Monday, February 28, 2011

Failure...To Succeed

Did you know that you can not experence success without first experiencing failure?  Failure has such a negative connotation in our culture.  We are taught to be the best, the first, win at all costs but do we really know what that means?  I love the quote by Thomas Alva Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." (invented the light bulb and held a world record for 1093 patents for inventions).  He understood how to look at failure and set backs.

Fast forward to the 21st century and we live in a competitive world.  We compare our kids to the ones next door, our houses, cars, jobs, etc.  John Maxwell, author of Failing Forward, describes how to be successful in life.  It is geared toward business leaders but is a great tool for anyone in their personal life.  For example, one of the principles is that there is good in all experiences including the bad experiences.  God's Word says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Without experiencing failure we would never come to see our need for God.  Think about the times in your life when you felt closer to God than any other.  If I had to guess it is probably when you were going through a very trying time in your life.  We were created by Him and for Him.  We can do nothing without Him.  God designed us to live abundant lives (John 10:10).  Abundant life does not mean that you will never fail.  It does mean that when you fail, God will be right there to dust off your skinned knees and move you forward.

Take heart my friends, as you fail, learn from your failure and move on....move forward from your failure -- to succeed.  Paul tells us, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."  Romans 8:37  As we embrace our failures we conquer our future.

Embracing success through my failures.

One more thing, in order to be the conqueror and live the abundant life you must be willing to persevere and not get bogged down in your temporary set back.  James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Investments - Making the Right Deposits

I had a unique experience today.  I spent the majority of the day with a bunch of 6th grade boys.  We went on a scavenger hunt around town, etc.  My church had a function this weekend D-Now (discipleship for teens) and I was a driven that shuttled kids around.  It was a great experience and I enjoyed it but I saw how differently boys interact with one another than girls.  I have one daughter and have been familiar of how girls relate to one another.  They do however have one common thread--they deal with the same issues and pressures.

This evenings gathering was exceptional!  I was at the back of the room and saw hundreds (literally) of kids--6th grade all the way up to seniors singing praises to our God and King.  It truly was breathtaking seeing all of them worshiping with abandoned hearts for the Lord.  I couldn't help but think of Jesus when he told Peter, "feed my sheep" John 21:17b.  These kids were in 'host homes' last night and tonight.  There were 28 couples/adults that opened up there homes to house these kids for this weekend.    Each one of these homes made an investment this weekend. Matthew 25:21 says ..."well done, good and faithful servant...I will put you in charge of many things."

I've been struggling with some of the things that I do--they are all good but I've been worn out.  I'm wanting to recharge.  Tonight it became so obvious to me how these small deposits in these kids last for eternity.  I taught 6th grade when my daughter was in 6th grade.  I truly enjoyed it and still talk to some of the girls today.  Tonight, one of them came to me broken, weeping and struggling with a situation in her life.  I love this young lady as if she were my own and my heart broke for her with all that she is dealing with.  I realized today that I began to make an investment in this young woman's life years ago and am called to speak into er life. I John 3:18 says ..."let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."  The greatest gift you can give another person is speaking words of truth into their life.
We are all called to encourage others.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Who have you invested in today?  Are you making deposits for the eternal kingdom?  I can assure you the investment has great dividends!!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Take Courage and Move Forward

It is amusing to watch young children.  They have great imaginations, courage and no fear.  At some point we grow up and take on adult responsibilities.  As we grow we take less risk, don't use our imaginations as much and become fearful.  We no longer like the adventure of the unknown.  We want all the answers.

I'm in the middle of a study about the Israelites journey to the promise land.  I love the verse that says, " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9 - what a bold statement.  No matter what challenge I face I have the confidence of knowing that God is with me.  Wow!  This was a command and promise given to Joshua.  He and Caleb would be the only two Israelites that entered the promise land from the original exiles of Egypt.  If you aren't familiar with the story--take the time to read it--it's a great. 

I keep coming back to the Israelites wilderness journey because I seem to be wandering through a wilderness of my own.  2010 was a difficult year for me--devastating in some respects.  As my relationship wiht the Lord deepens this year I've still had difficult moments but instead of being weighed down I'm finding joy.  "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:12  Did you know that you can have joy in the midst of difficulties?  Happiness is in response to our circumstances; joy on the other hand is inspite of our circumstances.

I have a dear sweet friend who has cancer.  She loves the Lord.  She spent many years apart from the Lord and found out shortly after rededicating her life that she had cancer.  She is filled with joy; she is in His presence.  Psalm 16:11 says You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  I know another woman who had a rare form of cervical cancer and was given a less than 20% chance to live--she stood firm in her confidence of God and was healed.  Still another woman, I admired greatly was diagnosed with stomach cancer--she lived less than three months after diagnosis but she was so full of joy and the peace of God it still brings tears to my eyes and she's been gone for almost eight years.

God promised to never leave or forsake us.  Joshua 1:5  Whatever you are dealing with or going through--you are not alone.  God is faithful; not only does he never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) but He also brings others into our lives to speak words of encouragement and love.

Take courage and step out into the wilderness journey that God has you on today.  And remember, He brings others to walk along with you on your journey.  You are not alone!  You are loved!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Hunger & Thirst

Our human bodies are truly amazing.  They are so intricate and complex by God's design.  He has his thumbprint (so to speak) on each one of our bodies.  And to top it off, after accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior he gives us the Holy Spirit who resides in us as a deposit for our gift of eternity with Him 2 Corinthians 1:22.  Physical side - did you know that the human body is approximately 60% water?  That's a lot of water.  I've also learned that because our bodies NEED water that if we are low/dehydrated (even a little) we can think that we are hungry.  While we can go without food for periods of time our bodies cannot go long term without water--it is life sustaining.

We can sometimes mistake our thirst for hunger.  The best way to find out if you are truly hungry or slightly dehydrated--drink a glass of water.  If after 10 minutes you are satisfied then you were thirsty not hungry.  If you are still hungry--chow down. :-)

In the US we tend to overeat and overindulge ourselves when it comes to food.  Think about how many fast food, restaurants, grocery stores are within a 5 mile radius of your home.  Commercials on TV - majority are food/beverage related.

God gave me a startling image the other day of a woman (me) lying on the ground withering away from starvation.  If you know me, you know I am overweight (working on it but overweight none the less) so the idea of me starving doesn't match my physical appearance.  It was my spirit that was starving.  I had not been feeding myself the spiritual nourishment that I needed through God's Word.  It has become very evident over the past week that I've starved my soul by not spending time alone with Him.  When I spend time doing other things (even good things) and don't take the time to recharge I will eventually crater.  Today I ended the day exhausted and weary to the bone.  I didn't do anything labor intensive or out of the ordinary but I did neglect to recharge. 

We were not designed to do life alone--he created Eve for Adam.  God is like the energizer bunny (meant with all reverance)--He just keeps going and going.  We on the other hand need His energizing power to keep going.  Psalm 107:9 says for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  My best friends favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. That's the key--put our hope in the Lord and he renews our strength, we won't grow weary or faint.

My desire is to be like David when he said, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

May your hunger and thirst be satisfied by God alone!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Freedom & the Law

As a Christian I can look back on my life and remember a time (age 11) when I knew that I was a sinner and could never be good enough for God.  Jesus Christ came and paid the price for my sins (all of them) and all I had to do was accept His free gift of salvation--believe that He died for my sins and was raised from the dead.  For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace - unmerited/undeserved favor.  I'm familiar with the word but it is hard to grasp in this day and age.  We all think we "deserve" to be treated better, better job, better life, etc.  Your marriage isn't working--that's ok get a divorce and start over.  I don't mean to step on toes here but basically we have been living in an era of entitlement.  The fact of the matter is we don't deserve the freedom we have, the great job, home, etc.  All of these are given to us by God--EVERYTHING.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 God never promised a dream job, a marriage, children, etc.  What He did say is that He came to give us abundant life.  John 10:10 and that He would never leave or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:6

Each day I have an opportunity to live under grace.  I have recently come to the revelation that I chose to live under the law not grace.  I have a messy life--I hold onto my past failures, disappointments, etc.  If I've repented of my past sin (whatever that may be) then God has forgiven me and according to His Word "As far as the east is from the west,so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12  I know this verse very well and believe it with all my heart.  However, I somehow manage to try to 'clean up' my act before going to God.  Honestly, I know it's absurd but in my sinful nature that's what I do.  I heard a message recently about me (and you) being a holy priesthood.  Wow!  Through Christ Jesus we are--the sin nature is still there but we are a new creation and should live it out.  We are more than conquerors! Romans 8:3

The law was established to help us understand sin and what was right.  If there were no law we would not know we were sinning and separated from God.  Grace is God's solution to bringing an unholy people into a right (holy) relationship with Him.  May you remember to live under grace and not the law daily.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Deceived With Eyes Wide Open

How easily we become deceived.   Knowing the truth sets us free the problem is we can be deceived into thinking we are not free.  While I do many 'good things' for God they don't necessarily bring me into an intimate relationship with Him.  In order to be intimate I have to get into His Word, pray and obey.  I Peter 5:8 says Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  It's interesting that the devil is depicted as a roaring lion.  They are fierce and vicious.  I saw a National Geographic show that captured a lion hunting its prey.  Once it attacked it was very startling to me.  It was very patient; watchful and targeted the weakest link.  That's exactly what satan does to us.

I often wonder how people can be so far mislead to follow a David Koresh or a Hitler.  God gave us a moral compass that directs us to Him.  Although sometimes we decide to turn it upside down and go the opposite direction.  The compass will always point you in the right direction but we have to trust it to guide us.  God will never steer us wrong.  He will lead us into abudant living.  You Word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105  Keep your eyes focused on God and it will be difficult for satan to deceive you.

My eyes are open wide and I'm taking my cues from God.

Friday, February 18, 2011

What confidence we can have in God when we are under attack! The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Here's Your Sign

While I was in traffic this morning I noticed the truck in front of me had quite a few stickers on it.  There was a Waller County.... Then there was a longhorn logo, a blue star (Dallas Cowboys), 100 (100 club) and a variety of others that I can't remember and didn't have time to write down.  What I found interesting was the fact that several of these stickers were merely a logo or symbol that represented something.  For example - the blue star you probably could have guessed the Dallas Cowboys without me telling you.  The longhorns - University of Texas,  the 100 was from the police's 100 club. You get the idea.  We have many images/logos that we readily recognize what the symbol represents.

I began to wonder what image/logo I represent daily.  Years ago I had an ichthus tattooed on my ankle.  The decision to do this stemmed from my desire to want a physical manifestation of who I am in Christ.  I recalled a study of Revelation that speaks of people taking the mark of the beast.  While I knew that believers would have a mark as well I chose to be marked now of my identity in Christ. The ichthus (greek for fish) is a fish symbol used by early Christians.  The five greek letters for ichthus translate to  "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior".  When I had the symbol permanently put on my body I knew the history of the symbol but had not fully understood its' greek translation.  I sit here and I Corinthians 6:19-20 comes to mind.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

My body is a symbol for Jesus Christ and His blood shed on the cross.  I can have a tattoo on my ankle, wear a purity ring and put a cross around my neck but am I a walking symbol for Christ?  If I'm honest with myself (and God) the answer is disappointing.  It is much easier to look like it than it is to walk it out.  This week I'm going to do my best  "to walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

I have found out a lot about myself this past week.  While I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for revealing new revelation to me I also was saddened at how easily I can be separated from God because I've been deceived by the devils schemes.  He still uses the same tactics on you and I as he did in the garden.  I was reminded this week after feeling like a failure in areas of my life that God does not create failures-He has a purpose for me, He has a purpose for you.  Do not let satan deceive you.  "It is for freedom that Christ set you free, therefore stand firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1  Did you get that believer?  We are set free, do not let satan convince you otherwise.

May the sign you wear boldly be that of Christ Jesus.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Looking for Love

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  I couldn't help but think of the old Johnny Lee song, "Looking For Love In All the Wrong Places".  On a day like today it can be tough for a single person.  The day is all about romance; giving and geting gifts--but not like at Christmas where everyone gets gifts--this holiday is made especially for couples.  I'm rejoicing in the celebration of today but recognize that not all singles are celebrating. 

I had the privledge of celebrating with my best friend over the weekend at a bridal shower.  She will be getting married in several weeks.  It has been incredible to see God restore two people and then bring them together as He desires the relationship.  I have been able to witness God's hand weaving their lives together.  I Corinthians 9:24 Paul talks about running a race in such a way to get the prize.  As both of my friends sought Christ and pursued Him first than began running along sde one another.

Most people are familiar with I Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.   This is quoted at many weddings.  Have you ever stopped to really read these words and absorb them?  We are called to live this out through Christ Jesus.  Marriage is a covenant.  A covenant between two people.  Love is sacrificial.  The ultimate example is Christ Jesus.  His sacrificial love put Him on the cross for my misdeeds (and yours).  This allowed me to have eternity with him and today.  God promises in Hebrews 13:5 and Joshua 1:5 that "He will never leave or forsake you".  So, on this Valentine's Day remember you are loved and treasured by the one who truly knows how to love--Jesus Christ and he'll be stuck on you like glue (hehehe, getting a little goofey tonight)

May you find your love and joy in Christ alone.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1  We live in a free country.  We celebrate freedom every fourth of July but do we really understand what it means?  Hundreds of years ago people fought for what they believe in--they were willing to die to ensure a different kind of life.  Christ did that for us.  We will all be judged by God--whether you believe in Him or not.  He is a perfect, sinless God--the ONLY GOD with authority over all.  As such, He alone will judge each one of us.

We will not be judged on our good deeds or that we were a nice person or that we helped someone in need.  We will be judged by our sin (violation of God's perfect standard).  Those that recognize that they are sinful and cannot redeem themselves from their sin violation look for a solution.  The only answer is Jesus Christ--God in flesh.  He lived a perfect life, was willing to pay the price (death-innocent bloodshed) for my (and your) offenses.  What an incredible love He has lavished on us.  Ephesians 1:7-8  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace  that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.  Wow!

Thank you Jesus for giving me the gift that I might live in eternity with you.  Praise God!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Obstacle Course Ahead

As a driver we have signs that tell us what is going on....icy roads, stop signs, yield, etc.  What if we had signs that warned us of difficulties headed our way?  Cancer? Job loss? Financial windfall? Divorce?

If we had signs that warned of these things would it make us any different?  Handle things any differently?  Live life on purpose?  I don't promote one book over another (other than the Bible itself) but a local pastor wrote a book "One Month To Live".  The booked is based on living out your life as if you had one month left to live.  What you change anything? 

Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Have you ever been camping?  If you have, then you know that you don't go anywhere after dark without a lantern or flashlight.  Even in an unfamiliar wooded area you are only going to see the area lit by the lantern/flashlight.  You stay on the straight path directed by the light.  The light protects you from the dangers all around.  It isn't necessary to see far away--only right where you are stepping.

Faith is taking one step at a time trusting God to direct your path.  Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

We don't need to see the signs six months down the road...we have a beacon that shines for us and the confidence of knowing that we serve the God of this universe; the One, True, Only Living God and He has a plan for each of us.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Physical

I've neglected to post that I have actually been actively pursuing my physical fitness goals.  I have a friend that walks with me and she's been a blessing because there have been many days I would have liked to ditch.  I've even managed to walk a few evenings in this cold Houston weather!  Although, the last few nights I've learned to be a mall walker.  It's quite humorous--it is a challenge to stay on track and not end up shopping.

New Beginnings

New beginnings...what does it remind you of? A fresh start? New opportunity? Change?  God gave me a revelation (vision) today about new beginnings.  He offers them to us but what is it? 

The definition of new on google was: not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered; and fresh: original and of a kind not seen before.  and  beginning defined as the event consisting of the start of something.  Simply put, God is offering us a fresh start.  I don't know about you but I've made plenty of mistakes so a fresh start sounds great.

Here's the revelation: in order to have the fresh start you have to leave behind everything that you are currently doing and who you currently are in order to move forward and be who God designed you to be.  As I mentioned yesterday His mercies are new every morning (Lamenations 3:23)  and remembers our sins no more so why should we hold onto the former things?  Isaiah 43:25

"Behold, the former things have come to pass,Now I declare new things;Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." Isaiah 42:9

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. "Behold, I will do something new,Now it will spring forth;Will you not be aware of it?I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,Rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:18-19-Amazing, God tells us to forget the former, don't dwell on your past mistakes...they will you back from the plans I have for you.  What an amazing God we serve!
Revelation 21:5  says, And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."  He starts the Bible by creating everything "new" when nothing existed.  In Revelation (yet to come), we have a promise of the "new" yet to come.  Amazing!  Only God can continue to make things new.

I've said it before...leave your past in the past and take the journey of a fresh start that God offers!  Many you be showered with His abundant living today.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Every Morning

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.". Lamentations 3:22-24  Every new day we are given is another opportunity to serve God and make an impact for Him in the world.  It is so easy to go through the day to day motions and not even acknowledge God's presence.  I can be guilty of it---even when I am doing good, God-honoring things.

As my life situation has changed and I am alone a majority of the time it has given me a great opportunity to do a little self-reflection, introspection so to speak.  I can't help but think of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years.  If you look at the map you know that it shouldn't have taken them forty years but God, in His sovereignty knew they were not ready to enter the promised land.  They had not learned to rely on God Almighty, the great I AM.  I'm now 41 and think of the past forty years....that wandering in the desert that I've done.  I want to spend the next 40 (Lord willing) following the straight path that He has for me.  His Word promises, "in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:6

We know that from Psalm 139 He knit us in our mothers' womb, all the days of our lives are numbered in His book and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for our lives.  With all of that in mind, it should come as to surprise that He has a specific vision (revelation) for my life (and yours).  Now, why hadn't I thought of that?!  It's exciting and puzzling. 

One of my favorite verses is Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; for it will certainly come and will not delay.   What a promise!  Do you have a revelation from God?  Do you know what His vision for your life is?  If not, pray tonight that He would reveal Himself to you.....I know I will be.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Created For A Purpose

As a believer, I know that God has a plan for my life--Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, "plans to propers you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  I believe His Word is true and His promises are true for everyone who calls Jesus their Lord and Savior.


As such, I've sought to follow God's plan for my life.  Sometimes I'm on track....others times I take detours but always come back to Him.  I've recently heard a message that we were created for a purpose.  It wasn't something new--just a new revelation.  I know that we were ultimately created to glorify God and to worship Him but was recently challenged to seek my purpose.

Interesting.  I've prayed in the past that I would fulfill all that God has called me to do in this life before I die.  Psalm 139:16 (paraphrasing) says that all the days of my life are written in His book so I know that my days are numbered--not scary...just a fact.  And the bottom line is, I want to accomplish in this life all that He desires for me.  In the end, I want Him to be able to say, "well done good and faithful servant".

So, seeking my purpose requires introspection, prayer and discernment.  I've found that there are many "good" things in the church to be doing...but not are all necessarily what God has called you to do.  When we get caught up in serving within the church and it isn't what God's called us to do we can get exhausted and frustrated very quickly.  Don't get me wrong, I think every person in the body of Christ has a responsibility to the church--if you don't believe me, read Acts or any of Paul's letters in the New Testament.  As we are in the early part of the year, begin praying about where God would have you serve.  It's time to get off the pew and become the hands and feet of Christ.

I want to challege you to seek after your purpose that God has for you.  I talked to my friend tonight as we walked at the park about seasons.  She began a program for young girls several years ago and has been struggling with letting it go this year.  She is feeling led to walk away from it.  I reminded her of our past conversations and the Lord's leading on the situation.  It also reminded me that sometimes He removes things from our lives to make room for something new--Praise God!!

We can't move forward if we are always doing the same thing.  I pray you would continue to seek after God and look for your purpose that designed you to be.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

You've Got To Start Somewhere

Scripture says that God speaks in a still quiet voice...well for me, it seems that it requires being played in stereo (probably because I'm hard headed and don't hear the first few times).  He is gracious to me that He continues to give me the message until it finally sinks in.  I've heard the same message all week in different venues, with different friends, etc.--you must take action; start somewhere--even that song on KSBJ that talks about you've got to start somewhere, why not here; you've got to start sometime, why not now?  So, why not now?

The message today came from a very unlikely venue.  My original plans for tonight were scratched due to the impending weather.  I had a friend contact me today about going to a concert--sounded great.  It was interesting to say the least.  I went to "the Man Journey"--this was an event for MEN--ummm I'm not a man nor do I aspire to be one. :-)  I asked my friend if it was ok for women to be at this event--oh, sure.

For starters, I'm single and definitely not accustomed to being around that much testosterone.  It was a little odd at first.  It didn't help matters that we were a little late and were paraded down to the front--not once but twice--to the wrong side of the stage!  As I sat in this room full of men I couldn't help but look around the room--not at eligible bachelors (as one might think) but at men who desired to hear God's Word.  It overwhelmed me.  I did think to myself--this is the kind of husband I want.  As I looked over the room I prayed for the men there--married, single, young, old.  They are designed to be leaders by God each and every one of them.

It was an incredible experience.  The message was great--Tim Tebow is such a young man and has a  heart totally surrendered to Christ & was such a blessing to witness.  What an example to young boys and men of how to stand up for Christ and speak boldly.  He spoke of taking action and having passion; to have a goal.  Philippians 3:14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  We all have a goal, a prize to work toward.

While the message was geared for men, God spoke to the depths of my soul.  It has been a long time since I've had a dream, a goal.  Tonight's message was a wake up call for me.

Another speaker tonight focused on Galatians 5:22 the fruit of the spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  What he said struck me.  None of these are exclusive--these are all qualities possessed by the Spirit.   It's like a bunch of grapes that cling together on a vine.  As a personality trait we could have one, two or three of these qualities.  But as fruit of the spirit, becoming holy, you possess all of these qualities in proporation to your growth/spiritual maturity.  These should all be growing together.  If you are working through these as a checklist you've missed the mark.  These are qualities that the spirit grows in you as you mature.

I've had a desire to run for a while but have not taken any steady action to make it happen.  My dear sweet friend Tracy sent me a link to a website that helps coach potatoes like me train for a marathon (or in my case 1/2 marathon).  It's great information and I've read it.  But it does me no good if I do nothing witht the information I'm given--I have to take action.  I have to set a goal (1/2 marathon) and make a plan to achieve the goal.  Tim spoke of having passion--I can't remember the last time I was passionate about something.  My prayer tonight is that God gives me a passion for pleasing Him in all I do.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

What Faith Can Do

There is a song on the Christian radio that is titled "What Faith Can Do".  Part of the lyrics go like this--
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
If you've never heard the song I encourage you to google it.  It's by Kutless; soak in the words.  All things are possible with faith.  For the last few days Jesus words in Matthew 17:20 keep coming to mind: "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.  It sounds so powerful...but do I believe it?  Do I trust what God's Word says?  Am I living as if I believe it?

Have you ever seen a mustard seed?  They are extremely tiny.  I had a good friend a few years ago give me one wrapped in scotch tape with the date on it.  I still have it in my bible.  It is a visual reminder of the small amount of faith it requires to remove mountains (obstacles).  What's even more interesting about the mustard seed is that in Matthew 13:31 it tells us that "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard see, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

My desire is that the small portion of my faith that I show today will take deep roots and grow into a mighty tower for God.  He compared the mustard seed to the kingdom of heaven--as my faith (of a mustard seed) increases I have the privledge to produce great results for the kingdom.  What an honor!  Lord increase my faith!

I've witnessed many miracles lately...a single mom going through chemo/radiation while remaining joyful and still taking care of her 7 year old son; a single dad with three young children learning to deal with a young girl becoming a young woman; two hearts being joined together by God in marriage; a baby born with a heart defect surviving survery at three days old and growing stronger everyday.  I could go on; there are so many things around us that should increase our faith...but do we allow them?  I know that I don't sometimes.

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  There is only one thing that you can be sure and certain of--God, who He is and what He is capable of doing.  He is the author and perfecter. He is the beginning and the end.  Do you have hope?  I must admit for many years due to rejection, failed marriage etc., I did not have hope.  Praise be to God, I do have hope--Jeremiah 29:11 promises a hope and a future.  The second part of the verse, certain of what we do not see.  I know the wind exists--I've heard it alot this evening.  I can see the effects of the wind but not the wind itself.  I am certain God is who He says He is even though I can not see Him.

I hope you have the faith of a mustard seed and allow it to grow as you draw closer to our Lord and Savior.

On the physical side--I've done absolutely no exercising this week and I've managed to eat terribly.  I must confess, food is still an issue and have been led to go into another fast soon.  I do have a game plan for exercising--I'm going to become a mall walker--I'm finding this quite amusing because I typically avoid the mall like the plague.

As you end your night/begin your day please say a prayer for the homeless that wil endure this difficult weather.  And no matter what you are going through, God is with you and has blessed you abundantly if you have a roof over your head and food in your stomach.

Praising Him all the day long.