He Never Sleeps

My Help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:2-4).

Isn't it great to know that the God who watches over us never slumbers nor sleeps? Even though we are human and require sleep to sustain life, God is not and does not. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty One who's eyes are ever on our every move. I am overwhelmingly greatful that I serve such an awesome God! So whenever I am anxious or worried about something, I cast my cares upon Him. For I know that I can give Him my problem to hold onto while I sleep. For He will remain ever watchful over me and will carry all of my burdens. Praise God! Thank You Jesus for being so amazing!

His last Words

But you have an annointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth (1 John 2:20). I have been reminded several times this week that my job as a Christian is to share Jesus Christ with those who are far from Him. I think Kim Klaudt put it best last week when he was a guest speaker at my church. He gave a sermon entitled "The Last Thing He Said." For those of you who get the chance, here is the link to the sermon (it's pretty amazing!) http://www.vfgarner.com/media/audio/sermon_archive/sunday_12-02-07-2nd_kimklaudt.mp3



To summarize, Kim talked about how if we knew the exact date and time we were going to die, we would most likely make sure that the last words we spoke to our loved ones would be well thought out and extremely important. He reminds us that Jesus was most likely the same way. The last words He said to his disciples were pretty important words. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15). Yet so many of us neglect that very simple command. We forget that the last thing our Lord and Savior said while He was still on earth was for us to go and preach His Word. This is the last thing he asked us to do. How could we forget His last words?

I know that personally I have always been afraid that I am not "qualified" for such a mighty task. I am not as "churched" as other people. However, Jesus was talking to His disciples as well as the body of Christ when He gave His final command. He didn't say "some of you go and preach tthe good news", He was talking to all of us. pastor Mitch reminded me tonight of 1 John 2:27 which says, "As for you, the annointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you." Once we are saved, God's annointing is in us always. It doesn't just disappear or take a vacation. When I start to worry about how to share the gospel or what words I will use, I remind myself of what Paul said in Ephesians 6:19, Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all (The Message).

It's time to practice simple obedience. Let us start by following Jesus' command to preach the good news to everyone. Let us go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) To God be all the glory!

By Faith

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; [note shift] and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground (Hebrews 11:29-38).

I desire to have the kind of faith that Abraham, and Moses, and David and Gideon, and Samuel all had. Amazing things happened to them because of their faith in God. I pray that someday I will have faith as strong and confident as theirs. However it is important to remember that faith does not have to be big for it to be beneficial or for it to cause great things to happen. As Jesus pointed out in Matthew 17:19-20, For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. The key is to have faith. Even the disciples were reminded of their little faith at times, but praise the Lord that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17. So whenever I feel that my faith needs to be strengthened I am reminded to spend some much needed time in the Word. Glory to God!

Have our own kingdoms

It is so true that many of us want to give our hearts to God and worship Him and to feel His presence in our lives... but... we want to do it in our own way. We want Him to come into our lives and for the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us direction, but only when it fits into the plan that we have made for our lives. We want Him to guide us so long as that means we do everything perfect, free of any mistakes or problems. We want Him to give us gifts so long as they are better and more convenient than everyone elses. We gladly welcome the special talents that God gives us so long as they benefit us and we don't have to use them to help others. We want to "hear from God" so long as He doesn't ask us to do something that makes us uncomfortable. Essentially, we all want to have our own kingdoms.

I'm not writing this so that anyone who reads this will be full of guilt and self-condemnation, instead I am writing this to point out the truth of how many of us, myself included, are living our lives whether we realize it or not. It is time for us to stop giving God our lip service and instead give Him not only our hearts, our minds, but also our lives. It is time to work to build His kingdom and stop building our own in His name. It is time to except the gifts God has given us and use them to bless those who are meant to be blessed with them. It's time to stop figuring out how we can use our gifts and talents to serve ourselves and instead start serving others with them. It's time we start thinking about others first rather than ourselves. It's time to lay it all down before the King and to ask Him what we can do to advance His kingdom. As Jason Upton sings, it's time to "lay it all down for the heart of Heaven."

What I find so fascinating is that we live in a country that was founded by people who were chasing hard after God and His kingdom, however, somehow over the centuries our country has gone from one based on God's laws to one that now publicly rejects those laws for fear of being politically incorrect. In the New England Confederation of 1643, the Pilgrims stated: “We all came to these parts of America, with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Yet today, our country insists on seperating church and state, even to the point of not allowing kids to bring their bibles to public school. Our country is on a very dangerous path right now which makes it increasingly important that we as Christians take a stand and make sure that the body of Christ is working together for the glory of God, not for themselves. If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

Burning In The Sky Lyrics by Jason Upton
Youve been too long upon this mountain
Its time you journey to the sea
Sometimes to trust in your false comfort
Is easier than trusting me
Some men only believe in what their eyes can see
Some men only believe in what their minds conceive
But believing's like conceiving
This child that were receiving
A gift beyond our reason
Its more of what we need, and less of what we know
It calls not to our mind, but cries out to our soul
That mountains burning in the sky
To the heart of heaven
Without the fire well never fly
To the heart of heaven
Can you hear Gods holy cry
From the heart of heaven
Lay it all down
Lay it all down
Lay it all down
For the heart of heaven

He'll never leave me

Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me Psalm 27:10). Praise the Lord that He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I love the fact that he is constantly sending me reminders of how much He loves me and that no matter how I feel at any given moment, I'm not alone. Sometimes it is so difficult for me to feel God's presence in my life. But it is in those times that I must remember to look to God's Word which is full of His promises to me. His Word says that I am not alone (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5-6, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10), therefore I must choose to live by faith (Hebrews 11:1) and believe. One of my favorite songs by Jason Upton is Emmas song. It reminds me that God is always there for me even when everyone else has left me alone and the world has grown dark and cold.

Jason Upton - Emma's Song (Not Alone):

Don’t be afraid baby don’t you cry
Daddy’s here it will be all right
You’re not alone you’re not alone
Don’t be afraid when you’re cold at night
I will keep you warm I will hold you tight
You’re not alone you’re not alone

Look beyond the window there
To the sky above to the open air
Look beyond what you can see
Close your eyes and just believe

The lion roars and the lamb lays down
They live together in a whole new town
They’re calling me and they’re calling you
From the cold hard facts that we’re on our own
To the age old truth that we’re not alone

Don’t be afraid when you scrape your knee
I’ve got a band aide waiting and a kiss for free
You’re not alone you’re not alone
Don’t be afraid of your blind belief
Because the more you fly the more you’ll see
You’re not alone you’re not alone

Look beyond the window there
To the sky above to the open air
Look beyond what you can see
Close your eyes and just believe

The lion roars and the lamb lays down
They live together in a whole new town
They’re calling me and they’re calling you
From the cold hard facts that we’re on our own
To the age old truth that we’re not alone

Don’t be afraid little warrior bride
Your victory’s on the other side
You’re not alone you’re not alone

So when you're feeling like everyone in the world has abandoned you, look to God and His promises. For no matter how badly we mess up or how much we don't deserve it, God never leaves us alone!

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you(Genesis 28:15), For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own (1 Samuel 12:22), God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you (John 14:18), I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:18).

I'm back!

Sorry for my recent absence from my blog. In the past week I have managed to do the thing that I have been trying so desperately not to do. I have made the things in this world take priority over the things in His kingdom. Like many others, I find that this time of year can be extremly hectic. Between the fast approaching holidays, the ever-pressing deadlines at work, the new year right around the corner. It is in these times that I know in my heart I should be seeking God in an unrelenting way, but in reality I find that I have given in to the noisy demands of the world instead. I know that the enemy uses distractions in the world to keep my focus on his lies rather than God's unfailing love. Self-condemnation is his weapon of choice. Well satan, I choose to stand firm against you and to seek my God for help in times of trouble. For my God is more than enough and with Him all things are possible. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19), and he has promised that goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6). We know absolutely that anyone born of God does not deliberately and knowingly practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him; Christ's divine presence within him preserves him against the evil, and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch him (1 John 5:18 - Amplified).


Lord, in this moment I pray that you consume me with your fire, let it cleanse me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Help me to lay everything down before you, to not ever feel satisfied in my current state. Give me clean hands and a pure heart. I ask forgiveness for all of the times I have given in to selfishness, my misconceptions, my laziness, my pride. Wash me clean with Your love. Whisper my name and hold me in Your hand. Break down the walls in my heart that keep me from experiencing Your love. Help me to tune out the world until all I hear is Your voice calling me to You. Thank You , Lord for loving me!

Just to be with You

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33 NLT).

There is no better feeling than being in the presence of God! I, like many others, spend much of my time seeking God's presents when in reality the best "present" that He has for me is His presence. It has a way of making everything else just fade away into the background. Although Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33 sound so simple, they are indeed easily forgetten and even more difficult at times to do. Many of us set our hearts on seeking Him and do our best to live righteously, and then circustances occur in our lives and we tend to let those circumstances overshadow what God has asked of us. It is so important that even though circumstances come into our life, it does not mean we need to let them into our spirits. We need to fill-up on God's presence daily so that we have no room for circumstances. We must fight to keep them external.

We must set aside time everyday to get in the presence of the Lord if we want to maintain joy in our lives. For I have learned that just to be with Him fills me with inexplicable joy that washes away any negative emotions left by the world. Just to be with Him is one of the most amazing gift that god has given me. He has captured my heart for all eternity and I couldn't live a single moment without Him. Thank You Lord!

Time for Revival

It is time to get stirred up. Jesus' last words to his diciples were "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 NKJV) Although most of us are familiar with the great commission, how many of us are actively following Christ's command? If we are, how many of us are personally leading people to Christ? Now is the time for revival. Not just for a revival in the church, but in the world as well. One definition of revival is "an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to personal religion" (dictionary.com), however, the revial we need is a "restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, etc" (dictionary.com).

People need to be restored by God, and for this to most effectively happen they must hear about God. That's where we, as Christians must step in and fullfill our duties. How can we be considered Christians if we neglect to share Christ. We need to be sharing Christ with people who are far from Him. What good does it good to preach to those who are already saved. That is what church is for. Yes we should fellowship with fellow Christians and share our love for God with each other, but our main focus needs to be on sharing the gospel with those who have not heard it and with those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

So let us now get stirred up. Let us actively seek to as individuals lead people to Christ. Not just as a one time thing, but as something we strive to do every time there is an opportunity.

He is Mighty to Save!

For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP).

No matter how out of control my life becomes, and no matter how badly I've screwed up and messed up God's plan for my life, My Savior is mighty to save me! For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for the a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Nights like these are hard when I am completely at war in the world and with my flesh. When I so badly want something in the world but I know that I cannot have it because it would compromise my relationship with Christ. I am so greatful that Jesus never leaves me. Even when I am facing my greatest temptation, He swoops down and gives me the strength I need to resist. Though I am weak, He is strong. My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken (Psalm 62:1-2).

I am also greatful that although we battle against trials and temptations, persevering through those times helps to develop our faith even more and bring us closer to God. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). So long as we recognize what we've done as sin and confess it, He is quick to wrap us up in His love and comfort our hearts with His forgiveness.

Facing certain trials (especially ones we have failed repeatedly in the past) also lets us know how much Christ has transformed us from who we used to be. I praise God that He cahnged my heart and opened my eyes to the truth. This kept me from making some really bad decisions tonight! Now i think I understand why he has kept me up at night for the past week or so with an insatiable hunger for His Word, and an overwhelming need for prayer. He reminded me of who I am and of the amazing plans He has for my life. I know that persuing certain things in the world will keep me from experiencing God's best for my life. He reminded me that I must continue to have uncompromising standards, that I cannot slip and make exceptions just because my heart and my flesh are arguing with my spirit. Especially when my heart is screaming for me to do something that my spirit knows is wrong. The hardest part is when something isn't necessarily wrong, it's just wrong for me and my life. These are the times that I meditate on Jeremiah 29:11 and remind myself that God has a plan for me, and I guarantee that if I can resist my human need for instant gratification then I will be absolutely amazed at wonderful His plan is compared to mine. To God be all the glory!!!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

When the Time is Right

Sometimes there are things in life that we really want God to deliver us from immediately so that we do not have to suffer through them. As much as we want this to happen, there are times when we will have to wait on Him. For the only way our faith grows is through trials and perseverance. Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:23).

The school of sorrows is a tough place to be however it is absolutely necessary in order for us to increase our faith to where God wants it to be. The bible is full of many examples of people who were not immediately delivered from their trials. For example, Joseph suffered through his trial for years, including spending years in jail and as a slave. god could have delivered him from the very beginning, but if He had then there is no way that Joseph's character would have been molded to be able to accomplish the plans that God had for him. The good news is that even though we may have to suffer for a time, God always knows what our limits are. He will always rescue us before it is too late. God refines us like silver and gold. The process that makes these metals so prescious involves intense heat from a fiery furnace. When gold is refined it is put through hydrocloric or muriatic acid. This does not sound like a pleasant process, however the end result is beautiful gold.

We too, much like any fine gem, must be refined and put through a prurification process. Without this process, there is no way for us to be prepared to do the work that God has set us each on earth to do. No matter what my circumstance, I will strive to face each trial the same way that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced with their trial of either worshiping a false god or being thrown into a fiery furnace. We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up (Daniel 3:16-18). No matter what I am going through I will wait patiently on the Lord to deliver me in His timing, for He is mighty to save!

What's yours is yours

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

I have struggled with covetousness for most of my life. As hard as I try to be content with my life, I am constantly finding myself (consciously or not)coveting that which belongs to others. I guess that is why I always feel as though I am striving for something that is unattainable. I am constantly desiring things that belong to others. These things are not limited to physical things. Sometimes I desire another person's spiritual gift, or natural talent. Praise the Lord that I finally recognize this as sin. I guess that goes to show that Jesus is still busy at work, changing my heart, and opening my eyes to the truth.

AMG's Encylopedia of Bible Facts, defines covetousness as, "A strong desire for the possession of worldly things. It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of coldhearted worldliness." There's a harsh reality!!!

The tenth commandment warns us not to covet thy neighbor, his wife, his servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything else that belongs to him. (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21) This is a commandment, one of God's golden laws, yet I, along with many others am constanly breaking it. Granted most of the time I do not realize I am doing it and when I become aware of it I repent and ask for forgiveness. However, the truth of the matter is that much of our society today teaches us to covet one another's belongings. We are constantly being ranked by the "things" that we own, and pressure is always there to own that which is bigger and better than everyone elses. When we lose competitions, or fail at projects, we are quickly told that it is because we didn't have as much strength as the other person, or as much money, or talent, etc... The list goes on. This world frequently reminds us that we will never be as good as our neighbor and that we will always need more "things" if we want to be better or even happy.

My goal here is not to ramble on about all the negative pressures of this world, but instead to simply point out that God's Word was not meant to adjust to the world, instead the world is meant to adjust and conform to God's Word. God made it clear in His Word that as Christians we are to be in this world but not of it(John 15:19; 17:15-24; 1 Corinthians 7:31; 2:12-16; Ephesians 2:2-10; Colossians 2:20-23; Galatians 4:3-7; and James 4:4). We are not of this world because if we were it would mean that we are ruled by Satan, for he is the one who rules this world. As Christians we are set apart by Christ. We are no longer bound by sin or by the rules of this world. Therefore, even though this world teaches me to covet that which belongs to my neighbor, I refuse to conform to the thinking of this world. Christ is in me, therefore I am in Him. As such I will consecrate my life to Him and will obey his commands. All of them! Whenever I am tempted to covet that which belongs to someone else, I will remind myself of Paul's words in Ephesians 5:5, For of this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (NKJV)

Rest for the Weary

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

This scripture just will not leave me alone! So, I guess I'll continue to share what the Lord has taught me about resting in Him.

Seek Him and you will find peace and rest for your soul. No matter how heavy your burdens feel, he will carry them so you can rest. Just lean on Him and trust Him to carry you through.

Lord, help those who are feeling overwhelmed. Draw them close to you and let them feel your love. Allow them to feel the peace and joy that you made for their lives. Grant rest for the weary and comfort for the hurt. For you are the God who comforts all and your love is unfailing. Reveal yourself to those in need.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Pour out your heart to God, He is faithful and will listen. He will help carry your load, He will lift you up when you are weary, He will give you strength during times of weakness; He will speak to you through His Word, He will purify your heart, sift your motives, and clarify your purpose. Bring your broken heart to God and He will mend it, He will fill in the holes that have been left there by this world. Pour out your heart to Him rather than running to others, or to earthly things to satisfy your needs.

The Lord will guide you always;
He will satifsy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
you will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

I Beg for You to Move

Lord, I beg for You to move!

I'm desperate to be be vulnerable and naked before You.
To have all pretenses, prefixes, and pretending stripped away;
Washed clean by Your blood.
I'm yearning for You to engulf my soul and to hear Your voice call to me.
I tremble at the thought of You;
I am paralyzed by Your presence.
Where do You want to move me, Lord?
What is it that You require of me?
I am here; Your humble servant is listening.
Whisper in my heart and I will follow You to eternity.
I'm longing for Your spirit to speak directly to mine.
Come and meet me in this place.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12)

Sacrifice

The Lord truely ministered to my heart today regarding my flesh and the sacrifices I never get around to making. I want so badly to crucify my flesh to be obedient to God, but more often then not, I don't. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry out (Romans 7:18)

Lately I have felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to give up certain things, and even though in my heart I truely want to, I don't. Yet I walk around believing that I am living a holy life and that I am sacrificing the things in this world, and my own gratification for Christ. In reality, I haven't sacfriced a thing. Today was a wake-up call for me. The Lord reminded me that in my struggle against sin I have not yet resisted to the point of shedding my blood (Hebrews 12:4). I realize that I cannot choose which aspects of Christ I want to be like. I don't get to do the things that make me feel better and ignore the things that don't. I am either 100% committed to living a Christ-like life, or I am a hypocrite and no different than an unbeliever.

I am choosing today to re-consecrate myself to the Lord. To be more like Him in every way. To give up those things in my life that are hindering me from my Savior. To become a living sacfrice to God. I consecrate my mind, my body, and my spirit to you, Lord. May only your desires become my desires, may Your will become mine. If Your hand isn't in it or for it, then both of mine are against it. I wanna be just like You!

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

To YOU I give thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. This year it has been absolutely amazing. To my Lord I give all the thanks. Thank you Father for blesisng my life with such amazing people. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).

Even though I am miles away from my biological family, you have provided me with another family for this holiday. I just want to say Thank You! Without you I would be nothing and nowhere all at once. I would wandering around the wilderness searching for life. I praise you that you have captured my heart and refuse to let it go. Thank you for Your love, and for Your faithfulness! I love you!

When the world hates you...

Ever have those days when you feel like you're living on a completely foreign planet and that no one else speaks the same language as you? That was my day today! I felt like everyone I ran into was A) angry at the world, B) oblivious to everyone around them, and C) just plain mean! I had the overwhelming feeling that the the entire world hated me. Today was definitely one of those days that I had to meditate on the Word constantly to keep me from saying and doing some not so nice things. What amazes me is that in the midst of feeling like the world was against me, God once again sent His Word to comfort my heart. As I got home this evening the Holy Spirit led me to John 15:18-19:

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

It's funny how God doesn't always answer you the way you're expecting Him to when you are going through a hard time and are crying out to Him. In fact, he almost always does it the way you least expect. The one guarantee is that He will always answer. It i up to each of us individually to be listening and expecting the answer, and we are better off if we don't expect the answer to come the way we want it to. God is the creater of the universe, If I held that title, I would probably chose to be a little creative when answering prayer as well!

As much as I want God to swoop in and make the world "go away" and make everyone else "like" me, I know that instead I must fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith (Hebrews 12:2), and in doing so I am sure that God will strengthen me and help me; He will uphold me with His right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

So even when I feel the world caving in on me and I selfishly don't feel like dealing with it and don't feel as though I deserve any of it, I will remember what Jesus said in John 16:33: ... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself (2 Timothy 2:13)

So tonight I've been lamenting over my past. Not in a negative, self-condeming way, but in more of a kick-myself-in the butt, stop being lazy, it's time to change kind of way. The closer my relationship is with Jesus, the more I realize how many years of my life I wasted trying to live without Him. I look back on all of the stupid decisions I made and I wonder what it would have been like had I submitted to God's will in my life. Even though this deeply saddens my heart, it also makes me realize how greatful I am that He has stolen my heart and won't give it back. I would be absolutely nothing without Him. I would be in Hell right now had Jesus not swept me off of my feet and drawn me close to Him with His unfailing love. I am so thankful that god is ALWAYS faithful to His Word. God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind (Numbers 23:19).

Praise the Lord that even in my unfaithfulness, He remains faithful. Even as my tongue decieves, he remains upright and just. Even though we live in a fallen world full of deception, hurt, confusion, and pain, He remains unchanged. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I am eternally grateful that my heart belongs to Him.

My heart aches for those who do not know Him. It aches even more for those who know who He is but don't have a relationship with Him. It is one thing to know who someone is and a whole other thing to know them. Some people spend their lives knowing Him as a distant friend, a relative they talk to during the holidays and on special occasions. Others seem to only talk to Him in anger, when tragedy strikes their lives. They are so quick to blame Him rather than accept the comfort He offers in their sorrows. In fact they blame Him for every bad thing that has happend in their lives and attribute the good things to their own strength or even better, to luck. This pierces my heart in a way I can't begin to describe. I was once that person. I was quick to believe that all of the abuse, the poverty, and the sickness in my life was all thanks to God. I was convinced that He was punishing me for things that I had done wrong in my life. Even the things that happend to me as a child, I believed I deserved every last one of them. I, like so many others was raised in religion. I was taught that wrong is right come sunday morning. As long as my father went to church on Sundays and repented, then it was perfectly acceptable for Him to continue to abuse his children the rest of the week. And so it was with life. By the time I had become a teenager, I had so much anger and hatred in my heart toward God. I had grown accustomed to playing the role of the victim and I even looked for opportunities to improve that resume. I believe this was a family trait.

I will never understand how it was that God was able to take my heart which was so shut off to Him and so completely consumed with anger and depression, and transform it into what it is today. For today I am filled with unexplainable joy. Even through the hard times I have the comfort of knowing that I serve a God that is greater than any circumstance the world throws at me. Not only that, but I serve a God who promises to help those who seek Him. I encourage anyone who is struggling in this world to meditate on God's promises. Get to know Him and what He says about you. Once you begin to let Him into your heart I promise that the transformation that occurs will be so great that the joy it brings will be far greater than any pain you experienced in your past. He is so worth it!!! I will leave you with the following promises that God has made to His people:

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me (Proverbs 8:17)

Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways (Proverbs 8:32)

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)

I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death (John 8:51)

I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered (Psalm 89:34)

I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food (Psalm 132:15)

He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you (Deuteronomy 7:13)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
(Proverbs 3:1-10)

Rejoice Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

This scripture has been in my heart and on my tongue since the moment I woke up this morning. What a wonderful song to awaken to. Through both worship services today this verse was louder than any other being sung. This scripture is a twofold message. At first glance, it appears as a reminder to rejoice in the Lord. However, if you look deeper, you will see that Paul didn't write this during gleeful times. In fact he wrote it during times of despair. In the natural, he had nothing to rejoice about. He was imprisoned, and not only that but he was chained, by the hand, to a praetorian guardsman day and night. Yet in the midst of that he cries out to the Philippians to rejoice!!!

Paul knew that even though he was in the midst of the fires of affliction that the Lord is in control and has a purpose for his life. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance (v. 19).

Life becomes so much easier when we stop striving and stop letting our circumstances determine our feelings and actions and instead start truely believing in our God who IS in control of our lives. Who promises that if we seek Him and fix our eyes on Him that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

My goal today is to be more like Paul and to rejoice in any and all circumstances. I long to someday confidently speak the words Paul spoke in Philippians 4, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Lord, I will meditate on your word both day and night so that it will not depart from mouth (Joshua 1:8), I will hide Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11), and I WILL rejoice in You ALWAYS!!!

Come and rest

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Sometimes life is so full of mess that it seems impossible to pick out the message that God is trying to get me to understand. It is in these times that I have to work super hard at removing myself from life's distractions. I have to run as fast as I can to the safety of my prayer closet and just shut the door.. heck, times like these I have to lock it! But in the midst of all the chaos, as soon as I cry out for God he always finds me. Even if I'm out wandering in the wilderness, He somehow always knows right where I am and what I need from Him in order to survive the moment. That's what is so amazing about God... he truely is omniscient and omnipresent. He has never left me where I was and He refuses to leave me where I am. Even when my life spins out of control or the weight of the world seems too intense for my fragile body to bear, Jesus invites me to lighten my load. "Come to me..." How can three seemingly small and powerless words shake me to my core? How can such a simple phrase undo the hurt and pain that is suffoctating me in my moment? That is the power of Jesus Christ!!! He is strong when I am weak. He is more than enough for me! I serve an awesome God and I pray that I am constantly filled with a fire for Him that can not be satisfied. I pray that I always crave more of Him than I have at any given moment. Just to be with You I would give anything!