Did you ever wonder what that means? I did. So I asked! Lord what does that mean? How can Praise possibly be a sacrifice?
So God showed me.....
Through tough times....when I didn't want to praise Him. When it was hard for me to praise Him.
Then I got it.
Even though our circumstances are rough, dry, sad and even sometimes unbearable.....there is power in praise, there is freedom in praise, there is presence in praise.....the Word says, God inhabits the Praises of His people.....so even when we don't feel like praising Him because of our life situation....there is almost nothing better to do......plus when we praise Him, it sets us free from thinking we are in control of anything.....He is the one who knows what is best for us and He is the one who allowed whatever it is that has come into our life to, I don't know, test our faith, make us stronger, draw us closer, you name it! Maybe all 3.....But most of all we Praise Him because He is Worthy of that Praise.....because if the ONLY thing Christ did was to die for us, that is truly enough.....but let me make it clear.....it is NOT the only thing He did for us or does for us......so lets Praise Him for who He is and not only for what He can do for us, but what He has done for us and why.....Praise Him for His Love, Sacrifice, Victory, Comfort, Protection and Provision. Praise Him in the good times and the bad times, praise Him in the morning, afternoon and evening....Praise Him.
Psalm 148
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Retreat
I have been weighed down heavily lately. I take myself too serious sometimes and I tend to over extend myself and then get down on myself when I can't deliver.
I also feel like I've taken some gigantic steps forward in these last few months, which is good...however, I also feel like in doing so, the enemy has tried to knock me down......and quite honestly he is doing a good job. The past few weeks have been an uphill battle for my soul, mind and heart. I am tired. I need to retreat.....even if defeated, crying in the arms of Christ is my comfort. I cannot fight this on my own and I know it. I am now laying down at His feet and resting and being restored, being rejuvenated. I will enter the battle again soon....but hopefully with more strength and knowledge of the enemy than before.
The thing that makes me keep going though is.....I know if the enemy is attacking like this, I must be doing something right.....so I'm grateful and humbled at the same time to be counted worthy of this war.....and looking forward to what God has for me in the future.....for now, I will rest in His peace and gain strength from His Joy.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Doing good....
Ever get tired of doing good? Ever get tired of doing the right thing when no one else around you seems to? Ever get tired of lifting others up, but being torn down be even those you are lifting up? Yeah, me too....but the bible explicitly tell us to never tire of doing good, especially to those in the body of Christ. (Galatians 6:19)
Now just a warning....I may ramble in this post a little, but hang in there!
I recently watched the movie Fireproof and was pleasantly surprised by many of the connotations. I knew it is a Christian movie about marriage, however, there was a part in the movie with the father talks to the son about his marriage and the father asks the son, what he views as the main problem. The son(Kirk Cameron) goes off on the fact that he gets no respect, that he gives and gives and gets nothing in return and gets rejected constantly.....The father is then standing by a cross and plainly implies well....now you know how Jesus feels....When you take a hard look at Jesus' life......He gave and gave and gave......never once did he say no to anyone....they asked for healing; He healed, they even asked for "impossible" things like raising loved ones to life; He raised them, they asked to be forgiven; He forgave, they asked for the truth; He told them.....and even when they asked and He gave, it was still not enough....so He then was beaten, spat on, rejected, mocked, talked about, blamed, and crucified....even at the point of death.....Jesus spoke good of them and for them....."Father forgive them....." Never once did he say, "ya know what.....Im done.....all you do is this that and the other.....and i never get any respect....." .....look what you've done to me.....you don't deserve this gift"
Nope. He didn't do that....He gave even when there seemed to be no reason to....but we all know why He did.....we all know now, He came to save those that are lost. So in turn, we are supposed to be like him as little Christs.....sharing His love, not ours cause ours is worthless.....sharing His kindness.......not ours, cause ours is filthy disgusting rags......God always amazes me.....Im amazed by my amazement sometimes.....It never gets old to hear what He did and consistently does for us.....Sometime I find myself getting a thought and then giving it completely to God almost in tears knowing I cannot do anything without Him....seriously....I am completely useless on my own.....and my recognition of that is not even of me.....its only because He has made it known to me....He amazes me and this is how we are supposed to be......we are supposed to amaze people....In Christs Love.
Galatians 6:9-9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
His Love is above the Law
John 5:6- 11
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’
I read this to my daughter the other night and wanted to blog about it sooner, but this is the first chance I've been given since then.
She heard the story, and normally I feel the need to paraphrase it for her, so she can understand what the message of the story is.
While I was paraphrasing it, I understood what the message is. Maybe not fully, but certainly from another aspect. God's Love is above the Law. Its His law anyway, but His love is what put it in place. His love for us, and to keep us safe. So in essence, to love someone so much as to heal them on the Sabbath is fulfilling the law.....God's love fulfills the law, and so do we if we do the same as He did. It really makes it clear that God is not religion and rules, but again, love......God is Love. Paul reiterates this constantly in the New Testament, we are not longer under law, but under Grace. We've never been under a law that would deny the sick, needy, homeless, poor, hurting, ect, but on the contrary, would love them and have mercy on them and heal them even on a day that is unlawful to do so. Love is before the law.....and it is when Christ died, the law was abolished forever and all that is left is Love......Sometimes Christianity is made all about something its not, instead of everything that it is.......
Romans 13:9- “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
John 13:34-“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Prayer:
Father, teach us to love like you. Give us a compassionate heart and eyes to see what you see. Lord make our hearts tender and soft, as we seek to fulfill the command you gave even from the beginning of time....Take over and make us a new creation in you, to be who you created us to be in the first place....In Jesus Name....Amen.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’
I read this to my daughter the other night and wanted to blog about it sooner, but this is the first chance I've been given since then.
She heard the story, and normally I feel the need to paraphrase it for her, so she can understand what the message of the story is.
While I was paraphrasing it, I understood what the message is. Maybe not fully, but certainly from another aspect. God's Love is above the Law. Its His law anyway, but His love is what put it in place. His love for us, and to keep us safe. So in essence, to love someone so much as to heal them on the Sabbath is fulfilling the law.....God's love fulfills the law, and so do we if we do the same as He did. It really makes it clear that God is not religion and rules, but again, love......God is Love. Paul reiterates this constantly in the New Testament, we are not longer under law, but under Grace. We've never been under a law that would deny the sick, needy, homeless, poor, hurting, ect, but on the contrary, would love them and have mercy on them and heal them even on a day that is unlawful to do so. Love is before the law.....and it is when Christ died, the law was abolished forever and all that is left is Love......Sometimes Christianity is made all about something its not, instead of everything that it is.......
Romans 13:9- “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
John 13:34-“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Prayer:
Father, teach us to love like you. Give us a compassionate heart and eyes to see what you see. Lord make our hearts tender and soft, as we seek to fulfill the command you gave even from the beginning of time....Take over and make us a new creation in you, to be who you created us to be in the first place....In Jesus Name....Amen.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Hearers vs. Doers.....
While reading the Word the other day I was thinking....."I remember reading this so many times..." Then the Holy Spirit said....."Then why don't you do it"......I was taken aback.....I thought Yeah! That's the point! To read it AND do it......
So, as I was reading I flipped to James 1:2-"But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James pretty much said it is easy to be deceived just hearing the Word, but putting it into practice is the test....that is where the rubber meets the road. Satan can't get to you as easily, when you are in motion(doing), but when you are idle(hearing only) he can do alot of damage without us even noticing.
We can get pretty comfy in our pew on Sunday mornings...never actually doing anything that makes us the least bit uncomfortable.....I say this to myself really, but recently have been moved to do more....much more....I want to get out of my comfort zone and see God move. Show Him the risk I'm willing to take and the love that I'm willing to show.......not in my own strength...lets get that straight.
John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Don't just SAY you love him......Love Him.....by doing.....
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you know I love you and want to show you, help me to get out of my comfort zone and give me strength for today for what you have for me and my family. Lead us and guide us to your perfect will and change our hearts to release the selfishness inside. May all people know we love you, by our love for them. Give us a supernatural love in our hearts to replace this staleness and stillness. Stir our hearts to love like you love. In Jesus name, Amen.
So, as I was reading I flipped to James 1:2-"But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James pretty much said it is easy to be deceived just hearing the Word, but putting it into practice is the test....that is where the rubber meets the road. Satan can't get to you as easily, when you are in motion(doing), but when you are idle(hearing only) he can do alot of damage without us even noticing.
We can get pretty comfy in our pew on Sunday mornings...never actually doing anything that makes us the least bit uncomfortable.....I say this to myself really, but recently have been moved to do more....much more....I want to get out of my comfort zone and see God move. Show Him the risk I'm willing to take and the love that I'm willing to show.......not in my own strength...lets get that straight.
John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Don't just SAY you love him......Love Him.....by doing.....
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you know I love you and want to show you, help me to get out of my comfort zone and give me strength for today for what you have for me and my family. Lead us and guide us to your perfect will and change our hearts to release the selfishness inside. May all people know we love you, by our love for them. Give us a supernatural love in our hearts to replace this staleness and stillness. Stir our hearts to love like you love. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
His Sacrifice too great for my mediocrity
What a great service today! The Spirit was clearly moving amidst the people. Worship was great, the Message was great and Communion was great.
While I was sitting in the pew though during communion.....I just felt and was able to put into words the unworthiness of my being in the presence of the holiness of His. The words came in wholly and complete: "His sacrifice is too great, for my mediocrity"
I don't want to live a mediocre, meaningless life. I want it to count......for Him. I want each and everything I do to give Glory to His Name and to build up the Kingdom. However, Satan likes to have failure loom over our heads and lead us to believe things that simply aren't true......and sometimes ask questions that really make you think about your relationship with your Creator.
Can I ever measure up? Will He love me any less? Will He love me any more? Can I do anything to help "atone" for my sinful self?......While we'd sometimes like to think the answer is yes, it is inevitable.....The answer to all of these questions is NO.
With that, there is a realization of freedom, that is unimaginable. Now this doesn't mean whatever we do we wont be held accountable for, but we will be loved regardless.
Pastor spoke this morning on Isaiah 6:1-9.....the message simply said....we are unworthy, but we can be cleansed and then used......but will we be willing to go....to do The Lords will, to be willing to be used of Him........The Harvest is ready, but the Laborers are few. Who will go? Will you be willing?
Prayer:
Here I am Lord....use your servant, in any way you choose. Take this lifeless life, revive it and cleanse it and refine it so that it can be useful for your kingdom. Be glorified in every move I make and every word I speak. In Jesus name, Amen.
While I was sitting in the pew though during communion.....I just felt and was able to put into words the unworthiness of my being in the presence of the holiness of His. The words came in wholly and complete: "His sacrifice is too great, for my mediocrity"
I don't want to live a mediocre, meaningless life. I want it to count......for Him. I want each and everything I do to give Glory to His Name and to build up the Kingdom. However, Satan likes to have failure loom over our heads and lead us to believe things that simply aren't true......and sometimes ask questions that really make you think about your relationship with your Creator.
Can I ever measure up? Will He love me any less? Will He love me any more? Can I do anything to help "atone" for my sinful self?......While we'd sometimes like to think the answer is yes, it is inevitable.....The answer to all of these questions is NO.
With that, there is a realization of freedom, that is unimaginable. Now this doesn't mean whatever we do we wont be held accountable for, but we will be loved regardless.
Pastor spoke this morning on Isaiah 6:1-9.....the message simply said....we are unworthy, but we can be cleansed and then used......but will we be willing to go....to do The Lords will, to be willing to be used of Him........The Harvest is ready, but the Laborers are few. Who will go? Will you be willing?
Prayer:
Here I am Lord....use your servant, in any way you choose. Take this lifeless life, revive it and cleanse it and refine it so that it can be useful for your kingdom. Be glorified in every move I make and every word I speak. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:31
"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
I have heard this scripture for as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, our Pastor just talked about it a month or so ago and while i was in agreement with what he was saying, I didn't really get it....until today.
While I was praying today, I kept saying, "Lord, I know you are doing something great....I am waiting for you no matter how long it takes." As I was praying, God spoke this scripture to me and it hit home.....how can those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength? How does waiting on anything bring strength? DUH........waiting produces patience......waiting produces humility.......waiting produces faith........waiting produces endurance........waiting is training.......strength training......
But take it a step further.....They that wait upon the LORD......shall renew their strength.......here comes the supernatural part..........Ready?......
"They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
There is the testimony. People say "Wow, how are you going thru this or that? How are you staying so strong? How?...How? ...How?
Isaiah 40:31 is how.......God is how.....
So the next time when we encounter something that we know we have to wait for, consider it continued strength training for your soul, and a powerful testimony to everyone elses......
Father, Thank you for your continued patience with me as your child. You are amazing and an awesome loving father! Thank you for always speaking to me in a very real way. May your name be glorified in all I do. Amen.
"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
I have heard this scripture for as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, our Pastor just talked about it a month or so ago and while i was in agreement with what he was saying, I didn't really get it....until today.
While I was praying today, I kept saying, "Lord, I know you are doing something great....I am waiting for you no matter how long it takes." As I was praying, God spoke this scripture to me and it hit home.....how can those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength? How does waiting on anything bring strength? DUH........waiting produces patience......waiting produces humility.......waiting produces faith........waiting produces endurance........waiting is training.......strength training......
But take it a step further.....They that wait upon the LORD......shall renew their strength.......here comes the supernatural part..........Ready?......
"They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
There is the testimony. People say "Wow, how are you going thru this or that? How are you staying so strong? How?...How? ...How?
Isaiah 40:31 is how.......God is how.....
So the next time when we encounter something that we know we have to wait for, consider it continued strength training for your soul, and a powerful testimony to everyone elses......
Father, Thank you for your continued patience with me as your child. You are amazing and an awesome loving father! Thank you for always speaking to me in a very real way. May your name be glorified in all I do. Amen.
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