Daily Walk with the Holy Spirit

America where are your roots

2009-07-03T18:19:00.002-04:00

This is s reprint, but is worth reading again.

Monday, July 03, 2006

America - Where are your roots?
America - Land of the free - Home of the brave!
America- Where we were grounded and founded on God's Word.
America - What has happened to your values?
Has the values that we have grown up on gone out with the dish water?
America where all come to live because of the freedoms that we have.
America was attacked on 9/11 because we have gotten away from God.
America needs to turn from her wicked ways and turn back to God!
America - God will heal our land when we turn back to Him.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
America - God is calling you back.
America we must pray together.
America even in the midst of our confusion we can find hope.
Prayer can change things.
The question is how bad do you want things changed?
America we must take a stand for that which is ours.
Our country was founded on God - but today we have gotten so far away from God it is no laughing matter any more.
Children are not allowed to say the pledge.
People are afraid of stepping on another religion's toes.
America is in fear, and fear is not of God!
People are married to the same sex- God intended it to be Adam and Eve; not Adam and Steve.
You can not even let your children play in the front yard, or play with the neighborhood kids as we did without worry.
Road rage on the rise.
Sex, drug and violence on the rise.
All one hears in the news is bad things, there is never anything good.
America what has happened to your values?
What happened to the family that prays together?
What happened to praying for those in charge?
We have gotten to busy with other priorities and God is the last priority.
God should be our first priority.
As we put God first, He will change our circumstance.
We need God more than ever before.
It is not time to play games anymore, but to get serious.
We are on the way to self destruction if we do not turn back to the One whom created us.
We need to praise and give Him the glory.
God has set us a part uniquely, as everyone wants the freedom that we have.
If we do not turn back to God who is to say that we will stay free?
I know that as I write what is on my heart today, that it might offend someone, I take that chance. If this offends you, maybe then you need to check your spirit to see if you are right with God. I know in whom I believe and where He has brought me from. I can but look at the anniversary of our great nation tomorrow and say thank you God for allowing me to be apart.
Each one of us are here right now as that is what God has ordained for our life. We are here in the now to take care of what He has for us to take care.
Our whole lives were planned before the foundation of the earth. "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." Ephesians 1:4
Prayer can change things, we must not get weary in well doing.
God is love!
God is all things.
We are and we created to worship Him.
We must put our trust in Him.
"I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliver; my God, my strength in whom will I trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the name if the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18:1-3
Everything that we have and are comes from God.
Why not give honor to whom honor is due?
Do you love Him?
He loves You!
America - Won't you come back to God?
America - We need God!
posted by Gail @ 8:31 AM

Mom's Empty Chair

2009-06-20T15:25:00.002-04:00

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived, he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman had been informed of his visit.

Guess you were expecting me, he said.

No, who are you?' said the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up.

Oh yeah, the chair, said the bedridden woman.

Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door. All of my life I have never known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.

I abandoned any attempt at prayer, the old woman continued, until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me..Prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest..
Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised, I will be with you always.

Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now.

So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though.

If my daughter saw me talking
to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her mama had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, she called me over to her bedside, told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later, I found her.

There was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died, she leaned over and rested her head on the chair beside the bed.

What do you make of that?

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
I wish we could all go like that.

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.

I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.

I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

What do others see?

2009-05-13T08:21:00.004-04:00

It was only a quarter or so I thought.

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas .

Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.

When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back.

It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter.

Who would worry about this little amount?

Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.

Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."

The driver, with a smile, replied, Aren't you the new preacher in town?

I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship.

I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.

I'll see you at church on Sunday.

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.

This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test!

Always be on guard and remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder.

God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!

There are two ways of spreading the light.

One is to be the light; the other is to be the mirror that reflects the light.

Who are We?

2009-05-12T21:01:00.003-04:00

President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values." I found this very interesting. Do you know the Preamble for your state? . . Be sure to read the message at the bottom!

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California ,grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution..

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution...

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana ,grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We....the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan ,grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas ,acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God. Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility... Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Has fear gripped your hearts?

2009-04-30T18:34:00.001-04:00

We know the medical facts.

We know the media's perspective, but where is God in this situation?

Here is a "different" perspective on the swine flu threat.

What can we do?

While many are fearful of what could happen, I would like to present a strong and powerful course of action we can take as Believers, Christians, Followers of Jesus.

When I am personally faced a crisis, need, or situation, I try to find something similar in Scripture and see what God thinks about it.

Believe me there has been found that connection to this situation in James 5.

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; he Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:13-18 NIV

God has given us authority and means to stand against things that affect us.

This references trouble, sickness, a situation that affected everyone living in the region at the time.

Close enough for me.

Elijah's personal prayer changed it all for every-one.

That was Elijah - then; and we are not Elijah - today.

The power of authority is for today, in 2009.

We have the opportunity to pray in the name and therefore the authority of Jesus!

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. John 14:12-13 NIV

The power of prayer is limitless.

It is as infinite as God for it links the human life to God.

It is limitless.

Prayer touched three worlds.

It touches heaven, earth, and hell simultaneously and instantaneously.

Prayer touches man, and God as nothing else that we can do.

The enemy hates prayer because it throws the battle to God.

Prayer puts the enemy up against all his resources.

Prayer knows no limit in time.

Prayer can have an immediate effect, and reside forever.

What am I saying?

Our response should be to pray FIRST!

Prayer can change otherwise unchangeable things!

We are to use wisdom, take reasonable precautions.

Do what you can do to protect yourself, see a doctor if you are sick.

You common sense man, but pray FIRST .

The prayer of righteous man is powerful and effective.

When you pray in the name of Jesus, you are praying in His righteousness, His authority, and His power.

What does that mean where your prayers are concerned?

According to how I understand the Bible, if you pray in the name of Jesus, you are praying the powerful and effective authority of the ultimate righteous person, Jesus.

Pray for your own health and well being.

Pray for the health and healing of those who are sick.

Pray for those who are afraid and do not have your level of faith.

Pray for those who have your level of faith, just pray.

Pray for those in authority.

Pray for those in government.

Even pray for our leaders.

If you need more strength and courage, pray!

We do not pray out of fear.

We pray in strength through faith in what God has already said.

"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday."Psalm 91:5-6

"If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling." Psalm 91 9-10 NLT We do not have to be afraid, and your prayers are powerful and effective.

Lest WE forget....

2009-04-13T11:41:00.005-04:00

George Washington's Prayer Journal

Sunday Evening Prayer:

O most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ my merciful and loving father, I acknowledge and confess my guilt, in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins, but so coldly and carelessly, that my prayers are become my sin and stand in need of pardon. I have heard thy holy word, but with such deadness of spirit that I have been an unprofitable and forgetful hearer, so that, O Lord, tho' I have done thy work, yet it hath been so negligently that I may rather expect a curse than a blessing from thee. But, O God, who art rich in mercy and plenteous in redemption, mark not, I beseech thee, what I have done amiss; remember that I am but dust, and remit my transgressions, negligence’s & ignorance’s, and cover them all with the absolute obedience of thy dear Son, that those sacrifices which I have offered may be accepted by thee, in and for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered upon the cross for me; for his sake, ease me of the burden of my sins, and give me grace that by the call of the Gospel I may rise from the slumber of sin into the newness of life. Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Thank you! CBN.com

Isn’t this just beautiful and powerful?

Obama told Turkey that America was not a Christian nation, but diverse in faith… I come against that and refer to our first president’s prayer. He was not confused.

A perspective...

2009-04-12T03:37:00.002-04:00

Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking.

He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway.

I told him right off he was crazy.

Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking.

He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway.

I told him right off he was crazy.

He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car,
his hands, and the way he talked.

He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn
sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.

I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day.

But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind.

The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray.

Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired.

Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.

That set me to thinking.

I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn.

The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road.

He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful.

Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I.

Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us.

Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than
we did when we were young and full of sap.

God knows what He's doing.

As the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives,
the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce.

Think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house.

I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.

I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here...
and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

May there be peace within you today.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

I do sincerely thank God for my wonderful friends and family who love me even though I show signs of weathering.

Nails in the Fence....

2009-04-03T13:39:00.003-04:00

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.

His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.

Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down.

He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence, and said, You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence..

The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.

You can put a knife in a man and draw it out..

It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there.

A verbal wound is just as bad as a physical one.

Remember that friends are very rare jewels.

They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.

Lend an ear, share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Worn out shoes...

2009-03-20T04:15:00.003-04:00

"And He spake a parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised other:" Luke 18:9

Have you ever went to church to let others know how good you've been.

When you go to church, or get around others do you brag about what you have done for someone else?

When we become self righteous, this is dangerous, and can lead you further down the wrong road.

Self righteousness leads to pride and will eventually having others despise you.

Self righteousness will also prevent you from learning or hearing anything from God.

I showered and shaved, adjusted my tie.

I got to church sat down, in the seat next to mine, bowing his head in prayer, I saw the shoes of the man next to me.

Touching my own,

I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side. I thought, Why must our soles touch?

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine, it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began..I thought, this man with the shoes has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched, even worse, there are holes on the side!

Thank You for blessings, the prayer went on.

The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer....... My thoughts were wandering on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door?

Well, this certainly isn't it, I thought, staring toward the floor.

Then the prayer ended praise and worship began.

The shoe man was certainly loud.

Sounding proud as he sang, his voice lifted the rafters, his hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear the shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering, I gave mine faithfully, I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled, what the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft clink, as when silver hits tin.

My mind was not on the sermon, it was on the shoe man.

For the shoe man, only real tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of service I greeted this new visitor.

I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark, his hair was truly a mess.

I thanked him for coming, for being our guest.

He said, My name is Charlie, glad to meet you, my friend.

There were tears in his eyes, he had a large, wide grin.

Let me explain, he said.... Wiping tears from his eyes, I've been coming here for months; and you're the first to say Hi.

I know that my appearance, is not like all the rest, but I really do try to always look my best.

I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk, by the time I get here they're dirty and dusty, like chalk.

My heart filled with pain, I swallowed to hide my tears, he continued to apologize, for daring to sit so near.

He said, when I get here, I know I must look a sight.

I thought if I could touch you, then maybe our souls might unite, I was silent for a moment.

Knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison, I spoke from my heart, not my head.

Oh, you've touched me, I said and taught me, in part...That the best of any man..is what is found in his heart.

Only if he knew just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul...

Remember, everyone needs a friend.

Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.

Just remember and take comfort in knowing that someone out there cares about you and always will.

You will never know who's life you will touch.

You never know who is watching your life to see how you react.

Don't let pride in your achievements cut you off from God!

"Then He said unto them, Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15 Geneva Bible of 1599

Don't be fooled for your sins are not hidden from God!

Through the simple things...

2009-03-17T08:33:00.002-04:00

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Galations 5:22

Seven year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes.

He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated.

He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!.

Suddenly, he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.

Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door.

Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes.

All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess.

He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.

His father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us..

We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess.

Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or just can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

Just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to make pancakes for God or for others.

Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried..

I was wondering if there were any wounds that needed healed between friends.

Friendships that need healing need only three little words to be said... "I love you" which can heal and bless and so many other things!

The power of your words work for you or against you.

Remind every one of your friends that you love them.

Even if you think they don't love back, you would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

Just in case I haven't told you lately... I LOVE YA!!!

Suppose one morning you were called to God; do all your friends know you love them?

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

A Wonderful Thought.

2009-03-15T04:02:00.007-04:00

"Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"2 Samuel 7:18 New International version

Who am I Lord?

Why should it concern the mighty Creator of the universe?

We are but just a tiny fleck in a vast cosmos with no other prominence or prospects.

Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever felt as if you were the least?

Have you ever tried to walk away from friends, family or even parents or even God?

Did you know that even though you have tried to walk away from God, God is still walking with you.

Has that thought ever awestruck you?

Just the thought that God won't let you go.

There is really no way to express the gratitude just thinking about Him not letting us go of us.

God is there waiting for you and me alike.

Even if you feel as if you can't down any deeper, maybe even deeper than you have ever known before.

God is there waiting for you.

God is watching over you.

Even at the farthest point that you can get from God, He is there.

God is there welcoming you into His presence.

Humankind has this thing called GPS (Global Positioning System), which can pinpoint your position within a single yard.

GPS can only trail a living thing, but is powerless to follow a soul into eternity.

God will never lose sight of you even for an instant.

God will follow you from life to death and even into eternity!

What a wonderful thing.

No matter where we go, what we do, through our dreams, our fears, our moments of confusion He is there.

Have you ever took the time to stand and gaze at the stars?

Have you ever wondered how in the world, with all it's immensity that God knows who you are.

God know your heart.

God knows your dreams.

God knows your motives.

God even knows the longings that you have that you have not even told a soul about.

My friend, God knows you!

God has the full story, studied every line, even in between the lines.

God understands you far better than anyone could ever imagine.

God knows us better than we know our self.

When others misunderstand you, and I'm sure you will be misunderstood, make no mistake no one knows your heart any better than God.

God knows you already and He delights in your company.

Remember before you even say one word, you already have His full attention.

He is the best friend that you will ever have in this life or in eternity.

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and their is s friend that sticketh closer than a brother."Proverbs 18:24 King James Version

No Wasted Days.

2009-03-13T17:38:00.004-04:00

"Thine eyes did see me, when I was without form: for in Thy book were all things written, which in continuance were fashioned, when there were none of them before." Psalm 139:16 Geneva Bible of 1599

Do you ever feel worthless?

Do you ever feel that you hate yourself?

We must remember that God's Spirit is ready and willing to work in us and for us.

We also must remember to respect our self as much as our Maker does.

Anticipation, fear, hope, sadness, excitement, dread all find their way into our hearts.

We all come to that place in our life where our emotions make it difficult to choose between the options before us.

When this happens which happens a lot to most, we must take that all important step back and get a grip on something solid, reliable and unchanging.

We need to find that Anchor in the storm.

The Anchor that I'm talking about is God.

The all knowing, all seeing, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, God!

Everyday, every hour, every minute, every second, every moment is literally an open book to God.

God is never caught off guard, can never be surprised by anything that has happened, or might happen.

When you are trusting God, you have nothing to fear.

If your heart's desire is to please God and you are walking closely with Him, you should not worry about making the wrong choice.

God made you for a purpose, and He will always fulfill His purpose in the lives of His children.

"I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 King James Version

When you walk with God, you don't have to worry about wasted days.

God had already recorded each one of your days in His book, before you were born.

God is inviting you to fulfill His purpose for your life.

Won't you trust Him to do so?

When you trust Him to fulfill His purpose for you life, you will be able to live everyday of the rest of your life full of confidence that He will direct your path.

Never forget that He has a specific purpose for you.

Yes, we are going to make mistakes.

Sure, we are not always going to be confident.

That does not mean that we need to sit back and do nothing.

We need to trust God to fulfill His purpose in our life.

Through it all!

"But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation." Psalm 13:5

We need to be like David.

We need to be steadfast in our faith.

We need to continue to trust God no matter how long it takes.

We need to continue to trust God for our every need, no matter what the need is or how great the need is.

We need to trust God for the right answer.

When we express our feelings and talk to God through prayer, He will help us regain the right perspective and will give us peace.

God's Word is flawless like refined silver.

So, let us listen carefully when He speaks.

God puts His character into each one of us.

God is with us through every situation, in every trial, He is protecting, loving, and guiding us.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." Psalm 32:8 King James Version

Will you stand?

2009-03-11T12:50:00.017-04:00

"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Ok, so things of this world are going to hell in a hand basket - is your faith also?

As Christians we are not to keep our eyes on worldly possessions, but on Christ.

He has our every need.

Most people traditionally tell you that the sky is the limit, that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to, that your success will depend upon dreaming big dreams and pursuing your goals with diligence.

I'm here to tell that God is what you need, He is everything you will ever need.

God wants us to run to Him for every situation.
God wants us to become totally dependant upon Him and Him alone.

A great deal of us go about our busy schedules not even asking for His guidance.

We would rather have that heavy burden to carry than to ask for help that He may sustain us, that He may bear our burdens.

"Come unto Me, and all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

God is telling you to come, and make use of His storehouse.

If we do not use the gifts and blessing that God has given us, then He and His gifts and blessings might just be the least most used.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that when we need any sort of help we go to others first for answers, when we should be going to God first and foremost.

We are to use our faith.

God wants us to run to Him, and tell Him all our needs, not just those we think He can handle, but ALL of our needs.

In those dark times when clouds just seem to hang above our head, He is the Sun of Righteousness.

"But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." Malachi 4:2

God is your shield, He is a shield of protection.

"Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head." Psalms 3:2-3

In this life you can so easily lose your way, you have let Him guide you.

"Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:" John 16:13a
If you don't know which way to turn, turn to Him, for He is your Shepherd.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

The word want in the previous sentence means lack.

We will never lack anything with God.

When you are on life's road, remember that God is all that you need.

Where ever you may go down this road of life, remember God is just what you need.

God is what we need, He is just where you need Him to be, even if you have walked with Him and have not called on Him in a while, He will be there.

No matter what you do....

No matter where you go....

There is one thing that you can count on; You do not walk alone.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I go from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-9 New International Version

If you have trials, or you are free from them, make God your delight.

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he mediate day and night." Psalm 1:2

Sometimes answers are hard to come by.

There is only one answer that you can totally cling to with absolute, unwavering certainty.

God is with you every step of the way!

God who knows you intimately, loves you deeply, walks with you closely, and desires more for you than you could ever hope for or imagine.

He has filled you with life giving breath, will you not praise Him?

We must learn how to Worship in the midst of a trial, but even greater when we are not.

God is watching, listening and acting on our behalf even when it seems that He is nowhere to be found.

There is Someone out there who knows you even better than you know yourself.

Someone who cares profoundly about every detail of your life.

Someone who will place His on your shoulder and guide you.

This some one's name?

God.

We must learn to get past our possessions, our worries, our griefs, even beyond our families and Worship the Almighty!

It is generally through these hangups that God will bring us to our knee's, in so bringing us to Him.

No one can come to the Father except he be drawn.

"No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:44

We must become totally dependant upon Him, it will be His power, His grace, and His presence at every moment.

When we go to bed, when we arise, while I'm in my house, when I out doing daily errands, My God is always with me.

I love the quote by Charles Spurgeon it says it best....

"With Him I travel, I dwell, I lodge, and I will live forever." - Charles Spurgeon

Will you stand with Him, not matter what life brings your way?

Will you stand and worship Him for the storm that you are in?

Will you stand and worship Him for all those storms that you are about to go through?

Will you lift your voice in the midst of every situation good or bad?

Will you lift your voice in praise?

Will you give to Him the glory that is rightfully His?

Can you stand with Peter and say all is but loss if I have not Christ.

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him," Philippians 3:7-9a

May God, our faithful Lord and Shepherd, light your way and be your best friend forever!

The Hand of God

2009-03-03T03:22:00.001-05:00

The hand of the LORD has done this...Job 12:9

A number of years ago the most magnificent diamond in the history of the world was found in an African mine.

It was then presented to the king of England to embellish his crown of state.

The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut by an expert stonecutter.

Can you imagine what he did with it?

He took this gem of priceless value and cut a notch in it. Then he struck it hard one time with his hammer, and the majestic jewel fell into his hand, broken in two.

What recklessness!

What wastefulness!

What criminal carelessness!

Actually, that is not the case at all.

For you see, that one blow with the hammer had been studied and planned for days, and even weeks.

Drawings and models had been made of the gem.

Its quality, defects, and possible lines along which it would split had all been studied to the smallest detail.

The man to whom it was entrusted was one of the most skilled stonecutters in the world.

Now do you believe that blow was a mistake?

No, it was the capstone and the culmination of the stonecutter's skill.

When he struck that blow, he did the one thing that would bring that gem to its most perfect shape, radiance, and jeweled splendor.

The blow that seemed to be the ruin of the majestic precious stone was actually its perfect redemption, for from the halves were fashioned two magnificent gems.

Only the skilled eye of the expert stonecutter could have seen the beauty of two diamonds hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.

Thought: Sometimes, in the same way, God lets a stinging blow fall on your life. You bleed, feeling the pain, and your soul cries out in agony. At first you think the blow is an appalling mistake. It is not, for you are the most precious jewel in the world to God.

He is the most skilled stonecutter in the universe.

Someday you are to be a jewel adorning the crown of the King.

As you lie in His hand now, He knows just how to deal with you.

Not one blow will be permitted to fall on your apprehensive soul except what the love of God allows.

You may be assured that from the depths of the experience, you will see untold blessings, and spiritual enrichment you have never before imagined.

"Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." Isaiah 28:16

What's going on?

2009-03-02T09:34:00.003-05:00

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen ye love; in whom, though now believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:7-9 KJV

What's going on the inside of you?

Have you made an commitment to serve God and now your at a stand still?

Have you ever told God that you would follow Him where ever He take you?

Have you thought at one point that you have given all your heart, mind and soul to God only to find out that you have not?

Has God been dealing with you, asking for more of you?

What has been the out come?

You know in your heart that living for God is the most fulfilling thing that has ever happened to you.

So why now do you worry about giving the rest of yourself to God?

Could it be that you are scared?

What is there to be scared of - living a life for God is the best, most fulfilling thing that could ever happen to you.

Do not change your life for someone that you barely know, change it cause you want that change for yourself.

God is the author of change, He is the one whom gives you that desire for change.

We do not have enough of our own strength to get us through this life.

Our personal power, strength is limited, but God's power is infinite.

God is waiting for you to strop trying to do it yourself.

He want to be in total control of your life.

He wants you to give back to Him what was His from the very beginning.

So what you waiting on?

Go ahead and tell Him.

Not my will, but Your will O Lord.

Even I am guilty of being afraid of turning my life completely over to Him.

He is the greater will, so why do I fret?

We seek guidance, but when the answer comes we don't always wanna hear what is said.

God has had our lives in His hand even before the foundation of the world, do you not think that He knows what your going through right now.

We must except whatever He has planned for us, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

What ever life may throw at our way, we must trust that He is in control!

"Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34 KJV

We must trust God, that He will give us the strength to deal with it.

There is a song that I have run across and it has a lot to say with this situation, here goes...

I'm Counting on God - By Jared Anderson"

I'm in a fight not physcial I'm in a war not of this world
You are the light that beautiful
And I want more.
I want more that's Yours.

Joy unspeakable that won't go away

Just enough strength to live for today
So I never has to worry what tomorrow will bring
My faith is on solid rock.
I'm counting on God!I'm counting on I'm counting on God!
In the miracle of Christ in me

Is the mystery that sets me free
I'm nothing like I used to be
Just open up your eyes you'll see.

I'm counting on God!
I'm counting on I'm counting on God!"

We must put our faith first!

We must learn to put our faith in whatever Goad has for us!

We must love God unconditionally.

We must trust that He will give each of us the strength to deal with whatever comes our way.

We must have that commitment to serve Him unconditionally.

"Though none go with me,
Still I will follow
No turning back
No turning back"

Can you say that and mean it?

Do you have the faith to say that?

If you can it will be the best most thrilling decision you've ever made.

"Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Isaiah 55:2

The Quilt

2009-02-23T18:03:00.006-05:00

"For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. Teach me Your way Lord, and I will live by Your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name. I will praise You with all my heart, Lord My God, and will honor Your name forever. For Your faithful love for me is great, and You deliver my life from the depths of sheol." Psalm 86: 10-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. My angel took a piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares were.

They were filled with giant holes.

Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life .. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me.

Nobody else had such squares.

Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.

I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.

The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries.

So filled their lives had been.

My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.

I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes.

I had love in my life, and laughter.

There had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it.

I had to start over many times.

I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life.

I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

Now, I had to face the truth, my life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air.

I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me, light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ.

Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes, He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles; Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.

'May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

" Taste and see the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Thirsty Soul?

2009-01-29T03:37:00.010-05:00

"O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee: my flesh longeth greatly after Thee in a barren and dry land without water: Thus I behold Thee as in the sanctuary, when I behold Thy power and Thy glory. For Thy loving-kindness is better than life: therefore my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I magnify Thee all my life, and lift up mines hands in Thy Name. My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips." Psalm 63:1-5 Geneva Bible of 1599

Are you thirsty?

Are you hungry for more of God?

Are you ready for a change?

You might be hungry and in great distress about your situations, but one must make God their sufficiency in everything, above everything.

Most all of us at one point or another have had an encounter with God.

Most of us have a knowledge about God.

It is not just learning about God, it is having that personal relationship with Him.

It is about meeting and tasting the supernatural presence of God.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteh in Him." Psalm 34:8

This is the life we were born to live.
This is a life filled with joy in the presence of God.

This passionate desire creates a hunger deep within our heart, which is only satisfied by that joy from being in His presence.

Many of us know stories of and from the Bible.

How many of us truly know God?

God met Job in his storm.

God met Moses in a burning bush.

God met David through the anointing oil that was poured out.

God met Paul on the road to Damascus.

Not a one of them were the same after their encounter with God.

These and many more like them, like you and I have been changed through the years, from tasting that joy which comes from above.

It was and is the Love of God that sustains.

This same love is available to you, for it has never went away.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." John 16:7

God's love is available for all today, and it will enable all of us to keep going through those trials and tribulations that life throws at us.

Today, maybe you feel a stirring in your heart.

God is drawing you through the Holy Spirit, his Comforter.

We all were created to know God for ourselves.

We were created to be satisfied in Him above all things.

"And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power;" Colossians 2:10 KJV

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." Colossians 1:16-17 KJV

God is drawing your heart towards Him.

God is drawing you into a new relationship with Him.

What are you holding onto?

What's holding you back from giving God your all?

What has your attention?

Let go and let God.

Let God take control of the wheel.

It will surprise you.

Open up your heart.

Let your heart become vulnerable to God, and take that step into His presence.

Take a leap of faith.

Truthfully, what have you got to lose?

Once you take that step, you will be stepping out of the world of human limitations into the loving arms of God.

Are you ready to take that step and start a brand new journey, anew chapter in your life's book?

I don't care about what all these self help books have to say.

I don't care about what these self help pastor's, or preachers tell you.

The truth is God is the only way to change.

It is impossible for us to change our own lives.

If you truly want to change and you have that tugging on your heart, but you think you cannot change, have I got good news for you.

You can't change, but God can change you.

"The Lord is near unto them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be afflicted in spirit." Psalm 34:18 Geneva Bible 0f 1599

Just when you think you can't handle you situations, there is no hope; God is at hand to help deliver you out.

"The sacrifices of God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and broken heart, O God, thou will not despise.

Contrite: feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done.

Synonyms: apologetic, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry.

Related Words sad, grieving, mournful, sorrowful, woeful.

Do you have a wounded heart?

When God comes in and rearranges one's heart, there is an encounter.

This encounter is with the Living God.

When this encounter takes place all affections will be touched, all actions will be affected.

God will be the center of all affection.

Everything in our lives will be touched and changed.

When His love touches us, that experience alone will cause us to love God passionately.

We would rather let God be the object of our love and not to those things of sensual pleasures, worldly pursuits, or earthly relationships.

God alone will be the object of our love and affection.

When God changes us, we will love differently, and act differently.

You will know if you have fallen into love with God.

It will be your desire, your joy to please Him.

So much so, that you will desire to be in His presence and to experience all that God has for you.

All you have to do is ask.

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye might lay the same on your pleasures." James 4:3 Geneva Bible of 1599

There is nothing wrong with wanting a good life.

When it involves seeking pleasure at others expense or at the expense of obeying God it is a sin.

Pleasure that God gives is rich and bountiful, it is the best you can get.

Other pleasures only last for a season, God's last forever.

"For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also." Matthew 6:21

If there is a desire that has been laid upon your heart to be in His presence and experience all that He has for you, just ask.

If you have become hungry and thirsty and have not been able to be satisfied by the pleasures of this world, look no further.

God is calling you.

God wants to change your life.

Won't you let Him touch your life.

Come and let Him change and transform you.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." Psalm 27:4-6 KJV

What is your guide in life?

2009-01-28T15:15:00.011-05:00

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

This is very interesting and has not the ending everyone expects.

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.

But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol, but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular Basis.

The stranger made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.

The stranger talked freely -much too freely about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger.

Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. The srtanger has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first.

Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?.... .. . We just call him TV.

He has a wife now....We call her Computer.

"For the commandments is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life." Proverbs 6:23

Through the Flame

2009-01-23T12:46:00.008-05:00

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

All I know is He touched me.

Come and touch me once again, Lord.

We really don't belong here, you and I, we are just passing through.

We are all pilgrims here on a journey, in this foreign land trying to find our way.

We are all looking for a brighter day.

Through the wind.

Through the fire.

Through the storm.

Through it all, the Lord care for you and loves you deeply.

He loves us so much that He wants us to experience the greatest pleasure of all.

He wants us to experience His love.

God is calling us back to the pursuit of true joy.

The joy that can only be found in Him.

God wants us to drink from Him, the fountain of living waters.

God is looking for those who will pursue joy in God Himself.

Can you hear Him speaking?

Maybe, just maybe this trial is a wake up call.

Could it be that your joy has always been in the things of God rather than Himself?

Could be that God is taking away His gifts so that you will turn your love and passion towards Him.

There are those who purse things of this world to make you happy.

It maybe that one spends excessive time at work, doing hobbies, sexual exploits, drug or Alcohol abuse, or even being in a gang looking for that place of acceptance.

Our fallen human nature, is to search for those joys that give us satisfaction, that satisfy us.

They will never satisfy.

Why?

Man, was created for something much more greater.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thous hast created all things, and for Thy will's sake they are, and have been created." Revelation 4:11 Geneva Bible of 1599

Our souls thirst for God, Himself, and nothing else

Ya know, when man looks for happiness anywhere, or in anything other than God, it is a sin.

When one leaves the joy that is only found in God, for the pursuit of joy in anything else that is sin.

There is a river to drink from that is available to you all the time.

During good days and bad days, there is a river that will sustain and satisfy you forever.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; through the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." Psalm 46:1-5 KJV

The purpose behind each test, trial that we will ever face is that He is changing us so that we can make much of Him.

God wants us to experience Him.

God wants us to experience Him, like never before.

God wants us to praise Him, with all our heart and to drink deeply of His living water.

His living water is for us, to flow in us, through us, so it can flow out of us to others.

God will be glorified and we will be satisfied!

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26

Abba, Father I need Your help to renew and refresh my attitude, enthusiasm, and commitment to our relationship. Although sometimes I feel overwhelmed by circumstances sometimes. Truth is that You are greater than any challenge I may encounter! I am honored of the assurance that You are always willing to restore, renew, and strengthen me regardless of circumstances. Let me joy in You, let that joy remain full and strong.

The High Calling

2009-01-21T02:16:00.000-05:00

If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He would draw you unto a life of crucifixion and humility, and put you on such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves and pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or have a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but God may supply you daily because He wants you to have something far better than gold, and that is a helpless dependence on Him, and that He may have the privilege of providing for your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored, and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.

God will let others be great, but keep you small, He will let others do the work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil without knowing how much you are doing, and then to make your work still more precious He will let others take the credit for the work which you have done. And this work will make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, with a jealous love, and rebuke you for little words or feelings or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.

So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reasons in His dealing with you.

God will take you at your word, and if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in His jealous love and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say.

Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue or chaining your hand or closing your eyes in ways that others are not dealt with.

Now when you are so possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart pleased and delighted over this peculiar, private jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the entrance to Heaven.
-Author Unknown-

"And follow hard toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

What you going through?

2009-01-16T18:13:00.004-05:00

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon the." Isaiah 43:2 KJV

Are you going through a season of test and trials?

Maybe you have been laid off, lost your house, a member of you family, or even thought that you lost your faith.

Just so that you realize that the enemy is not responsible for all your troubles.

The enemy is a created being just like you and I.

The enemy is a fallen created being with limited powers.

So, don't give too much credit to the devil.

Don't let what life throws your way change or scar your name.

We must learn to be content in life.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11 KJV

We must learn to pick up the pieces and go on.

We must learn to be obedient through it all.

Are you right in God's sight as you are going through that test, trial or storm?

There are spiritual blessings that are connected to our trials, storms, and tests.

No matter what you are going through, you can take comfort in that the Lord can and will use your circumstance for good.

God has a plan and purpose for everything that comes into your life.

God is speaking to us through these circumstances.

God is speaking to us for our need of Him.

God is speaking to us about our vulnerability.

God is speaking to us about our values.

God is speaking to us about His glory.

God is speaking to us about His grace and mercy.

God is speaking to us about His goodness.

God is speaking to us to draw us nearer to Him.

Are you listening?

It is His mercy that each one of us have been given another day to live and breath upon this earth.

He is hiding Himself in your circumstance, waiting for you to find Him.

Do you ever think about what else could possible go wrong?

Do you think that all seems lost?

Don't think that you are alone, many people do.

Good news!

When all seems lost, dark, and lonely, God is on His way.

"I will never leave thee of forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b KJV

You see, when Job thought all was lost, the Lord came to Him.

"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" Job 38:1-2

Or in other words who is seeking God's counsel by man's reasoning?

It wasn't until Job got into God's presence that his circumstances started to change.

Job began to realize that it wasn't at all about him, his friends, or even his family.

Job began to realize the real reason that we were created.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 3:11

We are born to know God for Himself.

We are to enjoy God!

We are to enjoy God, for more than just His blessings.

We were born to Enjoy God and worship Him.

We were born to give Him glory forever and ever.

So, today embrace God like you have never before and enjoy Him!

Taste of His goodness.

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:13-14

Weary?

2009-01-15T17:17:00.003-05:00

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth (though it be tried with fire) might be found unto your praise, and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 1:7 Geneva Bible of 1599

Maybe you are going through a trial, some sort of rough situation.

It is through that trial brings forth that which is precious.

You heat up coal and a diamond comes forth.

We by nature are fit for the fire.

We must go through the fire, for the true fruit to be brought forth.

It is the same way when one prunes a vine.

The older the vine the more severe pruning it needs.

When God prunes your life, he is out to thin out, reduce or even cut off the excess weight that bears you down.

God wants to cut out those immature things, so that there will be more room for His glory.

God wants to remove those dead and dying things, so that He can increase and encourage new fruit to develop.

Do be mislead, cause when God prunes it is gonna hurt.

If you are or have not yet been pruned what you have could very well diminish.

It is just like pruning grapes, if left unattended for a long time they wither up and die.

If they are pruned on a regular basis they will yield a bountiful harvest of fruit.

If you plan on maturing in God, then there will pruning that lies ahead.

God will start with your priorities, and what you do on the outside.

Integrity counts.

How are you when no one is watching, as compared to when someone is watching?

Mature pruning is about your values.

Each time that God prunes, He is one step closer to the core of who you really are.

God wants to bring you as close to the image of Christ.

The first thing we must do is be grafted in Christ.

Does God have all your heart?

Do you ever feel as though you have been around that mountain before?

You may have.

You must past each test, for if not you shall keep going around that mountain till you do pass that test and learn all that God has for you.

If you think you are ready to give up, don't!

Usually when you are at that point then that means that your blessing is around the corner.

Hold on, don't give up!

When you invite God into your circumstances, He will Keep His promise and work everything out.

It may not be how you planned, you may not like it, get it or even understand it.

"Also we know that all things work together for the best unto them that love God, even to them that are called of His purpose." Romans 8:28 Geneva Bible of 1599

God' secret for more is less.

Is he pruning your life?

Has your life been impacted lately?

It is not time time to be running scared?

It is time to let go and let God.

It is time to water your Spirit with God's Word, so you may grow and become deeply rooted.

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a

By the way His grace = His empowering presence.

The Journey

2009-01-12T11:38:00.007-05:00

There hath no temptation taken you, but such as appertaineth to man: And God is faithful, which will not suffer you to be tempted above that you be able, but will even give the issue with the temptation, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 Geneva Bible of 1599

Do you realize that God has given us one of His precious promises?

Here in this verse the word temptation in the Greek can also be used as trial.

God is watching you as you go through your trial.

He is full of mercy.

God takes us into the wilderness to help us.

God brings us into the wilderness to bring us closer to Him.

The wilderness is where we are tested and tried & proved.

In the wilderness we are pressed as though with a wine press to see what is going to come out.

God is taking these earthen vessels through a breaking, so that the treasure inside can come out.

The treasure doesn't come when all is good.

The treasure doesn't come with solitude.

The treasure doesn't come when the walls are padded.

The treasure only comes when you are pressed.

The good news here is that God has made a way that we can endure it.

He is bringing all things back to Him.

He is bringing all those that have been ordained, sanctified and chosen before the world was back to Him.

We are His peculiar treasure, the object of His eye.

Who will go to the wine press?

Who will come and follow our Lord?

Who will die out to self?

Who will take up their cross?

Who will lay their own will down and follow the Lord?

He is everything that you will ever need in this life and the one to come.

There is a price to be paid, it will not come without level of trials and testing.

God will never leave you or forsake you.

Come and find yourself wrapped in His loving arms.

The place of surrender, peace, comfort,joy.

Come and find yourself in His presence.

In God I will praise his word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalm 56:4

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

A Great Recipe

2009-01-05T09:45:00.011-05:00

Great recipe for a peace-filled life..

When you wake up each morning, tell God what you are thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

Are you thankful for a new day, another breath of air, that next heartbeat, another chance to tell that special someone in your life that you love them, and give them a big hug....So, go ahead and tell Him.

Take a 10-30 minute walk (run) every day, while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

Sit in silence for a few minutes each day, talk to God about what is going on in your life.

Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts..drink plenty of water.

Try to make at least three people smile each day.

Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.

You are not so important that you have to win every argument agree to disagree.

Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

Don't compare your life to others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.

Forgive each other if you can, God's Word calls for forgiveness.

"For if ye do forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:24 Geneva Bible 1599

Envy is a waste of time.

Don't let what other people think of you bother you.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick, your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

God heals - all you have to do is ask. ",Yet ye have not, because ye ask not." James 4:2c Ryrie Study Bible

You already have all you need - if you have God.

Each night before you go to bed complete the following statement: I am thankful for __________.

Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings.

You'll be smiling before you know it.

God Bless America

"And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, Thus shall ye bless the children of Israel, and say unto them,
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee,
The Lord to make His face to shine upon thee, and be merciful to thee,
The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace." Numbers 6:22-26 Geneva Bible 1599

A New Year

2009-01-01T03:06:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

With this coming new year their will be lots of things that happen.

You may try to make things happens, but it shall not happen that way.

God is the Sovereign One.

He has set things in motion a long time ago.

Just sit back and watch what happens.

Don't forget about God.

There is s time coming when you will have to know whom you serve and why.

How much do you love your Lord?

One can only serve one master.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he shall hate the one, and love the other, or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. You can not serve God and riches." Matthew 6:24 Geneva Bible of 1599

Who will walk with the Lord this year?

Will you take up your cross, die out to self, die out to your own way, your own will and say, Yes Lord?

Will you put your trust solely in Him?

Don't do it just because it is a new year, but do it because of the Love that you have for your God.

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 peter 1:8