Your Love
Because of Your love You changed us and brought us up out of the dust. You blessed us and showed us Your Way, The Way, the path is easy and straight. You washed us clean and set us free like the eagle soaring above. You are our Lord, our God and You love us with a love that is steadfast, You will not be moved. Mountains melt in Your presence, the seas swell at the sound of Your voice. You set a bow in the sky, painted by Your hand, and all creation rejoices.
Your love is the answer for change, Your love transforms me, holds me steadfast. And remembering what You sacrificed to prove Your love is more than I can comprehend with my finite mind. You are here with us always. Your Spirit You left us and He is gentle, and His voice is Your voice.
We have a choice. The day is new, all things are new. Let us go about our day rejoicing in Him. He will guide our every step in the direction He desires if we don't resist. And as far as resistance, it is not an easy thing to release. Let Him have it 'all'. As far as 'me', I step aside and say 'My Lord and My God, show me'.
I am in awe!!
'Because of Your Love' Paul Baloche
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YyMFL-CGzwg&feature=related
Sunday
June 29, 2008 Now
Now
Yesterday we should not go, tomorrow we cannot know.
From age to age, family to family there is only one place to be, today. It's not as easy as all that to put away the cares of the world, the past and the future. Stop and really see your spouse, your children, your family, stop and breathe, stop and watch the sun rise, the rain drops on leaves, stop and look, really look at the beauty of your life. There is no time like now, and this moment will be gone by the time you read to the end of this email. Time is fleeting and cannot be contained. It can't be put in a box and restricted. Clocks cannot be stopped (unfortunately, right?) Don't we sometimes wish we could start over, go back and do it again as a means of correction or erasing our lives in order to start over? All this isn't necessary. Being renewed and refreshed and receiving all that we need for life in this moment, receiving all that is available for abundant life. This is the way to the kingdom of heaven, life and a more abundant life. Not of things and worldly pleasures, but of this moment. Not holding onto beautiful memories of the past, or beautiful dreams for tomorrow. The beauty and pleasure of this life can only be experienced in this moment. It's not in the past in long geneologies or wonderful memories and it's not in the future when wishing for peace or extravagance. It is today and now.
Instead of omitting everything I just typed there is also this side of 'now'. To stay in this moment with our Lord, loving Him, adoring Him, listening to His voice. Not asking Him 'why's' for the past, or 'what's' for the future. He is renewing us when we stay with Him in this moment. It is in 'this' stillness with Him; don't let this moment go by; He is with you this moment; now.
Can we stop a clock? Can we stop time? Did I say 'now' enough? I'll say it again..The Kingdom of God is now. Be still, now, with Him and soar with Him, experience beauty all around you. Now, this very moment we have a choice to slow down, this moment is priceless.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/1951565227_514a730221.jpg?v=0
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DlUN-TEP7gw&feature=related
Yesterday we should not go, tomorrow we cannot know.
From age to age, family to family there is only one place to be, today. It's not as easy as all that to put away the cares of the world, the past and the future. Stop and really see your spouse, your children, your family, stop and breathe, stop and watch the sun rise, the rain drops on leaves, stop and look, really look at the beauty of your life. There is no time like now, and this moment will be gone by the time you read to the end of this email. Time is fleeting and cannot be contained. It can't be put in a box and restricted. Clocks cannot be stopped (unfortunately, right?) Don't we sometimes wish we could start over, go back and do it again as a means of correction or erasing our lives in order to start over? All this isn't necessary. Being renewed and refreshed and receiving all that we need for life in this moment, receiving all that is available for abundant life. This is the way to the kingdom of heaven, life and a more abundant life. Not of things and worldly pleasures, but of this moment. Not holding onto beautiful memories of the past, or beautiful dreams for tomorrow. The beauty and pleasure of this life can only be experienced in this moment. It's not in the past in long geneologies or wonderful memories and it's not in the future when wishing for peace or extravagance. It is today and now.
Instead of omitting everything I just typed there is also this side of 'now'. To stay in this moment with our Lord, loving Him, adoring Him, listening to His voice. Not asking Him 'why's' for the past, or 'what's' for the future. He is renewing us when we stay with Him in this moment. It is in 'this' stillness with Him; don't let this moment go by; He is with you this moment; now.
Can we stop a clock? Can we stop time? Did I say 'now' enough? I'll say it again..The Kingdom of God is now. Be still, now, with Him and soar with Him, experience beauty all around you. Now, this very moment we have a choice to slow down, this moment is priceless.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/1951565227_514a730221.jpg?v=0
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DlUN-TEP7gw&feature=related
Saturday
June 28, 2008 Transformed By Our Own Words
Transformed By Our Own Words
'I am here for you'. What a powerful thing to hear! What a powerful thing to say! Sometimes we hold back in saying these five transforming words because the perception is, it requires something. When we have free time available, or it's a joyous occasion it is easier. When there is a deeper need involved, hurting, desperation and pain, fewer are available because it does require something.
Who am I that I would say I can't help when time and time again I've been helped? Time and time again I've heard these words which turned my insides out and made my heart beat, 'I am here for you'. And speaking of love (and this is), when it is unconditional and requires nothing in return, Love doesn't need to move mountains or calm seas, but it does. Love Just 'Is'. How the masses scatter and few stand when love is required to allow this transforming return. Love is not laborious and if we really do love and listen and give time it isn't sacrifice either. When we give love, in return we are filled with love and this time we become the ones transformed. This is 'what measure you give you will receive'.
There is One Who loves always, One Who says without ceasing, "I am here for you, 'with you and in you'. He freely gave His life for us that we would come to experience His Love's transformation.
5 Powerful words, transforming words, for every one on the face of the earth, for every loving/loved soul.
1 Peter 5:2 Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.
And what does it require to say 'I am here for you'? Time only time, time.
For those who have said, 'I am here for you', who have transformed my life,
stood with me in my pain, I say to you 'I am here for you',
I am on a path with you and on this journey we are covered,
and these are called 'angel's wings'.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/383500513_2a44d4775d.jpg?v=0
Video & Song
'I Will Be Your Friend' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cO5Gf_A00tI&feature=related
'I am here for you'. What a powerful thing to hear! What a powerful thing to say! Sometimes we hold back in saying these five transforming words because the perception is, it requires something. When we have free time available, or it's a joyous occasion it is easier. When there is a deeper need involved, hurting, desperation and pain, fewer are available because it does require something.
Who am I that I would say I can't help when time and time again I've been helped? Time and time again I've heard these words which turned my insides out and made my heart beat, 'I am here for you'. And speaking of love (and this is), when it is unconditional and requires nothing in return, Love doesn't need to move mountains or calm seas, but it does. Love Just 'Is'. How the masses scatter and few stand when love is required to allow this transforming return. Love is not laborious and if we really do love and listen and give time it isn't sacrifice either. When we give love, in return we are filled with love and this time we become the ones transformed. This is 'what measure you give you will receive'.
There is One Who loves always, One Who says without ceasing, "I am here for you, 'with you and in you'. He freely gave His life for us that we would come to experience His Love's transformation.
5 Powerful words, transforming words, for every one on the face of the earth, for every loving/loved soul.
1 Peter 5:2 Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.
And what does it require to say 'I am here for you'? Time only time, time.
For those who have said, 'I am here for you', who have transformed my life,
stood with me in my pain, I say to you 'I am here for you',
I am on a path with you and on this journey we are covered,
and these are called 'angel's wings'.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/383500513_2a44d4775d.jpg?v=0
Video & Song
'I Will Be Your Friend' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cO5Gf_A00tI&feature=related
Friday
June 27, 2008 Push the 'Snooze' Button
Push the 'Snooze' Button
Well, it had to happen....
Doesn't it? You push in the alarm on the clock for a little more 'zzz's' and well, before you know it your running late. Or at least this time I have a little time to redeem myself. and you know I am just going to not worry about when I hit the keys on this computer wrong and misspell words or duplicate or leave them out. There has to be a lesson in this somewhere, there always is, right?
You've seen my style, I love analogy, so I will apply this to life in our day.
Isn't it like this, we put off the things which are put before us, and often (I'll admit it for myself, procrastinating) say 'oh, I'll do it tomorrow', or 'later', and usually it doesn't come or when it does and we didn't push the 'snooze' button a second time producing more panic results. Like running around with a chicken with its head cut off. Well here I am, here we are.
These days come and these days go. And in the midst of some more serious situations in life when we 'turn off our awareness' button the results leave us also with panic and and producing all kinds of emotions that usually don't show up until this occurs. And if I need to say anything this morning, it is so easy to blame in many situations of our own doing. It is important that we don't divert the attention to an innocent bystander, which usually is a family member or coworker or employee.
It will happen, it always does. and it's okay, we're human and need some down time and rest and some of us can't find this. It becomes a matter of catching a few zzzz's any chance we get. But when it does, it is important to keep the right perspective and not blame.
It's okay, it's a beautiful day and beautiful things are expected to happen for you and me...today, this moment...if we look and expect, even in the midst of hurry and panic.
Phillipians 4: 6 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. ___ The Message
So to go along with my mood this morning this is what a mime would say...
http://sp1.yt-thm-a02.yimg.com/image/1/f12/568924099
It had to happen, also...
Video & Song
'Don't Worry Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin/Holly Dolly
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fWtwKHeDzC4
Well, it had to happen....
Doesn't it? You push in the alarm on the clock for a little more 'zzz's' and well, before you know it your running late. Or at least this time I have a little time to redeem myself. and you know I am just going to not worry about when I hit the keys on this computer wrong and misspell words or duplicate or leave them out. There has to be a lesson in this somewhere, there always is, right?
You've seen my style, I love analogy, so I will apply this to life in our day.
Isn't it like this, we put off the things which are put before us, and often (I'll admit it for myself, procrastinating) say 'oh, I'll do it tomorrow', or 'later', and usually it doesn't come or when it does and we didn't push the 'snooze' button a second time producing more panic results. Like running around with a chicken with its head cut off. Well here I am, here we are.
These days come and these days go. And in the midst of some more serious situations in life when we 'turn off our awareness' button the results leave us also with panic and and producing all kinds of emotions that usually don't show up until this occurs. And if I need to say anything this morning, it is so easy to blame in many situations of our own doing. It is important that we don't divert the attention to an innocent bystander, which usually is a family member or coworker or employee.
It will happen, it always does. and it's okay, we're human and need some down time and rest and some of us can't find this. It becomes a matter of catching a few zzzz's any chance we get. But when it does, it is important to keep the right perspective and not blame.
It's okay, it's a beautiful day and beautiful things are expected to happen for you and me...today, this moment...if we look and expect, even in the midst of hurry and panic.
Phillipians 4: 6 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. ___ The Message
So to go along with my mood this morning this is what a mime would say...
http://sp1.yt-thm-a02.yimg.com/image/1/f12/568924099
It had to happen, also...
Video & Song
'Don't Worry Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin/Holly Dolly
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fWtwKHeDzC4
Thursday
June 26, 2008, Storms Come, Storms Go
Storms Come, Storms Go
We've had some pretty amazing storms pass through here the past few days. Blinding heavy rain, fierce winds, lightning and thunder. Before they come through you can see the glorious thunderheads in the distance billowing up into enormous pillars of lighted clouds.
When I looked at one yesterday as I drove down the freeway the first thing that came to me was the size seemed enormous from my perspective.
Throughout our lives we have storms which pass day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. And when you count them they are many. But just like the wind and the rains that come with the worst storms of our lives when they pass they leave freshness and cool breezes. And think about it, the air smells clean and fresh from the washing.
I have learned something this year that I was never taught and since I wasn't taught this how could I have known. That my storms are my life's ongoing crises, which are absolutely necessary for life. They are there to make us stronger. What a thought!! I don't have to kick and scream anymore! And I do think and did often say; 'When you are weak you are made strong', I knew this, but somehow, the knowing didn't get down in my 'knower'!
2 Corinthians 12:10 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Look at what Paul is saying. We are no different. We kick and scream and plead, 'please take away these storms, these hardships, these persecutions.' There is one word that jumps our at me here and it is BUT when He says to us 'His grace is sufficient', these times make us strong....so NOW I can boast about my pain and my weakness, in all of the above, because when we don't resist, kick and scream and just welcome them, welcome the storms, when the storms pass and the clean fresh air comes we can revel in the breathtaking moment until the next glorious thunderhead in the distance is producing another storm and this time we won't kick and scream, Lord please take it away, this time we will welcome it.
WOW, maybe if we see a mountain as a storm
we can understand how it can be moved!!
http://sp1.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m8/4243759069
Great Song!...
Video & Song
'Drifting' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tiM2JN4VazI
We've had some pretty amazing storms pass through here the past few days. Blinding heavy rain, fierce winds, lightning and thunder. Before they come through you can see the glorious thunderheads in the distance billowing up into enormous pillars of lighted clouds.
When I looked at one yesterday as I drove down the freeway the first thing that came to me was the size seemed enormous from my perspective.
Throughout our lives we have storms which pass day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. And when you count them they are many. But just like the wind and the rains that come with the worst storms of our lives when they pass they leave freshness and cool breezes. And think about it, the air smells clean and fresh from the washing.
I have learned something this year that I was never taught and since I wasn't taught this how could I have known. That my storms are my life's ongoing crises, which are absolutely necessary for life. They are there to make us stronger. What a thought!! I don't have to kick and scream anymore! And I do think and did often say; 'When you are weak you are made strong', I knew this, but somehow, the knowing didn't get down in my 'knower'!
2 Corinthians 12:10 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Look at what Paul is saying. We are no different. We kick and scream and plead, 'please take away these storms, these hardships, these persecutions.' There is one word that jumps our at me here and it is BUT when He says to us 'His grace is sufficient', these times make us strong....so NOW I can boast about my pain and my weakness, in all of the above, because when we don't resist, kick and scream and just welcome them, welcome the storms, when the storms pass and the clean fresh air comes we can revel in the breathtaking moment until the next glorious thunderhead in the distance is producing another storm and this time we won't kick and scream, Lord please take it away, this time we will welcome it.
WOW, maybe if we see a mountain as a storm
we can understand how it can be moved!!
http://sp1.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m8/4243759069
Great Song!...
Video & Song
'Drifting' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tiM2JN4VazI
Wednesday
June 25, 2008, True Community
True Community
"In and through community lies the salvation of the world. Nothing is more important. Yet it is virtually impossible to describe community meaningfully to someone who has never experienced it__and most of us have never had an experience of true community."..."True communication, like the charity it requires begins at home." __ The Different Drum, M.Scott Peck.
I pulled this out for this segment of my journey which is experiencing more of what community is all about. It isn't some scripted performance that is tried and failed, it is an ongoing exchange with human beings loving, being with, standing with, crying with, feeling and encouraging each other, allowing truth and feelings and emotions. It is offering support for every aspect of life needed.
The greatest form of community is within the home. All that is given to us is the greatest example of the external connections of taking 'the message', the light within us to the far corners of the earth.
Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Go you into the world, take the 'good news', it is the news that will set the world free, it is the news that diseases are healed, captives are set free, the blind see, the lame walk, the weary find rest, the naked are clothed, the hungry are fed, the homeless have homes.
Where is community? Where is the heart connection within us, Jesus in us, compassion, unconditional love reaching out into community? It is not a difficult thing to look into the faces of everyone we pass and have compassion, to say you are my brother, you are my sister, because we are. There is no race, no gender, no age that can intimidate when we are set free by 'truth'.
When we get rid of our self-righteousness and are broken, on our faces and crying out from all that is within us. Until we recognize who He is and what He did for us we will not experience 'community'. There is a world, not just 'a world' but real human beings with hearts and souls, God's fearfully and wonderfully made people, who are searching, hurting, reaching out to be 'set free' to know 'truth' and regardless of whether we see the outward appearances of 'our own shame', being that they are 'us'.
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community. M. Scott Peck
Nor knowest thou what argumentThy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent.All are needed by each one;Nothing is fair or good alone. Ralph Waldo Emerson
"An open heart invites the beloved in. It invites the stranger in and you, even the criminal. An open heart is a sanctuary where all are welcome. It is a temple where the laws of Spirit are practiced and celebrated. It is the church you must enter again and again to find redemption"Paul Ferrini, 'I am the Door'
Day after day if you dare to look, your eyes are wide open, because our hearts are wide open.Community happens because we 'see' and 'feel' each other, and the greatest community is Jesus in all of us. We no longer talk the talk, but walk the walk...together. We love each other as we love ourselves. The church is not only in the home, it is outside of the home, church is not just in a building, it is outside of the building. Church is community.
Think outside the box.
Video & Song
"I Will Be Here' Steven Curtis Chapman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pEwzUZET-RQ&feature=related
"In and through community lies the salvation of the world. Nothing is more important. Yet it is virtually impossible to describe community meaningfully to someone who has never experienced it__and most of us have never had an experience of true community."..."True communication, like the charity it requires begins at home." __ The Different Drum, M.Scott Peck.
I pulled this out for this segment of my journey which is experiencing more of what community is all about. It isn't some scripted performance that is tried and failed, it is an ongoing exchange with human beings loving, being with, standing with, crying with, feeling and encouraging each other, allowing truth and feelings and emotions. It is offering support for every aspect of life needed.
The greatest form of community is within the home. All that is given to us is the greatest example of the external connections of taking 'the message', the light within us to the far corners of the earth.
Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Go you into the world, take the 'good news', it is the news that will set the world free, it is the news that diseases are healed, captives are set free, the blind see, the lame walk, the weary find rest, the naked are clothed, the hungry are fed, the homeless have homes.
Where is community? Where is the heart connection within us, Jesus in us, compassion, unconditional love reaching out into community? It is not a difficult thing to look into the faces of everyone we pass and have compassion, to say you are my brother, you are my sister, because we are. There is no race, no gender, no age that can intimidate when we are set free by 'truth'.
When we get rid of our self-righteousness and are broken, on our faces and crying out from all that is within us. Until we recognize who He is and what He did for us we will not experience 'community'. There is a world, not just 'a world' but real human beings with hearts and souls, God's fearfully and wonderfully made people, who are searching, hurting, reaching out to be 'set free' to know 'truth' and regardless of whether we see the outward appearances of 'our own shame', being that they are 'us'.
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community. M. Scott Peck
Nor knowest thou what argumentThy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent.All are needed by each one;Nothing is fair or good alone. Ralph Waldo Emerson
"An open heart invites the beloved in. It invites the stranger in and you, even the criminal. An open heart is a sanctuary where all are welcome. It is a temple where the laws of Spirit are practiced and celebrated. It is the church you must enter again and again to find redemption"Paul Ferrini, 'I am the Door'
Day after day if you dare to look, your eyes are wide open, because our hearts are wide open.Community happens because we 'see' and 'feel' each other, and the greatest community is Jesus in all of us. We no longer talk the talk, but walk the walk...together. We love each other as we love ourselves. The church is not only in the home, it is outside of the home, church is not just in a building, it is outside of the building. Church is community.
Think outside the box.
Video & Song
"I Will Be Here' Steven Curtis Chapman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pEwzUZET-RQ&feature=related
Tuesday
June 24, 2008, Streams to Oceans
Streams to Oceans
When things go from a trickle to a gush, like a stream or tributary to a river into the oceans
I use to think the following scripture was abundance of wealth and 'material things'. Now amazingly the freedom that I feel comes from 'truth', it has set me free.
The freely given grace of God can't help but overflow like a river into a vast seas of His people waiting to know of His righteousness. God love a cheerful giver, from the heart, and what comes from the heart? It is overflowing compassion, love and grace,
We are poor in spirit and heart and in our crying out day and night we desire to know Him more He does not withhold. His richness is the pouring out of His Spirit to us out day and night is His expression of His love for His children and in turn we are generous with this powerful healing love and grace, overflowing without restriction.
His seed multiplies in us and becomes bread, it grows and becomes branches for rest, it becomes fruit, and in turn it becomes seed again. The unending circle of reaping and sowing. It is about the seed of His grace and love and nothing else. He loved us first.
And when the seed is made into bread for nourishment it is shared. It will feed the multitudes, because His seed is endless, His bread never ceases. Cast your bread on the water and it will come back to you. It will flow all over the earth and once what was a small a trickling stream becomes an explosion of a rapid flowing river will fill the vast sea of His children.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Seed and bread on the water.
Video & Song
'Find My Way To You' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L066vzcl_Bs&feature=related
When things go from a trickle to a gush, like a stream or tributary to a river into the oceans
I use to think the following scripture was abundance of wealth and 'material things'. Now amazingly the freedom that I feel comes from 'truth', it has set me free.
The freely given grace of God can't help but overflow like a river into a vast seas of His people waiting to know of His righteousness. God love a cheerful giver, from the heart, and what comes from the heart? It is overflowing compassion, love and grace,
We are poor in spirit and heart and in our crying out day and night we desire to know Him more He does not withhold. His richness is the pouring out of His Spirit to us out day and night is His expression of His love for His children and in turn we are generous with this powerful healing love and grace, overflowing without restriction.
His seed multiplies in us and becomes bread, it grows and becomes branches for rest, it becomes fruit, and in turn it becomes seed again. The unending circle of reaping and sowing. It is about the seed of His grace and love and nothing else. He loved us first.
And when the seed is made into bread for nourishment it is shared. It will feed the multitudes, because His seed is endless, His bread never ceases. Cast your bread on the water and it will come back to you. It will flow all over the earth and once what was a small a trickling stream becomes an explosion of a rapid flowing river will fill the vast sea of His children.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Seed and bread on the water.
Video & Song
'Find My Way To You' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L066vzcl_Bs&feature=related
Monday
June 23, 2008, When is it going to be okay, not to be okay?
When it is going to be okay, not to be okay?
Mark 4:21 Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." 26 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 30 Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade." 33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.
Perfection is fear driven, walls and facades to cover over the fear of being transparent, real and vulnerable. It separates each of us because underneath we can't let anyone know what is going on inside. We can't let anyone know our secrets, dark past or present lives. And as time goes on we learn well how to forget (or so we think) where we came from, but we will never get away from the fears that drive us or be 'set free' until we can speak 'truth'.
Yes, truth sets us free and in turn being truthful opens the doors to come in with a sledge hammer and beat down the fortified walls that we are so sure are covering it all up. The reality, nothing is covered up, the walls are a cosmetic fix. When the walls are damaged or falling apart, the foundation and frame are exposed.
"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light". Anything done in secret, held in secret, will eventually give us peace when we open up to 'truth'. Our past and our present can't hurt us. The bundled up pain of not being free to speak truth is fear driven. Fear is not love. Perfect love casts out all fear. Because fear has to do with punishment 1 John 4. (and this is worth staying here for awhile)
2 Corinthians 4:2 We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. ___ The Message
So when is it going to be okay not to be okay? When we break through the walls and facades of perfection and fear. After all the walls are transparent and nothing is really hidden. Then the kingdom of God will grow as the earth yields its crops, maturing until it reaches out to those in need and seeking, to give them a place to rest, a place where they desire to be. We were a seed, and becoming a plant. How much have we grown? As we find 'truth' within ourselves, the seed becomes a place of rest and comfort for those seeking 'truth' and rest in His 'truth'.
Breakthrough the walls that keep us from truth.
Video & Song
'Voice of Truth' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=S-s5dvjU4Ok
Mark 4:21 Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." 26 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 30 Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade." 33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.
Perfection is fear driven, walls and facades to cover over the fear of being transparent, real and vulnerable. It separates each of us because underneath we can't let anyone know what is going on inside. We can't let anyone know our secrets, dark past or present lives. And as time goes on we learn well how to forget (or so we think) where we came from, but we will never get away from the fears that drive us or be 'set free' until we can speak 'truth'.
Yes, truth sets us free and in turn being truthful opens the doors to come in with a sledge hammer and beat down the fortified walls that we are so sure are covering it all up. The reality, nothing is covered up, the walls are a cosmetic fix. When the walls are damaged or falling apart, the foundation and frame are exposed.
"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light". Anything done in secret, held in secret, will eventually give us peace when we open up to 'truth'. Our past and our present can't hurt us. The bundled up pain of not being free to speak truth is fear driven. Fear is not love. Perfect love casts out all fear. Because fear has to do with punishment 1 John 4. (and this is worth staying here for awhile)
2 Corinthians 4:2 We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. ___ The Message
So when is it going to be okay not to be okay? When we break through the walls and facades of perfection and fear. After all the walls are transparent and nothing is really hidden. Then the kingdom of God will grow as the earth yields its crops, maturing until it reaches out to those in need and seeking, to give them a place to rest, a place where they desire to be. We were a seed, and becoming a plant. How much have we grown? As we find 'truth' within ourselves, the seed becomes a place of rest and comfort for those seeking 'truth' and rest in His 'truth'.
Breakthrough the walls that keep us from truth.
Video & Song
'Voice of Truth' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=S-s5dvjU4Ok
Sunday
June 22, 2008, Ego vs Radical Authenticity
Ego vs Radical Authenticity
Ego; the “I” or self of any person.
Ego eime; Greek - 'I am', 'I' in the verb 'to be'
Continuing from yesterday, 'truth' is found beyond self or ego and 'truth' will set you free.
"Radical authenticity strips you naked in public, constantly and ongoingly. It tears away any need to be right or smart, to look pretty or tough or wise, to win at a game that, underneath it all, is not even worth playing. And once your authentic, naked self fully realizes there's really no enemy "out there," anywhere, the real walk and work of life can begin, and you can breathe deeply and freely while doing it, and there's no drama or hurry or panic about it, because there's no "presentation" to put together, nothing at all to prepare, only freedom and real life to enjoy, real relationships to explore and invite, real and unconditional love to give, real and intimate connection to relax into.
When we find ourselves "feeling one way" (regardless of what we're ready to admit) and yet speaking and acting another, still trying and wanting to get the "presentation" to a level of "acceptability" in the eyes of some power we've given ourselves over to (ultimately so that we can get something we still so desperately need - like approval, protection, security, understanding, validation, victory, etc.), we're still lost in our ego need for fear and winning, when, as pure Love, we know we've already lost everything, already poured out everything, in a hopeless and overwhelmingly futile cause, and we're totally accepting of our hand and our role, which, to our sudden shock and amazement as the dust settles, has somehow won the day, and, strangely, we really don't need that anymore." ____ Jim Spivey
My husband, Ken and I sat down and looked at this email to discuss it deeper. What the ego is doing to keep our eyes on circumstances and seeing that the ego lives off circumstances, it is the fake flesh desires and flesh needs about ourselves and the same expectation of others. It is the opposite of our spiritual self. Two opposing entities, like dark and light, evil and good. Ego needs fight with our freedom to dive deep within ourselves and be stripped naked and vulnerable before others and God (and in front of Him who are we fooling, He knows our hearts already). The ego is afraid of pure love, truth and real life or real living. The spiritual man reveals 'truth' every time. Ego, shuts down 'real' relationships, 'real heart', discussions at all cost. Ego makes sure we are preoccupied with circumstances and ravaging self satisfaction and it keeps our minds on the enemy 'within' and the enemy 'out there'.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
The battle is within us, first, we must overcome that by the renewing of our minds, crucifying our flesh desires and flesh needs. We have no more fear to become living sacrifices, totally stripped naked of 'self', vulnerable in the presence of God and others. If we see His good, pleasing and perfect will for us, it is because we are no longer 'ego' driven. Then all that comes at us, thrown at us by the enemy from 'within' or from 'out there' has absolutely no power over us, he isn't even worth recognizing. Darkness has no power over us because you are free.
When we overcome fear and and the need to win and be right, (and this is worth repeating) "when, as pure Love, we know we've already lost everything, already poured out everything, in a hopeless and overwhelmingly futile cause, and we're totally accepting of our hand and our role, which, to our sudden shock and amazement as the dust settles, has somehow won the day, and, strangely, we really don't need that anymore."
To dive deeply within ourselves beyond the facades, beyond the need of 'self', 'ego', our 'presentation' of our own perceived 'acceptability', our flesh and our outward appearances and our need for acceptance by others, we find our 'authentic' selves standing, or should I say on our faces before Him, as our spiritual act of worship, recognizing that His is the only great "I AM' and I am (ego) not.
This song is worth repeating for the sake of reliquishing the power of our'self' and seeing there is no enemy or power over us, our greatest enemy is our'self'.
Video & Song
Same song different video...
"Set Me Free' Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSHqtVvAUo0&NR=1
Ego; the “I” or self of any person.
Ego eime; Greek - 'I am', 'I' in the verb 'to be'
Continuing from yesterday, 'truth' is found beyond self or ego and 'truth' will set you free.
"Radical authenticity strips you naked in public, constantly and ongoingly. It tears away any need to be right or smart, to look pretty or tough or wise, to win at a game that, underneath it all, is not even worth playing. And once your authentic, naked self fully realizes there's really no enemy "out there," anywhere, the real walk and work of life can begin, and you can breathe deeply and freely while doing it, and there's no drama or hurry or panic about it, because there's no "presentation" to put together, nothing at all to prepare, only freedom and real life to enjoy, real relationships to explore and invite, real and unconditional love to give, real and intimate connection to relax into.
When we find ourselves "feeling one way" (regardless of what we're ready to admit) and yet speaking and acting another, still trying and wanting to get the "presentation" to a level of "acceptability" in the eyes of some power we've given ourselves over to (ultimately so that we can get something we still so desperately need - like approval, protection, security, understanding, validation, victory, etc.), we're still lost in our ego need for fear and winning, when, as pure Love, we know we've already lost everything, already poured out everything, in a hopeless and overwhelmingly futile cause, and we're totally accepting of our hand and our role, which, to our sudden shock and amazement as the dust settles, has somehow won the day, and, strangely, we really don't need that anymore." ____ Jim Spivey
My husband, Ken and I sat down and looked at this email to discuss it deeper. What the ego is doing to keep our eyes on circumstances and seeing that the ego lives off circumstances, it is the fake flesh desires and flesh needs about ourselves and the same expectation of others. It is the opposite of our spiritual self. Two opposing entities, like dark and light, evil and good. Ego needs fight with our freedom to dive deep within ourselves and be stripped naked and vulnerable before others and God (and in front of Him who are we fooling, He knows our hearts already). The ego is afraid of pure love, truth and real life or real living. The spiritual man reveals 'truth' every time. Ego, shuts down 'real' relationships, 'real heart', discussions at all cost. Ego makes sure we are preoccupied with circumstances and ravaging self satisfaction and it keeps our minds on the enemy 'within' and the enemy 'out there'.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
The battle is within us, first, we must overcome that by the renewing of our minds, crucifying our flesh desires and flesh needs. We have no more fear to become living sacrifices, totally stripped naked of 'self', vulnerable in the presence of God and others. If we see His good, pleasing and perfect will for us, it is because we are no longer 'ego' driven. Then all that comes at us, thrown at us by the enemy from 'within' or from 'out there' has absolutely no power over us, he isn't even worth recognizing. Darkness has no power over us because you are free.
When we overcome fear and and the need to win and be right, (and this is worth repeating) "when, as pure Love, we know we've already lost everything, already poured out everything, in a hopeless and overwhelmingly futile cause, and we're totally accepting of our hand and our role, which, to our sudden shock and amazement as the dust settles, has somehow won the day, and, strangely, we really don't need that anymore."
To dive deeply within ourselves beyond the facades, beyond the need of 'self', 'ego', our 'presentation' of our own perceived 'acceptability', our flesh and our outward appearances and our need for acceptance by others, we find our 'authentic' selves standing, or should I say on our faces before Him, as our spiritual act of worship, recognizing that His is the only great "I AM' and I am (ego) not.
This song is worth repeating for the sake of reliquishing the power of our'self' and seeing there is no enemy or power over us, our greatest enemy is our'self'.
Video & Song
Same song different video...
"Set Me Free' Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSHqtVvAUo0&NR=1
Saturday
June 21, 2008, Truth Will Free You
Truth Will Free You
John 8:32 "Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. The Message
Truth; as a personal excellence; that candour of mind which is free from affection, pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit; Origin:'alethes': loving the truth, speaking the truth, truthful.
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. Galileo
We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart. Blaise Pascal
Let everything we do drive us back to truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. The path is clear and leads to life.
Today I am thankful, yes for truth. Speaking truth to drive me back into myself, in order to see myself clearly. When a lamb wanders from the flock the Shepherd guides it back.
There is a beautiful painting of a lamb on Jesus' shoulders, we are like this lamb. When we can't walk He carries us, when we begin to walk He picks us up when we stumble, we we mature He walks with us. This is the time of our lives for great maturing and searching. This is the time of recognizing 'Truth', keeping our eyes on 'Truth' and finding 'Truth' within ourselves.
David cries out and repents to God as he finds truth within himself. Psalm 51:6 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Search the hidden parts, and when you are unable to see, thank you, for those who speak truth. And when you hear truth, there is no questioning, you know, because it has always been there.
This is where 'truth will set you free'.
Video & Song
'Set Me Free' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1FXKa6mGrHg&feature=related
Scenes from 'The Passion'
Listen carefully.
John 8:32 "Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. The Message
Truth; as a personal excellence; that candour of mind which is free from affection, pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit; Origin:'alethes': loving the truth, speaking the truth, truthful.
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them. Galileo
We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart. Blaise Pascal
Let everything we do drive us back to truth. He is the way, the truth and the life. The path is clear and leads to life.
Today I am thankful, yes for truth. Speaking truth to drive me back into myself, in order to see myself clearly. When a lamb wanders from the flock the Shepherd guides it back.
There is a beautiful painting of a lamb on Jesus' shoulders, we are like this lamb. When we can't walk He carries us, when we begin to walk He picks us up when we stumble, we we mature He walks with us. This is the time of our lives for great maturing and searching. This is the time of recognizing 'Truth', keeping our eyes on 'Truth' and finding 'Truth' within ourselves.
David cries out and repents to God as he finds truth within himself. Psalm 51:6 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Search the hidden parts, and when you are unable to see, thank you, for those who speak truth. And when you hear truth, there is no questioning, you know, because it has always been there.
This is where 'truth will set you free'.
Video & Song
'Set Me Free' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1FXKa6mGrHg&feature=related
Scenes from 'The Passion'
Listen carefully.
Friday
June 20, 2008, I Am
I Am
I learned not to wait. Here it is 2:20am. And I heard this...at first, like in the past, I said, oh I'll remember, I am so tired, I will remember. But I heard it again and again...so I got up...
"I am coming to rescue them all, I am not going to let them destroy themselves, like with the flood, I will not let them annihilate themselves or destroy themselves. My eyes are on the horizon watching over them, I am coming to rescue them all."
I really don't know what to say, I can't even explain how this makes me feel to be in a place of 'non-resistance' and to be obedient. Because once again I think about it too much. I stand in the face of God and feel like Jacob not letting go and fighting with Him and begging Him not to break my hip, insisting that He reveal himself.
My biggest fight is always within myself. My bigger problem is always my ego, because it wants to get in the way. So now I must be humble and send this to you.
Video & Song
'I Am' by Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qt6nDaO7Pio&feature=related
I learned not to wait. Here it is 2:20am. And I heard this...at first, like in the past, I said, oh I'll remember, I am so tired, I will remember. But I heard it again and again...so I got up...
"I am coming to rescue them all, I am not going to let them destroy themselves, like with the flood, I will not let them annihilate themselves or destroy themselves. My eyes are on the horizon watching over them, I am coming to rescue them all."
I really don't know what to say, I can't even explain how this makes me feel to be in a place of 'non-resistance' and to be obedient. Because once again I think about it too much. I stand in the face of God and feel like Jacob not letting go and fighting with Him and begging Him not to break my hip, insisting that He reveal himself.
My biggest fight is always within myself. My bigger problem is always my ego, because it wants to get in the way. So now I must be humble and send this to you.
Video & Song
'I Am' by Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qt6nDaO7Pio&feature=related
Thursday
June 19, 2008, End of A Perfect Day
End of A Perfect Day
At the end of a perfect day. Do you think it is when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect and the sunset is glorious? The children told you they love you, your husband or wife adored you, you have money in the bank after all the bills are paid, you go to work and your boss praises you and gives you a raise for great work done, you look at yourself in the mirror and you have a 'good hair day', there are no family squabbles, your children are staying out of trouble...on and on.
A 'real' perfect day is when everything you thought would go wrong did, but the end of the day you are able to look at what happened and say thank you, it was perfect because I made it through it all.
There is nothing impossible, ever. There are inevitable struggles in all of our lives, with family, friendships, finances, etc. There is hardship and death; broken relationships, unbelievable pain in all aspects of our lives. And if you stop and feel His Spirit deep within you, all in that moment right in the midst of it you will find peace and experience true love and joy in your deepest pain and lack. This is where you will find yourself if you are willing to look deeper, because true love, peace and joy are not conditional on circumstances.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
Phillipians 4:7 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, absolutely nothing. And when it comes down to it, even though we don't need to look back to assess the day, it is beautiful to see how He walked with us through it all. Every situation, every perceived perception based on circumstances has been taken care of at the end of the day; each accumulating day, week and month and year.
"For memory has painted this perfect day with colors that never fade, and we find at the end of a perfect day the soul of a friend we've made." ___ Carrie Jacob Bond
Down to the simplest experience, and most profound victory, to be able to see it all, at the end of every day, without any additional thought about any of it, we just say 'thank you', it was perfect.
Video & Song
'Sometimes By Step' Rich Mullins & Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IbbtOlo_zj0&feature=related
At the end of a perfect day. Do you think it is when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect and the sunset is glorious? The children told you they love you, your husband or wife adored you, you have money in the bank after all the bills are paid, you go to work and your boss praises you and gives you a raise for great work done, you look at yourself in the mirror and you have a 'good hair day', there are no family squabbles, your children are staying out of trouble...on and on.
A 'real' perfect day is when everything you thought would go wrong did, but the end of the day you are able to look at what happened and say thank you, it was perfect because I made it through it all.
There is nothing impossible, ever. There are inevitable struggles in all of our lives, with family, friendships, finances, etc. There is hardship and death; broken relationships, unbelievable pain in all aspects of our lives. And if you stop and feel His Spirit deep within you, all in that moment right in the midst of it you will find peace and experience true love and joy in your deepest pain and lack. This is where you will find yourself if you are willing to look deeper, because true love, peace and joy are not conditional on circumstances.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
Phillipians 4:7 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, absolutely nothing. And when it comes down to it, even though we don't need to look back to assess the day, it is beautiful to see how He walked with us through it all. Every situation, every perceived perception based on circumstances has been taken care of at the end of the day; each accumulating day, week and month and year.
"For memory has painted this perfect day with colors that never fade, and we find at the end of a perfect day the soul of a friend we've made." ___ Carrie Jacob Bond
Down to the simplest experience, and most profound victory, to be able to see it all, at the end of every day, without any additional thought about any of it, we just say 'thank you', it was perfect.
Video & Song
'Sometimes By Step' Rich Mullins & Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IbbtOlo_zj0&feature=related
Wednesday
June 18, 2008, Beauty In The Eye of The Beholder
Beauty In The Eye of The Beholder
Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye, Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues
____ Shakespeare
Beauty, like supreme dominion; Is but supported by opinion
___ Benjamin Franklin
"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
___ David Hume
Oh how we are so overtaken by appearances! The beauty of the outward face and human body. To consider our body and the illusion of physical beauty. What are we doing?
You can't get away from the manipulating ads, selling beauty. What an illusion! If you only knew, every tv or magazine ad has been manipulated or touched up. The beauty you see is not real! 'False' beauty is used as over grown attempts to sell! The sad thing is, it works because it plays on the ego of men and women.
We lose sight of the glory given to the human body as we are created in God's image. What is it that we pamper it, alter it, spend so much time making it appealing, and for whom? Ourselves? Someone else? Who is the observer, that judges beauty with the eye? Does beauty come from outward painting, pampering and primping? I am asking these questions as a test of our hearts.
We need to look beyond the outer appearances of men and women. How it must grieve our Creator that our vision is reduced to only what we 'see' outwardly. It is all about beauty of our created outward being which encompasses our inward being, our entire created being. Yes, the human body and face are awesome and beautiful in every single person. What measure do we use that we put so much weight in outward appearances? Is there a place in our 'eyes' that we neither see the need to impress or expect based on our outward appearance?
Whether, thin or large, short or tall, young or old, bald or hairy, black, white or tan, face lift or wrinkles, wearing an Armani suite or wearing jeans and a t-shirt; what does all this mean through our eyes? What are we doing? Where are we going? Beauty has nothing to do with how you see yourself in the mirror. What heaviness we carry as we exhaust ourselves thinking this is all about who we are and about whether or not we are loved and accepted.
Then it comes down to the most important reason of all when we can set all of the superficial need aside. Why do we love each other? And can we see to the inward man or woman and their heart. Here is where you find real beauty. It really is beautiful, just look at the heart, the soul and spirit of each person.
1 Peter 3:4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. NIV
See yourself as God sees you. God sees you as a gentle and quiet spirit, beautiful in every way, created in His image. You are awesome, fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Isaiah 47:6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
Our beauty is like the glory of the flowers of the field, which will wither and fall. There is one thing that is constant and that is our God and His word.
Look closely...what do you see?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2513220144_736163a182.jpg?v=0
Video & Song
'In The Potter's Hands' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6beNoG0H0E0&feature=related
Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye, Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues
____ Shakespeare
Beauty, like supreme dominion; Is but supported by opinion
___ Benjamin Franklin
"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
___ David Hume
Oh how we are so overtaken by appearances! The beauty of the outward face and human body. To consider our body and the illusion of physical beauty. What are we doing?
You can't get away from the manipulating ads, selling beauty. What an illusion! If you only knew, every tv or magazine ad has been manipulated or touched up. The beauty you see is not real! 'False' beauty is used as over grown attempts to sell! The sad thing is, it works because it plays on the ego of men and women.
We lose sight of the glory given to the human body as we are created in God's image. What is it that we pamper it, alter it, spend so much time making it appealing, and for whom? Ourselves? Someone else? Who is the observer, that judges beauty with the eye? Does beauty come from outward painting, pampering and primping? I am asking these questions as a test of our hearts.
We need to look beyond the outer appearances of men and women. How it must grieve our Creator that our vision is reduced to only what we 'see' outwardly. It is all about beauty of our created outward being which encompasses our inward being, our entire created being. Yes, the human body and face are awesome and beautiful in every single person. What measure do we use that we put so much weight in outward appearances? Is there a place in our 'eyes' that we neither see the need to impress or expect based on our outward appearance?
Whether, thin or large, short or tall, young or old, bald or hairy, black, white or tan, face lift or wrinkles, wearing an Armani suite or wearing jeans and a t-shirt; what does all this mean through our eyes? What are we doing? Where are we going? Beauty has nothing to do with how you see yourself in the mirror. What heaviness we carry as we exhaust ourselves thinking this is all about who we are and about whether or not we are loved and accepted.
Then it comes down to the most important reason of all when we can set all of the superficial need aside. Why do we love each other? And can we see to the inward man or woman and their heart. Here is where you find real beauty. It really is beautiful, just look at the heart, the soul and spirit of each person.
1 Peter 3:4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. NIV
See yourself as God sees you. God sees you as a gentle and quiet spirit, beautiful in every way, created in His image. You are awesome, fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Isaiah 47:6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
Our beauty is like the glory of the flowers of the field, which will wither and fall. There is one thing that is constant and that is our God and His word.
Look closely...what do you see?
Video & Song
'In The Potter's Hands' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6beNoG0H0E0&feature=related
Tuesday
June 17, 2008 Slow Down 'Now'
Slow Down, 'Now'
This sure has been coming at me everyday for several days. I should listen very carefully!!
Matthew 25 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. 26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. 27 "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? 28 All this time and money wasted on fashion - do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, 29 but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. 30 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? 31 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. 32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. __The Message
This entire message...it's time to become a sponge and soak it all in. Oh I understand it. But I want to totally experience it!! This should be so loud and clear. But I am seeing that my entire attention to what God is doing right 'now' is a lot harder than I thought, To stay in the moment 'now' and not the past or worry about the future. It really is a very sacred place to slow down and to 'stop', to listen and experience what God has for me 'now'.
All our lives we have been conditioned to observe with our eyes and to react to circumstances, based on our perception. To plan for the future with extravagant 'grandiose' goals and when the circumstances begin to fall out of 'our plans', when the perfect picture of our lives, which we painted, starts to fade or change colors, we panic.
Can you relate? 2 or 3 dollars left in the bank and the pay check isn't coming for a few more days, the light bill is due. You work from pay check to pay check. Or go to the other side of this, our security is in having abundance (of which is an illusion), which is here today and gone tomorrow, because the security is in something that is transient.
We look to the past, plans are based on past successes or failures. We compare to past experiences, which then controls our present preception.
When the walls look as though they are coming down all around us, it is a good thing. It brings us to our knees. It brings us to a place of coming to Him 'now', seeing Him 'now'. No more comparing to the past, no more worryinig about the future.
On our knees as He is holding us 'in' this sacred place, 'now'.
Video & Song
'Praise You With A Dance' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5RjNcOqwpRk&feature=related
I love this song!! Still ringing in my heart from Sunday!!
This sure has been coming at me everyday for several days. I should listen very carefully!!
Matthew 25 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. 26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. 27 "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? 28 All this time and money wasted on fashion - do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, 29 but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. 30 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? 31 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. 32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. __The Message
This entire message...it's time to become a sponge and soak it all in. Oh I understand it. But I want to totally experience it!! This should be so loud and clear. But I am seeing that my entire attention to what God is doing right 'now' is a lot harder than I thought, To stay in the moment 'now' and not the past or worry about the future. It really is a very sacred place to slow down and to 'stop', to listen and experience what God has for me 'now'.
All our lives we have been conditioned to observe with our eyes and to react to circumstances, based on our perception. To plan for the future with extravagant 'grandiose' goals and when the circumstances begin to fall out of 'our plans', when the perfect picture of our lives, which we painted, starts to fade or change colors, we panic.
Can you relate? 2 or 3 dollars left in the bank and the pay check isn't coming for a few more days, the light bill is due. You work from pay check to pay check. Or go to the other side of this, our security is in having abundance (of which is an illusion), which is here today and gone tomorrow, because the security is in something that is transient.
We look to the past, plans are based on past successes or failures. We compare to past experiences, which then controls our present preception.
When the walls look as though they are coming down all around us, it is a good thing. It brings us to our knees. It brings us to a place of coming to Him 'now', seeing Him 'now'. No more comparing to the past, no more worryinig about the future.
On our knees as He is holding us 'in' this sacred place, 'now'.
Video & Song
'Praise You With A Dance' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5RjNcOqwpRk&feature=related
I love this song!! Still ringing in my heart from Sunday!!
Monday
June 16, 2008, Here For You
Here For You
When everything seems it is all going wrong and you are faced with disasters and devastation in your life it is such a beautiful experience to know that you have others that love you.
We are all brothers and sisters and we realize it more than ever when one loving us shows up during these times. To say to you "I will carry you, I am here for you, to hold you, and to love you through it all'.
This is for those of you, going through these times.
I want you to know I will hold you and want to tell you 'I love you'.
And remember there is no strength in any of us. It is all Jesus. It is He in us. He holds you, carries you and says 'I love you' that transcends far above our ability.
His love is perfect.
Video & Song
'Like A Bridge Over Trouble Water'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FX5X9SxRdT8
When everything seems it is all going wrong and you are faced with disasters and devastation in your life it is such a beautiful experience to know that you have others that love you.
We are all brothers and sisters and we realize it more than ever when one loving us shows up during these times. To say to you "I will carry you, I am here for you, to hold you, and to love you through it all'.
This is for those of you, going through these times.
I want you to know I will hold you and want to tell you 'I love you'.
And remember there is no strength in any of us. It is all Jesus. It is He in us. He holds you, carries you and says 'I love you' that transcends far above our ability.
His love is perfect.
Video & Song
'Like A Bridge Over Trouble Water'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FX5X9SxRdT8
Sunday
June 15, 2008 Abba Father
Albanian; baba
Albanian; atëArabic; babba; yebba; abbi
Bolognese; pèderBosnian; otac
Albanian; atëArabic; babba; yebba; abbi
Bolognese; pèderBosnian; otac
Brazilian; pai
Calabrese : patre ; patri; pa ; papà
Catanese; pattri ; opà
Catanese; pattri ; opà
Cree (Canada); papa
Croatian; otac
Croatian; otac
Czech; táta, otec
Dakota (USA); ate
Dutch; vader; papa; pappie
East African; baba
East African; baba
English : father; dad; daddy; pop; poppa ; papa
Filipino; tatay, itay, tay
Finnish; isä
Finnish; isä
Flemish; vader
French; papa
German; papi
Greek; babbas
Hebrew; abba(h)Hindi; papa;
Hungarian; apa; apu; papa
Icelandic; pabbi
Indonesian; bapa
Greek; babbas
Hebrew; abba(h)Hindi; papa;
Hungarian; apa; apu; papa
Icelandic; pabbi
Indonesian; bapa
Irish : athair; daidí
Italian; babbo
Japanese; otosan, papa
Kurdish; bav
Latin; pater; papa; atta
Latvian; tevs
Kurdish; bav
Latin; pater; papa; atta
Latvian; tevs
Lithuanian : tevas; pradininkas
Malay; bapa
Malay; bapa
Mandarin; bà ; bàba
Napulitano; pate
Nepali; buwa
Norwegian; pappa; far
Persian/Farsi; pedar; baabaa
Polish; tata ; ojciec
Portuguese; pai
Portuguese; pai
Russian; papa
Samoan; tama
Sardinian; babbu
Sardinian; babbu
Sicilian : patri
Slovenian; ôèe
Slovenian; ôèe
Slovak; otec
South Africa; tata
South Africa; tata
Spanish; papá; viejo; tata
Swahili : baba
Swedish; pappa
Swedish; pappa
Swiss; vatter
Turkish; baba
Venetian; pare; popà; 'opà
Welsh: tad
Turkish; baba
Venetian; pare; popà; 'opà
Welsh: tad
Whether you are feeling truly loved and adored,
or feeling alone or down or rejected;
A dad who desires the love of your children,
or a son or daughter who desires the love of your father.
We have have a Father, Abba, God
He first loves us
and He desires our love.
In honor of all you dads
Have a day filled with joy.
All Around the World!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Saturday
June 14, 2008 Like A River
Like A River
Act 16:13 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.
Now there are obviously no rivers in Houston, bayous, yes. But the fact is as wonderful and beautiful it is to have a place to pray away from all the noises of the big city as a river, here that isn't possible. Or is it?
John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
Jesus said anyone who thirsts come to Me. If you 'believe in Me' your heart will flow with a river of My 'living' water.
The river is a place of washing, cleansing, refreshing and filling our thirst. When we think of water, cool, clear, clean water especially those in the mountain rivers it is so beautiful to just to stand by the river and watch the currents flow. And if you dare get in it, even in the summer months high in the mountains the water is frigid and it will wake you up real fast!!
The Lord calls us, because He knows we are always thirsty. Water is essential for living. Without it we could not live. Without Jesus we cannot live. He gives life, and a more abundant life.
As we follow Him and have faith in Him, our hearts will receive His river of life. Lydia let His river of life flow 'into' her heart. She wanted more. She then allowed the river to flow 'out' from her heart to others. In the same chapter 16 of Acts, Lydia had others waiting in her home to receive His Living Water.
We may have choices for many rivers flowing, but there is only one river of 'living' water that sets us free. If we allow His River of Life to flow into our heart, His 'living' water will wake you up with unspeakable joy!!
Video & Song
"Down To The River To Pray' Allison Krauss
http://youtube.com/watch?v=F1FQqSGxBso&feature=related
I had to post this, this is a great song!!
Act 16:13 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.
Now there are obviously no rivers in Houston, bayous, yes. But the fact is as wonderful and beautiful it is to have a place to pray away from all the noises of the big city as a river, here that isn't possible. Or is it?
John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
Jesus said anyone who thirsts come to Me. If you 'believe in Me' your heart will flow with a river of My 'living' water.
The river is a place of washing, cleansing, refreshing and filling our thirst. When we think of water, cool, clear, clean water especially those in the mountain rivers it is so beautiful to just to stand by the river and watch the currents flow. And if you dare get in it, even in the summer months high in the mountains the water is frigid and it will wake you up real fast!!
The Lord calls us, because He knows we are always thirsty. Water is essential for living. Without it we could not live. Without Jesus we cannot live. He gives life, and a more abundant life.
As we follow Him and have faith in Him, our hearts will receive His river of life. Lydia let His river of life flow 'into' her heart. She wanted more. She then allowed the river to flow 'out' from her heart to others. In the same chapter 16 of Acts, Lydia had others waiting in her home to receive His Living Water.
We may have choices for many rivers flowing, but there is only one river of 'living' water that sets us free. If we allow His River of Life to flow into our heart, His 'living' water will wake you up with unspeakable joy!!
Video & Song
"Down To The River To Pray' Allison Krauss
http://youtube.com/watch?v=F1FQqSGxBso&feature=related
I had to post this, this is a great song!!
Friday
June 13, 2008, His Name Is Abba
His Name Is Abba
1 John 4:10 This is the kind of love we are talking about - not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~William Wordsworth
The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad! ~Author Unknown
This IS the greatest story every told in all humanity. God sent His Son as a sacrifice for us.
From the beginning of time we messed up big time!! And it has been as simple as this, or maybe it is complicated? The truth is, we certainly do continue to fall short and it may not always be in actions but our minds and thoughts. We desire to keep our minds captive on the things of the Lord, we desire to be with Him.
Trust the Lord Your God with All Your Heart and Lean Not On Your Own Understanding. Proverbs 3.
Love Him with All Your Heart, Soul and Mind Matthew 26:33
He is our Savior, the Son of the Living God, Almighty Father, our Abba, Who is in Heaven, Holy is Your Name. When we know His Son we know Him. We are all in each other. The Father is in the Son and the Son is in us and we are in Him and it continues in His great love. In His heart, in our hearts and it continues in This Great Love.
Since I started my blog I write often about His great Love, about how this is communion. There is no greater place to be in this life. Loving my Lord, my Savior, my God, my Father.
When we reach out to Him, He raises us up.
This is the most beautiful song and it is about what happens when we allow Him to saturate us with His love.
There is not greater story ever told in all humanity. Receive all He has for you, and it is simple and it is complicated (maybe because we make it so). The desire of a Father for His Son and for His children and the desire of His children for Him.
Be still and know that He loves us more than our understanding. He is God, our Abba in Heaven.
Video & Song
'You Raise Me Up' Josh Groban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkZ6SmvXOEY&feature=related
1 John 4:10 This is the kind of love we are talking about - not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~William Wordsworth
The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad! ~Author Unknown
This IS the greatest story every told in all humanity. God sent His Son as a sacrifice for us.
From the beginning of time we messed up big time!! And it has been as simple as this, or maybe it is complicated? The truth is, we certainly do continue to fall short and it may not always be in actions but our minds and thoughts. We desire to keep our minds captive on the things of the Lord, we desire to be with Him.
Trust the Lord Your God with All Your Heart and Lean Not On Your Own Understanding. Proverbs 3.
Love Him with All Your Heart, Soul and Mind Matthew 26:33
He is our Savior, the Son of the Living God, Almighty Father, our Abba, Who is in Heaven, Holy is Your Name. When we know His Son we know Him. We are all in each other. The Father is in the Son and the Son is in us and we are in Him and it continues in His great love. In His heart, in our hearts and it continues in This Great Love.
Since I started my blog I write often about His great Love, about how this is communion. There is no greater place to be in this life. Loving my Lord, my Savior, my God, my Father.
When we reach out to Him, He raises us up.
This is the most beautiful song and it is about what happens when we allow Him to saturate us with His love.
There is not greater story ever told in all humanity. Receive all He has for you, and it is simple and it is complicated (maybe because we make it so). The desire of a Father for His Son and for His children and the desire of His children for Him.
Be still and know that He loves us more than our understanding. He is God, our Abba in Heaven.
Video & Song
'You Raise Me Up' Josh Groban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkZ6SmvXOEY&feature=related
Thursday
June 12, 2008 Time and Space
Time and Space
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
I may have already sent out a blog on this but it's on my heart again. Time and space what is it in regard to the infinity of God and His time and His space. It cannot be measured with our knowledge. Although all knowledge that man has comes from God, we will not understand this time and space until we stand before Him face to face.
It is an awesome powerful thought (we can't go there) to try and wrap our minds around the possibility of being able to see just a minute amount of the vastness of His creation. As far as the east is from the west? Who measures the universe? I know mathmeticians try. I say that's special and can say there is no way I can fathom their minds either. But the measure of the universe?!!
Job 11:7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
The answer, we can try, mathmeticians try, but they will never reach "the limits of the Almighty".
I don't need to try and measure or wrap my mind around it at all.
All I need to do is stand in awe.
Also still ringing in my heart from the other day, as my reminder.
Video & Song
'East to West' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
I may have already sent out a blog on this but it's on my heart again. Time and space what is it in regard to the infinity of God and His time and His space. It cannot be measured with our knowledge. Although all knowledge that man has comes from God, we will not understand this time and space until we stand before Him face to face.
It is an awesome powerful thought (we can't go there) to try and wrap our minds around the possibility of being able to see just a minute amount of the vastness of His creation. As far as the east is from the west? Who measures the universe? I know mathmeticians try. I say that's special and can say there is no way I can fathom their minds either. But the measure of the universe?!!
Job 11:7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
The answer, we can try, mathmeticians try, but they will never reach "the limits of the Almighty".
I don't need to try and measure or wrap my mind around it at all.
All I need to do is stand in awe.
Also still ringing in my heart from the other day, as my reminder.
Video & Song
'East to West' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M
Wednesday
June 11, 2008, Live It, Share It, Don't Fake It
Live It, Share It, Don't Fake It
Matthew 5:16 'Make your light shine so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in Heaven.'
The truth is, when you live out your faith, you will share it. When you live it you have to do very little talking.
'Preach at all times. And when necessary, use words.' St Frances of Assissi.
Live it.
Is there anything in your life that is so appealing and compelling that others look at you and see your peace or see your love you have for others and God and they say, 'I want that! I want what she has! I want what he has!'
When you live it you will share it. It is insanely simple, but very difficult. We think as Christians that we need to pretend to have it all together. We don't have to be perfect to express our faith. Just be yourself, be real, be genuine.
2 Corinthians 5:17 'Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.' That's who you are. That's what you have to offer. You don't have to fake it. You don't have to pretend.'
One of the most powerful ways to express your faith is to listen. If I'm not listening I'm totally selfish. If I listen carefully I hear their story. I'm going to find intersections where I can share my testimony, my story. I can share His light, His story of salvation. So instead of just regurgitating all that I know about the Bible, I listen and somewhere in the triangular intersection of his or her story, my story and God's story, there will be a connection.
Galatians 6 'The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.'
Be yourself, be listening. We are His hands and feet. What an honor, what a privilege, what a responsibility. Live it, share it.
We are either pushing people away from or to God by how we live our lives. At the end of our lives what do we want to be known for?
This is what you want to be known for, it's not compartmentalizing your faith but living it.
1 Thessalonians, 'The word of the Lord is ringing out from you in people everywhere. Wherever we go, we find people telling us your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it.'
(same verse) The Message___'The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything any more. You are the message."
We become 'the message' that our world so desperately needs. Will you join me in this attempt to live it out? A life where we make a commitment where we don't drop our backpack (again the backpack represents 'Faith') for the love of money, a fast life or to set aside integrity. Will you take the backpack and make it a part of who you are?
God's presence is with you, in you and guiding you. It's not just a religion on a shelf but a relationship that influences who you are.
The connection starts with God. Then I live it and share it as God uses me.
_______
James I hope I didn't tear these up too badly. It is an honor and a privilege and a responsibility as you said, to be used by Him. You are an awesome example of living it and sharing it and not faking it. Christ in you has others around you saying, "I want what he has!" Take your pick...
I couldn't help it Rebecca, it's such perfect timing.
I can hear you and Greg singing this, can't wait!
Video & Song
'Complete' Parachute Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24HLlqIa0Ts&feature=related
Matthew 5:16 'Make your light shine so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in Heaven.'
The truth is, when you live out your faith, you will share it. When you live it you have to do very little talking.
'Preach at all times. And when necessary, use words.' St Frances of Assissi.
Live it.
Is there anything in your life that is so appealing and compelling that others look at you and see your peace or see your love you have for others and God and they say, 'I want that! I want what she has! I want what he has!'
When you live it you will share it. It is insanely simple, but very difficult. We think as Christians that we need to pretend to have it all together. We don't have to be perfect to express our faith. Just be yourself, be real, be genuine.
2 Corinthians 5:17 'Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.' That's who you are. That's what you have to offer. You don't have to fake it. You don't have to pretend.'
One of the most powerful ways to express your faith is to listen. If I'm not listening I'm totally selfish. If I listen carefully I hear their story. I'm going to find intersections where I can share my testimony, my story. I can share His light, His story of salvation. So instead of just regurgitating all that I know about the Bible, I listen and somewhere in the triangular intersection of his or her story, my story and God's story, there will be a connection.
Galatians 6 'The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.'
Be yourself, be listening. We are His hands and feet. What an honor, what a privilege, what a responsibility. Live it, share it.
We are either pushing people away from or to God by how we live our lives. At the end of our lives what do we want to be known for?
This is what you want to be known for, it's not compartmentalizing your faith but living it.
1 Thessalonians, 'The word of the Lord is ringing out from you in people everywhere. Wherever we go, we find people telling us your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it.'
(same verse) The Message___'The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything any more. You are the message."
We become 'the message' that our world so desperately needs. Will you join me in this attempt to live it out? A life where we make a commitment where we don't drop our backpack (again the backpack represents 'Faith') for the love of money, a fast life or to set aside integrity. Will you take the backpack and make it a part of who you are?
God's presence is with you, in you and guiding you. It's not just a religion on a shelf but a relationship that influences who you are.
The connection starts with God. Then I live it and share it as God uses me.
_______
James I hope I didn't tear these up too badly. It is an honor and a privilege and a responsibility as you said, to be used by Him. You are an awesome example of living it and sharing it and not faking it. Christ in you has others around you saying, "I want what he has!" Take your pick...
I couldn't help it Rebecca, it's such perfect timing.
I can hear you and Greg singing this, can't wait!
Video & Song
'Complete' Parachute Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24HLlqIa0Ts&feature=related
Tuesday
June 10, 2008 24: A Day With God Part 2
24: A Day With God, Part 2
by James Rogers
Credit give to Dan Fields, Youth Resource
2 Corinthians 13 "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you. If not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."
(Using the same backpack representing 'Faith'.)
We want a genuine 24/7 faith.
Mature faith is able to recognize those times in our lives when we are most likely to drop the backpack. When we are tempted, shove God to the side or turn our backs on Him. We recognize and change our actions from dependency on our own will to dependence on God's Spirit.
Are we looking for a quick fix, to just live it, then quickly close in prayer? We want to live it, but it's tempting to just drop the backpack.
'24' living; Recognizes when we set down the backpack.
Look at this real life example of what happened after 9/11. Setting down your backpack in an airport causes a chaos with guard dogs, sirens, FBI and over zealous guys with a hand wands. You didn't think it was a big deal, but there are consequences for dropping our backpack.
Do we drop out backpacks when" integrity is required? When you think nobody is watching? No one is really going to notice.
1. Do we slip the backpack on one arm and laugh at a racial joke?
2. Do we arrive late for an appointment because of procrastination and leave the backpack in the car and tell them in the meeting 'it was the traffic, I couldn't do anything about it"?
3. At the hotel on a business trip do we leave the backpack in the hallway to watch movies we know we shouldn't?
4. Do we leave our backpack in the trunk of our car to go to a business meeting where there is a lot of drinking, because it doesn't go with our business suite?
Integrity and faith are connected. When we compromise our integrity we compromise our faith.
1 Chronicles 29 "I know, my God that You examine our hearts and rejoice when You find integrity there."
Proverbs 11 "The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but He delights in those with integrity."
For the sake of money and success do we lay down the backpack?
1 Timothy 6 "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil [it's not just money, it's the love of money]. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.'"
Money is not evil, it's what we do with the money that causes us to drop the backpack.
Ecclesiastes 5 "Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness."
We drop our backpacks in the fast pace and fatigue of our lives. We are depleted of our capacity for compassion and connectedness, in exhausted, dominating obligations, and obsession with work and money. Ministry, service and connection with others and our ability to have genuine faith are compromised in the absence of our energy and freedom.
For the sake of success we turn our backs on on families, spouses and children. We're really saying God, I'm too busy for You. What I'm doing is more important than what You want to do with, in and through my life. No one on their deathbed will say 'I wish I would have spent more time at work. Your pace is your choice.
This is our one and only life. there are no dress rehearsals. Make the tough choices where needed.
Find others that you can say to them 'this is where I am tempted', 'this is where I tend to drop my backpack', 'Will you come alongside of me and would you help me?'
____
So with this next section I leave it as this. Some paraphrased some verbatim, but all so necessary to think and process our 'faith walk'.
When the backpack is heavy don't be afraid to ask for help. When it starts to slip off your shoulders, or even falls to the ground we can always find a way to pick it up. Find someone you trust, someone who reaches out to you with compassion and who will do the loving thing and help you find 'faith' when it is slipping or falls or maybe you totally lost it.
Our God is an all knowing and loving God. He knows what you go through day after day. His amazing grace is sufficient. What would we do without it? Because the reality is, we all forget, leave and drop our backpacks sometimes, if not in our actions, our thoughts.
Thank You God, as I put my hand in Your hand and hold on tight, my 'faith' (backpack) won't hit the ground because our hands are connected.
He's reaching for your hand, take His hand.
Video & Song
'Grace' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YRXDsbRQNlA&feature=related
Here's one that touches me so deeply I can hardly finish watching it.
His Grace, How can we really understand?
by James Rogers
Credit give to Dan Fields, Youth Resource
2 Corinthians 13 "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you. If not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."
(Using the same backpack representing 'Faith'.)
We want a genuine 24/7 faith.
Mature faith is able to recognize those times in our lives when we are most likely to drop the backpack. When we are tempted, shove God to the side or turn our backs on Him. We recognize and change our actions from dependency on our own will to dependence on God's Spirit.
Are we looking for a quick fix, to just live it, then quickly close in prayer? We want to live it, but it's tempting to just drop the backpack.
'24' living; Recognizes when we set down the backpack.
Look at this real life example of what happened after 9/11. Setting down your backpack in an airport causes a chaos with guard dogs, sirens, FBI and over zealous guys with a hand wands. You didn't think it was a big deal, but there are consequences for dropping our backpack.
Do we drop out backpacks when" integrity is required? When you think nobody is watching? No one is really going to notice.
1. Do we slip the backpack on one arm and laugh at a racial joke?
2. Do we arrive late for an appointment because of procrastination and leave the backpack in the car and tell them in the meeting 'it was the traffic, I couldn't do anything about it"?
3. At the hotel on a business trip do we leave the backpack in the hallway to watch movies we know we shouldn't?
4. Do we leave our backpack in the trunk of our car to go to a business meeting where there is a lot of drinking, because it doesn't go with our business suite?
Integrity and faith are connected. When we compromise our integrity we compromise our faith.
1 Chronicles 29 "I know, my God that You examine our hearts and rejoice when You find integrity there."
Proverbs 11 "The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but He delights in those with integrity."
For the sake of money and success do we lay down the backpack?
1 Timothy 6 "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil [it's not just money, it's the love of money]. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.'"
Money is not evil, it's what we do with the money that causes us to drop the backpack.
Ecclesiastes 5 "Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness."
We drop our backpacks in the fast pace and fatigue of our lives. We are depleted of our capacity for compassion and connectedness, in exhausted, dominating obligations, and obsession with work and money. Ministry, service and connection with others and our ability to have genuine faith are compromised in the absence of our energy and freedom.
For the sake of success we turn our backs on on families, spouses and children. We're really saying God, I'm too busy for You. What I'm doing is more important than what You want to do with, in and through my life. No one on their deathbed will say 'I wish I would have spent more time at work. Your pace is your choice.
This is our one and only life. there are no dress rehearsals. Make the tough choices where needed.
Find others that you can say to them 'this is where I am tempted', 'this is where I tend to drop my backpack', 'Will you come alongside of me and would you help me?'
____
So with this next section I leave it as this. Some paraphrased some verbatim, but all so necessary to think and process our 'faith walk'.
When the backpack is heavy don't be afraid to ask for help. When it starts to slip off your shoulders, or even falls to the ground we can always find a way to pick it up. Find someone you trust, someone who reaches out to you with compassion and who will do the loving thing and help you find 'faith' when it is slipping or falls or maybe you totally lost it.
Our God is an all knowing and loving God. He knows what you go through day after day. His amazing grace is sufficient. What would we do without it? Because the reality is, we all forget, leave and drop our backpacks sometimes, if not in our actions, our thoughts.
Thank You God, as I put my hand in Your hand and hold on tight, my 'faith' (backpack) won't hit the ground because our hands are connected.
He's reaching for your hand, take His hand.
Video & Song
'Grace' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YRXDsbRQNlA&feature=related
Here's one that touches me so deeply I can hardly finish watching it.
His Grace, How can we really understand?
Monday
June 9, 2008, 'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action' & '24:A Day With God'
'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action' & '24: A Day With God'
The connection of the entire day's message was so clear, after beginning my day with a message on 'Faith', 'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action', emailed from Jim Spivey and then ending with a message on 'Faith', '24: A Day With God', last night's message from our Youth Pastor James Rogers. There is no doubt God is loudly but softly reminding me what I am to do, 'I hear You loud and clear Lord'. I hope you too see the connection between these two messages.
The combined message is long but will bless your socks off, or at least it did mine!! I highlighted what helped me look deeper at the beauty of my connection with the Lord.
'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action'
"Faith embraces itself completely and loves even the doubt about itself." -- Paul Tillich
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." -- James 2:26"
Faith is kept alive and gathers strength more from loving practice than from speculation." -- Joseph Addison"
It usually happens that the more faithfully a person follows the inspiration he receives, the more does he experience new inspiration which asks increasingly more of him." -- Joseph de Guibert"
Faith is not being sure. It is not being sure and still betting your last cent that loving action and attitude will prevail. Faith is not making religious-sounding noises and rumblings in the distracted, reactive daytime. It is asking your inmost self hard questions at night - and then getting up and going to work on living the answers." -- Mary Jean Irion"
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of my next phase of life, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into this unknown space.' And he calmly and confidently replied, 'Go out into the darkness in faith and reach out and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a clear, paved path.'" -- Lousie Haskins
There is one sentence, a question really, on the lips of just about every person I meet with at one time or another, and it is the question that can't be answered by another for us, even though we often wish it could, and the question is, "What do I do now?" When it is asked of me, usually right in the midst of a deeply spiritual conversation about "following," I have to look away for a moment and swallow hard, because there is no satisfaction possible in that moment and nature of inquiry, and I am habitually a pleaser and want to give satisfaction. But in this case it is not mine to give. My life is a day-to-day walk through not being sure. How can I (and why should I) give others assurance that I don't have (or require) for myself, when what they are asking for is a taste of the freedom they see in my experience? The only answers I've found can be found in the above quotes.
1) Believing what you believe has plenty of room for doubt. Doubt does not deny what you believe; it enriches it.
2) Act on what you believe is true. Bring your spirit to life through loving action that assumes your beliefs are true.
3) Don't get lost in inaction when you doubt, hoping some evidence will show up - be the evidence - live the proof.
4) Be ready and willing to give all to what you believe, because the stronger it grows, the more it'll require of you.
5) Don't fake it; ask yourself the hard questions; ask God the even harder ones; be still in the silence, receive, act.
6) Reach out; put your hand into the Hand of God; let go of everything else, including your fear, and simply follow.
7) Not from above, but from me through my experience -
Stop expecting/seeking answers/clarity from others - they don't have it for you - go deep within yourself to live.
That way, what flows and reaches out of you will be Answers from Him, wrapped in the greatest Love there is, rather than the endless questions and needs for (and the inevitable disappointment and upset with) others.
___
Then my day ended last night with a message on 'Faith' when our Youth Pastor, James Rogers gave this powerful teaching, I began to write, trying to write every word; scribbling notes all over several sheets of paper in my disorganized way of laying it out and with my atrocious handwriting (of which sometimes I can't read my own!) and as I ran out of space wrote around the margins and back around the other side of the paper (some of you may understand). Then finally I thought I can do this and retype what I wrote if I do this right away. Then the answer came to me and I asked Pastor James for his notes, and so this will be a whole lot easier. The message was so profound that as I listened and scribbled, my spirit is saying 'yes, Yes, YES!! as I hear the Lord speaking to me all day long. Maybe not 24 hours, but it was at least 12 of it!!
Since this is even longer, over the next few days I will type this message from Pastor James' notes. He asked me to give needed credit, since some of his notes are from Youth Resource by Doug Fields.
(For the sake of space and time I am not always quoting verbatim.
You have to picture this, through the entire worship service, prayer and a youth skit, he is wearing a backpack. I figured it was part of the skit.
24: A Day With God
"'I see a lot of problems during 9 to 5 hours. So much so that, I'm just going to call it a general problem, a problem that I'm defining as a compartmentalized faith.' Compartmentalized Faith: describes a person who gives God priority some of the time but not all the time. A pick-and-choose type of Christianity, to pick to live a Christ-like life some times and to live a Christ-less life at other times. The contrast given was the analogy of when the lights are on or off, determines if they choose God's way or not. Another was the ad enticing people to Vegas with the slogan, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. Enticing cheating on spouses, gambling away your life savings, the contrast of living one way at home and another way in Vegas.''
In church we live one way as you are inspired to love and another way when we are not. As you leave the church it all about love as you get in the car. Thinking about picking up a hitchiker but he's wearing a hockey mask, (it was in the message) so you decide against it. Inspired to do extra volunteer work, mowing your neighbors lawn, grocery shop for a shut-in, you even return your shopping cart to the cart corral, because you feel lovely. It is a great faith filled day. "
Then Monday hits." That loving feeling is gone. With your agenda, ambition and pride you arrive in the marketplace.
There is no guilt trip hour that you have to spend with God. Whether morning person or night owl; "Just make some connection with God where you hold His hand before you leave the house".
Here are some action steps:
Shout It Out
In the morning say, "God, I love You, I want to be connected with You."
Feel It
Remember the shower and the water coming down as a reminder of God's love raining on you. Feel God's love. In the marketplace 20% of the people aren't going to like you and want to attack you. Build up this emotional and spiritual fortress by feeling God's love and being reminded of it. (I want to interject a memory of something the Lord showed me last year. Our faith that we receive is like standing in the shower with a rain coat on and a rain hat, take off the rain coat and the hat and receive all that He is showering on you)
Hide It
Take a little bit of God's word. Hide some of His word in your heart. We didn't say 45 minutes or 19 chapters, just try one minute if you're not doing it at all.
Say It
Hold God's hand and take Him throughout the day. Talk with Him, connect with Him.
Now here's the backpack as a representation/illustration of Faith, your connection and relationship with God. In the backpack are a megaphone (was a styrofoam cup) to shout your praises to God, 'God I love You, I want to walk with You'; a blanket, to feel His love; a Bible, God's word to hide in your heart; a coffee cup representing morning converstion with God. (yes, I honestly can say I need a jump start in the morning too!!)
Now the questions; with the analogy of the backpack being Faith. Where is your backpack? at home? Left at church? In the car? In the trunk out of sight? Do you take it off at work to get to business? The message is don't leave it, take it with you everywhere. 'This is Faith in action'.
Live your faith in Jesus. Don't walk your talk, walk His walk, God's walk. A sign of an invasion and change in Christ, is how we live and interact. Jesus said, 'You will know who My followers are.' Jesus didn't say by their bumper stickers, crosses they wear, Christian t-shirts, yard signs. You'll know them by how they love each other.' Matthew 7. Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced." God's Spirit in them produces fruitfulness.'"
_____
I love analogy and for some reason find myself not only using it often in my speech and writing, I am mesmerized by it in books and teachings which for me adds a depth of connection which gives 'real life' depiction. I love the analogy of the backpack because in real life it is something tangible and visual and in my spiritual walk I can make the choice (as you will see in the second part of this message) to keep it on and if it slips off, or I forget it, 'grace' says I can go back and pick it up, over and over again. This backpack will never wear out. And guess what? In this 24: A Day With God, 'this' backpack, it's lighter than a feather and lifts me higher and higher.
The message throughout my day was clear, 'Hold His Hand, Wrap yourself in the greatest love there is, Feel His love wrapped around you and raining on you...then use your 'Faith' to go out there and Walk in It, Share It.... It's Love In Action'.
Thank you Jim and James for listening and Sharing and Living In Action!
Ready for the World wearing my 'Faith' Backpack
Video & Song
'East to West' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M
The connection of the entire day's message was so clear, after beginning my day with a message on 'Faith', 'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action', emailed from Jim Spivey and then ending with a message on 'Faith', '24: A Day With God', last night's message from our Youth Pastor James Rogers. There is no doubt God is loudly but softly reminding me what I am to do, 'I hear You loud and clear Lord'. I hope you too see the connection between these two messages.
The combined message is long but will bless your socks off, or at least it did mine!! I highlighted what helped me look deeper at the beauty of my connection with the Lord.
'Walking in Faith, Loving in Action'
"Faith embraces itself completely and loves even the doubt about itself." -- Paul Tillich
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." -- James 2:26"
Faith is kept alive and gathers strength more from loving practice than from speculation." -- Joseph Addison"
It usually happens that the more faithfully a person follows the inspiration he receives, the more does he experience new inspiration which asks increasingly more of him." -- Joseph de Guibert"
Faith is not being sure. It is not being sure and still betting your last cent that loving action and attitude will prevail. Faith is not making religious-sounding noises and rumblings in the distracted, reactive daytime. It is asking your inmost self hard questions at night - and then getting up and going to work on living the answers." -- Mary Jean Irion"
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of my next phase of life, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into this unknown space.' And he calmly and confidently replied, 'Go out into the darkness in faith and reach out and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a clear, paved path.'" -- Lousie Haskins
There is one sentence, a question really, on the lips of just about every person I meet with at one time or another, and it is the question that can't be answered by another for us, even though we often wish it could, and the question is, "What do I do now?" When it is asked of me, usually right in the midst of a deeply spiritual conversation about "following," I have to look away for a moment and swallow hard, because there is no satisfaction possible in that moment and nature of inquiry, and I am habitually a pleaser and want to give satisfaction. But in this case it is not mine to give. My life is a day-to-day walk through not being sure. How can I (and why should I) give others assurance that I don't have (or require) for myself, when what they are asking for is a taste of the freedom they see in my experience? The only answers I've found can be found in the above quotes.
1) Believing what you believe has plenty of room for doubt. Doubt does not deny what you believe; it enriches it.
2) Act on what you believe is true. Bring your spirit to life through loving action that assumes your beliefs are true.
3) Don't get lost in inaction when you doubt, hoping some evidence will show up - be the evidence - live the proof.
4) Be ready and willing to give all to what you believe, because the stronger it grows, the more it'll require of you.
5) Don't fake it; ask yourself the hard questions; ask God the even harder ones; be still in the silence, receive, act.
6) Reach out; put your hand into the Hand of God; let go of everything else, including your fear, and simply follow.
7) Not from above, but from me through my experience -
Stop expecting/seeking answers/clarity from others - they don't have it for you - go deep within yourself to live.
That way, what flows and reaches out of you will be Answers from Him, wrapped in the greatest Love there is, rather than the endless questions and needs for (and the inevitable disappointment and upset with) others.
___
Then my day ended last night with a message on 'Faith' when our Youth Pastor, James Rogers gave this powerful teaching, I began to write, trying to write every word; scribbling notes all over several sheets of paper in my disorganized way of laying it out and with my atrocious handwriting (of which sometimes I can't read my own!) and as I ran out of space wrote around the margins and back around the other side of the paper (some of you may understand). Then finally I thought I can do this and retype what I wrote if I do this right away. Then the answer came to me and I asked Pastor James for his notes, and so this will be a whole lot easier. The message was so profound that as I listened and scribbled, my spirit is saying 'yes, Yes, YES!! as I hear the Lord speaking to me all day long. Maybe not 24 hours, but it was at least 12 of it!!
Since this is even longer, over the next few days I will type this message from Pastor James' notes. He asked me to give needed credit, since some of his notes are from Youth Resource by Doug Fields.
(For the sake of space and time I am not always quoting verbatim.
You have to picture this, through the entire worship service, prayer and a youth skit, he is wearing a backpack. I figured it was part of the skit.
24: A Day With God
"'I see a lot of problems during 9 to 5 hours. So much so that, I'm just going to call it a general problem, a problem that I'm defining as a compartmentalized faith.' Compartmentalized Faith: describes a person who gives God priority some of the time but not all the time. A pick-and-choose type of Christianity, to pick to live a Christ-like life some times and to live a Christ-less life at other times. The contrast given was the analogy of when the lights are on or off, determines if they choose God's way or not. Another was the ad enticing people to Vegas with the slogan, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. Enticing cheating on spouses, gambling away your life savings, the contrast of living one way at home and another way in Vegas.''
In church we live one way as you are inspired to love and another way when we are not. As you leave the church it all about love as you get in the car. Thinking about picking up a hitchiker but he's wearing a hockey mask, (it was in the message) so you decide against it. Inspired to do extra volunteer work, mowing your neighbors lawn, grocery shop for a shut-in, you even return your shopping cart to the cart corral, because you feel lovely. It is a great faith filled day. "
Then Monday hits." That loving feeling is gone. With your agenda, ambition and pride you arrive in the marketplace.
There is no guilt trip hour that you have to spend with God. Whether morning person or night owl; "Just make some connection with God where you hold His hand before you leave the house".
Here are some action steps:
Shout It Out
In the morning say, "God, I love You, I want to be connected with You."
Feel It
Remember the shower and the water coming down as a reminder of God's love raining on you. Feel God's love. In the marketplace 20% of the people aren't going to like you and want to attack you. Build up this emotional and spiritual fortress by feeling God's love and being reminded of it. (I want to interject a memory of something the Lord showed me last year. Our faith that we receive is like standing in the shower with a rain coat on and a rain hat, take off the rain coat and the hat and receive all that He is showering on you)
Hide It
Take a little bit of God's word. Hide some of His word in your heart. We didn't say 45 minutes or 19 chapters, just try one minute if you're not doing it at all.
Say It
Hold God's hand and take Him throughout the day. Talk with Him, connect with Him.
Now here's the backpack as a representation/illustration of Faith, your connection and relationship with God. In the backpack are a megaphone (was a styrofoam cup) to shout your praises to God, 'God I love You, I want to walk with You'; a blanket, to feel His love; a Bible, God's word to hide in your heart; a coffee cup representing morning converstion with God. (yes, I honestly can say I need a jump start in the morning too!!)
Now the questions; with the analogy of the backpack being Faith. Where is your backpack? at home? Left at church? In the car? In the trunk out of sight? Do you take it off at work to get to business? The message is don't leave it, take it with you everywhere. 'This is Faith in action'.
Live your faith in Jesus. Don't walk your talk, walk His walk, God's walk. A sign of an invasion and change in Christ, is how we live and interact. Jesus said, 'You will know who My followers are.' Jesus didn't say by their bumper stickers, crosses they wear, Christian t-shirts, yard signs. You'll know them by how they love each other.' Matthew 7. Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced." God's Spirit in them produces fruitfulness.'"
_____
I love analogy and for some reason find myself not only using it often in my speech and writing, I am mesmerized by it in books and teachings which for me adds a depth of connection which gives 'real life' depiction. I love the analogy of the backpack because in real life it is something tangible and visual and in my spiritual walk I can make the choice (as you will see in the second part of this message) to keep it on and if it slips off, or I forget it, 'grace' says I can go back and pick it up, over and over again. This backpack will never wear out. And guess what? In this 24: A Day With God, 'this' backpack, it's lighter than a feather and lifts me higher and higher.
The message throughout my day was clear, 'Hold His Hand, Wrap yourself in the greatest love there is, Feel His love wrapped around you and raining on you...then use your 'Faith' to go out there and Walk in It, Share It.... It's Love In Action'.
Thank you Jim and James for listening and Sharing and Living In Action!
Ready for the World wearing my 'Faith' Backpack
Video & Song
'East to West' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M
Sunday
June 8, 2008 In His Image
In His Image
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Male and female, we are created in His own image. Generation after generation, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters every single one of us. Not one human since the beginning of time has not been created in His image.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Yesterday I ended my writing by saying, 'The Lord has it all under control.' and it should have ended 'all but us'. He does not control us. His perfect plan was to let us be free and live in freedom and be fruitful and increase in numbers. But something happened. Our freedom proved that we would make wrong choices and we choose to not be in His will or in His presence. We fall short every time.
I am not going where you think I am in looking at this once perfection of man and woman who fell short of His glory and became imperfect. I want to stay on the subject of being created 'in His own image'. That is again everyone of us. Do you believe this? Do you see this? Think about your answer for a moment.
Everyone has encountered many people, diverse in culture and race. How is your heart in judgment of those who have little or abundance, or country or color? Wars rise up as a result of the division and lack of compassion when the focus is off the man, woman and child created in His image. Then there is apathy and turning the head, and this occurs as well in all of the above. But the most obvious is in our own neighborhoods, maybe with a neighbor. Remember the Lord said, "Love you neighbor as yourself". Do you love yourself? And in most neighborhoods, there are the homeless. Here I am on my computer, and there you are reading this, and as I am and I can bet you are reading this in the comfort of your office, home or coffee shop. But not the homeless, and it doesn't matter the reason they are homeless, whether the chose to (and many years ago, as I rode the bus, there was a man that did, once a millionaire he chose to become homeless so his wife couldn't have anything, yep it's true, the person who told me this story pointed him out, he was a friend and would check on him from time to time) or they lost their jobs, or the system kicked them out of mental hospitals because they have no money. Who knows all the reasons why?
All over this sprawling city there are few facilities that offer shelter and hot meals to these men, women and families. Thank God for them and the ministries that help them. I see this everyday in my own neighborhoods. Sometimes I think how does he do it? Why does the property owners of this area let him stay? No one bothers him. He walks up and down Gessner and Kempwood with his life in a grocery cart, long beard, hat, long coat/s. You've seen him. Sometimes I'll ask myself 'where does he sleep?", then I'll see a pile of materials behind Chevron or Walgreens. He doesn't seem to bother anyone. It seems he has found his place. People obviously help him with food and drink. Even one day as I was pumping gas he walked by and I bought a bottle of cold water (thinking about, if you give a drink of water you do it for Me) I reached out to give it to him and he said 'no thank you, I have enough'. Think about that for a moment, it makes me want to cry 'enough'. Under all the hair you can see his face and eyes. He is made in His image.
So what was your answer?
Video & Song
'Every Man' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A7-mbBlwiqY&feature=related
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Male and female, we are created in His own image. Generation after generation, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters every single one of us. Not one human since the beginning of time has not been created in His image.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Yesterday I ended my writing by saying, 'The Lord has it all under control.' and it should have ended 'all but us'. He does not control us. His perfect plan was to let us be free and live in freedom and be fruitful and increase in numbers. But something happened. Our freedom proved that we would make wrong choices and we choose to not be in His will or in His presence. We fall short every time.
I am not going where you think I am in looking at this once perfection of man and woman who fell short of His glory and became imperfect. I want to stay on the subject of being created 'in His own image'. That is again everyone of us. Do you believe this? Do you see this? Think about your answer for a moment.
Everyone has encountered many people, diverse in culture and race. How is your heart in judgment of those who have little or abundance, or country or color? Wars rise up as a result of the division and lack of compassion when the focus is off the man, woman and child created in His image. Then there is apathy and turning the head, and this occurs as well in all of the above. But the most obvious is in our own neighborhoods, maybe with a neighbor. Remember the Lord said, "Love you neighbor as yourself". Do you love yourself? And in most neighborhoods, there are the homeless. Here I am on my computer, and there you are reading this, and as I am and I can bet you are reading this in the comfort of your office, home or coffee shop. But not the homeless, and it doesn't matter the reason they are homeless, whether the chose to (and many years ago, as I rode the bus, there was a man that did, once a millionaire he chose to become homeless so his wife couldn't have anything, yep it's true, the person who told me this story pointed him out, he was a friend and would check on him from time to time) or they lost their jobs, or the system kicked them out of mental hospitals because they have no money. Who knows all the reasons why?
All over this sprawling city there are few facilities that offer shelter and hot meals to these men, women and families. Thank God for them and the ministries that help them. I see this everyday in my own neighborhoods. Sometimes I think how does he do it? Why does the property owners of this area let him stay? No one bothers him. He walks up and down Gessner and Kempwood with his life in a grocery cart, long beard, hat, long coat/s. You've seen him. Sometimes I'll ask myself 'where does he sleep?", then I'll see a pile of materials behind Chevron or Walgreens. He doesn't seem to bother anyone. It seems he has found his place. People obviously help him with food and drink. Even one day as I was pumping gas he walked by and I bought a bottle of cold water (thinking about, if you give a drink of water you do it for Me) I reached out to give it to him and he said 'no thank you, I have enough'. Think about that for a moment, it makes me want to cry 'enough'. Under all the hair you can see his face and eyes. He is made in His image.
So what was your answer?
Video & Song
'Every Man' Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A7-mbBlwiqY&feature=related
Saturday
June 7, 2008 Focus
Focus
Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Do we find help in the hills? Where do we go? What do we do, run, hide? What will that accomplish, really? Can we control the universe and everything in it?
If we keep our eyes on worldly things, that is, every aspect of worldly things, they bring strife and fear in every aspect of our lives. Even terror for those who live in fear and unable to sleep within their own homes.
Can we grasp this kind of security, never worrying about a single thing? Can we wrap our minds around the greatness of our God? Our all loving God, watching us, not to harm us but to protect us, supply everthing needed for safety and security. He is saying to us, "Don't worry about a thing, I have the universe under control; I have all aspects of the weather under control, I have everything under control around you, both day and night; I will protect you both day and night; I will protect you from the harm of the sun by day and the moon by night; I have everything under control outside your home and in your home. Look to me and have comfort in me, I will protect you. Lift your eyes to Me and look to Me for your help. You will be steadfast in My presence, steady and sure, calm and peaceful, comforted and rested. Look to Me".
Keep your eyes on the Lord, you will not be moved by any circumstances that you walk into or that come your way.
That is what I call 'focusing' on what really matters! The Lord has it all under control.
(added later) Except one thing, He doesn't control us.
Video & Song
'I Will Lift My Eyes' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xMoDA5gTlNQ
Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Do we find help in the hills? Where do we go? What do we do, run, hide? What will that accomplish, really? Can we control the universe and everything in it?
If we keep our eyes on worldly things, that is, every aspect of worldly things, they bring strife and fear in every aspect of our lives. Even terror for those who live in fear and unable to sleep within their own homes.
Can we grasp this kind of security, never worrying about a single thing? Can we wrap our minds around the greatness of our God? Our all loving God, watching us, not to harm us but to protect us, supply everthing needed for safety and security. He is saying to us, "Don't worry about a thing, I have the universe under control; I have all aspects of the weather under control, I have everything under control around you, both day and night; I will protect you both day and night; I will protect you from the harm of the sun by day and the moon by night; I have everything under control outside your home and in your home. Look to me and have comfort in me, I will protect you. Lift your eyes to Me and look to Me for your help. You will be steadfast in My presence, steady and sure, calm and peaceful, comforted and rested. Look to Me".
Keep your eyes on the Lord, you will not be moved by any circumstances that you walk into or that come your way.
That is what I call 'focusing' on what really matters! The Lord has it all under control.
(added later) Except one thing, He doesn't control us.
Video & Song
'I Will Lift My Eyes' Bebo Norman
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xMoDA5gTlNQ
Friday
June 6, 2008 Like An Eagle
Like An Eagle
His yoke is easy and is burden is light. He lifts us up, we are redeemed and set free.
Psalm 103:1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Although poets sing praises of the apparently effortless soaring and gliding of bald eagles, in fact their flight may be awkward and exhausting. Because of their size, eagles need optimal flying conditions to display true elegance. Optimal conditions include enough wide-open space (unhampered by trees or branches), a high take-off point, and good wind conditions. Eagles depend on large masses of warm air called thermals to soar and glide gracefully. The rising air lifts the birds to great heights. When winds pass over hills and mountains, an updraft of air is created along the windward sides. This upward sweep of wind works with the eagle's wing size and span to keep the eagle aloft. ____ Eagle Biology; Structure & Anatomy
http://www.eagles.org/vueaglewebcs/bio_str_anat.htm
May you find wide open spaces to glide gracefully when you are feeling awkward and exhausted;
May you rise up to greater heights and fly over mountains;
May you find His high take-off point;
May you soar with the Son over you and the wind of His Spirit under your wings;
May you find rest;
May you be healed and renewed;
May you find new youthful strength.
(Photos were emailed; the comparison were photos of a wooden oxen's yoke and a the wing span of an eagle in flight)
See any similarity? See the difference? We will mount up with wings like eagles, put on His yoke learn from Him. His yoke is light, with it you can soar.
Video & Song
'Everlasting God' Lincoln Brewster
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM
His yoke is easy and is burden is light. He lifts us up, we are redeemed and set free.
Psalm 103:1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Although poets sing praises of the apparently effortless soaring and gliding of bald eagles, in fact their flight may be awkward and exhausting. Because of their size, eagles need optimal flying conditions to display true elegance. Optimal conditions include enough wide-open space (unhampered by trees or branches), a high take-off point, and good wind conditions. Eagles depend on large masses of warm air called thermals to soar and glide gracefully. The rising air lifts the birds to great heights. When winds pass over hills and mountains, an updraft of air is created along the windward sides. This upward sweep of wind works with the eagle's wing size and span to keep the eagle aloft. ____ Eagle Biology; Structure & Anatomy
http://www.eagles.org/vueaglewebcs/bio_str_anat.htm
May you find wide open spaces to glide gracefully when you are feeling awkward and exhausted;
May you rise up to greater heights and fly over mountains;
May you find His high take-off point;
May you soar with the Son over you and the wind of His Spirit under your wings;
May you find rest;
May you be healed and renewed;
May you find new youthful strength.
(Photos were emailed; the comparison were photos of a wooden oxen's yoke and a the wing span of an eagle in flight)
See any similarity? See the difference? We will mount up with wings like eagles, put on His yoke learn from Him. His yoke is light, with it you can soar.
Video & Song
'Everlasting God' Lincoln Brewster
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM
Thursday
June 5, 2008 Be Still
"I want you and desire you; and you want Me and desire Me and even when you don't want Me or desire Me, I want you and desire you."
Can you even begin to imagine in this life that even when you don't desire Him, He still desires you? This is not to be compared with this world's obsession and control. This is a gentleness that sweeps our heart and soul. A Lord who stands with us but never intrudes. If I said it once before it is worth repeating because it is important that we don't mistaken the love of Jesus for any earthly example of love. There is not one person who ever lived on the face of the earth that is or was this example of love other than Jesus Christ Himself, God made flesh.
His desire is for us. I just can't get Him out of my mind (or should I say heart), if we are in communion with Him, He is in us and it is because of His profound, transcending, indescribable love for us. Can we grasp this, even a little?
Stop and be still just for a few minutes, block out everything around you, all the noise and just listen. Listen. You will hear His voice, ask Him anything, then be still and listen. His voice is always gentle, always kind, always loving, always reminding us who He is and telling us His name so we know it's Him. Do you hear Him? If not, the purpose of the 'prayer closet' is to find a place where this can happen. We must stop talking and additionally, not to forget, we must stop thinking about anything else but listening to His voice, in order to hear Him. After all the praying and asking and crying out, in order to hear Him, we must be still and listen. And after all the praying and asking and crying out, be still. And I need to add you must turn off everything, the TV, the phone, the stereo, the music; find a place (alone) where there is no outside noise. His voice is soft and in the stillness. If you want to hear Him you must be still.
You will hear His voice and learn His voice in His Word. Read it that it becomes meat for you. Every Word written from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation is about His everlasting love, His steadfast love. Consider His chosen people Israel. His love for them is beautiful beyond words. Even in the midst of their rejection of Him, He loved them and waited patiently and when they cried out to Him, you will not find one time that He didn't 'turn His face towards them', He loves His people. Notice I say that in present tense. His love for Israel and His people has not stopped. The Lord made a covenant with them and His covenant will never be broken, never. His love for His people, and us, who have been adopted, will never be broken, never.
You will hear His voice and you will never forget it. You will want to listen to Him more and forget all that is around you to have Him more. Because when you find His voice in your heart you will never be the same, you will know that He wants you and desires you and understand why He wants and desires you even when you don't want and desire Him.
Song of Solomon 710 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. ___NIV
And I like this version's description of the 'prayer closet'
Matthew 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. ____ The Message
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DlUN-TEP7gw&feature=related
Can you even begin to imagine in this life that even when you don't desire Him, He still desires you? This is not to be compared with this world's obsession and control. This is a gentleness that sweeps our heart and soul. A Lord who stands with us but never intrudes. If I said it once before it is worth repeating because it is important that we don't mistaken the love of Jesus for any earthly example of love. There is not one person who ever lived on the face of the earth that is or was this example of love other than Jesus Christ Himself, God made flesh.
His desire is for us. I just can't get Him out of my mind (or should I say heart), if we are in communion with Him, He is in us and it is because of His profound, transcending, indescribable love for us. Can we grasp this, even a little?
Stop and be still just for a few minutes, block out everything around you, all the noise and just listen. Listen. You will hear His voice, ask Him anything, then be still and listen. His voice is always gentle, always kind, always loving, always reminding us who He is and telling us His name so we know it's Him. Do you hear Him? If not, the purpose of the 'prayer closet' is to find a place where this can happen. We must stop talking and additionally, not to forget, we must stop thinking about anything else but listening to His voice, in order to hear Him. After all the praying and asking and crying out, in order to hear Him, we must be still and listen. And after all the praying and asking and crying out, be still. And I need to add you must turn off everything, the TV, the phone, the stereo, the music; find a place (alone) where there is no outside noise. His voice is soft and in the stillness. If you want to hear Him you must be still.
You will hear His voice and learn His voice in His Word. Read it that it becomes meat for you. Every Word written from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation is about His everlasting love, His steadfast love. Consider His chosen people Israel. His love for them is beautiful beyond words. Even in the midst of their rejection of Him, He loved them and waited patiently and when they cried out to Him, you will not find one time that He didn't 'turn His face towards them', He loves His people. Notice I say that in present tense. His love for Israel and His people has not stopped. The Lord made a covenant with them and His covenant will never be broken, never. His love for His people, and us, who have been adopted, will never be broken, never.
You will hear His voice and you will never forget it. You will want to listen to Him more and forget all that is around you to have Him more. Because when you find His voice in your heart you will never be the same, you will know that He wants you and desires you and understand why He wants and desires you even when you don't want and desire Him.
Song of Solomon 710 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. ___NIV
And I like this version's description of the 'prayer closet'
Matthew 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. ____ The Message
Video & Song
'Still' Hillsong
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DlUN-TEP7gw&feature=related
Wednesday
June 4, 2008 Your Sister
Your Sister
2 John 1:3 3 "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love."
2 John 1:12 "I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister send their greetings."
"Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow." Benjamin Disraeli
"Of two sisters one is always the watcher, one the dancer." Louise Glück
I do have much to write to you and though this is not paper and ink and on the www. it is the same. When I see you face to face our joy is complete; in connecting with our spirits both apart and together; in our thoughts we believe and pray and seek answers day after day for His direction for each other; we hold each other in prayers and physically in times of need and sorrow and great joy. We believe and rejoice and dance together before Him; with Jesus the author of our faith, the One who justifies us; He is with us and we are with Him singing and dancing a beautiful dance together.
I think of nostalgic photos of young sisters and brothers on swings and sitting with their arms around each other in precious childlike love and acceptance. I think about how over time they (we) are hurt in so many ways. What was once innocent and pure is now desperate to find that pure love, unconditional love and compassion.
I do have much to write to you. It will always be about that precious, pure, unconditional love and compassion that I know, experience, understand and desire more and more each and every day. I write about Jesus.
This song brings back memories of love. Thinking about the pure love of
my sister Annette when we were 'younger'. As she would sing this sometimes all day long.
And I invite you Annette to do it again, because it was beautiful and I
still remember. And in front of all of cyberspace I ask you to forgive me for
being irritated that you wouldn't stop. You have a beautiful voice.
(You didn't think I remembered, did you?)
Sing, Sister, Sing!!
Video & Song
'Bless The Beasts & The Children' The Carpenters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Ilw4Kj8xI
2 John 1:3 3 "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love."
2 John 1:12 "I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister send their greetings."
"Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow." Benjamin Disraeli
"Of two sisters one is always the watcher, one the dancer." Louise Glück
I do have much to write to you and though this is not paper and ink and on the www. it is the same. When I see you face to face our joy is complete; in connecting with our spirits both apart and together; in our thoughts we believe and pray and seek answers day after day for His direction for each other; we hold each other in prayers and physically in times of need and sorrow and great joy. We believe and rejoice and dance together before Him; with Jesus the author of our faith, the One who justifies us; He is with us and we are with Him singing and dancing a beautiful dance together.
I think of nostalgic photos of young sisters and brothers on swings and sitting with their arms around each other in precious childlike love and acceptance. I think about how over time they (we) are hurt in so many ways. What was once innocent and pure is now desperate to find that pure love, unconditional love and compassion.
I do have much to write to you. It will always be about that precious, pure, unconditional love and compassion that I know, experience, understand and desire more and more each and every day. I write about Jesus.
This song brings back memories of love. Thinking about the pure love of
my sister Annette when we were 'younger'. As she would sing this sometimes all day long.
And I invite you Annette to do it again, because it was beautiful and I
still remember. And in front of all of cyberspace I ask you to forgive me for
being irritated that you wouldn't stop. You have a beautiful voice.
(You didn't think I remembered, did you?)
Sing, Sister, Sing!!
Video & Song
'Bless The Beasts & The Children' The Carpenters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Ilw4Kj8xI
Tuesday
June 3, 2008, No One Will Miss It
No One Will Miss It
Matthew 24:30 "Then, the Arrival of the Son of Man! It will fill the skies - no one will miss it. Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven"__The Message
Back in November of '06 a precious brother emailed this excerpt from Max Lucado's book. It seems as though, without looking, I may be repeating this entry from early in the year. Maybe I'm hoping and wanting. It had such an impact on me I didn't delete it and will remember it and read it from time to time. There is no doubt that the experience when we see Him face to face will not be described in our present language or words. Where we see Him in our 'new birth' into heaven or we see Him 'blazing out of heaven', I can only imagine. I will be speechless and in awe and on my face trembling until He lifts me up to wipe my tears from my face. WOW!!
Here's a visual that ought to stay with you!
WHEN CHRIST COMES - - - by Max Lucado"You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air.
The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets?
You don't know, but you want to know.So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color spiking crystals of every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.North. South. East. West.
Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, Holy, Holy. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: Holy, Holy, Holy. Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus. You don't know why you say the words, but you know you must.Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is.Jesus.Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: I am the Alpha and the Omega. The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters.
Forget stock markets and school reports.
Sales meetings and football games.
Nothing is newsworthy..
All that mattered, matters no more.... for Christ has come."
__________
I can only imagine, until that day comes, when I see Him face to face.
This entire entry came out of my thoughts of missing Him as He walks by, now. Even as we desire His return, don't miss Him and experience Him now. And for now we have been called to work in the harvest for Him.
Video & Song
'I Can Only Imagine' Mercy Me
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2FS5GYvg6uU&feature=related
I need to clear my eyes to see where I'm going after watching this.
Matthew 24:30 "Then, the Arrival of the Son of Man! It will fill the skies - no one will miss it. Unready people all over the world, outsiders to the splendor and power, will raise a huge lament as they watch the Son of Man blazing out of heaven"__The Message
Back in November of '06 a precious brother emailed this excerpt from Max Lucado's book. It seems as though, without looking, I may be repeating this entry from early in the year. Maybe I'm hoping and wanting. It had such an impact on me I didn't delete it and will remember it and read it from time to time. There is no doubt that the experience when we see Him face to face will not be described in our present language or words. Where we see Him in our 'new birth' into heaven or we see Him 'blazing out of heaven', I can only imagine. I will be speechless and in awe and on my face trembling until He lifts me up to wipe my tears from my face. WOW!!
Here's a visual that ought to stay with you!
WHEN CHRIST COMES - - - by Max Lucado"You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air.
The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets?
You don't know, but you want to know.So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color spiking crystals of every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.North. South. East. West.
Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, Holy, Holy. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: Holy, Holy, Holy. Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus. You don't know why you say the words, but you know you must.Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is.Jesus.Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: I am the Alpha and the Omega. The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters.
Forget stock markets and school reports.
Sales meetings and football games.
Nothing is newsworthy..
All that mattered, matters no more.... for Christ has come."
__________
I can only imagine, until that day comes, when I see Him face to face.
This entire entry came out of my thoughts of missing Him as He walks by, now. Even as we desire His return, don't miss Him and experience Him now. And for now we have been called to work in the harvest for Him.
Video & Song
'I Can Only Imagine' Mercy Me
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2FS5GYvg6uU&feature=related
I need to clear my eyes to see where I'm going after watching this.
Monday
June 2, 2008 Love Revealed
Love Revealed
Love prevails. What is done in secret will be revealed because love prevails. What is in the heart that hurts, destroys and hates will be revealed because love prevails. What is thought comes from the heart. What is spoken comes from the heart. Love always wins, endures until the end and forever. Love always wins and overcomes evil. Love always resists evil.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
If our heart is dark there is no secret, it is revealed in the face of love. If our heart is loving there is no secret, it is revealed. Our actions and our words to each other and about each other reveal our heart. There are no secrets because love reveals.
Nothing more for me to say, except I pray that our hearts would be in communion with each other. Yes, that we would be of One Spirit in Him, loving each other as we love ourselves and honor each other above ourselves. We don't need to wait for heaven to find that love, it is here now. Love is revealed now and will be forever.
Another version of yesterday's video & song..so heart felt.
'I Will Be Your Friend' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cO5Gf_A00tI&feature=related
Love prevails. What is done in secret will be revealed because love prevails. What is in the heart that hurts, destroys and hates will be revealed because love prevails. What is thought comes from the heart. What is spoken comes from the heart. Love always wins, endures until the end and forever. Love always wins and overcomes evil. Love always resists evil.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
If our heart is dark there is no secret, it is revealed in the face of love. If our heart is loving there is no secret, it is revealed. Our actions and our words to each other and about each other reveal our heart. There are no secrets because love reveals.
Nothing more for me to say, except I pray that our hearts would be in communion with each other. Yes, that we would be of One Spirit in Him, loving each other as we love ourselves and honor each other above ourselves. We don't need to wait for heaven to find that love, it is here now. Love is revealed now and will be forever.
Another version of yesterday's video & song..so heart felt.
'I Will Be Your Friend' Michael W. Smith
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cO5Gf_A00tI&feature=related
Sunday
June 1, 2008, Thank You
Thank You
It is time, I woke up this morning with a grateful heart. It is time for me to give thanks to God for all of you. Those of you in my life who touch my heart day after day. Those of you who are examples of His Great Love everywhere, everyday, every minute in every hour. I do pray for you every time you come to my mind believing we are in communion with each other and God wants us to stay in communion by our spirits. There is never separation in our spirits.
The word Thank You, 'efkaristos', Greek origin is Eucharist. Every time you say 'thank you', you are in communion with the one to whom you speak.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -- Albert Schweitzer
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers 3 as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. 4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.
Thank you for being my angel.
Video & Song
'I Will Be Your Friend'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BWFt_64_jOQ&feature=related
It is time, I woke up this morning with a grateful heart. It is time for me to give thanks to God for all of you. Those of you in my life who touch my heart day after day. Those of you who are examples of His Great Love everywhere, everyday, every minute in every hour. I do pray for you every time you come to my mind believing we are in communion with each other and God wants us to stay in communion by our spirits. There is never separation in our spirits.
The word Thank You, 'efkaristos', Greek origin is Eucharist. Every time you say 'thank you', you are in communion with the one to whom you speak.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -- Albert Schweitzer
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers 3 as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. 4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.
Thank you for being my angel.
Video & Song
'I Will Be Your Friend'
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BWFt_64_jOQ&feature=related
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