John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life
and that they may have it more abundantly."
How often have you been having a wonderful day, all is as it should be, and then like a thief in the night, something happens and your joy is immediately replaced with despair and frustration? "The thief does not come except to steal, and to destroy."
As followers of Christ we have a chose whether to stoop to the lies of Satan, walking in defeat, or stand on the word of God, knowing what He tells us is truth. Just as He spoke to the multitudes so long ago, He speaks to us today, warning of the thief who comes to steal our joy, destroy our peace, and ploy to steal our faith and trust in our Savior. Nothing gives Satan more satisfaction then we he succeeds in taking our eyes off Jesus and instead fretting over our problem. My mom tells me at times like this he is sitting in the corner clapping, knowing he has won.
How do we stand on the Word of God when everything around us seems to be moving toward defeat? How do we trust in what we do not see? We stand in faith. We believe the Word of God over the evidence before us.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen. __Hebrews 11:1
Faith is a chose. It cannot be forced, nor can it be replaced. Faith and fear cannot exist as one. We either choose to walk in faith, or allow fear to steal our peace. Who will we believe, our Savior or our enemy?
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have
set before you life and death, blessings and cursing; therefore
choose life that both you and your descendants my live; that you may
love the LORD your God, that you may cling to Him, for He is your
life and the length of your days. __Deuteronomy 30:19
Let's choose this day to stand on the word of God, allowing Satan to stoop in the corner, not clapping this time, but with his head hung low in defeat.
"I have come that they may have life and that they may have it
more abundantly." __John 10:10
Friday, September 4, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Beauty for Ashes
Isaiah 61:3
To give them beauty for ashes
Attending the wedding of my nephew, tears of joy could not be contained as I witnessed first hand the love and faithfulness of God. I expected to look into the star lit sky and see written for all to read, "I turn ashes into beauty." It was obvious this is exactly what God had done in my nephew's life. As he stood before the guests, he proclaimed, "I thank God every night for how He has blessed me." Yes, God had taken what once looked like a life of sadness and despair and replaced it with blessings beyond his greatest expectations.
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
__Isaiah 61:3
More and more the Lord is teaching me to wait on Him, and in the waiting trust Him. If only we could see behind the scene of how God is working in our lives. He has a plan for our lives and He alone knows what must take place to bring that plan to pass. What feels like heartache could be the very tool He uses to take us to the next place in our life.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
Who can be against us? __Romans 8:31
Wait on the LORD; be of courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! __Psalm 27:14
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
__Jeremiah 29:11
I want to wait on the Lord. I want to know that I can trust Him to work all things out, and in the working, turn the ashes of my life into beauty. I know He will. I saw it written across the sky!
And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
__Romans 8:28
To give them beauty for ashes
Attending the wedding of my nephew, tears of joy could not be contained as I witnessed first hand the love and faithfulness of God. I expected to look into the star lit sky and see written for all to read, "I turn ashes into beauty." It was obvious this is exactly what God had done in my nephew's life. As he stood before the guests, he proclaimed, "I thank God every night for how He has blessed me." Yes, God had taken what once looked like a life of sadness and despair and replaced it with blessings beyond his greatest expectations.
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
__Isaiah 61:3
More and more the Lord is teaching me to wait on Him, and in the waiting trust Him. If only we could see behind the scene of how God is working in our lives. He has a plan for our lives and He alone knows what must take place to bring that plan to pass. What feels like heartache could be the very tool He uses to take us to the next place in our life.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
Who can be against us? __Romans 8:31
Wait on the LORD; be of courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! __Psalm 27:14
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
__Jeremiah 29:11
I want to wait on the Lord. I want to know that I can trust Him to work all things out, and in the working, turn the ashes of my life into beauty. I know He will. I saw it written across the sky!
And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
__Romans 8:28
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Come Boldly
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
As I read this Scripture I couldn't help but consider the word "boldly." So often the word "boldly" refers to someone who is overconfident. They convey a sense of arrogance, as if they deserve what it is they desire.
As children of God we have received more than any of us deserve. Only because of the gracious love of our Father do we have the privilege of coming before His throne.
As it is written:
There is none righteous, no not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one. __ Romans 3:10-12
This Scripture is not referring to arrogance, nor is it telling us to demand what it is we desire. It is teaching us to approach the throne of grace with confidence in Whom it is we are approaching. We are to come to the throne of grace in humility and meekness, but also with boldness, knowing our Father hears our prayers.
I LOVE the Lord, because he has heard
My voice and my supplications
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
__Psalm 116:1-2
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
Whose confidence is in Him. __Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
We can rest in the assurance that as we approach the throne of grace with boldness in Whom it is we come, our Father sees our heart and hears our prayers. He alone is able to help in time of need.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears. __Psalm 34:4
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
As I read this Scripture I couldn't help but consider the word "boldly." So often the word "boldly" refers to someone who is overconfident. They convey a sense of arrogance, as if they deserve what it is they desire.
As children of God we have received more than any of us deserve. Only because of the gracious love of our Father do we have the privilege of coming before His throne.
As it is written:
There is none righteous, no not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one. __ Romans 3:10-12
This Scripture is not referring to arrogance, nor is it telling us to demand what it is we desire. It is teaching us to approach the throne of grace with confidence in Whom it is we are approaching. We are to come to the throne of grace in humility and meekness, but also with boldness, knowing our Father hears our prayers.
I LOVE the Lord, because he has heard
My voice and my supplications
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
__Psalm 116:1-2
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
Whose confidence is in Him. __Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
We can rest in the assurance that as we approach the throne of grace with boldness in Whom it is we come, our Father sees our heart and hears our prayers. He alone is able to help in time of need.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears. __Psalm 34:4
Monday, March 16, 2015
Grace in Action
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We give thanks to God always for you all,
mentioning of you in our prayers, remembering
without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love,
and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
in the sight of our God and Father
Paul wrote a letter of thanksgiving and prayer to the church at Thessalonica commending them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. He recognized how they worshipped and worked together, building each other up in faith, becoming a church of community.
As I read this Scripture I couldn't help but wonder if this would describe my church. Do we gather to grow in our faith, showing one another unconditional love, encouraging one another and building each other up in the faith? Do we grow in confidence in who we are in Christ because we have been with our community of sisters and brothers?
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love
and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,
and so much more as you see the Day approaching.
__Hebrews 10:23-25
When we feel genuinely loved we are free to be ourselves. There is no need to be self conscious or timid in our faith, but rather we are free to express our love for the Lord and for each other. In a community such as this there is no room for judging. We realize we have all sinned and are in need of a Savior. If we should stumble in our walk we have the assurance that those with whom we worship will gather us to themselves in love and assurance, giving us the confidence we need to walk once again in the grace of Christ. This is grace in action; loving others as we have been loved.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all
will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
__John 13:24-35
The church of Thessalonica set an example for us all to follow. May we be willing to live a life of grace in action, encouraging one another in our community of believers, as together we grow in our love and faith in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
We give thanks to God always for you all,
mentioning of you in our prayers, remembering
without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love,
and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
in the sight of our God and Father
Paul wrote a letter of thanksgiving and prayer to the church at Thessalonica commending them for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. He recognized how they worshipped and worked together, building each other up in faith, becoming a church of community.
As I read this Scripture I couldn't help but wonder if this would describe my church. Do we gather to grow in our faith, showing one another unconditional love, encouraging one another and building each other up in the faith? Do we grow in confidence in who we are in Christ because we have been with our community of sisters and brothers?
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love
and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,
and so much more as you see the Day approaching.
__Hebrews 10:23-25
When we feel genuinely loved we are free to be ourselves. There is no need to be self conscious or timid in our faith, but rather we are free to express our love for the Lord and for each other. In a community such as this there is no room for judging. We realize we have all sinned and are in need of a Savior. If we should stumble in our walk we have the assurance that those with whom we worship will gather us to themselves in love and assurance, giving us the confidence we need to walk once again in the grace of Christ. This is grace in action; loving others as we have been loved.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all
will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
__John 13:24-35
The church of Thessalonica set an example for us all to follow. May we be willing to live a life of grace in action, encouraging one another in our community of believers, as together we grow in our love and faith in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Holy Prayers
Luke 22:31-32
Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked of you,
that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.
Jesus sat with the disciples sharing all that was about to happen as He faced the cross. Not wanting to believe Jesus, Peter cried out to Him,
Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison
and to death. __Luke 22:33
Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. He also knew Peter would need protection from Satan when he realized what he had done. Jesus knew Peter would be distraught because of denying his Lord, and that Satan would love to take his faith from him.
"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail."
Reading these words make me stop and consider; does Jesus pray for me when I am tempted, discouraged, or confused? Does He pray for me when I am hurting, brokenhearted, concerned about a love one? Does He see when my faith is hanging on by a thread?
As I read further regarding Jesus praying at the Mount of Olives, knowing what He was about to face, and then the scripture to follow, I felt certain the answer was Yes indeed, Jesus does pray for me, for you, for all His children as they cry out to Him.
"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;
nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done."
Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven,
strengthening Him. __Luke 22:42-43
Could it be that as we cry out to Jesus, our Abba, He prays for us, and in praying sends angels to strengthen us? When we are discouraged, and after praying feel encouraged, strengthened, and filled with hope, could it be our Abba has sent angels to minister to our soul. I believe He has. I believe Jesus is praying for us, that our faith should not fail.
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways. __Psalm 91:11
Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked of you,
that he may sift you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.
Jesus sat with the disciples sharing all that was about to happen as He faced the cross. Not wanting to believe Jesus, Peter cried out to Him,
Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison
and to death. __Luke 22:33
Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. He also knew Peter would need protection from Satan when he realized what he had done. Jesus knew Peter would be distraught because of denying his Lord, and that Satan would love to take his faith from him.
"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail."
Reading these words make me stop and consider; does Jesus pray for me when I am tempted, discouraged, or confused? Does He pray for me when I am hurting, brokenhearted, concerned about a love one? Does He see when my faith is hanging on by a thread?
As I read further regarding Jesus praying at the Mount of Olives, knowing what He was about to face, and then the scripture to follow, I felt certain the answer was Yes indeed, Jesus does pray for me, for you, for all His children as they cry out to Him.
"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;
nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done."
Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven,
strengthening Him. __Luke 22:42-43
Could it be that as we cry out to Jesus, our Abba, He prays for us, and in praying sends angels to strengthen us? When we are discouraged, and after praying feel encouraged, strengthened, and filled with hope, could it be our Abba has sent angels to minister to our soul. I believe He has. I believe Jesus is praying for us, that our faith should not fail.
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways. __Psalm 91:11
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Free Indeed
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Attending the wedding of the daughter of a well known Christian speaker and author, I was amazed at the love of Christ that radiated from the face of his wife. There was no mistake she understands the love her heavenly Father has for her, and that her love and devotion for Him is the same. Her face absolutely glowed with the love of the Lord. I want that glow! I want others to look at me and see the love of Christ.
I have thought much about this since that day, pondering how she could radiate the love of God just by her countenance. I think I know her secret. I believe it is because she lives the life Christ died on the cross to give us all. She lives free in Him! No longer does she live under condemnation or guilt. No longer does she live with anxiety nor fear. She lives her life completely absorbed in the love of her Father. She understands how much He loves her, how she can trust Him for all her tomorrows, that He will never leave her nor forsake her, and that He is all she needs.
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." __John 8:36
Coming to this place in our lives requires complete trust in our Father. When He tells us to;
Cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us __1 Peter 5:7
We cast all our cares on Him. We don't help Him carry them, worry about how He will take care of them, nor continue to take our cares back. We give all our cares to our Father and in exchange walk in the love we know He has for us.
As children of the living Christ we can live our lives with our head held high, skip in our step, and assurance in our heart that our Father holds us in the palm of His hand. And when we do, we, too, will glow with the love of the Lord.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me. __ Isaiah 49:16
But You, O LORD, are a shield to me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head. __Psalm 3:3
There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Attending the wedding of the daughter of a well known Christian speaker and author, I was amazed at the love of Christ that radiated from the face of his wife. There was no mistake she understands the love her heavenly Father has for her, and that her love and devotion for Him is the same. Her face absolutely glowed with the love of the Lord. I want that glow! I want others to look at me and see the love of Christ.
I have thought much about this since that day, pondering how she could radiate the love of God just by her countenance. I think I know her secret. I believe it is because she lives the life Christ died on the cross to give us all. She lives free in Him! No longer does she live under condemnation or guilt. No longer does she live with anxiety nor fear. She lives her life completely absorbed in the love of her Father. She understands how much He loves her, how she can trust Him for all her tomorrows, that He will never leave her nor forsake her, and that He is all she needs.
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." __John 8:36
Coming to this place in our lives requires complete trust in our Father. When He tells us to;
Cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us __1 Peter 5:7
We cast all our cares on Him. We don't help Him carry them, worry about how He will take care of them, nor continue to take our cares back. We give all our cares to our Father and in exchange walk in the love we know He has for us.
As children of the living Christ we can live our lives with our head held high, skip in our step, and assurance in our heart that our Father holds us in the palm of His hand. And when we do, we, too, will glow with the love of the Lord.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me. __ Isaiah 49:16
But You, O LORD, are a shield to me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head. __Psalm 3:3
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