You Are Beautiful

Genesis 4:10
The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.New International Version (©1984)

Luke 12:7
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.New Living Translation (©2007)


"Mercy Me" has a lovely new song out called "You are Beautiful". God the creator truly knows every blood cell and atom he made. Surely he knows if we, his creation, misplace or misuse our cells. Genesis says that Able's blood cries from the earth. I don't know for sure, but I would think that God knows where we each have had spilled blood. He knows every hair as well.

I compare this to a missing items in my home. Like the missing screw in a chair or when the little rubber stops fall off of brand new cupboard doors. We, the owners of our house hold items, are aware when parts of our equipment disappear, break off or fall out. So wouldn't God be aware when part of our human bodies break down or in the case of spilled blood cells. Of course, our maker knows each part of us. Even the parts of us that are too small for us to recognize. Such as our DNA strands.

Have you even had a negative thought about your creation. Like when God created you he left out something, or didn't give you enough memory capacity, perhaps he didn't make you attractive enough. Perhaps you were born with out all your fingers, an arm or have an learning disability. God doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't have a bunch of jars up in heaven that he reaches into in some given order to make his people. He didn't forget to give anyone anything.

Dear Lord,

I pray that you'll grant us contentment with ourselves. That we will understand that you love us the way you made us. That we are to learn to lean on you when we feel life isn't fair and you will give us peace. Please Lord be close to those who have less than the average person. Be especially loving to those who have lost or broken down bodies. Apply your love to all who hurt, for if we call out to you. You will come. Guide the hearts of people to call out to you so they may feel your love. Amen

An artist gets to choose his design composition. God is the artist and he has choosen to make each of us they way we are. Since he created our DNA. He is aware of all the blessed extras he gave each of us, even though we may not recognize those gifts. He may have given us more compassion then others. He may give us more understanding of certain words in his Bible than others. I could go on forever and not even get close to all the ways God makes his people individuals.

Takin care of Gods Priests

Leviticus 7:34
For I have reserved the breast of the special offering and the right thigh of the sacred offering for the priests. It is the permanent right of Aaron and his descendants to share in the peace offerings brought by the people of Israel.New Living Translation (©2007)

The Lord takes care of his own. He required his people the Israelites to make specific offerings to him. The Priests were the ones who did the labor involved in the offering. God makes sure that they are fed and fed well.

Like our ministers today who prepare the sermons, visit the congregations, keep track of everyones illnesses, weddings, future births and even making decision about who will set up choir chairs and who should take them down. Our ministers today lead us all in our Christian families. They are doing a lot of work. God commands us to take care of them. Are we giving them our best portion on the offering?

Dear Lord,

I thank your for our ministers, Paster Dean and Karhoff. You have given my congregation a blessing in sending them. Thankyou, Lord for your protection and safety. You shower us with love. Help us to take care of our ministers and our church family.

I thank you for the United State of America. For our freedom of religion that allows us to worship you anyway we desire. I thank you for all of our churches. I pray that those who are saying that they belong to YOU are truly teaching the truth. Fix those churches who are not protraying you right. Take the branches that are not preparing your fruit to be cleaned up and replanted in your word. If necessary to break off the sinful and destroy them.

God you have called me to be your own. Let my words be your words and my action reflect your love to others. I desire to be like you. In your Holy Name, Jesus the Chrust, I pray Amen.

Importance of the "Good news"

11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

21Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

New International Version

A while back I had a confrontation with someone about the validity of the Word of God and whether or not I believed that people who didn't believe in Jesus as their savior would go to heaven.

I stood firm and gave the above verse or verses like 1 John 12 as reasons for why I believe that Hindu's, Muslims and Jew's wouldn't go to heaven because they are not confessing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. With that they wouldn't be confessing that he is also the savior of the world or even their own personal savior.

I left that encounter feeling sad and deflated. How can I convince someone of the importance of God's own words? I know now that the Holy Spirit does the work. We are vessels that open doors. I don't know if that person ever got the real message or not. But I have since realized that as long as I am doing what God tells me to do. Then I am his witness. People can spot us (Chritians) without us having to do much of anything. It is in the way we live, the way we talk, the way we behave that our Christianity speaks out.

I believe that what the Bible says is truth and nothing any human mind can conjure up will turn Gods word into a lie. We do not want for people to go to hell. But the facts are that that many will go tot hell. We need to be willing to take a stand and shout out the truth so other will be saved. We (Christians)shouldn't be sitting back and waiting for Christ to come and get us. We have work to do. We are to share the "Goood News" with the world. If you know someone today who isn't believing. Try to reach out to them. It could lead them to Christ. We together can open the eyes of the unsaved. Pray first! Then if you lead speak up! Let God's Saving grace be heard.

Flashing Lights

Ever said your having a terrible, very bad, horrible day? So exhausted your not sure you'd ever be able to find that "happy place" again? That was me a few days ago when I was into a 8 hour road trip and got lost.

I must have tuned out the GPS or just went the wrong direction out of a gas station. What I actually did I may never know. But what I remember is that even when I was lost I didn't think to look at the map I had sitting next to me.

I compare this experience to my spiritual experiences. I am going through life thinking I know what's right and believing I"m doing good...then I get a kick in the head.

In my road trip I found myself taking a 45 minute detour. I guess I do that daily, too. I find myself reading other believer's blogs, Fiction Christian Literature, and Christian Daily Prayer books (Max Lucado type books) in order to find inspiration about God for my own life.

How silly of me. I have God's WORDS right next to me. Bibles spread throughout my house, in my car and in my purse. But do I reach for the source of all goodness? No. Just like I didn't immediately reach for my atlas. In my driving I got a wake up call, red and blue flashing lights. I had gotten frustrated and in a hurry to get where I wanted to be. The children in the back seats were restless and I was upset. When the police officer pulled me over I said, "I can't believe it." He said he was following me for 4 miles before I pulled over. I hadn't even noticed him in my rear view mirror. In the four miles I was going the speed limit for the highway I was traveling on, however, I missed slowing down for a small town that was 4 miles back. I even managed to pass a horse trailer with out making a memory of it.

So now I wonder. What sins am I committing that I am not aware of because I'm not "in-touch" with with God myself. I'm seeking him, but through other people interpretations of scripture. I really need to be having my own dialog with Christ. Reading his word, daily, for myself. This isn't a new thought for me...I have even blogged about it before. Not reading God's word for myself is a known my downfall I've had for a while now. Just like needing to slow down for small towns......I've been caught before.

In the road of life, I just need to wake up. Take a heavenly breath for my LORD and SAVIOR has been with me the entire time. God is forgiving and so was my friendly officer of the peace. Maybe they mail the tickets in this state, but he never said I was getting a ticket. He was gentle in letting me know the next three speed limits I would have to drive through before I got to my destination. I reminded me of my heavenly Father. Now I think I can recall every one of the last 60 miles of my trip. Perhaps when I start reading the word more for myself I'll be able to recall more of God's Word better too. I've always struggled with remembering the address of verses. I'm going to get started right now and if your reading this. I advise you to stop. Read God's BIBLE instead. I know you'll learn so much more. So will I.

God Bless You.

The Promise of Troubles

New International Version (©1984)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I have been working at placing Gods word onto my heart. I have always found it difficult to memorize. I still can't seem to get the words 100% correct.

This verse I have found repeatedly usefull. I have said it outloud to two or more people in times I felt I should share it. It's popped into my head several times a day when I was stressed. Which has been A LOT lately. The end of the school year means more than just vacation coming soon. It means extra paper work, more lessons to fix, repair, make new or learn about. This year again it means stress over where I will be next year. Not a room this time, but a cart. I haven't taught off a cart since I student taught 12 years ago.

But I don't need to stress, because having the burden is a God given promise. Jesus stated that in this world I will have trouble. I would have to wonder what was wrong with me if I didn't have any troubles.

The fact that I have trouble allows me to feel the peace God also promised me. The fact that I can rely on Christ's act of having OVERCOME the world. Jesus did so much for me. That the least I can do for him it to accept his peace and take heart. I am not in it alone. He will be with me as I prepare for my work for next year. He will provide the know-how, the flexablility, the lessons and the "anything" I will need to Keep-on-keepn' on.

How do I know this? I know this because he gave me this verse. It became my memory verse before I knew I would need it. Our Father is always one step ahead of us. He prepares the road before me....and the one before you too.Psalm 85:13, Psalm 23 or Isaiah 43:16 wher just two places I found that God is controll of our walk in life. I know there are more references.

Dear Lord, You are sovereign. You declare your ways to me so that I may rely on you. I can put my total faith in you and you will not let me stumble. When I feel like crying like a baby you lift me up and put a smile on my face. It is because of your constance love and affection that I am able to press on. Thank you lord for all you do. The blessing and promised in your word. Every deep breath I take to remain calm you provide the oxygen and the mental peace that comes with it. It is because of you LORDSHIP that your people can stand for you. I ask that you work in our Nation, fixing our selfishness's and our ungodliness. Take out our idols and have us sing our praises to you once again. God please bless America by turning us back to the way of our forefathers. Prayers to you before decisions are made. Your word being honored and recognized as holy. Your name being spoken in reverence and not in slang or swearing. Please hear my prayer, in Christ's Name, Amen.

Misplaced Pride

Daniel 4:27-35

Don't ever doubt that you are not in charge. Most adults I know have to delegate authority. Some people have a large group of other adults that they are in charge of maintaining. Adults like children are not so easily managed. Probably, even worse than children. Adults want to do their own thing and will often do it there own way. God is letting Kind Nebuchadnezzar know that the pride he has in himself is misplaced. That the glory isn't his to claim. God has given him his victories, gold and position. We are just as foolish today. We think our degrees, our money and our ability to communicate get us where we are today...not. It is God whom places us. He puts us in position for his own purpose. We are his to command. Ask him to make you aware of his plan. So that you can work along side the plan, not against it.

Dear Lord,
You are the ruler of everything. As you told King Nebuchadnezzar, "..that you, the Most High, rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses." I know that you control every breath I take and every blessing that comes my way. Forgive me, oh Lord, for my wayward pride. Thinking that I am doing a good job at controlling the world around me. I only need to pause to see that if you were not in control everything I do would be a mess. Also, help me to fix my tongue as it doesn't glorify you enough. Please soothe the bond between my daughter and me so that we are full of love towards each other, no strife. Watch over my classes, so that they may have a knowledge of grace through my actions. Please use me as a tool to spread your word throughout the Earth, even if it's just a small group of people. Praise be your name.
Jesus Christ, Amen.

Raisin or Grape?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Having difficulties. Minor struggles. Experiencing a few setbacks. Life never goes as we expect it. There is never enough time, money, relaxation, experience or personal acquaintances to get us through life easily. Feel like your life is a raisin. All dried up with nothing to offer. When what you want is to be a ripe, juicy grape. Spilling Gods love onto everyone you see.

Take HOPE. This is a verse to depend on. We don't need to fret about anything. Too often I worry instead of praying. I rely on myself rather than on the Lord. Why? He has proven to me over and over again that he is in charge and that all things come together for good when we lean on Him. For God promises: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

As Christian we should be setting the example. Instead of following the world where people are struggling with additions, many people have depression and children are killing themselves in order to experience a sensation with drugs or bodily harm. We shouldn't be suffering as they are for we have been given God's Promise. We have what so many others don't. A future with the King. In a Heaven full of Joy. So we must stop worrying about the little things and start living each day for Christ.

Matthew 6:25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Say YES. Life is worth more that food and our bodies are worth more than clothing. We are Children of the Lord most high. Stick this reminder in your hat and pull it out each time you find yourself heaving a heavy sigh. Give yourself a mental shake.
Repeat after me "Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it." Say this until you mean it. For it is God we need to rely on, not ourselves.

We will truly not have peace until we let go and let him control our lives. God has the perfect plan for our lives and it'll only work if we let him take the wheel.

Dear Lord, I want to let you drive. This life is full of difficulties and struggles. I don't take the time to remind myself that you can be in charge and I only need to ask for you to be with me every moment of everyday. The hour I have can stretch into hours if I allow you to have full command of my time. My dollar can become millions if I allow you to spend it. Thank you, Lord for having a plan for my life and giving me hope and a future. That when you are in charge I have nothing to fear for you will not lead me to harm. Show me how I can be thankful and not resentful. Use me to show the world that their is joy in knowing you and not depression. Turn my life around. Let me be one of your shinning stars...glowing with your love. Amen.

Getting Ahead.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

I didn't read my churches devotional for the Advent season. However, I am reading it in the lent season. You may think that I am behind rather than ahead. Since, my devotional went unread.

Everyday we make a choice. To go through the day thinking about God and his love, mercy and grace in our lives or we can go about it all self absorbed. When I connect with God my soul is one step closer to my Savior then I was a minute before I read and prayed. So when I get over being self absorbed with my time I get ahead with my life with Christ. For he is never apart from me...it is I who drift away from him.

Help me my Lord to strive after righteousness, to daily open your word and pray. Amen

Love Blues

New International Version (©1984)
When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this,

This week I am dealing with the idea of obligations. It is so much easier to ingnore the world and stay in ones little hole. However the satisfacation of frienship and fellowship is not found by oneself. But the minute a person gets involved in what might appear the smallest of committment all of a sudden there is an obligation. These obligations mean there is something that needs to be done. Time to be spend on projects that may not be all that important to the worker and money to be spent in ways not desired by the giver.

Jesus shows revealed that he had the ability to heal and then swarms of people expected him to use his power to heal. I believe he willingly healed people, yet he got tired. The people seemed demanding and made it Christ's obligation to heal. Today we pray for healing. Are we the same as the people in Christ's day. I hope that we put our hope in God's will and that his will is to heal those we know and love. We shouldn't expect healing, just because we know that God can give it. We should hope that he will heal due to knowing that He loves us.

That is also why we complete our obligations. Because we care. Christ healed, because he cared. So next time you have a job to do that you don't care much about and money to spend on a cause that you didn't pick. Remember it's all done because you have a heart like Christ's...one that cares. When we struggle with the caring keep in mind that Jesus commands us to love. Loving isn't always easy and it isn't automatic. It's a choice. When we ask for help to love God provides that too.

So ask for the ability to love and I hope you'll find that all of a sudden those obligations turn into our own desires.

Gentle quiet spirit

New Living Translation (©2007)

1Peter 3:1-2
In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.

1Peter 3:4
You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Psalm: 119:54-56
Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.

Dearest Lord, Heavenly Father and King your precious word teaches me today that you value a meek and quiet spirit. That I am to honor my husband by having this spirit around him and toward him. Forgive me for I so often am not living a godly life, but one of a aggitated, annoyed and angry attitude. Seeking my own way and that which I say I hold dearest isn't even in my thoughts, you, My Lord. By dwelling more on your law I can become the person you want me to be. Set my life in order, clean up my attitude so that I may be an instument in furthering your kingdom. In the Name of Christ Jesus, Amen

Suffering

If you suffer for going right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retalieate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 1 Peter 2:20b-23.

Dear Lord,

You gave us your all. You died on the cross for us and we celebrate your gift of life. Thank you for teaching us, by your example, how we are to suffer. That even though we may not be suffering here in America they way that others are being persecutted around the world our time of freedom is drawing to a close. That is what we fear. Please give us the insight to help others who are suffering. Give the persecutted church strength and your power for endurance. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.