Saturday, December 31, 2011

Make Ready for the New

Good bye 2011

Hello 2012!!!

Blessings and God's peace to you all.

Praying this new year will be bright and full of hope.
That the Lord would be your delight.

That He would cause His face to shine on you.

That we all would learn to walk in His ways and rejoice in His
Glorious presence.

Come Lord Jesus!

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 
“Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” 

Friday, December 30, 2011

Blue Skies

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the worldJohn 16:33


No matter the weather, the blue skies are there.


No matter the trouble, Jesus gave us His Peace.


No matter the fight, Jesus overcame the world and in Him so do we.


Look above the fray and know that Jesus is with you, giving you peace, and with Him the troubles are overcome.


We win!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Liberty?

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound


Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.


In Christ, we are free. But do we live like it?


Check your worries, and you'll find a chain and a lie wrapped around your neck. 


Psalm 119:45
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.


It's in Christ we find liberty and walking in His Way where liberty is actualized. 


Study His Word and walk in the Blood-bought Liberty Christ won for you.



Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The End of the Year

Not quite the end, but just enough time left to sort out what was learned, accomplished, or even regretted in a year.


And time to think on what we want to do in the coming year.


What's 2012 to you?


Not just resolutions, but seek the desires deep in your soul. Dust them off, look at them. And ASK!
Psalm 37:4 

 4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.


So these four days we have left of 2011, let's seek what it is the Lord would have for us. What we desire to be. And ask for wisdom to make it happen. Small and large ideas set your sights and ask the Creator to show you ways to bring them about.


2012 - Get READY 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Immerse

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
 Psalm 103:1-2 


Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Get a good Bible - the Good Book - and dive in.


Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you. That the eyes of your heart are open to God's Divine revelation.


In these precarious times, we need to know the truth. For deception is here and will come in like a flood even into the church in the name of trying to grow numbers and keep people going to church.


But Jesus didn't die for man to make a religion.


HE died and rose again that we might live an abundant life following His way and His words. 


Matthew 7:14
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Read the Word, immerse yourself in His truth, and fellowship with Believers. 



Monday, December 26, 2011

Soar!

Soaring birds.

To take to the air and fly above the obstacles, how nice that would be.

BUT WAIT!

We just celebrated Christmas. God with us.

Jesus come to give us abundant life.


So how do we fly?


Believe the Word. Speak it. 


Look past the obstacle and into the Kingdom of Heaven where our Lord Reigns. His word is truth.


Need Hope - Psalm 42:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Healing - Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Blessings - Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Know the truth of His Word. Seek Him, and know that you are not alone. Put on your armor Ephesians 6. AND overcome.

If you are in Christ, you win. Eternal life is yours. Now and forevermore.

Jesus loves you. And His love never fails.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

LIGHT!

Psalm 43:3
O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.


Man in darkness cried out for the light. From the time of Adam and Eve after the fall, they yearned for the promise. The Savior who would come and reunite them to relationship with the Father.


Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.


People watched. They were told He was coming. Then 2000 years ago, two babes, one a witness for the Light to come, and on that first Christmas the Light was born in human flesh. God and man in one child. 


John 1:7
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe


And Jesus, the Light of mankind, God with us, showed the way. And died for our sins.
Matthew 5:14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.


And Rose from dead, Alive forevermore. Placing His Light in those who believed on Him. To be His witnesses.


Ephesians 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:


Today, you carry that Light. Shine that those groping in despair and hopelessness can see His Light.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Our Redeemer Lives!

Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.


What a marvelous mystery. Prophesied from the beginning, fulfilled 2000 years ago, and coming again.


Jesus. The mention of His name in faith causes demons to flee, the righteous to praise, and the unbelievers to react.


God humbling Himself to become flesh and enjoin His creation. To become one of us, with us, and in us.


He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light of mankind. 
Reconciling man to God. 


The breach that the fall of Adam caused, bridged by the cross of Christ, and causing believers to become new creations by His rising.


Rejoice, for unto you a Savior was born in Bethlehem. The Law fulfilled in one life. That any who believe on Him shall not perish but have eternal life.


Our Redeemer, our Savior, JESUS.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Morning!

Isaiah 50:4 ... he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.


Praise the Lord for He is good and worthy of all praise.


He wakens His saints. His sweet Words of Life whispering in their ears.


Look and see that the Lord is Good. He fires up the day. Waking the World with His warmth.


And as in the ancient days of the new earth, He walks with those who know Him. And is there for those who seek Him. Always wooing the prodigals, always showering His love and kindness on the lost to bring them to repentance.


Eternal life He offers. Love unconditional born in a manger, spread out on a cross to redeem, and risen forevermore to give the Hope of Glory.


Awake! Rejoice! and Listen!



Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Standing Tall

Psalm 20:8
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.


1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.


Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;


Stand, Christians, Stand!


The forces of this world want us to sit down, be quiet, don't say that J word. 


You've heard the drill -'I don't like it when they force their belief down our throats.'


But by being quiet, aren't Christians bowing to their beliefs or unbeliefs?


Think of blind Bartimaeus, crying loudly to the Lord. He was told to be quiet. Hush! But he received his sight because he ignored the world and cried loudly to the Lord. Mark 10:45-47


If you celebrate Christmas, the birth of the Savior, then say Merry Christmas. This isn't happy holiday season. This is the time we remember why we have hope.


The time that we remember who redeemed us.


The time that we remember God humbling himself into flesh, a child. To grow and lead us to eternal life.


No this is not a time to be silent. To bow to the pressures of the world. Let them go on in their blindness. But we who are the redeemed should say so. and Loudly!.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Two or More

Jesus left us with the Great Commission - Go and tell, make disciples, preach the Word.


But as we tell others of the Good News, we need to remember we are not in this alone.


The Holy Spirit is working on hearts, and ultimately it is between each person and the Lord.


No one can make another person be a believer. There is only one way to be Born Again into the new life and that is through Belief.


We can speak the Word. some will plow hard hearts, other water readied soil, and others reap the harvest.


What we can do is be ready with the Word and Pray. Don't be stressed. You can't change a person, that is God's job. We are a team.


In Ephesians, there is a prayer that Paul prayed. If you have someone you're concerned about - pray this prayer and insert their name where appropriate.

EPH 1:16-23

16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

This season, tell others of the Good News and pray that they see with the eyes of their hearts and are born again.



Monday, December 19, 2011

See the Good

Okay, Blogger is changing things around. I am determined to see the good. : )
In Jeremiah 17 - see many parallels for our land and the times we live in. What really stood out to me was in Jer 17:6b ...and shall not see when good comes.


And this is a result of trusting in man and the strength of the flesh.

This Christmas season, watch how we as a people are set up for disappointment. What do you want and what are you going to get. Commercials assault us with all sorts of tempting goodies, toys, and desires. Look at Occupy Wall Street, whose mantra may as well be 'give me' and 'it's not fair' - poster children for the generation who can't see when good comes. Can't see that God is good. Can't see that man does not have the answers they seek.

Truth - God is Good. Trust Him and see that it is good.

This season - give God the gift only He is worthy of. The gift of Praise and Worship. The gift of your heart, making room for Him amidst the clutter of these crazy times.

See the Good. Make a list. And Praise the King of Kings. Born to us in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. God's gift to mankind.

See the Good.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

GOLD

Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Gold - a gift for a King.

The Wise men recognized Jesus as a King.

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Who is Jesus to you?

A baby in a manger? A good man? Wise teacher? Prophet of God?


As you bring your gifts to Him this Christmas (and everyday) take thought to who He is.

He is the King of Kings. The only begotten Son of God. The Prince of Peace. The Lord of Lords. The Alpha and the Omega. God with us. The Lion of Judah. The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. The First born from the dead. The Life, the Way, and the Truth.

Consider whom you seek.

The Wise men did.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Bright Hope

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

What is Christmas all about?

The Presence of God in whosoever believes on Jesus as the only begotten Son of God.

It's the Light come into the world to show us the Way.

It's the Presence of God not the Presents.

The Peace between God and Man, Not peace on earth.

The Gift from God, that none need perish because HE sent His Son to redeem mankind to eternal life.

Today, this day, Rejoice for the Lord is come. The King of Glory born to die and rise again that any who believe in Him might have eternal life.

Today is a day of Hope, of Life, of the Glory of God.

REJOICE!!!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tis the Season

Wintry blue skies to the north, promising cooler weather. Leaves fall as trees ready for winter. The plants and animals know the season.

Do we?

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Matthew 16:3
... but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

It's Christmas season. Family, presents, lights, peace on earth -- right?

Partly.

It is also the season to search your heart. It is time to make room for Jesus?

It is time to make Him the star of your life? The main focus. Time to fill your voice with praise to Holy One. Time to seek His Presence. Time to give Him all of our hearts, mind, strength.

Many believe we are in the last days.

Whether that season is now or a thousand years from now, this is the season to

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Rivers of Living Water

John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Revelation 22:1
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

We need water to live. Fresh water.

And we need the pure spiritual water to give life.

Only by the Holy Spirit do we have this living water flowing in us. Not of our own strength or might, but only by the sacrifice of Jesus and believing in Him.

The world is dry and thirsty for life.

Sit at the feet of the Lord and let His Word fill you until you are overflowing with Waters of Life. And as you are filled with Life don't be surprised when people are drawn to you. Life will seek water. And when the Son of Man is lifted up, He will draw others to Himself. People will come to you. Be drawn to the one whose heart is drawing on the power and life of the Lord.

Be ready to pour His love on an unlovely world. If you are in Christ, the river of life is flowing in you. Freely you've been given, so freely give.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

You gotta have Heart

1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart:...

Exodus 35:35
Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart,...

The last verse is concerning the craftsmen in building the tabernacle.

The Lord desires people who will follow Him with all their hearts.

God loved David because he was a man after God's own heart.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

This Christmas season, check your hearts and see that there is room for Him. Ask the Lord to create a clean heart and set your hearts after Him. Filled with His Word.

A clean heart will lead to a joy, peace, and love.

Monday, December 12, 2011

And that's the Truth!

Truth.
John 18:38
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?

And truth was standing in front of him. But like Pilate, many don't recognize truth. Many accept the modern idea that everyone has their own truth.

Sad, because if that were true, the world would be chaos.


Jesus is the Word and Word became flesh

John 1 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Bible, the written word of God, is our compass. A compass to lead people to the wonders of a loving God.

Wisdom to tell us how to live.

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Have you read the Bible? Studied it?

Dig into the Word of God. As you sit down, ask the Holy Spirit to read it with you. He is our teacher. And be prepared to have the eyes of your heart opened.

  • Did you know archaeologists of today study the Bible to find ancient cities?
  • God caused an ax head to float in the river. 2 Kings 4:6
  • When animals first had fear of man. After the flood - read Genesis
  • Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided Gen 10:25
  • Psalm 22 describes the crucifixion of Christ long before there were crucifixions
Find a reading schedule that fits your time and commit to reading the Word of God. A new year is coming and it would be a good time to dive into God's manual for our lives.


Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Promise

Two thousand years ago, the children of Israel were anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

They knew the words in the scriptures. Born of a virgin (Isa 7:14) Seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15) A descendant of Abraham of the tribe of Judah, in David's line, Born in Bethlehem. and on.
Here's a link to some of the prophecies concerning the Messiah and Jesus fulfilled them all

Excitement was growing, the people were on the lookout.

And many missed Him.

Let excitement rise in your hearts. The Lord is, was, and is coming again. Let this Christmas season be one of seeking Him. Rejoicing that HE is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And receive Him as your King and Lord of your heart.

Let us come adore Him. The Promise fulfilled. The Way, Truth and Life.

Don't miss it.


Friday, December 9, 2011

Where is God on the hard days?

We've all had them. Some more than most. Some worse than others. But they do come.

Whether your house in foreclosure, your husband just lost his job, or the whole country is in bankruptcy where is the hope?

Maybe you or your child is facing a life threatening illness. Maybe you were molested as a child by someone you respected.

Bad things do happen in this world to good people.


Years ago my mother was in the hospital dying from liver cancer. I remember sitting there looking at her. Wondering and I remarked to myself 'This is not fun.' Never expecting an answer.

But the answer did come. The second my thoughts stopped a 'voice' in my midst thundered
"Even in this, I AM."

God was with me, with my mom. HE was here. It still hurt, but I was not alone. And though my mother's body died, I know that she lives. I did not lose her, she passed into Glory and lives with the Great I AM.

Hebrews 13:5
... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, norforsake thee.

God is with us, regardless of what is happening in our lives. His promise, His Word, to walk us through the journey we are on. Take heart, you are not alone. You will get through the hard days and HE will forever be at your side.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Friends

Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

John 15:14
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Friends are a blessing. They encourage, love, hold you up when you're falling down, and give reality checks when you're puffed up.

Jesus considers us friends - if we do what He commands.

We need friends and need to be a friend to others.

Rejoice in the friendships you have. They are gifts from God. To be treasured and nurtured. Valued and enjoyed.

Tell a friend what they mean to you today.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

What is Christmas all about?

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

This time of year, many try to put into words what Christmas means. I think the verse above spells it out.

What excitement! Can you imagine the scene in heaven before Christ's birth? So exciting and profound that angels came to announce His birth.

A star was set in the heavens to guide wisemen to the place of His birth.

Everything was ready. The time was right for the birth of the Savior of the World.

And heaven and earth waited for the King of Kings to grace the abode of men. And in coming, Jesus, Immanuel, = God with us.

Get excited! For many this season will be their time of receiving the King. Send out the invitations. There are still those wisemen seeking the Lord. Be very excited. For the King of Kings Reigns. And HE is coming again.

Rejoice

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Persevere

Persevere - to remain constant, maintain a purpose despite difficulty.

Theses trees survived a long, hot, Texas Drought. And are sporting their colors to declare they made it. They are in their glory.

Glory doesn't come cheaply.

Jesus paid the ultimate price. Not just death on a cross, but the death of separation from the Father. And then rose from the dead into Glory Everlasting.

John 17:5
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Don't lose faith, persevere, and remain constant in the purpose of the Gospel. And His glory will shine in and around you. Not that you can boast in yourself, but in the Goodness of God.

Jeremiah 9:24
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Monday, December 5, 2011

What's in a Name?

Song of Solomon 2:1
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

An extensive list of the names of God.

Pick a few and meditate on them.

IF you're in need of healing:
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"

In need of provision
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"

In need of peace:
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"

God is All. Almighty, Alpha and Omega, Life, the Way, the Truth, Light, Deliverer, our Redeemer, Prince of Peace, Eternal God, the Great I AM,

Check out His name. Look them up in Scripture, and Rejoice that He is our God.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Fog

I love the quiet blanket of misty white air. We don't see it often in Texas. So when it does come it is a treat.

But not pretty if it is the state of mind. On a clear day you can see for miles, but fog clouds the vision.

In the mind, it distracts your focus. Like a ship drifting on a foggy ocean, you can't get your bearings. The sun, moon, and stars disappear.

So too is our spirit when we allow the fog of the world to dull our spiritual eyes and ears.

How does that happen?

Ezekiel 12:2
Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Rebellion is one clue. How are you doing with authorities? Are you allowing rebellion to exist in your house? Your heart?

Spend time in the Word and in the Presence of the Lord. He is salve to the eyes and can set your ears to hear His small voice.

The church of Laodicea in Revelation was in a fog. Neither hot or cold they were lukewarm.

14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It is time to come out of the spiritual fog. Pray for ears that hear and eyes that see and willing hearts to obey.