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 ...
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?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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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