Worship and its Blessings

Along with reading my Bible I have also just finished a book about the Wesley Brothers called Anatomy of Conversion, them being the "founders of Methodism, Methodists" One thing that I particularly liked and I feel is worth noting is their dedication to worship(writing, singing with others, leading others to and through worship, etc.) With that being said, I too feel as though there are countless... songs, even just verses that truly speak Gods Word and blessing. For those that have known me any amount of time I listen to any and all Christian music, tonight I wanted to share a verse from a "Christian rapper". Which per my opinion, I find redundant, because the majority of all songs rhyme, it's just that "rappers", at least Christian ones use a different heavy beat, but I digress. If you have read this far, below is the quote, I pray you agree and enjoy. Blessings

"Worship is my weapon, hands up when I'm stressin', 'cuz I prayed hard and I stay down and it's 'bout time for my blessin'"- Kaleb Starr

Our Father, and all that that implies

As you pray this morning (prayerfully) consider Matthew 6:9 "The Lord's Prayer", and the "outline" which it provides. Beginning with "Our Father" We must try our best to envision the reality and seriousness of that statement, the blessedness of what that title actually means to you and I. He is "Our Father", can anything be more glorious?! When we acknowledge Him as "Our Father", giver and sustainer of our very life, we then come to Him grateful, thankful, in awe of the grace, mercy, and love that He has once again given to us. "Our Father" has told us to come to know His goodness and glory more, and not only that, He than tells us to share Him, His grace, mercy, and love with others.

Slip, Trip, and Fall

If you've slipped, tripped, or fallen (spiritually speaking) get on your knees and pray. (Your down there already, might as well) in all seriousness, don't stay discouraged in your walk with God, be encouraged that He has still provided you enough strength, life, to call on Him.

You are amazing

"You are amazing God", but what about Him is amazing? I encourage you and I both to marvel at the awesome creator, and loving Father that is far greater than "amazing", yet we can start there and keep trying to praise His glorious name, and we should.

Prayer and Praise

Start your day with prayers and praise, and know that Gods grace will keep you safe, then when you go to sleep tonight, thank The Lord for His loving might.

Through His word...

I pray you all have a great night and in doing so I wanted to leave you this quote which has added to my joy of reading and sharing Gods word with others, and it is this;

"Through His Word The Lord leads us over and over, first to this word, and then to that, showing us His wonderful glory in every one of them." from John Bunyan's "Grace Abounding to The Chief of Sinners"

Have a blessed restful night.

Whole world in His hands

As I have been reading psalms I also came across this quote from C.S. Lewis; "The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." Although Mr. Lewis did not go into detail about the tears David also suffered, I truly believe that no matter the circumstance, we CAN dance as David danced, because we know that God is sovereign! (He's in control!).

Or as I used to sing as a child "He's go the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole wide world in His hands!"

Psalms 16

How many times have you cried out, begged for God to help you? To just keep you safe? To keep you sane?

King David felt this and wrote down this very feeling in what is commonly referred to as the "Golden Psalm" or the "Michtam of David. It is Psalms 16 and it begins with; "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge."

The realness of His strain in life is powerful, but please take note of how he ends his first verse. Look carefully how we can and should be encouraged to end our cries of help, "...for in you I take refuge." Through prayer, by His Word, we are assuredly safe and secure in His presence. Cry out, yes, but end with praise and thanksgiving remembering that God is your refuge.

Loved by family

"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." Thank you to all my friends and family that love and support me at times when they didn't even know I needed the encouragement. God is loving through good godly fellowship.

Delight in His word

"but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalms 1:2

I have the opportunity to humbly preach/teach on this at our bible study tonight, and even though it is for the most part self explanatory, Gods word always accomplishes what it is intended to do if we receive it with open hearts. It may be correction, encouragement, instruction, etc. We need to only humbly accept His love in whatever way He displays it to us, and asks us to share it with others.

Passionately praying

I'm going to say something for the first time slightly controversial, but I hope you who read these see the underlying theme of my heart. "I almost hope we that are comfortable in our lives right now don't have a good start to our day". What?! Yes, I (ALMOST) hope we don't have a good start. Now I would never actually say that or truly hope that for anyone, yet I do honestly desire that we are ...driven to our knees to desperately seek God, dwell at His feet humbly admitting that we need Him, not just His favor, not just help, but Him! I say this of myself, and if doesn't apply to you than of course disregard and go on faithfully strong in The Lord. Is this a form or way of reverse psychology? That I am not sure of, but I know in my heart, that when I have become to relaxed in my need for Him and Him alone, I am on a slippery slope headed for depression, despair., and self destruction. But glory to God He is lovingly patient and merciful, gracious in all His ways towards me, waiting and wanting to hear from my very heart my love and desire to be with Him, to belong to Him in the safety and comfort of His arms. Normally I would have just posted "we need to pray" and that is true and right, but I felt compelled to approach life differently this morning, I prayed with all my heart... let us pray passionately to Him, with Him, for ourselves and others. Blessings.

Keep standing

It's at times when I'm sick, or a family member is, that I remember "after doing all I can do, stand (in faith, believing)". Whatever you may be going through, it's not that we deny the circumstances, rather we trust and believe that no matter what may happen God is in control, God loves you, your family and friends, and if we are His children, than as Romans says, all things will work for good, for those that believe...hold on, stay strong, God is good.

Like you could, like you should

Quick question: Could it be that we are not living like we could because we are not living like we should?

Let me quickly explain, I am not talking about "works" resulting in blessing, but rather "drawing closer to God and letting Him produce the fruit of His spirit in us, forus and others...could we spend more time "sitting at His feet"? 

Remember this is not me condemning you or myself, I believe it is God calling us back to Him, to His throne of grace...

Forgive yourself

Do you want to know a hard truth? "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you". This includes those in your past, present, even those who may hurt you in the future...this also includes YOURSELF! Allow God to forgive you, forgive through you, and love you and others unconditionally. There is of course more to this, but it does begin with forgiveness, start there...I hope and pray this encourages you to grow closer to God...and then healing can begin and continue.

Anxiety

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. So remember Gods goodness, and don't be troubled.

Truth=right

The truth is always right. Think about that for a moment...if the truth is that God has given you His peace, then it is right for us to accept it, believe that His word is truth, and then act accordingly. I'm not saying that what's right is easy, but that the truth, once you accept it as truth, makes the "right" things easier. I hope and pray that that makes sense. I hope that you know His truth, the truth about Him, from Him, for you is right...His peace He has given you.

Need to forgive

I Needed to be forgiven, so He forgives and restores. They need to know that they are forgiven, help them see that He forgives and restores.

Perfect peace

Gods peace is perfect...a simple truth that once we lay a hold of our lives in Him become a reflection of His goodness.

Psalms 19

Psalms 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. ". I need to remember this, and also live this, Lord help me do so...

No prayer, little prayer

Alexander Whyte said the following; "No prayer!--No faith!--No Christ in the heart. Little prayer!--Little faith!--Little Christ in the heart. Increasing prayer!--Increasing faith!--Increasing Christ in the heart!. Much prayer!--Much faith!--Much Christ in the heart! Praying always!--Faith always!--Christalways!" I can almost hear his Scottish accent screaming directly at me when I begin to question, whine, or complain and wonder why things are the way they are...I'm not condemning myself, but rather allowing myself to be called back to Him who first loved me, and still does, who will...

He doesn't forget

Has He forgotten you? Could He? Certainly not! He wouldn't and couldn't, if you are His child then you can and should know that He cares for you.

How to pray?

I have a dear friend ask me how she should pray, what, when, something powerful, real, comforting, something that she knew would work...I was immediately humbled that she would even ask me something that was that important to her, dare I say vital to her. My help, my answer to her was simple, yet true. The answer I gave may not have been what she wanted or expected, but non-the-less I gave her what I believe is biblical truth. And what was my answer? Pray from your heart, be bold, be blunt, lay it all out before Him knowing He hears His child's cries... Charles Spurgeon put it this way; 

"A true prayer is an inventory of needs, a catalog of necessities, an exposure of secret wounds, a revelation of hidden poverty." 

We all know that OK needs help, we can see gaping open wounds, yet have no idea of the secret hidden pains, and true poverty is literally at what's left of their doorsteps. Let us as brothers and sisters join in prayer, in word and deed...

"Wwjd"

I remember many years ago that "wwjd" bracelets were all the rage, yet now although I still believe that is a great question, I would add "hwjdi" How would Jesus do it? So not only "what would he do?", but also "how would Jesus do it?" A subtle difference, together I would hope they inspire not only knowing, but doing...

Hope, the anchor

"Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a 'wish' (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made."

Changing

If I don't continue to change, to press on, to grow closer to God...I already know what He has brought me from, why would I ever become slack and go back? He asks me to be diligent, to stay on watch, on guard, to be wise, grow in wisdom, etc. All things pertaining to godliness and holiness as I continue to know Him more and more

Praying for a goodnight

Praying for a good night, and no matter how it ends I will praise His name...he may have to hear my cry, and bottle my tears, His word still says joy comes in the morning...that can be true for you as well. Here's praying for you and me

Knowing scripture?

Knowing scripture is not enough. Pharisees and Sadducees knew scripture, they even tried to do everything it said, yet knowing and doing aren't enough...yes, we should know and do, but it should stem from the relationship with Him. He has shown you his love, he has given you His word, now will now will you go and grow with Him? *Then will you tell and show others of his goodness? As cliched as it may sound, an I don't know who said it, but "you May be the only Bible (love of God) some people may read (experience)"

Why don't we pray more

Early post with a question, why don't we pray more? Whether it be for Devine help or intervention, or just to feel as though we are behind heard and someone cares, we should know by now through His word that prayer is powerful, has a purpose, and a privilege that we take for granted...sigh

Peaceful night

Praying that you and I have a peaceful night. I started the day in prayer and thanksgiving, and can think of no better way to end it.

Psalms 18

Psalm 18: "I love you, O LORD, my strength. ". 3 major truths are hidden in plain sight, in that verse alone. I also notice that the 3 mini statements, are together in one sentence. They could be separate, but in this case they are together, almost presenting a cause and effect based on who He is.

Hope for everybody

There is a hope for everybody. Hope found in Grace and truth. Hope found in Him. Who is He? You already know, and he's constantly revealing himself to you, through his word, through others, even nature screams of His goodness. He is the son of God, and I would love to show and tell you more, He would love to show and tell you more...will you let Him? I'm praying you do.

Close to God

Wanting to feel closer to God, yet I am not supposed to live by a feeling, His word is enough, more than enough, even when I desire more, He is close even when I don't feel like He is close, He is close...so whether I feel Him or not He is near, He is here

David's post

It's amazing how a good talk, with a good friend and brother can get you right back on track. No matter how far off the beaten path, God is always there! Thank you for listening, sharing and giving words of encouragement

Brothers

There is a special Bond between brothers...brothers and sisters in Christ in which we can openly and honestly speak with each other our highs and lows and only end in prayer, praise and thanksgiving. God is good, and when we share in his love his goodness abounds.

Hear me

O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

Prayer works

Prayer. I've heard it said that prayer works, and it does when it's Gods will, but the problem I had for the longest time was that I didn't know Gods will on most things I was praying about...yet as I continue to grow closer to God I find it easier to be more and more confident that not only does He hear me, but also that I am asking in accordance with His will. Let us pray.

Short but sweet

He still loves you

Prayer works

Prayer. I've heard it said that prayer works, and it does when it's Gods will, but the problem I had for the longest time was that I didn't know Gods will on most things I was praying about...yet as I continue to grow closer to God I find it easier to be more and more confident that not only does He hear me, but also that I am asking in accordance with His will. Let us pray.

Women

Before she ever was a mother, she was a woman. Her motherhood stems not from not how many children she has had, but how many people she has been a mother too. How many has she loved? How many has she helped learn? How many has she helped laugh when they wanted to cry? She was a woman first with a purpose, and out of her purpose she became a mother. To all the women on Mother's Day, thank you, we love you, you are appreciated.

He is king!

"Let me tell you about a king

Who gave David a sling

Who gave Martin a dream

Who turns winter to spring" 

I heard this and really liked it. I think I like it so much because it starts with the emphasis places on His kingship, followed by what He has done in the past, then to the preset, and finally the fact that He is even king over the seasons! 

He is king over everything!

His perspective

When the struggles and the troubles of life come along and knock you off your feet, get on your knees and thank God that you were only knocked down, and not taken out. It's all about perspective, yours, theirs, or the most important one, the only one that is always true...HIS.

Trust God

"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence." Anytime I feel undeserving, unworthy, unsure, etc...I can always look to Him for His truth about me, because of who HE is not because of what I did, who I am, or what I hope to be...when I can do that, whether through prayer, bible study, or fellowship with others I am lifted up

Get to know Him

"He [God] offers you the privilege to know Him, to enter into a relationship with Him, and to follow Him with everything!" What more can I say? I'm not sure, but I will continue to grow in godliness and holiness as long as I have breath in my lunges, and do my best to spread the gospel in both word and deed. I do all of this...for the simple fact that He is worthy, he showed me mercy, and didn't have to, he extended grace and I didn't deserve it, he now loves me even when I feel unlovely, and he gives me peace that many cant or won't fully ever understand, and the list goes on and on...he can I not live for Him?!

Hear my prayers!

"Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! "

Now I lay me down to sleep

"I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. ". Simple yet powerful. I find 3 important facts in that passage alone; 1. He slept 2. He awoke 3. It was and is The Lord that allows both to be possible. God made you to rest in Him, by His grace and mercy He provides you more and more time, and finally the days He gives you are to grow to get to know Him more and share in His goodness and faithfulness.

You are my shield

In psalms it says "But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. " we can clearly see the pain and comfort of the author, and with that the one he (we) can and should call on in our time of need.

Grace and truth

Grace and truth are found together in the same "person", yet one can know the truth and not accept the grace. Moreover if we are to walk in the truth we must accept "His" grace. To walk in the truth we must also learn "it", and be obedient to "it", or should I say "Him"? I pray this makes sense. I hope that this encourages you to continue in growing closer to "Him", and who is this "person"?, the "it" I mentioned previously?, the "Him" to whom we should grow closer to? Jesus.

You are not alone

Can I just keep it simple before I go to sleep? "You are not alone" God hears your prayers, the bible days He bottles your tears...you are not alone though, come home, He loves you, we love you, you are not alone.

Faith and works

Faith and works are bound together in the same bundle. Faith works, and we should work with our faith.

Our peace is at stake

I never really understood how important repentance is. I was always taught to say sorry when I did something wrong, that I should feel remorse for hurting others, but even at a young age it was always a "so what's my punishment going to be?" "How long am I grounded?", "does dad have to know?!" You know, the important questions to a kid/teenager... But now, as a growing adult, I realize that my peace, peace with God is at stake, our relationship...it's as though I'm being dishonest with Him, does that make sense? I mean even when my wife doesn't know (and she knows everything...you know what I mean). The secret sins of my heart literally eat at me, at my peace and its not until I repent, go to God humbly...I don't know, maybe I'm rambling, maybe somebody else feels like me? Here's the good news, Jesus didn't die so we could feel guilty, no, he died to redeem us from the wrath, the separation from God, from His love, from His peace, friends, family, HIM. I know this is a long post, but I pray that we return to what should be our first love, because we can, you can, I can, because of what He did, because of who He is...He does love you if you are His child, and if you are His child, why would you let anything or anyone hold you back from going back to His loving arms? Even yourself?! Come back...I pray this helps you and encourages you as it is me.

Awesome God

"Our God, is an awesome God He reigns, from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love, our God is an awesome God". What a beautiful truth presented in the form of a song...let your heart song His praise today! Let me join with you in thanking Him for all that He has done. *remembering that to us this includes past, present, and future that we have yet to experience! Hallelujah and amen.

Growing wiser, learning more

Proverbs says "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ". Many times we say we hear, possibly truly hearing, and yet can we really say we grew in learning? Do we understand what has been said? Did we take the good advice and after testing it for truth and soundness, did we incorporate it into our life in a productive way that honors God?....whew, that's a lot to take in, but its almost cliche now when I hear or get to ask "it's not whether or not you read the bible, but do you study it? Do you have a relationship with God in such a way that as you hear His word you obtain guidance?" No one wants to be a fool, but do we do what is necessary to become wise? Hear, increase in learning, and obtain guidance from God...I hope and pray this encourages you to dig deeper, to draw closer, and to grow wiser.

 1

He is our hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." 

1. God is a creator, sustainer and giver of HOPE

2. He can, and will fill you with:

I. All joy

II. All peace

3. We are told to believe

Watch how it all comes full circle," that by HIS power (Holy Spirit) we can ABOUND, be lavished upon in HIS HOPE! 

Bottom line: 

The God of HOPE, gives us HOPE so that we can HOPE in Him. Then His HOPE gives us more and more HOPE!

He brought me this far

Blessed to know God has brought me this far in life. Grace made it possible, and His mercy kept me safe. Through it all I can, and do say, that God has truly blessed me more than I ever thought, even dreamt. Lastly if I can be of any encouragement, even through struggles and troubles I am convinced my life both here and now is far better with mr by His side, than me by myself.

I am not afraid!

"God has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind." I've said it before, but this was the first verse I ever memorized, yet even to this day it is the comfort that God provides by this word that allows me to hold on, stay strong and know that God is good during life's adversities. I encourage you, as many of you have encouraged me, to study the word and not just read it. That we remember what we have heard, and not just listen for awhile. Finally that we remember it is our relationship with Him, not the religion that we profess. Have a great night and rest freely in His loving arms...

Walk by faith

Walking by faith...being obedient to His word

Endurance and encouragement

Ready for change. Thank you to all who prayed for me, and encouraged me with words of wisdom and love, you are appreciated. Let me know if and when I can return the favor. Until then, remember Romans 15:4-6 God our father is the God of encouragement, and endurance. Ps, I love my wife for being so supportive and understandings urging me closer to God, standing by my side, I love you.

He's never going to leave

"He will never leave you, nor forsake you." Can you recall when He first began to draw you to Him? Was it not when you were at what you feel was your lowest? Why then now after he has called you do you feel as though He has somehow left you, or forsook you? He can not and will not contradict Himself. So if you feel as though He is far away, it is not Him, might I suggest that it is you? Come back to Him, to His loving arms and find rest

Real rest is found in Him

In 1 Corinthians 2:5 Paul writes "so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." Normally I would first preface this scripture with the "so" being better defined and explained as a continuation of what was said prior, yet tonight what I need to read, be reminded of, and hopefully you too, is that my faith is in the power of God, and with that I can "rest" It is not that I do not seek wise council, which biblically we are told to do, but please notice that Paul says that our faith can an should rest and is directly linked to the power of God. I pray that as we grow in relationship with God that we place our faith more and more in His power, the promise of His word.

Do you tell Him?

Do you tell Him you love Him randomly? Often? Consistently? Do you tell Him "just because"? It's not that He needs to be affirmed, or reminded, but telling Him reminds us of His goodness and faithfulness. How often do we take the little things He does for us for granted to remind us, like breath in our lunges, another beautiful day to enjoy? All of creation screams of His love.

Growth in 4 areas

Luke 2:52 the 4 areas of growth that are mentioned that I discussed with my boys tonight ; grow in wisdom, growth in stature, growth in favor with God, and growth in favor with men. While we were talking about those four things I found myself considering what areas The Lord was addressing with me in my life, where do I need to grow with Him? I pray you too are being drawn closer to Him, growing in godliness and holiness, it can and should happen anywhere and everywhere. 

Setting the stage for greatness

I once read that "discipline sets the stage for greatness". I have really liked that for a long time, yet only recently have I discovered, uncovered the biblical truth which that quote could be based upon. On the other hand "procrastination is...I will tell you later"...I think you get the point:) I pray that you and I grow in godliness and holiness, by which "discipline" can help

The enemy doesn't fight fair!

Why would we ever think think that an enemy against us will fight fair? some that read that question may think I am speaking in physical terms, and that is included, yet I am also speaking of those things of which we cannot see, spiritually. In physical warfare we discover everything that may be used against us, that has been used against and even the tendencies of the enemy, why then are we so slack when it comes to spiritual matters? Why am I? I pray we grow in the knowledge and truth, standing together against our enemy. Let us fight the good fight of faith.

Light in His sight

While reading 2 Kings this morning I came across a passage of history that brought such a smile to my face. Wanting to keep it in context I have posted it below, but it is verse 18, and the words "...this is a light thing in the sight of The Lord". It's not that I forgot how great and awesome God is, yet I do, this reminder filled me with joy, knowing whatever needs to be done...it is an (easy) thing in (His eyes) "

17 For thus says the LORD, 'You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.'

18 This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD...

Fill your day

As I read "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd", I find myself becoming more and more inspired. I came across this quote of Mr. Brainerd and felt lead to share..."He seems, though the whole of this week, to have been greatly engaged to fill up every inch of time in the service of God, and to have been most diligently employed in study, prayer, and instructing [others]" that spoken by John Edwards about David Brainerd, Wow! Now I do not idolize these men, but as I said before, how can someone, anyone, read that and not be inspired?! I hope and pray we would be so moved and to continue to draw closer to God, so much so that others would also take notice and moved to do the same

Continue on

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Happiness hinges on...

C.S. Lewis said "Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose... only (upon) the Beloved who will never pass away." Although not a strict biblical quote, the truth found therein is amazing simple and profound. First, the things which can lead to comfort and happiness are and will fade either with time, or relevance, yet God and His promises, blessings, the truths of His word will never cease to amaze and increase. I pray you continue to grow in godliness and holiness, as I strive to do the same. I'm praying for you, anyone that wants to, or feels lead to pray for my family and I, it is of course greatly appreciated. Have a great night, rest easy in His loving arms tonight.

Fear

"False Evidence Appearing Real" or "fear" as it's more commonly known, is a symptom of not relying wholehearted on the faith, grace, and love of God. "Be ye not afraid", "only trust and believe"

What to say, what to say?

I did not post this morning for the simple reason that I did not feel as though I knew what to say, if I should say anything. But no, there's a desire, a passion that burns deep within, I hope that in my silence those of you that read these posts continued on, searched out Gods presence...prayed, repented, and gave thanks. 

I do not do this hoping that perhaps somebody will of his own free will return to Christ. My hope lies in that my God himself will lay hold of someone reading and say, "You are mine, and you shall be mine. I claim you for myself." That you would come to know of Whom I speak of daily, and why, that the awe and wonder of The almighty God our Father would be more and more real in your life.

Put your past behind you

One of my favorite bible verses that I can actually quote and speak daily in faith is this; "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,". I literally have had days when I feel like that's all I can say. I ask God for forgiveness, repent and trust in Gods grace. And as I stated last night, some of you may already know this verse, and to you, as unto myself, let us be reminded of Gods goodness and faithfulness by His word.

Work

Work as unto The Lord...not unto yourself for selfish praise, not unto your boss for hopeful gain, for no other but unto The Lord. Lord help me keep this and display this today for your glory.

Real blessings

I love my wife and kids, family and friends...why then do I at times take them all for granted?! The real blessings in life are the ones that you didn't earn, can't buy, and that only God can provide. To all those afore mentioned people in my life I love you and thank you God for you.

Happiness, but how?

"Happiness is caused by things that happen around me, and circumstances will mar it; but joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition." I can say, believe and live that because "the joy of The Lord is my strength"

Run, fight, hold on tight

"Run, fight, and hold on tight". sound familiar? paul puts it more eloquently, but in his words, or mine the context is the same, we as Christians are to run the race, fight the fight, and keep the faith. Don't give up, keep running! It may seem as though life is beating you up, keep fighting! Finally, you may even come to the point when you just want to let go and give up, DON'T! Keep the faith!

Remember, remember, remember

2 Peter 1:12 Peter promises (in such a way) that he will always be ready to remind other of Gods goodness-paraphrase. Bottom line is that sometimes will just need to be reminded of everything God has already done for us, His promises, and His love. Remember, remember, remember.

Just be quiet

"Never miss a good opportunity to just be quiet." Put another way, if you don't have something nice, good, edifying, helpful and pleasant to say, then don't say anything. How many of us know that person gag bloke just be quiet, how many times are WE that person. Ask God for help controlling that, because we all know we can't do it by ourselves.

Let me remind you

Last night I posted the qualities that we should strive for found in 2 Peter 1:5-7, so tonight I want to just quickly post what follows in verse 12

"Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have."

I find it the most opportune time to remind others, even myself of these words. It can be difficult to remain steadf...ast, endure, be patient when you see and hear of so much hurt and pain, wondering "how?" and "why?" But then to say "still I will love and trust in you God". Only he can provide peace in times like these, and then use his children to share his love. Maybe your life hasn't been shaken to the core like those of Boston and West, yet still your life and its issues and problems are worth noting...BUT remember Gods goodness, his truth, grace, peace, love and mercy in your life, and through your life...

Prayer time

With all that has been going on, it is definitely eye opening (to me at least) the amount of "prayer time" I feel like I've wasted on silly little trivial things. In the past few days I have seen so much pain and suffering, people hurt, sick, and dying, Lord let us reevaluate what is truly important and return to you. Protect us by your grace, let us share our faith, and let us remember to love our neighbor in both word and deeds.

Friends and family meet

so tired, but it felt great to meet with friends and family and discuss 2 peter 1:1-11. Our focus was : "5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,
6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." I hope and pray that you too who read these would allow God to so love upon your heart that He would show you what you can grow in, all for His glory.

Sleepless

Sleepless night, prayerful fight

Called out by a friend

I got "called out" by a friend today at work. I said something that contradicted what I usually post and say. When I say "called out" it was a good thing! It would have been wrong of her as a good godly women to continue in saying something that doesn't honor God. But do I slip, sin, make a blatantly bad choice and don't guard my mouth I was openly rebuked and I had to immediately address what... I said. I'm sorry, I'm not perfect. That's not an excuse for me to keep sinning, or for anyone else, but who has been guilty of such?! I pray that you who are reading this have true Christian friends that when they see you slip, or hear you, that they will lovingly tell so. Then if and when it does happen, don't make excuses, humble yourself and repent...restore the glory that God should be getting through your words and actions...See More

 

 

 

 

Prayer

Prayer keeps us connected and humble.

Boston

Praying for hurt and broken families tonight, and not just those in Boston, yet they are first and foremost on my mind. Can we in times such as these trust in God, and believe that He can, and will show His love, grace, and peace to all in desperate need and despair? I hope we do, I pray we will...because He can and will

Enjoy God

"When I really enjoy God, I feel my desires of Him the more insatiable, and my thirsting a after holiness the more unquenchable."

3 John

A quick bible study; after reading 3 John...a personal letter, the shortest book, and the only one that doesn't state the names "Christ" or "Jesus". Yet even with those said qualities, the underlying theme of Christ being glorified is ever... present. In fact at the conclusion of the letter we find that the author had "much more to write, but that he would rather say them face to face". Why is this so important? In my humble opinion I believe it shows how we as believers need to be understood when we have matters to discuss based on what God says on a particular subject, and not just "heard" or in this case "read". There are many things I would love to say and discuss on Facebook, but I would rather say them personally. If you ever have questions, comments or concerns please don't ever hesitate to ask me personally, I would love to help in any way that I can.

Opinions and Facts

I don't make the bible fit my opinions and then masquerade them as facts, but rather I take Biblical truth and take any opinions I might have and test them against that truth and present that to myself and others. Opinions come and go in an instant, but the Word of God has stood for generations, how silly it is that we so quickly forget the foundation that has been in place since the beginning to... justify current trends and opinions. I myself am guilty of this in many areas, but as my ignorance is brought to light in view of the Word I am constantly trying to humble myself and help others along the way. This is also why I pray that these posts as simple as they maybe will help someone, anyone, everyone possible draw closer to God, amen.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Throughout the bible to place emphasis in certain sayings and meanings words were repeated. The only word repeated more than twice in succession? The word "holy". And in that particular instance it is used to describe God. Even then it is not limited to description of Him, it's as if it is the only thing that they can say about God. Think about it; He is holy, but also all He does is holy. H...e is set apart from everyone, and everything, yet in His "set apart-ness" He reconciles, joins us back to Him, wow! Please think about it...you have been called o be holy, even as he is holy. In all you say, do, and even think, strive to be Holy...not of the world, but in it, constantly showing the change He has created in you, because of who and what He is...I pray this all makes sense and draws you closer to the understanding of Him, who He is, and who you are when you are His, and He in you

Peace of God

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus...still need this now more than ever

Think about your thinking

As I sit and read The Life and diary of David Brainerd, I was moved by this;" I became very strict and watchful over my thoughts, words and actions; and thought I must be sober (minded) indeed..." This he said when he was only 19! Amazed, ...and slightly angry with myself, I felt convicted (in a good way) about how lackadaisical I have been with my own thoughts, words, and actions. Quickly I repented and prayed for God to help me, to continue to grow in godliness and holiness. Please remember that I as I share this with you, I too, pray this over you as well...I also ask humbly that you would pray for me as well.

Do unto others

"Do unto others..." Most of us know the rest of this bible verse, yet how do we talk about others? Think about others? We all for the most part are not malicious to others to their face, but...I pray we "practice what we preach"

Trust

Trust in The Lord with all your heart...

Stir you up

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,". I was reading this in Hebrews and came to the opinion that many of us " consider" stirring up people, it's just not in love and good works. Let us prayerfully consider how we "should" act and then do it, rather then how we "could" act knowing what we should have done instead...think about it.

What if?, even if!

If you have been reading these posts for any amount if time, or check lovethelordchurch.blogspot.com you will often find that I play the "what if..." game. "What if this", or "what if that". Well tonight I would like to propose a different... type of question, or game if you will, and that is the "even if..." question, and it goes like this; will you love God and be faithful to Him, even if...things don't always go your way? Even if it seems at times that the works is against you? Even if you lose your job? Even if you lose a friend? A loved one?

I have been reading a book by RC Sproul called the holiness of God, and coupled with reading my bible I forced to ask myself those very same questions. Now I can't answer them for you, but I hope that you would stay strong even is all seems wrong. God does love you if you are His child, that's a biblical truth. Yet there will be times when you faith, your peace, your very life as you know it will be tested, and the question in soul will cry out "Why?!" And you will be left with the dilemma "will I love you even if..." It is my hope and prayer, that although this is a long post that you read it and prayerfully consider your relationship with God, do you have a hope? Have you built your foundation upon the Rock? Will you love The Lord your God with all your mind,heart, and soul...

Grace for granted

We can't afford to take Gods grace for granted, as if it was somehow owed us. He owes us nothing, and we deserve nothing, yet in His love and mercy, He provided His grace to give us something, Himself completely for eternity.

I don't care where I go...

"I care not where I go, or how I live, or what I endure so that I may save souls. When I sleep I dream of them; when I awake they are first in my thoughts.". -David Brainerd

That quote is what I aspire to actually do, not speak of doing and then only live vicariously through this medium...I do feel that way, I truly do. I desire to see all my friends and family come to know Christ as I have grow...n to know Him, continuing I grow with Him. To have peace, love, joy and a hope. That's why I post, that's why I speak, that's why I pray, but there is still so much more. It reminds and quickens to my mid the words "I could sing of your love forever". Will you join with me? I hope and pray that you do, that you will.

Your body is a temple

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" Paul asked this rhetorically to the saints at Corinth, and yet now we are to ask ourselves that very same question. So how do you treat His temple? Do you take care of it, both inwardly and outwardly? I pray that you and I honor Him today by taking care of His holy temple.

Consider your calling...you weren't wise

In the letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians he makes a wonderful statement that I take to heart, being inspired by the Holy Spirit he writes this;

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth."

At first glance this is almost insulting, but upon further inspection and reflection, being taken in context it is a highly encouraging and comforting statement. How you ask? Simple, how many times do we feel like we don't know what to say? Moreover, we don't feel qualified or educated enough? I know I have! But read it again, see what Paul says? Kept in context, read the proceeding verse and the ones following...God will guide us, give us the words to say, His word, and His word is the wisest, best words you can ever say, so don't worry about your qualifications, if you're a child of God you'll know what to say and how!

I hope this helps you as much as it is helping me. I have updated lovethelordchurch.blogspot.com with a of last weeks posts. Sorry this particular post was so long, but I pray it helps.

Every knee

Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. Every knee WILL bow, either now under His grace, peace, love and mercy as His child that will continue humbly, or you will bow and confess and then unfortunately be separated in despair...oh that we would lead all to be children, loved ones, family and friends, that none would perish under His judgment, but that they would join with us in eternity as His children....my prayer for you, and hopefully with you and others

Just pray

I find myself at times concerned that what j am praying for is too big to ask for, not necessarily too big for God, but my expectations? My hope is hindered by the outrageousness, the audacity for me to even ask. At other times the opposite seems also as disturbing in my mind, is what I am praying about too small for God to be bothered by my pettiness? In both cases I am wrong! I have no shame... in sharing that because I believe at times you the reader, my friends, have felt the same. This brings up the very reason for this post, and it is twofold; first we have been reconciled so that we can pray, and second, as many of you have heard, we are not to live by are feelings, as in this case of prayer and whether or not what we as know too big or too small. So pray, ask big, ask small, you now have access to the throne of grace...God our father is listening.

Pressure

When the pressure of the world is trying to knocking you down, bend your knees, fold your hands, look up to the clouds, hold your ground. Somehow, someway when you pray Gods word makes everything okay, it's only by grace through faith that you'll make it today.

So when the pressure is pressing in on you, there is no excuse to stay bound, break loose from those chains right now, speak truth, now you know what to do, praise his name, say "Amen!"with a shout!

A humble heart

A humble heart seeking to be forgiven, a thankful heart desiring to sing of Gods goodness, and conscience will to do good, will leave you and I to live a life "praying without ceasing". Please notice that all attention and focus is off of us, and on the one true God worthy of our praise.

My first scripture

The first scripture I can remember memorizing was "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind". It was memorized for the simple fact that I had been having nightmares so bad that it had been weeks since I could actually sleep at night. So when I told my mom she said immediately "let's see what God says about this". Here's the deal though,have I had other nigh...tmares? Yes sporadically, but I now go back and stand on what I know is true, what I've found in scripture, His word. Moreover, now that I'm unshakeable in that area of "bad dreams", when I'm lead, asked, or questioned, I am able to help others with the measure that I have been helped...long story short, "God has not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind" so what are you afraid of? You now know the answer, and the promise behind it...you can have a fearless day.

The Spirit of the Lord

The spirit of The Lord, the Holy Spirit, will cause you the believer to grow in His word, to thrive spiritually, and to increase in God graces, graces that are victorious against destructive fruits/deeds of the flesh. (Paraphrased from a mortification of sin in believers by John Owen). As I have read this book, supplemental to my bible I find myself all the more humbled, and in awe of the grace Go...d has constantly provided me, undeserved, even at times unknowingly by me...I discover the need to apologize to others (mom our discussion is coming) friends and family, anyone that at any point by my actions I have led astray or worse still not reflected Gods goodness, BUT!!! Gods not through with me yet!!! And if you humble yourself too, your apologies to Him and others isn't a sorrowful moment, but a joyous one of restore on of fellowship with Him and others! Glory!!!

First and greatest commandment

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. For the longest time I've known this verse found in Matthew, but if I am honest with (and I am) the application of "Lord your God" was not evident in my life. I loved God, but did I treat Him as my Lord? Did I try my best to do all that He asked of me? No. Am I now getting better? I pray I am, I hope that others see it and believe it...now what about you? Are you and I growing in godliness and holiness? That's very good evidence that He is hour Lord and you are treating and believing He is

Positive words ONLY?!

Here's a "what if..." What if we didn't say anything that wasn't positive? Here's what Ephesians 4:29 says; "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." I know I need Him to do this through me, "what if you did the same?"

What are you afraid of?

What are you afraid of? The past, the present, the future? Why? Circumstances? Money, or lack there of? Jobs, friends, former friends? Enemies? Or how about coworkers? Can you see how this started off as a simple question? And for all intents and purposes you and I both are probably able to take it and just run with it, keep adding and adding and adding until God forbid it all seems hopeless? ...Now can you turn to God, draw closer to Him and as my parents taught me long ago, begin to just count your blessings? Which one should you chose? Life or death? Heaven or hell? The problem is most people don't realize that hell is eternal separation from God, from hope, love, peace, most people don't realize they are really living in hell already to a certain degree here on earth...my hearts desire is that they would, we would go to God, draw closer, be still and know that He loves us, and that in His love is fullness of joy.

Consider the following

Have you thought about the sin that so easily besets you? Not the sin itself, but HOW it so easily "gets" you. Do you stay on watch, stay on guard, and finally do you run to God when temptation comes knowing he is the only way to not be easily caught by sin.

God's Promises

Holding on to the promises of God...but which ones? Which ones do you know? You can only hold on to that which you know, so do you know Him? How much? What do you know about Him? I know it's a lot of questions, but these are the ones I am constantly asking myself. How else will I grow closer to Him, if I don't know anything about Him? How will you? I pray you and I do get to know Him more, know Him better, amen.

Cry out

"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So when I cry out to God the creator, I'm also crying out to my Father who can comfort me in my times of trials and tribulations. I hope and pray this for you who read this as well. Cry out to God, cry out to "Abba! Father!"

3 Simple things

Know it, value it, obey it...now change "it" to "Him", and live "it"...short, sweet, lovely in simplicity. Have a blessed night, as I pray your day was, and will be tomorrow.

HIS tory

This morning you more than likely will hear HIStory about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is what happens next in your life because of what He did...so what happens next for you? I can't answer that, but I hope and pray that you decide to live for Him, with Him.

Changing Prayer

Prayer can change you, it may not always change your circumstances, but when you trust in God and stay close to Him through prayer, than you too can and should pray "not my will, but yours be done". Pray for change, then be ready.

What if?

What if I don't have the faith to completely believe for the very thing that I am asking God for? Do I have the faith to just trust Him? to trust IN Him? That if I can't do it, or receive some sort of miracle, that He can still bring me through my ordeal and closer to Him? I pray you and I will come to the place where we put complete faith in Him, and not just in a saving hope alone. Please don't misunderstand me, hope IS good and godly, as is faith, but as I've stated before, cliched as it may be, "we are to love the gift giver, and not just the gift" so whether the gift comes or not, we know we are loved, safe, sound, and secure in His loving arms.

Full of Gratitude

Starting off the day with a heart full of gratitude and a mouth singing of His goodness. Thank you for your grace, peace, love, hope, and joy. My responsibility now is to give Him glory, honor, and praise.

Christian Rapper?!

"These bad habits I can't handle so pray them gone, I trade my pain for grace, I'm on my face, which makes me stand up strong. " Yes, even a "Christian rapper" can be quoted with theologians if what he is saying lines up with the word of God. Bible states clearly and plainly that we should listen to that which edifies and builds us up. "Got bad habits?" Pray, trade your pain for Gods grace, repent if need be, accept His love then walk worthy of the grace you've been given. You'll never feel more free then when you trust in God to forgive and live.

Honoring God

Decided to honor God with my body as well as with my mind, and start treating it as a gift, as a holy temple, and not as a trash can with which I feed my pity, anger, and slothfulness. And "no" I'm not going to post updated pictures or what not (not that I have anything against anyone doing that) only that my reasoning once again is based on what I know the bible, God says about how temperamental our body is. Life is a gift to begin with, and should be viewed and treated as such until we are called home. Will you too stand by what you know is right and honor God on all you say and do? I pray that we all continue to grow in godliness and holiness, amen.

Walk Worthy

Going to do my best to "walk worthy"

Ask me about Him

God has blessed me tremendously, need I say more? Just ask me and I will be happy to tell of His goodness.

Keep it

Keep all the material things of this world, but give me peace with God, the peace of God, and peace in God. Having peace will keep you unshakeable, unbreakable, and well protected. Yes, please let me receive His peace and it will be well with my soul.

Heart full of Love

"When the heart full of God's love can draw on the mind full of God's word, timely blessings flow from the mouth." A thinking Christian will be a considerate person whom knows that Gods grace and mercy were provided and are available to all... those who are or were lost, including him or herself. Out of this revelation of Gods abundant love will we share the blessings God has so lavished upon us, his promises through His word, his Son. Simply put, cliched as it is "you are blessed to be a blessing"

Attack

To attack the day, we must continuously pray

True Grace

"True gospel grace...charges those beasts (sin) within us that seem untamable and fierce, and changes them... It is grace alone that changes the heart of the man." We all want change, change to make changes and possibly even for a short time do change certain things outwardly, but given enough time, given enough pressure both internal and external, and those changes that we thought we made, that ...we thought would really "stick" this time..."poof" the vanish...but Gods grace, His indwelling residence, that my friends, that causes change from the inside out, complete transformation, and that is what I long for, desire, pray for. I hope and pray you as we'll, if you are a child of God, also rely solely on Gods grace to change you.

Before and after pictures

I will state this about me personally and hope that others ask this of themselves also; "for the longest time an issue I had with Christians in general, myself included, is that there was no before and after picture", if you catch my drift? Again I just recently asked this of myself wondering why? Was there a specific point and time where I can say that the outside began to match the change which ...had occurred internally? No, BUT as I will continue to say to others and myself, "am I growing in godliness and holiness?" Are those things which used to not bother me now cause a issue with my soul? Can I no longer go where I used to? Say what I used to? Think I how I used to? That was THE before and after I was so desperately seeking for...then as Paul states, "not that I have attained perfection...but forget the past and press on" I you're a child of God, you are loved and you are not, nor will you ever be that person you were before, let it go, and let God love you.

Fear

Fear invades, conquerors, even dominates relentlessly where Gods pure and holy love is not present. Where His presence is, His perfect loves is, and His perfect love casts out all fear. Is your hope in Him? Then too should you know His love. Moreover, fear has no more dominion in your God given life, He reigns victorious.

Unworthy

If you only knew how inadequate, how unworthy I felt at times when I longed to post, desired to say something, fearful, and then I am reminded; it's not my word, but The Word that helps, that is the comforter. My wife has said, or maybe me..., that I would preach to a wall, guess what? I would. I would because I would still end up saying something from The Word the would encourage, comfort, correct and help me in some way...it's never about MY words being the right words for you or me, rather it is His Word that is always right for you and me. Never be afraid of saying something because He said He will give you the Word to say.

Love or hate

When you realize that people are going to love you or hate no matter what you do, that no matter what you say or do you cannot please everyone, you then have a series of choices. I will not list all possible choice, but suggest only one, "Why not live fully for God?" At least then you have a good reason, the best reason for others to love or hate you, and also in doing so you are at least please to the most important, GOD... This then gives you purpose, power, and a new perception.

Standing tall

"If you want to stand tall, start on your knees" as much as I don't like cliches, they are often great little poetic reminders of Gods grace and mercy towards us by His love...prayer and thanksgiving are great way to give Him glory And honor for all that He is, and has done

Forgiven?!

Want to know if you can be forgiven for what you've done? You can, you are, but will you accept it? Will you now turn away from what you did and live for Him?

THE BIBLE

It's interesting how much my boys know about the bible, as we watch The Bible. The fact that we can discuss how violent it was back then, the reasoning behind the attacks, etc. More importantly it gives all of us a desire to go and study the bible more ourselves, to couple that with how to live for Him, and I'm not just talking about my boys, but anybody that may use this particular show to search out Gods truth...I hope and pray you grow to know Him more through His word, that He would be clone more real to you and I daily. Growing in godliness and holiness.

Joy

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." There is only one who can bring true joy. There are many things which can provide a temporary happiness, but a "joyful heart"? Only one. I pray you know Him and draw closer to Him.

Will it be okay?

"I just want to know that everything's going to be okay". Have you, like I, ever thought that? Said that? Meant that? How about desperately prayed, begged, and pleaded with God over that very notion? Have you ever felt like you needed a sign, something tangible, something that you could look to, hold to, even cling to? What would it take? What will it take? My hope is in His Word, His Son, in C...hrist. That alone is enough, all I need, it is in Him I have been given grace to live, to love, to have faith in Him. That is the hope I hold to, that allows me know "everything's going to be okay". Now my hope and prayers are that you too would come to this revelation and know Him, hope in Him, and know peace as only He can assure.