Music Monday: Walk on Water

Oh, I pray that I will follow Jesus were ever he leads.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

We are reminded that it takes faith to please God, because it is by faith we can walk on water. It is by faith we can follow where we are lead. 

Simon Peter won't you put those nets down
follow me I'll lead you out of this town
to a place where no boat has ever been
I will make you a fisher of men

Jesus walked out on the water
said take courage it is me
Peter trusted and he wanted to go farther
so he stepped out on the sea

If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water
If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water

Just like peter I want to go farther
tread on the sea and walk on the water
step where he steps and go where he goes
side by side when the sea billows roll
I'll be alright when the wind comes
I'll be alright when the waves come crashing
I'm not afraid for this is my father's world.

This song is not new, but I do love it. I need to remember to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Dear Lord, open my eyes and help them to truly focus on you and where you are leading. In Jesus Name, Amen

Where is God leading you today?

5 Tips to Hearing God's Voice

How do you recognize that God is directing your paths?

This is a question I have dealt with for awhile. I have strong desires for something, but what if it is wrong? I'm sure I am not the only one, right?

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. - John 12:16

Most of the time I find myself praying for God to reveal these things to me now. But I also know that if I know the end results it will affect how I step.

So here are a few tips for making sure you hear God's voice.

1. To Hear God's voice, you must have a relationship with God.
To hear God's voice, you need to have a relationship with God. Jesus himself reminds us of this.

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” - John 10:25-30

If we are going to hear and follow God's voice we need to have a relationship with Jesus. We must have a prepared heart to hear him.

2. If we want to hear God's voice, we must realize that God is soft spoken
We are reminded that God is soft spoken in 1 Kings 19:11-13

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of theLord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Just because God is soft spoken, doesn't mean he won't use unusual methods to grab our attention.

2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” - Exodus 3:2-3

God grabbed Moses attention with a burning bush that didn't burn.

Sometimes I wish God would use this method with me. But instead, he is using his still soft voice.

3. If it is God's will, He will open the door, He will make the way.

10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, theLord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” - Exodus 4:10-12

Moses may not have been the best talker, but God promised to provide the words to say. This didn't satisfy, so God gave him a brother, Aaron, who could speak.


We should remember this, God won't leave us hanging, or expect us to make our own way.

4. If it is God's direction, it may not be the shortest path.

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. - Exodus 13:17-18

God knows our future, He knows who we will react to things. So sometimes He makes us go the long way, to keep us from turning back to what he is trying to save us from.

5. If we ignore God's led, or disobey Him, it becomes harder to hear His voice.

God's voice isn't booming, since he is so soft spoken, the more we ignore or disobey His voice, the harder and harder it is to hear His voice.

9 The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country. - Exodus 11:9-10

Pharaoh's heart was so hard it took losing his son before he followed God's guidance. To make matters worse, even after he let the Israelites leave, he changed his mind and chased them.

In the words of the recent facebook meme. Pharaoh was bad. Don't be like Pharaoh.

Now you have 5 tips to help you hear God's voice when he speaks to you. Jesus loved and listened to God. Be like Jesus.

What is your tip to hearing God's voice? Do you use a journal, Evernote, or talk and listen to advice from others? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Praise God in Song - Dream For You

My life seems to be a fight between dreams and my hope and then it falls to reality. I see just how far off those dreams and hopes are from a reality and that it would take a miracle for me to see them come true. So I have a bad tendency of failing to dream. When I catch myself hoping for things that don't seem to fit, I remind myself that high hopes in my life lead to greater disappointments. 

I didn't make it to church yesterday morning. I hadn't been feeling well and was completely exhausted. I have Stage Hop on the Roku. Since I didn't go to church I was able to replay an old Night of Joy, and I choose to watch the Casting Crown concert. It was from their Thrive CD and I heard a new song. 

As the first Monday Song - I would like to remind you that God has dreams for your life, one that will give you hope. So as we begin living fearlessly, let's dare to say yes to the dreams God has for you. 

Do you have a song or Bible Verse that reminds you to allow God to dream for you?

The truth about Genuine Prayer and Greatness

I was recently reminded of this man in the Bible named Nehemiah. Nehemiah felt sorrow for his people and the city he had grown to love. Even though he didn't live in that city anymore God still used him. 

Nehemiah loved God and he loved Jerusalem and his people. Even though the exile was over and the Israelite's were allowed to go home, he stayed in Persia. He was the kings cup bearer.

Nehemiah heard word about the state of Jerusalem and even though he was just a regular man, he
 prayed. Have you ever felt like you were not good enough to pray, because you are not a preacher or teacher. As if they have a connection with God you don't have. Wrong!

Jesus is the connection that leads our prayers straight to the Almighty.

Well Nehemiah didn't doubt, he went straight to God in prayer. He asked for the kings favor.

10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:10-11

I know there are times when I want God to grant me favor with others. It could be my somebody when I mess up, or it could be someone I am trying to reach for Him. I can use the same method of fasting and praying for that person, and asking God to give me favor in their presence.

That isn't the only prayer that Nehemiah said. This was just his opening prayer that set him on the path to where God wanted him. While Nehemiah was in the presence of the king, God granted him favor. He shot a quick prayer to heaven and then moved forward with his request.

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” - Nehemiah 2:4-5

God answered Nehemiah's original prayer and so Nehemiah new what to do next. He in faith said a quick prayer and asked the king to go rebuild Jerusalem.

Nehemiah wasn't a prophet, he wasn't a teacher, or preacher. He was a layman, working in the kings palace. In someways he was working for the man, but God still used him. Are you working for the man, but hoping God will use you? Allow God to open your heart to feel the pain he has, and then give you favor to do something about it.


Don't let being plain keep you from the greatness God is offering you!

Nehemiah built the wall that secured Jerusalem. Just image if a layman could do that then what can God can do with you.

Has God put a yearning in your heart to do something? Have you spent time praying about it, and do you see God opening doors for you?

God has opened this door for me, or at least there are days the door feels open, and other days were the door feels closed. I think God opened the door, but after not doing anything about it. The door is starting to close.

I'm trying to trust God, but fear that I can't do this or that I will fail bother me. I know this sounds odd, but the fear of everything going good, but then being taken advantaged of is there also.  In my head, I know God has this, but fear that this is more my doing and not his peaks in. Satan has just been sending lie after lie to me about this door.

This story reminds me that I need to fast and pray. Trusting that God will guide my path. Trusting that he will grant me favor if I am to move forward.  And if not that he will close the door completely.


Have you prayed like Nehemiah? I would love to hear about God opening doors and granting favor on you.

Leaving a Legacy of growth through Scripture Journaling

Bible believing Christ-centered Worldview by Chris Yarzab

I find myself allowing myself to get busy and not following through with my quiet time and Bible study. This time is important to me because I believe that being a Christian is more about a relationship with Jesus then knowledge of him. As with any relationship you need to invest time. That is where quiet time comes in, it is time spent with Jesus.

Now that we know why spending time studying is important, what is next. We need to decide how we should proceed? My sister introduced me and our youth group to the idea of a scripture journal. The idea behind this journal is two fold.

First,  you use a scripture journal to help yourself grow and to allow you to track and see the growth that is taking place. Yes, spending time with the Lord should help you to grow not only in knowledge but also in how you live your life.

Second, a scripture journal can be passed down. I know this may seem odd, but I can tell you it can be a keepsake. My grandma, whom I was named after, was the church secretary and treasure for her church. Each one of her children recently received a copy one of her church books. I was so excited to be able to look through it. See I never got to meet my grandma as she passed away before I was born, but this connected me to her, and made me oh so proud. A scripture journal can do the same for your children and grandchildren. Not only that but they may be able to see your growth and may be able to learn lessons from what you have written.

That you know why I feel a scripture journal is a good idea, I'm going to tell  you that when I started looking around for information on it I found a lot of printables. That is fine, but I'm not a printer person. In fact I started a bullet journal and am currently using a composition graph notebook. So I bought a second one to be used for my Scripture journal.

Getting started...What do you need!

1. Your Bible! This is the most important because it is what you are going to study!

2. Notebook. A notebook, someplace to note what you are learning.

3. Pens & highlighters. This will used to write, highlight and even draw to show what your learning.

4. Time! You really need to set time aside to work on your journal.

5. Place. You need to find a place that is minimal in distractions because Jesus deserves this time without distractions.

As you gather what you need, go ahead and make a plan and get started. Still need some inspiration. I will be writing more on scripture journaling.

Do you have a journal to record or note what your learning in your quiet time? If so how does it help you?  If not do you think you would be open to trying out a scripture journal?

5 Bible Verses for when you feel unloved!

Do you feel unloved? I've been there before, feeling completely abandoned and unloved. It is not a place that I like being, but it seems to happen and there doesn't seem like much I can to do, or is there?

Mother and Son By: Glenn Beltz 

In a past post I wrote about the armor of God. When we read about the armor of God we learn about the belt of truth. The truth is you are loved. Do you need more proof than just my telling you?  Well how about hearing it from the perfect word of God. Here are 5 Bible Verses for those moments when you feel unloved.

1.

 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. - 1 John 3:1

Isn't it great that God loved us so much that he lavishes his love on us; that he calls us His children. Lavish means "expending or bestowing profusely" He doesn't only call us His children, but he fully claims us, giving us rights as His children.

2.

¹⁴ Sing, Daughter Zion;  shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! ¹⁵ The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. ¹⁶ On that day they will say to Jerusalem,  “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. ¹⁷ The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” -

Zephaniah 3:14-17

 God loves you so much that he sings over us with rejoicing.  When I hear this I think of my mom.  She babysits a lot, and when she is putting a sweet baby to sleep she is singing to them. She really likes to sing 'Jesus loves you" and  'I love you'. It is so sweet. She does this not only so they can fall asleep but also to remind them of her love for them. I image that is what this verse is referring to; God singing his love over us.

3.

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[a]

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -

Romans 8:35-39

We need to remember that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. Yes, sin can separate us from the Holy Father, but he already knew that you were going to sin. Nobody is perfect. He knew David was going to sin, but He still loved him, and offered him forgiveness. We are no different, He still loves us. even though our pasts may be bleak, or sin stained. Remember nothing can separate you from His love.

4.

⁸ But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

- Deuteronomy 7:8-9

This verse reminds us of 2 different things. First, when God makes us a promise he will come through on it, even if it isn't in our timing. Second, God loves us so much he doesn't want to see us in bondage so he comes to free us. He frees us like he freed the Israelites from Egypt. It may not come with great miracles, but it could. The thing to remember here is that we need to rest in our faith and we need to know that God will bring us our freedom in his own timing. So if it hasn't happened yet, pray and stay faithful.

5.

²⁰ But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

²² Be merciful to those who doubt;

-  Jude 1:20-22

Yes, God works in his own timing, we should encourage those around us who doubt. We should also do what we can to remember that God loves us. We can do that by praying for faith and strength; studying the scriptures; and spending time with fellow believers building each other up, and accepting encouragement.  

Would you like a printable reminder?

What do you do when you feel unloved? Are there any verses you would like to add?

Faith in what you can't see!




A few weeks ago I went on the walk to Emmaus.  It was a great weekend of God's love.  During the weekend one of the things they tell us is to participate don't anticipate.  That is a huge lesson; the week after the walk I realized that this was not only a lesson for Emmaus, but also a lesson for life.

Why is it a lesson for life?  It is because we can't see the whole picture.  If you read my last post you know that I struggle with this greatly.  I learn from my Bible that I can't trust my physical eyes for they can't see the spiritual protection around me. We find this in 2 Kings 6:8-19.

 

Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans

⁸ Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
⁹ The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰ So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
¹¹ This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
¹² “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
¹³ “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
¹⁸ As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
¹⁹ Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.




Wow the faith that Elisha the prophet had. He knew God would protect him, that is he always there, and he is for us. Elisha could see something others couldn't. When the servant became scared because of the impossible that he could see with his physical eyes. Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes  God had something ready to make the impossible, possible.

Wow. The Bible tells me that all things are possible through Christ. So today my prayer is for God to open my spiritual eyes to see that he has control of the different situations in my life.

Dear Lord, I praise you for your protection and strength. Please touch my eyes may they be opened to your provision and allow me to see the path you have rest prepared for me. Help me to remember with You I can do what I need to.

In Jesus name, Amen

How do you live the truth that you can do all things through Christ? When you fail how do you start over?

The Reminder in the Rainbow that God is There!

Rainbow by Beverley Goodwin

Sometimes the rainbow shows up as the rain starts, between rain showers, or even after the storm. It doesn't matter when it shows up it is beautiful.  The same is true of God, while he is always there sometimes we miss his presence.  It doesn't matter where we are in the storm. We should welcome God's presence.

Sometimes things in this life are tough. When this happen we think God doesn't have control or that he is mocking us in the quiet.



Rest assured he is there. Remember Job who lost everything. He had troubled friends who could only blame him for what he was going through and had a wife who wanted him to give up. Job didn't give up and be never cursed God.

Now remember that God always had a plan and that plan can sometimes help us in our future. God has been dealing with me about this. I feel stuck because I take two steps forward and 50 back. It stinks seeing the same walls over and over again.




I have to remember that God can see the big picture and he is ever present in my tests and trials. A perfect example of him seeing the whole picture was when Judas left to betray Jesus. Jesus knew what was going to come, but his disciples didn't know or understand. They thought Judas was going to buy something or help the poor. It wasn't until they were in the garden that everything came together.

The same is true of me at work. Today a few of the appraisers left for an afternoon of relaxation . They asked me to let them know if anything came in. Well I sent texts to two of the guys, letting them know about some new jobs.  Even though one of the other guys with them was next in rotation.  I skipped him.  What he couldn't see was that I had another job that would be better for him. So when he returned I gave him the job I had waiting.

God is the same way. He can see that what is coming up. Either he is protecting me from the bad, or he is preparing me for the what he has in store for me. I need to trust in what God has for me. I can't do this on my own, I need Christ to do it in me.

I need to participate, don't anticipate!

Dear Lord, 
Please open my heart to what you have for me know, open my eyes to see the blessings. I know you are walking with me, and never leave me. Help me to participate in the life you have given me and not anticipate and try to figure it all out. I am incapable of doing this, I need you to do it in me. Please dear Lord, help me!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Paths

She stood there paralyzed in fear as she tried to decide what to do. She tried deep breathing asking for help but to no avail. The advice she got lead to more confusion. Then someone told her to follow her heart. She stopped looked around and without trying to hurt any feelings laughed.

The bible warms us that are hearts shouldn't be trusted, but it also tells us that God will direct our paths. So every direction she looks she wonders if that is the path. Why is God ignoring me. Leaving me at a crossroads, in the hall. 

That girl is/was me and she is tired. The door is open but what if..

... What if that isn't what God has for me?

... What if I am walking into danger.

... What if...

I am so tired of what if, and the fear those words cause. When someone said only you can know, I understand fully why. Because only I know the desires God had given me. Only I know what he whispers to me when I pray. 

The problem is that I see right and wrong if every area of my life and I don't want to be wrong. God doesn't want me to fear being wrong he wants me to walk this path on this sinful earth. He knows I will wander and fall but he will always be there to pick up the pieces. 

I praise God for his grace and love. I will try to hear his voice and ignore the lies I have been told for so long. God loves me. He will protect me. 

God loves me, He will protect me.

I can move forward. He is inviting me to a new life. 

Dear Lord, please protect me from the lies and walls I have built around myself. Take away my fear. In Jesus name, Amen

Burned out




Photo by The Ewan

God warned me as I gradually got worse. He warned me that the path and the rate I was taking the path weren't healthy. Yet something inside told me that this was the life God had for me. I started to believe that I was put on this earth to be over used and abused (lie).

 

I sat across from my mom at my kitchen table almost in tears as I finally let those words I had been holding escape. It was terrible, yet liberating all at the same time. I had started believing that I was all used up, of no use to anyone, even God. (Lie)

 

What a terrible place to be, but finally speaking my mom almost in tears because she is tired too. Gave me some much needed truth. God loves us, both of us. He came to give us rest, yes he wants us to do work for him but not at the cost of relationships. The most important relationship being with him.

Photo by The Ewan

 That is exactly what God warned me of, I can't lead or even teach without him. Without spending time with him, I am forgetting love and grace. Without love and grace the words I say are nothing but noise. 

 

Now for a little bit of truth; if Satan can pull us from God long enough we forget love and grace; then he steals our purpose. Our purpose of giving grace and love to others while pointing to the author of it all.

 

So I am trying to rekindle my relationship with God. Seeking him knowing he has promised to be found. I was reminded of where I was while reading another blog called The Good Life.  This blog reminded me that God didn't put me on this earth to be over used and abused. No that is a lie, God went through great efforts to show his love.

While I feel like I have been used up to the point of being useless. That is a lie, God always uses the least expected and most unqualified people. Think about it, God uses Moses who had a speech impediment, and Paul who persecuted his followers. Yet these are just a few examples of people God used that didn't fit the mold. So know I just need to rest, and be ready for God to use me.

As long as I don't allow Satan to take my voice, and I seek God with all of my heart, I am useful; and so are you.

Dear Lord,

I praise you for your wisdom. I thank you for the opportunity to get closer to you. Please continue to draw me toward you. Help me to find you, where I can understand and share your love and grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The beginning of a year of rest...

Even before I started this blog I had this huge weight on my shoulders. I was tired, but I needed to extend grace to myself and thought it may benefit others. I really needed grace at that point in my life. You see, it was terrible. I was struggling with God's love for me as well as my love for myself, his creation.

I mean when God was finished creating the world he said it was very good. So I am exactly what he had planned before I was ever born, I am where he knew I would be. Yeah, I disappoint him, heck I disappoint myself every day of this life. In my head I know that God loves me, and that he extends his grace to me. I also know that through Jesus I don't have to carry the shame of where I have been anymore. The problem is in my heart those just feels like words.

So about three weeks ago I approached my pastor and told him that I am exhausted. As my sister says, I am burned out, and she sees it the most as we share an apartment. So she sees me ready to curl up under my desk and cry, or ready to burst out in anger at those around me because they are just putting more pressure on me than I need.

Photo by Spyros Papaspyropoulos

Great Plans begin with perspective and Great Faith

So far this week has had a theme. Have faith, you are not forgotten. Hold on to the promises of God even when the world is against you. Most of all God has a plan to prosper you. Just typing those words and I just want to cry. Why? Because there are days when I just feel hopeless.

I've been under attack for almost 2 years straight. At this moment, everything I have ever heard has taken hold.  It has been those little things that steal my hope.

Today the idea that God has plans that He will one day reveal and will be well worth the wait seems like the lie. It hurts, but God knew this was coming so he started giving me lessons on Faith Sunday night. Then  this morning on the radio, was yet another reminder of faith and trusting what God has said.


A football player is making news today.  All because God told him if he took one step then something pretty big would happen. This football player has faith, and he told the world what God revealed to him. Wednesday night was all about faith and how Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness.

6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:6

I am reminded that tough things are going to come, and things won't always go our way, God loves us and has plans for us.  I am sure the Israelite were not happy about losing their land, and being taken into captivity.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” - Jeremiah 29:10-14

I need to remind myself to stop looking at what I don't have. I need to start looking at the opportunities I have because of where God has placed me. I need some of God's perspective.

Dear Lord, I need some of your perspective. Please help me see purpose behind not getting what I want. Also please redirect my view around me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Boy was I wrong.

At the beginning of the year I really felt the word God wanted to work on me this year was free. Yeah I was so very wrong. How about the words, faith and patience. Yep those pretty much ruled my year.

The sad part is it hit me, like running into a wall, just a week ago. How could I have missed it for all these months? Yes, Jesus wants to free me, and he has. The chains I wear of fear don't come from him. But really the chain are from lack of faith and not being patient.

I recently read where faith was defined as love in action. That is where I fail. Faith in the unseen and things hoped for and I fail in the action part. Add in the fact that God keeps telling me to be patient.

The best example of what I am talking about is Abraham and Sarah. In Hebrews we have an awesome review of this story. Hebrews 11:8-12. Abrahm took his faith in what God had promised and set out to follow where God sent him. He went to new places, he laid with his barren wife, in hopes of having a the child he was promised. Faith in action. He isn't the only one to take faith in the unseen, following through on promises with great hope.

Patience is hard, it was never meant to be easy. If patience was easy nobody would need it. Sarah waited years before having her promised child. She even took matters into her own hand and things didn't end so well.

Which reminds me of Psalms 127:1-2

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early, and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves. "

Patience helps us appreciate the things we receive more. I dislike being patient, but I look forward to the joy at the end of the waiting. May God pour his blessings down.

November 14 - 17

November 14 - I am thankful for vision. Without vision a man will die. Without vision an organization will die. I am thankful for the glimpse that God gives to give his children vision.

November 15 - I am thankful for friends. Friends who  are fun to hang out with, and who I can be myself around.

November 16 - I am thankful for my niece. Despite not feeling well I got to spend some time playing: hide n go seek; thumbs up 7 up; I spy, monopoly; and keep away. It was truly a blessing.

November 17 - I am truly thankful for grace. On a day where I don't feel well and I've been fighting doubt, fear, and hatred of self. I am thankful for the love and forgiveness that I  so need.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all your blessings. Thank you for you grace and forgiveness. Most of all thank you for your love, that I do not deserve. Please continue to guide me despite my failures.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Lessons from the teacher

As a teacher in a small church I have found that I like to write curriculum. Yes, it is a challenge but it forces me to really study. I have always been told you can't teach something you don't know. So I strive to continue to learn.

I have recently started writing curriculum for a class that rotates teachers every week. There are days where I notice that  the lesson I write not only is the topic for the students; but the lesson has special meaning for the teacher as well. This is never the intent as each lesson follows some pattern that dictates the upcoming lesson.

Well this week was my turn to teach. As I was writing the lesson I noticed the topic. Have faith, God is taking care of you. Yep, this lesson was for me 100%. I know that God has my back, he also is guiding me down a path I have never been before.

At first I was so scared I prayed for a new path. God is standing their saying, come follow me. I have great plans for you. Plans to offer you a new kind of freedom. Plans for you to be the person I have made you to be. So I stand at the beginning of the path, it leads down into the unknown, but God who has my back is leading me, and who better to protect me as I venture into the unknown.

As the Casting Crowns song goes, "He's already there, at the end of my life..." may God in his infinte mercy, lead and protect me. May I in my yo-yo of faith trust Him, like Peter walking on water, but I pray I don't take my eyes off of Jesus, who walks on water.

 

Why finding your way isn't impossible!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" - Proverbs 3:5-6

 So I have this really odd feeling that I am missing something, something that God is pointing me toward. This feeling can't be shaken off, no it won't disappear and yet I feel like the arrow is right in front of my face, but I can't see it. Okay, maybe I can see it, but I feel like I'm too late. The opportunity like many in the past is gone. I hope that it isn't because I'm not completely sure what to do at the moment.

A few months ago I wrote 2 posts that deal with directions from God. Trust in God, He sees the whole picture which was about how I felt God was asking me to trust him in one specific area of my life. The second post: Lean Not on your own Mis-understanding was about how I was trying to follow God's leading but still doing everything my own way.  Guess what, I still haven't followed where God was leading me, and boy oh boy do I feel more lost than ever before.

There were days where I felt so sure of what was ahead, yet fear made me completely immobile. In my mind, I can move forward, in reality, it is as if the fears and lies that have been ingrained into me act as walls. Okay, they don't act, they are walls. Huge walls. Walls that I need a helicopter to come lift me over because I can't find my way around, and I don't know how to knock them down. Walls that I don't like, but that I have built to keep myself from getting hurt, and from feeling disappointment. Walls that are comfortable.

There are other days, (these are happening much more frequently now), where I feel like the pathway has become overgrown with weeds and to walk it would be impossible. With God, nothing is impossible, right. Yet, the weeds that are lies have grown so thick that I can't make it through them, I can't find the path that was right in front of me a few months ago.

I am sitting here thinking about how I have strayed so far off of the path that was in front of me, I'm not even worthy of the blessings on that path. Lies, everything I am thinking is a lie and I'm believing it. The song He Loves me Anyway just came on the radio. At this moment, I needed to be reminded that God loves me and all those feeling and thought racing through at this moment are lies.

It may be true that the direction God was leading me, and the chance he wanted me to take that I never did, may be lost, but the path is still there. If I journey on then a new opportunity may be found. One that will bring its blessings just the same.

In Revelations we are reminded that we should find our first love, Jesus. That is how we get back on the right path.

Have you ever felt like you missed the blessings God has for you? I would love to hear how you found your path again.

Is God there? How to see the truth?

So what if one day you wake up and don't believe that God loves you? You wake up and believe that there is no plan to prosper you. You stand there in your pain not believing God will take care of this fear. Even worse you don't believe He is strong enough to carry your burden. What do you do?

What do you do when everything you believe no longer feels real? When you are lonely because before you could take it to Him. But is He even there? How do you move forward? Are you alone?

No, you are not alone. I have been there. I was there in October, I was there a week and half ago, and yet again, I still fight this on my bad days. So know you are not alone. It seems the church today doesn't know how to deal with doubt. Sometimes it seems they don't know how to encourage you, how to pray for and with you. How to point you to God in a way that doesn't degrade you for your lack of faith or make you feel inferior to them.

The only answer that I know of sounds so simple but it isn't. The answer is to fight. Fight by seeking God's Holy face. His ever near face. It could be listening to music, opening the Bible, or even sitting in silence and believing He is God. Making a choice to believe despite what you feel, when that belief is so hard. Believing that despite your fears and doubts He will come to you.

"Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
 Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior."- Psalm 27:7-9

It may mean praying to Him and telling Him all your fears and your doubts. Of everything don't try to hide your fears. God knows everything about you, he knows your thoughts.

"You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely." - Psalm 139:1-4

Trying to hide the doubt isn't going to help. Acknowledge it, acknowledge your fear and give it to Him. Because what if God can take care of this? What if you just say it out loud, or even silently at your desk. You admit your disbelief and you ask God to help you believe. Ask him to take care of this situation, and then you walk away, accepting the peace that he gives. Not picking it back up.

Sometimes fighting means sharing your doubts, sharing the lies that you are hearing. Why is this important? Is it for support? Well that is important, but during constant attack from Satan you can't tell what is truth. So having someone there who can point you to truth is important.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:11-12

God knew this, he said it isn't good for man to be alone. Yes, I know many see this as a marriage verse. But what if it isn't? What if Eve was originally created because Adam needed help seeing through Satan's lies? What if our purpose here is to help others see the truth?  That is why I think you need someone you can trust. Someone who can pray a prayer of protection and one who is willing to  to with fight. That person can help you defeat the lies. Someone who can point you to truth, and point you back to God.

So today, give your disbelief to God. He can take it, he already knows about it so give it to him. He can handle it, He can help you conquer it. He can give you peace. I know he gave it to me this week. In those moments when you don't know the truth seek it out.  Seek out a trustworthy friend who can pray over you, pray with you, and point you toward the truth.

Yes, Satan is going to tell you no one can handle your what your thinking. He is telling you that because he wants you alone, and defeated. Ask God to send someone to help you.

Take it from someone who has been there, you are loved more then you can image. The plans God has for you make take 50 years, and that hurts, but God has this. Trust Him!

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday has passed, I personally don't feel like I gave it the reverence it deserves or looked hard at the lessons we can learn from it. So here is my attempt to give Palm Sunday some respect.

Luke 19:28-44

²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
³⁴ They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[b]

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
⁴¹ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Lesson 1: Who can worship and how?

I love this reading because it appears that everyone knows who Jesus is. I mean they are worshiping him. I also really enjoy that Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for wanting to put a stop to this time of worship. This brings me to wonder how many times we as Christians have tried to put a stop to someone else praising God in a way we don't understand. We sometimes will judge other people because they are praising God in a way we don't like or understand. Instead of saying they should stop praising God maybe we should ask ourselves "what are we doing to praise God?" Jesus said if we don't praise him the rocks will. I guess the way I see it is if I am that concerned about how someone else is praising God I'm not really giving God the attention he deserves.

Also the whole rock's praising him led me to a video. (Okay maybe this video found me.) It is about the stars, and sea creatures praising God as well. Check it out.

Now let us look at John's version of events.
John 12:12-19

¹² The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!^[a]”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[b]

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

¹⁵ “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”^[c]

¹⁶ At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

¹⁷ Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. ¹⁸ Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. ¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Footnotes:

1. John 12:13 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise
2. John 12:13 Psalm 118:25,26
3. John 12:15 Zech. 9:9

Lesson 2: Hosanna!

For some reason John's version of events doesn't show Jesus rebuking the Pharisees. Similarly Hosanna is not found in Luke's version. This, plus a few other events gave me interest in the word Hosanna!

How many times have we looked at the word Hosanna and not given it a second thought. Yeah the people were praising Jesus. But my Bible makes a note that Hosanna means save! So in reality they were saying that Jesus was going to save them. They were seeking blessings for someone who was coming in the name of God. They were also seeking blessings for a king. They knew who Jesus was and they knew he was here to save them.

They were putting expectations on Jesus, much like we do ourselves. Only, Jesus one ups us. Everyone expected Jesus to save them from the Romans and other political leaders. How fitting that in a week Jesus would die (at the hands of the Pharisee's and the political leaders) on a cross to save them, and us. In reality he completed Hosanna in a much better way then those shouting and praising him could have ever imagined. He saved us from ourselves, from our flesh and became our friend instead of a dictator.