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Thursday, March 31, 2011

A Clean House

If you were to stop by my house today, it would appear presentable.  I have spent 10 minutes this morning wiping down counter tops, filling the dishwasher and moving folded clothing from the couch to drawers.  For all appearance sake, the house looks good and I would feel okay with a short visit from you. 

Now if you decided to spend the day with me, you would see the truth of the house.  The home would appear clean until you used the bathroom, for the faucet is sticky, the towel is damp, and the dust bunnies come into view as you close the bathroom door. 

Now if you decided to spend the night with me, you would become aware of the hidden and unorganized "dirt" in my drawers, closets and bedrooms.  You are unaware of these things until you spend time here.  You would never notice the crumbs in my silverware drawer until you need a spoon for cereal in the morning. You would not see the mountain of dirty laundry until you looked for a clean towel after a shower.  I could never let you help cook dinner.  As you opened cabinets and drawers the truth would be made known. 

Thinking of this today reminded me of my personal life and my interaction with others.  We all have a first appearance to make. We want to look presentable to others.  To be honest, we want to look good.  So we tend to keep people on the surface level so they will not see our "dirt" and chaos that is so well hidden in drawers and rooms of our heart.  We learn very quickly to protect our self by hiding this dirt behind a smile, manicured nails, styled hair, and designer clothing.  We learn the "right" words to appear together and okay.  Let me say this..It is a sad and lonely way to live.  It is a difficult way to live because you are aways on guard to protect yourself and looking for other ways to make your self presentable.  Jesus said in John 10:10,
The thief does not come except to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly.

If you think about it we do this same thing with God.  We attend worship, work in the nursery, make a meal, speak an encouraging word to others but we don't let God get into the deep crevices of our life to change us.  We may have devotional time, but giving God 10 minutes of our day will never get the dust bunnies from behind the door nor remove the crumbs from the crevices in our life.  Things look good in the dark. My house looks clean in the dark. When the light is off we are not even able to see the dirt.  But if we spend time in the light, God is able to shine His truth on all the dirt, chaos, and crumbs that has been hidden for years.  He washes us with the truth of His Word to make us CLEAN.  When my house is clean, I don't mind people cooking in my kitchen.  When my house is clean, they can open a cabinet to remove a folded towel.  Nothing is hidden because God has brought it into the light and made it clean.

Friend it takes time.  It takes more than a short quick devotion with the Lord each day.  We must spend quality time in the Lord's presence with His word in prayer.  You may be scared to allow others to see the dirt but God is ever so merciful and gracious.  He already sees and loves you anyway.  Spending time with Him allows Him to clean up the dirt.  It would take me a several hours to deep clean my house, if not days.  My house will not stay clean unless I spend time on it regularly.  The silverware is clean when it is placed in the drawer, so how did the crumbs get in? Our lives are like that.  The world's way of thinking and doing life creeps in.  We must allow God to deep clean our life and we must continually spend time in His presence for Him to continue sweeping, wiping, and perfecting us. 

This deep cleaning begins with salvation.  Jesus took your sin and mine when He died on the cross.  God requires holiness and perfection from us...a life without sin.  I am not able to live a life without sin.  How about you?  I bet not, since the Bible states all our good works are as filthy rags.  All those good things you have done to make your self appear presentable are filthy rags in God's sight.  That is why Jesus had to come.  God in the flesh!  Jesus came to live the perfect sinless life.  He came to present His life as a sacrifice for us.  When Jesus was crucified on the cross, we each deserved to be hung there.  He took the punished for us.  When my kids were small they were constantly fighting with each other.  One of them was defiant and deserved a spanking.  When the time came for the proper punishment to be administered, my other child stepped in and announced-no, he would take the punishment for her.  This is a poor illustration of Christ but none the less if you are the one who deserves the spanking you would be so thankful for the one who chose to take it.  (That by the way is why I worship and praise!)


If we surrender - believe (put our trust in) Christ's saving work on the cross and we confess, (agree with God about our sin) and turn to Him away from our sin, and believe God raised Him from the dead, He will deep clean us.  He will make us new!  Then each and every day as we awake, we can come back to this place of surrender.  Spending time enjoying Him as He cleans, convicts, teaches, and loves us.  Friend when our life is clean before God, it will not matter to us what others see.  For we are confident in His love and understand we are a work in progress. 

Being confident of this very thing,
 that He who has begun a good work in you
will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Philippians 1:6

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Poem

I hear the birds worshipping. 
The wind blowing leaves to a sweet melody of praise. 
The trees with out-stretched branches lifted to the Creator. 
The small bushes swaying in dance before the Lord. 
The wind a sweet praise as it swirls around me. 
 A dance, a song, that is what I hear,all praising the Creator who is so near. 
Oh, the sweet stillness that comes saying I am the One
who created you before time
 For it was my purpose to make you shine. 
Be a light in the darkness, be a word of truth,
Spoken in love to those who run a loose. 
Make them worshippers of Me, that is your purpose, and My glory. 
 For all eternity don't you see,
I will be on My throne and you on your knee,
Worshipping for that is what I created you to be!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

God or Desire

Each person reading this blog has unmet desires within their heart.  Many of these are godly desires and we are waiting for God to bring them to fruition.  In the waiting God teaches us many things, like dependence upon Him, patience, and trust. 

The desire I remember the most over the years have been in regard to relationships.  Again these are godly desires, desiring children, desiring healing for my son, desiring godly friends to challenge and encourage me, a godly husband, and so forth.  God has honored me with these desires.  It did not happen over night and I had to learn several things before He honored me with them.

One of the things that needed to be learned is that a desire can become an idol.  The desire can consume your thought life.  The desire exalts itself over God in your life. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” Jonah 2:8-9

God had to teach me to bring every thought captive to Him. The desire started as innocent and good. As I got impatience in waiting, doubting began and the desire become all consuming.  I realized I wanted the  specific desire more than I wanted God.  An idol is anything that exalts itself over God.  So check your thought life...When your thoughts are free where do they roam?

Today if I find my mind being consumed with a desire, I question if this is an idol.  Not necessary the person or relationship becoming an idol but the desire of the relationship becoming the idol.  I pray and ask God to remove this relationship from me if it is ungodly in any way. The peace floods me! I have found He does not remove it, He honors me and strengthens the relationship!  But in my earlier walk of faith, I would have asked God to remove the relationship but my heart did not mean it.  So I had to back up and allow God to change my heart.  Here are some verses I prayed and begged God to work into my heart and life.  Oh God is faithful to work His truth into our lives.
Psalm 62:5-7
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God
   he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Psalm 84:11
 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
   the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
   from those whose walk is blameless.
Proverbs 18:12
 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
   but humility comes before honor
Luke 14:7-11
 So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. 11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

What I learned was it is NOT  people who honor me.  It is God who honors me.  He does honor those who walk blameless before Him.  God changed my heart, for He is my desire.  When this idol raises it ugly head and it does often, my heart can honestly say...God You are my desire.  Remove this want from me or honor me with it.  God if this desire will become an idol for me..REMOVE it.  Don't let the relationship happen.  He is so much more satisfying than people!!  Taste and see that He is good.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Book Review

I just finished reading Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud's book, "Plain Wisdom" and I will say I enjoyed the book very much. "Plain Wisdom" gives you insight into the Amish life and culture told by Miriam an Amish women, herself.  The author Cindy Woodsmall shares her experiences of visiting the Amish household and Miriam shares personal experiences of her life and faith.  The books shows a beautiful picture of two lives lived by faith.  Even though their lives are miles are apart.  One life is plain and the other is full of today's technology, God is woven in the center of both.  The book shares Amish recipes and traditions, which is always a treat. This book was a quick and enjoyable read.  I would recommend this book or any of Cindy Woodsmall's books for that matter.  "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Fellowship

Many times the most fun times are spur of the moment ideas.  Todd did just that today.  We were visiting with some people after morning church service and he decided to invite them over for hot dogs after the evening service.  This small group quickly grew to several and it was the most fun.  A wide variety of people who enjoy the fellowship of the Lord and each other.  I am not sure of the number of people but we went through 70 hot dogs! 

The one thing I see with this fellowship at Southside is the unity among the people.  We vary in age, education, and economic status.  I believe I can speak for each one of these people, we ENJOY fellowship with each other.

True fellowship is a byproduct of our fellowship with God.  Look at 1 John 1:1-7
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.   This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

True fellowship is essential for spiritual growth.  We understand we need each other for survival in walking this walk of faith.  Look at Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
      

I would say we are a group of people who are "real".  Meaning we are not perfect nor do we profess to be.  We love the Lord deeply.  Love to worship Him and love to share Him with each other.  As I sit and fellowship, I am challenged to pray more, to read more, and to love my God more.  Just being in the presence of another believer challenges my heart to continue pressing on in this walk in faith.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Acts 2:42-43

Looking forward to others' salvation and joining fellowship with us!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Prayer for Southside

It has been a while since I have written out a prayer.  My heart is heavy for Southside Baptist Church.  This is the prayer I have said this morning.  Most of these words have been taken from 2 Thessalonians. I pray you will make them your own as you pray for the body of believers you associate with.

          God You are good, abundant in mercy and full of grace and truth.  You are our God and we bow in humble adoration of You.  Father You are worthy and You have called us together as a body at Southside.  Father we love You and we ask for our faith and great love for You to increase.  Lord we ask we will bow in Your presence with hearts ready to listen and obey.  Father may our faith grow exceedingly in You.  May our love abound toward one another.  Lord may we be patience and faithful in all persecution and tribulations.  Oh God may we endure to be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. God count us worthy to live up to the calling of our salvation with lives marked by goodness and powerful works of faith.  God teach us to walk worthy, to allow You our God and Savior to be glorified in us, the light of all Your purpose.  God from the beginning You chose us for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.  Father I ask we stand fast to the truth we have been taught.  Father may You comfort our hearts and strength us in every good work.  God I pray the word of the Lord would run swiftly and You would be glorified.  God deliver us from unreasonable and wicked men.  Lord God You are faithful.  God establish us and guard us from the evil one.  My Father and God I have confidence in You that we the people of Southside will do as you have commanded us.  God I ask You would direct our hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ.  Oh Father may the people of Southside be diligent to work in quietness to provide for their families.  God may we not grow weary in doing good.  Father teach us to obey Your word, warning each other as brothers in Christ. God extend Your peace to our hearts and be with us as we meet and through out the week.  May we live to bring glory and honor to Your name.  We ask all these things in the name of our Savior and God Christ Jesus, for His glory alone. Amen

Friday, March 18, 2011

Comfort of God

My granddaughter had a heart procedure done yesterday.  When we returned home from Children's Hospital she was uncomfortable and in some pain. As parents and grandparents we do all we can to attempt to alleviate the pain and bring comfort.  It was heartbreaking for us as we watched and attempted to comfort her.  You can bet we all did everything in our power to help her feel better.

This picture reminds me of our loving God.  God desires to comfort us in our pain.  He desires to cradle us in His love.  I believe the difference is us.  My granddaughter wanted to be held.  She wanted us to comfort her.  She could have chosen to be in her bed and left alone but she has learned in her two years of life her parents and Gramby love her.  She does not understand why she needed surgery.  I don't think she even questioned that.  All she knew was she hurt and these people who loved her would help.

What about you?  Have you learned how loving our God is?  Do you cry out to God in your pain?  He will not turn His back on you.  Today my one year old grandson woke cranky from his nap.  He had wet through
his clothes and needed a fresh set.  I tried to sit him in the floor as I went to retrieve clean clothes.  He looked at me with tears in his eyes and guess what I scooped him up and carried him with me. 

Friend I know from experience God will do the same for you. But you must be willing to come to Him.
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. John 6:37
Will you come to Him today?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

God is God

It appears the fire in my life, the lives of friends and family, and in the large scope of the world have been turned up.  I am not much of a prophet. I am an encourager and I pray God brings must needed encouragement to you today.

The one truth that brings me back to reality when things are spinning out of control around me is who I am-"A sinner saved by grace".  To remember I was out of control in rebellion against a holy God, when He spoke my name.  At His word He made me alive and the grave clothes were removed.  The grave clothes were not only removed but replaced with His clothes of righteousness.  All this for His pleasure and glory. 

Friend it is time to removed our eyes from our circumstances and remember His character.  God is so much more than His promises.  He is more than a ladder to remove us from the burning building. Yes, He will removed us from the fire after the flames do its work of burning away our
self centeredness
and such.  But our focus should be on God and His character.

He is the Creator.  He spoke the universe into existence.  He made the heaven and the earth.  He created you in your mother's womb.  He holds the world in His hands.  The earth is His footstool.  He measures the sand on the beaches.  He knows the number of stars in the sky and calls them by name  He has the hairs upon your head numbered.  He tells the oceans waves how far they can extend. He places the sun and moon in the sky and hides them when not in use.  He stores up the hail and snow to used in the day of battle.  He tells the lightening bolt when to strike.  He is God we are not.  He adorns Himself with majesty and splendor.  He humbles the proud and exaltes the humble.  All his work is done in justice and truth.  He mades the dead alive with purpose and truth.  He holds our very breathe in His hands. Wisdom and might are His.  He changes the times and seasons.  He removed kings and raises us kings.  He give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.  He reveals deep and secret things.  He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with Him.  His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.  His dominion is from generation to generation. He is a God of mercy and truth. He does as He pleases and no plan of His can be stopped. 

Don't let the circumstances in your life paralize you in fear.  Bow before this great God in awe and surrender.  He is not our servant to meet our needs.  He is the God and we shall bow in humble adoration

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Refiners Fire

Trials and testing are the Refiners fire of our heart.  God wants to humble us and to test us, to know what is in our heart.  To know whether we will keep His commandments or not.  We have a choice in every trial that comes our way.  It does not matter if this trial is sent by God or the enemy, for our enemy is a ploy in the hand of God.  I can think of several choices we may be tempted with as these fires comes.

1) Hide out - stick out head in the sand and pretend it does not exist.
2) Run - run into drugs, alcohol, sex, anything that will bring quick satisfaction
3) Self determination - Working out the problem in our own strength with our own resources. 
4) Surrendering - surrendering our will to the Lords and agreeing to walk through whatever He so desires.

Just last night, I had to make this choice.  There is a situation in our family that I wish would go away.  I wish I did not have to deal with it.  I would love to hide out in Alma and pretend I do not know what is going on in OKC.  But God in His sovereignty has other plans for me. 

When the fires come we need to take the example from Jesus in Matthew 26:36-40 "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless  I drink it, Your will be done.”  And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Jesus was in agony because He knew God's wrath against our sin was going to be poured out upon Him.  He asked if there could be another way for the sin of mankind to be made atonement for.  There was not, so Christ in His great love for the Father obeyed and we have redemption! 

Today if you are facing a trial.  Don't stuff the pain.  Cry out to God with all that is on your heart.  He already knows the good, bad, and ugly.  It will not take Him by surprise.  Share with Him as I did last night, that you do not want to walk this path.  But in the process surrender your heart to His will.  In surrendering He will give you the strength, wisdom, and endurance to walk the trial that has been place before you. 

And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.  So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Deut 8:2-3

Monday, March 7, 2011

Pray the Word

Do you have family members living in sin and you are unaware of how to reach them?  Are your loved ones hurting and you are unsure how to encourage them?  Is your spouse or child in need of salvation and you are confused on how to bring this to pass?  I have good news.  It is NOT up to you to have these answers. 

We can pray to the God of Heaven who holds Salvation in His hands(Ps.3:8), the God who lifts our head in our time of need and struggle.(Ps3:3) Scripture says it is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.  Romans 2:4

We can be confident if we pray according to His will, He will hear us and answer.(1 John 5:14)  To know the will of God, we must be in His word.  Search the word to find promises and prayer to make your own on behalf of your loved ones.  God honors His word. We can be confident if we pray His word into our loved ones life, He will answer.  You can pray these sames verses into your own life as well.  God is faithful.  He does honor His word.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Salvation In The House

Tonight was a good night.  It has been a good day.  A day full of faith and life.  I love when God gives me those days.  Thursdays evening are one of my favorite evenings.  A group of  friends meet at the church to prayer walk.  We pray for our body, the neighborhood, and our church leaders.   God is faithful and His Spirit is always evident on these nights.  Tonight was no different, even though all but one person cancelled.  I was a little disappointed but the two of us went to pray.  Where two or more are gathered together, God is in our midst., right. He also knows what He is doing.  He proved that once again tonight.  One dear women who we have befriended, who walked the isle and made a profession of faith during a revival service, stopped by to pray with us. 

I had just asked this women yesterday, where she was spiritually.  She is ill and eternity must be dealt with. I asked if she died tonight, would she go to heaven.  Her answer was no and she was struggling with that issue.  God in His sovereignty brought her tonight.  God in His sovereignty kept others away.  God in His sovereignty saved a soul tonight.  The angels are rejoicing as we are. 

Teresa and I sat down with her and went over some Scripture God had lead me to yesterday. He prepared me for this time and I am so thankful.  We prayed and she prayed.  Tonight we have no doubt this women will be with us in eternity worshipping our Savior. 

There is nothing more awesome, I will use the word fun, to see God removed scales from eyes and soften hearts.  To watch Him woo someone to Himself and save their soul.  He has been working in this woman;s life for months possibly years.  A little truth here and a little light there.  Tonight the spot light was turned on.  Now we know for sure this women is a child of the King.  We gave her some resources and Scripture to cling to as she awakes in the morning to the enemy and the all the many things she faces through out the day.  But we are confident God who began a good work in her will complete it to the end.

God you are good and we have tasted a bit of Your glory.  Do more Lord than we can even ask or imagine.  To God be the glory forever and forever. Amen!

Astrology

My Pastor posted the follow statement to his face book page this morning.  As I read, I thought about the many people who I know check their horoscopes every morning.  My question would be the same.  Why?

To everyone who relies upon daily horoscopes and astrology for direction Louie Giglio asks a pertinent question: Why do we look to the stars for guidance when the stars themselves look to the Lord for their very existence?

In case you are not aware of what Scripture says regarding horoscope and astrology, I will list some Scriptures.

And when you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The LORD your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth. Deut. 4:19 NLT

Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31 NLT

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.  1 John 4:1 NLT

Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Isaiah 8:19 NLT

So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.  But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-15 NKJ

When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there.  For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering.And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you.  But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14 NLT

Now you are without excuse.  Maybe you are like me.  In my early 20's, I enjoyed reading my horoscope.  I wanted to see if what it said would come true.  Innocent I thought.  But I was opening myself up to the enemy and his ways.  This is dangerous in two areas.  1) You are giving the enemy open access to your life and 2) You have stepped outside of God's protection by being disobedient to Him. 

I also wonder if the reason we do not come to God for guidance, is because we know He peers deep into our heart and soul.  We are fearful of what He will see or what He will require of us.  Reading the horoscope does not bring conviction to our souls.  Please friend, do not be afraid of God conviction.  It is His drawing you into a relationship with Himself.  Such a sweet time of conviction, repentance, and love.  Come to God as you are.  He will not zap you for coming to Him.  He alone has the wisdom for the day.  He holds forgiveness and peace in His hands.  He is in control of our very life and death. 

If you still believe reading the daily horoscope is harmless and innocent, I would challenge you to attempt to stop reading it.  You will see as I did, it has control of you.  Confess your sin of disobedience to God.  He will forgive you and put you in a right relationship with Himself.  Then you can know wisdom and have daily guidance that is from the throne room above.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Take Me Back-Chris Allen Band

Revive

When I find my faith and my love for the Lord becoming weak, I turn to the psalms.  I see in Psalm 1, my delight should be in the law of the Lord.  His Word should be on my mind day and night.  Immediately I see why my love and faith is failing.

Psalm 2, I see "Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling."  Have I forgotten who God is? It is time to continue reading until this Glorious One becomes exalted in my mind and heart.  "Blessed are those who put their trust in Him"

In Psalm 3:3 I see God is a shield for me, He is my glory and the One who lifts my head.  I fall on my knees to recommit my trust to Him. Salvation belongs to Him and His blessing are upon me.

My faith begins to taking leaps and I can go into Psalm 4 with a prayerful heart. "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness.  You have relieved me in my distress.  Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.  I know You have set me apart and will hear when I call.  You have put gladness in my heart.  You alone make me dwell in safety. 

Brings me to Psalm 5 in which my heart cries word for word. of this Psalm.  Continue on reading, praying, worshipping until the God of heaven has mercy upon you and revives your soul.

Expecting, begging to be revived today!

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17