Sing With Me Saturday

When they were come to the place, whch is called Calvary,
there they crucified Him.
Luke 23:33

At Calvary

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.

By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.

Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary!

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!

Chorus:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your only son to die for me at Calvary. I don't deserve your sacrifice, I deserve hell, but you loved me so much you wanted to give me a way to have eternal life, a life spent with you. May I never forget what you did for me at Calvary and may I share the joyous miracle of Calvary's plan with all those around me. In Jesus holy name, AMEN.

Doer of the Word

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:22-25

Wow, does this passage hit a nerve! Oh how often I read the Word or hear it preached with big plans to make a change in my life, yet just like the man looking at himself in the mirror, I walk away and forget the decision I made before God. I deceive myself and my God each time I do this. God only blesses when we ACT on what we hear. Making the decision in my mind does nothing until I act on it.

But why is it so hard to act on the decision to change my life?? It's quite simple, really. Satan surely doesn't want me to change my life for God's glory. He doesn't want me to grow stronger in the Lord. He wants me to fail miserably. He wants me to make empty promises to God. You can bet that once I've made the decision to repent and turn from sin, Satan is going to do all that he can to trip me up. When I am a hearer of the Word but not a doer, I allow Satan to have the victory and I bring sadness to the heart of God.

So how can I keep this from happening? By taking care of first things first....God MUST be first in my life. There is nothing more to it than that. If He is not first, everything else will be out of place as well. I won't have the strength, His strength, to help me make the right decisions. In my weakness, I will fail. When Satan tempts me to do wrong, to forget the promise I made to God to act on His Word, the only way I can succeed in thwarting his (Satan's) plan is to keep my eyes fixed on Christ. When I take care of first things first and put God before myself, I am able to turn from temptation because I want to please God. I REMEMBER the promise I made and I keep it.

Oh how I want to please God and keep my promises to Him! Oh how I want to be a doer of the Word!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for pointing out this sin in my life. Help me to be a doer of Your Word and not a hearer only. It saddens me to think that I often renege on my promises to you because I don't put YOU first in my life. Help me to have a passion for You, for Your Word and for Your will. Give me the strength to stand up to the temptations of Satan and not surrender to them, but instead surrender to YOU and Your perfect will. May you receive all the glory! In Jesus most precious and holy name, AMEN.

A Quick Thought to Ponder

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

Isn't that amazing? God created you for HIS pleasure! How important it is for us to please him with our obedience. We owe Him all that we are. How could we give him any less than our best?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating me for your pleasure. Help me to always seek to please you. May I be used for your glory to bring you pleasure. Give me the wisdom to see when I am am not pleasing you and to repent, seek your forgiveness and try again. You love me, Father, more than I could ever imagine. May my life show my love for YOU, my Creator, my Sustainer, and my Redeemer. In Jesus holy name, AMEN.

Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

I have the hardest time being still....in fact I don't even really like to be still. I like to be busy all the time. Even when I sit down to watch TV I usually have something else going on, but it is so important for me to take the time to be still, just to quiet my heart and focus on God's word and His promises, to spend time with Him in prayer and give Him the opportunity to speak to me through His Holy Spirit.

Great peace have they which love thy law:
and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 119:165

When the spirit is overloaded with the cares of this world, it is difficult to find peace and be still. We are almost too busy to MAKE the time to be still, but God's peace is worth the time. He can calm the storm in our anxious hearts and give us the peace that passes all understanding.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psalm 107:29

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

When it feels as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, BE STILL. Make the time to share your cares with God. He wants to hear from you. He wants to strengthen your heart. He wants you to feel His peace and rest.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for always being there to give me the strength to endure the cares of this world. Help to me MAKE the time to be still, to allow you to fill me with your peace that I might be refreshed and renewed. The tasks of this life can be so overwhelming and the burdens so heavy, but YOU are able to strengthen and calm my anxious spirit. May I never allow the cares of this world to choke out your word and make it unfruitful. Give me a desire to spend time with you each day that I might be ready to take on the tasks ahead and not grow weary. I pray in Jesus holy name, AMEN.

Sing With Me Saturday

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Victory in Jesus

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,"
And somehow Jesus came and bro't
To me the victory.

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing,
And the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I'll sing up there
The song of victory.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving me the victory in Jesus! I need not fear or worry because the victory is already mine. Help me to claim the victory each and every day. May I not allow the cares of this life to make me weary but may I stand up strong and victorious in Jesus Christ my Savior. In his precious and most holy name I pray, AMEN.

Temper, Temper!

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20

Some people are very calm individuals. Nothing really gets to them. I am so NOT one of those people. I shamefully admit that I am much quicker to anger than I should be. Years ago I would say that I got it from my mother, thinking my genes and even my environment as a child justified my hot-temper...but the fact is, it's just an excuse. Sure some people are more hot-tempered than others, but that doesn't make it ok, it just means I need to work at it more. God's word tells me it is wrong so there is no excuse I can give to make it right.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Proverbs 14:29

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
Proverbs 27:3

Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Proverbs 29:8

God's word tells us that to be hot-tempered is foolish!

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

Not only does God's word tell us that a temper is foolish but it also tells how how to turn from it and even not be the cause of it---a SOFT answer.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:31

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to put away wrath and anger, to be quick to listen and slow to speak, to answer softly in love. I don't want to be foolish in your sight, Father, I want to be wise, one who builds up, one of great understanding. The next time my temper starts to flare up, remind me of these verses and give me the strength, YOUR strength, to turn from foolishness and wrath and to choose YOUR way instead. May my response bring YOU glory, I pray in Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Teach Your Children

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalm 127:3

This morning I am feeling a tad down, so I am trusting in the LORD to lift my spirits. There are some big changes heading my way, good changes, but tough nonetheless. I am ready for the LORD to work but it is imperative that I move out of the way and allow Him to lead and even more importantly, that I keep my focus and order my priorities according to HIS will.

One of those priorities is my children. They are gifts from God entrusted to my care that I might nurture, love, and most of all teach and train them in the ways of the LORD.

Within the past year, so many friends have lost or almost lost a child or loved one.....how sobering to be reminded that life is but a vapor.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:14

We are never guaranteed tomorrow, so we MUST make the most of today! I need to teach my children NOW. I must use every moment I have with them to teach them of Christ and his unfailing love for them. It is my responsibility as a Christian mother.

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 11:19

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Psalm 78:4

They will not be my little boys forever and even if they have tomorrow, and the next day and the next year and so on, what they learn NOW will effect the men they one day become.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

I need to take my job as a mother seriously today and every day these dear ones are with me and I need to make the most of the the time I have with them.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for entrusting me with the care of YOUR children. Help me to be the mother and teacher you want me to be, that my boys would grow in the nurture and admonition of the LORD, that they would see your marvelous works and praise your name, that they would live for you and one day become the godly men you would have them to be. Help me to use my time with them wisely and may they see YOUR SON in me. I pray in Jesus precious name, AMEN.

A Busy Day

Just popping in to share a quick scripture with you today since it's been one of those days :)...

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for always providing a way out when temptation comes. When I am tempted to sin, give me the wisdom to see the way out and the strength to take it. In Jesus most holy name, AMEN

Scripture Sunday

This fantastic passage of scripture was spoken to the children of Israel but is applicable to us today....

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:3-4

Are you struggling today? God is carrying YOU!! What more can I say?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for carrying me through the trials I face in this life. I never have to go it alone. You are always with me. You knew me in my mother's womb and loved me even then and I can count on you to deliver me. May I lean on your everlasting arms. In Jesus precious name, AMEN

Sing With Me Saturday

Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Today's hymn....

Sweet Hour of Prayer
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Prayer.....There is nothing like it. It's like having Jesus right there in the room with you, to laugh with you, to cry with you, to share your desires and your burdens. He's your best friend and he loves you so much. Oh that we might spend an hour with him in prayer!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the privilege of prayer! What joy I find when I spend that sweet time with you. Whether it be an hour, a few minutes or a few seconds throughout my day, you are ALWAYS there. May I never cease to come to you in prayer no matter how small the petition or praise. In Jesus holy name, AMEN.

The Faith of Job

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 13:15

Job was one faithful guy. Even Satan noticed his faithfulness and he didn't believe it. Job was a rich man. He had a large family, lots of land and lots of money. God allowed Satan to take it all away from Job to prove a point. Satan believed that Job was faithful only because of his wealth, but God knew otherwise. When Satan was allowed to have his way, Job lost almost everything, yet he still trusted God. His friends and even his wife thought he was crazy. They even thought he must have done something wrong to deserve all the terrible things that happened to him, but even with all of their bad advice he still remained faithful. In the end Job's wealth was replenished and then some!! God blessed him even more than before, because he remained faithful even in the really hard times!

Just last night a dear friend shared that her husband had finally found a job after being without for MONTHS. His income was their only income, so you can imagine how tough it's been for them. It even got to the point where they thought they might lose their house, but they waited on the Lord, they remained faithful and guess what....after all those months of struggle, God provided her husband with a job even better than they imagined!!

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:23-24

It's our God just amazing??? Sometimes when we pray for a situation we expect a fast answer, but God's timing is PERFECT! He knows exactly what he is doing and he promises to take care of his faithful children. This couple was faithful, they waited on the Lord and rested in his promise and in turn he provided exceeding abundantly above all they could ask or think!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for providing this job for my dear friend's husband. I am overwhelmed with joy for them. Your word is true!! You show us everyday. May I be faithful always as Job and this dear couple even when the tough times come. Help me to trust in you unconditionally and to share your wondrous works with those around me. May you receive the glory for only you are worthy! In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Usurping God

Last night at prayer meeting my Pastor spoke about "what Satan is up to".
His wise teaching struck a chord with me,
so I wanted to spend more time on the subject.

Satan's main goal is to usurp God. He wants to take the place of God. He wants to rule instead of God. He wants God's glory. He wants God's authority. In reading these statements, do they sound familiar in your own life?
I must shamefully admit that they do in mine.

Every time I choose my way instead of God's way,
I am usurping God's authority.

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77:13

Every time I put my own needs and desires first instead of God's,
I am usurping God's place in my life.

Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
1 Chronicles 29:11

Every time I boast or brag,
I am usurping God's glory.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Every time I "make the call" instead of asking God to guide me,
I am usurping God's rule over me.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Psalm 31:3

When I usurp God, I am following the lead of Satan himself.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing to me my tendency to usurp you and forgive me for this sin. Help me to choose YOU above all else, to seek YOUR guidance over quick decisions, to seek YOUR way, not mine, to give YOU all the glory and take none for myself. Father, your mercy and love astound me. May I continue to grow in your truth that I might be used of you to bring YOU glory, for that is my only purpose on this earth. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Psalm 37

This morning I read this beautiful Psalm. There is so much wisdom in these precious verses so I thought I would share parts of this passage that really spoke to me. I do encourage you to read the chapter in it's entirety, however. You will be blessed!

(verses 3-9)
³Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

⁵Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

⁶And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

⁷Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

⁸Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

⁹For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

(verses 23-24)
²³The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

²⁴Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

(verses 39-40)
³⁹But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

⁴⁰And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

The basic principal of this chapter is that God will take care of His own when they trust in Him.

We read phrases like "Trust in the LORD, delight thyself in the LORD, commit thy way unto the LORD, rest in the LORD, wait on the LORD". These aren't just suggestions, they are commands.

What happens when we obey these commands? "He shall give thee the desires of thine heart, he shall bring it to pass, he shall bring forth thy righteousness as light, they shall inherit the earth, the LORD upholdeth him with his hand, he is their strength in time of trouble, the LORD shall help them and deliver them."

WOW!!! Look at all those promises! Do YOU believe you can take God at His word? I sure do!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing me in this Psalm that you are my strength, my help, and my provider. Help me, Father, to always trust in you, rest in you, wait on you, delight in you, and commit my way to you that I might know the peace that comes from obedience. Give me the desire to put YOU first always. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

In EVERY Thing

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6

This verse says so much....We are to worry about nothing, but in EVERY thing come to God in prayer with THANKSGIVING. Being able to come to God with our requests is such a privilege, but we shouldn't only ASK for things, we should THANK Him for the things he has already given us!

The Psalmist got the idea...

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

So many times when things are going along smoothly we forget about God, we forget to thank Him and praise Him for His countless blessings, but when the tough times come, we beg and plead for Him to help us. Don't we owe it to God to thank Him always for all things....EVEN THE BAD??

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

There is that phrase again "in every thing". It doesn't say in good things, it says in EVERY thing! That includes the bad things.

How and why should we be thankful "in every thing"??

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Because God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ!! We have nothing to fear, nothing to complain about, no reason to grumble and worry....we already have the victory through our Precious Savior!!

If you are a child of the King, a born-again Christian, saved by the blood of The Lamb, then you can rest assured....

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

The victory is yours and you have EVERY THING to be thankful for!!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that I already have the victory through the shed blood of your Son. I have nothing to fear, no reason to worry, grumble or complain. Help me to be thankful in EVERY thing and to claim that victory I already have in Jesus. When struggles come, help me to remember that you see the whole picture and you know what is best for me. Through trials you teach and mold me. Thank you for the trials for without them I wouldn't grow. May I always be thankful in EVERY thing and give you all the glory. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

A Word To The Weary

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9

Ah yes, it's Monday again. Another busy but enjoyable weekend has passed and although it is easy to have the Monday blahs today I think I will choose to rejoice instead!

The mundane tasks we must complete each day can be such a drag, can't they? I recall many times just wishing I had a different life, so I didn't have to do all of those mundane tasks, but the fact is, those tasks are part of the job that God has given me. Being a housewife, a homeschool mother, a deacon's wife and even a business woman can tire me out, make me weary, but they are what I am, what God has allowed me to be. He wants me to give my best with a grateful heart, to not grow weary in well-doing, because HE is my strength and HE alone will sustain me! The tasks that are set before us each day may seem so trivial but when done with the right attitude and perspective, relying on God's strength rather than our own, we can reap what we sow, the blessings will flow like we could never imagine!

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
Isaiah 40:28

Isn't that a powerful verse?! God NEVER grows weary!
Your Creator, my Creator, He has enough strength for all of His children should we simply rely on it!

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Reading that verse literally brings tears to my eyes.
What can I even say? It says it all.

Let's not grow weary in well-doing, in the mundane tasks set before us this day, but wait upon the Lord to renew our strength TODAY and every day!

Dear Heavenly Father, Your word is so powerful. Thank you for speaking to me through it and teaching me more and more about You, Your love for me, and how I can be the person You want me to be. Help me not to grow weary of the daily tasks that seem so trivial. Help me to joy in them, for they come from you. Help me to do my best, as unto the Lord and to rely on Your strength when I begin to grow weary, that my strength might be renewed! In Jesus precious and holy name, AMEN.

Scripture Sunday

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:5-6

There is NOTHING we can do to merit salvation. No good works have ever gotten and will ever get ANYONE into Heaven. We are ALL born sinners. There is none righteous, no not one, (Romans 3:10) but God through His infinite mercy sent His only Son, the Lamb of God, to be the ultimate sacrifice for all. From the moment each of us came into this world, we were enemies of God. When God looks upon the unsaved all he sees is their sin, but when he looks upon those of us who have been redeemed, He sees only the blood of His Son!! You have already been offered the gift of redemption and salvation.....the question is, have YOU accepted the gift?

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for your love, which I do not deserve. I could never do anything to earn your love nor could I do anything to earn an eternity in Heaven, but by your grace and mercy you chose me, you gave me the gift of salvation and I accepted it. Now Father, may I do all that I can to share that gift of love and mercy with all those around me that they, too, might know the peace and joy that comes from KNOWING your Son, Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer. In Jesus most holy name, AMEN.

Sing With Me Saturday

I LOVE good old fashioned hymns. I love listening to them and I love singing them and since my Saturdays are often times just as busy as my Sundays, I thought it would be fun to share the lyrics of a precious hymn every Saturday as well as the verse it was inspired by. Music is a wonderful way for us to worship our God and Savior!

So sing along with me....

Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for taking me just as I was years ago, for saving me from my sins through the precious blood of your Son and for molding me day by day into the person you want me to be. Thank you for the assurance I have in Christ's death and resurrection that I will one day spend eternity with You in Heaven! Help me to seek your will each day and to share your promise with those around me. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Cheer up!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Being cheerful can be so hard sometimes. When my kids are fighting or I get a less than pleasing phone call or email, or I'm really busy and everyone in the house needs me for something it's so easy for me to be agitated and grumpy, but I have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!.....How could I NOT be cheerful always?! He commands me to do so.

What does it mean to "be of good cheer"?

Some definitions I found of the word cheer:
-as a noun: lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy; a source of joy or happiness; a comfort; the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom;

-as a verb: to make or become happy or hopeful; comfort or be comforted; to applaud or encourage; give encouragement to; cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful; show approval or good wishes

Reading through these definitions, it is quite evident what Jesus meant by telling us to "be of good cheer." He was telling us to be without worry, to be encouraged and full of joy.

Trouble WILL come, there is no way around it, but how we respond is what makes ALL the difference. As Christians, others should see that difference in us. It should be seen in our countenance, our attitudes, our actions and our words. Jesus didn't mope around with a frown on his face even though he knew his fate on Calvary. Paul didn't whine and complain when he was sent to prison on more than one occasion. Esther was liked by everyone because of her cheery disposition despite her undesirable circumstances.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Matthew 9:2

So the next time someone or something upsets you or the task ahead seems more than you can bear....SMILE and be cheerful---Jesus LOVES you and died for you! Don't pout, don't complain, be cheerful! You'll be surprised by how great you feel! You may even pass the cheerfulness on to everyone around you :).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me reason to be of good cheer by sending your only Son to die for my sins. Help me to smile more and pout less, to encourage more and complain less, to be more like your Son each day and share his cheerfulness and love with everyone around me even if I don't feel like it. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Wisdom Waits

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him,
to the soul that seeketh him.
Lamentations 3:25

Are you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of person? I am. It's so hard for me to plan and schedule and I tend to make decisions on the fly as well---not a good quality for a Christian to have, but I am working on it.

I learned a very powerful concept recently---WISDOM WAITS. There is so much WISDOM in that phrase.

Let's put this into perspective with a little story....

Over the summer, we had problems with our washing machine. One day I went down to the basement to do laundry and I noticed the washing machine was still full of water with the clothes in it--YUCK. At first I thought maybe one of the boys turned it off mid-cycle for some reason. After trying to run it again, I realized that was not the case. Every time it got to the draining cycle it wouldn't drain. Dirty, soapy water that has been sitting in the washing machine for a while does not smell very nice, I can tell you! So I was determined to get this fixed asap.

My hubby is a very handy person but he doesn't really know much about washing machines, so we figured we would either just call a repair person or possibly even get a new machine. Well, we didn't have the money at the time to do either so we figured we'd make a trip to Best Buy or Sears and just charge a new machine---something we REALLY didn't want to do either. The typical me would have just charged it seeing no other option, but at the time, God was teaching me this very concept (wisdom waits) through a ladies Sunday School class I was teaching, so we decided to just pray and wait to see what He had planned. I had no idea what I was going to do about my laundry and I even had a friend wash sheets and bedding for me because we had house guests coming for the weekend. Thank you, Anne :)!

After a couple of days of the water sitting in the washing machine, hubby finally got the chance to go down and drain it (he's a busy guy you know). I was sitting where I am right now (at the computer) and he came back upstairs and said, "There's no water in the machine." At first I thought he was kidding (he does that A LOT), and I said, "Yeah right, haha." And he said, "No, really, the machine is empty." I couldn't believe it. So he started another load (without clothes) just to see if it would drain again. Then we waited....and would you believe, it drained!! I have no idea how or why but I can tell you that it had everything to do with God's plan. Instead of doing the typical "solve the problem on our own" we actually waited and God provided! We still have that same washing machine and it hasn't done that since! If we hadn't waited on the Lord, sure we would have a new washing machine, but we would have the bill that goes with it and we would have scrapped a perfectly good washing machine. We would never have known the joy in waiting on the Lord and seeing Him provide!

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:5

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5

So the next time you go to make a quick decision, remember these wise words---WISDOM WAITS!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me that wisdom waits. Help me to always remember these two words when a decision needs to be made. Give me the strength to wait on you for everything and may you receive the glory for all that you do! In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Why me?

Have you ever asked this question? I know I have. When I am in a situation that may be less than appealing, something I may have even gotten myself into, I often wonder, "Why me?" but while I may not understand why, God does and he just might have a plan that I cannot see.

Let's recall the book of Esther, one amazing example of God's perfect plan....

Esther was a young Jewish girl, taken from her home to be a part of the king's harem after the queen had displeased him. (Esther 1-2:8) She had not made her nationality known to anyone as instructed by Mordecai, her cousin and guardian. (Esther 2:10) Her beauty and kindness despite her less than desirable circumstances, made her well-liked by all. When the time came for her to be brought before the king, she found great favor in his sight above all of his concubines and so crowned her queen. (Esther 2:9-16)

In chapter 3 of Esther, the Bible goes on to tell us about Mordecai and Haman. Haman was a man of high rank in the kingdom, a very proud man. He hated Mordecai because he would not bow to him (as a Jew, this was against his religion), so Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. He realized that killing only Mordecai would not solve his problem (the Jews not bowing to him), so he tricked the king into signing a decree that would give Haman the power "to do with them as it seemeth good to thee." (verse 11)

This is my favorite part...in chapter 4 we read that Mordecai told Esther of the plans of Haman and asked her to go before the king to pleed for her people. Esther was afraid because the law stated that anyone who went before the king uninvited would be put to death, but Mordecai urged Esther and said these very wise words,

"Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14c

WOW!! Through God's perfect plan, Esther was able to use her position as queen to go before the king, expose Haman's plot and save her people. (Esther 5-8)

The next time you ask yourself, "Why me?" think about Esther. Remember that God allows things to happen to His children for a reason. He may have big plans for you in the situation you are in but in order to see those plans unfold and God's will done, we must surrender to them and allow Him to use us!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the example we have in Esther. Help me to remember, in every situation I may find myself, that YOU are in control, YOU have a plan even if I cannot yet see it. Help me to surrender to your perfect plan and allow you to use me for YOUR glory. Help me to stay humble and to rejoice in all things. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

All That I Need

Have you ever just stopped and looked around you at all of the wonderful blessings God has given you? In the quiet of the morning as I walk through my house, I can't help but thank my Lord for all he has provided for me and for my family. Sure, our kitchen floor needs replaced, there are drafts coming in through every door and window, there is dirt in every corner, the paint is peeling in more places than I can even mention, and the list goes on for home improvements, but....I have a home, it sits a top a hill overlooking a beautiful community with mountains all around, there is heat coming from my furnace on this VERY cold morning, hubby is off to work to provide for our family, my children are home and healthy, there is a working vehicle parked in my garage, there is food in my fridge and pantry, my electricity is working, my plumbing is working, my appliances all work, and goodness, the list of blessings could go on and on and on.... While there may be things I would like to have or improve, God has promised to provide for my every need and he has always done just that. In fact, when I look around I see much more than needs provided...He has provided exceeding abundantly!

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:19-21

Not only does God provide for our needs physically, but also spiritually, when we are weighed down with the cares of this world, His strength sustains us.

My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

If you are a child of the King, whatever you are going through today, God will provide. He loves you and He knows what is best for you. I encourage you today to count your blessings, remember what God has already done for you. When you count your blessings the cares of today seem to fade away.

Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Chorus:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for continually providing for me and my family. Your blessings go on without end. When I think of what I deserve, I am in awe by your love and grace. Help me to see the blessings all around me even when times are tough, when things don't go according to plan. May I overcome the trials by trusting in your sovereign watchcare over me, by remembering where I came from and how far you have brought me. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Trusting Him in ALL Things

Yesterday we had family over for our final Christmas "get-together" and during all of the hullabaloo, our kitty, Nolan, got outside. He has never been outside on our property, so we were worried. My oldest son was really upset. He barely slept last night and was up early this morning searching for Nolan in the cold wind. I, too, was worried...Nolan is part of the family and I wanted him home just like the boys did, but I knew that it was all in God's hands and there was nothing I could humanly do to bring him back. So, I prayed and took the opportunity to share a spiritual perspective...I told the boys that God created Nolan, just as he had created us, that he knew how much Nolan meant to us and that he would take care of him and bring him home to us if it was His will. Not even a minute after I spoke those words, I grabbed a bowl of food to put outside for our "outside" cats, opened the door to the garage and saw Nolan sitting there with the other cats!! Isn't God just amazing??

This very fast answer to prayer reminded me how important it is for us to trust our Heavenly Father even in the little things. He knows our hearts and He cares. When we trust Him completely, we have peace and the best part....He always comes through! It may not be our way, but His ways are perfect.

These are just a few powerful verses that come to mind on the topic of TRUST....

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3

We were definitely afraid...for our kitty's safety, but God was in control the entire time.....

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

We didn't understand why our kitty was gone, but we saw God work when we trusted Him....

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8

We trusted Him even in this little thing....

As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 2 Samuel 22:31

His way was perfect and our kitty came home :).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing our kitty home to us and showing us your power when we simply trusted in you. Help me to trust in you in ALL things--always. And help me not to worry for your ways are perfect. Thank you for caring for me and taking care of me. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Sunday Scripture...

Since Sundays are usually very hectic days for our family with Sunday School, morning and evening services and choir practice, I will be keeping my Sunday posts short by just sharing a verse from scripture and a brief idea to think on. Today's scripture is....

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Psalm 119:18

Years ago when I was being discipled by my pastor's wife, she shared this verse with me. She told me that she prays this verse every morning before she has her devotions, so that God might reveal to her any sin in her life, areas that need improvement, guidance about a decision, etc... I have carried her words of wisdom with me ever since.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for speaking to me through Your Word, the Bible. May my eyes be opened this day that I might see just what you want me to see, that I might learn how to be more like Your Son and apply what I have learned to my life from this day forward. May you receive all the glory for the work you do in my life. In Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Brotherly Love

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1

If you have children you know how frustrating it can be when they fight with each other. My boys are no exception. In fact, since they are homeschooled and never really get a break from each other, they fight pretty frequently. I haven't mastered it yet, but I do try to use these opportunities to explain to them how important it is for them to see past their differences and get along. When they fight and argue it creates tension in the whole family. It can be seen in everyone. Agitation sets in and tempers flare up...it can be an ugly sight to see and we've all been there. So how do we deal with strife and tension in ANY relationship situation?

Let's look at a couple verses from God's Word that point us in the right direction....

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another.
Romans 12:10

The phrase that really jumps out at me in this verse is "preferring one another". It is not in our nature to prefer others. We are a selfish people. The only way we can prefer others is to work at it. When a situation arises where someone does or says something we don't like or don't agree with, our first response is RARELY to prefer them, but that is just what we are to do. So we have to stop and make a choice....will I let this person "get to me" or will I get past our differences and do what God commands....be kindly affectioned with brotherly love preferring this person.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3

In this verse, the phrase that really hits me is "in lowliness of mind". Again, God is speaking to us of humility and selflessness, putting others first. Christ was humble and esteemed others better than himself. He is our perfect example. So the next time I get agitated by someone in my family, at church or elsewhere, my response needs to reflect brotherly love--a humble spirit, a selfless heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me how you want me to respond when tensions arise in my relationships. Help me to be ever mindful of Jesus' example of humility and selflessness. Give me the wisdom and strength to respond correctly in these situations so that YOU might be glorified. I pray this in Jesus precious name, AMEN.

Happy New Year!

This past year has been full of so many blessings, some of them I didn't see right away, but God always knew best. I am not usually one for New Year's resolutions, in fact, I rarely even bother with New Year's resolutions because I always fail, but a dear friend shared something on her blog this morning, her own wise words and the wise words of my Heavenly Father, and after reading those words I have decided to change my way of thinking.

So, this year I resolve to cultivate my relationship with Christ even more, to seek His guidance always, to surrender my will to His will so that He may be glorified and others might see Him in me! I owe all that I am to Him and I don't deserve a single blessing he has given me. He does it all because of His love for me...for ME...a sinner, an enemy in the sight of God SAVED by His grace! (Romans 5:8-10) How could I NOT offer Him my whole heart, soul and life?

Today I leave you with this...

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

To God be the GLORY!