2007 Devotionals

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The Manger Scene

Posted December 23, 2007 -  It was a cold night, the snow was falling and two weary travelers wanted to rest for the night, the journey had been long and for a pregnant lady much more so as she was about to give birth.

It must have been very stressful to find no room anywhere and as Joseph looked into Mary’s eyes he saw the trust she had placed in him and in God to help them find that special place.

 Sometimes the answers to our prayers are not what we expect but we know God has a plan in everything!  Mary and Joseph were people of great faith!

I can picture the whole event as far as the Christmas story goes that a Stable owner would approach Joseph and tell him how sorry he was that there was no room anywhere but that he did have a stable where they could find shelter out of the cold night air.

I see Mary looking around at her accommodations: there were no beds, no warm blankets but as she eyed the manger where the horses fed on hay Mary probably smiled as she placed her hands over that manger and knew her son, the son of God, the King of Kings knew full well that this would happen on this night when He chose to be born.

There was no room for the Son of God in homes or hotels, nor hearts that night except for the owner of the stable. He was the only one who thought about this young couple and that a baby was to be born and that they needed shelter.

Meanwhile, the Angels were heralding the message to the shepherds out in the fields that the Christ child was to be born and they would find him wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger.  I imagine to them it would be a strange thing to hear about a Savior that would be delivered into the world as a baby in a stable but they believed the decree and made the journey.

When confronted with a message from the Lord we must act in faith, trusting God and press on no matter how strange it sounds.

The trees outside were twinkling, not with lights but from the stars that shone brightly upon them as their snow covered tips and icicles glistened.

I began to think about the soon arrival of the Shepard’s along with those heavenly hosts of angels and could picture an angel  him standing behind baby Jesus as he wrapped his wings over the manger shielding the winter air.

That night is a night to remember (Bible scholars have told us Jesus was born earlier in the calendar year) as we celebrate Jesus birth at Christmas, let us keep our eyes on the manger for a while.

We should think about what a humble Savior we serve; to know that He would leave his royal robe and crown and come down to earth to be born in a manger, one filled with the smell of animals.  There was only some hay to lay his little head upon with no fan fare for his arrival. The smiles from proud parents and the adoration of the Shepard’s were all that He had to share on this special occasion. Later the Wise men would come to adore Him, but what a scene that must have been .Can you picture it with me?  It was One Holy Night, Away in a manager in the little town of Bethlehem that Jesus became the greatest gift, the ultimate gift to mankind and all because of Love!

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Igniting the Christmas Spirit

Posted December 18, 2007 - Do you know any Christmas elves? They are those people that are Christmas fanatic’s who shop early, they decorate even earlier and sometimes they volunteer to do everyone’s home. I am a real Elf and this year I got into a decorating frenzy about a week before Thanksgiving. I finally was able to break free this year from all the shopping for gifts and I am purchasing gift certificates so I decided that I would   first decorate my house and office, help my church with their decorations and then I would help some friends at the office and spread a little of what I had and was not using or giving ideas and helping to create some themes. There is an elegant Christmas wreath with roses and touches of gold, there is a snowmen winter wonderland theme on a desk and a few odds and ends given to others to use here and there.

It is so much fun to decorate; I really like doing it especially at Christmas time.  One more door to do with another elf here at work and it is all done.   I must admit after a while  I had to stop because  it was becoming a part – time job but when my grand daughter  called and said she was getting  a big tree  in her living room with her new furniture, I  couldn’t resist and offered to help by  purchasing  some ornaments.

Christmas is a time for giving, whether it is talents, time or gifts. Jesus gave the very best gift, the gift of Himself so how can we do any less?

I used to see the story of the Christmas Carol year after year on TV as just an old scrooge who hated Christmas, but the real story is when he found the meaning of Christmas. His outlook changed and He wanted to spend his time, money and energy on others.

I have already had a lot of pleasure in my decorating frenzy and enjoy the reward of those who have gotten blessed by these efforts. It is not to bring attention so that I can say “look what I did “but just the joy in seeing family, friends and co- workers get into the Christmas spirit. Like a spark that gets a fire started we are to spread love, joy and good will to others.  You have my permission to go ahead and ignite the Christmas spirit around you.

You maybe one of the few that are feeling the holiday blues, or to stressed  and you don’t even want to decorate but try and think of someone who does and see if you can help them, you will be surprised that once you start doing something they want that it just might rub off on you.

Even if you purchase a few poinsettias, put out a bowl full of colorful ornaments as a center piece you could possibly get an instant mood lift.  If you do nothing else may I suggest that you place a nativity scene on a table to display the true meaning of Christmas and when you do like the  flickering flame of a fire  your heart will feel  all aglow .

It only takes a spark to get a candle glowing; will you be a spark this Christmas?

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Yield Thyself

Posted November 16, 2007 - Do you have a pet peeve? One of mine is people who refuse to “yield” at the off ramps and disregard that big bold sign right where they enter the highway. Sometimes they don’t even seem to read it as a possible “slow down” and just zoom right off! Often they’re not even looking at the traffic they’re approaching.

Is that dangerous or what? Is their attitude simply, “Watch out! Here I come, ready or not!”  How often have we had a difficult time yielding ourselves when the Holy Spirit gently tries to nudge us to go right or left or perhaps even full speed ahead?  He leads and guides us but never pushes or drives us to do anything. The Holy Spirit shows us when we are to slow down and wait for the right timing in a given situation.

I looked up the word yield and it says verb:  give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another. People need a certain amount of control. Who really wants to surrender or relinquish their rights on the road or in their lives?  In every person there just is that slight tendency or desire to be a little bit in charge of something or someone.

The Lord tells us that He must rule and reign in our lives.  We see here that it is our reasonable sacrifice.   I thought about relinquishing our lives and how it may not be easy, but it is a required of every Christian.

The Lord doesn’t say it will be easy. We’ll squirm on some things because we still live in these earthly bodies, even though we’re born of the spirit.  Surrendering is never easy. We are a triune being made up of body, soul (mind will, and emotions) and spirit. The soul realm is where we seem to have the most trouble. We must ask the Lord to not only quicken these mortal bodies but to help us renew our minds to his word.

Looking again at that scripture I noticed the words, “In view of God’s mercy. We all want God’s mercy. I want to please Him, and since all I can offer Him is my life I need to surrender myself. For me this means to yield myself whether or not it involves a struggle. Yielding may become easier as our understanding and desire for mercy increases. We can speak to these carnal minds that try and be in control and say “Self, it is time to yield to God.”

 I want the Lord to extend His mercy towards me. And so yielding is my reasonable service and my act of worship.  How can I not want the Lord to be well pleased with the life that He has given me? Once we renew our mind to this scripture and allow it to be apart of our eve day living, we will be able to keep this in mind at every Yield sign the road.

Living Sacrifices

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Cathy’s version

In view of God’s mercy, I urge you friends, to yield your bodies (total being) as a living sacrifice which is a holy and pleasing thing to God; after all it is a spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

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A Splash of Gold

By Cathy Irvin

Posted November 5, 2007 - The other night my art group was discussing changing our name. In thinking about the old story of Midas and his golden touch, I came up with "Golden Brush."

I immediately thought of royalty and the greatest Painter of all--the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Master Painter. Just look at His creation--the trees, the sky, and the red and gold fall season that is upon us.

I can picture the Lord with His golden brush painting each individual leaf on those massive trees that line the mountainsides. I never liked red, green, brown, orange, or gold, so I never decorated with them. 

But last year I bought platters shaped as oak leaves along with some decorative pumpkins and gourds for my kitchen table. It was warm and inviting and, after fall and Thanksgiving, I realized how much I liked the season. 

Venturing into the crisp, cool air of the morning is a welcome change from the intense summer heat. I saw a headline in the paper, “Has Autumn Been Cancelled?" and thought that the changing seasons is one thing we can depend on.

The Lord has it all under control. It may be shorter or longer than what we think we’d like--sometimes summer seems to never end and, at other times, winter seems too long---but winter, spring, summer, and fall, God wants and will have them all. 

I love summer more than spring and fall, but I’ve never liked the winter months. The leaves are gone. You have to travel in ice and snow.  But I realize it’s necessary to clear the air. I can imagine it being like a blank canvas for an artist. Soon the green grass and leaves will peep out. Then there will be a different painting as gray skies are painted blue.

Artists paint with pen and ink and charcoal, and they have their place as well. But I prefer a golden sun and the picture of a beautiful pink flower over a yellow background that I won as a prize. As I said, I used to not like fall colors, but I’ve changed. I also was never fond of yellow, but now I like it splashed among shades of blue. I even painted my kitchen a summer wheat color to give it that warm Tuscany look. 

I realized that I am a creature of change. God our Father, the Master Painter of the world loves color, too. Just gaze up into the sky, and you’ll see that it changes to different hues of pinks and blues and gold.

He takes His golden brush and paints up the world. He also adds His golden touch to our lives if we let Him. 

He is painting our lives in His special way, so that we might add color to this dark world. What if this was a land without color? It would be boring, dull, and gloomy. One of the reasons God created the seasons was to add His golden touch. 

We are to be a light to the world we live in and, hopefully, we're bringing life to our surroundings. Let us give the Lord permission to change us, to add that splash of gold. Then we can be a welcome change in this life filled with people who need a dab of paint upon their minds and hearts. Their lives can be changed from glory to glory until they are a work of art so that the Master of their soul can say, “Now you are My child, and I can display you for all the world to see.”

And God said,

"The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out." (Proverbs 13:9, NIV)

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Into The Darkness

Posted October 12, 2007 - Well it is almost time for the bewitching hour, the day called Halloween. The children wait by their front doors ready to run out into the night as soon as the sky darkens like a black curtain being pulled over the blue sky.

The porch lights are on for a welcome sign for those who invite the children and for those not wishing to participate or who are out at the malls with their children they have all their lights off.

So many thoughts about this night which by the way is the second favorite of children, Christmas taking the number one slot. Is it safe, should they stay home, go to a mall, or not go at all?

I am in favor of children having an alternative, the church that's the place where they can dress up and get candy, punch, cookies etc and of course it is usually called a Harvest Party or something similar. The question is what do we do if we don’t have any little ones of our own? Do we go help out at those churches which is a great way to spend Halloween night, stay home and hide from them or do we open the door and be a light in the darkness?  I don’t mean standing on the porch with a flash light into the dark night but into this world filled with magic, where they 're dressed up as devils, witches, ghosts or horror creatures from movies.

Jesus said: Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works. The people need to see the love of God. These children are innocent. They also need our protection. I have gone to a children’s hospital before dressed up and gave out candy and of course diet candy to the diabetic children. I also have gone to a church and helped out bringing my grandson one year and I also have hid in the dark in my home not answering the door so I have done it all. Last year my daughter and granddaughter asked me to go out with them so into the dark night with my 2 great grandchildren with their mother and grandmother I went and we checked their candy and talked to them about not going inside any body’s house. An old man was sitting in a rocking chair in his living room with the door open telling children to come on inside. I told him: "Sir please bring your chair on the porch because we instruct children and our own especially not to enter a stranger’s home. He listened as he bowed his head (I hoped he might have thought about what I said) as we left never going inside. I told the children they would get plenty of candy in my daughter’s neighborhood. Why did I even go out with them? I went to pray over all the children that night as we went up and down the streets. I prayed for the people who lived in those homes and found some other Christians who had a light on but no jack-o-lanterns, creepy critters or screechy sounds were to be heard or seen. I noticed they would say God bless you to the children and even told them to be safe and hold hands.

I have instructed my grand daughter  not to dress the children up in any thing representing evil and  thankfully she has listened over the years, now the children  don’t even want to go up to those scary houses but they like seeing the other children's costumes, getting candy  of course and riding back home in a wagon.

Do I believe in celebrating Halloween? Absolutely not! Do I want to use this night as an opportunity to show Jesus? You bet I do.

I will expose my good deeds to this dark world and I will choose to go out into the darkness, where I will let my light shine for Jesus. I may just give something from the Christian bookstore, a message of God’s love on a tract or information about Halloween and some candy on my own front porch but whatever I do, I will not hide in the dark.

The decision to go out, stay home, to take the children out into the streets, mall or to church is a personal conviction, each year you can do something different but be a light in the darkness whatever you decide to do.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:20 (New International Version)

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I'm Waiting Lord, I Really Am!

Posted September 28, 2007 - Ever felt like you had been patient but it seemed like too much time had passed? We tend to think that God has forgotten the desires of our hearts, but we need to remember that He has it all under control. There are certain questions that should be considered during this waiting period.

1. Are we ready?
2. Have we been pruned enough for the task?
3. Is it the timing of the Lord?

This third question is extremely vital, because if we are not prepared and go ahead of God’s timing, our ministry will not succeed. There are purposes that God has ordained for us to accomplish.

Each person has been called of God and has a purpose and a destiny in God's kingdom. For some, it is in the public eye. For others, it is behind the scenes. It may be a leadership position or in the ministry of helps. You can have more than one talent or gift, but there lies in each of us a passion for something. We may know what we are to do, or we may still be in that seeking mode. Our heart’s cry might be one of the two following questions:

1."Lord what do You want me to do? I am waiting for You to let me know Your plan.”
2."Lord, when can I do what You've called me do? I'm ready.”

If you've been a Christian for a while, you are more than likely asking the latter question.

I saw the movie Seabiscuit about a horse that was groomed for racing. As the underdog in professional horse racing, Seabiscuit was smaller than a lot of other racehorses, but he loved to run. Though he experienced setbacks, he kept going until an injury temporarily kept him out of the race. That’s when he had to take time to heal.

We must have a time to grow and to heal from our past hurts or wounds, also. There will be a point when we are ready to be released into doing the thing God destined for us to do. We will find ourselves flowing in our giftings, and reaching out to minister to those who are hurting and are without hope.

In Isaiah 61:1-3, it says:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

God will send us out when it is His time, so we must be patient and wait for the season.

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Prayer Steps: Stop, Look, and Listen

Posted September 24, 2007 - Can we apply a few simple steps to our everyday prayer life? Let's take a look at them.

When you make a decision, do you rush ahead or do you STOP and evaluate the situation by asking God for His opinion? Do you LOOK at all the pro's and con's? Do you LISTEN to that still small voice by getting confirmation in the Word of God? Do you LISTEN to wise council?

We need to get away from the noise of the world and pray. It is important to STOP all our activities and really turn off the world. Perhaps you will need to turn the ringer down on the phone, or switch off the TV. Whatever it takes, just do it.

LOOK at the Word of God concerning the situation and find God's perspective. Ask Him for His guidance in the matter. Once you have made your case, then be very still and LISTEN for the answer. Please keep in mind that the answer may not be "Yes" or "No." It could be "Wait."

When I first learned to pray, I wanted a formula in order to make it easy. I wanted to grow as a Christian. Later I bought books on prayer and then taught on it. I found myself growing into a deeper prayer called intercession. Now when I have a need in my own life I can go back to these first principles and they help me.

The topic of prayer can be an exhaustive study. The phrase "stop, look, and listen" is a very wise saying and can keep us from making unnecessary mistakes. Try and think of these three words as road signs when you get alone with your heavenly Father to pray. A sign is a warning and if we pay attention to them our prayers can be answered more easily. God never intended prayer to be complicated, so what are you waiting for? Let's go boldly into the throne of grace and make our petitions known to our Father.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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Hidden Treasure

Posted September 14, 2007 - We all have things that we hold dear to us, maybe they are from a loved one, tucked in the corner of a drawer or displayed on a mantel or shelf.  Perhaps they are even hidden in a box. They may or may not be valuable but special and dear to our hearts none the less.

When my son was little he had a wooden box that he kept under his bed, he would have copper pennies, colored rocks, shiny buttons, marbles etc. He would find them and save them.  He would take them out and spread them across the floor and put them back because these were his treasures.

I also have an old wooden box that I keep some of my mother’s jewelry, she has gone on to be with the Lord many years ago and I will pass them along to my daughter one day. We all have some little trinket or pieces that may or may not have value but to us they are treasures.

I have seen my great-granddaughter empty a coin purse, spread out the money and than put all of them back. If she has them on her lap and when I happen to find one in the chair and I hand it to her she quickly frowns and says "Mine."  This must be her treasure. If I say we are going to the store she will go to the drawer and get her coin purse. She never has to spend any of it because I tell her to save it. She likes knowing she has those shiny coins. Even when we give her a dollar nothing beats those shinny coins in her eyes. If she sees loose change she quickly gets her little purse and holds it open to get more.

As Christians our treasures are to be stored up in heaven not on this earth.  The Word of God should be a treasure in our hearts that we safeguard so that we can take those precious words and use them for our encouragement, in prayer and to minister to others.

The Word of God is something we can never lose nor grow tired of like things on earth that will someday be of no value.  There is a song we used to sing at church that said " Lord,  you are more precious than silver more costly than gold and nothing I desire compares to you". He is the real treasure and He is greater than anything we have or collected as a child such as buttons or rocks in a wooden box or the coins in a small purse.

I have decided to start a journal to leave for my children after I have gone home to meet the Lord. They will have my words that will let them know the greatest gift or treasure I can leave them is Jesus.  I will explain in those pages how the Lord answered my prayers and how my life was fulfilled in Him.  When we are gone the money will be spent, material things will wear out and pictures may often fade away but His word is forever. It is the Lord alone that will carry them through their lives. He will be there for their children and on into the next generation.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (spoken by Jesus.) Matthew 24:35, (New International)

I believe that the greatest treasure is" His Word" and the best place to keep it is hidden in our hearts.

"Thy word have I treasured in my heart that I might not sin against thee" Psalm 119:1 (New American Standard)

I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.  Job 23:12 (English Standard version)

Is Jesus your treasure?

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Walk On In

By Cathy Irvin

Posted September 7, 2007 - Have you ever had an important problem you needed help with? Perhaps when you were growing up you presented it to your earthly father. You could usually interrupt him if you said: “Dad I need your advice on something”. Dad’s like feeling important and challenged. They want to share their wisdom. Do you feel that way about everyday questions you had to ask? Did you find it harder to ask for little things? Like the car keys, money or even to leave the house? All too often we feared asking too many questions. We didn’t want to become a pest as we called it or maybe we were afraid of rejection?

We have a Heavenly Father that says it is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom. That he wants to give good gifts to his children. We can just walk into the throne room anytime. That’s right. The door is not locked because it is not even shut. It is wide open. We have access to Our Father every moment of every day.   At no time is it ever inconvenient to go into the heavenly throne room of God and say:

“Father I am confident that you hear me and will answer me so I am making my requests known to you.”  He said in His word to “Come boldly my child! So just go on in there and speak to your Father.  He is Abba Father that means He is our Daddy God.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (new International version)

Like getting  the keys to the family car we have been given so much more, the keys to the kingdom that unlock blessings as we believe God and exercise our faith and our rights as a child of God. We are told to ask and it shall be given unto us.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 (New International Version)

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32 (New International Version)

When we go to our Heavenly Father we can trust He has the best answer for us. It may be a yes, no or wait. He sees the beginning from the end. He knows what to give us so what are you waiting for? Walk On In. He is waiting to meet you this very moment.

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Are You In The Same Boat?

Posted August 29, 2007 - Have you ever felt like you been going no where fast? You find yourself feeling trapped with the same old life day after day.  How do you break free? Let me paint you a picture to clarify. You see a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze blowing and you are thinking about your little old row boat that you often take to a small lake to get away to stop by the shore line to read, maybe fish or just relax.

If you take that boat and go down to the beach and take it in the ocean before long your arms would be tired and after going some distance you wished you had not ventured so far from your original destination. You need a different boat.

There is always room for change and new ventures in life.  It is time to set your sails. If you were going to venture out into the ocean you may need a motor boat or a sail boat to go new places, see and experience new things. Life does not have to be so hum drum day after day but only you can make the choices to change your circumstances.

Like having the right boat or changing your normal routine from getting in a row boat in a lake or taking a sail on the ocean we can change our situations by the way we respond to life’s difficulties.  How can we do this? It is by the words we speak, they play a key role.  I  try and  pay  close attention to what people say and then see what kind of life they have and often  they make there own problems if they are constantly negative. If people say God is bringing me through this and I am looking to Him and trusting Him, there situations often turn around a lot quicker. 

If you say I can’t stand my life it is boring  or I always have  troubles, I have no money , no friends etc what are the odds that  this is the boat you will be stuck in? We know the odds are you have exactly what you are proclaiming over your life. If you speak God’s word over all your problems His word will not return void it because He says it will accomplish what it is set out to do.

I try to live each day to the fullest and I thank God for giving me opportunities., I actually have a fruitful life, maybe at times it is too full where I just need to drop an activity or two but in any event I try and change my situations, making the best out of some unavoidable ones and it usually works out. I do different things so there are no ruts. I take mini vacations and on occasion I find quiet moments so I can get refreshed  to venture out and enjoy all the benefits of God’s kingdom but most of all I decree and declare good things over my life, my family and my  friends.

I realize we  have trials, they come  in seasons because we are not promised those sunny and cool breezes every day sailing along without a care but we are promised that Jesus  will hold our hand and walk with us when the sunshine  turns to rain when instead of feeling good we are in pain.  He will carry you in His arms. (*See scripture below)The only thing we can do in those moments is ask the Lord for his help, go to His word and began to speak life into what seems to be a hopeless situation. You can  chase those clouds off your mind and set sail for a different journey.

If you’re in the same boat day after day purpose to do something different. Speak good things from God’s word over your life and expect a turnaround.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalm 68:19 (King James Version)

 Same scripture below (different translation)

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. (New Living Translation)

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Leftovers Again?

Posted August 17, 2007 - I was thinking about a wonderful dish my son made the other day, it was seafood pasta and I was raving over it. The very next night I ate a small portion again and the next day I took it to work for lunch so by the 3 rd go around somehow it wasn’t the same. It was still good but there is something about a new fresh meal served right away.  I was wishing I had brought something else. You do get tired of leftovers.

God fed the Israelites in the wilderness with enough manna for each day and told them not to eat the leftovers the next day but did they listen? Did they trust Him for provision each day?

The leftover manna was no good, it became rotten.

Do we come to God and give him our leftover time at the end of the day? When you were a child you may have had a simple child’s prayer like “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep" and that was fine but now a repetitious prayer is no longer sufficient to God.

God wants our worship and of course he accepts our petitions but He wants a heart that is pure and wholehearted in adoration to him.

God wants our first fruits with all we have. He wants our best in everything and He wants to be our first love so we cannot offer him our leftovers. In the Old testament God would not accept a blemished animal for a sacrifice so He will not accept our half hearted offering to Him today.

He tells us his mercies are new and fresh every morning and even in our prayers we ask Him for our daily bread so why do we offer him anything less?  

When you think about having company over for dinner you get a plan and prepare a meal you don’t get out the leftovers to serve.  Even our worship should be offered with our whole heart not just lip service. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords so He deserves quality time and dedication.

Somehow I feel there is no casual get together in the presence of the Lord it is a holy and special moment every time we meet with Him. If we don’t honor Him and reverence him we just might not take our relationship serious and begin to take Him for granted and you know what happens then?

God gets the leftovers.

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke11:3 (New International Version)

Manna

And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning."

However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. Exodus 16:18,19a and 20 (New International Version)

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The Cover Up

Posted August 10, 2007 - I really don't think anyone would deliberately plant poisonous plants in their yard, flowerbeds or by a pond however, my yard has poisonous plants in different areas. How did they get there? I have no answer. I certainly did not plant them. Occasionally those unfriendly weeds appear in the ivy. Recently as I was cleaning my yard, I must have brushed up against those weeds. 

That day after gathering all the weeds I had pulled from the garden I bundled them up.  I did not notice anything right away, but soon I was itchy. I dismissed it as a slight reaction to grass or weeds. I took a shower and went about my business.

The next day a small rash appeared on my left arm. I thought perhaps something had bitten me in the night. Again, I ignored the itching. It continued to spread and it was a week before I went to the pharmacist. He said I had poison ivy or oak and suggested a cream that would relieve the itching.

Sometimes there are things in our lives that we seem to cover up instead of getting to the real root of the problem. The medication I purchased at the drug store helped the itching, but the rash was spreading like wildfire. My arm was covered with the rash and had spread to the other arm. After 2 weeks I went to the doctor, He prescribed steroids to break up the poison oak. No more cover up!

I believe when we have sin in our lives, we brush it off, excuse it as nothing, try to dismiss it and cover it up. Sin cannot be ignored. If left unattended, it gets worse and the danger that our heart may harden increases.  At the first sign that we are doing something wrong, we may sense a nudge from the Holy Spirit (like the constant itching). It is time to check out the problem. We must see the spiritual condition of our hearts.  Are our hearts right? Do we have something poisoning our spirits or minds?

The Bible says:

I had my son cut away the poison oak, killing it at the root. Like sin we must destroy its effects on our lives, get to the root and deal with it.

The Lord never "COVERS UP" our sins.  He exposes them, brings them to the surface

And into the light. Then we can see them, turn to Him, repent, and be cleansed.

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Heaven’s Shoreline

Posted August 3, 2007 - When I think of summer I think about the ocean, the warm sunshine and being on a boat because I have some friends that belong to a boat club and they go out quite frequently and invite me to go with them along with some people we know.

We have been to Elizabeth City, Eastern Shore and sometimes closer to home right out in the bay. We recently saw the Tall ships when they came for the 400 year anniversary and that was a historical moment in time. There is just something about the smell of the salt water and the gentle mist from the ocean that is so wonderful.  It is not only peaceful but very therapeutic.  I have seen the dolphins and the osprey nesting, I have walked along a sandy beach like a little island and collected the various sea shells and some days it has been an all day trip and I treasure every moment.

I suppose I call those kinds of days “mini vacations.” These one day trips are very relaxing and fun.  I find that I never mind leaving home and venturing out somewhere but like most people I still long to get back home. When the sun begins to set and the boat turns back I am already looking for the shore in the horizon.

When taking a long trip for a few days or a week than I start to long for my familiar surroundings, and my family. Someday Heaven’s Shoreline awaits me and I long for that day when I reach my final destination when this life’s journey is over.  I do enjoy my time now here on earth because of family and friends but my real home is heaven and this place is just a temporary stop over.

In the story of the Wizard of Qz (which as a child I thought was like heaven) Dorothy took a journey but her desire was to get back to those she loved.  She clicked her ruby red shoes together and repeatedly said: “There’s no place like Home.”

At the end of the story she realizes it was all just a dream and that she had been hit on the head in the tornado and upon waking up she sees that she is finally back home. Once she looks up at all the familiar faces who were characters in her dream, the Tin man, the Lion and the Scarecrow she then had her desires totally fulfilled because she was home at last!

 Our life on earth will one day vanish in the blink of an eye but while we live here we are going places and preparing for vacations. It is wise too make plans for trips but are we getting ready to make our final journey home? There is nothing of material value that we need to pack of course but are we getting our spiritual house in order? Have we daily confessed any sin in our lives? Have we kept our relationship close with the Lord?  Oh and have we invited others to go to their eternal home someday, like my friend who invites me on their boat trips?

We are the “children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and like a small child on a trip who asks their parents:  "Are we there yet?" The answer they receive is usually reassuring saying: "Soon. Not much longer." Our Father in Heaven also encourages us with His Promise, “I come quickly”

I am truly going to enjoy the rest of the summer and take those boat rides and go away perhaps for long weekends but when I reach the shore or turn the bend and see my home I will think about the day when Jesus stands at Heaven’s shoreline with open arms and says “Welcome Home, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord! 

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  Rev 3:11 (New King James Version)

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No Condemnation!

Posted July 27, 2007 - I see so many stories about people, about what they think or perceive, about someone, yet they never met them. I usually read the articles or blogs and when they are negative I try and understand. I have to keep an open mind so I don’t get critical or angry.

In the recent death of Tammy Faye Bakker Messener I have followed the stories close because I actually met her when I lived in Charlotte North Carolina and worked at PTL for 2 years. She and her husband Jim visited the same church I attended and once I spoke to her on the phone as a PBX operator. One morning I ran right into Jim Bakker. I had just started working there and I usually am never at a loss for words but this day I got so nervous that I had met him in such a horrible way almost knocking him down I was flying up the stairs as he was coming down. I was so apologetic that I blurted out something silly like: Oh I am sorry Brother Bakker. He was not upset at all he was kind and I told him I was a new employee and was on my way back to my job. He asked where I worked and he said: “It is Ok no problem and welcome aboard” They were wonderful personable people. I don’t have time to address any scandals nor care to but I worked there and was treated great as an employee. I didn’t leave because of any problems there.

I was in the middle of a bad marriage and my Pastors at the time Anne and John Giminez said when my husband wanted to move there it may help our marriage, you know a change in environment. I had wanted to separate so this was the last attempt. I never wanted to move away and the marriage worked for a while but shortly before I came back to here to Virginia Beach my husband had already deserted us he had an alcohol problem and desertion was part of the pattern on several occasions, I got homesick and moved back with my children.

One day in a K- Mart in Charlotte, a lady ran over my way clear from the other side of the store hollering “It’s Tammy” and I too looked around only to see her charging my way until she got closer and said: “Oh I am sorry your not Tammy, she was very disappointed but told me from a distance I did resemble her with my blonde hair, all she saw was my hair and makeup. At the time I did wear eyelashes but just not as dramatic.

Tammy as I remember her was so full of Life and it was evident that she loved the Lord. I was going to e-mail her to tell her about my story and know she would have laughed about it but I never got around to it. I am one of those kinds of people who stick up for those that I happen to know something about.

I talked to Tammy in the P.T.L studio when we had our chapel time. she loved to sing and I was doing solo’s in my church so we had something in common to share. Whenever I heard her sing a song I really liked I tried to let her know. We talked about how wonderful it was to sing for the Lord.

I can only think about all the bad publicity some folks get because of looks or a mistake they made in life. Haven’t we all fallen at one time or another? Yes, even as Christians but what about all the good that is done. Why is that overlooked? I believe the bible has much to say about casting the first stone or Judging or being critical of anyone.

I like what Jesus has to say: Now there is no condemnation for those who walk in Christ Jesus.

THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 (Amplified Bible)

Adjudging means to decide or rule upon as a judge.

We all know Tammy got condemned for her makeup. She herself said she would be remembered for her eyelashes, I personally think that is tragic. So many Ministers of the Gospel today are bashed and sad to say mostly by other Christians.

I recall Jesus saying you will be persecuted as a Christian and perhaps had she not been a Christian you would never hear anything about “Too much makeup or Lashes” God looks on the heart not the outer appearance and I say Amen to that one.

The bible has a lot to say about our tongue and how we use it. The scripture below kind of says it all especially verse 3. The word of God definitely is for correction, discipline and rebuke.

He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart   and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:2-5 (New International Version)

Yes, I knew a different Tammy!

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Watch for Small Blessings

Posted July 9, 2007 - Does God care about the little things in life? I know we have all asked this question at some point in life. Do we give Him thanks for those small things that we overlook? When we get money we so desperately needed, a healing or something else we have prayed for than we usually are quick to thank God for these answers to prayer. It is those little blessings we sometimes take for granted.

I think about a lady who gave the Lord praise for several things but what caught my eye was the fact that she had 18 eggs that fell out of her refrigerator and none were broken. We probably wouldn’t pray they wouldn’t get broken we just would have looked on in shock and perhaps been a tad bit upset that we would lose some eggs (especially if you were fixing a cake or feeding guests or your family and either you did not have the time or money to get more) yet those eggs mattered to God a lot. I have been amazed myself when I dropped a glass and just knew it would shatter especially since I was barefoot in the kitchen at the time and all that happened was that it bounced and rolled across the floor. Isn’t it so easy to take these little happenings in life for granted?

When rushing off to work and my cat ran out on my screened in porch (she usually manages to get way back out of reach to sit awhile), it was a small blessing to me that when she heard me coming with the sound of my keys she looked at me and ran back inside, it is those kind of things that I take for granted.

There is a song *“His eye is on the sparrow” written as a poem and was put to music in 1905 and part of the lyrics says: “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me” God is watching us and if He cares about a little bird then we know He cares about every fine detail of our lives. Eggs not breaking, glass’s not shattering and cats not hiding, yes, He is ready to help us with anything even when we don’t ask Him too and that is what I find so astounding.

While we wait for the big petitions we asked God to answer we might just forget to notice and thank Him for those daily situations that He has taken care of without our even asking.

The bible tells us that our Father has good gifts for us and it is His good pleasure to load us with daily benefits. He looks to make provision for whatever we need and we should be careful to respond with a grateful heart for the things we prayed for as well as the things He just does for us on a daily basis. Watch for small blessings!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father… So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31) New International Version

You open your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor Psalm 145:16(Amplified version)

*Reference: “His Eye is On the Sparrow” Words: Civilla D. Martin (1866-1948); Music: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) this song, was made popular by singer Ethel Waters.

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Treasures in the Sand and Heart

Posted June 22, 2007 - When I was a little girl I loved going to the beach and up until about 10 years ago I slowly stopped going. This year the urge is back to go again because of my little great granddaughter Destiny, she loves the beach and has only been a few times in her life and now she is 5 1/2 years old. When she saw the ocean in a recent car ride she said: “I want to go down there”. I promised we would this year. She has gone in the past to my neighbors in ground pool and that is wonderful but there is something about seeing the ocean, the smell of salt water, getting on a blanket or under an umbrella, a low chair to sit by the waves, a cooler packed with sandwiches chips, drinks and fruit and just stay for hours.

I can remember when I was her age bringing my bucket and shovel and digging to make castles. I had to haul lots of water in my little pail but it was a lot of fun. I used to find some money, jewelry and once I even found a beautiful scarf. I enjoyed finding sand dollars and little shells as well and still have them in a green glass planter today. I still like collecting sea shells and sand dollars and on a boat trip last year I was able to collect quite a supply as a few friends and I took along walk around the island.

Yes, the days of summer are upon us and I think I will get the picnic basket out and begin to plan a day at the beach.  It can be one of those times when I can teach her as we look for hidden treasures in the sand about hiding God’s word in her heart. (She is soon to go to vacation Bible school and will be learning more about God)

Just what do we treasure? Is it things like little trinkets we have from our childhood or gifts from the heart? Have I hid the Word in my heart like a wonderful keepsake? I know that loving God and meditating on scriptures are the most important treasures I could find and far better than any that are hidden in the sand.

I have a card keepsake box to put some special cards in but only the ones with handwritten messages inside so that at some time I can read them because words are important when they come from the heart just like God’s Word is precious to us.

Did you know God also has keepsakes? He says we are the apple of his eye, He even bottles up our tears, and that our prayers go up as incense to the throne of God.   This means He treasures us! It is mind boggling just to know how much He loves us.

God says we are to love Him with all our hearts and to love one another, these are the greatest treasurers we can have, not our material possessions.  We certainly can have keepsakes, like gifts, cards, photos and scrapbooks but the real treasures are those moments we spend with God and reading His Word and then the time we spend with our family and friends.

As we go through life we will find at the right hand of God that there are treasures forever more and when  you find the Lord you have found a pearl of great price, He is more precious than silver more costly than gold and more beautiful than diamonds even if you should happen to find them in the sand.

Where are you looking for hidden treasures?

For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;  if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures;  then you will discern the fear of the LORD, And discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)

I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12 (New American Standard Bible)

They will call peoples to the mountain; There they will offer righteous sacrifices; for they will draw out the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the sand. Deuteronomy 33:19 (New American Standard Bible)

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A Shawl and a Rocking Chair

Posted June 8, 2007 - Do you think about growing old? Don't we all wonder what we will look like, act like, where we will be, and what we will have accomplished? Do you get fearful of becoming old?

One thing I meditate on is the Word of God, especially if I get overly concerned about the future. The Lord says His grace is sufficient. He encourages us to take one day at a time and promises that He will renew our youth like the eagles. He tells He has a plan for each one of us. It is a plan to prosper us and to keep us in good health. I must say what He says about growing old.

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. (Psalm 103:5).

I remember my mother was not afraid of getting old. She lived life to its fullest until she became ill with cancer. Even then, she tried to live every moment to its maximum. She would ask for Chinese food or to have a shrimp night. She went out when she was weak just to go to church or shopping in order to spend time with her loved ones. She fought the cancer because she was fighting to live. She was 85 years old when she went to be with the Lord. The one thing she would say before she became so sick was "never put me in a shawl or in a rocking chair." My sister and I honored her request. She even gave me a red shawl someone gave her. I have it tucked away.

This winter I plan to wrap up my great-granddaughter, get in my recliner rocking chair, and rock her to sleep. That is what they are for, rocking babies. Or perhaps deep down, I don't want to use it because I think about getting old since my mother thought this way. We must be careful to think God thoughts, not the thoughts of others. I am to follow in His ways.

You may think that it is not important to be so concerned about getting old. But it is important if you get fearful. I have a friend who is afraid of getting old. Hey, that is inevitable because God says that the outward man perishes but the inward man is renewed day by day. We shouldn't be afraid about aging. Our concern should be that our spirit stays in tune with what God is saying, as we grow older. Are we obedient to all He has called us to do? Are we walking out our destiny? We need to believe like the old song that says "One day at a time sweet Jesus." Lord, teach me to wait one day at a time.

We are to live our lives so that it is pleasing to God. We can all grow old gracefully because God's grace is sufficient. So let's all grab a shawl and God's Word and get in a rocking chair. Let's read it to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren so when they are old they will remember that getting there wasn't so bad. They will remember they learned from us how to do it God's way.

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Never Say Never

Posted May 28, 2007 - The other day while taking my lunch break  I decided to take some time and clean out some files, there was a lot of paper work that needed to be checked before it could be filed or thrown away. As I approached this little mountain of paperwork I thought just what had I shoved over in that corner in the basket? I remembered shifting it from another place about a month ago. Was it important? Do I want to use my lunch hour for this task? I am usually not a procrastinator but I saw that I had become one for the moment so I decided yes; I must wade through all those papers.

Once I began to look I noticed that it was a conglomeration of recipes, notes, old procedures for work and meeting notes dating as far back to 6 years. I was shocked that I had kept all this unnecessary stuff for so long because I really like to organize. Out of all those procedures and meeting notes they were obsolete by this time. I filled up my trash can and still could not believe I had just let it pile up, and that I totally forgot about it. I never expected to do that and I said I NEVER would! What we say we will never do we wind up doing and what we want to do we never do. Sounds something like this passage below:

I am sure I had good intentions the day I set it aside in the basket  but once I got started this day it took me just 1 hour to go through all of it. Imagine 6 years of paper work in 1 basket and only a small amount of time to clear it away. I had always told myself I will never ever let papers pile up like I knew my sweet departed mother used to do. Here I sat saying: Yes, Lord I shouldn’t have said Never!”

This brought to mind a story in the Bible about Peter, he said he would never reject the Lord yet three times he denied that he ever knew Him. The Lord even told him he would but what did he say? “Oh, Never Lord!”

I know I have said in the past “Lord I would never hurt you” but then it seemed I always had to come back and ask His forgiveness. Now I have learned to say I hope I don’t disappoint you Lord. I realize I should not say: I’ll never” now without first  realizing that even though  I  have asked Jesus to forgive my sins and accepted  Him into my heart that I must guard my heart towards Him. The disciples of Jesus who walked with Him daily could reject, deny and betray Him so we are capable of doing or saying those things if we too are not careful. We must remember that by giving our lives to Jesus Christ, our Savior that our lives are hid in Him so that we will not say or do things contrary to our new nature.

Judas called Iscariot also betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, He too said never! Yet when he consented to take money, he looked for the opportunity to point Jesus out.

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. Luke 22:1-6 (New International Version)

 I learned a lesson in “Never saying Never” that day and that is in realizing yes,  I am capable of falling but for the grace of God, just like Peter and Judas in the bible.

 It is good to remember to thank God for His mercy in knowing that through Jesus death on the cross that he purchased our salvation. We now have Jesus as an advocate through the Father and if we do sin in word or action that we simply have to repent of our sins, ask His forgiveness and we will receive it. Let us renew our minds “In Christ” knowing that we do not have to be under bondage to sin, flesh or the devil.  

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Supermarket Christians

Posted May 15, 2007 - Do you like to shop for fruit and vegetables at a market?  You know the deal, when you get to the grocery store you find yourself picking through the cantaloupes, watermelons, corn and tomatoes because you want to get those fruits and vegetables that are good and ripe. We want the fruit sweet and all of them to be the right texture.

In the grocery store or a roadside market that is fine to do but do you find yourself picking and choosing from a message at the church? Are you selecting the things you want to hear and discarding the rest?  Think of your list when you are going through the check out line and trying to see that you have selected the best items and all the things you need to make some wonderful healthy nutritious meals.  If you buy only certain items in the grocery store like all sweets and no fruit, meat, poultry, fish , airy products  and vegetables you know that wouldn’t be healthy so you  usually choose from the basic food groups, so that is what we should also have in our spiritual life, a healthy diet of God’s Word daily. We need to read and study the Psalms, the Proverbs, the Old Testament and the New Testament. 

Can we be a strong Christian when we take only what we think is good for us?  We have to be well balanced. When we listen to a message from a pulpit, on TV, the radio or a tape we are to rightly divide the Word of God to be sure what we hear is the truth and to be sure nothing is being added or deleted from its original context.  It is so important because all of the pages within the bible have been given to us to help in our spiritual walk not just a few select passages.  I am sure that the Pastors in the pulpit pray that their congregation really hear what the spirit is saying to the church and that the people aren’t mentally discarding the main meat of the message. 

On a shopping trip to Nags Head last summer I stopped at several produce markets on the way there and back. I learned a little about how to pick a good home grown tomato from one stop because the farmer helped me. He also showed me how to check for a sweet watermelon and I peeked through the shucks on the white sweet corn to make sure it was not dried out, but I know I can’t pick and chose when it comes to God’s Word.  When I am hungry for the Word of God I must partake of every part of it‘s contents.  We shouldn’t even think of picking and choosing because not only is all of it good for us God says: it is health to our bones and to our spirit.

Why should we be a supermarket Christian when the Lord has provided a banqueting table and all that is required is to sit down and enjoy everything that is set before us?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous.

They are more desirable than gold—   than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey— than honey dripping from the comb.  Psalms 19:8 -All scripture taken from Holman Christian Standard Bible

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The King Is Coming

Posted May 4, 2007 - On a recent shopping spree in Williamsburg, Virginia where I spent the day with a couple of friends we noticed that we had so much space to shop. On prior occasions no matter what time of year or day it was, when I have gone to those outlet malls there were usually more people in the stores. It was relaxing and such an easy day to take our leisure. No crowds at all. The tourists and the locals are waiting and will all be out in full swing when The Queen of England comes to America. Yes, she is coming to Jamestown, Virginia on May 3rd and 4th. This will be a special day for a grand lady appearing before thousands of people that will all be in anticipation to see her.

This is the 400th anniversary of her compatriots' settling in Jamestown, Virginia so her coming at this time makes for quite a moment in history .

One day we will also have another special royal person come, only His home is called Heaven. He will appear to the whole world, not riding down the street but riding on a white horse and appearing in the clouds. He will come as a thief in the night with only a sound of a trumpet to announce His arrival. Their will be no time to get ready. You will need to have already prepared your heart. He will be the most important person in the world to have come and He will be coming for one purpose alone, to take His children home in Heaven.

It is the greatest day of your life, those who are alive shall see him and those who have already died will rise to meet him in the air. It will be a grand and glorious day when The King comes; he is not just a King but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will make this one time appearance. He is the creator of royalty because He is the Supreme Being, the creator of heaven and earth, the lover of your soul.

If you should happen to see the Queen of England and she enters a room the protocol is everyone stands, As U.S citizen bowing is not required shaking hands is acceptable. You of course wait for her sign of approval to speak and than address her as Your Majesty.

You will defiantly have the opportunity to meet the King of Heaven and Earth when you die or He comes in the Rapture. We will be standing until we see Him than our knees will bow before Him. We will all confess that He is Lord.

You and I may not get to see the Queen in person but what is more important is to be looking for the dawning of that day when King Jesus comes and not only will you see Him you will live forever with Him in all of the splendor and grandeur of heaven. It will be amazing and wonderful behind your wildest imagination to hear Him say: Well done my good and faithful servant, welcome home to my Kingdom!

It is written:

"'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "[Then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11 (New International Version)

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” Philippians 2:9-10 (New International Version)

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Dusty Leaves

Posted April 27, 2007 - Spring is in the air, but pollen is everywhere too and now that it’s here I am reminded of the spring cleaning that I need to do in the house.  There is one medium sized artificial tree in my living room that I believe is the main thing that I dread cleaning the most. Each leaf has to be individually wiped clean, I use furniture polish which helps keep the dust off for a while but it is time consuming.

Pollen, dust and cleaning reminds me of how Jesus washes away our sins, like the rain that falls over the leaves removing the dirt or the pollen so also my iniquity is  removed because of Jesus who laid  down his life, leaving heavens throne to concentrate on cleaning up his child.

Every part of God’s creation is important, He cleans up the pollen with the rain, He washes the leaves on the trees, and He provides water for the birds to drink and bath.  Have you ever seen the birds shaking off their wings or dipping themselves in the bird baths? When I watch them they seem to be looking up when they sing. They are thankful that their creator cares so much for them. We however, are His greatest treasure, isn’t that exciting?   We should be singing to praise Him as well. Just to imagine that Jesus suffered and died, nailed to one of those trees and spilled His blood so that we could be washed clean.

Jesus didn’t think it was a chore to go to the cross. It was His choice and He knew it needed to be done.  There was no other way so He gladly lived to die to make it all possible for you and me. He wanted the cup to pass but knew it could not be because He delighted to obey His father.

Next time I have to do something I think is a chore such as dusting my artificial tree I will remember the price that was paid by my Savior to clean up my life. He removed the stains of sin off from my soul like the removal of dust from the leaves.

Everyday there are lessons in life to keep me on track but who would have thought some dusty leaves would remind me of my salvation?

Matthew 26:36-40 ( New International Version)

Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.

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Are You Suited Up Yet?

Posted April 19, 2007 - There is a battle out there and as Christians we need to understand that we must wear our spiritual armor.  Do you ever remember hearing the song “Onward Christian Soldier?” in the lyrics it says we are “Marching as to war.” Yes, my friends we have left the losing team of the world and joined God’s army but there is another force out there that try’s very hard to beat us down.  Even though we know are the champions on a winning team it is so important to put on the armor of God.

Prayer is the first thing we should do before we get suited up for the day. This is the way we get fortified and than we are ready to face the challenges that may arise at any given time.

Next we put on our armor. First we have the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is God’s word to renew our minds daily.  All of us can withstand any negative defeating words that try to cause us to stumble if we know what the Word of God says in every situation.  Second, hold up the shield of faith to quench those fiery darts hurled at our soul.  Then we must put on our belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Finally, our feet need to be shod with the peace of God everywhere we go.

 If we remind ourselves that we are to be peacemakers, this will be a great weapon to do battle against the enemy of our soul. Everyday you have to check your armor to be sure nothing is missing. It is the only way to stand against any of the enemies’ tricks.  God is our source of strength and we are to go out to do warfare in the power of His might using all the resources he has given us.  Shall we all march together as ambassadors for Christ, God’s great army of believers ready to do battle and to win the war that wages against our souls? We need to tell the Good News of the gospel, Gods battle plan to all we come in contact with so that they too can join the army and enter God’s Kingdom.

Lets get suited up; we already have our marching orders.

 Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV) the Armor of God

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

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Angels' Teardrops

By Cathy Irvin

Posted April 13, 2007 - I heard a song titled “Ten Thousand Angels Cried “sung by Le Ann Rhines. I could picture all of heaven the day our Savior was crucified.  Those angels were looking on at all the torture He endured for the salvation of mankind and must have pondered that it was a senseless way to die. They would see people mocking Him and spitting on Him, lashing at Him with a whip repeatedly, until He was disfigured upon recognition.

Why would He choose to leave heaven’s splendor to die in our place when it was us who were sinful and not Him?   We cannot understand this but the fact remains that He chose to lay aside his crown and royalty to take on the form of humanity for you and me. 

There soon will be Maundy Thursday and Good Friday when people will partake in services in their respected churches around the world and than there will be the celebration of Resurrection Sunday better known as Easter where we rejoice that Jesus was raised from the tomb and lives ever making intercession for us. He did this so that one day we will live in Heaven with Him for those who have accepted his death, burial and resurrection.  For those who have invited the Lord into their hearts to rule and rein these will be special services that we can remember His supreme sacrifice.  We will rejoice in that Jesus loved us so much He went to the cross as painful and humiliating as it was for Him.  When we think about how the sky became pitch black as the thunder and lighting whipped across the sky that day and as the torrential rain beat down upon the earth the song about the ten thousand angels crying will seem very real. It will be as if those angels were weeping so profusely that their tears really did produce that down pouring rain on that day.  

Sometimes I still weep and I am so thankful He did not come down from the cross because I know He purchased eternal life for me. It helps in knowing that my tears are a language God understands.  I think that the angels must have wondered if only there could have been another way. It is in those moments it makes me appreciate that although He was God He removed His Divine cloak to put on the flesh of man.

Now, whenever  the thunder roars, the wind blows and the  lightning flashes for a brief moment across the sky  I look out my window  as the rain drops become stronger and louder upon the roof top and I think about the day my Savior was crucified and  how the angels cried!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (Revelation 5:11)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. (Philippians 3:18)

All scripture references taken from the (NIV)

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Jesus, A Trampled Rose

By Cathy Irvin

Posted April 6, 2007 - What a special day Easter, is to me.  I know that it is spring and the flowers have risen from their winter nap.  I especially like to see Roses in their various shades of colors and how they have bloomed with so many obstacles of nature.

I want to tell you a story how Easter relates to these special flowers that spring forth after all the hardships they have faced.  It is the story of Jesus who died on the cross and how after days of agony from the garden to the cross and to the grave that He rose in all His glory and radiance to ascend to the Father to show the world He was alive and well.  He truly had endured extreme pain and suffering. Jesus was born in a manger, a great obstacle right from the beginning to come from heaven laying aside his regal robes to take on the form of man and to be born to die for the sins of humanity. His first obstacle was to lie in a pile of straw. He lived only to deliver a message of hope and after  all His love, mercy and goodness shown to others, He was like a rose that lives only to be cut down as soon as it blossoms and will within days wither and die.

He was nailed to a tree, the cold icy drenching rain beat upon him too and He also was bruised badly, even his side was pierced. Like the thorns on a rose He wore them for a crown. He was offered vinegar on a sponge not a nice cool drink of water while the sun beat down hard upon his almost naked body that was exposed to all the harsh elements of nature. The Rose faces many obstacles to rise to full maturity.   He agonized like a rose but knew He had to die to give life to all those who would accept his offering

The plant that started out from a seed in the ground struggles to push its way up through the sod. It endures icy cold winds beating down upon it and struggles to survive to live for its purpose. Sometimes drenching rains bruise its petals or it gets parched from the sun and maybe droops for a lack of water but somehow it fights to blossom into the beautiful Rose it was meant to be. I love roses and yes, to have them in a vase perhaps only to last a few days but I would not pick one and tear off its petals, or throw it on the ground to be trampled upon, yet this is what our Savior endured at the cross. He is referred to as the Rose of Sharon and also as the lily of the valley so as Easter approaches remember Jesus as our trampled Rose, the ultimate Easter offering.

 I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1 (Amplified Bible)

Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ's appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-12 (Amplified Bible)

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Picture Perfect

By Cathy Irvin

Posted April 5, 2007 - Smile and say “Cheese” the photographers or camera happy folks always say, but  whenever I try to pose for the picture I look like it s a mug shot , I take much better pictures if it is natural  catching me off guard when I do not know it is being done.

I feel I am not as photogenic as some people are so the only way I consent to getting a picture of me done is to make an appointment for that gorgeous shot by way of a total makeover, now they are always good.  I thought about getting an updated one since the last one was about 10 years ago (the younger the better) that one I really liked. I suppose I should get another one and that will be the last one.  My children like getting pictures of me and I always have a fit. At work too we have a lot of it going on at our social gatherings. Perhaps I could get up 1 hour earlier for that glamour makeup look but who wears that much in the day time and besides sleep is much more important early in the morning.

Do you know God says we are the apple of his eye? He says we are made in the image and likeness of Him; and that we are the righteousness of God in Christ. If God made us than we are OK, He doesn’t see flaws on our faces.

I think it may not be a good thing to say my mouth is too small or I don’t like my smile, etc. How can I criticize God’s creation? I know the  New Year is fast approaching and although I don’t make a list t of resolutions ( other than  I want more intimacy with the Lord)  I am going to try to lighten up on this running from the camera’s next year and remind myself that I am the handiwork of God and that He is the master artist and He decided to give me the features I have so I need to be content and thank God for this  life he has given me and the joy in living it to the fullest for Him even if it means a few mug shots get taken.

Next time when that dreaded little camera comes near me, I will just smile and say “Picture Perfect “that’s me!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (New International Version)

And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD. Ezekiel 16:14

For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye- Zechariah 2:8 (New International Version)

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Let's Restock

By Cathy Irvin

Posted March 26, 2007 - Let me take you down memory lane. Do you remember the nursery rhyme about Old Mother Hubbard? Here are the first familiar words below:

 

Old Mother Hubbard; Went to the cupboard, To give her poor dog a bone; But when she got there The cupboard was bare, And so the poor dog had none.

I was thinking about all the recent news about MSG and began flinging open my cupboards to check labels and throw out dated items. I  know I should look forward to getting rid of those things that harm my body with the wrong ingredients. Although it is easy to jump on the band wagon, the real test will be to consistently check every label every week. Will I choose to buy the healthier items now that I know that MSG is harmful?

The Bible is full of warnings and admonitions. It is all true, pure, and good for the spirit, soul, and body. The Bible is life and health to our bones, but we really need to do what it says. Sometimes reading the Word of God can become like a new fad and at first we get excited about a revelation, then slowly back away as time goes on.

 Why don’t we realize that it isn’t just what we put into our bodies that we should be concerned about but also what we feed our minds? We can not afford to slack off, our soul depends on it.

 What if you thought of your soul as an enormous room and pictured cupboards surrounding those walls?  What is in them? Did you know that your soul is the seat of your mind, will, and emotions? We have to renew our minds daily by putting the word of God in there to replace carnal thinking. Imagine your soul (your mind) being that empty cupboard and restocking it. You simply replace some items that are not good for you and replace them with what is pure and true.

We fear opening the doors because of what may be revealed. It isn’t easy to do an inventory. It takes time and effort, but the results are really worth it in the long run.

We should always be concerned about health issues not just because we want to be free from disease and to perhaps lose weight, but because our bodies are the temple of the Lord.  We are a triune being made up of spirit, soul, and body, and God is interested in the total package of our lives. Let us look at what we are putting in our temples. Let us make sure we take care of it, both physically as well as its spiritual condition.

Your soul’s cupboard may just need to be cleaned out and restocked. 

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)

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Shifting Dependency

Posted February 26, 2007 - Remember when you were a child and you depended on everyone for everything. Perhaps you found someone in your family you really trusted and knew they would always be there for you.

I felt that way about my sister, she was 10 years older than me but we always had a good relationship. We got really close as I got to be a young woman in my 20’s. I remember going to visit her when she and her husband lived in Maryland. I had gone there to stay with her while her husband was away at a school. I think he went to Texas, he was in the Air Force and it related to his work. I even worked part time for the short time I was there.

This was many years ago and now almost 3 years ago she changed her residence from earth to heaven, I miss our talks. She lived closer this time to me about 10 minutes from my house for years before she died. I saw her every week maybe even twice a week. I could call her or just on the spur of the moment ask if she wanted to go to lunch and she never said NO. I could depend on her to be there. I thought we would grow old together.

I have a little great granddaughter who asked me just a few weeks ago where my mother was and I wish I had thought what I was going to say to her but I told her my mother was in heaven and someday when I died I would see her again. Oh did I ever give her the wrong answer. I should have left out the last part. Her face frowned and then tears began to flow as she reached over and took my hand and held it so tight and began crying hard saying: “I don’t want you to die GiGi” squeezing my hand for dear life. She at this time was sobbing and I almost cried myself. Help Lord I thought! I promised her it was ok, that I wasn’t going anywhere as I told her: “Please don’t cry GiGi will be here”! She calmed down and later as I went before the Lord that night in prayer I began to pour my heart out saying I really blew it Lord! I told her I wasn’t going anywhere for a long time and I don’t know that! I really asked Him to help me stick around at least till she is older. Should I have told her I will be here as long as God thinks I should be with her and that He was going to take care of her and not to worry? She is 5 years old and that doesn’t sound right either. I was caught off guard and really I had no idea what I could have said. I realize now that she relies on me for her emotional support much more than I realized. She actually said she wanted to live with me. She packed her bag the other night and told her mother she wanted to live with her GiGi.

My granddaughter told her she could come see me more often. Will she be more dependent on me the more I see her? Can I get her to shift her dependency on the Lord whom she doesn’t see? Will she want to trust Him when He is the one who can take me away from her? One day before this conversation she told me that Heaven was make- believe and that they talked about these stories in the bible at church and I had to tell her No honey, they are true stories and heaven is a real place where God lives and someday we too can go live with Him there. She looked at me and said: Are you going there? I told her I was and I wanted her to go too. She didn’t associate it that day with dying first to get there so wherever I go she wanted to go.

I often feel like I am her hero but I remember the Lord told me when she was born He had entrusted her into my care. He knew I would teach her about Him, about His love and how He cared so much for her. I can only hope I can relay this message perhaps in a story form (I will of course tell her this is a real true story) so she will shift her dependency on God and not be so dependent on me for the days ahead.

Life is unpredictable and things change. I heard someone say recently: “I am having a hard time adjusting to the way my life is now, being used to taking care of things myself, having a hard time just letting go and letting God”

It came to me that we should never think we can handle our own lives but trust the Lord and ask Him to guide us. It is hard to let go of the reigns so I know for a 5 year old how much harder it must be to think about someone dying and going far away up in heaven and out of reach.

Even thought we are adults do we look to the Lord for everything? Have we shifted our dependency upon Him or do we depend on ourselves or do we depend on others to satisfy our needs, emotionally or otherwise? If we follow the Lords commands He clearly tells us to totally rely on Him.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.  Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

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Life’s Ride Has No Shortcuts

Posted February 19, 2007 - Ever think how your life seems to be topsy- turvy from one minute to the next? On life’s highway with all its twists and turns it does appear that it is a never ending road. You can’t see the end around those bends, where is the short cut? You may even feel like you have been tossed about all too often and going nowhere on your journey. Do you sort of feel displaced and disillusioned by it all? We all do at times, it becomes hard to make sense of why things are happening the way they are. Life sure does have ups and downs and twists and turns but like a dark tunnel there is light at the end, there will be a final destination.

When you’re looking at it form your own view it may seem like you’re riding on a merry –go- round or on a roller coaster but if you just wait and don’t start shouting “let me off” it will come to a halt and you’ll find that you really can enjoy the ride.

God is not watching you get tossed all around for no reason, everything is lining up conforming to Gods plan for our lives, and so though it looks like a mess, it really isn’t at all..

The batter in the bowl doesn’t like the beautiful wedding cake displayed in the bakery window, the pieces of fabrics laid out to make a brides dress at the time doesn’t look like the wedding gown that will be breathtaking on her wedding day, although making both of these are challenging, and time consuming it all becomes worthwhile as they come together like they are intended.

Nothing is as it appears to be so we need to get a new perspective, God’s view not our own.

The Book of Esther in the Bible reminds me of a challenging life. If you read her story she had to be chosen from a 1000 virgins to be the new queen, her demeanor and looks needed to be almost flawless. She had to hide her identify of being a Jew, or she may not even have been allowed to be in this beauty queen contest. She even took a risk when she finally became the queen and went before the King without being asked. Her life then and there could have been over without his favor.

I imagined Esther was content in her own village, enjoying a simple life with no real risks involved. Her world as she was accustomed soon turned upside down. Mordacai who had adopted her as his daughter had asked her to do this and she was faithful and obedient.

I can’t help wonder when she wasn’t getting the extreme makeover that she may have asked the question: “What am I doing here, Lord what is going on?” She didn’t know when she went to the palace that she could possibly save this Jewish nation that her very own people would be saved from annihilation. If so she probably would have said: “Oh no, this is not for me to do, let me get off this ride”. We too don’t understand things that happen and if we knew ahead what was in store we also might not want to take the long and winding road, however there are no shortcuts.

 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11  (The Message)  

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Just Because

Posted February 12, 2007 - For God so loved the world that He gave….. The scripture goes on to say He gave His only begotten son And that whosoever believes in Him would have everlasting life, Yes God sent Jesus into the world to share the love of God knowing He would be the sacrifice for mans sins. He was crucified, He died and than He rose again all because He loved us.

We love our family and friends, why? I think it is just because God Himself put that wonderful emotion in our hearts. He gave us a heart with the capacity to love. We say we love God because He first loved us. We than learn of Him and His kindness, compassion, grace and so many more things about his character.

Let us talk about love for a moment. It is not hard to love those who love us back but it is hard to love your enemies. We have all come across one or two those who say ugly things to us at sometime or another in our lives.

I can’t imagine a room displayed with balloons, candy or a beautiful meal as the setting you would see for those you don’t like, (you probably aren’t planning that kind of Valentines party) let alone love them. Yet, Jesus said: Love those who say all manner of evil things against you, thus fulfilling the law in Christ Jesus. How do you do that you might ask? Just because Jesus commands us to love one another just as He has loved us.

If there is someone in your life you’re not really to fond of you still must remember “For God so loved the world he gave, (John 3:16) and you can give showing the love of God by praying for them and asking the Lord to help you love the unlovely.

If we say we love God, we are to imitate His ways and that is to love the world. We should do it “just because” His word tells us to do so at all times.

Agape Love: The term was used by the early Christians to refer to the special love for God and God's love for humanity, as well as the self-sacrificing love they believed all should have for each other.

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 commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 (New International Version)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35 (New International Version)

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The Heart of the Matter

By Cathy Irvin

Posted January 29, 2007 - The day when all the candy disappears from the shelves, the flowers are gone from the florist shops will soon be approaching. But for some of us, Valentines Day is just another day. I know some single men and woman in a class at my church who call it “Singles Awareness Day” if they are not in a relationship. Some one once told me: “You have to have a 'Valentine' for it to matter.”

The restaurants love this day. It's special to them. All the sweethearts are romancing that special someone, whether it is their girlfriend, or if they are married, their wife. More chocolate and roses are sold on this day than any other day.

I am single and not in a relationship at this present time in my life. I suppose I could buy some flowers for myself, or some candy that I shouldn’t be eating. But I don’t.

However, I do celebrate it, just in a different way.

I am in love with Jesus; He is my Valentine. So this day I usually spend reflecting on how much He loves me.  I will still give my children and grandchildren some token of my affection, cards or candy. The joy for me is letting my family know that I love them and telling them that Jesus loves them even more than I ever could. It is a good day to interject that nugget of truth about the love of God.  

Wherever you shop you’ll always see an abundance of hearts. The chocolate is wrapped in beautiful red or pink heart-shaped boxes. Well, thirty years ago I gave my “heart” to the “Rose of Sharon," a name given to Jesus. Every day is Valentines day to me because He makes me feel loved and special, so that’s the heart of the matter as far it goes for me.

A close friend of mine cooked a special dinner last year for us both. The table was set for the occasion because she had just been separated for 3 months and it helped her to get though that time.  Perhaps you can’t wait for this day to come and go because you are alone. My advice is to  take a different look at how you can use this day to witness the love of God to someone else, or invite some friends over for your own “Single Awareness Day” party.

Whatever your status is, be sure to let Jesus know that He is the love of your life no matter how you celebrate. Have a happy Valentines Day.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

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God Brags About You

Posted January 15, 2007 - Do you know how special you are to God? Do you realize that He loves you more than anything else? I think people have a hard time really understanding God’s love for them. I noticed in the Word of God that He went to great lengths to explain His love, but we fail to see it.

He says we are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32: 9-10); He explains that if we obey His Word, then we--including our children--are promised long life (Deuteronomy 12:28); He is our Good Shepherd who knows us (John 10:14); He says He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5); He shares that it is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom because He calls us friends (Luke 12:32); He promises that He will give us everlasting life if we believe in Him (John 3:16); and He will answer our prayers. The list is endless concerning the things that God has done for us and will continue to do for us.

I have a photo album that says Grandma’s Brag Book. In it are pictures of my granddaughter when she was little. Whenever I have shown it to family or friends, I have said, “Look how adorable she posed!” or “Isn’t that a cute face?” That is how God’s Word is -- full of Him bragging on us.

We love Him because He first loved us and gave His Only Son to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Think about it. Jesus was blameless and sinless, yet He allowed man to crucify Him so that He might take our place. He laid down His life for us so that we would inherit eternal life. It doesn’t get any better than that! Truly, that is ultimate love. It takes a sacrificial love to die in the place of another.

God is love Himself. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, yet He was not satisfied because He desired fellowship. He gave us this opportunity to receive Him into our hearts or to choose the world instead.

We can’t even love Him until we find out about what He did for us at the cross, and even then we often find that we take Him for granted. If you love someone, you talk to that person and want to spend time with that person. Your desire will be to develop a relationship, so you will need to cultivate it. God is the Lover of our souls. We should draw near to Him and begin that personal relationship with Him.

For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won't walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart. The GOD who has compassion on you says so. —Isaiah 54:10, The Message

When we come into the throne room to thank Him, and when we come into worship to praise His name, these things please our heavenly Father so much. Let’s do it more often because He loves us and wants our love in return.

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A Fresh Start

By Cathy Irvin

Posted January 9, 2007 - We rang in the New Year, We got out a clean piece of paper and wrote down what are intentions were for this year or not.   Well I didn’t, you see I decided two days before not to jot down anything but to make a commitment to increase my prayer time with the Lord and to stop eating sweets.

I believe it is the spiritual condition in my life that the Lord is the most interested in to be honest and then He says in His word that my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. 

I found out long ago that those lengthy lists of do and don’ts either get lost or forgotten. But the things that really matter to is what we usually work on, so I find it is best to limit any desires each year to a few things and concentrate on the really important ones whatever they might be.

Most people want a fresh start in life; those that are sick want a clean bill of health, those in financial trouble want to be out of debt to name a few.  We can do these things but we need to work on them one day at a time.  I didn’t make any commitment last year but to love God more and to appreciate my family and friends. I think I made the grade but only God has the score.

Try not to overwhelm yourself with to many good intentions, just pray and ask the Lord what you might need you to work on in your life, spiritually, financially, and maybe how to improve relationships or even your health, but don’t get bogged down with so many resolutions.

The bible says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. What is the kingdom of God? It is righteousness, peace and joy. If we have those three things most everything else will fall in place. If we seek to please the Lord find out what he wants us to do than it will all work out. I know He tells us to seek wisdom so if we do that our health issues and financial priorities will change.

 The bible tells us His mercies are new every morning so I will daily ask Him what He wants me to do. There is nothing wrong with accomplishing some short term goals but never let them consume your entire energy buy making them so hard they are beyond your reach and simply trust God to help you each step of the way!   Get a fresh start each year but plan for a wise one too.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 (New International Version)

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:31 (New International Version)

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (New International Version)

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Love Cathy's devotionals? See her work from 2006...

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