of sin.
SIN conquered on the CROSS and LIVED out in a BELIEVER or CHRISTIAN.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV)
You and I need to be saying- nay yelling this;
"GLUTTONY where is your sting?!"
"LYING you are DEAD!!"
"HATE there is DEATH for you LOVE indwells me now!!!"
"DRINK you have LOST Christ has the VICTORY!"
LORD build me. ENGRAVE Your wisdom on my heart. I know I am slow; teach me on Your time. I am here. A willing vessel.
AMEN
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Matthew 5:2-11
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
----------------------------------------
Recently it has come to my attention that a new change is about to take place in my life. I know above all things if I express what Christ spoke in this sermon He will guide me through this new part of my life.
Christ you alone I lean on. You are my reputation. I don't care what people think. I live for the LORD.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
----------------------------------------
Recently it has come to my attention that a new change is about to take place in my life. I know above all things if I express what Christ spoke in this sermon He will guide me through this new part of my life.
Christ you alone I lean on. You are my reputation. I don't care what people think. I live for the LORD.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Many Blessings
Have you ever been angry with God? I have; much like being angry at a parent you might recent the choices God has made for your own life.
What snapped me out of my anger from God most recently was a visit from three dear friends. Never calling me out their actions and nearness to God caused me to realize what I was neglecting.
I missed my Father. I spent two days holding healthy discussions and active time hanging out.
My friend Mike and I began a discussion of what I call "Getting there , but not there yet", and what he calls being SANCTIFIED.
Growing as a man he was telling me is a tenuous and difficult process of actively choosing wise choices consecutively one after the other. Our natural man always wants selfishly for himself and recognizing those choices and deciding against them.
He went on reminding me that Satan above all things wants us to forget these verses.
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 6:9-11 ESV)
WE as saved men and women have conquered DEATH by Christ, and also by Christ have CONQUERED sin. Because the death of our flesh will fall away but we live on in Christ.
---------------------------------------------
LORD thank you for your persistence in teaching me and helping me grow into a man.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)
True. What are true things?
1. 2+2=4
2. I am not perfect
3. I have earthly parents
4. People are created
5. There is a such thing as perfect
6. Regret is apart of the imperfect state I am in
7. Any good thing comes from God
8. Every human needs to be saved from sin
9. Since I am saved I have the Holy Spirit as my helper
10. Everyday I live is a new adventure to see what Christ has in store.
LORD I trust your truth to be true. To transcend by the Holy Spirit into my being as I live every day. Be constantly in my mind and use Your truth to un-twist my corrupt heart.
Amen
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)
True. What are true things?
1. 2+2=4
2. I am not perfect
3. I have earthly parents
4. People are created
5. There is a such thing as perfect
6. Regret is apart of the imperfect state I am in
7. Any good thing comes from God
8. Every human needs to be saved from sin
9. Since I am saved I have the Holy Spirit as my helper
10. Everyday I live is a new adventure to see what Christ has in store.
LORD I trust your truth to be true. To transcend by the Holy Spirit into my being as I live every day. Be constantly in my mind and use Your truth to un-twist my corrupt heart.
Amen
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tonight I had a meeting with a man from Church.
Meeting with trustworthy elders is vital to advancing your own personal Christian growth. He advised me with these verses.
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
We both enjoyed talking. I trust as God continues to build me into a man the Holy Spirit will continue to give me courage to take action towards seeking counsel. Not necessarily from the obvious people around me but the ones least suspected for wisdom.
Guard my heart from its own deceit LORD.
I pray this.
I mean this.
I need this.
Amen.
Meeting with trustworthy elders is vital to advancing your own personal Christian growth. He advised me with these verses.
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
We both enjoyed talking. I trust as God continues to build me into a man the Holy Spirit will continue to give me courage to take action towards seeking counsel. Not necessarily from the obvious people around me but the ones least suspected for wisdom.
Guard my heart from its own deceit LORD.
I pray this.
I mean this.
I need this.
Amen.
Monday, February 20, 2012
In all sincerity as I have been growing in the LORD and becoming a man the harder I find it to be kind to my fellow Christians. Why is it easier for me to shed grace left and right to non-Christians but when it comes to fellow believers my anger is kindled so quickly?
This verse came to mind.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV)
I listened to a sermon in the middle of the night last night. The speaker reminded me to to fight for peace with those I find hard to get along with. No matter who they are.
LORD I cannot do this on my own. Send me the grace I need to share love with those you love and have forgiven. Am I not as bad or worse as these I have grown to dislike?
I cling to the Cross to the point of splinters and to my dear friends to the point of blood.
Keep us strong my LORD.
Amen.
This verse came to mind.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV)
I listened to a sermon in the middle of the night last night. The speaker reminded me to to fight for peace with those I find hard to get along with. No matter who they are.
LORD I cannot do this on my own. Send me the grace I need to share love with those you love and have forgiven. Am I not as bad or worse as these I have grown to dislike?
I cling to the Cross to the point of splinters and to my dear friends to the point of blood.
Keep us strong my LORD.
Amen.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Letter to God
Dear LORD,
Continue to sift me and create me to be a man; a man that honors you in what I do and what I say.
I have not been honest and find it hard to be honest. Why? The ones I love only want to care for me.
Thank you for continuing to build me into a man after your own heart.
Teach me who to trust so I won't be hurt by un-trustworthy people who have good intentions.
Sincerely,
Your Son
Continue to sift me and create me to be a man; a man that honors you in what I do and what I say.
I have not been honest and find it hard to be honest. Why? The ones I love only want to care for me.
Thank you for continuing to build me into a man after your own heart.
Teach me who to trust so I won't be hurt by un-trustworthy people who have good intentions.
Sincerely,
Your Son
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Today I held witness to such strong contrasts in this world today.
But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go. And as morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man's house where her master was, until it was light.
(Judges 19:25-26 ESV)
What a terrible story. Can man get lower? The Earth is full of despicable people.
However there are also people on the contrary that show and live in genuine love.
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 5:13-19 ESV)
LORD I live in the world of the Judges, and hold the body of Christ as my witness of your power in love in this world.
Yes despicable men exist. But by your grace I am able to see that you create the despicable man in me into the genuine servant of you.
Amen.
But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go. And as morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man's house where her master was, until it was light.
(Judges 19:25-26 ESV)
What a terrible story. Can man get lower? The Earth is full of despicable people.
However there are also people on the contrary that show and live in genuine love.
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 5:13-19 ESV)
LORD I live in the world of the Judges, and hold the body of Christ as my witness of your power in love in this world.
Yes despicable men exist. But by your grace I am able to see that you create the despicable man in me into the genuine servant of you.
Amen.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Family.
I miss my family.
Missing your family means at least you have one.
I am so blessed to have a family to miss.
Thank you LORD for my family. A family that knows my struggles. They know my strengths. They keep me humble.
About my family-
Not one of my family members is the same or has the same personality let alone looks like the other.
Each one is brilliant and dramatic. I miss that. The arguments in tears- some scars all grace. A group though each flower a different type come from the same root.
How- or better yet- wouldn't you miss that?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Taken Care of.
There was once a young man who had a vision of what God had in store for his life.
He knew that there was many different particular goals that needed to be before he could reach the end of this vision.
Little did he know that the most simple was the most important. Though he could affect others with these goals and he had many gifts from God to reach this vision he still missed on the most simple one.
He needed to be honest with others- to be genuine. He cannot reach the fulfillment of this vision without being honest and genuine.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
(2 Corinthians 6:1-10 ESV)
He knew that there was many different particular goals that needed to be before he could reach the end of this vision.
Little did he know that the most simple was the most important. Though he could affect others with these goals and he had many gifts from God to reach this vision he still missed on the most simple one.
He needed to be honest with others- to be genuine. He cannot reach the fulfillment of this vision without being honest and genuine.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
(2 Corinthians 6:1-10 ESV)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I Love You
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
(1 John 4:7-12 ESV)
(1 John 4:7-12 ESV)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Today for some reason was pretty tough.
What made it worth it was a package waiting for me when I got back to the house. I was so excited I could hardly contain it.
My family sent it to me and I miss them dearly right now.
Receiving packages is fun- I think that we all would aree with that.
Any way I just wanted to share this joy.
Lord help my heart discover your grace in the packages from my family, or my grandmother ironing all my pants and long sleeve shirts. Teach me to truly appreciate them.
Amen.
What made it worth it was a package waiting for me when I got back to the house. I was so excited I could hardly contain it.
My family sent it to me and I miss them dearly right now.
Receiving packages is fun- I think that we all would aree with that.
Any way I just wanted to share this joy.
Lord help my heart discover your grace in the packages from my family, or my grandmother ironing all my pants and long sleeve shirts. Teach me to truly appreciate them.
Amen.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My own worst enemy
But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.
(Numbers 32:23 ESV)
more importantly.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
(Romans 6:1-3 ESV)
and this is the way i feel.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:21-25 ESV)
i trust this.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39 ESV)
(Numbers 32:23 ESV)
more importantly.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
(Romans 6:1-3 ESV)
and this is the way i feel.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:21-25 ESV)
i trust this.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39 ESV)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Colossians 1:15-17
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by[6] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
--------------------------
I was driving home from work today, I sorta was feeling low. It is rainy and cloudy here not to mention cold. Day in and day out I wake up and these clouds seem to suffocate me. And on the way home from work today this scripture came to me while I was praying.
He is my father and by adoptions I share in his inheritance. And right now I share in the clouds my father holds together for me.
Lord continue to teach me in these cloudy months.
Amen.
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by[6] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
--------------------------
I was driving home from work today, I sorta was feeling low. It is rainy and cloudy here not to mention cold. Day in and day out I wake up and these clouds seem to suffocate me. And on the way home from work today this scripture came to me while I was praying.
He is my father and by adoptions I share in his inheritance. And right now I share in the clouds my father holds together for me.
Lord continue to teach me in these cloudy months.
Amen.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Cross
I don't fully understand what God is doing in my life. I still make mistakes and He guides me through the days one step at a time.
I love running to his arms. Each of my hands are splintered from clinging to the cross.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)
I love running to his arms. Each of my hands are splintered from clinging to the cross.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Work is pretty crazy and I truly enjoy helping our clients.
Philippians 3:8
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ"
I hope that when I deal with any of the clients at work I leave them knowing that I serve Christ. My joy and whole being is complete in my savior.
Amen.
Philippians 3:8
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ"
I hope that when I deal with any of the clients at work I leave them knowing that I serve Christ. My joy and whole being is complete in my savior.
Amen.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I just finished eating dinner at my Aunt and Uncles house. I am so glad to have family in town. I miss my friends and I am sad that I am not in school this semester but I trust that God has a plan. He has provided a great job and I know this is my place for a time.
What is this art of distinction? Why am I always pressed to ask questions? Lord you are my answer, nothing man can create compares to you.
Lord continue to be my strength and refuge. I am forever yours.
Amen.
What is this art of distinction? Why am I always pressed to ask questions? Lord you are my answer, nothing man can create compares to you.
Lord continue to be my strength and refuge. I am forever yours.
Amen.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Exhausted for the Lord
Goodness! I was so exhausted last night when I made it back from work I did nothing and fell asleep.
I don't know how a person can work such long hours and not collapse!?!?
Last night I did!
But yesterday was such a blessing! I was concerned for one of the employees and God gave me an opportunity to pray openly for her and her mother! I was very encouraged by this.
LORD may your name be praised above all names- and let there be no mistake in who I work for or who is my employer. I love to hire people, and more importantly I love to let them know that you are my true boss! Please continue to give me opportunities to spread the work of your Son in prayer!
Amen
I don't know how a person can work such long hours and not collapse!?!?
Last night I did!
But yesterday was such a blessing! I was concerned for one of the employees and God gave me an opportunity to pray openly for her and her mother! I was very encouraged by this.
LORD may your name be praised above all names- and let there be no mistake in who I work for or who is my employer. I love to hire people, and more importantly I love to let them know that you are my true boss! Please continue to give me opportunities to spread the work of your Son in prayer!
Amen
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I am pretty excited tonight! I was able to work with my cousin on a project and it was so much fun.
Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others
My cousin really helped me out tonight. And we worked together to create a neat little piece of art.
I thank God for the help!
Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others
My cousin really helped me out tonight. And we worked together to create a neat little piece of art.
I thank God for the help!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
I fear nothing.
Philippians 1:27-28
27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
LORD let it be obvious that I fear nothing due to Your salvation! I love you so very much.
Amen
27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
LORD let it be obvious that I fear nothing due to Your salvation! I love you so very much.
Amen
Monday, January 30, 2012
Philippians 2:1-8
"1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Every day I spend with all types of people. My job has required me to deal with people from every walk of life, from the lowest to some of the highest. By Christ's example I pray that I present myself humble and a servent of the gospel in joy to everyone, no matter who they are.
"1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Every day I spend with all types of people. My job has required me to deal with people from every walk of life, from the lowest to some of the highest. By Christ's example I pray that I present myself humble and a servent of the gospel in joy to everyone, no matter who they are.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Abba! Father!
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(Romans 8:12-17 ESV)
I have been doing research on this passage recently. I have been adopted by the creator of the universe!
He is my father. My generation of sin is abolished in His grace.
Amen
(Romans 8:12-17 ESV)
I have been doing research on this passage recently. I have been adopted by the creator of the universe!
He is my father. My generation of sin is abolished in His grace.
Amen
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
What a test.
The blanket of gray is ever above me.
Hey clouds! Move away so I can see!
My vision is a tempest,
Like the faith of Israel in the wilderness
Fickle in its scope.
LORD be my hope,
Move these clouds and this test!
I am sorry for being weak,
Send the SUN, and by your SON
I can best the clouds this week!
Amen
Hey clouds! Move away so I can see!
My vision is a tempest,
Like the faith of Israel in the wilderness
Fickle in its scope.
LORD be my hope,
Move these clouds and this test!
I am sorry for being weak,
Send the SUN, and by your SON
I can best the clouds this week!
Amen
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Father Gilligan
The Ballad Of Father Gilligan
Written by: William Butler Yeats
------------------------------
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Was weary night and day;
For half his flock were in their beds,
Or under green sods lay.
Once, while he nodded on a chair,
At the moth-hour of eve,
Another poor man sent for him,
And he began to grieve.
'I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace,
For people die and die';
And after cried he, 'God forgive!
My body spake, not I!'
He knelt, and leaning on the chair
He prayed and fell asleep;
And the moth-hour went from the fields,
And stars began to peep.
They slowly into millions grew,
And leaves shook in the wind;
And God covered the world with shade,
And whispered to mankind.
Upon the time of sparrow-chirp
When the moths came once more.
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Stood upright on the floor.
'Mavrone, mavrone! the man has died
While I slept on the chair';
He roused his horse out of its sleep,
And rode with little care.
He rode now as he never rode,
By rocky lane and fen;
The sick man's wife opened the door:
'Father! you come again!'
'And is the poor man dead?' he cried.
'He died an hour ago.'
The old priest Peter Gilligan
In grief swayed to and fro.
'When you were gone, he turned and died
As merry as a bird.'
The old priest Peter Gilligan
He knelt him at that word.
'He Who hath made the night of stars
For souls who tire and bleed,
Sent one of His great angels down
To help me in my need.
'He Who is wrapped in purple robes,
With planets in His care,
Had pity on the least of things
Asleep upon a chair.'
Written by: William Butler Yeats
------------------------------
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Was weary night and day;
For half his flock were in their beds,
Or under green sods lay.
Once, while he nodded on a chair,
At the moth-hour of eve,
Another poor man sent for him,
And he began to grieve.
'I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace,
For people die and die';
And after cried he, 'God forgive!
My body spake, not I!'
He knelt, and leaning on the chair
He prayed and fell asleep;
And the moth-hour went from the fields,
And stars began to peep.
They slowly into millions grew,
And leaves shook in the wind;
And God covered the world with shade,
And whispered to mankind.
Upon the time of sparrow-chirp
When the moths came once more.
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Stood upright on the floor.
'Mavrone, mavrone! the man has died
While I slept on the chair';
He roused his horse out of its sleep,
And rode with little care.
He rode now as he never rode,
By rocky lane and fen;
The sick man's wife opened the door:
'Father! you come again!'
'And is the poor man dead?' he cried.
'He died an hour ago.'
The old priest Peter Gilligan
In grief swayed to and fro.
'When you were gone, he turned and died
As merry as a bird.'
The old priest Peter Gilligan
He knelt him at that word.
'He Who hath made the night of stars
For souls who tire and bleed,
Sent one of His great angels down
To help me in my need.
'He Who is wrapped in purple robes,
With planets in His care,
Had pity on the least of things
Asleep upon a chair.'
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Perfect Practice
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
(Psalm 111:10 ESV)
Practice makes character.
I love the practice of praise!
Peace and awe,
Man can find no flaw
In my LORD!
Perfect and complete
these only meet in His Holiness!
Amen
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
(Psalm 111:10 ESV)
Practice makes character.
I love the practice of praise!
Peace and awe,
Man can find no flaw
In my LORD!
Perfect and complete
these only meet in His Holiness!
Amen
Monday, January 23, 2012
Yeats
Yeats, William Butler
To His Heart, Bidding It Have No Fear
Written by: William Butler Yeats
Be you still, be you still, trembling heart;
Remember the wisdom out of the old days:
Him who trembles before the flame and the flood,
And the winds that blow through the starry ways,
Let the starry winds and the flame and the flood
Cover over and hide, for he has no part
With the lonely, majestical multitude.
---------------------------------------
I have personally discovered Yeats! How have I missed out on such creativity?!?!
In any event, I pray that my LORD continues to cast out all ungodly fear. I Fear the LORD and Him alone!
Amen.
To His Heart, Bidding It Have No Fear
Written by: William Butler Yeats
Be you still, be you still, trembling heart;
Remember the wisdom out of the old days:
Him who trembles before the flame and the flood,
And the winds that blow through the starry ways,
Let the starry winds and the flame and the flood
Cover over and hide, for he has no part
With the lonely, majestical multitude.
---------------------------------------
I have personally discovered Yeats! How have I missed out on such creativity?!?!
In any event, I pray that my LORD continues to cast out all ungodly fear. I Fear the LORD and Him alone!
Amen.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
1 Corithinians 1:28-2:4
28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being[3] might boast in the presence of God. 30And because of him[4] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers,[5] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[6] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
-------------------------------------------
I pray I reveal that any strength I have is because of the LORD.
28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being[3] might boast in the presence of God. 30And because of him[4] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers,[5] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[6] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
-------------------------------------------
I pray I reveal that any strength I have is because of the LORD.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Genesis 39:2-3
2The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.
I pray that God will bless my hands as I work. May I honor Him with all I do.
2The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.
I pray that God will bless my hands as I work. May I honor Him with all I do.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Everything Praise the LORD!
150th Psalm
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![290]
2Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![290]
2Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The LORD my provider.
Today God has provided work for my hands. It is not easy and a bit stressful. All the more reason to lean fully on Him who holds me up.
This position is temporary but that will not hold me back from working with all my strength to be productive for the work God has given me.
I pray that my employers recognize that I am not working for them but my provider in heaven. And when they ask I will smile and let them know that God is the one that gave me work- not them.
The toil is great for the descendants of Adam
Thank you Adam,
But there came our perfect Adam
And He saved our toil by death,
Eternally I rest because
He conquered death for us all
Toil had no sweat to give
He arose from death so we may live.
Where does my strength come from?
The Messiah- The perfect Adam- My LORD.
Stress toil and death have no sting on me.
I am redeemed.
Amen
This position is temporary but that will not hold me back from working with all my strength to be productive for the work God has given me.
I pray that my employers recognize that I am not working for them but my provider in heaven. And when they ask I will smile and let them know that God is the one that gave me work- not them.
The toil is great for the descendants of Adam
Thank you Adam,
But there came our perfect Adam
And He saved our toil by death,
Eternally I rest because
He conquered death for us all
Toil had no sweat to give
He arose from death so we may live.
Where does my strength come from?
The Messiah- The perfect Adam- My LORD.
Stress toil and death have no sting on me.
I am redeemed.
Amen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Draught of Sunshine
Hence Burgundy, Claret, and Port,
Away with old Hock and madeira,
Too earthly ye are for my sport;
There's a beverage brighter and clearer.
Instead of a piriful rummer,
My wine overbrims a whole summer;
My bowl is the sky,
And I drink at my eye,
Till I feel in the brain
A Delphian pain -
Then follow, my Caius! then follow:
On the green of the hill
We will drink our fill
Of golden sunshine,
Till our brains intertwine
With the glory and grace of Apollo!
God of the Meridian,
And of the East and West,
To thee my soul is flown,
And my body is earthward press'd. -
It is an awful mission,
A terrible division;
And leaves a gulph austere
To be fill'd with worldly fear.
Aye, when the soul is fled
To high above our head,
Affrighted do we gaze
After its airy maze,
As doth a mother wild,
When her young infant child
Is in an eagle's claws -
And is not this the cause
Of madness? - God of Song,
Thou bearest me along
Through sights I scarce can bear:
O let me, let me share
With the hot lyre and thee,
The staid Philosophy.
Temper my lonely hours,
And let me see thy bowers
More unalarm'd!
John Keats
Away with old Hock and madeira,
Too earthly ye are for my sport;
There's a beverage brighter and clearer.
Instead of a piriful rummer,
My wine overbrims a whole summer;
My bowl is the sky,
And I drink at my eye,
Till I feel in the brain
A Delphian pain -
Then follow, my Caius! then follow:
On the green of the hill
We will drink our fill
Of golden sunshine,
Till our brains intertwine
With the glory and grace of Apollo!
God of the Meridian,
And of the East and West,
To thee my soul is flown,
And my body is earthward press'd. -
It is an awful mission,
A terrible division;
And leaves a gulph austere
To be fill'd with worldly fear.
Aye, when the soul is fled
To high above our head,
Affrighted do we gaze
After its airy maze,
As doth a mother wild,
When her young infant child
Is in an eagle's claws -
And is not this the cause
Of madness? - God of Song,
Thou bearest me along
Through sights I scarce can bear:
O let me, let me share
With the hot lyre and thee,
The staid Philosophy.
Temper my lonely hours,
And let me see thy bowers
More unalarm'd!
John Keats
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
When i was younger I would use my Bicycle to get to work. Work was over five miles away and it was going to be five miles back.
When I made it to work it wasn't an air conditioned place and I would have to clean after animals.
I used all of my money i earned for gas money.
Some times when I look back on what experiences I have had I wonder what God was training me for. I don't see it now, but I trust that it will become apparent in my future.
I know that working with my whole being is something that God has desired and wanted. I pray I show this today as much as I did in my youth.
Lord my life is yours. take and seal it .
I am prone to wonder, prone to leave the one I love. Don't allow me to!
Take and seal me into your courts above!
Amen
When I made it to work it wasn't an air conditioned place and I would have to clean after animals.
I used all of my money i earned for gas money.
Some times when I look back on what experiences I have had I wonder what God was training me for. I don't see it now, but I trust that it will become apparent in my future.
I know that working with my whole being is something that God has desired and wanted. I pray I show this today as much as I did in my youth.
Lord my life is yours. take and seal it .
I am prone to wonder, prone to leave the one I love. Don't allow me to!
Take and seal me into your courts above!
Amen
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