"My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread." Job 23:11-12
Amazing, isn't it? Job, a man so blessed in all he did, a man so blameless and upright who, in losing everything, in all his horrific sufferings didn't curse God but rather fell to the ground and worshipped Him upon hearing the news of his family's death.
"He fell to the ground in worship and said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:20
Job immediately made his choice not to turn away from or blame God, but to follow and trust his heavenly Father through it all; through the pain, heartbreak, tragedy, disappointment and torment. Though it had to be beyond difficult for Job, he depended on God, believing He would help him. He praised and did not curse God. That is vital. He made the right choice; a decision that would prove victorious for him in the end. Job fixed his eyes on God. He didn't look to the left or right. He didn't look at the past. He didn't listen to the voices all around him, telling him to give up on God, to curse God and just die. He gazed his eyes on God, pressed forward and followed God. What tenacity that took.
Job depended on God's word more than food or drink. He abandoned what would have been the norm and went after the blessings God had for Him, not even knowing what the outcome would be. That is faith and that faith allowed Job to go through the fire and not come out smelling like smoke. He later received all God had for him, which was beyond his wildest dreams.
Would we be able to suffer like Job and praise God through it all? Could we ever encounter pain, loss, and suffering and still focus on the fact that God has a plan, that He will give back what was taken from us and then some? Could we look past our trials and tragedies and grab hold of the outstretched hands and open arms that say, "Come, follow Me?" Would we be able to mute the voices around us pulling us in every direction but the one we need to take? Will we know His voice; the right voice to follow? Will we be too busy, too afraid, or will we forsake all and follow the Great Shepherd and be the sheep He longs to care for?
"When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow him because they know His voice." John 10:4
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Praise Power
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6
God inhabits the praises of His people. When we worship, He is right there in our midst. He knows what we need and is the answer. He longs for our worship because He loves us. Worship is about praising God for who He is, not for what He does or what He can provide for us. It is about communicating to Him how AWESOME He is, how powerful and great He is and how much we appreciate and love Him. Like countless men and women of the Bible, we can worship our way through any storm, any captivity and any enemy we encounter. God moves when we worship through our circumstances, no matter what the end result might seem to be. Sometimes we don't feel like worshipping, but that is exactly when we should.
Recall with me the real life events of Paul and Silas found in Acts 16:22; The men were harshly beaten and thrown into prison. Midnight fell upon them and wow was it dark, like the dark times we face (our "midnights!"). The jailer was ordered to shackle their feet and keep them bound in the inner prison. During their captivity and at their darkest hour, Paul and Silas began to worship and sing praises to God! Rather than trembling with fear, complaining or wondering how on earth they would get out of that terrible place, they lifted high the God of all creation, the God so strong and mighty, the God they adore.
As the other prisoners listened, (imagine what was going through their minds), suddenly, a strong earthquake came, the prison foundation was destroyed and the doors opened and the prisoners were free from their chains and shackles! Was it a coincidence that the earthquake came when it did? Not a chance. Praise moves God. He used that earthquake to free Paul and Silas, who believed in God and His mighty power. They didn't have a specific prayer. They didn't ask God for anything. They simply worshipped Him.
Let's pray:
"Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for real life Bible truths that we can refer back to for encouragement, and for answers to life's tough questions. Help us to realize whether we are in bondage, captive or imprisoned, worshipping you is the key to setting us free. Whether it is relationships, fears, frustrations or discouragements keeping us bound, we choose to worship you today. We simply go to your throne of grace and mercy and shower you with the praise you so deserve. Blessed be your holy name. In Jesus' name, Amen".
God inhabits the praises of His people. When we worship, He is right there in our midst. He knows what we need and is the answer. He longs for our worship because He loves us. Worship is about praising God for who He is, not for what He does or what He can provide for us. It is about communicating to Him how AWESOME He is, how powerful and great He is and how much we appreciate and love Him. Like countless men and women of the Bible, we can worship our way through any storm, any captivity and any enemy we encounter. God moves when we worship through our circumstances, no matter what the end result might seem to be. Sometimes we don't feel like worshipping, but that is exactly when we should.
Recall with me the real life events of Paul and Silas found in Acts 16:22; The men were harshly beaten and thrown into prison. Midnight fell upon them and wow was it dark, like the dark times we face (our "midnights!"). The jailer was ordered to shackle their feet and keep them bound in the inner prison. During their captivity and at their darkest hour, Paul and Silas began to worship and sing praises to God! Rather than trembling with fear, complaining or wondering how on earth they would get out of that terrible place, they lifted high the God of all creation, the God so strong and mighty, the God they adore.
As the other prisoners listened, (imagine what was going through their minds), suddenly, a strong earthquake came, the prison foundation was destroyed and the doors opened and the prisoners were free from their chains and shackles! Was it a coincidence that the earthquake came when it did? Not a chance. Praise moves God. He used that earthquake to free Paul and Silas, who believed in God and His mighty power. They didn't have a specific prayer. They didn't ask God for anything. They simply worshipped Him.
Let's pray:
"Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for real life Bible truths that we can refer back to for encouragement, and for answers to life's tough questions. Help us to realize whether we are in bondage, captive or imprisoned, worshipping you is the key to setting us free. Whether it is relationships, fears, frustrations or discouragements keeping us bound, we choose to worship you today. We simply go to your throne of grace and mercy and shower you with the praise you so deserve. Blessed be your holy name. In Jesus' name, Amen".
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Juniper in the Desert
God is omnipotent. The first time I ever heard those words, I learned that He was everything I would ever need; everything. God encompasses all things; there is nothing left out. The dictionary defines omnipotent as all-powerful, possessing complete, unlimited, or universal power and authority. God has the final word. The world can be falling apart around me, but God is in control. He always has been. He always will be. God is omnipresent. He is everywhere; continuously and simultaneously throughout all creation! He is present all the time, in all places. Why do I worry if God is omnipotent and omnipresent? Fear and doubt accomplish nothing but good toward the enemy and anything but good for me. What if I surrender completely to God and His omnipotence?
Would it be possible for me to trust Him completely and remain still, resting in His care, no matter what? Would I truly believe that He would tread down my enemies and allow me to live valiantly as Psalm 60:12 so encourages? There is a place; a secret place where I can go to find refuge and safety in the One who protects me with the strength of a fearless lion, yet is as gentle as a lamb, providing me with serenity and peace, even in a storm.
Like the strong and tenacious juniper tree, I want to thrive in the desert. Like the rare tree that grows through rock, without water, twisted and without direction, living and blooming in barren landscape, I want to flourish where God plants me. Even if I am tired, afraid and burdened, even when there seems to be no way, I want to push through the rock and reach for all God has for me. The unique juniper tree had purpose. In all its' imperfections, God used it. He created it to be different from the other trees for a reason; He used it as a place of refuge, "He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him." 1 Kings 19:5. God, in His omnipotent power, is the source of my strength, joy, peace, hope and love. When I seek Him, praise Him, trust Him and take refuge in Him, I will find ways in which He will use me and become like a juniper in the desert.
Bloom and be blessed!
Marie
Would it be possible for me to trust Him completely and remain still, resting in His care, no matter what? Would I truly believe that He would tread down my enemies and allow me to live valiantly as Psalm 60:12 so encourages? There is a place; a secret place where I can go to find refuge and safety in the One who protects me with the strength of a fearless lion, yet is as gentle as a lamb, providing me with serenity and peace, even in a storm.
Like the strong and tenacious juniper tree, I want to thrive in the desert. Like the rare tree that grows through rock, without water, twisted and without direction, living and blooming in barren landscape, I want to flourish where God plants me. Even if I am tired, afraid and burdened, even when there seems to be no way, I want to push through the rock and reach for all God has for me. The unique juniper tree had purpose. In all its' imperfections, God used it. He created it to be different from the other trees for a reason; He used it as a place of refuge, "He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him." 1 Kings 19:5. God, in His omnipotent power, is the source of my strength, joy, peace, hope and love. When I seek Him, praise Him, trust Him and take refuge in Him, I will find ways in which He will use me and become like a juniper in the desert.
Bloom and be blessed!
Marie
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
He Will Calm the Storm
Are you in a storm? Not the weather kind, the life kind. No matter how large or small the turbulent waves of frustration, fear and disappointment are tossing you about, remember that God is with you. You are not alone. He will carry you through and make a way out in His perfect time as only He can. It might or might not be the expected outcome, but He will do what is best. Not only does God have the answer. He is the answer.
Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
We often wonder why it takes so long for the One who is so Mighty to save us, but we must keep in mind that He is at work behind the scenes, working things out on our behalf even though we might not see evidence of it. We will learn more and grow stronger as we walk through the trials of life, following God's lead and listening for His voice, rather than trying to get out our own way, causing us to go around and around the same mountain. God knows exactly what we need much better than we do.
We often wonder why it takes so long for the One who is so Mighty to save us, but we must keep in mind that He is at work behind the scenes, working things out on our behalf even though we might not see evidence of it. We will learn more and grow stronger as we walk through the trials of life, following God's lead and listening for His voice, rather than trying to get out our own way, causing us to go around and around the same mountain. God knows exactly what we need much better than we do.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
God's plans are to bless us, to give us abundant life and to make Himself real to us. His desire is that we trust Him to be our Deliverer and Strong Tower no matter what the situation looks like and no matter how hopeless it seems. When we seek Him and His infallible Word, we will find comfort and direction. When we praise Him and lift Him up during our storm, we will feel the peace only He can give us and His voice will be all we hear in the midst of what might seem like an eternal trial.
"He stilled the storm to a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed."
Psalm 107:29
Let's Pray:
"Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us through the storms of life. Where would we be without you? Thank you for quieting the storms in our lives right now so that all we hear is your voice. Thank you for being the peace and calm during this time in our lives. We need you and love you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen".
Monday, February 1, 2010
Whole in One
"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:17)
God wants us to be whole and well. He wants us healthy and strong in every area of our lives; spiritually strong, strong in our faith, strong in His Word. He wants us to be stable and well in our minds, our emotions and in our physical bodies. He wants us free from the bondage and captivity that sickness and debt hold us in. He wants us to stop worrying and trust in Him. He is the only way to find peace. He is the only one who can change our circumstance and heal our heart.
When we are walking with God, we are over comers, more than conquerors, we are victorious and we are whole; not perfect, but whole. Those who are miserable may think everything would be better for them if they were in a different situation. But they are usually wrong. For example, a single woman might think she would be happier and more complete if she only had a husband. But, the best time for a single woman to get married is when she is already whole; when she is content by herself and in her heart, when she has a relationship with God and when she can look in the mirror and say, "I am a child of God" and believe that she is loved by God unconditionally. She doesn't have to depend on someone to love her because she already feels the security and matchless love of the Father.
God’s Word promises many wonderful things for God's children, and although we aren't promised a perfect life or one without problems, He has promised to walk with us and deliver us. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19)
His desire is that we all live healthy, productive, Godly lives, remaining whole and complete in Him. He so loves us and wants us strong throughout our journey of life, helping others along the way. As we walk THROUGH the process of healing from the inside, out, we are a witness to others of Jesus' love and grace.
In His precious love,
Marie
Let's pray together:
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me the way you did. My desire is to be whole and complete in you and not to depend on someone else or to wait until something gets better to be happy. I receive your grace and the joy only you can fulfill in me. Please search my heart and show me the areas I need to become whole in and restore me. I believe you will and I thank you for it. In Jesus' name, Amen".
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
God's Assurance, Our Insurance
Jesus said, "With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Are you facing a situation today that seems impossible? Do you need a miracle? God, in His omnipotent, invincible, unstoppable power is able to do more for you than you can ever imagine! His Word says that ALL things are possible with Him. God goes beyond what we can imagine and does even greater things!
"Now unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20
It is easy for us to focus on the problems in our lives, and even try to solve them in our own strength and thinking. But God is strong and mighty to save.
"Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8
Sometimes we get overwhelmed and we forget who is in control. We often tell God how big our storm is, rather than telling our storm how big God is. When we declare to God how awesome He is, and show Him how much we trust in His power, we will begin to see a change in our situation. Add even the tiniest morsel of faith, and we will start to see the light at the end of even the darkest tunnel. God has said that we could move mountains if we do not doubt.
Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, but if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea', it will happen." Matthew 21:21
God is working behind the scenes on our behalf, even if we do not see it. God has a mighty plan for our victory, no matter what the situation might be. We are to be encouraged and trust Him completely, believing today and everyday that nothing whatsoever is impossible with God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing me that there is a way out of my troubles today. I trust that you have made a way where there seemed to be no way. I choose to believe that all things are possible through you. Thank you for the victory I am going to receive. Please help my story to become a testimony of encouragement to those around me, that they, too will trust you. I love you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
Rest in His care,
Marie
Jesus said, "With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Are you facing a situation today that seems impossible? Do you need a miracle? God, in His omnipotent, invincible, unstoppable power is able to do more for you than you can ever imagine! His Word says that ALL things are possible with Him. God goes beyond what we can imagine and does even greater things!
"Now unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20
It is easy for us to focus on the problems in our lives, and even try to solve them in our own strength and thinking. But God is strong and mighty to save.
"Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8
Sometimes we get overwhelmed and we forget who is in control. We often tell God how big our storm is, rather than telling our storm how big God is. When we declare to God how awesome He is, and show Him how much we trust in His power, we will begin to see a change in our situation. Add even the tiniest morsel of faith, and we will start to see the light at the end of even the darkest tunnel. God has said that we could move mountains if we do not doubt.
Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, but if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea', it will happen." Matthew 21:21
God is working behind the scenes on our behalf, even if we do not see it. God has a mighty plan for our victory, no matter what the situation might be. We are to be encouraged and trust Him completely, believing today and everyday that nothing whatsoever is impossible with God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing me that there is a way out of my troubles today. I trust that you have made a way where there seemed to be no way. I choose to believe that all things are possible through you. Thank you for the victory I am going to receive. Please help my story to become a testimony of encouragement to those around me, that they, too will trust you. I love you. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
Rest in His care,
Marie
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
♥ The Love of My Life ♥
God's love is truly amazing and like no other love. His love is perfect. Oh, how we long for true love; the real kind; love that conquers all; true, lasting love that rescues us, comforts us, makes us feel special and gives us a "Cinderella" life.
Is there really that kind of perfect love out there? I have heard many stories that get close, I have witnessed the cutest couples hand in hand, seemingly without a care in the world. I have settled in at night to watch my share of "love story" themed movies that could make even the hardest heart an ocean of tears. The movies seem so real, but are merely actors and actresses playing their parts. I know of real couples who seem to be in perfect relationships, and God does bless us with mates we love and who love us, and He instructs us in I Corinthians 13 to love. But we could search high and low and find that there is no love like God's love. His love is true. He is faithful. He is always with us. He is a constant encourager. He made the ultimate sacrifice for one reason; He loves us. He makes us feel special, because He made us special. He surprises us with gifts all the time through divine appointments, unexpected blessings, open doors and unforeseen provision. His gifts are lasting treasures.
God calls us and draws us to Himself. He wants our time because He wants our hearts. He longs to be in relationship with us. He is listening and waiting. His arms are always wide open for us. His desire is for us to rest in Him, sit at His feet and draw from Him every good and perfect gift. His Word is a love letter from His heart to ours; the greatest gift we'll ever receive! God gives us direction and wisdom for every circumstance we face. He doesn`t reject us, no matter what. He always embraces us regardless of how ugly we get on the inside or how awful we think we look on the outside. He forgives our sins and casts them into an ocean so vast, they are forgotten forever. He carries us through our valleys and calms our storms. He is our mighty Savior.
Imagine, there is someone who loves us in spite of who we are, in the midst of our failures and imperfections, and so unconditionally. God loves us. We are His, and always will be. Shower Him with your love today, not for what He can do for you, but for Who He is. God is love. ♥
"Heavenly Father, I just want you to know how very much I love you. I am eternally grateful that you love me. Thank you for your sweet, unending and steadfast love. You truly are the love of my life. In Jesus' precious name, Amen."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"I am my beloved and he is mine." (Solomon 6:3)
"I am with you always". (Matthew 28:20)
"God gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
"I have loved you with an everlasting love, with loving kindness I have drawn you." (Jeremiah 31:3)
"The Lord your God is with you…He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will calm you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
You are loved,
Marie
Is there really that kind of perfect love out there? I have heard many stories that get close, I have witnessed the cutest couples hand in hand, seemingly without a care in the world. I have settled in at night to watch my share of "love story" themed movies that could make even the hardest heart an ocean of tears. The movies seem so real, but are merely actors and actresses playing their parts. I know of real couples who seem to be in perfect relationships, and God does bless us with mates we love and who love us, and He instructs us in I Corinthians 13 to love. But we could search high and low and find that there is no love like God's love. His love is true. He is faithful. He is always with us. He is a constant encourager. He made the ultimate sacrifice for one reason; He loves us. He makes us feel special, because He made us special. He surprises us with gifts all the time through divine appointments, unexpected blessings, open doors and unforeseen provision. His gifts are lasting treasures.
God calls us and draws us to Himself. He wants our time because He wants our hearts. He longs to be in relationship with us. He is listening and waiting. His arms are always wide open for us. His desire is for us to rest in Him, sit at His feet and draw from Him every good and perfect gift. His Word is a love letter from His heart to ours; the greatest gift we'll ever receive! God gives us direction and wisdom for every circumstance we face. He doesn`t reject us, no matter what. He always embraces us regardless of how ugly we get on the inside or how awful we think we look on the outside. He forgives our sins and casts them into an ocean so vast, they are forgotten forever. He carries us through our valleys and calms our storms. He is our mighty Savior.
Imagine, there is someone who loves us in spite of who we are, in the midst of our failures and imperfections, and so unconditionally. God loves us. We are His, and always will be. Shower Him with your love today, not for what He can do for you, but for Who He is. God is love. ♥
"Heavenly Father, I just want you to know how very much I love you. I am eternally grateful that you love me. Thank you for your sweet, unending and steadfast love. You truly are the love of my life. In Jesus' precious name, Amen."
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"I am my beloved and he is mine." (Solomon 6:3)
"I am with you always". (Matthew 28:20)
"God gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
"I have loved you with an everlasting love, with loving kindness I have drawn you." (Jeremiah 31:3)
"The Lord your God is with you…He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will calm you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
You are loved,
Marie
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