"Let the godly sing with joy to the Lord, for it is fitting to praise Him" (Psalm 33:1)
Praise will ever be a part of adoration. Adoration, when it has entered God's presence and has had fellowship with Him, will lead to the praise of His name.
It was when the children of Israel had been delivered from the power of Egypt that, in the song of Moses, the joy of redemption burst forth in the song of praise: "Who else among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is glorious in holiness like you, so awesome in splendor perfroming such wonder?" (Exodus 15:11).
In the Psalms we see what a large place praise ought to have in the spiritual life. Let us take time to study this until our whole heart and life be one continual song of praise: "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises" (Psalm 34:1).
With the coming of Christ into the world, there was a new outburst of praise in the song of the angels, the song of Mary, the song of Zechariah, and the song of Simeon.
And then we find in the song of Moses and the Lamb (Rev 15:3) the praise of God filling creation. Later in Revelation 19:1-6, a great multitude praise God saying "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns."
Let your prayer and quiet time with God lead your heart to unceasing praise. True prayer has true praise at heart. A life that is a continual song of praise, KNOWS true fellowship, TRUE realtionship, TRUE intimacy, only found in the Lord. Quiet time that knows to enter into His presence, knows to fall down at His feet, and soak in His full presence, then knows that lifted hands of worship, a heart of praise, knows a life that sings coninual songs of worship and praise, love letters between the worshiper and the Lover of our souls.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Lay Hold of God's Presence
Lay hold of God’s presence
In verse 9, we read: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I can just see this interchange between Joshua and the Lord. God says to Joshua, “Go and take the land I am giving you.” And Joshua asks, “How do I do that, Lord?”
“First, be strong and courageous and lay firmly hold of My promises.”
“Okay, Lord, now what?”
“Be strong and courageous. Lay hold of My patterns for life.”
“Got it, Lord. What else?”
“Be strong and of good courage, Joshua. And lay hold of...Me.”
No wonder Moses said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Ex. 33:15). Israel had miracles. They had manna. But they cried out, “Lord, we want You. If we’ve got You, all the rest of this stuff takes care of itself.” Because it’s God who gives the promise and the ability to possess it. And His purpose is that you and I lay hold of tomorrow not merely for our own gratification but also that we, like Joshua, will then help other people find what God has for them: “To this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to give them.
I want to repeat a statement here... "Because it's God who gives the promise and the ability to possess it."
All of the promises in the Word of God, are ours to have. But do we realize that with that promise, God also gives us the ability to possess it. We are given a gift called "response." Do you respond to His promise, His pattern, but also to His presence. Do we come into His presence to respond to Him? I am not talking a hit and run realtionship with God, I am speaking of "TIME" spent in His presence.
Along with the word "response" I want to use the word "obedience." Have you ever considered that in His presence, we not only respond to Him, but we must be obedient to Him? Maybe we could state it this way, "We respond with obedient love." We are covered by the One Who loves us. There is nothing we face that He has not provided for us. We must come to Him, and recieve His promises, come recieving His Word, His pattern, and come recieving His presence...
In verse 9, we read: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I can just see this interchange between Joshua and the Lord. God says to Joshua, “Go and take the land I am giving you.” And Joshua asks, “How do I do that, Lord?”
“First, be strong and courageous and lay firmly hold of My promises.”
“Okay, Lord, now what?”
“Be strong and courageous. Lay hold of My patterns for life.”
“Got it, Lord. What else?”
“Be strong and of good courage, Joshua. And lay hold of...Me.”
No wonder Moses said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Ex. 33:15). Israel had miracles. They had manna. But they cried out, “Lord, we want You. If we’ve got You, all the rest of this stuff takes care of itself.” Because it’s God who gives the promise and the ability to possess it. And His purpose is that you and I lay hold of tomorrow not merely for our own gratification but also that we, like Joshua, will then help other people find what God has for them: “To this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to give them.
I want to repeat a statement here... "Because it's God who gives the promise and the ability to possess it."
All of the promises in the Word of God, are ours to have. But do we realize that with that promise, God also gives us the ability to possess it. We are given a gift called "response." Do you respond to His promise, His pattern, but also to His presence. Do we come into His presence to respond to Him? I am not talking a hit and run realtionship with God, I am speaking of "TIME" spent in His presence.
Along with the word "response" I want to use the word "obedience." Have you ever considered that in His presence, we not only respond to Him, but we must be obedient to Him? Maybe we could state it this way, "We respond with obedient love." We are covered by the One Who loves us. There is nothing we face that He has not provided for us. We must come to Him, and recieve His promises, come recieving His Word, His pattern, and come recieving His presence...
Lay Hold of God's Pattern
Lay hold of God’s pattern
Verse 7 reads: “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”
Verse 8 is a reinforcement of that: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
The word that is translated prosper and prosperous means you’re going to know how to do the right thing. It all hinges on “Be strong and very courageous to observe the Word.” This has to do with the stipulations of God’s directive. He refers to “all the words that I commanded My servant, Moses.” Well, that’s a lot of words. There are a lot of things in the book that say this is the way to live, the way you relate in your family, the way you work on your job, the way you handle your money and deal in relationships. This is the way you keep your house, the way you handle your food. You go through here, and He say, These are the things that make your life work.
God tells us that the way to lay hold on tomorrow is to do what the Word says—not only believe its promises, but also respond to its pattern. Lay hold of the promise and lay hold of the pattern. The principles. Lay hold of the purity that’s involved in it. Success depends on obedience. Faith is not so much the power to acquire or to bring something into your life, as it is the power to obey and to stay on the path God has ordained to bring you to those things. stay on track for what the Lord has and you’ll encounter each of the things He has for your life. Lay hold of that pathway. Lay hold of the principles and the pattern and life will work.
Like a manual that comes with a product, it tells you how it will work, how it will function. Or instructions with a product, of how to assemble it. How many times did we go ahead and try assembly, or operation on our own? The end result...failure. God's pattern, His Word, is our manual for life. As in sewing, a pattern is used to sew clothing.. When we try to sew without the pattern, we usually have many problems, again, because we did it on our own. Using the pattern, the clothes are correctly made. Life lived outside the pattern of God's design, finds itself in continual problems. Life lived according to God's design finds blessings.
Verse 7 reads: “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”
Verse 8 is a reinforcement of that: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
The word that is translated prosper and prosperous means you’re going to know how to do the right thing. It all hinges on “Be strong and very courageous to observe the Word.” This has to do with the stipulations of God’s directive. He refers to “all the words that I commanded My servant, Moses.” Well, that’s a lot of words. There are a lot of things in the book that say this is the way to live, the way you relate in your family, the way you work on your job, the way you handle your money and deal in relationships. This is the way you keep your house, the way you handle your food. You go through here, and He say, These are the things that make your life work.
God tells us that the way to lay hold on tomorrow is to do what the Word says—not only believe its promises, but also respond to its pattern. Lay hold of the promise and lay hold of the pattern. The principles. Lay hold of the purity that’s involved in it. Success depends on obedience. Faith is not so much the power to acquire or to bring something into your life, as it is the power to obey and to stay on the path God has ordained to bring you to those things. stay on track for what the Lord has and you’ll encounter each of the things He has for your life. Lay hold of that pathway. Lay hold of the principles and the pattern and life will work.
Like a manual that comes with a product, it tells you how it will work, how it will function. Or instructions with a product, of how to assemble it. How many times did we go ahead and try assembly, or operation on our own? The end result...failure. God's pattern, His Word, is our manual for life. As in sewing, a pattern is used to sew clothing.. When we try to sew without the pattern, we usually have many problems, again, because we did it on our own. Using the pattern, the clothes are correctly made. Life lived outside the pattern of God's design, finds itself in continual problems. Life lived according to God's design finds blessings.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Lay Hold of God's Promise
The first of three things to focus in on.... Lay hold of God's promise..
The Lord first says in Joshua chapter 1 verse 6: “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land that I swore to their fathers.” The first focus is, “Be strong because I promised this.” The first principle of laying hold of tomorrow is to recognize that you are dealing in the arena of promise. That’s the starting place. “Lay hold of it because I have sworn it,” God says.
It brings to mind the sixth chapter of Hebrews where the writer is discussing God’s promise concerning the blessing of His people, and he writes in verse 18 of two “immutable things”: that it is impossible for God to lie, and that He not only gave His Word but also sealed it with an oath. In other words, God not only said, “I promise this,” He also said, “I promise to keep My promise.” God doesn’t need to say things twice, but He understands our nature and seals His promise with an oath so that we might lay hold of it with strength and courage.
The Lord is saying, “Joshua, I want you to be strong. And the reason you can be strong and lay hold of what I have for you is because I have sworn I will do this. Now you reach out and take hold of the promise.” The first principle of laying hold on tomorrow is to lay hold of the promise.
Would you just open your right hand? Take your Bible and get a grip on your Bible because that’s what we’re really talking about. Getting a grip on God’s Word. I’m not talking about understanding all of the Bible; I’m talking about getting a grip on the fact that God has made covenant with you. Get a grip on the promise.
In God’s Word, His Covenant there are promises that will fit your every situation. Then you lay hold on it and don’t go flabby. Your and my pathways into tomorrow shall not be navigated on the basis of iron will and strength of character. It will be navigated on the basis of the strength of God’s fulfilling His Word in people who lay hold of it and let that bear them along; it is the power of the Holy Spirit making the Word alive in them. Lay hold of His promises. Many times this is the NEW thing He is wanting to do, is for us to Lay Hold of What He says, Not what we think.
The Lord first says in Joshua chapter 1 verse 6: “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land that I swore to their fathers.” The first focus is, “Be strong because I promised this.” The first principle of laying hold of tomorrow is to recognize that you are dealing in the arena of promise. That’s the starting place. “Lay hold of it because I have sworn it,” God says.
It brings to mind the sixth chapter of Hebrews where the writer is discussing God’s promise concerning the blessing of His people, and he writes in verse 18 of two “immutable things”: that it is impossible for God to lie, and that He not only gave His Word but also sealed it with an oath. In other words, God not only said, “I promise this,” He also said, “I promise to keep My promise.” God doesn’t need to say things twice, but He understands our nature and seals His promise with an oath so that we might lay hold of it with strength and courage.
The Lord is saying, “Joshua, I want you to be strong. And the reason you can be strong and lay hold of what I have for you is because I have sworn I will do this. Now you reach out and take hold of the promise.” The first principle of laying hold on tomorrow is to lay hold of the promise.
Would you just open your right hand? Take your Bible and get a grip on your Bible because that’s what we’re really talking about. Getting a grip on God’s Word. I’m not talking about understanding all of the Bible; I’m talking about getting a grip on the fact that God has made covenant with you. Get a grip on the promise.
In God’s Word, His Covenant there are promises that will fit your every situation. Then you lay hold on it and don’t go flabby. Your and my pathways into tomorrow shall not be navigated on the basis of iron will and strength of character. It will be navigated on the basis of the strength of God’s fulfilling His Word in people who lay hold of it and let that bear them along; it is the power of the Holy Spirit making the Word alive in them. Lay hold of His promises. Many times this is the NEW thing He is wanting to do, is for us to Lay Hold of What He says, Not what we think.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Don't Be Afraid, Just Trust Me
"Don't be afraid, Just trust me" (Mark 5:36)
Do we trust God? Do we completely allow Him, all He needs, in order to work in and with our lives? And in that, again, do we trust Him? In one translation, we read: "Be not afraid, only believe." This is the statement to Jairus after hearing that his daughtrer had "passed." Jesus was stepping in with a better news headline.
Do you need a better "news" headline?
Jesus' response to Jairus was to encourage his faith even in this seemingly hopeless situation. Throughout redemptive history, believers placed their trust in God when it seemed as if all was lost. In such times, God gave the necessary faith and delivered His people according to His will and purpose. What He did for them, He will do for you and me. We just need to NOT be afraid, just trust Him.
Fall completely into His arms. Step off into His trust, allow Him to guide and carry you, you will find that His Word of encouragement will be the same as with Jairus, "Only Believe!"
It doesn't matter what it is that you may be facing, is He not Bigger? He has not lost you in the shuffle, nor has He missed or overlooked your need. He sees clearly where you are, what it is that you face, and He knows the best way to "Raise" you up, just allow Him to do so.
Hear this closely... Jesus did not comfort the man upon hearing the news of his daughter's death, He challenged him to faith instead. Regardless of our circumstances, God always urges us on to faith and away from fear. Be challenged, "Do not be afraid, just trust Me" Jesus says...
Do we trust God? Do we completely allow Him, all He needs, in order to work in and with our lives? And in that, again, do we trust Him? In one translation, we read: "Be not afraid, only believe." This is the statement to Jairus after hearing that his daughtrer had "passed." Jesus was stepping in with a better news headline.
Do you need a better "news" headline?
Jesus' response to Jairus was to encourage his faith even in this seemingly hopeless situation. Throughout redemptive history, believers placed their trust in God when it seemed as if all was lost. In such times, God gave the necessary faith and delivered His people according to His will and purpose. What He did for them, He will do for you and me. We just need to NOT be afraid, just trust Him.
Fall completely into His arms. Step off into His trust, allow Him to guide and carry you, you will find that His Word of encouragement will be the same as with Jairus, "Only Believe!"
It doesn't matter what it is that you may be facing, is He not Bigger? He has not lost you in the shuffle, nor has He missed or overlooked your need. He sees clearly where you are, what it is that you face, and He knows the best way to "Raise" you up, just allow Him to do so.
Hear this closely... Jesus did not comfort the man upon hearing the news of his daughter's death, He challenged him to faith instead. Regardless of our circumstances, God always urges us on to faith and away from fear. Be challenged, "Do not be afraid, just trust Me" Jesus says...
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Best Prayer is the Simplest
"Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit" (Eph. 6:18)
I recall during a stay at Little Portion, with the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, in Eureka Springs, that one of the sisters said, "The best prayer is the simplest. "Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on us" this prayer for others." She said, "Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on me" is for personal prayer."
Very short and to the point. But very powerful. It is our personal needs, the needs of others, and it is intercession as well. Intercession being the highest calling of prayer for the Body of Christ.
The best prayer? The best prayer will lift up others, pray blessings on others, it is for ministers, missionaries, government leaders, officials, inmates in prison, those on the streets, our neighborhoods, our families, our friends, the best prayer covers everyone and every situation.
The best prayer is prayed by one who is willing to get on their knees and cry out for our world! The best prayer is prayed by one who seeks the whole Will of God in life and for others. The best prayer is not selfish. The best prayer sees with the eyes of Christ. Hears with the ears of Christ. The best prayer has the heart of the Father in mind.
What is your best prayer?
The best prayer is needy. Not for things that become "stuff." But for the things of God, and more of Christ. The best prayer cries our "Holy Spirit, clenase me... Holy Spirit, purify me... Holy Spirit, burn into me your passion for Christ.." The best prayer says, "Lord Jesus, command me to do your will today..."
I recall during a stay at Little Portion, with the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, in Eureka Springs, that one of the sisters said, "The best prayer is the simplest. "Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on us" this prayer for others." She said, "Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on me" is for personal prayer."
Very short and to the point. But very powerful. It is our personal needs, the needs of others, and it is intercession as well. Intercession being the highest calling of prayer for the Body of Christ.
The best prayer? The best prayer will lift up others, pray blessings on others, it is for ministers, missionaries, government leaders, officials, inmates in prison, those on the streets, our neighborhoods, our families, our friends, the best prayer covers everyone and every situation.
The best prayer is prayed by one who is willing to get on their knees and cry out for our world! The best prayer is prayed by one who seeks the whole Will of God in life and for others. The best prayer is not selfish. The best prayer sees with the eyes of Christ. Hears with the ears of Christ. The best prayer has the heart of the Father in mind.
What is your best prayer?
The best prayer is needy. Not for things that become "stuff." But for the things of God, and more of Christ. The best prayer cries our "Holy Spirit, clenase me... Holy Spirit, purify me... Holy Spirit, burn into me your passion for Christ.." The best prayer says, "Lord Jesus, command me to do your will today..."
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Having the Mind of Christ
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5)
Paul emphasizes how the Lord Jesus left incomparable glory in heaven and took upon Himself the humiliation of a servant, becoming obedient unto death to benefit others. Christ's humility of spirit and mind must be found in His followers. They too must live their lives in sacrifice, caring, doing good to others, and doing nothing out of selfishness.
This is a challenge to our daily thinking, our daily actions, our whole life in general. This is a challenge to view things, as Christ would view them. To see in others, a work that only He can provide.
As one who came out of drugs, rock n roll, into a life with Christ, I was one who basically, "fried" my mind. I couldnt think. It was through the miracle hand of Christ, that I stood on this very Scripture, and in so doing now have a mind that recalls, remembers, thinks better than ever, its a mind that has been renewed by the power of God.
Truly, a mind to let "be in you!" Listen to Him today, allow Him to do His work in you, then begin to see as He sees.
Paul emphasizes how the Lord Jesus left incomparable glory in heaven and took upon Himself the humiliation of a servant, becoming obedient unto death to benefit others. Christ's humility of spirit and mind must be found in His followers. They too must live their lives in sacrifice, caring, doing good to others, and doing nothing out of selfishness.
This is a challenge to our daily thinking, our daily actions, our whole life in general. This is a challenge to view things, as Christ would view them. To see in others, a work that only He can provide.
As one who came out of drugs, rock n roll, into a life with Christ, I was one who basically, "fried" my mind. I couldnt think. It was through the miracle hand of Christ, that I stood on this very Scripture, and in so doing now have a mind that recalls, remembers, thinks better than ever, its a mind that has been renewed by the power of God.
Truly, a mind to let "be in you!" Listen to Him today, allow Him to do His work in you, then begin to see as He sees.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Divine Mission
"Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you" he said" (John 20:19)
The disciples had recieved Mary's message of Christ's resurrection. Late in the evening the men from Emmaus told how He had been made known to them. Now their hearts were prepared for when Jesus stood in their midst and said, "Peace be unto you" and showed them His hands and His feet. "They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you'" (John 20:20-21).
With Mary, He revealed Himself to her fervent love that could not rest without Him. With the men at Emmaus, it was their constraining prayer that recieved the revelation. Here He meets the willing servants whom He had trained for His service. He changes their fear into boldness to carry out the work the Father had entrusted to them.
For this divine work they needed nothing less than "Divine Power." He breathed upon them the resurrection life and fulfilled the promise He gave: "For I will live again, and you will, too" (John 14:19).
The word is spoken to us, too: "as the Father has sent Me, so I send you.. Recieve the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22).. If our hearts are set on nothing less than the presence of the Living Lord, we can be confident that it will be given to us. Jesus never sends His servants out without the promise of His abiding presence and His almighty power.
"The Presence of the Living Lord" is this my true desire? To be in His presence? Am I set, truly set with full heart desire on His presence? Do I chase after His presence? These are the things we must ask oursleves.. Then step out in "Divine Mission."
The disciples had recieved Mary's message of Christ's resurrection. Late in the evening the men from Emmaus told how He had been made known to them. Now their hearts were prepared for when Jesus stood in their midst and said, "Peace be unto you" and showed them His hands and His feet. "They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you'" (John 20:20-21).
With Mary, He revealed Himself to her fervent love that could not rest without Him. With the men at Emmaus, it was their constraining prayer that recieved the revelation. Here He meets the willing servants whom He had trained for His service. He changes their fear into boldness to carry out the work the Father had entrusted to them.
For this divine work they needed nothing less than "Divine Power." He breathed upon them the resurrection life and fulfilled the promise He gave: "For I will live again, and you will, too" (John 14:19).
The word is spoken to us, too: "as the Father has sent Me, so I send you.. Recieve the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22).. If our hearts are set on nothing less than the presence of the Living Lord, we can be confident that it will be given to us. Jesus never sends His servants out without the promise of His abiding presence and His almighty power.
"The Presence of the Living Lord" is this my true desire? To be in His presence? Am I set, truly set with full heart desire on His presence? Do I chase after His presence? These are the things we must ask oursleves.. Then step out in "Divine Mission."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"Pour Out My Heart"
"Here I am, once again.. I pour out my heart, for I know you hear every cry.. You are listening.. No matter what state that my heart is in.. You are faithful, to answer, with words that are true, and a hope that is real.. As I feel, your touch, you bring a freedom to all that is within.. In the safety of this place, I'm longing to pour out my heart, and say that I love you. I pour out my heart, and say that I need you. I pour out my heart, and say I am thankful. I pour out my heart, and say you are wonderful.."
The words to an old song. In reality I don't recall who did it, or who wrote it for that matter. But, what a prayer! What a devotional!
Today, do you long for the Lord? Do you desire more of Him? Do you want to "pour out your heart?" Talk to Him today.. Tell Him your heart? Open up completely to Him and with Him.
Over the years, I have written in several journals that I have bought.. This was written in one now going back possibly 12-13 years.. It wasnt dated, and didnt say where I was at when written.. But that is beside the point.. The point is.. Have you poured out your heart to God lately? Have you crawled up into His arms and allowed your inside to gush out? Have you allowed yourself to become transparent with God? In such as way that you reach down to the deepest part of your soul to pour out your heart? The Scripture tells us, "Cast your cares on the Lord...." (Psalm 55:22). God has open arms, waiting to hold you, in the rough times, in the good times. Be it a trail, or be it a time of rejoicing, a time of great happiness, or a time of sorrow. Know this, He has loving arms reaching out to hold you, to love and care for you.
The words to an old song. In reality I don't recall who did it, or who wrote it for that matter. But, what a prayer! What a devotional!
Today, do you long for the Lord? Do you desire more of Him? Do you want to "pour out your heart?" Talk to Him today.. Tell Him your heart? Open up completely to Him and with Him.
Over the years, I have written in several journals that I have bought.. This was written in one now going back possibly 12-13 years.. It wasnt dated, and didnt say where I was at when written.. But that is beside the point.. The point is.. Have you poured out your heart to God lately? Have you crawled up into His arms and allowed your inside to gush out? Have you allowed yourself to become transparent with God? In such as way that you reach down to the deepest part of your soul to pour out your heart? The Scripture tells us, "Cast your cares on the Lord...." (Psalm 55:22). God has open arms, waiting to hold you, in the rough times, in the good times. Be it a trail, or be it a time of rejoicing, a time of great happiness, or a time of sorrow. Know this, He has loving arms reaching out to hold you, to love and care for you.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Trial and Triumph of Faith
"Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23)
It is through the trial of our faith that our faith triumphs....At first we dont believe its truth, but when we have grasped it (Mark 9:23), then comes the real trial in the thought: "Such a faith is beyond my reach." But what constitutes the trial of faith soon becomes its triumph.
When the father of the child heard Jesus say: "Anything is possible if a person believes," he felt that this would only cast him into deeper despair. How could his faith be able to work the miracle? Yet we read that the father believed that Jesus not only had the power to heal his child, but also He had the power to inspire him with needed faith. The impression Christ generated upon him produced the second miracle: that he could have such great faith. And with tears he cried, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" The very greatness of faith's trial was the greatness of faith's triumph.
Through our trials we can experience the abiding presence of Him who speaks to us now: "I am with you always." Let us wait upon God in prayer until we can say in faith, "I do believe."
What is the impression Christ is generating within you? Is it possible that you are on verge of a miracle? A miracle of "belief?"
It is through the trial of our faith that our faith triumphs....At first we dont believe its truth, but when we have grasped it (Mark 9:23), then comes the real trial in the thought: "Such a faith is beyond my reach." But what constitutes the trial of faith soon becomes its triumph.
When the father of the child heard Jesus say: "Anything is possible if a person believes," he felt that this would only cast him into deeper despair. How could his faith be able to work the miracle? Yet we read that the father believed that Jesus not only had the power to heal his child, but also He had the power to inspire him with needed faith. The impression Christ generated upon him produced the second miracle: that he could have such great faith. And with tears he cried, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" The very greatness of faith's trial was the greatness of faith's triumph.
Through our trials we can experience the abiding presence of Him who speaks to us now: "I am with you always." Let us wait upon God in prayer until we can say in faith, "I do believe."
What is the impression Christ is generating within you? Is it possible that you are on verge of a miracle? A miracle of "belief?"
Monday, January 18, 2010
When You Look at What God Sees
There is a thought, that when you can not see whats going on, sometimes it is because we can not see what it is that God is up too. Our vision many times is restricted, where His is never. It is "relationship" with Him that we can learn to "see" as He sees. This relationship opens our vision to a more panaramic, broader sense of vision, in order to completely percieve the whole work of God's hands and actions.
Learning to take in the whole picture is a blessing that is incredible. Seeing with the eyes of faith, eyes that see into the spiritual over the material, is a gift only God can give. But relationship and a life completely lived in His presence is the key.
Step out into His presence, learn to be open to "see" what He is doing, and recieve the greater blessings, that many a time goes unnoticed. Preception and Vision many times equal provision. And what is His provision? That is His blesssings from on high, from every angle available to man, meeting every need, healing every heart, full of love and mercy and grace.
Learning to take in the whole picture is a blessing that is incredible. Seeing with the eyes of faith, eyes that see into the spiritual over the material, is a gift only God can give. But relationship and a life completely lived in His presence is the key.
Step out into His presence, learn to be open to "see" what He is doing, and recieve the greater blessings, that many a time goes unnoticed. Preception and Vision many times equal provision. And what is His provision? That is His blesssings from on high, from every angle available to man, meeting every need, healing every heart, full of love and mercy and grace.
When There is a Tug at Your Heart
This morning while reading emails, and looking at various things online, Debbie put on a CD that I had mixed a while back of prayerful and worship music.. As I heard this once again, there was that familiar "tug" at my heart. I know that tug well.. Do You?
I always say "yes" to this tug. That is because I know the One Who is doing the "tugging." He is very dear to me, and always very near to me. He is the "first love" of my life, the One Whom I have known for over 30 years. The One Whom I live for.
So when there is a tug at your heart, do you know the One Who is tugging?
I always say "yes" to this tug. That is because I know the One Who is doing the "tugging." He is very dear to me, and always very near to me. He is the "first love" of my life, the One Whom I have known for over 30 years. The One Whom I live for.
So when there is a tug at your heart, do you know the One Who is tugging?
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Good Thought
A dear friend of ours made a statement that I decided to borrow and repeat......There are 5 things that you cannot recover in life. 1. The stone ......after it's thrown 2. The word .......after it's said 3. The occasion .....after it's missed 4. The time......after it's gone 5. A person ......after they die.... Thanks Mike
Be Strong and Courageous
Read Joshua 1:1-9
In this passage Joshua was told, three times, "Be Strong and Courageous." How we face the things we come up against in life, this is the direction we should take. How we simply walk through day to day life, again, this is the steps to take. We should also, be strong and courageous in facing new challenges, new opportunities, new directions...
What is interesting in this, is the definition of these words, "Be Strong and Courageous." In the Hebrew, we can find it is telling us, to get a firm grip on it, to lay hold of it, to not be flabby and wavering, but to seize, and steel your ground.
In this, we should "Be Strong and Courageous" in the Pattern of God, through His Word.. The Character of God, and in His Presence. Seize His Word, Seize His Character, Seize His presence.
Looking up, not down, being willing to rise to the cause and steel your ground in His promises!
Think on this.............
In this passage Joshua was told, three times, "Be Strong and Courageous." How we face the things we come up against in life, this is the direction we should take. How we simply walk through day to day life, again, this is the steps to take. We should also, be strong and courageous in facing new challenges, new opportunities, new directions...
What is interesting in this, is the definition of these words, "Be Strong and Courageous." In the Hebrew, we can find it is telling us, to get a firm grip on it, to lay hold of it, to not be flabby and wavering, but to seize, and steel your ground.
In this, we should "Be Strong and Courageous" in the Pattern of God, through His Word.. The Character of God, and in His Presence. Seize His Word, Seize His Character, Seize His presence.
Looking up, not down, being willing to rise to the cause and steel your ground in His promises!
Think on this.............
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Thought from Practicing His Presence #3
As our trust in God and our awareness of His love for us increases, we are less afraid to have our dark side exposed. We are enabled to "walk in the light as He is in the light.. the blood of jesus cleanses us from all sin." (If the truth be known, God has always known the dark side of our character, has loved us all the time, and is now letting us in on His special secret.)
That secret is His grace and mercy, and especially His great love! The real question is, can we recieve it? Are we still thinking our dark side needs to be hid? Why hold on to it when it can be cleansed and washed away completely by His blood?
That secret is His grace and mercy, and especially His great love! The real question is, can we recieve it? Are we still thinking our dark side needs to be hid? Why hold on to it when it can be cleansed and washed away completely by His blood?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Thought from Practicing His Presence #2
It was said once: "This is why God sends a fire to the earth. It's to destroy all that is impure in you. Nothing can resist the power of that fire. It consumes everything. His Wisdom burns away all the impurities in a man for one purpose: to leave him fit for divine union."
Pray this prayer: Holy Spirit, cleanse me, Holy Spirit, purify me, Holy Spirit, burn into me your passion for Jesus Christ....
Pray this prayer: Holy Spirit, cleanse me, Holy Spirit, purify me, Holy Spirit, burn into me your passion for Jesus Christ....
A Thought from Practicing His Presence #1
"Union with God enables us to handle greater trials. God does not make us like Him just so He can look at us! He wants us to release the fragrance of Christ wherever we go."
What kind of union do you have with God? In defining your realtionship with Him, how would you describe the closeness you have with Him?
When in time of trials, through your realtionship with God, you can stand, because you do not stand alone. He said He is with you always, even until the end.
But in times of trials, that relationship, sends forth a fragrance of inner peace, refreshness, a refusual to let go, a determined strenghth to hold on. In that, others see and recievean inner challenge of stance by your witness.
But the key in this, is your "union" with God.....
What kind of union do you have with God? In defining your realtionship with Him, how would you describe the closeness you have with Him?
When in time of trials, through your realtionship with God, you can stand, because you do not stand alone. He said He is with you always, even until the end.
But in times of trials, that relationship, sends forth a fragrance of inner peace, refreshness, a refusual to let go, a determined strenghth to hold on. In that, others see and recievean inner challenge of stance by your witness.
But the key in this, is your "union" with God.....
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