Good Friday morning...
Lord thank you for loving me despite my sin, but Lord I pray that you loving revel the areas I struggle so that I can become more like you. Lord I pray you also do this in the lives of the believers around me, especially my fellow group members. Reveal Your holiness to us this week. We love you!~Amen
What stood out to me today was Jesus prayed for us! He prayed that we not be taken out of this evil world but that we are kept from evil...We are called to be holy, so that we are available for His use. We are told to be holy because He is holy.
Speaking for myself, I find it easy as James said to find faults in others and struggle to find them in myself, but as I have prayed about it God is revealing Himself and why I am so much in need of Him. I fall short! I am so thankful that He loves me in spite of it!
Lord, I pray that you continue to change my heart, my mind and my will for You. I pray that you reveal the areas that I need you most. Lord I pray that I am available for your use. I pray that I see the opportunity. I love you and thank you for everything...forgive me for when I dont realize how blessed I am!~Amen
Friday, June 15, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Week One Day Four
I really struggled to get up this morning...my body is just SO tired. I thank God that even though there are days that I feel I cant make it, He is faithful and ALWAYS there!
Looking ahead...Week four what stood out to me was "Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?" This ONE statement had so much in it...first of all THANKING God for an experience, even the painful, hard, hurtful ones...this is HARD to do. I think back to my Uncle, the anniversary of his home going is just 7 days away. I know he had to have struggled with his battle with cancer. i know he worried for his kids, especially their salvation (they are all now saved, praise God) yet I have never seen someone face that kind of uncertainty with more trust in God...this statement goes on, even if I never tell you why. I have had it good, I am able to now look back on experiences and see why. My Uncle's life and even death pointed to Christ, my dad's sickness brought our family closer together, my loss of a job meant schooling that I couldnt have afforded and another job I feel I am meant to be...but what if I couldnt see the why? I know that day is coming, where I may never know why. I pray that I can praise God, even when I dont know all the answers because I know He does!
Week 5...I loved the verse especially ..."My thoughts are not you thoughts, neither are your ways My ways..." God is so much bigger than just my little preset!
Lord, please place your blessing on today. Help me to be your light to those who may not know you. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. I thank you Lord that even though I may not always understand your ways in the midst of trials, that you always have a plan for hope and a future. Thank you for always loving me even when I dont deserve it! Lord I pray that I am able to get my work completed today and able to leave on time to make it to bible study, I pray that as you wake up my fellow members that you are on their hearts and minds preparing them for our time together. I love you and thank you for another day, I thank you for the health of my children and husband.~Amen
Looking ahead...Week four what stood out to me was "Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience even if I never tell you why?" This ONE statement had so much in it...first of all THANKING God for an experience, even the painful, hard, hurtful ones...this is HARD to do. I think back to my Uncle, the anniversary of his home going is just 7 days away. I know he had to have struggled with his battle with cancer. i know he worried for his kids, especially their salvation (they are all now saved, praise God) yet I have never seen someone face that kind of uncertainty with more trust in God...this statement goes on, even if I never tell you why. I have had it good, I am able to now look back on experiences and see why. My Uncle's life and even death pointed to Christ, my dad's sickness brought our family closer together, my loss of a job meant schooling that I couldnt have afforded and another job I feel I am meant to be...but what if I couldnt see the why? I know that day is coming, where I may never know why. I pray that I can praise God, even when I dont know all the answers because I know He does!
Week 5...I loved the verse especially ..."My thoughts are not you thoughts, neither are your ways My ways..." God is so much bigger than just my little preset!
Lord, please place your blessing on today. Help me to be your light to those who may not know you. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. I thank you Lord that even though I may not always understand your ways in the midst of trials, that you always have a plan for hope and a future. Thank you for always loving me even when I dont deserve it! Lord I pray that I am able to get my work completed today and able to leave on time to make it to bible study, I pray that as you wake up my fellow members that you are on their hearts and minds preparing them for our time together. I love you and thank you for another day, I thank you for the health of my children and husband.~Amen
Monday, June 11, 2012
Week One Day Five...Opps I skipped day four
Ok, so I just realized that I skipped day four...I will do it tomorrow; however I dont believe in accidents on God's divine timing so I think I was meant to do that for a reason...
Today I looked ahead at week 6 gripped by the Worship of God, one thing that really stood out to me was the mountaintop(the verse), Isaiah 58:1 "They seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways..." I want to honestly say that EVERYDAY I seek God and seek Him with all my heart, I want to delight in His ways but first I have to study and know them!
I also looked ahead at week 7 gripped by my identity in God, several things stood out to me here...I think this is where I have always struggled...my identity. One of the preview statements reads, "Until we can honestly affirm: 'I am who God says I am, and that's all that matters,' our lives will be restless indeed. I dont want a restless life, I want to be happy with who I am, who I am in Jesus! Another thing that stood out to me is the snapshot summary, To be gripped by God's greatness is to understand not only who He is but who you are because of Him. The last thing that I loved most, is the verse, Isaiah 43:1 "...'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name (Hannah); you are Mine!'" He, the Awesome, Creator of the universe knows MY name, I am HIS! He has redeemed me! WOW, I am so unworthy yet so grateful!
Lord you called me by name, you saved me from my sin...my desire is to seek you and know you. Place in me the continued desire to get up every morning. I thank you so much for the opportunity to learn more about you. Lord I pray that everyone in my group will have this same urge to know you more, I pray that as you wake them up this morning you are on their hearts and minds. Thank you for waking me up this morning, thank you that you were on my heart, thank you for another day to serve you. Lord keep my heart and mind on you today, and thank you that I am who I am because you are who you are! I love you~Hannah
Today I looked ahead at week 6 gripped by the Worship of God, one thing that really stood out to me was the mountaintop(the verse), Isaiah 58:1 "They seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways..." I want to honestly say that EVERYDAY I seek God and seek Him with all my heart, I want to delight in His ways but first I have to study and know them!
I also looked ahead at week 7 gripped by my identity in God, several things stood out to me here...I think this is where I have always struggled...my identity. One of the preview statements reads, "Until we can honestly affirm: 'I am who God says I am, and that's all that matters,' our lives will be restless indeed. I dont want a restless life, I want to be happy with who I am, who I am in Jesus! Another thing that stood out to me is the snapshot summary, To be gripped by God's greatness is to understand not only who He is but who you are because of Him. The last thing that I loved most, is the verse, Isaiah 43:1 "...'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name (Hannah); you are Mine!'" He, the Awesome, Creator of the universe knows MY name, I am HIS! He has redeemed me! WOW, I am so unworthy yet so grateful!
Lord you called me by name, you saved me from my sin...my desire is to seek you and know you. Place in me the continued desire to get up every morning. I thank you so much for the opportunity to learn more about you. Lord I pray that everyone in my group will have this same urge to know you more, I pray that as you wake them up this morning you are on their hearts and minds. Thank you for waking me up this morning, thank you that you were on my heart, thank you for another day to serve you. Lord keep my heart and mind on you today, and thank you that I am who I am because you are who you are! I love you~Hannah
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Week One Day Three...a day behind
Ok, slacking here...I didnt do my study yesterday....but I did sit down and read it today, and he called me on it.
We are looking ahead at weeks 2 (God's holiness) and 3 (God's awesomeness)...the one thing that really stood out to me was one of the preview statements for week 2, "Every time God says, 'Dont,' what He really means is 'Dont hurt yourself.'"
Re-read that, doesnt that sound like us as parents, when I am yelling at Isaac to no stick something in the electrical outlet, I am not yelling NO because I want to keep him away from something great or new...I want to save him from pain. How many times do we face a WANT that we dont get and we are upset about it, or lose a good job and dont understand. WHAT IF this is God saying, 'this isnt right for you and will cause pain in the long run, I have something better.' However; we are often to impatient to wait on His perfect plan. But then in week 3 one of the dvd message notes is 'We dont influence God's plans a bit." He knows we wont wait...He knows everything about us...yet loves us anyway.
Man am I glad I read this and was reminded of how Holy, Awesome, and Great my God is!!!
Thank you Lord for saving me from pain, Lord help me just to be obedient when you tell me no. Lord I pray over all those in my class that they are reading and discovering more of you each day. I love you so much and I am thankful that I cant screw up your perfect plan for me. Thank you for loving me no matter how many time you know I am going to fail you. Lord help Eli to sleep well, help his little tummy...help Bryan to as he begins the tummy bug battle, help it to pass quickly. Thank you for another day.~Amen
We are looking ahead at weeks 2 (God's holiness) and 3 (God's awesomeness)...the one thing that really stood out to me was one of the preview statements for week 2, "Every time God says, 'Dont,' what He really means is 'Dont hurt yourself.'"
Re-read that, doesnt that sound like us as parents, when I am yelling at Isaac to no stick something in the electrical outlet, I am not yelling NO because I want to keep him away from something great or new...I want to save him from pain. How many times do we face a WANT that we dont get and we are upset about it, or lose a good job and dont understand. WHAT IF this is God saying, 'this isnt right for you and will cause pain in the long run, I have something better.' However; we are often to impatient to wait on His perfect plan. But then in week 3 one of the dvd message notes is 'We dont influence God's plans a bit." He knows we wont wait...He knows everything about us...yet loves us anyway.
Man am I glad I read this and was reminded of how Holy, Awesome, and Great my God is!!!
Thank you Lord for saving me from pain, Lord help me just to be obedient when you tell me no. Lord I pray over all those in my class that they are reading and discovering more of you each day. I love you so much and I am thankful that I cant screw up your perfect plan for me. Thank you for loving me no matter how many time you know I am going to fail you. Lord help Eli to sleep well, help his little tummy...help Bryan to as he begins the tummy bug battle, help it to pass quickly. Thank you for another day.~Amen
Friday, June 8, 2012
Week One Day Two
Good morning all! Day two and God again woke me up to do my study...before Isaac's graduation...but of course the kids woke up early too.
The key verse today is, Isaiah 66:2 " 'My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,' declares the Lord. 'But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.' "
We have been talking about creation in Sunday School class...God clearly told Isaiah.
Today I am going to try to make a conscious effort to look at everything God made...starting out with my kids...I know to some pre-school graduation isnt a big deal and it wasnt to me either, but to think that Isaac was 2 days away from being a still born at 32 weeks and God placed all the right people at the right place at the right time for Isaac to be here...he is meant for a purpose! And little Eli, I worried the WHOLE pregnancy that something was going to happen to him...and maybe we wouldnt catch it, but he was born just fine!
The sun is shining outside, we couldnt exist without it and we couldnt have it any closer or farther away...God placed it perfectly for our survival.
Thank you God, thank you for everything that you have so wonderfully made! I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made as well. Lord I pray that you bless my group as they wake up and step into a new day and start their study with you. Lord I pray that you remove all distractions from satan that want to pull me away from you. I pray that I continually think of and thank you for all the things you created by your hand. Please wake me up again tomorrow. I love you, thank you for another day!
The key verse today is, Isaiah 66:2 " 'My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,' declares the Lord. 'But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.' "
We have been talking about creation in Sunday School class...God clearly told Isaiah.
Today I am going to try to make a conscious effort to look at everything God made...starting out with my kids...I know to some pre-school graduation isnt a big deal and it wasnt to me either, but to think that Isaac was 2 days away from being a still born at 32 weeks and God placed all the right people at the right place at the right time for Isaac to be here...he is meant for a purpose! And little Eli, I worried the WHOLE pregnancy that something was going to happen to him...and maybe we wouldnt catch it, but he was born just fine!
The sun is shining outside, we couldnt exist without it and we couldnt have it any closer or farther away...God placed it perfectly for our survival.
Thank you God, thank you for everything that you have so wonderfully made! I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made as well. Lord I pray that you bless my group as they wake up and step into a new day and start their study with you. Lord I pray that you remove all distractions from satan that want to pull me away from you. I pray that I continually think of and thank you for all the things you created by your hand. Please wake me up again tomorrow. I love you, thank you for another day!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Week One Day One
YAY, I am up!!!! Thank you Lord for waking me up this morning and giving me the motivation to get out of bed and study in your word. Lord I pray for all those in my class (help me to learn all of their names) and those who are considering joining in the weeks that follow, Lord grip us all with your greatness! Thank you so much that you are Lord God Almighty and you are seated, not worried and pacing like I often do. As we start this study I pray you would lead us as a group and as individuals to learn more about you and become more passionate followers. We love you and thank you for giving us this opportunity. ~Amen
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain." Ps 48:1
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" Rev 4:8
Reading through Isaiah 6: 1-7, right now the part that stands out to me is what a fellow classmate pointed out. It says, "...I saw the Lord sitting on a throne..." He is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY in control, sitting not pacing, worrying, scared, anxious, etc. He is sitting. I thank God that I can sit and not worry, because my Father isnt worried, He has ALL the dust of the earth in a measure (Isaiah 40:12) My God is BIG and sitting on the throne! HE is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
Thank you Lord, that you are Big and Almighty and yet even I can come before you! I love you!
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain." Ps 48:1
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" Rev 4:8
Reading through Isaiah 6: 1-7, right now the part that stands out to me is what a fellow classmate pointed out. It says, "...I saw the Lord sitting on a throne..." He is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY in control, sitting not pacing, worrying, scared, anxious, etc. He is sitting. I thank God that I can sit and not worry, because my Father isnt worried, He has ALL the dust of the earth in a measure (Isaiah 40:12) My God is BIG and sitting on the throne! HE is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
Thank you Lord, that you are Big and Almighty and yet even I can come before you! I love you!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
...He is SURE...
Tonight we started a study, Gripping the Greatness of God. I was reflecting...and sometimes my best way of reflecting is sharing what I have learned so here goes...
I was in awe to learn that Isaish, who made proficiencies about the coming of Christ lived in 740BC. That means he correctly wrote about Jesus' birth and death over 700 years before it came to be...that is NOTHING short of God!!!
A verse that we read that REALLY stood out to me was Hosea 6:3 "Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
This just re-enforced the face that God is ALWAYS there...He is as sure as the dawn, the spring rains...He is SURE!!! When all else is uncertain He is SURE...
What a MIGHTY God we serve!
I am looking forward to starting my daily readings in the morning! I pray that God gives me strength to wake up EARLY and spend time with Him in His word...please pray with/for me! I hope to post everyday...praying I gain some self motivation! Night all!
I was in awe to learn that Isaish, who made proficiencies about the coming of Christ lived in 740BC. That means he correctly wrote about Jesus' birth and death over 700 years before it came to be...that is NOTHING short of God!!!
A verse that we read that REALLY stood out to me was Hosea 6:3 "Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
This just re-enforced the face that God is ALWAYS there...He is as sure as the dawn, the spring rains...He is SURE!!! When all else is uncertain He is SURE...
What a MIGHTY God we serve!
I am looking forward to starting my daily readings in the morning! I pray that God gives me strength to wake up EARLY and spend time with Him in His word...please pray with/for me! I hope to post everyday...praying I gain some self motivation! Night all!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Peter...
Tonight we were reading Matthew 14:22-33:
The disciples go and get on their boat to wait on Jesus who dismissed the crowd (the 5000+women and children he had just fed) then Jesus goes to pray. Meanwhile, the wind and waves pick up pushing the boat away from shore.
Next thing you know the disciples see someone walking toward them...can you imagine?!? They think they are seeing a ghost, but Jesus tells them immediately "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
And Peter..."Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus simply told him, "Come." The bible says he (Peter) got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus...then he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out "Lord, save me."
STOP, did you read that...Sounds like Peter doubted but when he stepped out his eyes were on Jesus and he walked to him. It wasnt until he looked around, taking his eyes off Jesus, did he doubt and sink. How many times do we do that...we are headed toward Jesus and take our eyes off Him and look at all of our troubles and we begin to sink. It might be money, addictions etc but when we take our eyes off Him we cant make it, we are in the middle of a shark infested ocean sinking...
BUT, Jesus didnt leave Peter there...as soon as Peter cried out for help it says, "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him..."
If you have taken your eyes of Jesus and feel like you are sinking just cry out to Him. He will immediately take hold of you.
The disciples go and get on their boat to wait on Jesus who dismissed the crowd (the 5000+women and children he had just fed) then Jesus goes to pray. Meanwhile, the wind and waves pick up pushing the boat away from shore.
Next thing you know the disciples see someone walking toward them...can you imagine?!? They think they are seeing a ghost, but Jesus tells them immediately "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
And Peter..."Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus simply told him, "Come." The bible says he (Peter) got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus...then he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out "Lord, save me."
STOP, did you read that...Sounds like Peter doubted but when he stepped out his eyes were on Jesus and he walked to him. It wasnt until he looked around, taking his eyes off Jesus, did he doubt and sink. How many times do we do that...we are headed toward Jesus and take our eyes off Him and look at all of our troubles and we begin to sink. It might be money, addictions etc but when we take our eyes off Him we cant make it, we are in the middle of a shark infested ocean sinking...
BUT, Jesus didnt leave Peter there...as soon as Peter cried out for help it says, "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him..."
If you have taken your eyes of Jesus and feel like you are sinking just cry out to Him. He will immediately take hold of you.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
5 Logan's rolls and 2 fish...
Reading over Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus feeds the five thousand to Isaac and Eli tonight...all I kept thinking is what would I have done and said...I could see me being JUST like doubting Thomas...
Picture this, Jesus had a rough day...He wanted to just get away the bible says "...he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself..." but the crowds followed Him. If He had to take a boat cant you picture ALL of them hopping in their boat to follow Him...not knowing where they are going...
Best part is, the disciples came to Him when they realized it was getting late and said..."This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." I am a planner, so I can see myself as a disciple saying...ok Jesus, its almost time for supper we are in the middle of no where and I sure cant afford to pay for supper for everyone, tell them they need to go get their own...did you hear me, its getting late I'm hungry, come on just send them away now.
But Jesus replies, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." Can you imagine the disciples looking around at ALL these people that they are suppose to feed and noticing one boy with 5 rolls from Logan's and 2 fish he caught on his way over...they probably sarcastically suggested it to Jesus. Poor planning huh, 5000 people (plus women and children) and only 5 rolls and 2 fish...
Jesus told the disciples, "Bring them to me." It says He then ordered thed crowds to sit down blessed the food...He then gave it to the disciples to pass out. I am imagining it was in a basket of some sort...I am thinking of Mary Poppins who kept pulling things out of her bag...can you imagine people keep reaching into the baskets and pulling out food and there was even food left over after everyone was satisfied!!! Can you see the disciples AFTER everyone had eaten scratching their heads, I would have been...
My God is bigger than I give him credit for and does things I can never imagine...that's why HE is God and I am not...what a great story, I just wanted to share my thoughts :) Comments and other thoughts welcome :)
Please join me in praying tonight for Baby Brooklynn Behrer, praying she is able to keep her body temp up and sleep in an open crib tonight!!!!
Picture this, Jesus had a rough day...He wanted to just get away the bible says "...he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself..." but the crowds followed Him. If He had to take a boat cant you picture ALL of them hopping in their boat to follow Him...not knowing where they are going...
Best part is, the disciples came to Him when they realized it was getting late and said..."This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." I am a planner, so I can see myself as a disciple saying...ok Jesus, its almost time for supper we are in the middle of no where and I sure cant afford to pay for supper for everyone, tell them they need to go get their own...did you hear me, its getting late I'm hungry, come on just send them away now.
But Jesus replies, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." Can you imagine the disciples looking around at ALL these people that they are suppose to feed and noticing one boy with 5 rolls from Logan's and 2 fish he caught on his way over...they probably sarcastically suggested it to Jesus. Poor planning huh, 5000 people (plus women and children) and only 5 rolls and 2 fish...
Jesus told the disciples, "Bring them to me." It says He then ordered thed crowds to sit down blessed the food...He then gave it to the disciples to pass out. I am imagining it was in a basket of some sort...I am thinking of Mary Poppins who kept pulling things out of her bag...can you imagine people keep reaching into the baskets and pulling out food and there was even food left over after everyone was satisfied!!! Can you see the disciples AFTER everyone had eaten scratching their heads, I would have been...
My God is bigger than I give him credit for and does things I can never imagine...that's why HE is God and I am not...what a great story, I just wanted to share my thoughts :) Comments and other thoughts welcome :)
Please join me in praying tonight for Baby Brooklynn Behrer, praying she is able to keep her body temp up and sleep in an open crib tonight!!!!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Special Delivery John 1:14
"The Word became human and lived among us. We saw His glory-the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father-and He was full of grace and truth." John 1:14 NCV
Jesus' humanity enabled him to relate to your human problems, while his divinity gave him the power to help you overcome them.
You may want to read that again, I had to...think about it...the CREATOR of each star and grain of sand and our galaxy along with others thought of you even before you were born. He left Heaven and died for MY sins while He was sinless...He suffered the loss of friends, temptation, betrayal and even death (the most cruel death on a cross). He isnt a distant God He KNOWS how you feel...yet He was sinless and died to give us the power through him to overcome the world.
THANK YOU GOD!
Jesus' humanity enabled him to relate to your human problems, while his divinity gave him the power to help you overcome them.
You may want to read that again, I had to...think about it...the CREATOR of each star and grain of sand and our galaxy along with others thought of you even before you were born. He left Heaven and died for MY sins while He was sinless...He suffered the loss of friends, temptation, betrayal and even death (the most cruel death on a cross). He isnt a distant God He KNOWS how you feel...yet He was sinless and died to give us the power through him to overcome the world.
THANK YOU GOD!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Trouble understanding...
Having trouble understanding...
Why do people only use parts of the bible to suit their situation "judge not lest ye be judged" etc when they feel called out of something...yet break other parts...and when you tell people not to judge you arent you judging that they are judging you?!?
Also we are told to "...correct...with gentleness..." 2 Tim 2:25? This day in time the world lives to let everyone do what they feel is right, and we have all built up a sense of tolerance...we have almost become numb to issues as drugs, cursing, homosexuality etc.
Dont get me wrong "we ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23, but if you KNOW its a sin and REFUSE to repent do you TRULY have a relationship with the one true living God?
And if it is in the bible as a sin, is it not a sin? Can you believe in one part of the bible and not all? If part of it isnt true isnt it all a lie? And if part of it is true it would have to be ALL true...after all, ALL of God's words are..."Breathed out by God..." 2 Tim 3:16. In the bible in Genesis and Matthew Satan quoted the bible...well he misquoted it, so even HE knows the bible...
The bible is real, God is real, His love is real, Heaven is real, but Hell and Satan are real too...when my time on earth is through I WANT to hear, "Well done, good servant..." like in Luke 19:17 I want to spend an eternity in Heaven worshiping God...another thing...if the whole bible isnt true, then none of it is true and if none of it is true than heaven isnt real and then when people die they just rot in the ground...I would HATE to think this is it, and that there is nothing more. Good thing my hope is in the Lord! I KNOW HEAVEN and God ARE REAL!
My goal is to continue to be more Christ like until I am complete with Him in heaven, tonight I am praying for those who proclaim to be saved yet bear no fruits (Gal 5:22), praying also for a friend that is struggling to understand a neighbor who is lost and hurtful, and praying for the Beher's as they are in the hospital with their little one...http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brooklynnbehrer.
Sorry for my rant, just thinking and talking through all this...still trying to understand everything and searching the bible helps me learn more...
Why do people only use parts of the bible to suit their situation "judge not lest ye be judged" etc when they feel called out of something...yet break other parts...and when you tell people not to judge you arent you judging that they are judging you?!?
Also we are told to "...correct...with gentleness..." 2 Tim 2:25? This day in time the world lives to let everyone do what they feel is right, and we have all built up a sense of tolerance...we have almost become numb to issues as drugs, cursing, homosexuality etc.
Dont get me wrong "we ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23, but if you KNOW its a sin and REFUSE to repent do you TRULY have a relationship with the one true living God?
And if it is in the bible as a sin, is it not a sin? Can you believe in one part of the bible and not all? If part of it isnt true isnt it all a lie? And if part of it is true it would have to be ALL true...after all, ALL of God's words are..."Breathed out by God..." 2 Tim 3:16. In the bible in Genesis and Matthew Satan quoted the bible...well he misquoted it, so even HE knows the bible...
The bible is real, God is real, His love is real, Heaven is real, but Hell and Satan are real too...when my time on earth is through I WANT to hear, "Well done, good servant..." like in Luke 19:17 I want to spend an eternity in Heaven worshiping God...another thing...if the whole bible isnt true, then none of it is true and if none of it is true than heaven isnt real and then when people die they just rot in the ground...I would HATE to think this is it, and that there is nothing more. Good thing my hope is in the Lord! I KNOW HEAVEN and God ARE REAL!
My goal is to continue to be more Christ like until I am complete with Him in heaven, tonight I am praying for those who proclaim to be saved yet bear no fruits (Gal 5:22), praying also for a friend that is struggling to understand a neighbor who is lost and hurtful, and praying for the Beher's as they are in the hospital with their little one...http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brooklynnbehrer.
Sorry for my rant, just thinking and talking through all this...still trying to understand everything and searching the bible helps me learn more...
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Yay God!
American King James Version
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
As many of you know, I have been out of a FULL TIME, PERMANENT job for 2 years and ALMOST 2 months...we were living paycheck to paycheck before I lost my job...when I found out in October of 2009 that I was losing my job (especially after just having a baby 8 months before) I wondered how we would EVER make it.
ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD, we survived 2 years...
Tuesday I start a job...After 2 years and 2 months of waiting (sometimes not so patiently) of the Lord, I am so excited to be moving to a different season in our lives.
I am excited about the change in life!!! Please pray for us as we move forward :)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Why do THEY get away with it?!? -Galatians 6:9
Do you ever wonder that? Why do they get away with 20 miles OVER the speed limit and the one time I go 10 over I get a ticket...or why can they cheat on their taxes and get away with it and I accidentally forget something and get audited?!?
Gal. 6:9 says, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
This verse, I think, is encouragement for us to keep doing good...and we are promised that in due season we shall reap...does this mean today? Tomorrow? Next week? We dont know, that isnt told to us. Honestly, we may continue doing good and never reap this side of eternity, but those treasures stored up in heaven are more precious than the treasures here one earth (we cant take earthly treasures with us, and we arent promised tomorrow)
So, today if you are doing the 'right' thing and your wondering why 'they keep getting away with that'...stop worrying about them, and focus on what God has called you to do. Dont grow weary!
I hope everyone has a BLESSED Monday!!!
Gal. 6:9 says, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
This verse, I think, is encouragement for us to keep doing good...and we are promised that in due season we shall reap...does this mean today? Tomorrow? Next week? We dont know, that isnt told to us. Honestly, we may continue doing good and never reap this side of eternity, but those treasures stored up in heaven are more precious than the treasures here one earth (we cant take earthly treasures with us, and we arent promised tomorrow)
So, today if you are doing the 'right' thing and your wondering why 'they keep getting away with that'...stop worrying about them, and focus on what God has called you to do. Dont grow weary!
I hope everyone has a BLESSED Monday!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
WAIT and PRAY- Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" -Philippians 4:6
According to youversion.com this verse was the #1 bookmarked verse with 123,035 people.
Do you worry? Feel some anxiety? God tells us how to overcome the worry and anxiety, a pray of thanksgiving then asking of God what we need.
I have often wondered why it says it the way it does..."by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving..." Prayer I understand, petition?!?
The definition of petition is :
1. a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit: a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law.
2. a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer
From these two definitions I gather God wants us to have others praying with us and for us, and we are to go before him humbly...I think this is why the next part comes in the verse "...with thanksgiving..." We have to know WHO God is to be able to come before Him with respect of His superior nature.
I also think that "...with thanksgiving..." could mean realizing what He has brought us out of and done for us. Counting your blessing...often this takes away the fear of what's to come. Do you realize we often fear things that NEVER come to be?!?
Instead of worrying, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God!
He is BIGGER than ANYTHING you may face!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Are you listening God?-Psalm 130:5
Do you ever feel God isnt listening?
I think we often go through times when we feel we arent being heard, by God and/or by others. The verse that God picked for today is Psalm 130:5.
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.
God's timing is PERFECT, and according to Jer. 29:11 He has a plan and purpose for your life, if we know this why do we find it so hard to just WAIT for Him? I know for me, I am a planner...When planning a party I want to know: When, Where, What time, How many people, What we are eating, etc. I even mapquest how to get to that location (if I have never been) a couple days before so I can PLAN travel time. (I know a little OCD) But I LIKE a plan! In lift I want to know what is going to happen today, next week, a year from now, 10 years from now etc.
I have learned in my 24 years that God does prepare us for what's to come and I have the heart knowledge to know without this preparation if God were to tell me what is in store (What is going to happen to me, the kids, etc) I would probably be TERRIFIED). BUT EVEN STILL my mind wants to PLAN!
151 times 'wait' is used in the bible according to youversion.com. I am gathering from this that I am not the only one that struggles with this...patience isnt easy. And from what I have learned it is one of those things that God grows in us (thus the reason you pray for patience you WILL be tested). You have two options, be patient or He will teach you to be patient! LOL!
We don't know what's to come today or tomorrow, so for today I am going to TRY to live this verse and challenge you to as well. God does have our best interest at heart, and He can see the WHOLE MOVIE we only see the screenshots. As the Hymn says, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future...I can face uncertain days because He lives"
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope."
I think we often go through times when we feel we arent being heard, by God and/or by others. The verse that God picked for today is Psalm 130:5.
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.
God's timing is PERFECT, and according to Jer. 29:11 He has a plan and purpose for your life, if we know this why do we find it so hard to just WAIT for Him? I know for me, I am a planner...When planning a party I want to know: When, Where, What time, How many people, What we are eating, etc. I even mapquest how to get to that location (if I have never been) a couple days before so I can PLAN travel time. (I know a little OCD) But I LIKE a plan! In lift I want to know what is going to happen today, next week, a year from now, 10 years from now etc.
I have learned in my 24 years that God does prepare us for what's to come and I have the heart knowledge to know without this preparation if God were to tell me what is in store (What is going to happen to me, the kids, etc) I would probably be TERRIFIED). BUT EVEN STILL my mind wants to PLAN!
151 times 'wait' is used in the bible according to youversion.com. I am gathering from this that I am not the only one that struggles with this...patience isnt easy. And from what I have learned it is one of those things that God grows in us (thus the reason you pray for patience you WILL be tested). You have two options, be patient or He will teach you to be patient! LOL!
We don't know what's to come today or tomorrow, so for today I am going to TRY to live this verse and challenge you to as well. God does have our best interest at heart, and He can see the WHOLE MOVIE we only see the screenshots. As the Hymn says, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future...I can face uncertain days because He lives"
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope."
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
God's great love
Corinthians 3:4 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends..."
At an early age we are subjected to this image that love is PERFECT...and it is, but ONLY when it comes from Christ! My thoughts: God gave us this verse to 1) Show us how imperfect we are (I dont think we can achieve ALL this ALL the time) but also to 2) Show us how PERFECT He is!
God loves us with a love that isnt tainted by sin. As sinners we often experience times where we arent patient or kind, but we are envious and rude. We stuggle with wanting things our way and are irritatable. We are glad to see people fail...we are fair weathered friends who believe the world foolishly with no hope. HONESTLY I think that is why God spells it out here like it is, He knows we are going to fail but wants us to know what His love looks like. As Christians we are to continue to TRY to live more and more like Christ until we die when we will live with Him for eternity in our PERFECT heavenly bodies.
I have been struggling with loving someone I find hard to get along with...I pray for this person daily, but more so I pray that God gives me the words to say (better yet, tells me when to not say something...I feel a lot of times I need to defend myself). God spoke to that this am in my quite time through Psalm 82:3.
Lord thank you so much for Your Perfect love, thank you that you are patient with me even when I dont deserve it. Thank you that you show me kindness that I often dont deserve! Thank you that you arent resentful to me, since Your Perfect Son had to die for MY sins even though He was perfect. Thank you for bearing all with me and for me and hoping in me. Thank you that YOUR love endures ALL...please help me to continue to learn to love like you do. Love ~me.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The One and Only-Exodus 34:14
"You must worship no other gods, but ONLY the Lord for He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you." ~NLT
EST says, "...for He is a jealous God."
We ALL have things that fight for our time and attention...and as a society we ALL need money to survive. When does it become worship?
An idol is anything for which you have a deeper devotion than for God.
According to http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol:
Definition of IDOL
1: a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god
3: a form or appearance visible but without substance <an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol — P. B. Shelley>
4: an object of extreme devotion <a movie idol>; also : ideal 2
5: a false conception
Examples of IDOL
- an actor who is the idol of millions
- <a movie idol whose reprehensible offscreen behavior caused him to experience a spectacular fall from grace>
Origin of IDOL
Middle English, from Anglo-French idle, from Late Latin idolum, from Greek eidÅlon image, idol; akin to Greek eidos form — more at idyll
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to IDOL
**The good thing is we have numerous examples of people in the bible turning away, and we know by example that God is a passionate/jealous God but also a forgiving God.
Consider what is important in your life. Weigh your relationship with God in light of everything else. Ask God to help you identify anything to which you give higher priority than getting to know Him better.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sharing your strength-Romans 1:12
THIS verse is WHY I decided to blog and I would like for you to as well...
I began blogging hoping/praying that others would read and comment...I LOVE to read other people's perspectives on things...two Christians viewing the same verse, with different experiences behind them can encourage each other and teach each other.
YOU can build others up...one way is through encouragement. The bible also says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 THIS is why God has built differing thoughts in us...when you learn something SHARE IT, wouldn't life be that much easier if we didn't have to learn EVERYTHING the hard way but we could learn from and with others too?!?
"Be encouraged, and act on what you've learned. Strengthen others by sharing how much they mean to you and to God."
"I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other." Romans 1:12 ~NLT
I began blogging hoping/praying that others would read and comment...I LOVE to read other people's perspectives on things...two Christians viewing the same verse, with different experiences behind them can encourage each other and teach each other.
YOU can build others up...one way is through encouragement. The bible also says, "Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 THIS is why God has built differing thoughts in us...when you learn something SHARE IT, wouldn't life be that much easier if we didn't have to learn EVERYTHING the hard way but we could learn from and with others too?!?
"Be encouraged, and act on what you've learned. Strengthen others by sharing how much they mean to you and to God."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Missing the Mark--Romans 3:23-24
"All have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins." ~NLT
I am sure we have ALL heard this verse..."All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." but the book I am reading makes reference to a person doing a pole vault...and because I have done cross country in high school I can in-vision this...but I was also thinking of the long jump (which I competed in). Imagine this with me...standing at the sandpit, the first jumper runs then leaps his feet hit the sand with a perfect landing. The judge checks his measurements then the next person jumps, they fall but the judge still counts where their heels hit...it is slightly behind the first jumper. Now its your turn...your run then leap...you make a good landing in the sand...but notice its over a foot behind the first jumper...do you win? NO!
I say all this to point out, it doesnt matter if you are slightly behind the first jumper or a mile behind him (exaggerating of course)...you dont win if you dont measure up to the standard that he sat. Same with God, He is a perfect God...without sin...we try to live and be kind or giving or loving or "a good person" BUT it doesnt measure up to a perfect God!
Jesus came to earth as a baby, lived 33 years, and died a terrible death on a cross. He didnt die for His sins...He died for ours!!! He died so that when we die we can live with Him in heaven for eternity...His gift of life is free!!!
We missed the mark, ALL of us...Shift your focus to the future though, not the past because of Jesus guilt and fear of punishment no longer weigh you down. You are FREE to run and jump farther and higher than EVER before!
I hope you all have a blessed day!
I am sure we have ALL heard this verse..."All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." but the book I am reading makes reference to a person doing a pole vault...and because I have done cross country in high school I can in-vision this...but I was also thinking of the long jump (which I competed in). Imagine this with me...standing at the sandpit, the first jumper runs then leaps his feet hit the sand with a perfect landing. The judge checks his measurements then the next person jumps, they fall but the judge still counts where their heels hit...it is slightly behind the first jumper. Now its your turn...your run then leap...you make a good landing in the sand...but notice its over a foot behind the first jumper...do you win? NO!
I say all this to point out, it doesnt matter if you are slightly behind the first jumper or a mile behind him (exaggerating of course)...you dont win if you dont measure up to the standard that he sat. Same with God, He is a perfect God...without sin...we try to live and be kind or giving or loving or "a good person" BUT it doesnt measure up to a perfect God!
Jesus came to earth as a baby, lived 33 years, and died a terrible death on a cross. He didnt die for His sins...He died for ours!!! He died so that when we die we can live with Him in heaven for eternity...His gift of life is free!!!
We missed the mark, ALL of us...Shift your focus to the future though, not the past because of Jesus guilt and fear of punishment no longer weigh you down. You are FREE to run and jump farther and higher than EVER before!
I hope you all have a blessed day!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Joint Venture-1 Corinthians 12:20
What a verse for tonight...
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place, NO part is important on its own." 1 Corinthians 12:20
Each individual is necessary! Every gift God gives has a purpose and a place to help fulfill His perfect plan. YOU gifts are not to big or to small...they matter! I matter! You matter! We matter! Encourage someone.
I sit here blogging while listening to Passion 2012 Live Stream...
http://live.268generation.com/passion_sessions/session-one/
I am part of the body of Christ, 44000+ people worshiping MY Lord and Savior. WOW God!
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place, NO part is important on its own." 1 Corinthians 12:20
Each individual is necessary! Every gift God gives has a purpose and a place to help fulfill His perfect plan. YOU gifts are not to big or to small...they matter! I matter! You matter! We matter! Encourage someone.
I sit here blogging while listening to Passion 2012 Live Stream...
http://live.268generation.com/passion_sessions/session-one/
I am part of the body of Christ, 44000+ people worshiping MY Lord and Savior. WOW God!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year-Uncertain Days ahead...Jer. 29:11
Today I am skipping ahead in my book...I am winging it here so bare with my while I 'think out loud'...
One of my FAVORITE verses is Jeremiah 29:11 "I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare (or peace) and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
FIRST: the way the verse is started out..."I KNOW", not I think, I hope, I may...you get my point. God KNOWS the plans He has for you. Psalm 139 says, "For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb..." "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days were formed for me, when as yet there was non of them."
SECOND: His plans for you "...plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." God is our Father...Daddy...He wants the best for us! He loves us with an unconditional love...a father's love.
As we step into 2012, lets TRUST God, He has our best interest in mind...He sees the WHOLE picture not just the snapshot we see. He KNOWS us and with Him we have a future!
"We can face uncertain days because He lives" Happy New Year! Love to you all!
One of my FAVORITE verses is Jeremiah 29:11 "I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare (or peace) and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
FIRST: the way the verse is started out..."I KNOW", not I think, I hope, I may...you get my point. God KNOWS the plans He has for you. Psalm 139 says, "For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb..." "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days were formed for me, when as yet there was non of them."
SECOND: His plans for you "...plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." God is our Father...Daddy...He wants the best for us! He loves us with an unconditional love...a father's love.
As we step into 2012, lets TRUST God, He has our best interest in mind...He sees the WHOLE picture not just the snapshot we see. He KNOWS us and with Him we have a future!
"We can face uncertain days because He lives" Happy New Year! Love to you all!
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