Sunday, April 29, 2012

Do you ever wonder how some Christians seem to have it all together? They don’t seem to fall into temptation and they handle trials/tragedies/difficulties extremely well. The answer is simple but not always simple to apply. It takes making the choice to believe God no matter what. Believing that whatever comes our way comes to us through hands of love; all must go through the Father before it comes to us. Memorizing some bible scriptures that are applicable to your situation works well; if you use them.


Below are some truths about you; who you are in Christ. These are great to know during times of spiritual warfare; or just know.  Print it out and keep it close to where you can get it in time of need.


Who I Am In Christ

I am accepted

John 1:12 ~ I am God's child.
John 15:15 ~ as a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 ~ I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 ~ I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 ~ I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 ~ I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 ~ I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 ~ I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 ~ I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure...

Romans 8:1-2 ~ I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 ~ I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 ~ I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ~ I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 ~ I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 ~ I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 ~ I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 ~ I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 ~ I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant...

John 15:5 ~ I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 ~ I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 ~ I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ~ I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 ~ I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 ~ I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 ~ I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.


As you come along other promises from God's word jot them down and keep them close, they come in real handy when you're thoughts are being bombarded by untruths.

May you have a Christ centered day!
April


"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24







Thursday, June 23, 2011

When Your Hut's on Fire

I received this allegory through email and it ministered so much to my heart I just had to pass it on knowing that there is someone who needs this encouragement too.


"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, “God! How could you do this to me?”

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground; it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

May you have a Christ centered day!
April

Thursday, June 2, 2011

To God be the glory!

"Sing to the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things." Psalm 98:1


This verse is one of my life verses for I have seen the Lord do amazing things in my life and of those around me. He truly is faithful and holds us close when we go through the waters and the fire. I am compelled to sing both to and of Him out of a heart of gratitude.

A few years back I developed a weird blood disorder which affected my lungs (like having severe out of control asthma) which went undetected for three - four years; Prednisone (a steroid) is what kept me alive during this time. By the time I received the help I truly needed I was near death. My skin turned grey due to lack of oxygen; the numbers always ranged always stayed just above 88, which is when they put you on full time oxygen, so the only time I could receive the oxygen my body craved was when I would go back in to the EC for more steroid; this I received through the oxygen and it felt good. It took well over a year to get the asthma symptoms under control. It was a long trying time and I found myself at times asking, "Why Lord? Why?" I was totally baffled by it all because my music ministry was bearing fruit. I was leading Woman's Worship and a small acoustic team at our church as well as children's worship; doing outreaches with them in the community. But the Lord graciously reminded me that His ways are not my ways, neither are His thoughts my thoughts. I chose to cling to this word knowing He is love and faithful.

During this affliction the Lord did some amazing things in my heart and my marriage. I was now beginning to see my husband in a whole new light, my fear began to dissipate. No, we weren't having marital problems; I had a fear deep down that one day my husband would no longer desire me and leave - insecurities from my past BC (Before Christ). It was during this time that I grew to trust not only that my husband was committed to our marriage, but how God was the very source of my strength, and He was every breath I took - He was, and is, my everything.

I've just started getting back into "Singing 2 Jesus" within the last couple of years. He has led me down a different path recently; having me share of His faithfulness during that season of my life. A Ladies Tea and then again at a small country church; come Sept. another country church Ladies Tea. People where ministered to and God was glorified - that's what it's all about! And I'm excited to see what He has in store for us to come.

He's the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) If He's faithful for me (which He is) then He's faithful to you too. Let us cry out with the Psalmist, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your loving-kindness, because of Your truth." (Psalm 115:1) To God be the glory!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

As Only He Can

Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. (Josh. 21:45) and since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) His word will come to pass. 

When we come before the throne of grace in our time of need, (Heb. 4:16)  we know He hears us and if He hears us we have what we've asked for because we have prayed according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).  God is faithful and will not fail us... He love you with an unconditional love - let that soak in a moment, unconditional love.  Allow Him to hold you as you; give Him your hurts, stress, depression, anxiousness...  let His UNconditional love embrace you and heal you as only He can.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

A Sacrifice of Praise

"I will be filled with joy because of You.  I will sing praises to Your Name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:2

I lead children’s worship and sing on one of our worship Teams. I love what the Lord has me doing! However, I must confess that there are times were I wake up and the spiritual attacks get the best of me and when I get to church my heart isn’t really into singing praise and worship. But, you know, it’s during these times that I force myself to look up to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and sing to HIM, sing a sacrifice of praise. As I sing and give it all to Jesus the oppression disappears and a refreshing in my spirit happens and the ‘sacrifice’ turns into a true heartfelt adoration for my Redeemer, my Lord; who is faithful to meet me where I’m at. And, praise God, He doesn’t let me stay there; He lifts me up out of the pit.

I know you’ve been there too. There’s nothing new under the sun. We have the privilege to follow an AWESOME God who is compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love – He waits for us to meet with Him; even if the days gotten off with a rocky start. Look up, beloved of the Lord, fix your eyes on Jesus and give Him the praise that is due Him, for He is worthy of our worship whether we ‘feel’ like it or not.  Let's always be willing to offer up a sacrifice of praise.

“The LORD is my strength and my song” Psalm 118:14