Psalm 40: 2
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
(emphasis made)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Furious
I am just down right furious at the lie the enemy feeds us that we are of no use to fulfilling God's kingdom. As if we have committed the ultimate sin and are now worthless. It gets so nasty that we end up disqualifying ourselves from God's plan <without the assistance of the enemy>. I am by no means above this wicked scheme. In fact, I constantly have to feed myself truth and force myself to believe I am more than...(insert bondage here). Speak it until you believe it!
An exert from my most recent daily devotional:
How often do we go around disqualifying ourselves from God's plans for our lives? We can accept that he will forgive us, but we cannot imagine that he can still use us for his purposes and glory. That's a lie, dear sister. Not only does he forgive-he knows our weakness and still have glorious, God-sized plans for our lives. Don't let your past dictate your future.
We do not need to keep going back to our past. If our past is destroying us, stay away! Protect your relationship with God because that's your safety. Be willing to let go of friendships that are unsafe, places that tempt you to compromise, and hobbies that you have no business partaking in. STAY AWAY.
Romans 12:9-21
An exert from my most recent daily devotional:
How wonderful that we serve a God who formed us and therefore understands our frailty and susceptibility yet has grace-filled plans for us. ~Patsy Clairmont
We do not need to keep going back to our past. If our past is destroying us, stay away! Protect your relationship with God because that's your safety. Be willing to let go of friendships that are unsafe, places that tempt you to compromise, and hobbies that you have no business partaking in. STAY AWAY.
Romans 12:9-21
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Inspired
My husband and I just got back from a trip to Cabo. It was such a beautiful and sweet time together. The air was warm, the colors were vibrant, and peace was no stranger to us. On our last two days, we experienced how unruly the waves can be in Cabo. They were so powerful that windows shook at our resort after a wave devoured the shore. Honestly friends, it was unreal. I could have stared at those waves all day: dreaming, imagining, wandering off into my own world. In fact, as we looked through the pictures we took of the waves, I find myself doing just that still! I also had the sweet privileged to read the book of Psalms while on vacation. God is Creator. How amazing?!
PSALM 24~
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob (Selah). Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, the King of glory? The LORD Almighty - He is the King of Glory.
*Redeemed, Restored, Renewed...not a ounce of pride left*
PSALM 24~
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob (Selah). Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, the King of glory? The LORD Almighty - He is the King of Glory.
*Redeemed, Restored, Renewed...not a ounce of pride left*
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Allowing Myself to be Transparent
"What a beautiful name. I love to watch how it falls off the lips of those who love Him. I shudder as it falls off the lips of those who don't. Jesus. It has been the most important and most consistent word in my life. Dearer today than yesterday. Inexpressibly precious to me personally, so I am at a loss to comprehend what the name means universally." Beth Moore
I am deeply reminded of Jesus today. No, not just of the name but the reality of who He is. My heart is beating faster at the thought of Him. It's as if this world is growing strangely dim, and I can't see anything but Him. I can't see my mistakes, hurt, pain, laughter caused by anything or anyone a part from Him. This is such an odd and unfamiliar place. I want to go deeper with El Roi -the God who sees-"spanning the universe in panoramic view, every galaxy at His gaze", and yet it's me His eyes land on. The thing is, I don't want to just go deep, I don't just want to be made new, I want the ultimate level of intimacy. I want what no one who has walked this earth has ever experienced with Him ... even the disciples. Sounds crazy and slightly ridiculous but doesn't He want us to go crazy with Him? How badly does He want us to desire Him in this way?! Don't we long to be desired this way by someone we love and care about? There is a reason we desire this, because we are children of God and we are like our Father. Jesus came with a purpose, and He did not allow himself to get sidetracked from that purpose. He came for us, He came to die and save us. Therefore, if anything in this world won't give me more of Jesus, I really don't see a reason to partake. If I lose this world, then so be it because, like Jesus, I have a purpose and it's HIM. I wonder if we make too much gray out of this world and complicate God because God is not a God of confusion. He just wants our heart. *1 Corinthians 14:33*
This is what God is about. Crazy about Him.
Beautiful by Shawn McDonald
I am deeply reminded of Jesus today. No, not just of the name but the reality of who He is. My heart is beating faster at the thought of Him. It's as if this world is growing strangely dim, and I can't see anything but Him. I can't see my mistakes, hurt, pain, laughter caused by anything or anyone a part from Him. This is such an odd and unfamiliar place. I want to go deeper with El Roi -the God who sees-"spanning the universe in panoramic view, every galaxy at His gaze", and yet it's me His eyes land on. The thing is, I don't want to just go deep, I don't just want to be made new, I want the ultimate level of intimacy. I want what no one who has walked this earth has ever experienced with Him ... even the disciples. Sounds crazy and slightly ridiculous but doesn't He want us to go crazy with Him? How badly does He want us to desire Him in this way?! Don't we long to be desired this way by someone we love and care about? There is a reason we desire this, because we are children of God and we are like our Father. Jesus came with a purpose, and He did not allow himself to get sidetracked from that purpose. He came for us, He came to die and save us. Therefore, if anything in this world won't give me more of Jesus, I really don't see a reason to partake. If I lose this world, then so be it because, like Jesus, I have a purpose and it's HIM. I wonder if we make too much gray out of this world and complicate God because God is not a God of confusion. He just wants our heart. *1 Corinthians 14:33*
This is what God is about. Crazy about Him.
Beautiful by Shawn McDonald
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
GOD Changes Lives
I am urged to preface this entry with saying that I am the worst of sinners. I have experienced a life of hell (anything a apart from God) and desire nothing more then to speak of the goodness of GOD. I have wasted so much of my life being lukewarm. The Lord cannot tolerate a person proclaiming Christ and living in a secret life of sin and he did not tolerate me. My desire and heart is nothing but a sincere and genuine love for God and his creation. I can't help but want to share what I have learned about God through writing. Use me how you will, Lord. May you experience nothing but a humble heart and God's love when reading any of these posts.
I wonder if we have any idea how crazy God is?! If you want to see a rule breaker, look up. :) Our pastor showed this video to our church body on Sunday. I am deeply reminded that God IS still the same God as the Old and New Testament ... GLORY! Oh how easily I have sold him short. Full surrender = a new life, new name, and new life purpose. Let go of your past (past hangouts, desires, relationships, friendships-anything that causes you to separate from the holiness of God) and watch God rebuild and renew. I can't get enough of that word, renew! You think Job had it good in the blessings he received after the "storm"... just wait until God gets done with you if you but remain faithful and obedient to him. Friend, give God all of your heart and all of your desires and be satisfied. He changes lives. You are never too far gone. I promise and so does God. Let's stop getting wrapped up in all our righteous acts and just give God our heart. All righteous acts are like filthy rags to God anyways ... (Isaiah 64:6).
Video:
I Am Second
I wonder if we have any idea how crazy God is?! If you want to see a rule breaker, look up. :) Our pastor showed this video to our church body on Sunday. I am deeply reminded that God IS still the same God as the Old and New Testament ... GLORY! Oh how easily I have sold him short. Full surrender = a new life, new name, and new life purpose. Let go of your past (past hangouts, desires, relationships, friendships-anything that causes you to separate from the holiness of God) and watch God rebuild and renew. I can't get enough of that word, renew! You think Job had it good in the blessings he received after the "storm"... just wait until God gets done with you if you but remain faithful and obedient to him. Friend, give God all of your heart and all of your desires and be satisfied. He changes lives. You are never too far gone. I promise and so does God. Let's stop getting wrapped up in all our righteous acts and just give God our heart. All righteous acts are like filthy rags to God anyways ... (Isaiah 64:6).
Video:
I Am Second
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Crazy about Truth
I crave God's word. I crave to have more and more of Jesus. I am so deeply in love with our Savior. For someone to die for my wretched sin because of love for me blows my mind. I have nothing to give but the rest of my days. I want to go to heaven tired and exhausted; bruised and beaten for the name of Jesus. I am the worst of sinners. If He can give me a new name, He can give you a new name ... LIVE.
Recently, I have developed an infatuation with truth. I love when truth is told in completeness/fullness, which is why I am addicted to God's Word - Complete Truth in perfect fullness. 1 Peter 4 demonstrates the truth of what God so deeply desires and expects from followers of Christ. I am so grateful for such evident truth. May His words fall on you in perfect peace. He loves you deeply and wants nothing more than your heart.
1 Peter 4
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Recently, I have developed an infatuation with truth. I love when truth is told in completeness/fullness, which is why I am addicted to God's Word - Complete Truth in perfect fullness. 1 Peter 4 demonstrates the truth of what God so deeply desires and expects from followers of Christ. I am so grateful for such evident truth. May His words fall on you in perfect peace. He loves you deeply and wants nothing more than your heart.
1 Peter 4
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"What If"
God is "wrecking" me, and a part of that process is opening my eyes to HIS truth. There are many things God is teaching me through this process, but there is one illuminating theme: Full Surrender. What if I have created my own God? What if I wasn't fully surrendered to the God of the universe; rather bowing my knees to the world?
Yes, God is a God of love and forgiveness but is he not also Judge? May I submit that forgetting he is Judge is doing him no harm but us. Do we not ultimately answer to Him? God is holy. Holy means set a part from sin. Therefore, how can I say I am a follower of God and yet (knowingly) go to places that were built for sin? The truth is, I can't.
If I had a theme for the rest of my life, the video below would be it. Dear ones, what if we are just living the "Christian twist of the American Dream" (David Platt).
"But What if You're Wrong"
Yes, God is a God of love and forgiveness but is he not also Judge? May I submit that forgetting he is Judge is doing him no harm but us. Do we not ultimately answer to Him? God is holy. Holy means set a part from sin. Therefore, how can I say I am a follower of God and yet (knowingly) go to places that were built for sin? The truth is, I can't.
If I had a theme for the rest of my life, the video below would be it. Dear ones, what if we are just living the "Christian twist of the American Dream" (David Platt).
"But What if You're Wrong"
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