Isn't He ..... Beautiful?Beautiful ..... Isn't He?Prince of Peace, Son of GodIsn't He? Isn't He?
Isn't He ..... Wonderful?Wonderful ..... Isn't He?Counsellor, Almighty GodIsn't He? Isn't He? Isn't He?Isn't He?
(Repeat 3 Times)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Isn't He? Words and Music By John Wimber
Isn't He ..... Beautiful?Beautiful ..... Isn't He?Prince of Peace, Son of GodIsn't He? Isn't He?
Isn't He ..... Wonderful?Wonderful ..... Isn't He?Counsellor, Almighty GodIsn't He? Isn't He? Isn't He?Isn't He?
(Repeat 3 Times)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What if your little white lie cost your life?
Acts 5:1-11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."
Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."
At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
NIV
Now this of course is more than “Honey I stole a cookie while you weren’t looking.” This was big stuff at that time. If you read in the book of Acts the early Believers lived in the way that they took care of each other in their “church family” so to the fact that if one had wealth, he sold all and gave the full sale price to the apostles to distribute to the needy. That would be unheard of today! “We worked hard for what we got and they (those lazy needy ones) should do the same.” This unfortunately, is what many a good Christian feels deep in his heart and for that, deserves to be condemned. Over and over in the Word of God we are instructed to take care of the widow and the fatherless, and give to the poor. If we are constantly being instructed by the greatest Teacher of all, then why doesn’t it sink in?
Praise God we have a forgiving Savior who knows our heart and all the garbage within it. He knows our thoughts even before they become words. He’s aware of our actions long before they are conjured. And believe it or not, He still loves us! Isn’t that amazing? How could He love someone like me? How could He even look me in the eye and say I am proud of you my daughter? I am a wretched sinner (just like you) and cannot fathom the greatness of His love for me. But I must believe it if I am to be called one of His own.
Unlike Ananias and Sapphira, I am fully aware that nothing I do is done in secret. There is nothing I do that He is not privy to not even the tiniest of white lies. So when I reach for that cookie that is not on my diet food list, I might hide it from my sweetie but there is no way on earth that it is hidden from my Lord and Savior. And just because He loves me doesn’t mean I won’t have consequences to pay for my sin. You know that cookie I told you about? An extra 20 minutes at the gym might be sufficient, unless of course Travis is your trainer! Think about that.
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."
Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."
At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
NIV
Now this of course is more than “Honey I stole a cookie while you weren’t looking.” This was big stuff at that time. If you read in the book of Acts the early Believers lived in the way that they took care of each other in their “church family” so to the fact that if one had wealth, he sold all and gave the full sale price to the apostles to distribute to the needy. That would be unheard of today! “We worked hard for what we got and they (those lazy needy ones) should do the same.” This unfortunately, is what many a good Christian feels deep in his heart and for that, deserves to be condemned. Over and over in the Word of God we are instructed to take care of the widow and the fatherless, and give to the poor. If we are constantly being instructed by the greatest Teacher of all, then why doesn’t it sink in?
Praise God we have a forgiving Savior who knows our heart and all the garbage within it. He knows our thoughts even before they become words. He’s aware of our actions long before they are conjured. And believe it or not, He still loves us! Isn’t that amazing? How could He love someone like me? How could He even look me in the eye and say I am proud of you my daughter? I am a wretched sinner (just like you) and cannot fathom the greatness of His love for me. But I must believe it if I am to be called one of His own.
Unlike Ananias and Sapphira, I am fully aware that nothing I do is done in secret. There is nothing I do that He is not privy to not even the tiniest of white lies. So when I reach for that cookie that is not on my diet food list, I might hide it from my sweetie but there is no way on earth that it is hidden from my Lord and Savior. And just because He loves me doesn’t mean I won’t have consequences to pay for my sin. You know that cookie I told you about? An extra 20 minutes at the gym might be sufficient, unless of course Travis is your trainer! Think about that.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Man-fish?
In the book of Matthew chapter 4 verse 19 Jesus said; "Follow me and I will make you fisher's of men."
Have you ever thought about that statement? Could you imagine casting your line and pulling up the biggest man-fish you've ever seen? What would you do with it, or him or her? Would you keep it or throw it back? I thank God the day he realed me in, He did not throw me back and neither will He you, when it's your day. We know the famous question: "What Would Jesus Do" right? Then why is it that when we find man-fish in our path that we just throw them away? Are we not to love and care for them as Christ does for us? We are all called to share the great news of our Lord and Savior. We are all called to be Christ's living examples. Then why are we not fulfilling our calling? What are we afraid of?
Philippians 4 verse 13 declares: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." II Timothy 4 verse 7
No excuses, no fears, just do it.
Have you ever thought about that statement? Could you imagine casting your line and pulling up the biggest man-fish you've ever seen? What would you do with it, or him or her? Would you keep it or throw it back? I thank God the day he realed me in, He did not throw me back and neither will He you, when it's your day. We know the famous question: "What Would Jesus Do" right? Then why is it that when we find man-fish in our path that we just throw them away? Are we not to love and care for them as Christ does for us? We are all called to share the great news of our Lord and Savior. We are all called to be Christ's living examples. Then why are we not fulfilling our calling? What are we afraid of?
Philippians 4 verse 13 declares: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." II Timothy 4 verse 7
No excuses, no fears, just do it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Spurgeon's Daily Devotional for July 24, 2008
I stole this today because I feel it is quite appropriate for many of us during these diffficult times. Remember as we face trials, when we are in the middle of the raging storms, as we are near burning in the fiery furnace, HE is right there with us! As believer's we know that His Word is true and that He said He will never leave us or forsake us. God's children must believe His promises. Without faith how can we we expect a miracle? Enjoy!
July 24th AM
"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."Exodus 14:13
These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master's word to him is, "Stand still." It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles." But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait, is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once--we must do it so we think--instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it and expect a miracle." But Faith listens neither to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still";--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."
July 24th AM
"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."Exodus 14:13
These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master's word to him is, "Stand still." It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles." But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait, is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once--we must do it so we think--instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it and expect a miracle." But Faith listens neither to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still";--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."
Sunday, July 20, 2008
So much to think about
Isn't He wonderful? Rather than think about all the things that are ailing you today can I challenge you to just think of this one phrase? Can I cahallenge you to meditate today on all the wonderful things He has done for you during your lifetime? Can I challenge you to expand on all the wonderful things He has yet to do for you? Isn't He Wonderful, Isn't He?
Isn't He?Words and Music By John Wimber
Isn't He ..... Beautiful?Beautiful ..... Isn't He?Prince of Peace, Son of GodIsn't He? Isn't He?
Isn't He ..... Wonderful?Wonderful ..... Isn't He?Counsellor, Almighty GodIsn't He? Isn't He? Isn't He?Isn't He?
(Repeat 3 times)
Isn't He?Words and Music By John Wimber
Isn't He ..... Beautiful?Beautiful ..... Isn't He?Prince of Peace, Son of GodIsn't He? Isn't He?
Isn't He ..... Wonderful?Wonderful ..... Isn't He?Counsellor, Almighty GodIsn't He? Isn't He? Isn't He?Isn't He?
(Repeat 3 times)
Monday, July 14, 2008
How will you finish the race set before you?
Last weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Heartland Triathlon. I have never attended an event prior to this one and was quite amazed and the many participants. Dedicated, hard bodies swam, rode and ran to the finish line. Very impressive! In order to make it to the end each competitor had to have undergone serious training. There is no way I, in the shape that I am today, could have made it to that finish line. Which brings me to the question on my mind; “When it’s all said and done, how will you finish your race?”
I Corin. 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
“The Christian life is like a race. It requires self discipline. It calls for strenuous effort. It demands definiteness of purpose. (Believer’s Bible Commentary)”
We should all run as winners practicing self denial in our attempt to receive the prize of everlasting life with Christ, which is our reward.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“The Christian life is a race that requires discipline and endurance. We must strip ourselves of everything that would impede us. Weights are things that may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder progress; they could include material possessions, family ties, the love of comfort, lack of mobility, etc. (Believer’s Commentary).
Christians must put aside all things that get in the way or cause hindrance in their life in Christ. We must lean not on our own understanding rather trust that God is able to provide all we need. Also, we must be aware that this life is not easy but that God’s promises are true and his Spirit will comfort and guide us every step of the way.
Phil 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
“The goal is the finish line at the end of the race track. The prize is the reward presented to the winner. Here the goal would be the finish of life’s race, and perhaps…the Judgment Seat of Christ. The prize would be the crown of righteousness…the prize for those who have run well. The upward call of God in Christ Jesus includes all the purposes that God had in mind in saving us (Believer’s Commentary).”
As we run this race we press on the best we can in obedience, love and honor to our Maker because one day we will face Him in judgment for every deed. Our prize will be designed in accordance to our efforts here on earth, how we handled our calling and what we did to further the kingdom.
II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
“The thought is not so much that he fought a good fight but rather that he had fought and was still fighting…he realized that the strenuous race was nearly over…He had been running on the course and was in sight of the goal…Paul had kept the faith (Believer’s Commentary).”
Every day of our life we are involved in the fight. Every day we have the choice to either press on or give up. Our destiny is determined by our actions. How we live, where we place our faith and our lifestyle are evident to the world whether we will reach the finish line in victory or defeat.
Look at your life, review the pages in your story, flip ahead; see just where you are headed. Are you reaching for the finish line with anticipation and hope or are you lagging behind unsure if you’ll make it to the end?
How will you finish the race?
I Corin. 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
“The Christian life is like a race. It requires self discipline. It calls for strenuous effort. It demands definiteness of purpose. (Believer’s Bible Commentary)”
We should all run as winners practicing self denial in our attempt to receive the prize of everlasting life with Christ, which is our reward.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“The Christian life is a race that requires discipline and endurance. We must strip ourselves of everything that would impede us. Weights are things that may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder progress; they could include material possessions, family ties, the love of comfort, lack of mobility, etc. (Believer’s Commentary).
Christians must put aside all things that get in the way or cause hindrance in their life in Christ. We must lean not on our own understanding rather trust that God is able to provide all we need. Also, we must be aware that this life is not easy but that God’s promises are true and his Spirit will comfort and guide us every step of the way.
Phil 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
“The goal is the finish line at the end of the race track. The prize is the reward presented to the winner. Here the goal would be the finish of life’s race, and perhaps…the Judgment Seat of Christ. The prize would be the crown of righteousness…the prize for those who have run well. The upward call of God in Christ Jesus includes all the purposes that God had in mind in saving us (Believer’s Commentary).”
As we run this race we press on the best we can in obedience, love and honor to our Maker because one day we will face Him in judgment for every deed. Our prize will be designed in accordance to our efforts here on earth, how we handled our calling and what we did to further the kingdom.
II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
“The thought is not so much that he fought a good fight but rather that he had fought and was still fighting…he realized that the strenuous race was nearly over…He had been running on the course and was in sight of the goal…Paul had kept the faith (Believer’s Commentary).”
Every day of our life we are involved in the fight. Every day we have the choice to either press on or give up. Our destiny is determined by our actions. How we live, where we place our faith and our lifestyle are evident to the world whether we will reach the finish line in victory or defeat.
Look at your life, review the pages in your story, flip ahead; see just where you are headed. Are you reaching for the finish line with anticipation and hope or are you lagging behind unsure if you’ll make it to the end?
How will you finish the race?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Take care of your heart
This is the July 4th , 2008 sunrise on Vilano Beach, accompanied by a couple of my sweethearts (our oldest son, Alan and his significant:Kristen). Jim and I spent 3 nights with 3 of our children and their sweeties, as well as with my nearly life-long best friends Bethann and Randy and what a blessing the weekend was. I love my family and friends.
I know without a doubt every time I step foot on the shores Vilano Beach and watch the beautiful sunrise I am loved by my Creator!
The weather was absolutely beautiful! The Sun shined the whole time with no rain in sight (unlike what we've been experienceing in Highlands County lately). We need the rain, don't get me wrong but we also need the Sun and God so graciously provides both. What an amazing God He is!
Sometimes we get so busy that we fail to spend time with those we love. We work, live and do whatever this life brings that we become unaware of the heart cries of those around us. I thnk for the most part our family is good but I'm certain due to past experiences there are things on our minds that we don't discuss; unanswered questions, feelings; buried deep down in the depths of our hearts. Maybe we don't because we are afraid to bring them up or maybe because we are embarrassed by our past mistakes. As parents and friends, sons and daughters, we must, rather than allow them to eat at our soul, release the hurts and move on.
"Time is short~ Live long". In that I mean take time to unload so that your heart does not become too heavy therefore causing unnecessary stress disorders. Do what it takes to take care of your heart; your physical and spiritual one. You may not get another chance.
In John 14:1 Jesus said: "Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God; believe also in Me."
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Let us rejoice in which the Lord has made
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
My friend Elsie came into the gym the other day with this scripture for me.
I love her; she always brings a good Word for me. She is a godly woman with much wisdom and is excited to share of His love whenever she has the opportunity. Her example is one we all should model. She loves and lives like Christ and is a great blessing to many.
As I pondered that scripture I realized that there are many days I don’t really feel that way. I know God gives us each day and I acknowledge that He blesses us with every breath we take but there are some days I just don’t feel like rejoicing (not many though). Maybe I wake up not feeling up to par or suddenly and unexpected bill pops up or maybe I have a disagreement with my husband over something really insignificant. Considering any one of those circumstances, does that give me the right to grumble? Because life is handing me lemons does that give me the right to express a sour puss? Ever heard the phrase “when life gives you lemons (add sugar and) make lemonade”? Everyone loves good lemonade right? Then why do we struggle when it comes to making sweet our circumstances? Do we not know who is in control? Have we forgotten who owns the cattle on a thousand hills?
Life can be very hard and circumstances nearly unbearable in our eyes but believers are not to worry. Instead of trying to solve every problem or fix every mistake, we are to humbly bow before our Maker and ask for help. We are to trust that He knows what’s best for us and that He will work everything out according to His plan.
I Peter 5:6-7 states: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” NKJV
Jesus said in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’”
Over and over God’s Word boasts of God’s promises to His children. The Bible is full of hope for a bright future and a new beginning. Unfortunately, not many stop to read this treasure book. We fail to take the time to really study what the Bible says about our everyday circumstances.
II Timothy 3:16 states: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NKJV
If we learn to seek God’s Word for help in our circumstances and learn to turn to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith; if we learn to trust the One who is able to give us all we need to carry out this life; then this life won’t seem so difficult after all. And if that be the case then we truly will have no problem believing the opening scripture that states: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at www.terris-faiththoughts.blogspot.com
My friend Elsie came into the gym the other day with this scripture for me.
I love her; she always brings a good Word for me. She is a godly woman with much wisdom and is excited to share of His love whenever she has the opportunity. Her example is one we all should model. She loves and lives like Christ and is a great blessing to many.
As I pondered that scripture I realized that there are many days I don’t really feel that way. I know God gives us each day and I acknowledge that He blesses us with every breath we take but there are some days I just don’t feel like rejoicing (not many though). Maybe I wake up not feeling up to par or suddenly and unexpected bill pops up or maybe I have a disagreement with my husband over something really insignificant. Considering any one of those circumstances, does that give me the right to grumble? Because life is handing me lemons does that give me the right to express a sour puss? Ever heard the phrase “when life gives you lemons (add sugar and) make lemonade”? Everyone loves good lemonade right? Then why do we struggle when it comes to making sweet our circumstances? Do we not know who is in control? Have we forgotten who owns the cattle on a thousand hills?
Life can be very hard and circumstances nearly unbearable in our eyes but believers are not to worry. Instead of trying to solve every problem or fix every mistake, we are to humbly bow before our Maker and ask for help. We are to trust that He knows what’s best for us and that He will work everything out according to His plan.
I Peter 5:6-7 states: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” NKJV
Jesus said in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’”
Over and over God’s Word boasts of God’s promises to His children. The Bible is full of hope for a bright future and a new beginning. Unfortunately, not many stop to read this treasure book. We fail to take the time to really study what the Bible says about our everyday circumstances.
II Timothy 3:16 states: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NKJV
If we learn to seek God’s Word for help in our circumstances and learn to turn to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith; if we learn to trust the One who is able to give us all we need to carry out this life; then this life won’t seem so difficult after all. And if that be the case then we truly will have no problem believing the opening scripture that states: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Let’s talk.
Terri can be reached at www.terris-faiththoughts.blogspot.com
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