Thursday, September 29, 2011

Small Thinking ~

I was in a meeting recently where we joined in prayer for a group of women that were about ready to embark on an African trip.  As a few of us prayed I was struck by the thought that perhaps some of the women, not standing, might be thinking that they would never have an opportunity like this.  
"There is NO WAY that I would ever be able to go on a missions trip"  
"I could NEVER afford to go to Africa"  
" I would have nothing to offer if I did go"


It prompted me to think about how often we limit the Lord.  
The Maker of the universe, our Intimate Father and Friend, Who has EVERYTHING at His disposal plus MORE, has said in Scripture that His arm is not too short.  He is a way maker!  Nothing is impossible for Him!


Let's not do this anymore.  
When we pray ~ Lets PRAY BIG!   
Don't hold back~   Follow your heart in prayer and instead of having "stinking, shrinking thinking"  Dare to pray the Will of God over your life (and others as well)  realizing that He can accomplish it all!   Don't let money, health, circumstances, etc etc cramp your prayers.... He listens and He cares


Father knows best!


Blessings!


ps going on a retreat this weekend....please pray that the Lord will show Himself BIG!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

What Does Your Doormat Say?

Excuse me?

Yes ~   Each one of us has a doormat in front of our lives;  You know that expression, the "vibe" that you give off at any given time..to those that you meet~

What does yours say?


Welcome
Home sweet home
Come back later, 
Go AWAY,
I don't like you,  
No time, 
Don't bother me.
Your friend lives here

How do you think that people perceive you?
As Christians we cannot say "I really don't care what people think...It's really none of their business.

Sorry...once you have come to the Lord you are not your own.  You have been bought with a price and you bear the name of Christ...CHRISTian

Look in the mirror or better yet ask a close friend.  It may be time to throw the old mat away and exchange it for the new name that Jesus has for you!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Total Package

 That's what we get when we accept the Lord into our lives.


We get THE TOTAL PACKAGE.  As I wrote yesterday and reminded us of some of the scriptures that the Lord gave us, we find that there is not one single area that He does not cover.


We need NOTHING else once we have the Lord.
He is our wisdom, our strength, our help, our provision, our way-maker, our shelter, our healer, our protector, our burden bearer, our sin taker, our ticket to heaven and our rear guard.


He sticks closer than a brother, answers us when we call, gives us wisdom, picks us up when we fall and straightens a tangled path.  


He not only has a wonderful plan for us but He says that HE will even take our mistakes and work them together for good if we trust in Him


Jesus is the TOTAL PACKAGE!


Don't keep this to yourselves!!!  Share the Wealth and the Truth.  People need to know HE is the difference between heaven and hell!


Blessings  

Monday, September 26, 2011


YOU SAY ~GOD SAYS~
BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says:
 All things are possible( Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest( Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
( John 3:1  6 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say:  'I can't figure things out' 
God says: I will direct your steps(Proverbs 3:5-  6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
                    God says: Nothing is too difficult for Me  (Jeremiah 32:17)
             
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)

You day: I am afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
( II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What a Wonderful God

HE IS VERY BIG
Today    Minimize yourself and Maximize HIM
Listen ~  Let HIM have a minute of your time 
Make sure your perspective is right today
Silence the lies
Look Up  ~ What a wonderful Maker   What a wonderful Savior!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7JCoz9Z3a8


You spread out the skies over empty space
Said, let there be light
To a dark and formless world
Your light was born
You spread out your arms over empty hearts
Said, let there be light
To a dark and hopeless world
Your son was born

You made the world and
saw that it was good
You sent your only son, for you are good

What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic your whispers
And how humble your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic your whispers
What a wonderful God

No eye has fully seen how
beautiful the cross
And we have only heard the
Faintest whispers
Of how great you are

You made the world and
Saw that it was good
You sent your only son, for you are good

What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic your whispers
And how humble your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic your whispers
What a wonderful God

You made the world and
Saw that it was good
You sent your only son, for you are good

What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic your whispers
And how humble your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic your whispers
What a wonderful God

How majestic your whispers
What a wonderful God 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

He is ABLE!

Years ago, on a summer morning, a small group of women met in my screen house for prayer.  Most were weary and many were encumbered with overwhelming  burdens.

As we prayed I saw a vision....

We, a very small band of ladies, were in a HUGE room,  we were dwarfed by its size.  Way far in the distance there was a throne where Jesus sat.  We slowly and hesitantly made our way to His Presence.  We were skittish and unsure of ourselves.
As we got close the Lord leaned forward, elbow on His knee and asked what He could do for us.  One by one we shared with Him our concerns.  He listened very intently, keenly interested.  When we were finished he sat back with a big smile on His kind face and said "  Ladies, go and enjoy your day, Everything is taken care of"

We sat on that deck for a long time that day, our limbs weighted down with His presence.  We felt a Peace that was truly beyond our understanding as the Lord had certainly ministered to us.

What are your concerns today?  He is ready to listen and is more than capable of handling anything that you might bring.  

Don't fear.....He loves you with an everlasting love...You are His child!


Blessings!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Surprise!!

Whoa  that  was a curve ball !
I sure didn't see that coming
What a surprise that was!
We had no idea and then Bham!


Amazing... life can be going along so evenly and predictable when


WATCH OUT!!!   


Something comes flying out of nowhere!


How can we be ready for the "upsets of life"?   
We know that:
What we eat today is what keeps us healthy tomorrow.  Brushing our teeth daily keeps tomorrows cavities at bay.  Paying the light bill is what keeps the lights on in the future.
  
It matters what we do today, 
How we live counts.


This reminds me of the 10 virgins 
5 were ready  5 were not
The scripture says that Jesus is going to come as a thief in the night  Matthew 25:13
Are you prepared?


Today make sure that you are tending to the business at hand.
It is not a time to be dozing, pretending that life will always be grand.  The changing of the seasons is absolutely predictable.  Watch, plan and pray and He will guide you and direct you in the way that you should go


Blessings friend!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

When God Doesn't Deliver ...... Geez!

We seem to be doing better than ever before...giving it our best.
We are trying to keep focused and disciplined
We give, we read, we attend, we are kind, we help....


But....excuse me please....
How about OUR needs?


What happened to the Blessing?   When is it OUR turn?
When does the obedience pay off?   Am I being overlooked? Is it all really worth it?  Is HE even noticing?


We may never speak these words out loud but I bet a few of you have thought them....
Where is GOD??


Beloved HE is watching.... He is pleased with you, training you.  You will not be forgotten,  You will reap what you sow.  OH PLEASE don't give up now....keep on!  What else is there to do that is better?  
The Lord's timing is PERFECT!   Many of our treasures are being stored where "moth and rust" cant get at them, kept in a place where we will benefit from them for ETERNITY!


Weary one....hang on....there is a corner up ahead, perhaps just a little longer and the answer will come, the break will appear, the need will be met, the miracle will happen.  
To the faithful He will show Himself faithful!    Psalm 18:25

Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Orphan

She is alone.  Abandoned.  Forsaken. Totally alone.
HE finds her. Takes her, clothes her, rescues her and treats her with kindness.
HE "buys" her with HIS own blood and gives her a new name.  HE brings her to His table, feeds her, cares for her, is always kind and loving.


She sits in wonder, can this really be happening?  Now she is part of a family.  She watches and listens and compares.  She is not the only one.  There are many with her same story...but different.   She listens to the laughter at the gatherings but she continues to sit outside the circle.....She waits til the others are gone before she eats.  She hangs back...

WHY?



She has not been convinced.  She is stuck in an Orphan Mentality.  She wants to believe  it but won't let herself.  Wounds go deep.  Habits are hard to break.  Mistrust is a wide rut in her soul.


Is that you?  Do you know someone who has "accepted" Christ but still lives like he/she is unloved, alone?


Don't hang back anymore.  Cut off the last tethers of the old life that the enemy wants you to cling to. He wants YOU!   He loves you Oh how HE loves YOU!  


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-rW528qiYw

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Empty Mailboxes

Does that sound sad to you?


I conjure up a picture of an elderly person tottering out to the box only to find emptiness, not even a flyer from Walmart.  In this world of high tech the mailbox at the end of the driveway is becoming a relic. A letter with a stamp and a hand written address is a rarity.


Think about it.


God, the Maker of the Universe and More took the time to write us a letter.  He had (has) things to tell us, things that He knew (knows) we need to know.  Not only does His Word never get old, It is active, living and always relevant. 


Another kind of sad picture is a mailbox over stuffed with letters, newspapers and flyers, some hanging out wet and yellowed with age.  What does that mean?  The person must be away, out of town, sick or just doesn't care.
Yes the majority of the stuff probably does not matter but there may be a note in there that could change a life's course.


Have you checked your "mailbox" lately?  I know for certain that there is a love letter and some good words of instruction waiting just for you.


Blessings!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Pain and Confusion

It just comes sometimes out of the blue.  We are traveling on our merry way and then BAM~


They sap our strength and often send us into a spin.


Years ago when I was in the midst of horrible divorce, hovering on edge of despair,   the Lord sent a lady to my house with a "word"


I pass this on to you to day.  His Word is living and breathing and is applicable for eternity.  
Take it friend today for yourself.

"Fear not, for truly I am with you.  I have seen your pain and heard your cries. I know your doubts and you are wondering where I am in all your strife.  But know that I am in the very center of your storm and where I am is where your peace is.  Even though the storm rages around you it cannot come near you as long as you are in the center of My will.   Reach out and take hold of Me and I will rescue you from the devastation that has placed itself around you.  You need not fear the road ahead...My comfort is all around you....Be still and know  that I AM GOD!"


Beloved take this to day and rest in His presence!


Blessings~

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Hey! How Are You Anyway?

What would your answer be?


"Oh fine thanks, You?"    (let's take the attention off of me)
"Well, my doctor just said..."  ( since you asked let me talk)
With one extreme to the other is anyone really listening?


When our words hit space...let's make them count for something.  Remember the Scripture says we will be held accountable for every word that comes out of our mouths (ouch!) Matthew 12:36


 Pause for a moment of silence please....


Let's speak words that count,  Life words  like: "God continues to be faithful!"  and  "Jesus is more  than enough!"


So today  think before you speak.  The world may be a quieter, friendlier place!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z6Vup_9qog&feature=related
Philip Bliss   1874

  1. Sing them over again to me,
    Wonderful words of life,
    Let me more of their beauty see,
    Wonderful words of life;
    Words of life and beauty
    Teach me faith and duty.
    • Refrain:
      Beautiful words, wonderful words,
      Wonderful words of life;
      Beautiful words, wonderful words,
      Wonderful words of life.
  2. Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
    Wonderful words of life;
    Sinner, list to the loving call,
    Wonderful words of life;
    All so freely given,
    Wooing us to heaven.
  3. Sweetly echo the Gospel call,
    Wonderful words of life;
    Offer pardon and peace to all,
    Wonderful words of life;
    Jesus, only Savior,
    Sanctify us forever.

Monday, September 12, 2011

In Everything Give Him Thanks

In EVERYTHING??

YES ~ in everything.

The good, bad and the ugly......


When we choose to do this exercise, we bow before the Lord with a sacrifice of praise that echos 
through out  the heavens....
(in the ears of not only the Father and the angels but also the principalities and powers...)

JESUS   I TRUST YOU! 

 I'M NOT AFRAID!! 

 I'M YOURS!

Let Your will be done in my life!

Take a minute ~ right now ~

Give HIM thanks for everything.  Determine to hold nothing back.
It will seem crazy for sure... but please know that it is one of the BIG secrets of the Christians life ~ 
to give thanks in ALL things.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN4rwsAQfyU

Sunday, September 11, 2011

He is "In It" and You Can Trust HIM!

Friends I have not thought of or heard this song for decades but as I sat down the words came to me.  With a half century under my belt I can now say YES !   HE was there!!   He had a plan!!   He was in it!
Today I trust Him  implicitly and  
YOU CAN TOO!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FzdbL1kXHQ


So You were in it after all
All of those moments I spent crying
When something inside of me was dying
I didn't know that You heard me
Each time I called
You had a reason for those trials
It seems I grew stronger every mile
Now I know You were in it after all

We're always ready Lord to take the glory
But we're seldom willing to endure the pain
You wee with me when the sun was shining,
And You were still beside me when it rained

So You were in it after all
Taking the blows that I'd been given
Mending the wounds that needed mending
I didn't know that You heard me each time I called
I guess it's easy now to see it,
I don't know how I could have missed it Jesus
But You were in it after all
We're always ready Lord to take the glory
But we're seldom willing to endure the pain
You were with me the sun was shining
And You were still beside me when it rained.

So You were in it after all
I guess it's easy now to see it
I don't know how I could have missed it, Jesus
But You were in it after all
Now I know You were in it after all









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