God Understands

Hebrews 4:15,16
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.

Why is that often when we're struggling with something that we think that God doesn't understand? I know that I have been guilty of it in the past as well. Why do we think that because Jesus walked this earth two thousand years ago, that he doesn't understand his own creation and what we go through today? Are our trials and temptations really all that different than what Jesus went through? Paul says no. We would be reluctant to admit it, but aren't we then in a sense doubting God? We trust that his blood cleansed us from our unrighteousness and our hope of eternity lies in him, why do we think that he won't understand our trials?

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hey!

I'm sorry I haven't gotten many solid posts in lately. I've been busy with a very full schedule. I have been learning so much and at the same seeing that I know absolutely nothing. I've been seeing how I need to be still and know that he is God and that by waiting on him, I'll renew my strength. I would just like to ask for everyone's prayers. I'm going through something right now that will no doubt change my life forever. I need wisdom, understanding, and to know that even if I don't understand, God knows what he's doing. He will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me.

I offer my thanks in advance and God bless you all.

Something Interesting

Yesterday was really a great day. Some of us youth went to Jaffa and walked right through all the trails. Some areas were really icy, but the weather was beautiful and me and a friend had some wonderful discussions.

I came across a verse yesterday that I found really interesting.
1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

First of all, please don't get me wrong; exercise is absolutely great. But, I find that often people (I'm not just speaking to guys here because girls are bad for it too) strive so hard to attain a particular level of physical strength. In many cases, it becomes an idol when they put so much energy into this. Godliness is so much more profitable. Yes, working out may contribute greatly to our physical health and length of life, but spending time in God's word will give you much longer life.

In closing I would like to leave you with one more verse.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

God Bless!

Merry Christmas

Just stopping by to wish everyone a very blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wisdom

"As we trust God to give us wisdom for today's decisions, He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future."
- Theodore Epp

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Some Random Post

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil. 4:4)

This might just be a really random post with all sorts of blabbering, but hey, sometimes that's what I like. I wrote my exam today and it's very relieving to have that off my shoulders right before Christmas. It was a good reminder that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13)

Philippians 1:21
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

As you may have noticed I've been reading through Philippians. But the reason I added that verse above was because I'm not quite sure really what it means. I get the "to die is gain" part but what does it mean "For me to live is Christ,"? Any comments or ideas or wisdom will be gladly accepted. I hear this verse a lot but what does it really mean?

"Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way."
- Oswald Chambers

So there's just a few things I wanted to say. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil. 4:8) God bless you and keep you. Merry Christmas!

God's Best

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be."
- C.S. Lewis

Snow, And More Snow

So I woke up this morning to that lovely pinging sound of ice pellets on my window. After a thick layer of ice, several inches of snow. Since you couldn't exactly tell where the road was, we decided it was probably a good idea to stay home from church, which may I say, felt a little awkward, but I finished studying for my exam on Wednesday, which was a great relief.

This morning, I was reading in Ephesians and there I came across a passage that I think we can all apply to our daily lives.

Ephesians 6:5-8
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in singleness of heart, as unto Christ,
Not with eyeservice as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

How often when we have a job to do, or are doing our chores when no one else is around, it's so easy to quickly skim over it. No, Mom might not find out, but God still knows and it's from Him that we will receive our reward. Think about this the coming week and go the "extra mile." If you're asked to do something, do it thoroughly and more. If you aren't asked to do something, but see that it needs to be done, do it. Take on someone else's chores out of love for them or just simply to bless them so that they have one less thing on their "to do" list.

GUESS WHAT, GUESS WHAT, GUESS WHAT?!!!
My birthday is in two weeks! Okay, so that was really random.

I would just ask for everyone's prayers. I'm going through something right now that I'm not quite sure how to handle. Whatever it may be, I want God's will to be done. It may be very hard, but I know that it will be best, even if I don't see it now.

God bless you and keep you.

"Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Eph. 3:20,21)

Excuses, Excuses!

But I have a really good one!

I know I haven't posted in a week, but I have been really busy getting ready for my Grade 11 University Math Exam and it's often really hard to get in some quality study time. Overall, my week has been absolutely AMAZING! It started Sunday night when some of us youth had a time of sharing. The discussion just pinpointed all the sin and faults in my life that were standing in the way of a true and intimate relationship with God. But the joy in being surrendered and obedient to the will of God I can't even begin to describe.

In my devotions this past week or so, I've seen what faith and obedience really is. We see this with Abraham when God asks him to offer Isaac. I'm sure he was very grieved, but he did not question God. He just got up in the morning and was faithful and obedient to what was asked of him.

Reading the account of Joseph was really encouraging as well. I'm sure many of you are very familiar with the story and all that Joseph went through; being sold to the Egyptians, being put in prison, then interpreting Pharaoh's dream, and soon he was the governor of Egypt. There were the seven years of plenty and the in the second year of famine his brothers come to Egypt to buy food. So he was there without seeing or hearing anything from his family for a LONG time. In the end when he finally reveals himself to his brothers, he see the "bigger picture" as I like to call it. He tells his brothers not to be grieved and angry with themselves and says, "but God did send me before you to preserve life." No, he may not have understood the trial and hardship that he went through, but it seems that it was worth it in the end when he was reconciled to his brothers.

I know this post is getting long, but I just have to share something else. I was just thinking today about the love of God and I was reminded of the hymn "The Love of God" by Frederick M. Lehman. This man understood that even in writing a hymn about the love of God that there was no way he could describe it. I just love the last verse where it says:

Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Tho stretched from sky to sky.

On this earth, I don't think we'll ever grasp how great God's love is. Take this thought with you for the next few days and see where it might take you.

Good-bye for now. No promises on when I'll have a chance to post again but God be with you and uphold you and bless you abundantly.

I Am Weak, But Thou Art Strong

2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Dropping By...

...to say hi!

There, now I have posted again.

(This has got to be my "cheesiest" post ever.)

Wow!

I would like to share a few portions of scripture that I just read that really made me say, "Wow! What an awesome God I have!"

2 Corinthians 6:4-10
But in all things approving yourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Well, it's time for me to go, so God bless you all and have a great upcoming week.

Dropping By

Well, since I haven't posted in a week, I figured I would drop by again for a few minutes. Nothing new going on but very busy as always.

2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

May this be an encouragement to us!

If you have any ideas for my blog, what you would like me to post, or anything you would like to know, just leave me a comment. But for now, I say good-bye and may God bless you and keep you all.

Where Am I?

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

To understand this post a little better, you might want to read my previous one. It seems that I'm finally starting to see the victory from this battle over the last few weeks. Maybe, I've learned to wait and listen a lot more. It's easy to say "Why?" but if you wait and listen, you'll get an answer. From the trial that seemed to me so dreadful, I have learned so much. Most importantly, I think I've learned to ask, "Where am I?" This may sound like a very strange question to ask, and to be honest I asked it out of much confusion and emotional turmoil. To different people it will mean different things. Lately, it seems that my life is so busy and looking ahead at the next few weeks it seems so much busier and it feels like I have no time to slow down a little and figure out where I am in my walk with God. You get so busy that it is hard to know where you really are and you feel like you're at a standstill. I also find myself looking at others and thinking, "Wow, if only I was there!" Then it almost seems like you're trying to be somebody else but soon you have to ask, "Where am I?" I think it's very important to examine ourselves and see where we really are and not deceive ourselves and others into thinking that we're more than we really are.

God Bless and have a great week!

A Few Thoughts

Hey everyone! Seeing as I haven't posted in awhile, I figured I'd drop in for a few minutes. Not much has changed; still babysitting and homeschooling, and well, very busy as always. Yesterday, the youth went to a Baptist church in Waterford to listen to a Fehr family from Alberta sing.

Something that God has been showing me is that you can't enjoy the victory until you have fought the battle. You may recognize that from a church sign and sorry that it wasn't my own, but this opened up a big topic for thought. So often I have a small trial or temptation that comes my way and I get discouraged right away and want God to take it away. I feel disappointed when he seems to say, "No my child, you need to go through this." It often makes me say, "Why? How can this be for my good? Won't it do damage?" But we know that all things work out for good to them that love God, even if we don't see it ourselves. God does not ask us to always understand, but he does want us to trust him and be obedient. When we don't, as much as we wouldn't want to admit it, we doubt God and his awesome power. Here is another fitting verse to go with that:

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God bless you all throughout your week and remember "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."(1 Cor. 10:31)

My God

What is God really like?

Nahum 1:2-8
God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
The LORD is good, and a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

Another Post

So, I haven't posted in a week so I figured I would share a few verses again.

Obadiah :3,4
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground.
Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1 Corinthians 1:31
...He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

What can separate us from the love of God?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isn't that amazing. Nothing can separate us from God's love.

Trials

Romans 5:3-5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

These verses were a great encouragement to me today. Our family is going through a really hard time right now and it is very hard to see the light. I ask you if you would pray for us continually.

Searching the Scriptures

Acts 17:11
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

What are we like? Do we just listen to whatever somebody tells us and believe it? Our do we make a priority to go to the Word daily and see for ourselves what it says?

Life

I would just like to share a verse that I read this morning that was a bit of a follow up to the message yesterday. It really made me think about what I value and where my heart is.

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
Acts 20:24

Another Post

I would just like to share a few verses that stuck out to me in the last few days. If you have any thoughts, feel free to leave a comment.

Acts 10:34,35
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted by him.

Isn't it absolutely wonderful that it doesn't matter who we are or where we come from? As many times as I have read these verses, I missed a very key point and that is it says "in every nation".

Daniel 3:25
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Acts 12:5, 7
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands.

Again we have a perfect picture of the power of prayer. But again we also see that it was in God's timing, not man's.

Acts 13:38,39
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Yes! The blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sin and unrighteousness.

The Glory of God

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly to heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,"
Acts 7:55

"And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
Ezekiel 43:2

This last verse just made me say "Wow!" It makes me think of a sunrise and an ocean at the same time. What does it mean to you?

And So...

Yes, I realize I haven't posted in a month. I have been busy with all sorts of things, mostly babysitting and schoolwork, but it really ties me down, especially when you're only home a few hours a day. I look forward to sharing all sorts of things as soon as I can find the time.

I was really blessed by the Family Life Seminar with the Wissmanns this last weekend. I must admit that at first I was kind of like, "This is just for couples and parents," but was soon amazed at how much I could apply to my own life. The time on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon with them was awesome, getting to know some of the girls a little more. I think many youth will agree.

Well, I still have homework to do, but keep your eyes open for another post soon! Smiles! :)

Trust in the Lord

"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:"
Jeremiah 32:17

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

I often wonder why we doubt God's awesome power. We think that He may leave us stranded in our troubles but fail to remember that He did create the universe, all the plants, and all the animals and tiny insects we've never heard of before, not to mention mankind, IN SIX DAYS. It seems as if God is continually reminding me of this and I seldom realize how little faith I have in my BIG God. Even so, He is always faithful.

Trust in the Lord

Wow, it really feels like I haven't posted in forever, and I'm sorry if that bothers anyone, but I don't want my posts to be empty either. I want to be blessing and so I desire that what I do share is meaningful and encouraging. But on to what I had to share.

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like a heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Jeremiah 17:5-9

This was an awesome encouragement to me. This week has really been a challenge in putting my trust in the Lord and He's had to remind me many times that He is God. He holds the whole universe in His hand so He can take care of my troubles. He is faithful, and having begun a good work, he will bring it to completion. Often we get so caught up in our problems that we fail to see "when good cometh" and we don't realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We don't notice that every day we are coming closer to the end. But blessed are we when we put our trust in the Lord, our salvation and deliverer, for then we will grow and bring forth much fruit. We can later thank and praise the Lord for that trial and the good work that He accomplished. I think we need to come to realize that God really does work in mysterious ways. He is not a God of logic and doesn't abide by rules and formulas but rather does as He pleases. I've noticed lately by looking at the course of events that have taken place in my life this past year and how it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. And yet at the same time, if even just one small event had been different, it would dramatically change where I am today and all the blessings and opportunities that God has granted.

Praise His holy name for He is worthy of all glory and honour.

Well...

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I've been a little busier this week since I started my school work. But it's good to be doing something different for a change. I didn't really have anything in particular to share but I figured that I should post something. I did really like what we talked about at Bible study on Tuesday night though, about growth.

Going to God in prayer daily. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Read God's Word daily. Acts 17:11
Obey God moment by moment. John 14:21
Witness for Christ in actions and words. Matthew 4:19
Trust God for every detail in your life. 1 Peter 5:7
Holy Spirit: allow Him to control and empower your daily witness. Galatians 5:16; Acts 1:8

I just thought that this was a great way how to describe how to grow in our spiritual walk. God bless!

Blessings From Isaiah

As those of you who read my blog may have noticed, I have been really encouraged reading through the book of Isaiah. So, rolling with the continued theme, here are some more verses that stuck out to me this past week.

"As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:"
Isaiah 52:14

"For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of the dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."
Isaiah 53:2-7

Despite the vivid description given in these verses, the first phrase that comes to mind is "the beauty of the cross." Physically, the image would be anything but beautiful. I don't think I could stomach watching the beatings and crucifixion of Jesus and yet the beauty so deeply lies in what He did for me and the love had for me in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We were only deserving of hell, but He was yet willing to bear the suffering so that we could be reconciled with our Father and Creator. As He earnestly prayed in the garden of Gethsemane that the cup pass from Him, He chose to be obedient to the Father's will.

"Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereunto I sent it."
Isaiah 55: 6-11

A Few Thoughts

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10

To me, this was just another reminder of God's faithfulness. I often wonder why I get worried so easily about such little things. God holds the whole universe in His hand and nothing ever happens that He is unaware of. He knows all things, all our worries, trials, and problems. We don't need to doubt that He will allow anything to befall us that we can't handle or that's not in his will, even if we don't always understand. He that has begun a good work will bring it to completion and all things work out for good to those that love Him.

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Mark 8:34-38

A Few Words From Isaiah

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Isaiah 40:3

"The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."
Isaiah 40:6-8

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
Isaiah 40:11

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Blessings

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."

And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.

I did not even go to see
The sick man next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."

But as I prayed, into my ear
There came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?

God's sweetest blessings always go
By hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
And I will live the way I pray."

Author Unknown

I was really encouraged when I read this poem. I have often found myself doing the same thing, asking God's blessing before I start each day. And yet, I fail to often try to be a blessing to those that so need it the most. I hope this encourages everyone that reads this to live out their prayers, to live for others, to "practice what you preach," to look for opportunities to bless and make a difference in the lives of others, and in this way be a simple yet powerful witness for Jesus Christ.

Blessings From God's Word

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into th joy of they Lord."
Matthew 25:21

I think that this verse really is something that everyone can apply to their lives. God can't give us big positions if we can't serve in the little ones.

"O Lord thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."
Isaiah 25:1

"Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
Isaiah 26:4

"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."
Matthew 27:50-54

What a marvelous moment this is and how awesome it must have been to see it! In just one moment, the veil was taken away and the gap between man and the Father was bridged. In just one moment we are reconciled to our Creator never to be separated again. In just that one moment, the dead were raised and given life again. Absolutely remarkable!

A Few More Thoughts

"So Jesus had compassion on them, ans touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Matthew 20:34

I thought that this is such an amazing verse that often gets overlooked. These two men were healed by the Master and they followed him. They did not question him or doubt his power; their healing was all it took.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song: he also is become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:2

"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
Matthew 23:12

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. ... Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
Matthew 24:35,36,42

I hadn't posted for a week so I figured I would share a bit about what I had been learning this past week. God Bless and may He purify you with His refining fire.

A Few Thoughts

"Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantels, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of the girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty."
Isaiah 3:16-24

That was definitely enough to make me say "Wow." It reminds me of the verse Proverbs 31:30 which says that "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." We need not adorn ourselves with other accessories when it doesn't please the Lord. If we let the beauty of Christ shine through us, we will be otherwise becoming even if we're not the prettiest girl around.

Consider Him

When the storm is raging high,
When the tempest rends the sky,
When my eyes with tears are dim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When my plans are in the dust,
When my dearest hopes are crushed,
When is passed each foolish whim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When with dearest friends I part,
When deep sorrow fills my heart,
When pain racks each weary limb,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When I track my weary way,
When fresh trials come each day,
When my faith and hope are dim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

Clouds or sunshine, dark or bright,
Evening shades or morning light,
When my cup flows o'er the brim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

Author Unknown

WHEN I SAY I AM A CHRISTIAN

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I was lost!"
That is why I chose this way.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are all too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

Author Unknown

When I say I am a Christian I am saying that I am completely dependent on my Saviour and can't do anything without Him. Even Jesus was completely dependent on the Father and spent time with Him in prayer whenever possible. What does it mean to you to follow or be like Jesus?

Alpha and Omega

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Isn't it awesome that our God never changes nor do His promises. With confidence we can look forward to His coming knowing that we are children of the King. God Bless!

My Blog

Well, since there are so many people getting a blog, I figured I might as well make one too. I hope that this will be a blessing and an encouragement to those who read it. I'm looking forward to sharing what God is doing in my life and testifying to his wonderful grace and mercy.