Psalm 100:1-5 (NLT)
1 Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Good Morning Father,
Thinking about my son Stephen, turning 21 year's old and how much as a mom I love him. A desire for his life to be full of all that is good and perfect. Reflecting that as an earthly parent who desires so much for my sons how much greater is your love and your delight. There is something wonderful about making others feel special and set apart. That has been your longing for each of your children from the beginning of time. You created everything for our enjoyment. I can only imagine the garden of Eden and all its perfections. The weather never too cold or too hot, the flowers and trees in all their glory caused no one to sneeze or have an allergic reactions. The stars danced in the moon light, the birds sang in harmony, the animals played together freely...no foe!
My mind so limited, still I stretch my imagination as far as I can and still know I have not come close to its perfections. The garden most certainly was perfect, which means Heaven is beyond the human realm of comprehension. Our soul does know, but in our flesh we can only imagine. Loving you this morning, shouting for joy, worshiping with gladness, coming before you with singing. I am but one of the sheep of your pasture. Entering the gates with thanksgiving, entering your courts with praise. Giving thanks to you alone. Declaring you are good and your unfailing love continues forever. With a promise that this faithfulness will continue to the next generation!
For the record, I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me-- remains one of my playlist favorites!
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
WE GOT IT!
Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD.
After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD. Genesis 13:8-18 (NLT)
Good Morning,
This story of a family dispute, which led to the parting of ways finds its way back to my remembrance. Is it because I am a daughter of Abraham, one of the descendants too numerous to count. To be one in the crowd, and yet known.(ponder this) Abraham granted his nephew the option of the best land. Lot, took full advantage of that offer and chose what he believed was the best land. Think about it, the elder surrendered to the younger; should not the younger surrender to the elder. Whatever the dynamics in any given culture-- this is what I know... Nothing is blessed unless God blesses it! Lot chose what looked blessed which ultimately led to his destruction, Abraham accepted what was left and the land flourished and was blessed and so was Abraham.
Every heart reveals itself for what it is, Abraham's heart was revealed and God continually blessed him, no good thing would he withhold from Abraham. Once again, Abraham revealed his true heart. He was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience, he so believed and trusted God that whatever the outcome-- it would be Good! The kind of abandoned faith that many seek after.
But, Abraham wasn't seeking faith, he was simply faithful with each situation that presented itself. His assurance was a trust in the one that holds the whole world in HIS hands. Isn't that enough to obey and follow. To always be about seeking after the Creator and not the created things.
This practice leads to blessings...We are a blessed people when we get this and then walk like, live like, love like... WE GOT IT!
Saturday, February 25, 2017
dressed...
Good Morning Father,
Mark 1:35-41 (NKJV)
Now in the morning,... He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. ...Then Jesus, moved with compassion...
Never underestimating the need for a solitary place, a time to be still before you in preparation for what's ahead. There will always be something ahead. Last evening, I was blessed with an evening dinner and a concert with an old friend from my college days, even though we haven't seen each other in years, there was no awkward gap between us. It was wonderful catching up on things. Sharing about our family and work. She ask me about my work in the ministry, identifying with the demands, the feeling of never being off. I understood; I knew what she was referencing, but I shared with her my commitment to not begin the day unprepared. That when I leave for the day, I must be dressed!
Dressed in every way; mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically... The above verses reminding me of the example of my Savior. He knew the need to retreat to a solitary place to pray before encountering the multitudes, the people, the demands of the day.
Prepared for the multitude...moved with compassion, that's the blessing of being dressed and prepared. Lord, please keep dressing me for what's ahead, I know you go before me, beside me, behind me, I know I'm covered. Many reflect on where this mysterious assurances comes from; honestly, I cannot fully put into words this confidence we have in Christ, for an unbeliever-- it just doesn't make sense, but once they are given to believe, they will see. The flood gates opening, the light piecing through the darkness, the scales falling from the eyes, what was a faint white noise, becoming crystal clear, an audible inward knowing, revealing the most beautiful truth, truth wrapped in unspeakable love and joy. Resonating with the song by Mercy Me, a version of it song at the concert last night, my friend and I sharing the love of the words of this song... "I can only imagine" One can only imagine, oh that all would one day see!
Mark 1:35-41 (NKJV)
Now in the morning,... He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. ...Then Jesus, moved with compassion...
Never underestimating the need for a solitary place, a time to be still before you in preparation for what's ahead. There will always be something ahead. Last evening, I was blessed with an evening dinner and a concert with an old friend from my college days, even though we haven't seen each other in years, there was no awkward gap between us. It was wonderful catching up on things. Sharing about our family and work. She ask me about my work in the ministry, identifying with the demands, the feeling of never being off. I understood; I knew what she was referencing, but I shared with her my commitment to not begin the day unprepared. That when I leave for the day, I must be dressed!
Dressed in every way; mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically... The above verses reminding me of the example of my Savior. He knew the need to retreat to a solitary place to pray before encountering the multitudes, the people, the demands of the day.
Prepared for the multitude...moved with compassion, that's the blessing of being dressed and prepared. Lord, please keep dressing me for what's ahead, I know you go before me, beside me, behind me, I know I'm covered. Many reflect on where this mysterious assurances comes from; honestly, I cannot fully put into words this confidence we have in Christ, for an unbeliever-- it just doesn't make sense, but once they are given to believe, they will see. The flood gates opening, the light piecing through the darkness, the scales falling from the eyes, what was a faint white noise, becoming crystal clear, an audible inward knowing, revealing the most beautiful truth, truth wrapped in unspeakable love and joy. Resonating with the song by Mercy Me, a version of it song at the concert last night, my friend and I sharing the love of the words of this song... "I can only imagine" One can only imagine, oh that all would one day see!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
goose bumps...
Genesis 18:14 (NLT)
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD?...”
Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (I get goose bumps every time I read these verses)
Good Morning,
Bible scholars reference the above verses as one of the "mountain peaks". On this mountain, we can rest all our cares and fears. Is anything to hard for God, is anything impossible? We know the answer is NO! That should rest every case! As for me, Today, I rest a case HERE once again! I say once again, because the humanity in us, makes us inwardly debate the answer to the question again and again...
The assurance is that our Father does not rebuke us for this life long pursuit of understanding. Truth be told; for as long as man has breathe, he will wondered, "how is this thing going to work out for me" Whatever "this thing" may be. Yes, we have seen how our cares and fears worked together for our good and not our destruction in the past, but that does not seem to be quite enough to face the care of the DAY!
No surprise here, I suppose that's why we were given this timeless prayer..."Our Father, which is in heaven, hallow be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." A simple daily shift in power... AMEN!...
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD?...”
Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (I get goose bumps every time I read these verses)
Good Morning,
Bible scholars reference the above verses as one of the "mountain peaks". On this mountain, we can rest all our cares and fears. Is anything to hard for God, is anything impossible? We know the answer is NO! That should rest every case! As for me, Today, I rest a case HERE once again! I say once again, because the humanity in us, makes us inwardly debate the answer to the question again and again...
The assurance is that our Father does not rebuke us for this life long pursuit of understanding. Truth be told; for as long as man has breathe, he will wondered, "how is this thing going to work out for me" Whatever "this thing" may be. Yes, we have seen how our cares and fears worked together for our good and not our destruction in the past, but that does not seem to be quite enough to face the care of the DAY!
No surprise here, I suppose that's why we were given this timeless prayer..."Our Father, which is in heaven, hallow be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." A simple daily shift in power... AMEN!...
Casting Crowns in my playlist... "THRIVE"
Joy unspeakable...
Faith unsinkable...
Love unstoppable...
We were made to THRIVE!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
x factors...
Good Morning,
Yesterday, I couldn't seem to get myself motivated. I woke up-- only to return to bed within a couple of hours. Not motivated for much of anything, sadness and depression were pressing in from unfamiliar places. I allowed myself to succumb to the nothingness I was feeling. Thankfully, I had an engagement to attend a birthday dinner celebration for one of my brothers. Within minutes of the company of friends and families, my countenance begin to shift. Engaging in small talk while we waited to be seated. Someone made mentioned of the weather, it has been raining for several weeks now... she said, "I'm ready for the rain to end, this rain is making me sad". It was like a light bulb was turned on, I too had been affected by the gloomy, cloudy rainy days. Personally, I love the rain---but too much rain-- makes the brightness of the sun absent and both are very much needed.
The truth is, external factors weigh in on many things. External factors can make a good day bad, or a bad day good. External factors can make one sad, or make one happy. External factors can make us feel like failures or successes. External factors can give life or take life. This is the thing, the power is not in the "external factor" itself, the power is not knowing how these "X FACTORS" affect us! Once I understood why I was feeling so sad, the sadness went away, it was like I received a Big Dose of Vitamin D!
Clearly, there is a war raging inside and outside each and every person on any given day. Passivity will not cut it, we must be actively aggressive in all matters of our lives. When something unfamiliar creeps into our countenance, saps our sense of well-being, we must actively pursue the source. If we can't do it for ourselves; prayerfully, someone around us, someone near that does not need an invitation... can recognize the "funkiness" and give us a much needed dose of reality...with a boost of Vitamin G of course!
This my friends is why we don't want to "do life alone" We need each other!
Yesterday, I couldn't seem to get myself motivated. I woke up-- only to return to bed within a couple of hours. Not motivated for much of anything, sadness and depression were pressing in from unfamiliar places. I allowed myself to succumb to the nothingness I was feeling. Thankfully, I had an engagement to attend a birthday dinner celebration for one of my brothers. Within minutes of the company of friends and families, my countenance begin to shift. Engaging in small talk while we waited to be seated. Someone made mentioned of the weather, it has been raining for several weeks now... she said, "I'm ready for the rain to end, this rain is making me sad". It was like a light bulb was turned on, I too had been affected by the gloomy, cloudy rainy days. Personally, I love the rain---but too much rain-- makes the brightness of the sun absent and both are very much needed.
The truth is, external factors weigh in on many things. External factors can make a good day bad, or a bad day good. External factors can make one sad, or make one happy. External factors can make us feel like failures or successes. External factors can give life or take life. This is the thing, the power is not in the "external factor" itself, the power is not knowing how these "X FACTORS" affect us! Once I understood why I was feeling so sad, the sadness went away, it was like I received a Big Dose of Vitamin D!
Clearly, there is a war raging inside and outside each and every person on any given day. Passivity will not cut it, we must be actively aggressive in all matters of our lives. When something unfamiliar creeps into our countenance, saps our sense of well-being, we must actively pursue the source. If we can't do it for ourselves; prayerfully, someone around us, someone near that does not need an invitation... can recognize the "funkiness" and give us a much needed dose of reality...with a boost of Vitamin G of course!
This my friends is why we don't want to "do life alone" We need each other!
Saturday, February 18, 2017
still mad...
It's like a man who takes a trip, leaving home and putting his servants in charge, each assigned a task... So, stay at your post, watching. You have no idea when the homeowner is returning...You don't want him showing up unannounced, with you asleep...Mark 13:34-36 (MSG)
Good Morning,
Speaking to someone who understands assigned task, to know mine gives me great joy. I often reflect on what's required of me. Each day, making a list of some kind. To be found doing what I should be doing. I have experienced my employer walking in on me, thankful to be found doing exactly what I should be doing. The greater joy is doing what's required when no one is looking, no one to be accountable too, simply committed to internal integrity. After all; someone is looking, nothing escapes the omnipresent, omniscience God. For an audience of ONE we live. He is the one we will answer too.
As I reflect on this truth, I know the verse is speaking of when Christ returns. But there is truth in the parable itself. Its not just about being found doing a task, its about being found living. Really living, living for his glory, doing all we were created to do, fulfilling our purpose, finding joy in all that he created for our good, finding contentment in our work, in our relationships, finding fulfillment in being a son and daughter of the most loving God that created everything for our enjoyment. The earth is rich and there is richness therein for our pleasure. Yet, many are living lonely, empty lives. There should be no void in a child of God. So, whatever that lie is, it must be aborted quickly.
Whatever; we are in need of, its time to pursue it. That pursuit of happiness that belongs to us! We don't want our Christ showing up unannounced, with us asleep on our life. Personally, I'm still mad about the empty life I was living apart from Christ. I don't want to waste the remaining days of my life. Yes, I said DAYS!. David wrote, teach us to number our days that we may grow a heart of wisdom. There is a sense of urgency when we see our lives in days.
So whatever you are doing this day. Do it with all your heart, soul and mind. Choose to ENJOY YOUR LIFE, WHATEVER SEASON YOU ARE IN...
- It married, enjoy it! Don't waste days being mad and disappoint about this and that...
- If single, Don't put off your life for what's next... enjoy today...
- If parenting, enjoy each season of your child's life, for each season will pass faster than you know...
- If Bored, check your weekend listing and call a friend, get out of the house enjoy the day for what it brings...
- If you have a good job and are making good money, you are suppose to be enjoying the fruit of your labor...
- If perceived as young and inexperienced, don't let anyone define/look down on you because you are young...You are a "world changer" "never forget you were created for good things"
Whatever you are pouting about, angry about, feeling sorry for yourself about...STOP! BE ABOUT LIVING TODAY!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
justification...
Good Morning,
Jumping head first in an ocean of truth this morning, reflective...meditating on a devotional, I read this morning. It told the story of a young woman, seeking Mr. Right in an online forum. Feeling pressure from family and friends and just about everyone to "get married" The question, "would you advise her to consider non-believers in Jesus?" The devotional went on to reveal why that would not be a good idea, "while marrying a believer won't guarantee a happily-ever after marriage, it's God's right way for selecting a Mr. or Mrs. Right." (source: www.ourdailyjourney.org)
I get it, the truth has a way of throwing a wrench in our "so called happiness." Have you ever found yourself searching the bible for a justification, an excuse for something that you really desired...deep down you already knew the truth. We start asking around... asking others what they think...sadly we tend to ask people we think will agree with us. 'I'm right...right?" This error works in reverse too. Sometimes its things we don't want to do... like...forgive someone who has hurt us, give to someone in need, serve, commit...
Sadly, we can be one click/call/coffee date... away from receiving some "really bad" counsel. Here is the best example/reminder of counsel we can give to those in Christ seeking justification for their wants and desires. From Mentor to Mentee...Paul to Timothy, There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is
God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (MSG)
Always mindful of those who have never heard the counsel/good news of Christ. Everything begins with this relationship.... Prepared to share this HOPE!
Jumping head first in an ocean of truth this morning, reflective...meditating on a devotional, I read this morning. It told the story of a young woman, seeking Mr. Right in an online forum. Feeling pressure from family and friends and just about everyone to "get married" The question, "would you advise her to consider non-believers in Jesus?" The devotional went on to reveal why that would not be a good idea, "while marrying a believer won't guarantee a happily-ever after marriage, it's God's right way for selecting a Mr. or Mrs. Right." (source: www.ourdailyjourney.org)
I get it, the truth has a way of throwing a wrench in our "so called happiness." Have you ever found yourself searching the bible for a justification, an excuse for something that you really desired...deep down you already knew the truth. We start asking around... asking others what they think...sadly we tend to ask people we think will agree with us. 'I'm right...right?" This error works in reverse too. Sometimes its things we don't want to do... like...forgive someone who has hurt us, give to someone in need, serve, commit...
Sadly, we can be one click/call/coffee date... away from receiving some "really bad" counsel. Here is the best example/reminder of counsel we can give to those in Christ seeking justification for their wants and desires. From Mentor to Mentee...Paul to Timothy, There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is
God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (MSG)
Always mindful of those who have never heard the counsel/good news of Christ. Everything begins with this relationship.... Prepared to share this HOPE!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)