Well, I have been rather silent because some things have been resonating in my spirit and I have had to sit and be still. As I sat, I prayed, worshipped and just spent time in study and the word, still doing the will of God in that season. It is important to sit at the Master's feet, just soaking up what He is speaking. I listened to this song and it spoke to my heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9VSQXBKLwQ
He has spoken...Confidence, Trust, Believe, Hope
This week was rough on many levels. My heart is hurting. I want to crawl under a rock, and just let go, never to return to this place. O the tears...The sense of rejection, whether it is from friends, family, job, even spiritually, is a beast. It hurts like hell. It causes pain that you thought you would never feel again in your life. At the end of the distraught and hurt and pain, there is a rainbow. I am still looking at the rainbow, it has not totally manifested in my life yet GOD! I know that God has a purpose and plan for me so I am speaking Life to myself and I am holding on. Are you holding on? I can still Dream. I can still have Hope. I can still have Faith. It is all in the perspective of how we deal with the rejection. The enemy thought he had me and had my focus. God has my focus even through the hurt and the pain. A miracle is on its way to my life. God is still in control of Me, my heart, my mind, my soul, my life.
Submitting to the Lord in everything, Totally Submitted, is the life that I want, giving myself away so that God can use me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ofQmeao9I
When all chips are down, God is up to something.
The scriptures that I am holding onto are Gal 6: 9 - 10, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith." and 1 Jn 5:14 - "And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him."
I cannot make it without God and I have to crawl into His bosom at this time. No fear, Only Faith. Walking according to His word, not my feelings or what I see. It is not an easy road, but I know that My God will supply all of My needs because I am sold out to Him, my Mind is made up, and I will go Through because there is no where else for me to go. I will continue in Him. With all the emotional pain, the anger, the disappointment, there is still no place like being in the arms of My Daddy, who gently loves me and keeps my feet on solid ground because He is carrying me when I am weak. God takes everything that I was and makes me who I am, He is still making me because I am allowing Him to, as I worship Him.
I had a great conversation with a friend who told me that when others see me, meaning perfect strangers, I don't show any weakness. He told me I carry myself as if I have it all together. I smiled. I told him that you know I don't have it all together when my nails are raggedy and my hair is over a week old and looking like I need some help. None of us are perfect and I will be the first to tell you I am no where near perfect. I guess when I am feeling my worse, people still see the strength that I have from God. I have been told that I need to soften up because I can be intimidating. I have to look like a wounded deer as I am too strong. Not sure how God is going to work this in my life, yet I know He is! I have heard these statements too much in the last month for God not to be working on it in my life. I am such a private person that only those who know me intimately know the naked and true me, the one who cries at a the sign of anything, the one who will give you the last that she has, the one who will bend over backwards and fight for you and with you, the one who will be loyal to the end and love you unconditionally, the quiet one who will sit and wait patiently on you, the one you can call at any hour with a need and I will try everything in my power to meet it, the compassionate one who loves to share and take care of things. Preparation is not lost time...I am being prepared!!!
God is so strong. God loves us so much. I love my God! I love You!
God has a way of speaking to us through song and it has been a wonderful worship experience.
my Daddy, my Protector, my Healer, my Waymaker, my Righteousness, my Source, my Banner, my Provider, my Prince of Peace.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Daily Helps and Encouragement
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
A DAILY SURVIVAL KIT:
--TOOTHPICK: To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. See Matthew 7:1
--RUBBER BAND: To remind you to be flexible; things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. See Romans8:28
--BANDAID: To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else`s.
See Colossians 3:12-14
--PENCIL: To remind you to list your blessings everyday. See Ephesians1:3
--ERASER: To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it`s okay.
See Genesis 50:15-21
--CHEWING GUM: To remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. See Phillippians 4:13
--MINT: - To remind you that you are worth a mint.
See John 3:16-17
--CANDY KISS: To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday.
See 1 John 4:7
--TEA BAG: To remind you to relax daily and go over that list of blessings.
See 1 Thessolonians 5:18
Encouragement
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for each one....
You say: "It`s impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I`m too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can`t go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can`t figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can`t do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I`m not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It`s not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can`t forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9& Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can`t manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I`m afraid" God says: Ihave not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I`m always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don`t have enough faith" God says: I`ve given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I`m not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
A DAILY SURVIVAL KIT:
--TOOTHPICK: To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. See Matthew 7:1
--RUBBER BAND: To remind you to be flexible; things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. See Romans8:28
--BANDAID: To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else`s.
See Colossians 3:12-14
--PENCIL: To remind you to list your blessings everyday. See Ephesians1:3
--ERASER: To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it`s okay.
See Genesis 50:15-21
--CHEWING GUM: To remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. See Phillippians 4:13
--MINT: - To remind you that you are worth a mint.
See John 3:16-17
--CANDY KISS: To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday.
See 1 John 4:7
--TEA BAG: To remind you to relax daily and go over that list of blessings.
See 1 Thessolonians 5:18
Encouragement
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for each one....
You say: "It`s impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I`m too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can`t go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can`t figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can`t do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I`m not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It`s not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can`t forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9& Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can`t manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I`m afraid" God says: Ihave not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I`m always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don`t have enough faith" God says: I`ve given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I`m not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Be still...standing still
What do I mean, be still...standing still... The word of God tells us in Ps 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” - NLT.
I have had this scripture hidden in my heart since I lived in HI, 2001, yet it was only in the last few weeks that I saw part b...
When the Lord told me to be still, I knew for me, it meant be quiet, do nothing, say nothing, think nothing, just BE STILL...when I am standing still, I feel as if He is working everything out that I desire, His presence is so covering me that there is nothing that I have to do, say, think, JUST STAND on His Promises and know that "I can do ALL things through Him who Strengthens me". Being still and standing still for me then is truly a trust and faith walk with the Lord, my Daddy, my Father, My Provider, My Waymaker, My Healer, My Strength, believing that He is working everything out For My Good.
I have to trust and know that when I am still, being obedient, He is in the background doing everything that He wants to do for me, things that I have asked Him for and those that He just wants to bless me with. I am so excited that all I have to do is open my heart to Him, keep my eyes focused on Him and sit back, relax, continue to read His word, continue to pray, continue to seek His Face and allow Him to truly be God in my Life. Allowing Him to do all the work...
As I have been pondering this statement, "being still...standing still", it has been interesting because in the books of Nehemiah and Esther, it was the same King who allowed his butler to go to rebuild the city of his people and blessed the man who sat at the gate in rags. He did not hesitate to support his butler and give him what he needed. The king could have said no when he heard the troubles of his butler, instead he sent him with stuff to rebuild his family land and to protect him as he was there. Later on, he became a governor in the land, qualified or not, that is the blessing he received for his obedience. God rebuilds us and protects us when we are in a place of standing still and being still before Him. When we praise Him in all things, stand on His word, meditate on His word, listen to His voice, fast and pray, He changes us from the inside out. We will change us, rebuild us, protecting us, removing those things that are not like Him, pouring more of Himself into us and drawing us closer to Him. God will bless us more than we think, imagine and put us above others who do not think we should even be where we are but it does not matter, God qualifies us! The king cared about his people enough, more than his own needs, to send his butler out to help others. Is Jesus not like that for us? God cares so much about us that he sent Jesus, to redeem us back to Him, Jesus cared more about us than His own needs that He said, "not my will, but Yours Lord", when the soldiers came to carry him to the cross. Jesus was helping us not Himself...
Back to Ps 46:10b, God says "He will be honored in the nations and throughout the world" and it hit me like a ton of bricks that if we are truly still before God, He will give honor to those around you, those in your sphere of influence, you will be given more responsibility, more credibility, more access, greater freedom, all for His glory. Those who think they know you will see a different person. They may be even shocked to see the God in You rise to such favor and prominence. This happened to Mordecai in Esther.
You see, Mordecai was not liked by Haman because Mordecai stood by the Word of God and did not give his Allegience (loyalty) to no one but God. God did not allow the king to get any rest one night, that same king who sent his butler to help his own people, the Jews (a chosen and protected people), so the king wanted to know what has been happening through his reign and low and behold, Mordecai had done something wonderful to protect the King and now the king wanted to reward him. Not only did the king reward him, he became the number two person in the land, a governor, after sitting outside the palace day in and day out, dressed in rags. His enemy, Naman, died the same way he was planning to kill Mordecai. People have to be careful what plot or ploy or trap they set for you because they could get tripped up on it themselves, especially if they have yet to figure out that you are "called and chosen" by God for such a time as this...
Who qualified them? God did. Who blessed them? God did? What did they do? Fast, pray, obey, stayed humble and had a desire to help people. Both men became more powerful than what people thought because of their obedience. Will God not do the same to you if you do what they did and even more? Will you trust Him? Will you ask Him to search your heart, remove those things not like Him and allow those giants in your life that is stopping you from being still and standing still to be changed into a closer walk with God, closer than you have been before in order to do the will of God from the position He will place you in that will be higher than you could ever think or imagine. Mordecai was honored throughout all the provinces at that time.
Back to Ps 46:10 part b...God will be honored throughout the world by using you, if you will only do what He asks of you, "Be Still, Stand Still" which means to fast, pray, watch, read, hear, obey, trust and have faith, being quiet, being watchful, yet not saying anything, believing that what the Lord promised, He will deliver to you His chosen, His called for the world to see because He will get the Honor through you by Promoting you, Placing you higher than you could take yourself...Are you STANDING STILL...BEING STILL?
I am! Join me, please...let us do Jesus together...
Hallelujah, Thank you Lord, I praise you with everything in me! Selah...Amen
I have had this scripture hidden in my heart since I lived in HI, 2001, yet it was only in the last few weeks that I saw part b...
When the Lord told me to be still, I knew for me, it meant be quiet, do nothing, say nothing, think nothing, just BE STILL...when I am standing still, I feel as if He is working everything out that I desire, His presence is so covering me that there is nothing that I have to do, say, think, JUST STAND on His Promises and know that "I can do ALL things through Him who Strengthens me". Being still and standing still for me then is truly a trust and faith walk with the Lord, my Daddy, my Father, My Provider, My Waymaker, My Healer, My Strength, believing that He is working everything out For My Good.
I have to trust and know that when I am still, being obedient, He is in the background doing everything that He wants to do for me, things that I have asked Him for and those that He just wants to bless me with. I am so excited that all I have to do is open my heart to Him, keep my eyes focused on Him and sit back, relax, continue to read His word, continue to pray, continue to seek His Face and allow Him to truly be God in my Life. Allowing Him to do all the work...
As I have been pondering this statement, "being still...standing still", it has been interesting because in the books of Nehemiah and Esther, it was the same King who allowed his butler to go to rebuild the city of his people and blessed the man who sat at the gate in rags. He did not hesitate to support his butler and give him what he needed. The king could have said no when he heard the troubles of his butler, instead he sent him with stuff to rebuild his family land and to protect him as he was there. Later on, he became a governor in the land, qualified or not, that is the blessing he received for his obedience. God rebuilds us and protects us when we are in a place of standing still and being still before Him. When we praise Him in all things, stand on His word, meditate on His word, listen to His voice, fast and pray, He changes us from the inside out. We will change us, rebuild us, protecting us, removing those things that are not like Him, pouring more of Himself into us and drawing us closer to Him. God will bless us more than we think, imagine and put us above others who do not think we should even be where we are but it does not matter, God qualifies us! The king cared about his people enough, more than his own needs, to send his butler out to help others. Is Jesus not like that for us? God cares so much about us that he sent Jesus, to redeem us back to Him, Jesus cared more about us than His own needs that He said, "not my will, but Yours Lord", when the soldiers came to carry him to the cross. Jesus was helping us not Himself...
Back to Ps 46:10b, God says "He will be honored in the nations and throughout the world" and it hit me like a ton of bricks that if we are truly still before God, He will give honor to those around you, those in your sphere of influence, you will be given more responsibility, more credibility, more access, greater freedom, all for His glory. Those who think they know you will see a different person. They may be even shocked to see the God in You rise to such favor and prominence. This happened to Mordecai in Esther.
You see, Mordecai was not liked by Haman because Mordecai stood by the Word of God and did not give his Allegience (loyalty) to no one but God. God did not allow the king to get any rest one night, that same king who sent his butler to help his own people, the Jews (a chosen and protected people), so the king wanted to know what has been happening through his reign and low and behold, Mordecai had done something wonderful to protect the King and now the king wanted to reward him. Not only did the king reward him, he became the number two person in the land, a governor, after sitting outside the palace day in and day out, dressed in rags. His enemy, Naman, died the same way he was planning to kill Mordecai. People have to be careful what plot or ploy or trap they set for you because they could get tripped up on it themselves, especially if they have yet to figure out that you are "called and chosen" by God for such a time as this...
Who qualified them? God did. Who blessed them? God did? What did they do? Fast, pray, obey, stayed humble and had a desire to help people. Both men became more powerful than what people thought because of their obedience. Will God not do the same to you if you do what they did and even more? Will you trust Him? Will you ask Him to search your heart, remove those things not like Him and allow those giants in your life that is stopping you from being still and standing still to be changed into a closer walk with God, closer than you have been before in order to do the will of God from the position He will place you in that will be higher than you could ever think or imagine. Mordecai was honored throughout all the provinces at that time.
Back to Ps 46:10 part b...God will be honored throughout the world by using you, if you will only do what He asks of you, "Be Still, Stand Still" which means to fast, pray, watch, read, hear, obey, trust and have faith, being quiet, being watchful, yet not saying anything, believing that what the Lord promised, He will deliver to you His chosen, His called for the world to see because He will get the Honor through you by Promoting you, Placing you higher than you could take yourself...Are you STANDING STILL...BEING STILL?
I am! Join me, please...let us do Jesus together...
Hallelujah, Thank you Lord, I praise you with everything in me! Selah...Amen
Saturday, April 9, 2011
God is a God of Order, so WHY do we Disobey
What is Order? To me, order is putting things in place, one step at a time, in sequence.
We have to prioritize our life putting God first, Family second, Work third and anything else after. So how should your life be ordered?
God - praise daily, worship daily, prayer daily, church attendance more than once a week, read and study the Word of God daily, support the ministry that He has placed you in, support those lost and/or in need. God is the only one who should receive our Allegiance.
Family - love them unconditionally, be there as a support system, not a bank...for a woman, be a Prov 31 woman, for a man, be the Man of God according to the Word of God Eph 5, train the children up in the way that they should go, Prov 22:6
Work - do your best to represent God well. If we are representing God well, we will be pleased with the way we are representing ourselves. If we are giving God the best that we have, then our coworkers, friends, bosses will see the God in us as we do our job with Excellence, Finese and with Vigor. As God sees our sacrifice in secret, He will reward us openly in public.
Anything else - friends, be there for them, Do Not be their God. Help them by being the hands, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, feet that God needs you to be for them. Sometimes we want to be blessed but don't want to step out first. Faith without works is Dead. God needs us to do His Will here on Earth for others. If you don't do it, He will get someone else to do it because His Will, Will be done no matter what. I know I don't want the rocks to cry out for me or the donkey to speak on my behalf.
Many times, we say we don't have time for this or time for that. We grow up Blaming our parents for things that didn't go the way we thought they should go. Then we blame school friends for not liking us enough. Sometimes we don't look at ourselves internally to see what it is that we need to Change. Change is constant and a part of life. We fail to understand that God has ordained our lives because He first Loved Us. He Chose us. He knows the Plans He has for us. We just have to Accept it and Follow the Destiny He created for us because of the love He has for us. After all, He is the Creator and Knows All. There is nothing a surprise for our God. We just have to ask. Ask God to fix us from the inside out. He alone knows our motives and our heart. Do you need heart surgery? Allow Him to perform it as only He can, removing those things that are not of Him and allowing in the Fruit Of The Spirit.
Are you Willing to ask for Clarity to know what your Destiny holds?
Are you Willing to Ask for Forgiveness for Disobedience? God will allow you to do what you want because we all have free will to do so. At some point in time, we will end up Submitting to what He has for us. Will you be ready or will you be again disobedient to what the Lord wants to do in your life, for your life so that He gets the glory out of it all.
No one said life would be easy, so why do we think that everything is supposed to happen every way we think it should? We have to take the good with the bad, the sad with the happy, the rich with the poor, yet Trusting in God.
My greatest Desire is to be the best that I can be for God, even if it hurts. When I think about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing what His plan was before He came to Earth, sitting by and watching the things take place that had to take place, asking the Father to remove the Cup from Him if it was the Father's Will, yet Submitting because of His love for Us, I have no choice even if it Hurts me. It is the Love of God that Sustains me. It is the Love of God that keeps Me. It is the Love of God that carries me through.
It is God's Correction that Allows me to Repent, Obey and Move onto My Destiny in Him.
We have to lift our hands and surrender to God so that we are not worn out. Allow God to strengthen us to do His will. Stop fighting Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to restore your soul, change your Heart, and Rest in God, Selah...
Take Rest in Me - Deitrick Haddon
Friday, March 25, 2011
Deciding to blog
Well, I am continuing to embark on my God given destiny after serving my adopted country for 24 years. I travelled a lot as well, while in the military, from Okinawa to England, from Germany to Hawaii, from Korea to Japan. I truly enjoy living among many different cultures and experiencing what they have to offer. God definitely used the military to further His cause in my life, to teach me, to allow me to grow, to show me me and how to love others. He predestined these things for me before I was yet born. The military path has come to an end, and this is now the beginning of my second journey. This blog is an attempt to capture some of the memories and things we do.
Still Standing
Today is two weeks since the earthquake rattled Japan and created a tsunami that wrecked havoc on the North East coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan. We are still shaking and that is to be expected, considering that we are on the ring of fire..."Shake yourself loose" were the words given to me last weekend, so I googled it and found that it belongs to a gospel song by Vickie Winans.
The words go something like this (http://www.lyricsreg.com/):
*************************************************************
[VERSE 1: Trio]
(Hey...hey..hey...hey)
Said you been bound up - Lookin? for a way to break free
Devil's had you tied up - Listen to these words from me
Your situation may seem hopeless but it's not the end
Though you are burdened and have shackles on your feet
[CHORUS]
(Now)... I... want you to know - You're about to break loose (unison)
Jesus took the keys... and gave 'em to you
(So...Here's what you gotta do)
Shake loose... everything that binds you up - Who told you that you can't make it
When God says that you can shake it - Shake loose... everything that binds you up
Praise Him like its your last chance - Get up and do the David dance
[VERSE 2: Solo]
I heard you were feeling down - That Satan had you bound
No you don't have to stay - Yes, you can leave today
Just lika' in the bible days - When men began to pray
Those jail cells start to shaken - Those chains a start to breakin?
[BRIDGE:]
Don't let the enemy keep you in bondage
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Every worry, every care
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
....Those chains that bind you.... should.... only remind
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Problems... know that.... He will.... solve them
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Shake.... yourself..... loose
(Lift..... your hands) Lift your hands
(Come on and lets dance) Come on ...lets dance
Shake.... yourself.... loose
(Scream and shout) Scream and shout
(He brought you out) He brought you out
Shake... yourself... loose
(Loose your seat) Loose your seat
(Now move your feet) Move your feet
Shake... yourself... loose
(Owww.......Shout) Shout for joy - make some noise
Because I'm free...Free
[TAG:]
(Good God Almighty ahh) Free
(He told me in his word that..) Free
(That I could be free...yeah) Free
(The Devil tried to stop me) Free
(He tried to block me) Free
(But I got away) Free
(I got the key) -- Free at last (key change)
Free....(Thank God Almighty....yeah)
Free....(Whom the Son sets free)
Free....(Is free indeed)
Free....(He loosed the shackles)
Free... (That was binding me)
Free ...(So get on your feet)
Free....(And sing it with me)
Free yeaahhh......!!! (key change)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free....)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free...)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free...)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free....
Free at last. (Key change)
Free....Free...free....free..
Shake.... yourself..... loose
*****************************************************************
So, as I thought about those words initially, I wondered how many times the Lord has to shake us free from the things that so easily entangle us - sin! Whether that sin is seen by others or only known by us and God, we get tangled up. The sin can be disobedience, stubbornness, or fear. When the Lord shakes us free, we have to decide to walk away and into His loving arms and not pick up the same habit again...Then I began thinking about the Japanese as a nation...they believe in many different religions and types of Budhas. How many of us are witnessing to them? What does it cost us but time? We get so caught up in self that we forget our purpose, the plan, the mission! The God given purpose, God given plan and God given mission as to why we are here. We could witness as we talk to a clerk in a store, we are already there. A smile, a thank you, start by building relationships, show them that you care, that you are interested in them, who they are. I know...it is easier said than done. We have to ask God for the boldness to go forth and do what He has called us to do. He will equip us. He said it in His word that He equips those He calls.
Then I got to reading Nehemiah...He wanted to know what was going on in his hometown so he asked his brother. He was hurt and wanted to do something when he found out about the destruction. He got the boldness he needed and when he asked his boss, he not only received permission, he got provision. God supplied what he needed to get the job done. Nehemiah had no fear talking to God. He prayed like God was standing right there next to him. God protected him. When his task was done, he praised God and thanked God every way imaginable - choirs, instruments, read the word in the hearing of the people. How many of us praise God in Spirit and Truth, no matter who is looking? God blessed them even more and turned the curse into a blessing. Many want the blessings however do not give God what is due Him - honor, obedience, praise, thanksgiving, faith. When God shakes things up, it is to remove that which is not like him, like He did in Nehemiah's time. After Nehemiah was done, the pagan worship was gone, the Levites got what was rightfully theirs, they were cleansed and the wall was rebuilt. They were Still Standing better than they were before. Are you still standing? What are you believing for? The song tells us to stand on our feet, shout for joy, dance, scream and shout because the Lord brought you out. I am Still Standing!
The words go something like this (http://www.lyricsreg.com/):
*************************************************************
[VERSE 1: Trio]
(Hey...hey..hey...hey)
Said you been bound up - Lookin? for a way to break free
Devil's had you tied up - Listen to these words from me
Your situation may seem hopeless but it's not the end
Though you are burdened and have shackles on your feet
[CHORUS]
(Now)... I... want you to know - You're about to break loose (unison)
Jesus took the keys... and gave 'em to you
(So...Here's what you gotta do)
Shake loose... everything that binds you up - Who told you that you can't make it
When God says that you can shake it - Shake loose... everything that binds you up
Praise Him like its your last chance - Get up and do the David dance
[VERSE 2: Solo]
I heard you were feeling down - That Satan had you bound
No you don't have to stay - Yes, you can leave today
Just lika' in the bible days - When men began to pray
Those jail cells start to shaken - Those chains a start to breakin?
[BRIDGE:]
Don't let the enemy keep you in bondage
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Every worry, every care
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
....Those chains that bind you.... should.... only remind
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Problems... know that.... He will.... solve them
Praise your way through - Come on and shake loose
Shake.... yourself..... loose
(Lift..... your hands) Lift your hands
(Come on and lets dance) Come on ...lets dance
Shake.... yourself.... loose
(Scream and shout) Scream and shout
(He brought you out) He brought you out
Shake... yourself... loose
(Loose your seat) Loose your seat
(Now move your feet) Move your feet
Shake... yourself... loose
(Owww.......Shout) Shout for joy - make some noise
Because I'm free...Free
[TAG:]
(Good God Almighty ahh) Free
(He told me in his word that..) Free
(That I could be free...yeah) Free
(The Devil tried to stop me) Free
(He tried to block me) Free
(But I got away) Free
(I got the key) -- Free at last (key change)
Free....(Thank God Almighty....yeah)
Free....(Whom the Son sets free)
Free....(Is free indeed)
Free....(He loosed the shackles)
Free... (That was binding me)
Free ...(So get on your feet)
Free....(And sing it with me)
Free yeaahhh......!!! (key change)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free....)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free...)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free...break free (Free...)
Those of you out there feelin' bound, let me tell you can break free....
Free at last. (Key change)
Free....Free...free....free..
Shake.... yourself..... loose
*****************************************************************
So, as I thought about those words initially, I wondered how many times the Lord has to shake us free from the things that so easily entangle us - sin! Whether that sin is seen by others or only known by us and God, we get tangled up. The sin can be disobedience, stubbornness, or fear. When the Lord shakes us free, we have to decide to walk away and into His loving arms and not pick up the same habit again...Then I began thinking about the Japanese as a nation...they believe in many different religions and types of Budhas. How many of us are witnessing to them? What does it cost us but time? We get so caught up in self that we forget our purpose, the plan, the mission! The God given purpose, God given plan and God given mission as to why we are here. We could witness as we talk to a clerk in a store, we are already there. A smile, a thank you, start by building relationships, show them that you care, that you are interested in them, who they are. I know...it is easier said than done. We have to ask God for the boldness to go forth and do what He has called us to do. He will equip us. He said it in His word that He equips those He calls.
Then I got to reading Nehemiah...He wanted to know what was going on in his hometown so he asked his brother. He was hurt and wanted to do something when he found out about the destruction. He got the boldness he needed and when he asked his boss, he not only received permission, he got provision. God supplied what he needed to get the job done. Nehemiah had no fear talking to God. He prayed like God was standing right there next to him. God protected him. When his task was done, he praised God and thanked God every way imaginable - choirs, instruments, read the word in the hearing of the people. How many of us praise God in Spirit and Truth, no matter who is looking? God blessed them even more and turned the curse into a blessing. Many want the blessings however do not give God what is due Him - honor, obedience, praise, thanksgiving, faith. When God shakes things up, it is to remove that which is not like him, like He did in Nehemiah's time. After Nehemiah was done, the pagan worship was gone, the Levites got what was rightfully theirs, they were cleansed and the wall was rebuilt. They were Still Standing better than they were before. Are you still standing? What are you believing for? The song tells us to stand on our feet, shout for joy, dance, scream and shout because the Lord brought you out. I am Still Standing!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Natural disasters and life
Natural disasters have a way of letting you know who you are important to and who you mean a lot to. After suffering through earthquakes and a blackout due to no power for over two days, it was refreshing to see the number of calls made to me by the person who made them. It made my day to hear the concern in the messages left for me to contact family and friends to let them know that we were alright. I praise God that we did not have any lack. I pray for those who have lost loved ones in the tsunami in Sendai that they would receive comfort and peace. I pray that the recovery efforts will go smoothly to ensure that those in the cold do not die from overexposure to the cold or lack of food.
When natural disasters hit, you realize what you have and what is necessary for life. Some things are not as important as others. What we understand is that we are not alone and there are others who are in a worse situation than we are. Life as we know it will never be the same. What are we afraid of? What are we running from or to? If we have Jesus, being obedient to His will, what care do you have that you cannot throw to Him for Him to take care of?
Ps 46 (NLT - bibegateway.com) says:
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.
Interlude
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude
It is important that we place our trust in God, knowing that He has it all under control and He will protect you, no matter what. Just like he did in Neh 9 and 10 for His chosen people, no matter how disobedient they were, He was still with them. He will be with us as long as we are obedient to His WILL...He will hear our prayers, our cry.
Preparation is not lost time. This is just a trial run for the job that I will one day have to perform, to help others who are in a devastating situation with everything that is within me to help and assist them.
Can I introduce you to a great brother, a wonderful friend and the lover of my soul, Jesus?
When natural disasters hit, you realize what you have and what is necessary for life. Some things are not as important as others. What we understand is that we are not alone and there are others who are in a worse situation than we are. Life as we know it will never be the same. What are we afraid of? What are we running from or to? If we have Jesus, being obedient to His will, what care do you have that you cannot throw to Him for Him to take care of?
Ps 46 (NLT - bibegateway.com) says:
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.
Interlude
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude
It is important that we place our trust in God, knowing that He has it all under control and He will protect you, no matter what. Just like he did in Neh 9 and 10 for His chosen people, no matter how disobedient they were, He was still with them. He will be with us as long as we are obedient to His WILL...He will hear our prayers, our cry.
Preparation is not lost time. This is just a trial run for the job that I will one day have to perform, to help others who are in a devastating situation with everything that is within me to help and assist them.
Can I introduce you to a great brother, a wonderful friend and the lover of my soul, Jesus?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)