praising and glorifying...

December 24, 2012

Luke 2:21 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen as it had been told them

May we be like the shepherds in this beautiful story, may we run to praise and run to glorify the savior. May we tell all that we have seen and heard in our own lives!

remember...

December 21, 2012

Luke 2:17-19 But Mary treasured up all these things pondering them in her heart

 

This is one of the things I love about Mary. She didn’t let all this pass her by; she purposely remembered all that God had done for her. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t always been good at that. I haven’t always been good at this. I get so caught up in the moment that I let those moments of blessings pass me by unnoticed and unremembered. May I seek to do better at that in 2013…

run with haste to meet with Him...

December 20, 2012

Luke 2:16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger

 

Do we ever go with haste to meet Jesus? Of course our meeting with Him will be just a tad different than this. We won’t meet the baby in a manger we will meet the savior who has been to the cross for us. We meet Him in our prayer life. We meet Him in every word written in God’s word. We meet Him in our meditating on scripture. Do we hastily get up every morning to meet with Him? If not perhaps we, like the shepherds, should leave what we are doing a run hastily to meet with Him!

...singing loud, proud, and a little off key

December 19, 2012

Luke 2:12-14

V14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased

 

I can’t sin; not at all. I want to, and there are certain times I can convince myself it’s not THAT bad, but the reality is…I can’t sing. That being said “I love music” I love to listen to it; music moves me. It stirs within me a love for God and all He has done for us. I love to praise Him in song. I love to listen to Him being worshiped through music and singing. I would have loved to have been with these shepherds that night and heard the heavenly host praising God. I would have loved to have been in the throne room with Isaiah as he heard the seraphim singing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts…” I can only imagine how beautiful it sounded as they praised God. Truth is; it doesn’t really matter how bad or really how good we sing. What is the most important is our heart’s attitude while we are doing it. So, if you are like me and just a tad bit vocally challenged, sing loud from a heart that seeks to honor Him. For He will be pleased with your offering!!   

our Savior is born...

December 17, 2012

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord

 

Is there any other more special verse in the bible? Our Savior, born for us, in a stable; born to parents of humble means. I love this verse.  

for all...

December 14, 2012

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people

 

Jesus was coming for all the people. Granted the Jewish Nation were and are God’s chosen ones, but His salvation is for us all. How thankful we can be for that!

 

no room...

December 13, 2012

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn

 

“…no place for them in the inn” as I read that I was reminded of how often we don’t have “room” for Him in our lives either. We are often too “busy” or just aren’t willing to give up something we think we want for Him. Many times this is a conscious decision but sometimes we just walk through life choosing everything else but Him unaware of it. This is why I think Paul urged us to examine ourselves in the faith constantly. To see if we are making “room” for Him in our lives or if we are simply walking through life choosing everything else but Him…

 

...it's time

December 12, 2012

Luke 2:6 And while they were there the time came for her to give birth

 

“The time”…God had the exact moment that His Son would be born down to a minute. God knew how, when and where He would be born. Mary was far enough along in her pregnancy that Joseph couldn’t leave her behind but not far enough along that she didn’t deliver on the way to Bethlehem. It had been prophesied that the Messiah would come out of Bethlehem. Bethlehem means “The City of Bread” and they were in fact a main producer of grain and bread. Jesus would grow to call Himself, “The Bread of Life”, how fitting that He would come from “The City of Bread”.

taxes, a pregnant lady and a donkey...

December 6, 2012

Luke 2:4-5

V4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee…

 

It all comes back to taxes! Funny how God can use anything to bring about His will and fulfill His promises. It had been decreed that the Messiah would come from the City of David. In order for Rome to collect the proper amount of taxes it need to know exactly how many people lived in it. This of course necessitated a census.  So, at right about nine months pregnant Mary and Joseph set out for a 3 day journey. Having been right about nine months pregnant three times in my life I can assure you that the very last thing Mary probably wanted to do at this time in her life is travel three days on a donkey. Yet, like in many things in our lives God requires us to do things that we would probably prefer not to do, but at the same time we are called to be obedient. May I remember that…

being obedient...

December 5, 2012

Matthew 1:24-25

V24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her.

 

He obeyed. He did so unquestioningly. He did even knowing that others around him would never understand and could quiet possibly ridicule him. Yet, he obeyed anyway. His love of God was apparently more important to him than anything else. Can we say the same? Can we be like Joseph and obey without even one question? All throughout the Nativity story we see Joseph’s obedience; he is the model of what we, as believers, should be like. 

rejoice...

December 4, 2012

Matthew 1:23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel

 

“O Come, O Come, Immanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That morns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice, Rejoice! Immanuel

Shall come to thee oh Israel”

 

Immanuel means “God with us”, and how thankful I am that so many years ago God sent His son to be with us. I am so very thankful that we have Him to call upon. That in Him we can Rejoice!

keeping promises...

December 3, 2012

Matthew 1:22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

 

God certainly keeps his promises. He is always faithful to do so. This is just one example of how He does this. Jesus’ birth reflects every promise found in scripture so that everyone would recognize Him as their savior.

there's just something about that name...

November 30, 2012

Matthew 19:21 She will give birth to a son and you are to name Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins

 

One of the greatest verses in all of God’s word; it tells us our saviors name. There is no other name like His. His name has to power to evoke strong emotions both good and bad. It is the name that every knee will bow and every tongue confess! I love His name; in it I have found solace, peace, comfort and strength. In His name I have cried out and He has always answered. “It’s so beautiful, the name of Jesus, it’s so beautiful, that precious name…”

dream a little dream...

November 29, 2012,

Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered these things an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.”

 

Joseph was not just some average dude. He was from the lineage of David, he had royal blood if you will. He not only had the blood of royals but Joseph being a faithful Jewish man he would have recognized that it had been foretold that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David. What a dream, right? Can any of us even begin to imagine what it would be like to have a dream like this? It wasn’t just any ordinary one; this was a dream that would forever change the lives of Mary and Joseph, not to mention me!

a compassionate guy...

November 28, 2012

Matthew 1:19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly decided to divorce her secretly

 

To become pregnant while betrothed but not yet married was, in Jewish society, a No, No! To do so was to open yourself up to all sorts of rumors, scandal and shunning from society. Joseph, apparently a really nice guy, wanted to spare Mary from having to experience this. Now, at this point Joseph doesn’t realize that there is anything special about Mary’s pregnancy. He assumes that she became pregnant in the normal way. That being said what compassion he is willing to show this girl who, for all appearances, has broken her covenant with him. All around him, his family and friends, would have been screaming at him to renounce her and her wicked behavior; to disgrace her publicly in front of everyone they know. Yet, he didn’t. Instead, he was willing to show her compassion and divorce her quietly. So, much attention is focused on Mary in the birth and life of Jesus Christ (and that’s ok) but I think that Joseph proves here that he is a pretty good guy to be the earthly father of our Savior. Would any of us be as compassionate to someone who had hurt us?

the miracles of Christmas...

November 26, 2012

Matthew 1:18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way. After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit

 

Every time I hear the Christmas story I am always amazed at the many miracles inside it. Our savior came to earth as a small baby. He gave up His place in Heaven to fulfill His Father’s Plan of Salvation. This verse of course shows one of the main miracles of the story, “The Virgin Birth”. You really can’t get any more miraculous than a virgin birth!!

the strength in me...

November 21, 2012

Psalm 138:3 You answered me when I called to you; with your strength you strengthened me.

 

Today I am thankful for the strength that God has given me this past year. I was able to do all that was set before me because of it without His strength I would have faltered.

my home is where my heart is...

 

November 20, 2012

Genesis 31:34 …and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness declares the lord

 

Today I’m thankful for my house. I am thankful that not only have I been able to create a place that reflects my crazy sense of style but I have also been able to create a home. I have been able to create a place that is peaceful (despite some minor wars between siblings!), a place that is fun, but most of all a place where God is glorified. Written on a chalkboard as you walk into our home is the verse, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord…” this is what makes my house a home!   

for those who have loved me...

November 19, 2012

Psalm 84:10-11 “…the Lord bestows favor and honor, No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly”

 

Today I am thankful for all the people in my life who have influenced me. I am thankful that for many years, all of them so far to be exact, I have been blessed to have 3 of my grandparents still with me. I am thankful for all that they have shown me and taught me. I love them dearly. They each in their own way helped to shape me into who I am today. I know that they are all a gift from God.

being one...

November 15, 2012

Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, hold fast to his wife, they shall become one flesh”

 

Today I am thankful for the relationship I have with my husband. It is truly a gift from God. I know that we hear a lot about “being married to your best friend”; some of those are of course true but some sadly are just empty words that are not true. I can say, thankfully, that I am married to my best friend. He knows me; he gets me, and he loves me anyway. I know that sometimes I’m really unlovable!! We are able to enjoy the relationship that we have because we love, seek to glorify, and obey God in our marriage. I hope that my children see our relationship and refuse to settle for less that what their parents had!

the little things that pass me by...

November 14, 2012

Psalm 28:7 …my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him

 

Today I am thankful for all the things God grants me that I never notice. All those little things that make my life easy or wonderful that I let pass me by without saying “Thank You” to the one who gave them to me. We want to say we don’t do this but we all do. We want to think better about ourselves than that. Sometimes we don’t just not say thank you; sometimes we might think we deserve all those little things, but we don’t. The fact is that we don’t deserve anything. Even our salvation is a gift that we could never earn. So, today I’m thankful that God is gracious to me even when, especially when, I don’t deserve it!

my strength (or lack thereof...)

November 13, 2012

John 5:30 I can do nothing on my own

 

Today I am thankful for God’s strength. I know first hand that God’s strength can allow you to do things that you would never be able to accomplish alone. Sometimes God’s strength in me is astonishing. I can look at all that I need to accomplish in a day and I’m overwhelmed; yet, little by little God through me chips away at all the tasks. He tells us that there is peace and joy in those that follow Him. It’s a hard concept to grasp when the world around us is in chaos. However, little by little God’s strength in us shows us that we can lean on His understanding making the chaos into peace even if the circumstances never change.

my path...

November 12, 2012

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

 

Today I am thankful for your path. I am thankful that you lead me on it. I am thankful that even though I may not know where it is leading me I can rest in knowing that You are with me. You guide me. You protect me. This is a gift beyond measure to never have to worry that I am in a place that you cannot reach me!

my church family...

November 9, 2012

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor

 

Today I am thankful for my church family. We have been through so much together I can’t imagine my life without any of them. We, I believe, epitomize what God meant when He created His church. I am so very blessed to have each of them as part of my life.

it never returns empty...

November 8, 2012

Isaiah 55:12 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it

 

Today I am thankful for God’s Word. It gives me comfort, it convicts me, and it constantly shows me the grace and mercy of my Savior. We as believers often take it for granted. We more often than not forget to read it. Yet, it is always there. It guides our paths. In it we find rest. Every word is a promise from God to us that He will keep. I am exceedingly thankful that I have been allowed to have it, to own it, to read it.

a life of no fear...

November 7, 2012

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

 

Today I am thankful that I can live a life of no fear. I actually read this verse in my quiet time yesterday, and it kept me in peace. I don’t know what tomorrow holds but I do know WHO holds it. I will NOT live in fear because God holds me, He protects me, and He goes before me. This is easy to write as I sit in my comfy house safe and sound, but an altogether different thing to actually put into practice. Yet, I can do it. I can do it for God is my strength, and He will never fail us. He is the good shepherd whom the Bible says in Ezekiel “For thus says the Lord God, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.” For that I am extremely thankful.

my right to vote...

November 6, 2012

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding

 

Today I am thankful for my right to vote. I am thankful that God has allowed me to live in a land where I am free to worship and learn about Him. I am thankful that I can own a bible, I can take it anywhere I want, and I can cast my vote according to the candidate that most reflects it. I am even more thankful that God is ultimately in control. We as Americans have been given much; therefore, much is expected of us. Go vote!

the call to home-school...

November 5, 2012

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

 

Today I am thankful that God called me to home-school. I will admit that I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to be obedient to God’s calling me to teach my children. I will admit that on many days I have failed but on many days we have succeeded beyond what I thought was possible.

Home-schooling is intended to educate my children in the best way possible; yet, it is so much more. Through this endeavor I have grown so much. I have seen how God has changed me through it. I have become more disciplined and way more dependent on Him to help me. I have become much less selfish in my time (not that I don’t still have a lot to work on in that area!) We still have many more years left of home-school, and part of me is excited about that and part of me knows it’s going to be a whole lot of work but I wouldn’t change a minute of it. I know that if I had to send my children to public school I would be devastated. Home- schooling my children and seeing them learn as been then greatest accomplishment of my life and if I never do anything greater I am so OK with that.

my husband...

November 2, 2012

Song of Solomon 3:4 …I found him whom my soul loves

 

Today I am thankful for my husband, Terry. I am crazy in love with him. He is better than even my best daydream as a girl sitting around thinking about Prince Charming. I know that he is the husband he is to me and the father he is to our children because he loves God. I know that his love for God and His word is what makes him the man I love. I’m thankful that God made me just for him.

my salvation...

November 1, 2012

Psalm 60:5 “Salvation belongs to the LORD, Your blessings be on Your people.”

 

My Month of Thanksgiving…2012

I will spend everyday of November spending time thanking God for all that He has brought to my life; for without Him I would have nothing.

 

Today, the first day I celebrate Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my salvation. I know that without it I would be floundering, and the worse thing is that I wouldn’t even know it. I am thankful that God choose me to be His child. I was and am certainly not worth it. I endeavor to live a life that brings honor you. Thank You!

being strengthened...

October 30, 2012

Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek the lost and I will bring back the strayed and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak…

 

I have felt weak. I have felt inadequate. The fact is I have been and I am both. I am weak and inadequate. But He is not. He is strong. He is exactly what is necessary in every situation. And He strengthens me…  

He will be my shepherd...

October 26, 2012

Ezekiel 34:15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep and I myself will make them lie down declares the Lord

 

I want to be lead by God. I want to know that He is taking me where He wants me; regardless of whether I want to be here of not. Regardless of whether I even know why I am here. I want to rest in knowing that He wants me here.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

thank goodness...

October 25, 2012

Romans 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy

 

Thank God that He has mercy. Thank God that He is bigger than anything we are dealing with. Thank God that He is bigger than our sin.

this world is not ours...

October 23, 2012

Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries

 

This world is not our home. I sometimes forget this, but in this time of fear and unrest in our country today it’s a great thing to remember. God will come and take us to our true home! He will come and gather those who are His. This is comforting in the face of unrest, in the face of fear.

 

 

searching shepherd...

October 22, 2012

Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds thick darkness

 

This brings me comfort. What have I to fear with a shepherd that will search for me?

I am His...

October 19, 2012

Ezekiel 34:11 “For thus says the Lord God; Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.

 

How amazing that the God of this universe, the One who created the earth, the One who sent His son to die will search for His sheep who have wandered astray. I am comforted by this. This is certainly not a God who would think less of me simply because I am a woman; no, this is an example of a God who looks at me and sees His child. How blessed am I to be one and how blessed am I to have a God so near to me!

 

being rescued, again...

October 18, 2012

Ezekiel 34:7-10

V10 …No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them

 

True, God is speaking through Ezekiel about what He will do to reclaim the Children of Israel, since they are His chosen people. However, it is also true that all those who are saved are His people both Jew and gentile. So, one can assume, and rightly so, that God is coming and will save and rescue all His sheep. Being one of those said sheep, I am extremely glad to know that God takes such great care for me.

being scattered...being found

October 17, 2012

Ezekiel 34:6 My sheep were scattered they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them

 

I want a shepherd who will seek for me when I am scattered. Granted I know that I have the ultimate shepherd in Jesus who will always search for His one sheep that is lost. Yet, I find myself wanting an earthly shepherd who will come find those who are lost. Please guide us as we search for this man.

being lead...

October 16, 2012

Ezekiel 34:5 So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts

 

I don’t want to end up here as a church…scattered and food for the wicked. How important it is to have a competent shepherd can not be understated; as proven in this verse. Without one a body can be adrift. This is not what I want to happen to us. We have been through a lot as a body of Christ, and God has strengthened us despite it or I guess rather through it. I know that He will continue to do so.  He will guide us; He will lead.

being gone and coming back...

October 9, 2012

Ezekiel 34:1 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of Man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?

 

Sunday I heard a sermon based on these verses; I must admit that I had never read them before. Shame on me! Yet, when I sat and listened to the preacher teach on them I knew that I had to study them further in my quiet time. I know that I have been absent for quit a while, and there is no excuse. I have been hanging on by my fingernails in my life lately, and isn’t this when I need God and the power of His word them most. Sure, it is, but like many times we (I) allow myself to be fooled that I am too busy. When actually I am not and should never be too bust. I am excited to learn what God has to say to through the prophet Ezekiel about all the things He will do for His people!

lean on Him...

September 13, 2012

Isaiah 10:14-20

V 20 …but lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel

 

I was sitting here today thinking of all that God’s strength has lead me to accomplish in my life and I am amazed. When God convicted me and Terry to Home-school our children, I had no idea how much God would strengthen me. I was really clueless of what would be expected of me, but through it all He has held me up. The thing about God giving you strength is that you don’t realize it, really, at the time it’s happening. It’s after everything is over that you come to understand that apart from His strength you would have failed! I am thankful that I can lean on Him!

God's guiding hand...

September 12, 2012

Isaiah 10:12-13

V 12 By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding…

 

I love knowing God is in control. I mean it gives me great comfort, even in the midst of pain and scary moments. God’s control is the one thing I can constantly turn to and rely on. It is always there and He is always the same. I know that even in the darkest moments He guides my steps.

...He keeps watch

September 11, 2012

Psalm 66:7 …whose eyes keep watch on the nations

 

This is the verse I read today in Psalms. It’s yet another example of how God comforts, exhorts, and teaches from His word. How appropriate and comforting that I read this verse today on the 11^th anniversary of 9-11. As I was reading FaceBook this morning, everyone was asking “Do you remember what you were doing on that day?” Well, yes, of course I remember, I’m sure everyone will always remember. On that September 11 I was, coincidently, doing the same thing I’m doing this September 11; taking care of my babies, but that day I only had one instead of three! On this day today, the 11^th anniversary of 9-11, I choose to be thankful that for 11 years God has allowed me to be home with my children. I wouldn’t trade one minute with them for anything else. I am also comforted, on this day, to know that like this verse tells us; God’s eyes keep watch over all the nations. Who better to look out for us than God, right?

being self-indulgent and little gifts...

September 10, 2012

1 Timothy 5:6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives

 

I was flipping through my bible this morning and this is what I read. God has done this on numerous occasions. I would read something that I just KNEW was meant to apply to something I was going through at a particular moment. This is one of those moments. I’m faced with a big week with lots to do, many tasks to be preformed. Nothing more than any other mom or woman, but just an abnormally busy week; however, without keeping on task I will be unable to perform them. If I give into “self-indulgencies” I will make this week way more stressful than necessary. I love how God gives me a reminder like this.

Shouting my praises...

I've been having some computer issues, but thankfully they are fixed and I'm back!!

 

September 5, 2012

Hebrews 13:15-16 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name .Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God

 

This weekend I have had some tangible evidence of God’s great gifts to me. He has been unbelievably merciful and giving to my family, always, but this weekend I have been shown tangible examples of His goodness. I praise Him. Not just for what He has given, but I praise Him that He gave it in the first place. I thank Him that His will for me has lead me here to this place in my life. I thank Him for my children, my husband, and above all else, my salvation! May I never “Neglect” to share to all from the rooftops Your great goodness to me!

following the light through the darkness...

August 16, 2012

Isaiah 8:18-22, 9:1-2

V2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; whose who dwelt in a land of deep darkness

Many times while we are in the midst of great trouble we forget that we are also in midst of His great mercy, love, and faithfulness. In those times, we forget that though darkness surround us the “light” protects us and leads us through. We can hold on to it. We can be lead by it, but mostly we just concentrate on the darkness!

being in awe...

August 15, 2012

Psalm 40:10 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

Every time I read a verse that describes what God does for me I am always overwhelmed; I mean isn’t salvation enough? He doesn’t stop there though. I constantly rest in His unrestrained mercy, even though on many occasions I certainly don’t deserve it! I am amazed at His steadfast love. I am in awe at His faithfulness to me. When others around me have deserted me, He is one that sticks closer than a brother. For that I am undeserving!

waiting...

August 14, 2012

Isaiah 8:15-17

V 17 I will wait for the LORD…I will hope in him

Waiting on the Lord is one of the hardest things ever; I think. I think that we want to hurry up and make what we think should happen occur that we run ahead. Now we will always mess things up when we do this but that doesn’t seem to stop us. When God just wants us to wait, to rest, to learn from our waiting, many times there are great lessons to be learned while we are waiting. Yet, we are always so busy trying to find our way out that we miss those lessons. We should rest and hope knowing that God will deliver us. But do we wait like we know He will deliver us?

a refuge...

August 13, 2012

Isaiah 8:11-14

V 14 And he will become a sanctuary…

One of the several definitions of “sanctuary” is, “any place of refuge.” Verse 14 of Isaiah chapter 8 is talking about Jesus. Jesus is our sanctuary, he is our place of rest. Jesus said come to Him all who are weary and He will give them rest. He said that His yoke was easy and His burdens were light. He is our place to rest. He is our place to run to. He will always be there. He is our sacturary…

having God...

August 9, 2012

Isaiah 7:17-25, 8:1-10

8:10 …speak a word, but it will not stand for God is with us

Ever looked as certain aspects of your life and been totally surprised because you never thought you would find yourself here? Well, it can catch you by surprise trust me. So can the actions of people for that matter; those that you think you know, maybe you don’t. Or perhaps what they go through in private doesn’t allow them to fulfill what you would have assumed they should. This is when those who are there for you shine even brighter. This is when you realize that God is there with you in His Word, in His providing others to come along and strengthen you when you are down, and in His Spirit filling you with what you need. This is when you find yourself not quit as tired and rundown or scared as you would have assumed you would be because God is with you!

being honest...

August 7, 2012

Isaiah 7:5-16

V 16 …knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good

Isaiah is speaking of Jesus here; so naturally He will be much better at this than we will ever be. However, He is our model. How easy it is to lie to ourselves that we do this. As I have said many times we put to high a definition on what is evil. Anything that does not bring God glory is evil. Anything we choose to do that is not worshipping or obeying His word is evil. If we get honest with what constitutes as evil; I think that we would see that we more often than not choose evil over good. We want to do good, there’s not doubt yet, it is very hard for us to do so! We must constantly battle our flesh, and the first, and perhaps hardest battle, is learning to recognize what is evil and what is good!

no fear...

August 6, 2012

Isaiah 7:1-4

V 4 …do not fear and do not let your heart be faint…

This is so hard to do, isn’t it? To not fear, and really it could mean anything. We as humans fear all manner of things, but clearly here in Isaiah we are told not to. We are also told that God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of strength. This is of course not because we are powerful in ourselves but that God is the power in us. It is because of His Holy Spirit that we do not have to fear. We can be strong in our conviction, we can carry out what He has put on our hearts to accomplish, and we can walk the hard path that is sometimes set before us simply because He lives in us!