Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Whatever It Takes
We had a really good service last night!! (Oak Forest 1-15-2012) Good testimonies and songs, and Bro. Wright did a great job talking about hearing the Lord’s voice and being willing to obey it. He really lined it out for us.
Sis. Lydia followed it up by a pretty song with some hard words…”Whatever it takes for my will to break…”
I tend to have a really hard time singing songs like that because I immediately think of my kids and I can hardly hold them and sing “Whatever it takes”. It’s just too much to even think about. As I was texting some this last night it’s almost like I am saying “Lord, whatever it takes…that you have to do to me…but not my kids Lord”. This is something I have always struggled with. This morning I was thinking about the service…and about that feeling…the thought hit me…”He’s not requiring that right now.” I felt the HOLY GHOST all over!!! He is not requiring that of me right now. What is the Lord asking me to do RIGHT NOW?? It’s not the big bad hard things right now. It’s the little things. Things that should be easy to do.
He’s requiring me to turn off the television…turn off the computer…read more…pray more…be kinder to my children…to my husband…watch how I respond to things…these are some of the things the Lord is dealing with me about right now. Instead of getting so distracted by all the things the Lord MIGHT require of me someday I need to focus on the things He IS requiring right now. They are not big in the grand scheme of things; but really they are because if I can’t obey in these little things I for sure won’t be able to obey when the BIG things come around. I need to instead 1) Listen for the Lord’s voice in my life 2) OBEY – not try to talk myself out of it, or ignore it till it goes away; but OBEY!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
"You can have two people sitting right beside eachother...have the same experiences in the Lord...filled with the same Holy Ghost...It's not just that you have the Holy Ghost...It's what you do with it!!!"
Bro. Troy Coldwater
He stated this among many many good thoughts tonight!! Lord, let me have enough faith in you to put my Holy Ghost to work for the purpose that it was given for...to overcome the flesh...to lay down this old will...to strive for the Bride for which I've been called!!!!
Bro. Troy Coldwater
He stated this among many many good thoughts tonight!! Lord, let me have enough faith in you to put my Holy Ghost to work for the purpose that it was given for...to overcome the flesh...to lay down this old will...to strive for the Bride for which I've been called!!!!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Today the opportunity presented itself… (Meaning…my girls were still for longer than 20 seconds…) for me to tell my girls a Bible story. This weekend Bro. Brown was talking about his childhood a little bit and mentioned that when his family got saved that his mother began to read them a chapter out of the Bible every night before bed. That really pricked my heart because I should be doing a lot more. I should be teaching me children little tidbits throughout the day. Taking the chances when they come around to plant these truths in their little hearts. So…back to my story. It just so happened that they were still :o) so I asked them if they wanted me to tell them a story. They said yes so I thought for a second and began to tell them about the story of Noah building the Ark. When I got to the end I told them that the rainbow was a promise from God and then asked them if they knew any promises that the Lord has given them? They both said no so I began to name a few…
He promised to never leave you or forsake you. He promised to always love and watch over you. He promised that if you will love and serve Him that you can reign with Him someday.
I really felt the Lord back me up and I knew that this was something that the Lord wanted me to take more time to do for them while they are young.
As they went off to play I still was thinking about those promises and this phrase kept going over and over in my head…”To him that overcometh…to him that overcometh”. Now we have all heard these but they encouraged me so much today that I thought I would share them with you. He has given us for sure…without a doubt promises…if we continue in obedience.
Revelations 2 & 3
2:26 – 28 – And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of the potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.
3:5 – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
3:12 – Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
He promised to never leave you or forsake you. He promised to always love and watch over you. He promised that if you will love and serve Him that you can reign with Him someday.
I really felt the Lord back me up and I knew that this was something that the Lord wanted me to take more time to do for them while they are young.
As they went off to play I still was thinking about those promises and this phrase kept going over and over in my head…”To him that overcometh…to him that overcometh”. Now we have all heard these but they encouraged me so much today that I thought I would share them with you. He has given us for sure…without a doubt promises…if we continue in obedience.
Revelations 2 & 3
2:7 – To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
2:17 – To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that recieveth it. 2:26 – 28 – And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of the potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.
3:5 – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
3:12 – Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
3:21 – To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.
3:22 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Monday, November 7, 2011
Thankful Again
A while back our family had an experience that I felt like I wanted to share.
My youngest daughter a few weeks ago woke up one morning saying that her ear was hurting. When I checked there was dried blood around the inside of the ear. This needless to say freaked me out so I immediately called the doctor and made an appointment. We took her and they said that there was something in her ear; but were unable to get it out. They sent me hone with some drops to decrease the inflammation in her ear in hopes that whatever it was would just fall out. If not then more extensive measures would have to be taken. They asked me to make an appointment to come back in 3 days. I spent the next 3 days trying to figure out what in the world she had put in her ear. No telling!!
While all of this was going on my husband had to leave for Fire School. He is on the fire rescue team at the plant that he works at; and they have to go for training a couple times a year. All this was going on and I was so wishing he was at home.
Every night we prayed for Daddy to be safe and for Maya's ear...
Friday was the day...we got to the doctor and she looked in Maya's ear. She still saw the object in there; but she decided to do an ear wash before she tried anything else. An ear wash for those that don't know is a spray bottle with a tube attached. They insert the tube and squeeze water into her ear. This washes out whatever is in the ear. She started and low and behold it worked. She said that whatever it was...she still couldn't tell by looking at it...was gone!! Praise the LORD!!!
Well...I left the doctor and proceeded to call Phillip to tell him the news. He answered and then gave me some news that scared me to death...
He said "I'm okay!!" which to me meant prepare yourself...what I'm about to tell you is gonna be bad. I am driving down the road and he says I got a little burned today. I said WHAT!!!?? He told me that he was in a burning building (training exercise) and the fire was to hot. It was hotter than the regulations are for the suits they were wearing. He said that he could feel the fire burning his hands and the heat on his arms. He said when the air in his tank got hot he decided that it was time to get out. He told the guy behind him to take the lead and he got out. When he came out his helmet was melted and he had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his hands. The on site EMT's treated him and then he headed home.
When I hung up the phone all I could think was THANK YOU LORD!!! While I was focused on Maya's situation the Lord had his eyes on the big picture. He answered a prayer I hadn't even known needed to be prayed. He kept his hand on my husband!!!
That day I felt like the Lord really had his hand on my little family!! He takes care of us even when we don't know that He is taking care of us!! What a mighty mighty God we serve!!!
My youngest daughter a few weeks ago woke up one morning saying that her ear was hurting. When I checked there was dried blood around the inside of the ear. This needless to say freaked me out so I immediately called the doctor and made an appointment. We took her and they said that there was something in her ear; but were unable to get it out. They sent me hone with some drops to decrease the inflammation in her ear in hopes that whatever it was would just fall out. If not then more extensive measures would have to be taken. They asked me to make an appointment to come back in 3 days. I spent the next 3 days trying to figure out what in the world she had put in her ear. No telling!!
While all of this was going on my husband had to leave for Fire School. He is on the fire rescue team at the plant that he works at; and they have to go for training a couple times a year. All this was going on and I was so wishing he was at home.
Every night we prayed for Daddy to be safe and for Maya's ear...
Friday was the day...we got to the doctor and she looked in Maya's ear. She still saw the object in there; but she decided to do an ear wash before she tried anything else. An ear wash for those that don't know is a spray bottle with a tube attached. They insert the tube and squeeze water into her ear. This washes out whatever is in the ear. She started and low and behold it worked. She said that whatever it was...she still couldn't tell by looking at it...was gone!! Praise the LORD!!!
Well...I left the doctor and proceeded to call Phillip to tell him the news. He answered and then gave me some news that scared me to death...
He said "I'm okay!!" which to me meant prepare yourself...what I'm about to tell you is gonna be bad. I am driving down the road and he says I got a little burned today. I said WHAT!!!?? He told me that he was in a burning building (training exercise) and the fire was to hot. It was hotter than the regulations are for the suits they were wearing. He said that he could feel the fire burning his hands and the heat on his arms. He said when the air in his tank got hot he decided that it was time to get out. He told the guy behind him to take the lead and he got out. When he came out his helmet was melted and he had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his hands. The on site EMT's treated him and then he headed home.
Phillip holding his helment
Fire
Building on fire
Helment
Helment Melted
When I hung up the phone all I could think was THANK YOU LORD!!! While I was focused on Maya's situation the Lord had his eyes on the big picture. He answered a prayer I hadn't even known needed to be prayed. He kept his hand on my husband!!!
That day I felt like the Lord really had his hand on my little family!! He takes care of us even when we don't know that He is taking care of us!! What a mighty mighty God we serve!!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
What I am feeling today…
After such an encouraging and sobering weekend I awoke with so many things going on in my head.
It seems like so many people are going through things. Not just the little everyday things; but BIG major things. In the midst of that we have been having some…out of this world services. Not just in the worship; but in the words coming across the pulpit. Strong words. Words that make you consider. Words that are asking you for a choice. Decide. Commit.
I kept hearing the Lord say today…”I’ve given you a glimpse of things to come…”.
I feel like He’s showed us a glimpse of the types of things we could be facing on a smaller scale. Not so much the pressure from the outside yet; but as was said this weekend the pressure from within. Not just from others; but the Lord is turning up the fire in our own individual lives. Causing things to happen to push us closer to Him. To get plain with it…He wants us to give up COMPLETELY. Ashamedly I admit to not doing that. Telling the Lord He can have this much…and even that sometimes comes with an IF attached.
I kept thinking Lord you’ve given us a glimpse of the power, the glory, the joy; and yes the victory that’s ahead for your people, now am I ready to jump in with both feet? No reservations. He’s showed me what freedom really looks and feels like, now do I want it bad enough to GIVE UP myself, my goals, my dreams, my ideals to have Him? Am I ready to close my eyes and give Him my hand? To REALLY let Him lead???? To really walk in the spirit. Not just worship in the service; but to REALLY let it lead us. In our daily lives. Working on our jobs. Raising our children. In our marriages. Am I ready to let go and let HIM??
I was talking to a good friend this weekend and I said you know you don’t just make this decision once a day…every time you come to a situation (which may be 5,000 situations a day) you have to stop…consider…and follow the Lord. If you fall on one get up and confront the next situation. It is a DAILY…hourly…and yes sometimes minute to minute struggle; but as seen this weekend He has given us the power to do it. To overcome in those steps if we will take that spirit we all like to wade in and put it to use as it was really meant to be used.
For most of my life I think that I have worshipped and drank of the Holy Ghost; but have failed to USE it as the tool that it really is. It is to help us…give us power to overcome our very nature!!!! To change the person that we’ve always been into the person He has always known we could be.
Read: Romans 8!!!
Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The Lord is so near right now. Helping, wooing, encouraging. He’s giving so much grace and so much help to those that are willing to call on Him. Those willing to step on in and finally overcome those areas in their lives that have been holding them back for years. I can tell you it’s hard to sit in a service and not feel the victory in people’s lives. It’s almost like you can reach out and grab onto it. It’s that obtainable!!! It’s THAT real!!!! It’s right here!!!! Reach out and grab it!!!
Lay hold on your salvation the glory of the Lord is at hand!!!!
After such an encouraging and sobering weekend I awoke with so many things going on in my head.
It seems like so many people are going through things. Not just the little everyday things; but BIG major things. In the midst of that we have been having some…out of this world services. Not just in the worship; but in the words coming across the pulpit. Strong words. Words that make you consider. Words that are asking you for a choice. Decide. Commit.
I kept hearing the Lord say today…”I’ve given you a glimpse of things to come…”.
I feel like He’s showed us a glimpse of the types of things we could be facing on a smaller scale. Not so much the pressure from the outside yet; but as was said this weekend the pressure from within. Not just from others; but the Lord is turning up the fire in our own individual lives. Causing things to happen to push us closer to Him. To get plain with it…He wants us to give up COMPLETELY. Ashamedly I admit to not doing that. Telling the Lord He can have this much…and even that sometimes comes with an IF attached.
I kept thinking Lord you’ve given us a glimpse of the power, the glory, the joy; and yes the victory that’s ahead for your people, now am I ready to jump in with both feet? No reservations. He’s showed me what freedom really looks and feels like, now do I want it bad enough to GIVE UP myself, my goals, my dreams, my ideals to have Him? Am I ready to close my eyes and give Him my hand? To REALLY let Him lead???? To really walk in the spirit. Not just worship in the service; but to REALLY let it lead us. In our daily lives. Working on our jobs. Raising our children. In our marriages. Am I ready to let go and let HIM??
I was talking to a good friend this weekend and I said you know you don’t just make this decision once a day…every time you come to a situation (which may be 5,000 situations a day) you have to stop…consider…and follow the Lord. If you fall on one get up and confront the next situation. It is a DAILY…hourly…and yes sometimes minute to minute struggle; but as seen this weekend He has given us the power to do it. To overcome in those steps if we will take that spirit we all like to wade in and put it to use as it was really meant to be used.
For most of my life I think that I have worshipped and drank of the Holy Ghost; but have failed to USE it as the tool that it really is. It is to help us…give us power to overcome our very nature!!!! To change the person that we’ve always been into the person He has always known we could be.
Read: Romans 8!!!
Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The Lord is so near right now. Helping, wooing, encouraging. He’s giving so much grace and so much help to those that are willing to call on Him. Those willing to step on in and finally overcome those areas in their lives that have been holding them back for years. I can tell you it’s hard to sit in a service and not feel the victory in people’s lives. It’s almost like you can reach out and grab onto it. It’s that obtainable!!! It’s THAT real!!!! It’s right here!!!! Reach out and grab it!!!
Lay hold on your salvation the glory of the Lord is at hand!!!!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Power of Prayer
Something I've been thinking about tonight. I overheard a younger woman asking a little bit older woman what bit of advice they would give a newly married couple. As she was speaking my heart screamed out within me LEARN HOW TO PRAY. Not that marriage is all difficulties (some parts are); but it is so important to develop that relationship with the Lord so that when the hard times come you know right where to go. I felt like shouting it from the roof tops. Don't be timid about calling on the name of the Lord. He is the one that can make the difference between a marriage surviving or failing. I know this for a fact. I have failed to use this tool as often as I should and have lived to regret it severely sometimes!!! You may not always have time to take an hour to pray; but if you've spent time doing that when you DO have time you will be able to tap into that strength and connection at a moments notice. I wish I could get over how important this is by just writing it.
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love to read and have gained a lot of knowledge about life from books; but I have also found in marriage and in parenting that if I will take the time to talk to the Lord He will without fail lead me in the right direction. He will give me the answer I need if I will go to Him. When all else fails ask the Master.
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love to read and have gained a lot of knowledge about life from books; but I have also found in marriage and in parenting that if I will take the time to talk to the Lord He will without fail lead me in the right direction. He will give me the answer I need if I will go to Him. When all else fails ask the Master.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I've made up my Mind
{Can't get this song out of my head}
I've made up my mind (Commitment)
I've counted the cost (Putting Him first)
I'll take the way with the chosen of the Lord (Chosing a path)
Why should I worry or fret (Chosing to believe)
My God has never failed me yet (Standing on your faith)
I've made up mind I've counted the cost (Determination)
And I must go on (VICTORY!!!!)
I've made up my mind (Commitment)
I've counted the cost (Putting Him first)
I'll take the way with the chosen of the Lord (Chosing a path)
Why should I worry or fret (Chosing to believe)
My God has never failed me yet (Standing on your faith)
I've made up mind I've counted the cost (Determination)
And I must go on (VICTORY!!!!)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Today has been a good day!! Lastnight we heard about the promises of God and that if we believe on them He promises not to fail to reward. We sang "He That Overcometh", "He That Believeth", and "I Believe In a God". I don't remember ever feeling the Lord back something up so strongly. It seemed like He was telling all of us "You CAN do this!!! Just believe in the promises I have given you. They ARE true...I WILL NOT fail!!!" Then to back that up Bro. Brown gave a WONDERFUL message!!!! Words can not even describe how much I gained from this service. As he walked us through the Bible I felt my mind just open up and take it all in!! It was...life changing!! Then today I felt the Lord saying "Keep believing." I would come to a situation and the words JUST BELIEVE echoed in my heart!!! He helped me every step of the way!!! I also had this song come to me as I was praying.
"We have a wonderful Savior. He's on His throne. He will never forsake us. Nor leave us alone. He gave a wonderful promise. HE CANNOT FAIL. And by His SPIRIT we SHALL prevail!!!!!"
I recommend ordering the service - Humble 9-25-2011
Sis. Laura Walters can help you out :o)
When you know the tricks used against you, then you know just what weapon to use to fight back with. Today I used Reading, Prayer, and Songs.
"We have a wonderful Savior. He's on His throne. He will never forsake us. Nor leave us alone. He gave a wonderful promise. HE CANNOT FAIL. And by His SPIRIT we SHALL prevail!!!!!"
I recommend ordering the service - Humble 9-25-2011
Sis. Laura Walters can help you out :o)
When you know the tricks used against you, then you know just what weapon to use to fight back with. Today I used Reading, Prayer, and Songs.
Monday, September 5, 2011
WHY I Fight
Sometimes I ask myself “why do I even try”?
Today I was thinking about that and some answers started coming to me…
WHY I Fight?
I am fighting for: A marriage that this world says that I don’t even have to if I don’t want to.
I am fighting for: Children that this world says their generation isn’t even worth it anymore.
I am fighting for: A salvation that this world says doesn’t exist and the devil tries to convince me daily that I will never obtain.
I am fighting for: A life that this world does everything it can to destroy by promoting and pouring corruption into every aspect of our daily lives.
I am fighting for: The right to worship the Lord in everything that I do.
I am sure that there are many more; but these are some of the reasons why I get up and try again every day. These are reasons why I bow my knees in prayer for strength to be what the Lord has asked me to be. These are reasons why I take the time every day to open my Bible and search for the nourishment that will help me make it that day.
Day in and day out these are the reasons why I try.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Walkin' Out of the Valley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tizwr1BF6mM
Sometimes when you’re in the valley you can get so comfortable that you can’t get out. You may SEE that you’re in the valley, and KNOW that you should get out; but you’ve tried to get out before…you know how hard it is and you just would rather not try.
I know what it is like to live there. You are absolutely miserable and you know because you’ve been taught how to get out of the valley; but you just don’t have the energy anymore to do the work. You are spiritually iron deficient :o)
I recently had some health issues that required some blood work to be done. You see I was having some symptoms that were making me sick and I couldn’t diagnose it on my own so I had to go see the doctor. (Literally; but I am using this experience to get across a spiritual point) The doctor ran several tests to determine what was wrong. A little bit like the candle of the Lord searching out the very inward parts of our soul. When the results came back I was extremely low on iron. He began to explain my symptoms:
Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.
Shortness of breath during exercise.
Headache.
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability.
Dizziness.
I was shocked to find that this deficiency in one little area had caused all these little symptoms. Who knew that something so simple could make so much of a difference in the way I felt and acted.
(Are you getting the picture yet?)
The same thing can happen to you spiritually. You can be lacking in an area…prayer, fasting, reading, faithfulness etc…and it can have extreme side effects. This is why if you are in the valley sometimes it is just easier to give up. You are lacking in the areas that give you the strength to fight.
What did my doctor prescribe? A supplement that I have to take EVERYDAY to replenish and maintain what I have lost. Eventually my health will be back to normal; but if I fail to maintain my supplements I will be right back in the same condition.
I was sitting and thinking about this today and it occurred to me that you have to DECIDE to do the work. You can’t just say “Oh yes…that is what I need to do and not do it”. My iron will not be assimilated by osmosis…it must be ingested!!
If you turn to the Lord and take that one step…ask Him to help you find the strength you lack…then He will meet you. I just read this today:
Psalm 34:6-7
- This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
- The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:15
- The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
What does this mean? That if you are trying to do things right the Lord WILL hear you. One thing I keep trying to instill in my girls is that mistakes happen. Our ultimate goal is to no longer make them; but while you are learning they will happen. The key is to be like David and when you have made a mistake, fall on your face before the Lord and repent. Acknowledge what you’ve done and get up.
Several times the Lord pleaded with Israel and told them that if they would repent and TURN from their wicked ways that He would restore them. First we must repent; but then we must turn away from those old habits and desires. If we do that then He has promised to give us more than those things could ever bring. Joy, peace, happiness; and ultimately ETERNAL LIFE!!!
I could give you several examples in my own life where the Lord has dealt with me in a church service, and then blessed me abundantly; but then when I get home I automatically start the same routine. For me it’s not what you call an big bad obvious sin; but it's something that the Lord is asking me to limit my exposure to. He is asking me to quit filling my mind up with things that are not Him.
I testified a couple weeks ago about that little voice inside you that says “No No” when you’re about to do something He doesn’t approve of. It was mentioned about walking in the spirit and I thought how do you do that?? You learn to walk in the spirit by listening to that little voice and obeying it. That voice is the spirit of the Lord trying to direct you, and when you learn to listen and obey that voice (even in the little things that seem silly) you will be walking in the spirit.
Be encouraged and turn your eyes to the Lord. He will help you :o)
Sometimes when you’re in the valley you can get so comfortable that you can’t get out. You may SEE that you’re in the valley, and KNOW that you should get out; but you’ve tried to get out before…you know how hard it is and you just would rather not try.
I know what it is like to live there. You are absolutely miserable and you know because you’ve been taught how to get out of the valley; but you just don’t have the energy anymore to do the work. You are spiritually iron deficient :o)
I recently had some health issues that required some blood work to be done. You see I was having some symptoms that were making me sick and I couldn’t diagnose it on my own so I had to go see the doctor. (Literally; but I am using this experience to get across a spiritual point) The doctor ran several tests to determine what was wrong. A little bit like the candle of the Lord searching out the very inward parts of our soul. When the results came back I was extremely low on iron. He began to explain my symptoms:
Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.
Shortness of breath during exercise.
Headache.
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability.
Dizziness.
I was shocked to find that this deficiency in one little area had caused all these little symptoms. Who knew that something so simple could make so much of a difference in the way I felt and acted.
(Are you getting the picture yet?)
The same thing can happen to you spiritually. You can be lacking in an area…prayer, fasting, reading, faithfulness etc…and it can have extreme side effects. This is why if you are in the valley sometimes it is just easier to give up. You are lacking in the areas that give you the strength to fight.
What did my doctor prescribe? A supplement that I have to take EVERYDAY to replenish and maintain what I have lost. Eventually my health will be back to normal; but if I fail to maintain my supplements I will be right back in the same condition.
I was sitting and thinking about this today and it occurred to me that you have to DECIDE to do the work. You can’t just say “Oh yes…that is what I need to do and not do it”. My iron will not be assimilated by osmosis…it must be ingested!!
If you turn to the Lord and take that one step…ask Him to help you find the strength you lack…then He will meet you. I just read this today:
Psalm 34:6-7
- This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
- The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:15
- The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
What does this mean? That if you are trying to do things right the Lord WILL hear you. One thing I keep trying to instill in my girls is that mistakes happen. Our ultimate goal is to no longer make them; but while you are learning they will happen. The key is to be like David and when you have made a mistake, fall on your face before the Lord and repent. Acknowledge what you’ve done and get up.
Several times the Lord pleaded with Israel and told them that if they would repent and TURN from their wicked ways that He would restore them. First we must repent; but then we must turn away from those old habits and desires. If we do that then He has promised to give us more than those things could ever bring. Joy, peace, happiness; and ultimately ETERNAL LIFE!!!
I could give you several examples in my own life where the Lord has dealt with me in a church service, and then blessed me abundantly; but then when I get home I automatically start the same routine. For me it’s not what you call an big bad obvious sin; but it's something that the Lord is asking me to limit my exposure to. He is asking me to quit filling my mind up with things that are not Him.
I testified a couple weeks ago about that little voice inside you that says “No No” when you’re about to do something He doesn’t approve of. It was mentioned about walking in the spirit and I thought how do you do that?? You learn to walk in the spirit by listening to that little voice and obeying it. That voice is the spirit of the Lord trying to direct you, and when you learn to listen and obey that voice (even in the little things that seem silly) you will be walking in the spirit.
Be encouraged and turn your eyes to the Lord. He will help you :o)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In the Midst of It All...
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!
I can feel the Holy Ghost everytime I listen to this. Isn't this what it's all about. Looking past everything and raising our hearts in praise for the fact that HE IS!! So encouraging!! He never promised that we wouldn't have to endure; but He did promise to never leave us in the midst alone. Thank you Lord. Bless your Holy name!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBg8ekzaUuo
I can feel the Holy Ghost everytime I listen to this. Isn't this what it's all about. Looking past everything and raising our hearts in praise for the fact that HE IS!! So encouraging!! He never promised that we wouldn't have to endure; but He did promise to never leave us in the midst alone. Thank you Lord. Bless your Holy name!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBg8ekzaUuo
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I Will Follow Thee
I will...I will follow thee!!!
Over mountains high
And through the stormy sea.
And when I hear your voice Lord
NO MATTER HOW I FEEL
I will lay my burdens down
And I will follow thee.
No matter how I feel...
No matter if I am tired...I will keep a good attitude...
No matter if I am frustrated with my children...I will still gather them in my arms and hold them tight...
No matter if I have a right to say something...I will keep my mouth shut...
No matter if I have told them a thousand times...I will tell them one thousand and one more...
No matter if the world says I can't make it...I will still strive...
No matter if I feel that I can't go another step...I will take one more step...He'll take two...
No matter if I have fought this battle over and over...I will fight it again until I overcome it...
I will lay down all the feelings and thoughts that oppress me and I will follow the Lord!!
I CHOOSE to follow the Lord.
I CHOOSE to overcome my flesh.
I CHOOSE to fight the good fight.
It is my CHOICE to follow the Lord.
Help me Lord to say yes.
Over mountains high
And through the stormy sea.
And when I hear your voice Lord
NO MATTER HOW I FEEL
I will lay my burdens down
And I will follow thee.
No matter how I feel...
No matter if I am tired...I will keep a good attitude...
No matter if I am frustrated with my children...I will still gather them in my arms and hold them tight...
No matter if I have a right to say something...I will keep my mouth shut...
No matter if I have told them a thousand times...I will tell them one thousand and one more...
No matter if the world says I can't make it...I will still strive...
No matter if I feel that I can't go another step...I will take one more step...He'll take two...
No matter if I have fought this battle over and over...I will fight it again until I overcome it...
I will lay down all the feelings and thoughts that oppress me and I will follow the Lord!!
I CHOOSE to follow the Lord.
I CHOOSE to overcome my flesh.
I CHOOSE to fight the good fight.
It is my CHOICE to follow the Lord.
Help me Lord to say yes.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes!!!!
Alt. Verses:
- The reason I sing and shout...
- The reason I testify...
- The reason I speak in tongues...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes!!!!
Alt. Verses:
- The reason I sing and shout...
- The reason I testify...
- The reason I speak in tongues...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Take it to the Lord in Prayer
Today as I was going over some things in my mind and I kept coming back to the thought...
"Lord, I just don't know what to do..."
Over and over and over!!!
As I was sitting there this thought crossed my mind...
"Take it to the Lord in prayer."
I thought yes, that is what I need to do. Our services lately have hinted at our need to really pray for our circumstances. This is something I struggle with. Not really with having to pray; but for remembering that it is necessary. A lot of times I take it for granted that if I take my hands off a situation that the Lord will just take care of it. For the most part this is true...we are to have that kind of trust in Him to take care of our situations. He will meet ALL our needs so we don't have to worry; but I think that sometimes He does want us to pray for our situation.
He will take care of us. He will have His will. He will lead and guide us. We never have to question this; but what if the prayer is for us. I thought about when we pray and take our burdens to Him what do we receive in return?? Peace...comfort...joy...all of these come through prayer. The Lord doesn't necessarily "need" for us to tell Him what we need; but I think that when we take it to the Lord it helps us relinquish control of that situation and really give it to Him. Lord help me let you have my burdens and stop trying to carry them all on my own. Your shoulders are so much stronger than mine.
I have been singing this all day after having this experience and the words ring so true to me...
It was funny...as I was giving the girls a bath tonight my oldest daughter began singing a little song she learned in VBS this week...
"Count your blessings name them one by one.
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings see what God has done."
Out of the mouth of babes...thank you Lord :o)
"Lord, I just don't know what to do..."
Over and over and over!!!
As I was sitting there this thought crossed my mind...
"Take it to the Lord in prayer."
I thought yes, that is what I need to do. Our services lately have hinted at our need to really pray for our circumstances. This is something I struggle with. Not really with having to pray; but for remembering that it is necessary. A lot of times I take it for granted that if I take my hands off a situation that the Lord will just take care of it. For the most part this is true...we are to have that kind of trust in Him to take care of our situations. He will meet ALL our needs so we don't have to worry; but I think that sometimes He does want us to pray for our situation.
He will take care of us. He will have His will. He will lead and guide us. We never have to question this; but what if the prayer is for us. I thought about when we pray and take our burdens to Him what do we receive in return?? Peace...comfort...joy...all of these come through prayer. The Lord doesn't necessarily "need" for us to tell Him what we need; but I think that when we take it to the Lord it helps us relinquish control of that situation and really give it to Him. Lord help me let you have my burdens and stop trying to carry them all on my own. Your shoulders are so much stronger than mine.
I have been singing this all day after having this experience and the words ring so true to me...
It was funny...as I was giving the girls a bath tonight my oldest daughter began singing a little song she learned in VBS this week...
"Count your blessings name them one by one.
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings see what God has done."
Out of the mouth of babes...thank you Lord :o)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Thought for today 6-21-2011
I was sitting in VBS today and had this thought...
"You never know
what God can help you
do until you try."
what God can help you
do until you try."
That's all I have...no big sermon...
Now you you can testify in the comments
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Preparing Your Spirit for your MAN
http://www.parentingmiracles.net/2011/06/preparing-myself-to-honor-my-husband/
A few thoughts on this article...
I agree with all the things she lists; but I thought of one more...
I have to prepare my spirit to meet my husband...
What do I mean by this? Well some days you have really BAD days. Who do you want to share those things with??? Your best friend. Your husband.
It would be so easy when he walks in the door ( I really have to work on this one) to unload all that baggage we have been carrying all day on him so that I can feel better; but how is that fair? After all...he has come home with his own baggage too.
When my husband came home last night we both had really bad days. Me because of myself; but his day was filled with problems at work. When he walked in I said "hey babe". The kids hugged him and then he sat down on the floor and played with them. I asked him how his day went and I could tell by his answers that he really didn't want to talk about it. I left him to play with the girls and went about fixing dinner. I noticed that how having him home...get this...made me feel so much happier than I had been all day. (If you follow my blog you know that this is major growth :o) I didn't unload all my junk and he left his outside the door and we had a really pleasant evening. He didn't enter into a home full of chaos; but a home that welcomed him in. Whispered softly..."sit down, take your shoes off; RELAX"!!
I know that we are to be able to share everything with each other...and I feel that we can; but sometimes you just need to leave it all outside your house and enjoy being.
On those days that I have really BAD days it would do me well to take some time before he comes home to prepare my spirit for him. Analyze all the "drama" I have had and leave what is not important unsaid. He doesn't have to know EVERY TIME I yelled at the kids or put them in time out through the day. He NEEDS to know that even though we both have had long days that he can sit down on the couch and feel peace. After all the hustle and bustle of the day the only thing he wants to do is be with us.
Take a little time out today before your man gets home and prepare your spirit to greet him. It may require a little prayer sometimes; but it will make your home a lot more peaceful. After all one of the things I try to remember (and fail at a lot) is that YOU control the atmosphere in your home. YOU are there day in and day out. YOU have a chance to choose war or peace!!
Lord help me to choose peace!!
A few thoughts on this article...
I agree with all the things she lists; but I thought of one more...
I have to prepare my spirit to meet my husband...
What do I mean by this? Well some days you have really BAD days. Who do you want to share those things with??? Your best friend. Your husband.
It would be so easy when he walks in the door ( I really have to work on this one) to unload all that baggage we have been carrying all day on him so that I can feel better; but how is that fair? After all...he has come home with his own baggage too.
When my husband came home last night we both had really bad days. Me because of myself; but his day was filled with problems at work. When he walked in I said "hey babe". The kids hugged him and then he sat down on the floor and played with them. I asked him how his day went and I could tell by his answers that he really didn't want to talk about it. I left him to play with the girls and went about fixing dinner. I noticed that how having him home...get this...made me feel so much happier than I had been all day. (If you follow my blog you know that this is major growth :o) I didn't unload all my junk and he left his outside the door and we had a really pleasant evening. He didn't enter into a home full of chaos; but a home that welcomed him in. Whispered softly..."sit down, take your shoes off; RELAX"!!
I know that we are to be able to share everything with each other...and I feel that we can; but sometimes you just need to leave it all outside your house and enjoy being.
On those days that I have really BAD days it would do me well to take some time before he comes home to prepare my spirit for him. Analyze all the "drama" I have had and leave what is not important unsaid. He doesn't have to know EVERY TIME I yelled at the kids or put them in time out through the day. He NEEDS to know that even though we both have had long days that he can sit down on the couch and feel peace. After all the hustle and bustle of the day the only thing he wants to do is be with us.
Take a little time out today before your man gets home and prepare your spirit to greet him. It may require a little prayer sometimes; but it will make your home a lot more peaceful. After all one of the things I try to remember (and fail at a lot) is that YOU control the atmosphere in your home. YOU are there day in and day out. YOU have a chance to choose war or peace!!
Lord help me to choose peace!!
The Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 14:26-27
...In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge...
...The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting Rid of Why
Just thinking tonight...
Sometimes things happen that we just don't understand. In our mind there is just no reason why. We try to think "well maybe God is doing this" or "maybe He is asking this" or "something I have done has caused this"; but I feel like sometimes spending too much time on the why can be a stumbling block. It's trying to find comfort in something other than the Lord. We can get lost in all the why's and why not's and lose sight of the who can and the who is... I don't know why some go through loss; but I know the comforter. I don't understand mean people; but I do know the deliverer of the righteous. I don't fully enjoy the process of laying down self (yet); but I do know that those that endure shall remain. So in looking at my life and those around me I am trying to climb out of the pit of the why's that have no answers; and plant my feet on the rock that will stand.
[Side Note: Tonight we had a good service talking about being thankful and then went into bitterness...I just had a thought that the path of why's can lead you into the pit of bitterness. You can end up there and not even realize that you are headed that way because in some ways you have a "right" to be upset; and to question some things. Huuummmmm...I think the Lord's letting me see my path. Ouch!! If you spend too long on the path of why's you can end up in the pit of bitterness; and that is a looonnng walk back to the road of forgiveness and the way of freedom. Have to stop why in it's tracks!!]
Take it in stride...one at a time; and instead of spending so much time worrying about the process start praying for the grace to go through it.
Lord give us all the grace, that when we are confronted with our chance to give in and give up on you; help us to fight. Cause that spirit that is within us to rise up and rebuke doubt, and fear; and worry. Those things cause us to lose our joy and without joy we are then in danger of losing our hope. That hope that lies deep within us. That hope that is renewed day by day by the feeding of God's word; and by walking in His spirit.
So many scriptures going through my head...action scriptures...
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Hebrews 6:19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)
GRAB AHOLD of these verses and DON'T LET THEM GO!!!!! Memorize them!!! I am writing them down for myself. When doubt arises or fear or the flesh shoot it down with some of these!!! We do NOT have to live in defeat!! It is up to us to pick up our weapons and fight. We can have our guns and we can have our bullets; but if we never take the time to put the bullets INTO the gun we are still defenseless. Kinda like dying of thirst surrounded by water. Sometimes it takes a little action on our part. Get rid of the why and why not's and pick up your CAN and HE WILL!!!
Sorry I know I am preaching; but I am really preaching to me!! :o)
If Jesus said I can I CAN!!!!
"If Jesus says I can I CAN!!
If Jesus says I can Oh I KNOW I CAN!!!
Satan tries to tell me that I can't make the Bride;
But if Jesus says I can I CAN!!!!"
Sometimes things happen that we just don't understand. In our mind there is just no reason why. We try to think "well maybe God is doing this" or "maybe He is asking this" or "something I have done has caused this"; but I feel like sometimes spending too much time on the why can be a stumbling block. It's trying to find comfort in something other than the Lord. We can get lost in all the why's and why not's and lose sight of the who can and the who is... I don't know why some go through loss; but I know the comforter. I don't understand mean people; but I do know the deliverer of the righteous. I don't fully enjoy the process of laying down self (yet); but I do know that those that endure shall remain. So in looking at my life and those around me I am trying to climb out of the pit of the why's that have no answers; and plant my feet on the rock that will stand.
[Side Note: Tonight we had a good service talking about being thankful and then went into bitterness...I just had a thought that the path of why's can lead you into the pit of bitterness. You can end up there and not even realize that you are headed that way because in some ways you have a "right" to be upset; and to question some things. Huuummmmm...I think the Lord's letting me see my path. Ouch!! If you spend too long on the path of why's you can end up in the pit of bitterness; and that is a looonnng walk back to the road of forgiveness and the way of freedom. Have to stop why in it's tracks!!]
Take it in stride...one at a time; and instead of spending so much time worrying about the process start praying for the grace to go through it.
Lord give us all the grace, that when we are confronted with our chance to give in and give up on you; help us to fight. Cause that spirit that is within us to rise up and rebuke doubt, and fear; and worry. Those things cause us to lose our joy and without joy we are then in danger of losing our hope. That hope that lies deep within us. That hope that is renewed day by day by the feeding of God's word; and by walking in His spirit.
So many scriptures going through my head...action scriptures...
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Hebrews 6:19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)
GRAB AHOLD of these verses and DON'T LET THEM GO!!!!! Memorize them!!! I am writing them down for myself. When doubt arises or fear or the flesh shoot it down with some of these!!! We do NOT have to live in defeat!! It is up to us to pick up our weapons and fight. We can have our guns and we can have our bullets; but if we never take the time to put the bullets INTO the gun we are still defenseless. Kinda like dying of thirst surrounded by water. Sometimes it takes a little action on our part. Get rid of the why and why not's and pick up your CAN and HE WILL!!!
Sorry I know I am preaching; but I am really preaching to me!! :o)
If Jesus said I can I CAN!!!!
"If Jesus says I can I CAN!!
If Jesus says I can Oh I KNOW I CAN!!!
Satan tries to tell me that I can't make the Bride;
But if Jesus says I can I CAN!!!!"
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