August 7, 2008 Slow Down

Slow Down

James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? 13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

So, we focus on money and buying and work and business dealings, for what? Isn't it enough to focus on the One who knows everything we need for life? Isn't it enough to walk day after day serving and loving each other full time? What a wonderful calling? No matter where you are, to see your work as a calling to love and serve. This includes within work, business and more important, family.

There are no exceptions to the order of our life's call. God first, family second and ministry third. If this is scrambled in another order (Oh well if you come here you'll see the rest) when you ask, you cannot expect it to be given to you.

I started not to copy the entire chapter of James and it then came to me our whole focus determines outcome. We are called to seek God first above all things. We cannot 'fall short' here. It is not by works, it is by the heart we serve Him and in following His lead, we serve each other. When we don't do this and know that we should, we do 'fall short' of His complete and perfect will for our lives.

I am learning everyday, as I search and know what I should do and He knows my needs.

And another thing I am learning is to Bless the Lord regardless of what comes at me. And this morning it is my computer, or Explorer and then Firefox or both (that means slow!!). Oh well!Even my computer is showing me how to 'slow' down!

This is Your Day Lord, I give it to you, to be more open and aware of those around me. To really see and feel their heart as they search for Truth to be set free.

Off we go and it's still morning...unbelievable...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/478332550_9d533b6c19.jpg?v=0



Video & Song
'Blessed Be Your Name' Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qp11X6LKYY&NR=1

August 6, 2008 An Answer

An Answer

Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Wow, this hits me squarely this morning. Understanding that I don't have answers and won't until that glorious day. I can understand why so many praise and worship songs are about 'that glorious day'. There is a goal, where there will be a prize, a crown to lay at His feet.

As I live now, my ongoing work is to look for Jesus and love in everyone. It is a gift. I must never forget this glorious gift of great sacrifice. It will bring tears to you and me. What sacrifice beyond comprehension!

I have no answers, other than give this answer, there has never been an expression of love as this, ever, and never will be again.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 12:2 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.

One day we will know fully. Until then we press on, our minds being transformed in this life, our bodies being transformed in the next.

There is no fear, only love....

http://www.ucf.org/aboutgod/jesus_flare.jpg

Video & Song
'Wonderful Cross' Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9oIJUK8QLA&feature=related

August 5, 2008 Deliverance Within Inevitable Trouble

Deliverance Within Inevitable Trouble

W are always in fellowship with each other, a wonderful communion that cannot be broken. Not even storms can stop the flow of love and prayers with each other.

When our eyes stay on the Lord, right in the middle of the storm, we are safe in the center, in the eye, as He watches us always and knows our heart's cry. As the storm passes over us, He covers us with His Wings. We do find safety in the secret place of the Most High.

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 61:4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

This was sent by Jim Spivey in his blog this morning and it's so timely...or at least for me as a reminder.

An average view of the 'good' Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble. That is dead wrong. It is actually deliverance within inevitable trouble, which is very different. 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, there (and only there) shall no evil befall thee - no plague can come nigh the place where you are at one with God.' If you are a child of God, there certainly will be troubles aplenty to meet and deal with, but Jesus says do not be surprised or overly concerned when they come. God does not give us the 'overcoming of life'; He gives us 'life as we overcome.' The terrible strain is the source of the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you will accept the full strain. Immediately when you face the strain without 'getting stuck in' complaint, you will get the strength, and it will be infused with humility. Overcome your own timidity and take the bold next step, and God will give you to eat of the tree of life, and you will get nourishment. If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. And God never gives strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. The temptation is to face difficulties from a 'common-sense' standpoint. The good saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible for anyone but God." -- Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest"

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." -- John 16:33

"Life is not the wick or the candle; it is the burning."

The world is burning - it seems insanely so. We will all get burned - it is unavoidable and there is no escape. The most important question becomes: Will you see the burning as a terrible inconvenience and a problem to be solved - with ample reason to hate or hide or hold it as someone else's fault - or will you see it as a chance to learn and grow and love more. We are actually formed and shaped in this fire. What form will you take after being crushed, a better, stronger, tougher version of the you that existed before it happened, through your own vengeful recovery efforts, or a more pliant and useful vessel in God's hands, through His compassionate, loving, reforming efforts? ____ Jim Spivey

http://static.flickr.com/1360/983049758_cbe71b14e4.jpg
Titled 'Light in the Storm'
Amazing how it all becomes so clear.

Video & Song
'I Will Lift My Eyes' Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAHfi4jgc3g&feature=related

August 4, 2008 Light in Darkness

Light in Darkness

Transparent; having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen.

2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

We can be lights in darkness; lights of hope to those who have lost hope; lights to those who are blinded by gods of this age. It is not our place to knock them off their horse, only to carry the light.

We have the opportunity to be transparent, letting His light shine 'through' us so that others 'beyond' may be 'distinctly' seen in His Light.

His light is our treasure.

Video & Song
'Marvelous Light' Charlie Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oA2ka7tnh8

August 3, 2008 Perspective

Perspective

If I choose to allow my heart to be changed to see and love with the Lord's love that He has shown me I am operating and filtering all external situations through His love; if I am operating and filtering all external situations or circumstances through conscious or unconscious negative experiences then I am operating in fear and not in love.

Each of us are responsible for each other in that we are our brother's keeper, but that has nothing to do with controlling them or demanding change of them. We watch after each other to see that needs are met and consciously make sure our responsibility and nature to give is of a pure heart. We weigh and judge ourselves before God. If others are unable to do so (yet), we love them anyway and let God hold them in His perfect loving way, which we will never be able to duplicate.

How can we neglect, abuse, criticize, hate, abandon, ignore, back bite, ourselves? Some do, now you may be able to see them more lovingly when they do. They do because they are crying for pure unconditional love.

Paul says it beautifully after looking at his self righteousness; Philippians 3:12 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13 Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. 14 I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet! 16 Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. __The Message

Then more revelation comes to show me the correct perspective as I see this article.

'To help me keep my eyes and my heart totally on You Lord, and off others and circumstances.

'You are unique! God has not called anyone else to do exactly what you do. Find out who you are and forget about what anybody else thinks. God is not comparing you to another person. You do not have to compete with anyone or be compared to anyone. Just do what He has asked you to do.That is running in your lane. Do not run in somebody else’s lane. Now you can certainly learn from others, but you don’t want to copy them. You were born an original; you don’t want to die a copy. Determine God’s unique design for your life and run in the lane of that design. That is when you will know satisfaction, blessing, and contentment.' Crosswalk, Bayless Conley

And before signing off, to my awesome son Jesse, our blessing from God!!
Happy 25th Birthday!! Have the best, blessed day of your life!

http://www.jsu.edu/news/july_dec2004/ted-white-040327-Orange-Beach-016.jpg

Video & Song
'Hosanna' Paul Baloche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZoDH2H1Ls

August 2, 2008 Come

Come

'Come in your dishabille. I mean, come to your heavenly Father in all your sin and sinfulness. Come to Jesus just as you are, leprous, filthy, naked, neither fit to live nor fit to die. Come, you that are the very sweepings of creation; come, though you hardly dare to hope for anything but death. Come though despair is brooding over you, pressing upon your bosom like a horrible nightmare. Come and ask the Lord to justify another ungodly one. Why should he not? Come along with you; for the great mercy of God is meant for such as you are. I put it in the language of the text and I cannot put it more strongly; the Lord God himself takes to himself the gracious title, "Him that justifieth the ungodly.' He makes just and causes to be treated as just, those who by nature are ungodly. Is not that a wonderful word for you? Reader, do not rise from your seat till you have well considered this matter.' ____ All of Grace, C. H. Spurgeon

Romans 4: 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." NIV

As long as I remember who I am in perspective to who He is, I am able to see. Once 'me' begins to rise up and I forget where I came from, I am blinded. If I remember that He is high and lifted up and that my lifetime is like a ladder, one step at a time until I am completely with Him; I started at the bottom, I have the perspective I need to keep. As long as I remember I can fall off the ladder and be on the bottom again; as long as I am keeping my eyes on Who is at the top of the ladder, but never thinking that I am higher up, that the bottom is always there, as the top, my perspective is somewhere in the middle and I can see both; on the Lord above and where I came from.

He justifies us. It is by grace that we are saved; not by works.

If I hang on for my 'life', in the middle of the ladder, I am in the right place and will not boast from the perspective of my previous step.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

http://static.flickr.com/78/204156897_803a45b249.jpg

Two today..I like these both.

http://static.flickr.com/121/270200876_9b8c14177a.jpg


Video & Song
'Grace' Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRXDsbRQNlA&feature=related

August 1, 2008 Oil of Gladness

Oil of Gladness

I woke up thinking about 'oil of gladness'.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the answer for our captivity, our deprivation, our mourning, grieving and despair. As when the oil ran down Aaron's beard (Leviticus 8) and his face shined from the oil, I'm sure he was smiling with gladness. Gladness from the Lord as He brought and does bring us oil of gladness to wipe away every pain-filled tear (even in this life). He gives us a beautiful covering over our head as His bride, so beautiful that David wrote a song about it; our communion with each other. When we live in unity, it is like this oil....gladness.

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.


We are like oak trees in the forest, basking and dripping in His splendor.

http://static.flickr.com/59/168731940_ee2d0e2081.jpg


Video & Song
Can't find the song on my heart...by NewSong,
this is meant to be. this is so beautiful.

'This One's For Me' NewSong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYp8bhI8Cvc