Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Anxiety can make life very difficult. It can lead to frustration and even doubting God's
sovereignty. Two things to remember.
Cast all your anxiety on him- this is a command not a suggestion.
because he cares for you- When we try to handle our anxiety it often leads to more anxiety.
As an act of love, God puts our burdens on his his shoulders. We learn to trust him, become more humble and progessively start to acknowledge His control in our lives.
Think of these burdens as a grenade. Our first attempt to handle our problems on our own strength- we pull the pin. Now here's the question. When would be a good time to cast away?
God Bless,
A Change
How much of ourselves would be left if we made it a priority to daily give our whole selves to God? What would our lives be like if we were truly committed to being content to doing the work He wants to accomplish through us and all this being done in His timing not ours?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
God's Provision
Just recently I watched God answer a tremendous need in a close friend's life. It came at pretty much the last available moment.
Why does God's provision seem to come just before the bottom drops out?
If we look at the Story of Moses and the Israelites we can understand why. read full story
With the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh and his army behind them quickly gaining speed, Moses obeyed God and continued to direct the Israelites to the sea. Then came God's provision. The sea was divided and they walked on dry land. Pharoh and and army were wiped out.
If God's provision came in our own designated time frame it wouldn't build our faith in God. It would be more of a Christmas Gift senario than a rescue mission.
So the next time we hear ourselves utter the words,
"Lord, I'm going to need a miracle here!" let's believe. God opened the sea. He can open opportunities.
God Bless,
Mark
Why does God's provision seem to come just before the bottom drops out?
If we look at the Story of Moses and the Israelites we can understand why. read full story
With the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh and his army behind them quickly gaining speed, Moses obeyed God and continued to direct the Israelites to the sea. Then came God's provision. The sea was divided and they walked on dry land. Pharoh and and army were wiped out.
If God's provision came in our own designated time frame it wouldn't build our faith in God. It would be more of a Christmas Gift senario than a rescue mission.
So the next time we hear ourselves utter the words,
"Lord, I'm going to need a miracle here!" let's believe. God opened the sea. He can open opportunities.
God Bless,
Mark
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Living to Trust God
I've been praying a lot about being content. Not running ahead of God to fulfill my own desires (which in turn builds my human pride.) Instead- focus on the lifelong goal to put God first. And here's what I have learned.
God's Peace
When I walk away from my first priority (which is serving Christ) I lose God's peace that passes all understanding. Instead I become frustrated. I was once told the definition of frustration is "a blocked goal." It's only now that I'm realizing, "What if God is blocking these human goals from being fulfilled in my time frame because He wants to be the centre of all I do and say?
When I seek other things before him I'm putting his direction in my life on the back burner. Also by operating on human strength I'm clearly not living through Christ's strength.
Because God is all knowing there is probably a good reason my plans (apart from trusting God) are not happening.
Quite simply- If God wants me at point a in life and through my own pride and selfishness I want to move on to point b- I'm clearly disobeying God.
The answer- go back to point a where there was God's peace and trust Him for the outcome knowing His plan and timing in my life are far greater than my own.
God Bless.
God's Peace
When I walk away from my first priority (which is serving Christ) I lose God's peace that passes all understanding. Instead I become frustrated. I was once told the definition of frustration is "a blocked goal." It's only now that I'm realizing, "What if God is blocking these human goals from being fulfilled in my time frame because He wants to be the centre of all I do and say?
When I seek other things before him I'm putting his direction in my life on the back burner. Also by operating on human strength I'm clearly not living through Christ's strength.
Because God is all knowing there is probably a good reason my plans (apart from trusting God) are not happening.
Quite simply- If God wants me at point a in life and through my own pride and selfishness I want to move on to point b- I'm clearly disobeying God.
The answer- go back to point a where there was God's peace and trust Him for the outcome knowing His plan and timing in my life are far greater than my own.
God Bless.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Confronting Fear
It was once said, "the only thing to fear is fear itself"
The same message is apparent in every verse. God is bigger than fear. So if He's speaking to your heart about something that causes fear inside- trust Him, obey Him, and know He goes before you.
God Bless
Sunday, September 2, 2007
What it means to Trust God
Trusting God is about a committed relationship of honoring and being faithful to God's plan for our lives sight unseen. As a child trusts their parent- we trust our Heavenly Father."
Satan knows it's difficult at times to trust in what we cannot see. So he brings it on. "You're a fool! How can you be sure? Is it worth it? What will people think?"
Wanna get rid of him?
Announce the blood of Christ. What Christ shed on the cross. It is single handedly the most important event in history because it broke the barrier of sin forever.
God Bless
Satan knows it's difficult at times to trust in what we cannot see. So he brings it on. "You're a fool! How can you be sure? Is it worth it? What will people think?"
Wanna get rid of him?
Announce the blood of Christ. What Christ shed on the cross. It is single handedly the most important event in history because it broke the barrier of sin forever.
God Bless
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Call to Serve - Requirements
There are people that God chooses to serve him in ways that can only be explained by a supernatural Spirit filled desire.
Let's just say I have had some character building happen in my life. Christ never promised a hassle free life rather a life to the full. John 10:10.
His spirit lives through us vicariously making our lives a reflection of him daily if not hourly.
God Bless,
- Longing to help others
- desire for the Word
- A strong focus on a Godly Heart
- A Willingness to be Single (if that's what God wants)
- First and foremost seeking Him first. (Matthew 6:33)
- A leeriness to being around or influenced by inappropriate material (music, TV, etc.)
- Willing to face rejection knowing that suffering= perseverance = character= hope
Let's just say I have had some character building happen in my life. Christ never promised a hassle free life rather a life to the full. John 10:10.
His spirit lives through us vicariously making our lives a reflection of him daily if not hourly.
God Bless,
Friday, July 20, 2007
Spiritual Perspective
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The Holy Spirit must love when we take the time to memorize scripture because all of sudden we gain God's insight (spiritual wisdom) to what the verse is about. After spending time memorizing this verse the Holy spirit showed me these three things
1 Be self-controlled and alert - As Christians we must recognize our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Every day we choose to either walk in the flesh or in the Spirit. When we deny our flesh we live through the Spirit and God uses our lives to reflect His purpose
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
Being alert means being on guard with the edicate in our lives. We don't walk on the edge of right and wrong. That's the slippery slope. We walk far from it. (Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.)
2 Your enemy - the devil is your enemy when you choose to follow Christ. His tactics range from making people believe there is no God to simply just doubting the Power God has in our lives. It's not a personal Vendetta. It's a spiritual one. If we are not following Christ we are are not going to care about Bible principals being the focal core of our lives thus ministry isn't important anymore in our hearts. The devil knows that if we remain in Christ and Christ remains in us he cannot divert our focus and we will bear much fruit. He also knows if we recognize Christ as the absolute core to our lives we will only see our accomplishments through Christ. Not through ourselves.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
3. Looking for someone to devour- The devil goes around looking for people he can devour. Some key factors are a person who doubts, is living in disobedience, has an unforgiving heart, or maybe just isn't taking steps in their faith to draw closer to God. So instead of being devoured we resist him (James 4:7) Sometimes that feels like suffering. But through our sufferings we are soon after restored and made strong only by God himself.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Faith only grows when we desire to allow God to himself makes us strong firm and steadfast. Faith is a gift from God. The strength God gives us to endure hardships (hardships that the devil uses to draw us away from God) can be the very same circumstances that draw us closer to God and make us vocal to people who don't know Christ.
God Bless
The Holy Spirit must love when we take the time to memorize scripture because all of sudden we gain God's insight (spiritual wisdom) to what the verse is about. After spending time memorizing this verse the Holy spirit showed me these three things
1 Be self-controlled and alert - As Christians we must recognize our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Every day we choose to either walk in the flesh or in the Spirit. When we deny our flesh we live through the Spirit and God uses our lives to reflect His purpose
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
Being alert means being on guard with the edicate in our lives. We don't walk on the edge of right and wrong. That's the slippery slope. We walk far from it. (Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.)
2 Your enemy - the devil is your enemy when you choose to follow Christ. His tactics range from making people believe there is no God to simply just doubting the Power God has in our lives. It's not a personal Vendetta. It's a spiritual one. If we are not following Christ we are are not going to care about Bible principals being the focal core of our lives thus ministry isn't important anymore in our hearts. The devil knows that if we remain in Christ and Christ remains in us he cannot divert our focus and we will bear much fruit. He also knows if we recognize Christ as the absolute core to our lives we will only see our accomplishments through Christ. Not through ourselves.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
3. Looking for someone to devour- The devil goes around looking for people he can devour. Some key factors are a person who doubts, is living in disobedience, has an unforgiving heart, or maybe just isn't taking steps in their faith to draw closer to God. So instead of being devoured we resist him (James 4:7) Sometimes that feels like suffering. But through our sufferings we are soon after restored and made strong only by God himself.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Faith only grows when we desire to allow God to himself makes us strong firm and steadfast. Faith is a gift from God. The strength God gives us to endure hardships (hardships that the devil uses to draw us away from God) can be the very same circumstances that draw us closer to God and make us vocal to people who don't know Christ.
God Bless
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Working
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Today was an interesting day. God has been showing me that as Christians we need to live for Him before we can show others that they need Him in their lives. Who are we to want to promote a life in Christ to others if we ourselves are denying his power in our own lives? God wants to work in believer's hearts but he wants those hearts to reflect their lives and evidently affect others who dont know Christ or what it means to accept Him.
Today was an interesting day. God has been showing me that as Christians we need to live for Him before we can show others that they need Him in their lives. Who are we to want to promote a life in Christ to others if we ourselves are denying his power in our own lives? God wants to work in believer's hearts but he wants those hearts to reflect their lives and evidently affect others who dont know Christ or what it means to accept Him.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
What it Takes
What it takes to know you
What it takes to love you
I give myself as an offering to you
What it takes to praise you
What it takes to honor you
You are the way the life and the truth
When the storm clouds roll
Colliding in the air
Your peace surrounds me
Guiding every where
I want to know you
I want to live for you
I give my life as an offering to you
What it takes to know you
What it takes to love you
I lay my life down before your feet
What it takes to praise you
What it takes to honor you
You sacrificed your life to set me free
When the fire fights
I know you're in control
I hear the thunder crash
But I know it's well with my soul
I want to know you
I want to live for you
I give my life as an offering to you
What it takes to love you
I give myself as an offering to you
What it takes to praise you
What it takes to honor you
You are the way the life and the truth
When the storm clouds roll
Colliding in the air
Your peace surrounds me
Guiding every where
I want to know you
I want to live for you
I give my life as an offering to you
What it takes to know you
What it takes to love you
I lay my life down before your feet
What it takes to praise you
What it takes to honor you
You sacrificed your life to set me free
When the fire fights
I know you're in control
I hear the thunder crash
But I know it's well with my soul
I want to know you
I want to live for you
I give my life as an offering to you
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A Wonderful Revelation
Wow. What a day. I got majorly attacked. Ever had people accuse you of things you didn't do?
I thought I had seen it all until now. So out of desperation I asked my roomate to pray for me.
And less than a minute later God gave me the wisdom to deal with the problem.
So I learned two things. Number 1- The devil will never give up attacking Christians. Number 2- the only way to ward off these attacks is to surrender human pride and trust God for the outcome.
God Bless,
I thought I had seen it all until now. So out of desperation I asked my roomate to pray for me.
And less than a minute later God gave me the wisdom to deal with the problem.
So I learned two things. Number 1- The devil will never give up attacking Christians. Number 2- the only way to ward off these attacks is to surrender human pride and trust God for the outcome.
God Bless,
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
the Solution
i hear the sound of splinters
every faithful arrow hitting the center
fear is not an option
when the shield is raised high
the war is never over
but the mature know who is in control
Give God all the Glory, Praise, and honour
and be made whole.
every faithful arrow hitting the center
fear is not an option
when the shield is raised high
the war is never over
but the mature know who is in control
Give God all the Glory, Praise, and honour
and be made whole.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
What leaves you broken- In the end it makes you..
Better - Plumb
You live inside a dream
Everything tastes so sweet
As long as it agrees with how you feel
You're dancing in your sleep
'til all the eyes that look at me
Awaken your anxieties
You're so afraid, so you try to break me
Yeah
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
'Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and blame
And you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
Your face it looks so green
When the sun is shining differently
And you're standing in the shade
'Cause face to face you're sweet
Like candy sticking to my teeth
Underneath so damaging
There is no strength in trying to break me
No
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and Blame
and you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
I don't want to hate
I don't want to be broken
I don't want to hate you
I don't want to hate
I don't want to be broken
I don't want to hate you
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and blame
And you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
You live inside a dream
Everything tastes so sweet
As long as it agrees with how you feel
You're dancing in your sleep
'til all the eyes that look at me
Awaken your anxieties
You're so afraid, so you try to break me
Yeah
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
'Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and blame
And you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
Your face it looks so green
When the sun is shining differently
And you're standing in the shade
'Cause face to face you're sweet
Like candy sticking to my teeth
Underneath so damaging
There is no strength in trying to break me
No
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and Blame
and you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
I don't want to hate
I don't want to be broken
I don't want to hate you
I don't want to hate
I don't want to be broken
I don't want to hate you
I don't want to care
And I don't want to hate
And I don't want to see you fall too far away
Oh because of fear.
Cause when you're afraid
You lash out and blame
And you say all the things that you never meant to say
And try to break me
But in the end
What leaves you broken
In the end it makes you better
Yeah
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Follow Me
A Short Devotion :)
When I hear the words "Follow Me" what comes to mind is complete trust.
When Jesus said these words to the disciples he gave them one foreshadowing to what they were in for. It wasn't, "You guys will help write the new testament -the second part of the bible and 2000 years later the best selling book of all time. No it was much more simple and to the point.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17 NIV)
When I hear the words "Follow Me" what comes to mind is complete trust.
When Jesus said these words to the disciples he gave them one foreshadowing to what they were in for. It wasn't, "You guys will help write the new testament -the second part of the bible and 2000 years later the best selling book of all time. No it was much more simple and to the point.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17 NIV)
They're new purpose was to catch people for God's kingdom. May I encourage you to trust God. Follow him where ever he is calling you to go. Say whatever He is putting on your heart.
So many times we get stressed because we focus on a small part of the frame when we should be trusting God for the completion of life's painting." His word promises the faithfulness of this completion.
..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
But notice this is all about God's timing not ours. That is why it's important we trust God and follow him. Not tell God to trust our decisions and follow us. Again scripture is very clear to what happens when we execute this fully dedicated heart of trust.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:4-6
God Bless
Friday, June 1, 2007
"Quiet in your Arms"
"Small" Amanda Falk
I just need to get away from me
I just need to find some peace of mind
Caught in this game of unmet expectations
I want to leave it all behind
I want to be small
I want to be just like a child
I want to be quiet in your arms
I want to be just like a child
I want to be quiet in your arms
So in that moment when I lose myself
Let the world fade away from me
Give me a moment just to seek the silence
I just want to be set free
I just need to get away from me
I just need to find some peace of mind
Caught in this game of unmet expectations
I want to leave it all behind
I want to be small
I want to be just like a child
I want to be quiet in your arms
I want to be just like a child
I want to be quiet in your arms
So in that moment when I lose myself
Let the world fade away from me
Give me a moment just to seek the silence
I just want to be set free
Thursday, May 31, 2007
"To those who want more and don't know why"
Ever wanted more than you have?
Ever not seen what you have is valuable?
How about as a person?
Ever wanted to be someone else?
Be good at things that aren't natural strengths?
I've been there.
I am comforted with these words
I made you the way I made you for a purpose.
The purpose wouldn't be there if you weren't who you are.
Embrace your weakness knowing through me you will be made strong
Celebrate your strengths recognizing I am the author of them
And give me all the Glory, Honour, and Praise
for everything that has happened and will happen in your life.
Ever not seen what you have is valuable?
How about as a person?
Ever wanted to be someone else?
Be good at things that aren't natural strengths?
I've been there.
I am comforted with these words
I made you the way I made you for a purpose.
The purpose wouldn't be there if you weren't who you are.
Embrace your weakness knowing through me you will be made strong
Celebrate your strengths recognizing I am the author of them
And give me all the Glory, Honour, and Praise
for everything that has happened and will happen in your life.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Treasures in Heaven"
I am writing this blog because I feel it may help someone.
Here's my story.
In 2000 I bought a 1:18 diecast car on a complete whim. Soon I had a few more. Then I thought I would lesson the cost of what was becoming idols and got into Hot wheels. BY 2001 I had hundreds of them. I knew something was wrong when I realized I didn't care about them yet I
I wanted them to stay in perfect shape. (never been opened) Then I got into "Treasure Hunts"
average value for these is $20-$30. Some go as high as $60 depending how rare. Soon I branched off into figurines. Marvel, DC, even Scooby Do! I know that's a little nuts.
One night I got a call from a collector who had got me a Treasure Hunt - Olds 444. God convicted my heart and told me to sell off.
I went over that night to his place with all my boxes and boxes of stuff. He bought all my treasure hunts. I told him to put the rest on eBay. On my way home someone hit my car which was a piece of junk and I got more from SGI than it was worth.
God had blessed me with cash for a new vehicle without the hassle of getting rid of the old one because I had obeyed.
I sold all the hot wheels. Made very little but felt free inside. Unfortunately the figurines and 1:18 scale didn't move.
In 2oo7 I still had this stuff in a box in my room. I had stopped collecting but this box of toys was starting to bother me. God spoke to my heart very strongly, " Mark I want toys in your life for your children. You're 33. I felt embarrassed. "Then what do I do with this stuff God?" I replied.
God spoke again and said, "Bring it to U-drop-E sell."
Within a day I brought it all down to the store. In the end I got rid of all my toys, sold everything
for almost nothing, but finally had that peace like I wasn't try to overstep God in what would make me happy. The chains were lifted.
People say drugs, alcohol, and smoking are vices. I totally agree. Stuff is also a vice.
In the Bible Jesus clearly states,
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19
What is the treasure in your life? When you get a paycheck what's the first thing you want to buy? If anyone asked your friends what you value the most what would they say?
God Bless.
Here's my story.
In 2000 I bought a 1:18 diecast car on a complete whim. Soon I had a few more. Then I thought I would lesson the cost of what was becoming idols and got into Hot wheels. BY 2001 I had hundreds of them. I knew something was wrong when I realized I didn't care about them yet I
I wanted them to stay in perfect shape. (never been opened) Then I got into "Treasure Hunts"
average value for these is $20-$30. Some go as high as $60 depending how rare. Soon I branched off into figurines. Marvel, DC, even Scooby Do! I know that's a little nuts.
One night I got a call from a collector who had got me a Treasure Hunt - Olds 444. God convicted my heart and told me to sell off.
I went over that night to his place with all my boxes and boxes of stuff. He bought all my treasure hunts. I told him to put the rest on eBay. On my way home someone hit my car which was a piece of junk and I got more from SGI than it was worth.
God had blessed me with cash for a new vehicle without the hassle of getting rid of the old one because I had obeyed.
I sold all the hot wheels. Made very little but felt free inside. Unfortunately the figurines and 1:18 scale didn't move.
In 2oo7 I still had this stuff in a box in my room. I had stopped collecting but this box of toys was starting to bother me. God spoke to my heart very strongly, " Mark I want toys in your life for your children. You're 33. I felt embarrassed. "Then what do I do with this stuff God?" I replied.
God spoke again and said, "Bring it to U-drop-E sell."
Within a day I brought it all down to the store. In the end I got rid of all my toys, sold everything
for almost nothing, but finally had that peace like I wasn't try to overstep God in what would make me happy. The chains were lifted.
People say drugs, alcohol, and smoking are vices. I totally agree. Stuff is also a vice.
In the Bible Jesus clearly states,
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19
What is the treasure in your life? When you get a paycheck what's the first thing you want to buy? If anyone asked your friends what you value the most what would they say?
God Bless.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Keep Going!
Perseverance is my motto
On this very dizzying roller coaster ride
In every trial I have had no choice but to put God first
Not myself, nor my pride has mattered.
I'm a warrior
Armoured with God's armour
The shield of faith in front me
Obstructing a fleet of arrows
Preventing their poisonous tips from piercing my skin
Onward I marched one year at a time
Involved in the "cross" fire
Now looking back
These years served one major purpose
Before life was about me- my income, my pride, who I wanted to be
Now it's the revelation that God has given me my life is about Him
Others will see Him through me
Willingly accepting "God's truth" spoken through a human voice
So many times I used to go trial and error
Trials will continue but errors will and have decreased
All who ask confidently are given Spiritual Wisdom
Resulting in a man and a life
That is prepared to serve the highest calling ever
Serve Christ
On this very dizzying roller coaster ride
In every trial I have had no choice but to put God first
Not myself, nor my pride has mattered.
I'm a warrior
Armoured with God's armour
The shield of faith in front me
Obstructing a fleet of arrows
Preventing their poisonous tips from piercing my skin
Onward I marched one year at a time
Involved in the "cross" fire
Now looking back
These years served one major purpose
Before life was about me- my income, my pride, who I wanted to be
Now it's the revelation that God has given me my life is about Him
Others will see Him through me
Willingly accepting "God's truth" spoken through a human voice
So many times I used to go trial and error
Trials will continue but errors will and have decreased
All who ask confidently are given Spiritual Wisdom
Resulting in a man and a life
That is prepared to serve the highest calling ever
Serve Christ
Monday, May 21, 2007
"Face to Face"
Of all the things I've tried
To gain happiness inside
None of them filled the gap
For fulfillment that I have
None but knowing You
You always see me through
Till the end of my days
When I"ll see You...
Face to face
To gain happiness inside
None of them filled the gap
For fulfillment that I have
None but knowing You
You always see me through
Till the end of my days
When I"ll see You...
Face to face
"A Sobering Thought"
Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is. Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.
Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, today. For without You I can do nothing.
Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, today. For without You I can do nothing.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
"Enlightened Thoughts"
Free from all the worries
Deception and the pain
I feel your Spirit rise up
And calm my heart again.
I look towards your Glory
And thank you for it all
Humility is blessed
Pride comes before the fall.
And the things of tomorrow
Only Lord you know
I'll persevere in serving
In me your light will show.
Deception and the pain
I feel your Spirit rise up
And calm my heart again.
I look towards your Glory
And thank you for it all
Humility is blessed
Pride comes before the fall.
And the things of tomorrow
Only Lord you know
I'll persevere in serving
In me your light will show.
Monday, May 14, 2007
"The Joy of the Lord is my Strength"
When things crash
people turn away
the money runs out
and when there aren't anymore thrills
There is joy
The Joy of the Lord is my strength.
people turn away
the money runs out
and when there aren't anymore thrills
There is joy
The Joy of the Lord is my strength.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
"Humble Acknowledgement"
Palms up
Facing your Holiness
Head bowed
Acknowledging Sovereignty
Eyes closed
Your Faithfulness
And then the words
The cry
"Rescue" live by Newsong
You are the source of life
I can't be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of you
I need You Jesus
I need You Jesus
My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
Lord I put my trust in you
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
Lord I put my trust in you
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Woah I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
Sing I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
Sing I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Tell me where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Whoa I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Tell me where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Oh won't you capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
Facing your Holiness
Head bowed
Acknowledging Sovereignty
Eyes closed
Your Faithfulness
And then the words
The cry
"Rescue" live by Newsong
You are the source of life
I can't be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of you
I need You Jesus
I need You Jesus
My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
Lord I put my trust in you
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
Lord I put my trust in you
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Woah I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
Sing I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
Sing I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Tell me where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Whoa I need You Jesus
To come to my rescue
Tell me where else can I go
There's no other name by
Which I am saved
Whoa capture me with Grace
Oh won't you capture me with Grace
Won't you capture me with Grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
This world has nothing for me.
This world has nothing for me.
"A Downward Message of Truth"
Forgivenes
Redemption
Eradicates the heart
Evolving life in Christ
From one year to the next
Removing footholds of hurt
Onward is the journey to righteousness
Making God first priority
Persuading temptations lose their grip
All and all the mind starts to rest in God's peace
Interests of others become more important- time to serve
No more selfishness
Redemption
Eradicates the heart
Evolving life in Christ
From one year to the next
Removing footholds of hurt
Onward is the journey to righteousness
Making God first priority
Persuading temptations lose their grip
All and all the mind starts to rest in God's peace
Interests of others become more important- time to serve
No more selfishness
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
"What is Love?"
What is love
What does it look like
Is it always agreeing
Or sometimes a fight
Is it about saying the right words
Never rocking the boat
Or saying things out of love
That most people won't
Is it about whispering sweet nothings
All through out the day
Or a progressive journey to maturity
And all the bumps along the way
How about the structure of love
Or maybe it's direction
Does it come from God
Or merely superficial affection?
What does it look like
Is it always agreeing
Or sometimes a fight
Is it about saying the right words
Never rocking the boat
Or saying things out of love
That most people won't
Is it about whispering sweet nothings
All through out the day
Or a progressive journey to maturity
And all the bumps along the way
How about the structure of love
Or maybe it's direction
Does it come from God
Or merely superficial affection?
"That's My Home"
The world could never give me everything
My heart rests in the peace you bring
And I cling to the promise in your word
No eye hath seen, no ear hath heard
That's my home
My heart rests in the peace you bring
And I cling to the promise in your word
No eye hath seen, no ear hath heard
That's my home
Monday, May 7, 2007
"I Shall Believe"
song by Matt Brouwer
Come to me now
And lay Your hands over me
Will You find me tonight
Say it will be alright
And I will believe
Broken in two
I know You’re on to me
That I only come home
When I’m so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything I gonna be
The way you think it ought to be
It seems like everytime I try and make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly You won’t give up on me
And I shall believe
Open the door
And show me Your face tonight
I know it’s true
No one heals me like You
And You hold the key
Never again will I turn away from You
I’m so heavy tonight
But Your love is alright
And I do believe
Come to me now
And lay Your hands over me
Will You find me tonight
Say it will be alright
And I will believe
Broken in two
I know You’re on to me
That I only come home
When I’m so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything I gonna be
The way you think it ought to be
It seems like everytime I try and make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly You won’t give up on me
And I shall believe
Open the door
And show me Your face tonight
I know it’s true
No one heals me like You
And You hold the key
Never again will I turn away from You
I’m so heavy tonight
But Your love is alright
And I do believe
"Freedom in Christ"
Freedom in Christ is
All about serving others-not ones self anymore
It's recognizing that greater things are accomplished through Christ
Than through ourselves
So the next time the Holy Spirit puts it on your heart to call someone.
Call them.
And experience the joy of the Lord will be your strength.
God Bless
All about serving others-not ones self anymore
It's recognizing that greater things are accomplished through Christ
Than through ourselves
So the next time the Holy Spirit puts it on your heart to call someone.
Call them.
And experience the joy of the Lord will be your strength.
God Bless
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
"God's Generous Response to Boldness in Prayer"
Here's a great message by John MacArthur. So many times we hear about the importance of the Holy Spirit and the gift he is in our daily Christian lives. Dr. MacArthur digs deep into the understanding that God has given us more than good gifts. He's given us the Source. Click here and enjoy!
Monday, April 30, 2007
"The Rescue"
stubbornness, loneliness, low self-esteem,
worthlessness, hopelessness, depression,
bitterness, hate, anger, jealousy,
greed, pride, lust, envy,
perversity, crude language, ungodly thoughts,
drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, sexual immorality,
"I'm done Lord. May my desires and life reflect You and your ways.
"The shackles have been lifted... Live"
worthlessness, hopelessness, depression,
bitterness, hate, anger, jealousy,
greed, pride, lust, envy,
perversity, crude language, ungodly thoughts,
drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, sexual immorality,
"I'm done Lord. May my desires and life reflect You and your ways.
"The shackles have been lifted... Live"
Monday, April 23, 2007
"The Gift that Only You Can Give"
Thank you Lord
For your Grace
A grace that is given in your Son
For in Him
I've been enriched
All I speak
All my knowledge from
It's all because my life's
been bought in Christ
How great you are
How great you are
A message like no one
Salvation in your Son
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
Oh Lord
You've been so good to me
Given me new life
And life eternally
When I fall
You pick me up
Put on my feet
And show me it is well
With my soul
With my soul
How great you are
How great you are
The reason why I sing
You're my everything
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
Prince of Peace
King of kings
The River of Life
Wonderful Counselor
Redeemer
the Beginning and the End
How great you are
How great you are
The reason I rejoice
The truth is in your voice
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only is in You yeah
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
For your Grace
A grace that is given in your Son
For in Him
I've been enriched
All I speak
All my knowledge from
It's all because my life's
been bought in Christ
How great you are
How great you are
A message like no one
Salvation in your Son
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
Oh Lord
You've been so good to me
Given me new life
And life eternally
When I fall
You pick me up
Put on my feet
And show me it is well
With my soul
With my soul
How great you are
How great you are
The reason why I sing
You're my everything
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
Prince of Peace
King of kings
The River of Life
Wonderful Counselor
Redeemer
the Beginning and the End
How great you are
How great you are
The reason I rejoice
The truth is in your voice
How wonderful you are
Wonderful you are
Thank you for the gift
That only is in You yeah
Thank you for the gift
That only You can give
Thursday, April 19, 2007
"There's No Such Thing As Perfect"
I've tried so many times
to get things right they just had to be great
And I know that never works
It builds my pride not my faith
So I surrender this part
I give you all my heart
There's no such thing as perfect
It doesn't even happen
But if you give your heart to Jesus
Things will happen
The only thing that matters
Is a heart for God in serving
It gains eternal value
And when things get rough...
It stops the searching.
to get things right they just had to be great
And I know that never works
It builds my pride not my faith
So I surrender this part
I give you all my heart
There's no such thing as perfect
It doesn't even happen
But if you give your heart to Jesus
Things will happen
The only thing that matters
Is a heart for God in serving
It gains eternal value
And when things get rough...
It stops the searching.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
"They that Wait Upon the Lord"
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. (KJV)
One of the most difficult places God will take you is by telling your heart this.
"I know you want certain things, even at times feel you need things such as a relationship, or feel there's a relationship that needs to be mended. But you have to trust me.
You have to trust that my timing is the best. And in the mean time while you are waiting to hear from me: I will teach you what it means to serve, in all things be cheerful, and develop a strong devotional and prayer life. When it's all over (your own tailor made boot camp) you will see I was in control the entire time.
I just wanted to see you love me with your life. Not just with words-with action. Loving me is the way you treat people who you feel have wronged you. It's about breaking down that wall of pride. Focusing on more than just hurt feelings or emotional frustration. Serving me is about being a soldier. It's about seeing the "Big Picture". Me.
One of the most difficult places God will take you is by telling your heart this.
"I know you want certain things, even at times feel you need things such as a relationship, or feel there's a relationship that needs to be mended. But you have to trust me.
You have to trust that my timing is the best. And in the mean time while you are waiting to hear from me: I will teach you what it means to serve, in all things be cheerful, and develop a strong devotional and prayer life. When it's all over (your own tailor made boot camp) you will see I was in control the entire time.
I just wanted to see you love me with your life. Not just with words-with action. Loving me is the way you treat people who you feel have wronged you. It's about breaking down that wall of pride. Focusing on more than just hurt feelings or emotional frustration. Serving me is about being a soldier. It's about seeing the "Big Picture". Me.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
"Spiritual Perspectives"
Who Am I?
I've been called a warrior and a weapon for Christ.
I will wage war on “footholds” pride, lust, selfishness, for the rest of my life.
As a soldier I will cut through this garbage in my life with a freshly sharpened sickle, or sword- the Word.
My strength is fully coming from Christ.
In my heart I have seen a mountain cast itself into the ocean
or move from here to there.
I'm a voice. Not in in a desert but in a desert life.
His Spirit cuts through to the bone and marrow and resounds conviction.
At five seven and barely one hundred and fifty pounds I am fully equipped to do God's work.
Discouraging the flesh, encouraging the Spirit.
When you see me and I start talking about Christian things, I'm not there anymore. I will volunteer my body and mouth to cause the Holy Spirit to start a good work in you.
I'm not stubborn. I'm obedient. You just can't physically see my chief and commander.
Who am I?
It's not about me. It's about Him.
...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
I've been called a warrior and a weapon for Christ.
I will wage war on “footholds” pride, lust, selfishness, for the rest of my life.
As a soldier I will cut through this garbage in my life with a freshly sharpened sickle, or sword- the Word.
My strength is fully coming from Christ.
In my heart I have seen a mountain cast itself into the ocean
or move from here to there.
I'm a voice. Not in in a desert but in a desert life.
His Spirit cuts through to the bone and marrow and resounds conviction.
At five seven and barely one hundred and fifty pounds I am fully equipped to do God's work.
Discouraging the flesh, encouraging the Spirit.
When you see me and I start talking about Christian things, I'm not there anymore. I will volunteer my body and mouth to cause the Holy Spirit to start a good work in you.
I'm not stubborn. I'm obedient. You just can't physically see my chief and commander.
Who am I?
It's not about me. It's about Him.
...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
"Mild Persecution"
So I've been slammed many times by people saying things like,
Are you sure God is telling you these things? (Well, what they mean is the Holy Spirit)
Anyways today I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to go to the library and blog. I booked a computer for an hour (I only have 45 min. left) Getting to the library early I sat down on a bus bench and started reading one of my books. Whamm!! I tasted blood on my lower lip. I looked down and saw all this snow on my shoulder and book I was reading. When I looked up I saw this young guy hanging out of the window of a mini van driving by. Oh yeahhh.. he said smugly.
I had been hit in the face by a snowball from a guy in a moving vehicle. The thought crossed my mind, What are the odds of him hitting me in a moving vehicle? That's when the Holy Spirit showed I was being attacked prior to this message I'm writing right now.
I said victoriously, "Praise the Lord".
Are you sure God is telling you these things? (Well, what they mean is the Holy Spirit)
Anyways today I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to go to the library and blog. I booked a computer for an hour (I only have 45 min. left) Getting to the library early I sat down on a bus bench and started reading one of my books. Whamm!! I tasted blood on my lower lip. I looked down and saw all this snow on my shoulder and book I was reading. When I looked up I saw this young guy hanging out of the window of a mini van driving by. Oh yeahhh.. he said smugly.
I had been hit in the face by a snowball from a guy in a moving vehicle. The thought crossed my mind, What are the odds of him hitting me in a moving vehicle? That's when the Holy Spirit showed I was being attacked prior to this message I'm writing right now.
I said victoriously, "Praise the Lord".
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
"Called to Persevere"
Trust the Lord
Acknowledge him in all your ways
Lean not on your own understanding
Keep praying; pray without ceasing.
Teach what God has taught you from making mistakes
On every battlefield there is one who remains victorious- Jesus.
Make every day a day to serve God and let Christ's light shine through you
Every good and perfect gift comes from above ...
Acknowledge him in all your ways
Lean not on your own understanding
Keep praying; pray without ceasing.
Teach what God has taught you from making mistakes
On every battlefield there is one who remains victorious- Jesus.
Make every day a day to serve God and let Christ's light shine through you
Every good and perfect gift comes from above ...
Sunday, January 14, 2007
"What it Means to be a Servant"
Jeremy Camp writes amazing songs of coming before God with a humble heart ready to serve him at any cost. Here are the lyrics to another "servanthood" message.
"My Desire" Jeremy Camp
You want to be real
You want to be empty inside
You want to be someone laying down your pride
You want to be someone someday
Then lay it all down before the King
You want to be whole
You want to have purpose inside
You want to have virtue and purify your mind
You want to be set free today then lay it all down before the King
Chorus:
This is my desire
This is my return
This is my desire to be used by you
You want to be real
You want to be emptied inside
And I know my heart is to feel you near
And I know my life
It's to do your will
It's to do your will
(Chorus)
All my life I have seen where you've taken me
Beyond all I have hoped and there's more left unseen
There's not much I can do to repay all you've done so I give my hands to use
(Chorus)
"My Desire" Jeremy Camp
You want to be real
You want to be empty inside
You want to be someone laying down your pride
You want to be someone someday
Then lay it all down before the King
You want to be whole
You want to have purpose inside
You want to have virtue and purify your mind
You want to be set free today then lay it all down before the King
Chorus:
This is my desire
This is my return
This is my desire to be used by you
You want to be real
You want to be emptied inside
And I know my heart is to feel you near
And I know my life
It's to do your will
It's to do your will
(Chorus)
All my life I have seen where you've taken me
Beyond all I have hoped and there's more left unseen
There's not much I can do to repay all you've done so I give my hands to use
(Chorus)
Friday, January 12, 2007
"Wanting to be Wanted"
One of the greatest needs people have is wanting to be wanted. It's amazing how quickly our lives can crumble when we don't feel wanted. But we are.
God wants us very much. No matter how many times we make mistakes He still wants us and will never leave us. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:4-6
The context of this verse is talking about keeping our lives free of the love of money and be content with what we have. I find it interesting that some of the hardest times to follow God are when I choose not be content with my finances or what I have. So many things like this seem to determine our worldly value; how we are accepted or wanted by the world's standards. God's standards are much different. We have all the worth we need because he loves us and accepts us unconditionally.
If you are going through a tough time feeling truly wanted or appreciated it may be a "world acceptance" you are chasing. Ask God to help you take your focus off those things that are conditional and put your focus on someone who wants and accepts you unconditionally to the point of giving his life for you- Christ.
God Bless.
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Helen H. Lemmel
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
God wants us very much. No matter how many times we make mistakes He still wants us and will never leave us. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:4-6
The context of this verse is talking about keeping our lives free of the love of money and be content with what we have. I find it interesting that some of the hardest times to follow God are when I choose not be content with my finances or what I have. So many things like this seem to determine our worldly value; how we are accepted or wanted by the world's standards. God's standards are much different. We have all the worth we need because he loves us and accepts us unconditionally.
If you are going through a tough time feeling truly wanted or appreciated it may be a "world acceptance" you are chasing. Ask God to help you take your focus off those things that are conditional and put your focus on someone who wants and accepts you unconditionally to the point of giving his life for you- Christ.
God Bless.
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Helen H. Lemmel
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
"Overcoming Temptation"
The world is full of temptaton. We know as Christians we can't be effective in our faith if we are constantly giving in to it. In this audio message Fred Wilson begins his "Temptation Series" with Tools God Can Use - Part 1 taken from Romans 6:8-14
Download MP3
Click here to view other audio messages by Fred Wilson.
Download MP3
Click here to view other audio messages by Fred Wilson.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
"Saved by Grace"
It's an amazing thought that God has saved Christians by grace. We can't earn our way into heaven. It's a gift.
It reminds me of the story of a young man who stood before a judge in regards to paying a speeding ticket. The judge ordered the young man to pay the ticket and then asked to see him in his chambers. When the young man walked in he saw the judge take off his robe of judgment, reach into his wallet and pull out $300.00. He handed the $300.00 to the young man saying, "Your debt has been paid in full." The young man looked at his father and said, "Thanks Dad!"
How often do we say "Thanks Dad" to our Heavenly Father? Because of our sin we were destined to spend eternity in Hell. Go loved us so much he sent His Son Jesus who was completely innocent of any sin to pay the debt we could not owe.
God Bless.
"Just the Way I Am" Big Daddy Weave
Unbelievable, I’m blown away it’s true
By the matchless love that I’ve found in You
Undeniable, the change in me
I’ve never felt so free
It makes me want to dance
You make me want to dance
When I think about how
You love me, You love me
You love me just the way I am
You love me, You love me
You love me just the way,
Just the way I am
Ever patiently accepting me
You love in spite of everything I do
But oh so faithfully
You’re committed to the process that makes me like You
And I feel like I can dance
Oh You make me want to dance
When I think about how
Not when I’m good enough
Not when I clean my act up
Not when I cross that line the thousandth time
And become a better man
Your grace is more than enough
To cover all my sins You washed them away
So right here today
You love me just the way I am
It reminds me of the story of a young man who stood before a judge in regards to paying a speeding ticket. The judge ordered the young man to pay the ticket and then asked to see him in his chambers. When the young man walked in he saw the judge take off his robe of judgment, reach into his wallet and pull out $300.00. He handed the $300.00 to the young man saying, "Your debt has been paid in full." The young man looked at his father and said, "Thanks Dad!"
How often do we say "Thanks Dad" to our Heavenly Father? Because of our sin we were destined to spend eternity in Hell. Go loved us so much he sent His Son Jesus who was completely innocent of any sin to pay the debt we could not owe.
God Bless.
"Just the Way I Am" Big Daddy Weave
Unbelievable, I’m blown away it’s true
By the matchless love that I’ve found in You
Undeniable, the change in me
I’ve never felt so free
It makes me want to dance
You make me want to dance
When I think about how
You love me, You love me
You love me just the way I am
You love me, You love me
You love me just the way,
Just the way I am
Ever patiently accepting me
You love in spite of everything I do
But oh so faithfully
You’re committed to the process that makes me like You
And I feel like I can dance
Oh You make me want to dance
When I think about how
Not when I’m good enough
Not when I clean my act up
Not when I cross that line the thousandth time
And become a better man
Your grace is more than enough
To cover all my sins You washed them away
So right here today
You love me just the way I am
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
"Hearing from the Heart"
It's not always easy for me to understand that God speaks into my heart to give me direction and wisdom. It's even harder sometimes to understand that He will speak words into my heart to encourage other believers or protect them from mistakes. Click on one of the links to hear a very important audio message by Derek Prince called Hearing from the Heart
Download MP3
Click here to listen to more messages from Derek Prince Ministries.
Download MP3
Click here to listen to more messages from Derek Prince Ministries.
"No Compromise"
Talk to any olympic athlete and you'll soon see a strong theme radiantly shining in their training. "No compromise". It's up at the crack of dawn to swim laps, hit the gym, or run miles. Always trying to excell to a higher level, be better, to be the best. Motivated by one thing- the prize.
Christians have a prize. It's called salvation. One day we will be joint heirs of the Kingdom of God. Where everything is perfect and Holy.
But in the meantime we too are athletes spiritually. And we're in a race.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. " 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
Can I encourage you, though we're not going get it right all the time;
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:22-24
if we try to excel in our relationship with Christ he will give us the strength to make daily progress in areas of plagued weaknesses.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
So here's to the new months ahead. And a little phrase that packs a lot of punch- "No Compromise".
God Bless.
Q. What's grey and black, has 4 eyes, and white all over?
A. Mark delivering "return to sender" mail in a blizzard!
Christians have a prize. It's called salvation. One day we will be joint heirs of the Kingdom of God. Where everything is perfect and Holy.
But in the meantime we too are athletes spiritually. And we're in a race.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. " 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
Can I encourage you, though we're not going get it right all the time;
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:22-24
if we try to excel in our relationship with Christ he will give us the strength to make daily progress in areas of plagued weaknesses.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
So here's to the new months ahead. And a little phrase that packs a lot of punch- "No Compromise".
God Bless.
Q. What's grey and black, has 4 eyes, and white all over?A. Mark delivering "return to sender" mail in a blizzard!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
"Needs Being Met?"
Here's another great message by Charles Stanley-"How to Get Your Needs Met God's Way"
"There are three kinds of people in this world. Those that are good at math, and those that aren't."
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
"Spiritual Discernment"
Here is a devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley
READ 2 Peter 3:14-18
Spiritual discernment protects us from deception. Sin is always dressed up to look tempting. So if we think that what looks good and feels right must be okay, then we're in danger of being misled. When Satan tempts us, he never mentions consequences or negative impacts.
Spiritual discernment is our God-given capacity to judge what is right and wrong. It protects us from the suffering that goes along with disobedience. Ignoring anxiety in our spirit—which Dr. Stanley calls "spiritual static"—is a step onto the pathway of sin.
When looking for a radio station, we want clear reception. The same is true in life. We need a clear connection to the Holy Spirit. It will give us a sense of peace and assurance that we're doing the right thing.
Sometimes an opportunity might appear harmless or, more likely, very appealing. But if the Holy Spirit inside us sends a signal not to pursue that opportunity, then we shouldn't. For some reason, God does not want us in the situation. And though we can wonder, we may never know what danger we avoided by being obedient.
Sin does not initially appear as the ugly, deceitful disobedience it is. Instead, it comes wrapped in a pretty package that can be hard to resist. God's children can see past the glitter and false beauty if they choose to look. This spiritual wisdom comes only as the result of a clean heart and discerning spirit. A smart believer makes prayer, repentance, and biblical training a regular part of his or her routine.
READ 2 Peter 3:14-18
Spiritual discernment protects us from deception. Sin is always dressed up to look tempting. So if we think that what looks good and feels right must be okay, then we're in danger of being misled. When Satan tempts us, he never mentions consequences or negative impacts.
Spiritual discernment is our God-given capacity to judge what is right and wrong. It protects us from the suffering that goes along with disobedience. Ignoring anxiety in our spirit—which Dr. Stanley calls "spiritual static"—is a step onto the pathway of sin.
When looking for a radio station, we want clear reception. The same is true in life. We need a clear connection to the Holy Spirit. It will give us a sense of peace and assurance that we're doing the right thing.
Sometimes an opportunity might appear harmless or, more likely, very appealing. But if the Holy Spirit inside us sends a signal not to pursue that opportunity, then we shouldn't. For some reason, God does not want us in the situation. And though we can wonder, we may never know what danger we avoided by being obedient.
Sin does not initially appear as the ugly, deceitful disobedience it is. Instead, it comes wrapped in a pretty package that can be hard to resist. God's children can see past the glitter and false beauty if they choose to look. This spiritual wisdom comes only as the result of a clean heart and discerning spirit. A smart believer makes prayer, repentance, and biblical training a regular part of his or her routine.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
"It's Truly Amazing"
"Miracle" John David Webster
I love the way you touch me, I'm so amazed
Your beauty speaks a thousand words,
and then it takes my breath away
You burn me up like fire,
and then you pour on me like rain
It's truly amazing, like a miracle
Chorus:
I see you in the sun that shines in the sky
I hear you in the sound of the oceans tide
I feel you in this gentle breeze tonight
I try to explain it,
It's a miracle to me
You can move my mountains, you still my soul
You whisper to me like the wind, but it shakes me to the bone
Your Spirit takes me far away, but I feel just right at home
It's truly amazing, like a miracle
Chorus:
Truth be told
I just wasn't one for miracles
Let's just say I've changed my view
Cause loving you I've been awaken
The earth starts quaking
I'm blown away I'm overtaken
By the miracle, the miracle of you
Chorus:
Oh Yea, Oh Yea a miracle to me
I love the way you touch me, I'm so amazed
Your beauty speaks a thousand words,
and then it takes my breath away
You burn me up like fire,
and then you pour on me like rain
It's truly amazing, like a miracle
Chorus:
I see you in the sun that shines in the sky
I hear you in the sound of the oceans tide
I feel you in this gentle breeze tonight
I try to explain it,
It's a miracle to me
You can move my mountains, you still my soul
You whisper to me like the wind, but it shakes me to the bone
Your Spirit takes me far away, but I feel just right at home
It's truly amazing, like a miracle
Chorus:
Truth be told
I just wasn't one for miracles
Let's just say I've changed my view
Cause loving you I've been awaken
The earth starts quaking
I'm blown away I'm overtaken
By the miracle, the miracle of you
Chorus:
Oh Yea, Oh Yea a miracle to me
"Weighing the Pros and Cons of Obeying"
Today God has been showing me an interesting phenomenon that Christians like myself can get caught up in from time to time. It's called weighing the pros and cons of obeying.
Why do we do this? Well maybe because we are afraid of doing what God is telling us to do so we try to see in our minds what we have to gain or lose. I don't know if you're like me but when I start weighing the pros and cons of obeying I often skip over the pros because I really don't know what can result positively by obeying God. Now for the cons.
What if I'm made fun of?
I may lose friends
Look self righteous
Cause bitterness, anger, awkwardness, tension, etc.
What if I'm hated for stepping out?
The Bible is full of stories of men and women who were challenged to obey God.
Jonah wall called to preach against the very wicked city of Nineveh. He was afraid and fled to Tarnish on a boat. After being tossed overboard in a violent storm and spending 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a fish and then thrown up, he obeyed and went to Nineveh. The King and his people turned from their evil ways. God had compassion and spared Nineveh of the threat of destruction. read full story
Then there's the story of Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
The Lord called Joshua to take his army and march around the city walls of Jericho once a day for 6 days. On the seventh they were to march around the city walls 7 times with the priests blowing trumpets and the people making a loud noise. And the walls fell! read full story
When the Lord approached these 2 men with their assignments Jonah ran away whereas Joshua ran toward.
Can we go into the New Year like Joshua fearing nothing and looking to gain everything for God's Kingdom?
Why do we do this? Well maybe because we are afraid of doing what God is telling us to do so we try to see in our minds what we have to gain or lose. I don't know if you're like me but when I start weighing the pros and cons of obeying I often skip over the pros because I really don't know what can result positively by obeying God. Now for the cons.
What if I'm made fun of?
I may lose friends
Look self righteous
Cause bitterness, anger, awkwardness, tension, etc.
What if I'm hated for stepping out?
The Bible is full of stories of men and women who were challenged to obey God.
Jonah wall called to preach against the very wicked city of Nineveh. He was afraid and fled to Tarnish on a boat. After being tossed overboard in a violent storm and spending 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a fish and then thrown up, he obeyed and went to Nineveh. The King and his people turned from their evil ways. God had compassion and spared Nineveh of the threat of destruction. read full story
Then there's the story of Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
The Lord called Joshua to take his army and march around the city walls of Jericho once a day for 6 days. On the seventh they were to march around the city walls 7 times with the priests blowing trumpets and the people making a loud noise. And the walls fell! read full story
When the Lord approached these 2 men with their assignments Jonah ran away whereas Joshua ran toward.
Can we go into the New Year like Joshua fearing nothing and looking to gain everything for God's Kingdom?
Monday, January 1, 2007
"More Christian Lyrics"
Here's 3 songs God has put on my heart to share with guys:
"I Can't Do This" Plumb
I woke up late.
Guess I'm never really early.
I hesitate,
Only to fail.
I get so tired
Of procrastinating.
I need a change.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
I'm standing still,
Moved so peaceful.
I can't pretend
That I'm fine.
I get so ill,
Crazy, agitated
When I'm not really dying.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
Press into me.
(Press into me.)
Breathe the air.
(Breathe the air.)
Bask in me.
(Bask in me.)
You'll be free
To do anything.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
................................................................................................................
"I Stand for You" Tree63
Jesus, I stand for You
No matter what You lead me through
They will chase me out, and close me down
but Jesus, I stand for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
Jesus, I've stood my ground
When unbelief was all around
I have felt the sting rejection brings
but Jesus, I still stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
A time will come when everyone
will turn their eyes on the risen son
Until that day, this world will turn away
So I'll take your hand, I'll always stand for You
Guilty of disgrace, but You took my place
Jesus, I'll always stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
For you
I'll always stand for You
................................................................................................................
"Smile" Chris Rice
How far are you, how close am I
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now
You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Where are you now
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
"I Can't Do This" Plumb
I woke up late.
Guess I'm never really early.
I hesitate,
Only to fail.
I get so tired
Of procrastinating.
I need a change.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
I'm standing still,
Moved so peaceful.
I can't pretend
That I'm fine.
I get so ill,
Crazy, agitated
When I'm not really dying.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
Press into me.
(Press into me.)
Breathe the air.
(Breathe the air.)
Bask in me.
(Bask in me.)
You'll be free
To do anything.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
I can't do this by myself.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Oh God, I need your help.
................................................................................................................
"I Stand for You" Tree63
Jesus, I stand for You
No matter what You lead me through
They will chase me out, and close me down
but Jesus, I stand for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
Jesus, I've stood my ground
When unbelief was all around
I have felt the sting rejection brings
but Jesus, I still stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
A time will come when everyone
will turn their eyes on the risen son
Until that day, this world will turn away
So I'll take your hand, I'll always stand for You
Guilty of disgrace, but You took my place
Jesus, I'll always stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
For you
I'll always stand for You
................................................................................................................
"Smile" Chris Rice
How far are you, how close am I
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now
You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Where are you now
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
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