As most of you know, I have a very rare allergy to the cold. So, as you can imagine, I am not as excited about the snow storm as some of you may be. However, I can appreciate the beauty of the fresh snow outside. It serves as a beautiful, wonderful reminder of Jesus' love for us, His grace, and what He did on the cross for us.
This morning when I woke up, I could see the white on the ground but there was still grass and dirt coming up through it. Wasn't quite so pretty to look at. However, I braved the cold later this afternoon and walked outside for a minute, and the ground was covered in beautiful, white snow. No ugly, dirty ground poking through. Just a beautiful, clean blanket of fresh white snow! The crisp air felt strangely nice to me, and I felt completely at peace standing there in the calmness even if it was only for a moment. These verses came to my mind...
Isaiah 1:18"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow"
Psalm 51:7 "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
Jesus' grace is pure, clean, white snow that covers our dirty sin. Underneath that snow, we still have our ugly sin but His grace covers us. He paid the ultimate price for us. That is love, my friends. Grace that we do not deserve...a free gift to us. I hope all of you got to have a moment to take it all in today as well :)
I leave you with a beautiful song...
Jesus Paid It All
Engagement
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
"Are We Lukewarm"
Love, where is your fire
I hope you clicked on the link above and listened to the song :) I heard this song when one of my sonography classmates twin sister sang it in ASU's A Capella group. At the time, I didn't GET the song. I recently rediscovered this song (I am certain it was God's intention for me to) and it has laid so heavy on my heart. It has been a song that I can relate to so closely. This song is Brooke's cry out to God for a life full of Him - an inferno of Him. Take a look at the lyrics...
Love, where is your fire?
I've been sittin here smokin away
Makin signals with sticks and odd ends and bits
But still there's no sign of a flame
1. You seldom read the Word of God outside of church.
2. Your prayers can be best described as “emergency flares” rather than open and consistent communication with God.
3. Corporate worship is optional. You mix it in when it doesn’t interfere with anything else.
4. Corporate worship is social and strategic. It’s a place to see friends, share your frustrations about politics, and maybe even schedule a business meeting or two.
5. Your “Religion” is more about form and tradition than it is about a relationship with the living God..
6. You say that you are a Christian, but it has little or no impact on the way you live.
I hope you clicked on the link above and listened to the song :) I heard this song when one of my sonography classmates twin sister sang it in ASU's A Capella group. At the time, I didn't GET the song. I recently rediscovered this song (I am certain it was God's intention for me to) and it has laid so heavy on my heart. It has been a song that I can relate to so closely. This song is Brooke's cry out to God for a life full of Him - an inferno of Him. Take a look at the lyrics...
Love, where is your fire?
I've been sittin here smokin away
Makin signals with sticks and odd ends and bits
But still there's no sign of a flame
Impostors have been passin
Offerin a good feelin glow
But I'm holdin out for what you are about
An inferno that burns to the bone
Some urge me to be temperate
Lukewarm will never do
Offerin a good feelin glow
But I'm holdin out for what you are about
An inferno that burns to the bone
Some urge me to be temperate
Lukewarm will never do
Cos I, I wanna blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Holdin my heart out
So I stand, handin out torches
Speakin words that are lamps to their feet
Til the time when you come
And I'm whole and we are one
And the fire in me is complete
Some tell me to be moderate
But lukewarm will never do
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Then a doubt comes to lie at the back of my mind
That I'll offer you me and you'll politely decline
So I hasten to mute it, Ill shout and rebuke it away
Away, away, away, away, away, away
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you, to you, to you
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Holdin my heart out, holdin my heart out
Holdin my heart out, holdin my heart out
In these lyrics, she is longing to be a woman on fire for the Lord, and although impostors are offering empty promises, she is holding out for the fire of God. People are telling her to be moderate and temperate in her desire for the Lord, but that just isn't enough for her. She doesn't want to be lukewarm, she wants to be hot. And what happens when our hot turns to lukewarm? Lukewarm doesn't start from cold - it comes from hot that is cooling. My hot baths are sometimes too hot to even get in to, but over time without adding more hot water, it becomes lukewarm and then cold. There are times when we are tired, we are uncertain of God's timing and we just don't feel like worshiping. But we have to keep adding to the fire - going to the next level. Constant thirst, constant prayer, constant worship, constant love.
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Holdin my heart out
So I stand, handin out torches
Speakin words that are lamps to their feet
Til the time when you come
And I'm whole and we are one
And the fire in me is complete
Some tell me to be moderate
But lukewarm will never do
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Then a doubt comes to lie at the back of my mind
That I'll offer you me and you'll politely decline
So I hasten to mute it, Ill shout and rebuke it away
Away, away, away, away, away, away
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you, to you, to you
Cos I, I know I'll blaze with you
So I'm holdin my heart out to you
Holdin my heart out, holdin my heart out
Holdin my heart out, holdin my heart out
In these lyrics, she is longing to be a woman on fire for the Lord, and although impostors are offering empty promises, she is holding out for the fire of God. People are telling her to be moderate and temperate in her desire for the Lord, but that just isn't enough for her. She doesn't want to be lukewarm, she wants to be hot. And what happens when our hot turns to lukewarm? Lukewarm doesn't start from cold - it comes from hot that is cooling. My hot baths are sometimes too hot to even get in to, but over time without adding more hot water, it becomes lukewarm and then cold. There are times when we are tired, we are uncertain of God's timing and we just don't feel like worshiping. But we have to keep adding to the fire - going to the next level. Constant thirst, constant prayer, constant worship, constant love.
I found this verse...Revelations 3:15-16 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
With a little more reading, I found that this was to the Church of Laodicea, the wealthiest of the seven cities, known for the banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school. But the city had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. But by the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool - only lukewarm. The church had become as bland as the water. Lukewarm water doesn't make a good drink. These believers didn't take a stand for anything; indifference had led to idleness. By neglecting to do anything for Christ, the church had become hardened and self satisfied and it was destroying itself. We, as Christians, do not want to become half hearted, self sufficient Christians. We need Christ to light up our faith and get us into actions.
This has had me thinking for the last couple of weeks - why am I not completely on fire for God the way I want to be? I go to church every Sunday, Bible study every Wed, listen to Christian music in my car, read my Bible, take notes, and have a desire to contribute in ways to glorify God. However, I find myself struggling for that flame. If your fire is starting to go out, how do you get it back? For me personally, I need to take a stand for my faith and not just go through the actions of a Christian, but I need to make some MAJOR changes in how I live my life. While I realize that none of us are perfect in how we live and I am ok with that...I do some things in my life that others may see as hypocritical. That is the last thing I want someone to think of when they think of me.
I have friends that are believers and some are nonbelievers. I tend to play it "safe" so I don't offend anyone. I try to stay moderate and temperate for those people. I have recently posted on my Instagram about Natalie Grant leaving the Grammys because she was uncomfortable. If it was me, would I have had the courage to do the same? I was even a little hesitant to post about that because I didn't want to offend anyone. While I didn't watch the show, I did see pieces of it on the news, and I do not blame this lady for leaving...I applaud her. I could not believe some of the things that were happening on that stage. As a Christian, I should not be supporting this type of behavior or performances. When I started thinking, I realized that I spent almost 200 dollars last January to go see Justin Bieber in concert. Can you imagine what 200 dollars could do for the ministry my church has in Kenya to help teenage girls out of forced prostitution. Ouch. That cut deep. What am I doing by making a celebrity more important than work in a ministry. I also got an end of the year letter from my church that had the amount of money I tithed in 2013. Ouch. That dug even deeper. Everything I have is from Him, and I haven't trusted in Him enough to give back.
I found an article online about a lukewarm person...
2. Your prayers can be best described as “emergency flares” rather than open and consistent communication with God.
3. Corporate worship is optional. You mix it in when it doesn’t interfere with anything else.
4. Corporate worship is social and strategic. It’s a place to see friends, share your frustrations about politics, and maybe even schedule a business meeting or two.
5. Your “Religion” is more about form and tradition than it is about a relationship with the living God..
6. You say that you are a Christian, but it has little or no impact on the way you live.
7. You give money to charity and church as long as it doesn't impinge on your standard of living.
8. You tend to choose what is popular over what is right when in conflict.
9. You are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet do not act. You assume acts are for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm Christians call "radical" what Jesus expected all of His followers to do.
10. You gauge your morality or "goodness" by comparing yourself to others. You are satisfied when you aren't as hard core for Jesus as that one person, but not as horrible as that other person.
11. You love Jesus and He is a part of your life, but he isn't allowed to be in control of your life.
12. You are thankful for your luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor except as at Christmas or special times.
The Bible is full of examples of people who were hot, cold, or lukewarm for God. In each case, there are lessons we can learn from their lives. I urge you to take a moment tonight and ask God for a fire in your life for Him. Replace all the empty promises of the world, and replace them with a desire and a longing to walk with Him.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Bold and Courageous - Story of Abigail
I am so excited to share the story of one of my favorite women in the Bible. Abigail! This is also the name my future daughter will have, should the Lord someday decide to bless me with one. I love her patience, humbleness, loyalty, her commitment to her family, and her boldness. She possesses so many of the qualities that I pray for on a daily basis.
-We find the story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail was in a circumstance that no one would envy. Married to a foolish man, looking at a promise from David to destroy her household and her. And yet she found boldness to get beyond this hopeless situation.
-A quick summary of the story....
She is married to a fool named Nabal...his name literally means fool. Nabal was a wealthy man and in this story he was shearing sheep on his property in Carmel. David was in the desert and heard this, and sent men to go there and greet him. In those times, hospitality demanded that travelers be fed, and so David requested this. He was not asking for a handout, but he was asking for them to be fed, because his men were protecting Nabal's work force and part of his prosperity was due to David's vigilance. Nabal rudely refused the request and the men went back and reported every word to David. Keep in mind that this was the future king of Israel and he knew that, and he still refused this common courtesy to him. David was furious and told his men to put on their swords and four hundred men went back with him. One of the servants went to Abigail and told her what had happened...That these good men that protected their land and that were good to them were refused this courtesy, and that David was coming back to obliterate their household. Abigail took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs (a measuring unit) of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. She told her servants to go on and she would follow. But she did not tell her husband. As she was riding, she met David coming towards her, and she got off the donkey and bowed to him with her face to the ground. She explained that Nabal was a fool and that she did not see the men come to the land and asked him not to harm her household. David responds saying, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak." He accepted what she had brought and sent her home in peace. When Abigail got home, Nabal was drunk and she told him nothing until the next day because of this. When she had told him what happened, the Bible states his heart failed him and he became like stone. Ten days later, the Lord struck him and he died. David sent for Abigail to be his wife and she went to him, and became his wife.
Abigail found her boldness in humility. God gave her a humble heart to overcome her husband's actions and boldly approach the king looking for mercy.
- Circumstance 1 - Her Marriage (her life)
We see that Abigail was a woman of "good understanding." She knew what her marriage vows were and she meant them. She built her home and watched over it. Abigail was faithful to her husband despite his foolishness.
-Circumstance 2 - Facing Death
Nabal put her life on the line. She was facing a death sentence. Imagine how she felt when her servant came to her and told her what her husband had done.
- Circumstance 3 - Acting in Faith
Abigail took inventory of the situation and claimed courage from God and then saved lives. I love how Abigail went to David and humbled herself and bowed before him. Please go in your Bible and read what she said to David in 1 Samuel 25:23-31. You will see why I am so impressed with this lady. It is a key part of this story!
Remember, no matter what situation you are facing, God will supply the script you need for that situation. I know this is something I pray for. I find myself continually at a loss for words and hold back in a lot of situations for fear of not knowing the right things to say. Our circumstances may be different from Abigail's but the solution is the same. Abigail could have taken the easy way out and ran from the situation but it doesn't take a lot of boldness to run away. Remember the story I wrote about Esther recently. This was Abigail's "Esther moment" - God had prepared Abigail for a times such as this. He used her and she was a willing vessel. He orchestrates our lives so perfectly to use us and our talents.
Not every circumstance comes from God but every circumstance does come with God ready to give you boldness to act in faith!
And I leave you with a song....Mark and I have listened to this song on repeat in the car. Our favorite :) click the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g
-We find the story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail was in a circumstance that no one would envy. Married to a foolish man, looking at a promise from David to destroy her household and her. And yet she found boldness to get beyond this hopeless situation.
-A quick summary of the story....
She is married to a fool named Nabal...his name literally means fool. Nabal was a wealthy man and in this story he was shearing sheep on his property in Carmel. David was in the desert and heard this, and sent men to go there and greet him. In those times, hospitality demanded that travelers be fed, and so David requested this. He was not asking for a handout, but he was asking for them to be fed, because his men were protecting Nabal's work force and part of his prosperity was due to David's vigilance. Nabal rudely refused the request and the men went back and reported every word to David. Keep in mind that this was the future king of Israel and he knew that, and he still refused this common courtesy to him. David was furious and told his men to put on their swords and four hundred men went back with him. One of the servants went to Abigail and told her what had happened...That these good men that protected their land and that were good to them were refused this courtesy, and that David was coming back to obliterate their household. Abigail took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs (a measuring unit) of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. She told her servants to go on and she would follow. But she did not tell her husband. As she was riding, she met David coming towards her, and she got off the donkey and bowed to him with her face to the ground. She explained that Nabal was a fool and that she did not see the men come to the land and asked him not to harm her household. David responds saying, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak." He accepted what she had brought and sent her home in peace. When Abigail got home, Nabal was drunk and she told him nothing until the next day because of this. When she had told him what happened, the Bible states his heart failed him and he became like stone. Ten days later, the Lord struck him and he died. David sent for Abigail to be his wife and she went to him, and became his wife.
Abigail found her boldness in humility. God gave her a humble heart to overcome her husband's actions and boldly approach the king looking for mercy.
- Circumstance 1 - Her Marriage (her life)
We see that Abigail was a woman of "good understanding." She knew what her marriage vows were and she meant them. She built her home and watched over it. Abigail was faithful to her husband despite his foolishness.
-Circumstance 2 - Facing Death
Nabal put her life on the line. She was facing a death sentence. Imagine how she felt when her servant came to her and told her what her husband had done.
- Circumstance 3 - Acting in Faith
Abigail took inventory of the situation and claimed courage from God and then saved lives. I love how Abigail went to David and humbled herself and bowed before him. Please go in your Bible and read what she said to David in 1 Samuel 25:23-31. You will see why I am so impressed with this lady. It is a key part of this story!
Remember, no matter what situation you are facing, God will supply the script you need for that situation. I know this is something I pray for. I find myself continually at a loss for words and hold back in a lot of situations for fear of not knowing the right things to say. Our circumstances may be different from Abigail's but the solution is the same. Abigail could have taken the easy way out and ran from the situation but it doesn't take a lot of boldness to run away. Remember the story I wrote about Esther recently. This was Abigail's "Esther moment" - God had prepared Abigail for a times such as this. He used her and she was a willing vessel. He orchestrates our lives so perfectly to use us and our talents.
Not every circumstance comes from God but every circumstance does come with God ready to give you boldness to act in faith!
And I leave you with a song....Mark and I have listened to this song on repeat in the car. Our favorite :) click the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Psalm 139 "Too Wonderful For Me"
Psalm 139
Author: David
1. God is All-Seeing (verses 1-6)
2. God is All-Present (verses 7-10)
3. God is All-Powerful (verses 11-12)
4. God is All-Creative (verses 13-18)
5. God is All-Holy verses (19-24)
We have a God who is worthy of wonder! Any primitive thoughts we might have toward God are transcended by the reality of Him. We cannot grasp it. And yet, He remains intensely personal and gives intimate concern for each individual. This is a wonder in itself.
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
God knows us thoroughly, He knows our thoughts before we do. There is nothing about us that is hidden. We may be able to put on a show for others - but not God. We can be comforted knowing that even though He knows us better than anyone, He still loves us. And there may be times we are ashamed because He does know our hearts. Talk to Him and pray to Him as your Father - not some distant, far off being that doesn't know you or doesn't listen or care about you.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
God is onmipresent - He is everywhere. This reminds us that we can never be separated or lost from Him. Trials and tribulations may come, but there is never a question of His presence or hand upon us. Even in the darkest of our days, His light will shine through.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
My favorite :) God created us - He picked every hair upon our head. When I think of the joy and beauty of the birth of a child - your sweet children, I come to this verse. I have heard countless times from new parents that they can't possibly imagine someone not believing in God when they go through 9 months of pregnancy and childbirth. What a miracle and what an amazing experience for us to have. I used to pray to witness a miracle and realized when I see a new baby, I am seeing a miracle.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
This part of the passage is David's hatred for his enemies because of his love and devotion to the Lord. David regarded his enemies as God's enemies, so his hatred was a desire for God's righteous justice and not for personal vengeance. We must remember it is God who will deal with them, not us. Pray for those who don't know God.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
David is asking God to search his heart and thoughts and if there is anything not pleasing to Him, to point that out. Ask the Lord to search your heart and point out the ways that you are not glorifying Him. What a great way to end a prayer each day.
I tried to post a video in my previous post and it wouldn't open in the mobile version. So, I am going to try to just post a link for you to open this video. It is a song by Gateway worship called Psalm 139. Beautiful song about this passage. Take a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pkKoCaz8_E
Author: David
1. God is All-Seeing (verses 1-6)
2. God is All-Present (verses 7-10)
3. God is All-Powerful (verses 11-12)
4. God is All-Creative (verses 13-18)
5. God is All-Holy verses (19-24)
We have a God who is worthy of wonder! Any primitive thoughts we might have toward God are transcended by the reality of Him. We cannot grasp it. And yet, He remains intensely personal and gives intimate concern for each individual. This is a wonder in itself.
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
God knows us thoroughly, He knows our thoughts before we do. There is nothing about us that is hidden. We may be able to put on a show for others - but not God. We can be comforted knowing that even though He knows us better than anyone, He still loves us. And there may be times we are ashamed because He does know our hearts. Talk to Him and pray to Him as your Father - not some distant, far off being that doesn't know you or doesn't listen or care about you.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
God is onmipresent - He is everywhere. This reminds us that we can never be separated or lost from Him. Trials and tribulations may come, but there is never a question of His presence or hand upon us. Even in the darkest of our days, His light will shine through.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
My favorite :) God created us - He picked every hair upon our head. When I think of the joy and beauty of the birth of a child - your sweet children, I come to this verse. I have heard countless times from new parents that they can't possibly imagine someone not believing in God when they go through 9 months of pregnancy and childbirth. What a miracle and what an amazing experience for us to have. I used to pray to witness a miracle and realized when I see a new baby, I am seeing a miracle.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
This part of the passage is David's hatred for his enemies because of his love and devotion to the Lord. David regarded his enemies as God's enemies, so his hatred was a desire for God's righteous justice and not for personal vengeance. We must remember it is God who will deal with them, not us. Pray for those who don't know God.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
David is asking God to search his heart and thoughts and if there is anything not pleasing to Him, to point that out. Ask the Lord to search your heart and point out the ways that you are not glorifying Him. What a great way to end a prayer each day.
I tried to post a video in my previous post and it wouldn't open in the mobile version. So, I am going to try to just post a link for you to open this video. It is a song by Gateway worship called Psalm 139. Beautiful song about this passage. Take a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pkKoCaz8_E
Friday, January 3, 2014
"Where words fail, music speaks"
Happy Friday friends :) Just wanted to share a quick video of the talented Rachel Rizzuti singing the song Blessed. Rachel was the children's worship leader at Biltmore Baptist for about five years, and I had the pleasure of getting to know her when I worked in the children's ministry. I am sure some of you have heard me mention her previously as she was one of my favorites. She recently left to pursue music and released her first album on iTunes this week, and this song is one of the tracks on it. It is a great reminder that no matter what happens in our lives, we are blessed just to know Jesus Christ and feel His presence in our lives. Please take the next 4 minutes and 28 seconds to listen to this awesome song. You won't regret it.
Lyrics
I may never climb a mountain
So I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves
And taste the salty ocean air
So I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves
And taste the salty ocean air
Or build a bridge
That would last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear
That would last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear
I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed
All along the road less traveled
I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain
Until I found the sun
I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain
Until I found the sun
The watching eyes, ask me why?
I walk this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today
I walk this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today
I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed
You've given me joy, You've given me love
You give me strength when I want to give up
You came from Heaven to rescue my soul
This is the reason I know, I know
Oh, oh, oh, oh, know
You give me strength when I want to give up
You came from Heaven to rescue my soul
This is the reason I know, I know
Oh, oh, oh, oh, know
I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best, oh, ooh, oh
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Till I lay my head to rest, I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best, oh, ooh, oh
Oh, Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed, I am blessed
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Quick Daily Devotional - "A Dare"
Happy New Years!! I can't believe 2013 has come and gone. I can definitely say that it was such a rewarding year full of fun and excitement. There have been challenges along the way, but I am thankful to have them, because they are where my real growth has happened. Our lives are all changing, and I am so thankful that the love and friendships that we all share are growing. Nothing has been sweeter than seeing my friends and family grow in life and in their families. It truly melts my heart to see.
As this New Year starts, I want to challenge you! As you begin this new year in your life - I challenge you to Dare to see yourself as Jesus does...
That's right...A living, breathing, imperfect but beautiful, human being, cleansed in His blood. He sees you as He created you to be - not the faults and doubts we all see in ourselves. Instead of focusing on faults and failures, see yourselves as a daughter of the King. Guilt, shame, doubt - throw it all away! Psalm 34:5 tells us that "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame." Our past mistakes, faults, guilt or whatever deceit we carry with us, does not define who we are anymore. Who we are in Christ does.
I am sure most of us as children learned the song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" Well, the moment we accept Christ, that radiance - His light - is in us, and when we live and walk with Him, that light will shine in us. How comforting and wondrous it is to know that the power of the Holy Spirit lives inside us. One of my favorite songs to sing is about how the same power that conquered the grave - the holiest, highest power - lives inside us. What a wonderful, mysterious miracle. That alone, deserves a moment of thanks. Thank you Lord for such an amazing gift and for all the promises You have given us.
As you go throughout your day, look inside yourselves for that spirit to guide you through. We all have those hard days when we feel that the bottom is going to fall out - in those moments, look for that spirit. I promise you are stronger than you could ever imagine because you have HIS light inside you. Take the Lords hand and talk to Him, and He will walk you through those days. You will hear me a million times quote one of my favorite verses from scripture Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Hold on to that everyday, and say it to yourselves over and over. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!!
Lots of love to you and can't wait to see what 2014 has in store :)
As this New Year starts, I want to challenge you! As you begin this new year in your life - I challenge you to Dare to see yourself as Jesus does...
That's right...A living, breathing, imperfect but beautiful, human being, cleansed in His blood. He sees you as He created you to be - not the faults and doubts we all see in ourselves. Instead of focusing on faults and failures, see yourselves as a daughter of the King. Guilt, shame, doubt - throw it all away! Psalm 34:5 tells us that "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame." Our past mistakes, faults, guilt or whatever deceit we carry with us, does not define who we are anymore. Who we are in Christ does.
I am sure most of us as children learned the song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" Well, the moment we accept Christ, that radiance - His light - is in us, and when we live and walk with Him, that light will shine in us. How comforting and wondrous it is to know that the power of the Holy Spirit lives inside us. One of my favorite songs to sing is about how the same power that conquered the grave - the holiest, highest power - lives inside us. What a wonderful, mysterious miracle. That alone, deserves a moment of thanks. Thank you Lord for such an amazing gift and for all the promises You have given us.
As you go throughout your day, look inside yourselves for that spirit to guide you through. We all have those hard days when we feel that the bottom is going to fall out - in those moments, look for that spirit. I promise you are stronger than you could ever imagine because you have HIS light inside you. Take the Lords hand and talk to Him, and He will walk you through those days. You will hear me a million times quote one of my favorite verses from scripture Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Hold on to that everyday, and say it to yourselves over and over. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!!
Lots of love to you and can't wait to see what 2014 has in store :)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
"Such a time as this" - Book of Esther
How many of us have ever struggled through a hard time in our lives and thought to ourselves, "Where is God? Why isn't he showing Himself to me?" And how many of us have ever had someone tell us during these times that everything thing happens for a reason and that God has a plan for us.
Many many years ago (around 483 B.C.) there was a Cinderella story that took place in Persia about a beautiful, Jewish girl named Esther who went from being an orphan uncertain about her future, to a queen that changed a nation. This book in the Bible is known for its drama, romance and intrigue. So many of us think the Bible is full of stories that are not relative to our modern day lives or let's be honest, that are just boring. This is so far from the truth. I want to break down a quick (as possible) version of the Book of Esther. This book does not mention the name of God at all but you can see God working throughout the book in many ways. I love this story because we see God's sovereignty and control played out so meticulously.
The story begins with King Xerxes having a banquet for all his nobles and officials lasting about six months. That's right, six months! After this banquet ended, he had another banquet for seven days for all the people who were in the palace of Susa. These banquets consisted of lots of wine and displays of the kings wealth and power. King Xerxes in a drunken state, sent for his wife, Queen Vashti, to come wearing her crown in order to display her beauty to the people. Queen Vashti refused and the king extremely angry at her refusal, signs a decree that Vashti is never again to enter his presence. He then put out a search for beautiful young virgins to replace the queen. All these young girls were brought to a harem (a separate building near the kings palace) where they awaited to please the king.
This is where we meet Mordecai. His family had been carried into exile from Jerusalem and when his aunt and uncle died, he adopted Esther, also known as Hadassah. He brought her to the kings palace, to the man in charge of the harem, and he was so pleased with her, that he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem. Per Mordecai's orders, Esther did not reveal her nationality or background. In those times, before a girl was brought to the king, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics. Whew, that is serious!! When she was finally brought forth to King Xerxes, she won favor with him and he made her his queen. This is the point in the story that we start to see God setting up His plan. He has started planting the seeds.
The next part in the passage shows how Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes, and he reports it to Queen Esther who in turn reports it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The report was investigated and found to be true and the guilty party was hanged. All this was recorded in the books. Now Mordecai just happened to be sitting at the king's gate and overheard this plan. He was at the right place at the right time. Again we see God moving to set up for the next part of the plan.
Then, we meet the villian, Haman. He was given a high seat of honor above all other nobles, and all the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to him as the king had ordered. However, Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Hamans ancestors were ancient enemies of the Jews, and Mordecai would not bow down to this wicked man. What a valuable lesson we can learn from Mordecai. We don't always have to do what everyone else is doing. It is important to be strong in our beliefs ,and we must only worship one God and that is the one true God. Our Haman may come in many different forms...celebrities, money, pride, anything that we put before God in our lives. We must be careful to never let anything take the place of God. Back to the story...Haman was enraged at this behavior, and after learning Mordecai's background, he sought out a way to kill Mordecai and all of his people (the Jews). We can see Haman's downward spiral in this story. His hatred and desire for power and authority consumes him. This is him putting something else as his number one in life and not God. Haman went to the king and tricked him into giving him his signet ring to do as he pleased. Back then, officials used signet rings as personal signatures. It was a raised imprint made of metal, wood or bone and Xerxes name was probably made of silver or gold. By giving this to Haman, Xerxes gave him his personal signature and authority to do whatever he wished. Little did the king know that he had just signed a death warrant for his queen. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with orders to destroy, kill, annihilate all the Jews - young and old, women and children - on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, and to rob them of their goods. We knowt his plan was doomed from the get go - if Haman had been successful in this plot, God's plan to send Jesus Christ (a Jew) to earth would have been ruined. God is the almighty powerful God and no one can interfere with His plan.
When Mordecai learns of Haman's wicked plot, he tears his clothes and goes into mourning, lying in sackcloth and ashes at the king's gate. This is as close as he can get to Esther, as it is unlawful for anyone to enter the palace grounds in sackcloth. As the plan spreads throughout the kingdom, many other Jews also go in to mourning with Mordeaci by fasting, weeping, and wailing. When Esther learns of her cousin, she sends him new clothes to cover him, but Mordecai refuses them, so she sent someone to find out what was troubling him. Mordecai responds, instructing her what she must do, and also sending along a copy of the king's decree. Mordecai states that she is to go before the king and beg him to spare their people. Esther responds that if she goes before the king without being called, she may very well lose her life! And the king had not called for Esther for thirty days. Mordecai warns her that even though she is queen, she will not be safe either. This is where we hear the key verse from this book... "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and our father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a times as this?" It is then that Esther makes her important decision and instructs him to gather all the Jews and to fast for her and that she and her maids will also do this, and she agrees to go to the king. What a powerful part of the story! Esther is risking her life to do what is right. Not many of us would risk our lives for someone or something else. What a courageous, strong woman Esther is. This is also a point where we see God. She instructed that they fast and that she fast as well. With fasting comes prayer to God :)
Esther approaches the king on his throne and he gave her his permission to approach him. He then asked what she requests. She asked him to come with Haman to a banquet that she has prepared for him. The king agrees to this, and at the banquet he asked what it is she requests. She answers that if he will regard her with favor and come with Haman to a banquet the next day, she will then answer his question. Esther teaches us the importance of patience. This is the lesson that I need! Esther is wise beyond her years. She is thinking this through and being very careful with how she handles the situation. She is fasting, praying and letting God take the lead. She is being obedient and patient. While she is patient, we also see that she is taking action. So after this banquet, Haman is seen bragging to his friends about his favor with the king and his wife. He is still not satisfied as long has Mordecai is still sitting at the kings gate, and his friends tell him to have gallows built to have Mordecai hanged on, and then to go to the dinner and have a good time. This is exactly what he did.
That night, the king couldn't sleep so he ordered the book of records to be brought in. He discovers the story of Mordecai uncovering the assassination plot and asked what he had received in honor of this. The attendants tell him nothing. The king summons Haman and asked him what should be done for a man the king delights to honor. Haman, thinking the king is referring to him, answers to have them a royal robe and horse and led through the city streets to be honored. The king then tells him to go and do just that for Mordecai. After this is done, his wife and advisers tell him that if he stands against Mordecai, then he will surely be ruined. At that time, the kings men came and took him away to the banquet with the king and Esther.
At dinner, the king again asked for the request of Esther. She then answers that she would like her people spared from slaughter and annihilation. King Xerxes asked who has dared such a thing and she reveals that Haman was behind the plot. The king went in to a rage and Haman was terrified realizing that his fate had already been decided. As the king went out to the garden, Haman stayed behind begging Queen Esther for his life.The king ordered him to be hung on the gallow that he had made for Mordecai.
After this, Esther revealed her kinship to Mordecai and he was given the kings signet ring and was appointed over Hamans estate. Esther then pleaded for him to put an end to the evil plan. Since no decree sealed with the signet could be reversed, the king signed a new law giving the Jews the right to fight back and protect themselves. The Jews struck down all their enemies, and the Feast of Purim, a Jewish holiday in celebration for God's victory and deliverance of His people, is established.
I tried to summarize the story as much as possible but it was hard, so if you haven't already, read the Book of Esther. Awesome story! You truly can see God working over time to build this story. He is in control at all times and leads and directs the lives of these people. We have circumstances in our lives that can be difficult and we may not see the bigger picture, but we should always know God is in complete control of our lives. He specifically places us in situations for a reason. It may be a social situation, a job, a church, etc. Take the time to slow down and listen to what it is He is trying to tell you. He is never absent and Jeremiah 29:11 promises us that his plans are for us to prosper and not to harm us. Hold on to that promise during trials and know that He too, has put you in the place He wants you to be, for such a time as this.
Many many years ago (around 483 B.C.) there was a Cinderella story that took place in Persia about a beautiful, Jewish girl named Esther who went from being an orphan uncertain about her future, to a queen that changed a nation. This book in the Bible is known for its drama, romance and intrigue. So many of us think the Bible is full of stories that are not relative to our modern day lives or let's be honest, that are just boring. This is so far from the truth. I want to break down a quick (as possible) version of the Book of Esther. This book does not mention the name of God at all but you can see God working throughout the book in many ways. I love this story because we see God's sovereignty and control played out so meticulously.
The story begins with King Xerxes having a banquet for all his nobles and officials lasting about six months. That's right, six months! After this banquet ended, he had another banquet for seven days for all the people who were in the palace of Susa. These banquets consisted of lots of wine and displays of the kings wealth and power. King Xerxes in a drunken state, sent for his wife, Queen Vashti, to come wearing her crown in order to display her beauty to the people. Queen Vashti refused and the king extremely angry at her refusal, signs a decree that Vashti is never again to enter his presence. He then put out a search for beautiful young virgins to replace the queen. All these young girls were brought to a harem (a separate building near the kings palace) where they awaited to please the king.
This is where we meet Mordecai. His family had been carried into exile from Jerusalem and when his aunt and uncle died, he adopted Esther, also known as Hadassah. He brought her to the kings palace, to the man in charge of the harem, and he was so pleased with her, that he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem. Per Mordecai's orders, Esther did not reveal her nationality or background. In those times, before a girl was brought to the king, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics. Whew, that is serious!! When she was finally brought forth to King Xerxes, she won favor with him and he made her his queen. This is the point in the story that we start to see God setting up His plan. He has started planting the seeds.
The next part in the passage shows how Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes, and he reports it to Queen Esther who in turn reports it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The report was investigated and found to be true and the guilty party was hanged. All this was recorded in the books. Now Mordecai just happened to be sitting at the king's gate and overheard this plan. He was at the right place at the right time. Again we see God moving to set up for the next part of the plan.
Then, we meet the villian, Haman. He was given a high seat of honor above all other nobles, and all the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to him as the king had ordered. However, Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Hamans ancestors were ancient enemies of the Jews, and Mordecai would not bow down to this wicked man. What a valuable lesson we can learn from Mordecai. We don't always have to do what everyone else is doing. It is important to be strong in our beliefs ,and we must only worship one God and that is the one true God. Our Haman may come in many different forms...celebrities, money, pride, anything that we put before God in our lives. We must be careful to never let anything take the place of God. Back to the story...Haman was enraged at this behavior, and after learning Mordecai's background, he sought out a way to kill Mordecai and all of his people (the Jews). We can see Haman's downward spiral in this story. His hatred and desire for power and authority consumes him. This is him putting something else as his number one in life and not God. Haman went to the king and tricked him into giving him his signet ring to do as he pleased. Back then, officials used signet rings as personal signatures. It was a raised imprint made of metal, wood or bone and Xerxes name was probably made of silver or gold. By giving this to Haman, Xerxes gave him his personal signature and authority to do whatever he wished. Little did the king know that he had just signed a death warrant for his queen. Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with orders to destroy, kill, annihilate all the Jews - young and old, women and children - on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, and to rob them of their goods. We knowt his plan was doomed from the get go - if Haman had been successful in this plot, God's plan to send Jesus Christ (a Jew) to earth would have been ruined. God is the almighty powerful God and no one can interfere with His plan.
When Mordecai learns of Haman's wicked plot, he tears his clothes and goes into mourning, lying in sackcloth and ashes at the king's gate. This is as close as he can get to Esther, as it is unlawful for anyone to enter the palace grounds in sackcloth. As the plan spreads throughout the kingdom, many other Jews also go in to mourning with Mordeaci by fasting, weeping, and wailing. When Esther learns of her cousin, she sends him new clothes to cover him, but Mordecai refuses them, so she sent someone to find out what was troubling him. Mordecai responds, instructing her what she must do, and also sending along a copy of the king's decree. Mordecai states that she is to go before the king and beg him to spare their people. Esther responds that if she goes before the king without being called, she may very well lose her life! And the king had not called for Esther for thirty days. Mordecai warns her that even though she is queen, she will not be safe either. This is where we hear the key verse from this book... "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and our father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a times as this?" It is then that Esther makes her important decision and instructs him to gather all the Jews and to fast for her and that she and her maids will also do this, and she agrees to go to the king. What a powerful part of the story! Esther is risking her life to do what is right. Not many of us would risk our lives for someone or something else. What a courageous, strong woman Esther is. This is also a point where we see God. She instructed that they fast and that she fast as well. With fasting comes prayer to God :)
Esther approaches the king on his throne and he gave her his permission to approach him. He then asked what she requests. She asked him to come with Haman to a banquet that she has prepared for him. The king agrees to this, and at the banquet he asked what it is she requests. She answers that if he will regard her with favor and come with Haman to a banquet the next day, she will then answer his question. Esther teaches us the importance of patience. This is the lesson that I need! Esther is wise beyond her years. She is thinking this through and being very careful with how she handles the situation. She is fasting, praying and letting God take the lead. She is being obedient and patient. While she is patient, we also see that she is taking action. So after this banquet, Haman is seen bragging to his friends about his favor with the king and his wife. He is still not satisfied as long has Mordecai is still sitting at the kings gate, and his friends tell him to have gallows built to have Mordecai hanged on, and then to go to the dinner and have a good time. This is exactly what he did.
That night, the king couldn't sleep so he ordered the book of records to be brought in. He discovers the story of Mordecai uncovering the assassination plot and asked what he had received in honor of this. The attendants tell him nothing. The king summons Haman and asked him what should be done for a man the king delights to honor. Haman, thinking the king is referring to him, answers to have them a royal robe and horse and led through the city streets to be honored. The king then tells him to go and do just that for Mordecai. After this is done, his wife and advisers tell him that if he stands against Mordecai, then he will surely be ruined. At that time, the kings men came and took him away to the banquet with the king and Esther.
At dinner, the king again asked for the request of Esther. She then answers that she would like her people spared from slaughter and annihilation. King Xerxes asked who has dared such a thing and she reveals that Haman was behind the plot. The king went in to a rage and Haman was terrified realizing that his fate had already been decided. As the king went out to the garden, Haman stayed behind begging Queen Esther for his life.The king ordered him to be hung on the gallow that he had made for Mordecai.
After this, Esther revealed her kinship to Mordecai and he was given the kings signet ring and was appointed over Hamans estate. Esther then pleaded for him to put an end to the evil plan. Since no decree sealed with the signet could be reversed, the king signed a new law giving the Jews the right to fight back and protect themselves. The Jews struck down all their enemies, and the Feast of Purim, a Jewish holiday in celebration for God's victory and deliverance of His people, is established.
I tried to summarize the story as much as possible but it was hard, so if you haven't already, read the Book of Esther. Awesome story! You truly can see God working over time to build this story. He is in control at all times and leads and directs the lives of these people. We have circumstances in our lives that can be difficult and we may not see the bigger picture, but we should always know God is in complete control of our lives. He specifically places us in situations for a reason. It may be a social situation, a job, a church, etc. Take the time to slow down and listen to what it is He is trying to tell you. He is never absent and Jeremiah 29:11 promises us that his plans are for us to prosper and not to harm us. Hold on to that promise during trials and know that He too, has put you in the place He wants you to be, for such a time as this.
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