He had said to them: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. Then the word of the Lord came to them: “Law after law, law after law, line after line, line after line, a little here, a little there,” so they go stumbling backward, to be broken, trapped, and captured. (Isaiah 28:12, 13 HCSB)
Have you ever stumbled and felt captured? Maybe by bad choices. Maybe by thoughts of failure. Maybe by just the stresses of life. Maybe by the expectations of others around you.
God gave us His word as a place of refuge. A place to seek Him and learn the freedom of the life He has given us. God wants us to grow to know and love Him more and more all the time. He never intended for the Word to become a burden for us to carry. It was a gift to release our heavy burden. A refuge to seek in the storm.
So many people believe Gods Word is simply a list of dos and don'ts. But they are believing a lie. God gives us His Word to free us from bad choices. He gives us His Word to show us how to live a successful life. A life that is surrounded with peace and joy. A life that can stand firm in the storms. A life of certainty and of trust.
Therefore the Lord God said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable. (Isaiah 28:16 HCSB)
What a promise. A tested stone. It has been tested for generation after generation and found faithful.
Won't you give your heavy burdens over to The Lord today. He is faithful. He will give you peace and a sure foundation. Share your heavy burdens with Him today. He wants you to.
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 HCSB).
Blessings
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Orphans of this world
I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. (John 14:18 HCSB)
Sometimes I feel like an orphan in this world. I feel like I am the only one going through my particular situation. I feel like no one understands, no one knows how I feel. I can feel lonely, even when I am surrounded by people. Sometimes we can feel all alone even among those who love us and those we love.
I think everyone feels that sometimes. I see it on people's faces, I hear it in their voices. I know people who struggle with pains, hurts, confusion. Life isn't always easy. Life isn't always happy. Sometimes we just feel alone.
What a wonderful verse in John for all of us who have felt like orphans in a strange world. God has not left us here alone. He is here amongst us when we whole heartedly search for Him. Not only that but He says He has gone ahead of us to prepare for us a home with Him for eternity. A home where there will be no more sadness, or confusion, or grief. Only joy and peace. Someday He will return for us,so that we can live in this place especially prepared for those who love Him for all of eternity.
I don't know about you but that helps me get through those days that just aren't so great. I put my hope in the one who promises He will return for me. The one who promises to direct my path. The one who says He will never leave me or forsake me. The one who has filled His Word with promise after promise for me. And promises for you.
So when you need some hope. When you need to find someone who understands. Go to Gods Word. He will always understand what you are going through. He made you. He loves you. He promises to never leave you as an orphan.
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 HCSB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 HCSB)
“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 HCSB)
Blessings
Sometimes I feel like an orphan in this world. I feel like I am the only one going through my particular situation. I feel like no one understands, no one knows how I feel. I can feel lonely, even when I am surrounded by people. Sometimes we can feel all alone even among those who love us and those we love.
I think everyone feels that sometimes. I see it on people's faces, I hear it in their voices. I know people who struggle with pains, hurts, confusion. Life isn't always easy. Life isn't always happy. Sometimes we just feel alone.
What a wonderful verse in John for all of us who have felt like orphans in a strange world. God has not left us here alone. He is here amongst us when we whole heartedly search for Him. Not only that but He says He has gone ahead of us to prepare for us a home with Him for eternity. A home where there will be no more sadness, or confusion, or grief. Only joy and peace. Someday He will return for us,so that we can live in this place especially prepared for those who love Him for all of eternity.
I don't know about you but that helps me get through those days that just aren't so great. I put my hope in the one who promises He will return for me. The one who promises to direct my path. The one who says He will never leave me or forsake me. The one who has filled His Word with promise after promise for me. And promises for you.
So when you need some hope. When you need to find someone who understands. Go to Gods Word. He will always understand what you are going through. He made you. He loves you. He promises to never leave you as an orphan.
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 HCSB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 HCSB)
“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3 HCSB)
Blessings
Friday, June 14, 2013
Allow Jesus in your boat today.
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6:19-21 NIV)
Sometimes I feel God leaves us hidden gems amongst the familiar stories in the bible. Today this one stuck out to me. Verse 21 says ” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading".
Jesus didn't just get in the boat. The disciples had to be willing to allow Him in the boat. I am pretty sure Jesus could have gotten in that boat by His own will. He really could have gotten to where they were headed on His own for that matter. But instead He gave the disciples a chance to invite him in, to trust that it was Him. A chance to not fear. And to trust Jesus.
How many times do I have the opportunity to trust Jesus. In Gods word it tells us over and over "do not fear", "trust me", yet we spend a great deal of our time fearing and not a lot of time trusting. What might happen if we just decided we don't really understand but that we will still be willing to trust. We might allow Jesus into our situation and He might just do a miracle. I know He will offer you the peace you crave if you just let Him in your boat.
"Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore"
Notice with Jesus in the boat it reaches its destination immediately.
I know life situations can be hard, struggles wear us down, but think about letting Jesus in your boat today. He wants to guide you, He wants to comfort you, He wants to give you peace in the midst of your storm. Allow Him in your boat, you won't be sorry you did.
Blessings
Sometimes I feel God leaves us hidden gems amongst the familiar stories in the bible. Today this one stuck out to me. Verse 21 says ” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading".
Jesus didn't just get in the boat. The disciples had to be willing to allow Him in the boat. I am pretty sure Jesus could have gotten in that boat by His own will. He really could have gotten to where they were headed on His own for that matter. But instead He gave the disciples a chance to invite him in, to trust that it was Him. A chance to not fear. And to trust Jesus.
How many times do I have the opportunity to trust Jesus. In Gods word it tells us over and over "do not fear", "trust me", yet we spend a great deal of our time fearing and not a lot of time trusting. What might happen if we just decided we don't really understand but that we will still be willing to trust. We might allow Jesus into our situation and He might just do a miracle. I know He will offer you the peace you crave if you just let Him in your boat.
"Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore"
Notice with Jesus in the boat it reaches its destination immediately.
I know life situations can be hard, struggles wear us down, but think about letting Jesus in your boat today. He wants to guide you, He wants to comfort you, He wants to give you peace in the midst of your storm. Allow Him in your boat, you won't be sorry you did.
Blessings
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Healing the Blind Man
“This is an amazing thing,” the man told them. “You don’t know where He is from, yet He opened my eyes! We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him. Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He wouldn’t be able to do anything.” (John 9:30-33 HCSB)
I read this this morning and was awestruck at it. This man had been blind since birth and Jesus had healed him and now the Pharisee were questioning him. I am not sure what they were attempting to do to the blind man, they had questioned him before but here they are questioning him again. "Who did this to you, how did it happen ". Apparently this healing caused quite an uproar!
The Pharisee must have wanted the man to change his story. This man was not about to change his story. He knew who had healed him and that he had been healed. He knew the truth. And that truth had set him free from blindness. He wasn't going back.
How like our world today. Those of us who know Christ, who have a relationship with Him, are persuaded to question the truth we know. They ask us again and again...how can you be sure, how do you know this bible is true... Well I know it is true because I have been freed from my blindness and I am not going back. When Jesus removes our spiritual blindness it is a miracle even bigger than what the blind man received that day so long ago. We know He is real! Even if we can't convince others of that fact it doesn't change the realness of Christ.
I pray today for all those who are still spiritually blind. Open yourself to Christ and allow Him to heal you and see the blessing that is in Christ. You will never want to go back.
Read the story of the blind man in John 9.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209&version=NIV
It will give you great courage today.
Remember,
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 HCSB)
Blessings.
I read this this morning and was awestruck at it. This man had been blind since birth and Jesus had healed him and now the Pharisee were questioning him. I am not sure what they were attempting to do to the blind man, they had questioned him before but here they are questioning him again. "Who did this to you, how did it happen ". Apparently this healing caused quite an uproar!
The Pharisee must have wanted the man to change his story. This man was not about to change his story. He knew who had healed him and that he had been healed. He knew the truth. And that truth had set him free from blindness. He wasn't going back.
How like our world today. Those of us who know Christ, who have a relationship with Him, are persuaded to question the truth we know. They ask us again and again...how can you be sure, how do you know this bible is true... Well I know it is true because I have been freed from my blindness and I am not going back. When Jesus removes our spiritual blindness it is a miracle even bigger than what the blind man received that day so long ago. We know He is real! Even if we can't convince others of that fact it doesn't change the realness of Christ.
I pray today for all those who are still spiritually blind. Open yourself to Christ and allow Him to heal you and see the blessing that is in Christ. You will never want to go back.
Read the story of the blind man in John 9.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209&version=NIV
It will give you great courage today.
Remember,
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 HCSB)
Blessings.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Useful
The Spirit is the One who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (John 6:63 HCSB)
I needed that this morning. I have been holding a grudge, and complaining to God about it way more than I should have. This verse has brought me peace.
I realized I am living by my flesh when I am holding onto my grudge. God opened my eyes to the fact that this isn't the way of God. That it has no use in His kingdom. What benefit do I find in holding on to ill feelings toward another in Christ? It does nothing but make me bitter towards them and takes away from my peace.
The spirit, our Lord, our Father. Praising and thanking them for all my many blessings every day, that is useful. Growing closer to God through my bible and prayer, that is useful. Being gracious and loving even to those who I feel have wronged me, that is useful. Having a spirit of forgiveness, because I have been forgiven so much, that is useful.
That you Lord for showing me this verse today. It was extremely useful!
Blessings
I needed that this morning. I have been holding a grudge, and complaining to God about it way more than I should have. This verse has brought me peace.
I realized I am living by my flesh when I am holding onto my grudge. God opened my eyes to the fact that this isn't the way of God. That it has no use in His kingdom. What benefit do I find in holding on to ill feelings toward another in Christ? It does nothing but make me bitter towards them and takes away from my peace.
The spirit, our Lord, our Father. Praising and thanking them for all my many blessings every day, that is useful. Growing closer to God through my bible and prayer, that is useful. Being gracious and loving even to those who I feel have wronged me, that is useful. Having a spirit of forgiveness, because I have been forgiven so much, that is useful.
That you Lord for showing me this verse today. It was extremely useful!
Blessings
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Go forward
Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You do not have to fight this ⌊battle⌋. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord . ⌊He is⌋ with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:16, 17 HCSB)
Sometimes I feel like I am fighting a great battle. My spirit is discomforted, I struggle to find peace. I have a hard time putting my finger on exactly the issue and everything seems topsy turvy. Life can get messy, confusing, frustrating. I have trouble understanding the messes around me. Often I want a solution. A good outcome. Problem solved, here is the solution. This is the direction to take.
These are my desires. This is what I want. But, what about God? What does He want?
He wants me to rest in Him. He doesn't want me to fight this fight on my own, He doesn't want me to come up with my solution. He wants me to trust Him. Over and over He has demonstrated in my life how He will handle my battles. Yet somehow I keep wanting to fight them on my own.
I trust Him. He has never failed me and I truly believe He will never fail me. He never has, He never will.
But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord ’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:13-16 HCSB)
God says why are you crying out to me. I see your struggles, I feel your pain. Trust me. Move forward. I've got your back.
I want to move forward. I KNOW God has my back. He has ALWAYS had my back. He has ALWAYS fought my battles for me. He has NEVER forsaken me. Why would He start now.
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the Lord swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it. The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 HCSB)
If our God is the same yesterday, today, and always why would he not go before you.
Lets go forward. Leave the past where it belongs and go. God will go before you.
Read and study Gods words, focus on His promises, pray. He will do the rest. Trust Him.
Blessings
Sometimes I feel like I am fighting a great battle. My spirit is discomforted, I struggle to find peace. I have a hard time putting my finger on exactly the issue and everything seems topsy turvy. Life can get messy, confusing, frustrating. I have trouble understanding the messes around me. Often I want a solution. A good outcome. Problem solved, here is the solution. This is the direction to take.
These are my desires. This is what I want. But, what about God? What does He want?
He wants me to rest in Him. He doesn't want me to fight this fight on my own, He doesn't want me to come up with my solution. He wants me to trust Him. Over and over He has demonstrated in my life how He will handle my battles. Yet somehow I keep wanting to fight them on my own.
I trust Him. He has never failed me and I truly believe He will never fail me. He never has, He never will.
But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord ’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:13-16 HCSB)
God says why are you crying out to me. I see your struggles, I feel your pain. Trust me. Move forward. I've got your back.
I want to move forward. I KNOW God has my back. He has ALWAYS had my back. He has ALWAYS fought my battles for me. He has NEVER forsaken me. Why would He start now.
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the Lord swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it. The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 HCSB)
If our God is the same yesterday, today, and always why would he not go before you.
Lets go forward. Leave the past where it belongs and go. God will go before you.
Read and study Gods words, focus on His promises, pray. He will do the rest. Trust Him.
Blessings
Monday, February 25, 2013
Obedience
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV)
I was having some discipline issues with my children and the thought came to me, do they obey me because they should obey me because they love me and believe what I ask of them is for their good Or, do they obey me to get what they want? So I asked them. I am sure you will not be surprised to hear the answer was because they can get what they want. I consoled myself by saying... At least they were honest
But, it got me thinking. Why do I obey my Heavenly Father? Is it to get His peace, blessings, to get the things I want from Him?
The thing is although our children might be able to pull something over on us as parents we are never able to pull something over on our God. He knows.
I found this verse this morning in my quiet time and realized I would have a hard time obeying God in any way, out of love or otherwise without His help. Without His intervention in my daily life I would be a mess. So instead of trying to do it all on my own why not ask for some help from the only one who can help me.
I heard somewhere a preacher say " my only responsibility is to grow to know the Father more every day." That for me is hard enough.
So instead of pulling up my boot straps. And trying my best to be obedient I think I will just relax in His glorious presence and allow Him to work in my life for His glory.
Blessings
I was having some discipline issues with my children and the thought came to me, do they obey me because they should obey me because they love me and believe what I ask of them is for their good Or, do they obey me to get what they want? So I asked them. I am sure you will not be surprised to hear the answer was because they can get what they want. I consoled myself by saying... At least they were honest
But, it got me thinking. Why do I obey my Heavenly Father? Is it to get His peace, blessings, to get the things I want from Him?
The thing is although our children might be able to pull something over on us as parents we are never able to pull something over on our God. He knows.
I found this verse this morning in my quiet time and realized I would have a hard time obeying God in any way, out of love or otherwise without His help. Without His intervention in my daily life I would be a mess. So instead of trying to do it all on my own why not ask for some help from the only one who can help me.
I heard somewhere a preacher say " my only responsibility is to grow to know the Father more every day." That for me is hard enough.
So instead of pulling up my boot straps. And trying my best to be obedient I think I will just relax in His glorious presence and allow Him to work in my life for His glory.
Blessings
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