Through it all, I learned to trust in GOD.

http://youtu.be/Bo-mp_m3nj8 - Through it All - Selah

John 16:31-33 NLT
³¹ Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? ³² But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. ³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

This has been a tough week for our Country.  Once again, one lost young man decided to gain notoriety through a senseless and brutal attack on others. 

I read this article from GotQuestions.org  and thought it was worth sharing.  The greatest comfort we can have is knowing that Jesus told us these terrible things would happen.  He wanted us to know that as evil as this world can be, HE has already won the battle for us.  We live victory - no matter what horrible circumstances we may encounter, because we have Christ.  Through His sacrifice, we have been given an amazing future with Him for all eternity.

Psalm 56:11 NLT
in God I trust; I will not fear.What can man do to me? 

Question: "Is there meaning in tragedy?"

Answer: When tragedy strikes, it is common for people to ask, “What does this mean?”

When we witness some disaster or mass murder, there is a natural feeling that what has happened should not have happened. This innate sense of “wrongness” is a clue to meaning in these events. When we look to find meaning in tragedy, we must have the right perspective. We need to approach the question in a way that allows for a coherent answer, and this is only possible through a Christian worldview. Because God instills meaning into every moment and event in history, through Him we can begin to find meaning in suffering. The nature of this world lends itself to tragic events. Fortunately, God speaks to us, so that we can find not only meaning, but salvation and relief from the sufferings of the world.

When studying physical motion, it is crucial to understand perspective. Speed and acceleration are only meaningful in relation to some other object; this object is the reference point. The way in which the reference point moves affects our perception. The same is true in our sense of right and wrong. For concepts of good, bad, right, wrong, or tragedy to be meaningful, they have to be anchored to a reference point that does not change or move. The only valid reference point for these issues is God. The very fact that we consider a mass murder wrong strongly supports the idea of God as the reference point for our sense of good and evil. Without God, even the events we consider the most tragic are no more meaningful than anything else. We have to understand the nature of this world and our relationship to God in order to draw any meaning at all from the things we see.

God infuses every moment and every event with meaning and gives us confidence that He understands what we are going through. When Jesus instituted communion, He tied the past, present, and future together. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup (the present), you proclaim the Lord's death (the past) until He comes (the future).” God’s knowledge of all events means nothing is insignificant to Him. If God knows when a sparrow falls, He certainly knows when we face tragedy (Matthew 10:29-31). In fact, God assured us that we would face trouble in this world (John 16:33) and that He has experienced our struggles personally (Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:15).

Hebrews 2:11-18
¹¹ So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. ¹² For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
I will praise you among your assembled people.”

¹³ He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”
that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

¹⁴ Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. ¹⁵ Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

¹⁶ We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Hebrews 4:15 NLT
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

(Exodus 20:13; Romans 1:18-21).

Romans 1:18-24

¹⁸ But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. ¹⁹ They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. ²⁰ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. ²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. ²³ And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴ So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. ²⁵ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ²⁶ That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.

When we look to find meaning in such an event, we have to understand why this world is the way it is. The hardship of this world was originally caused by mankind’s sin (Romans 5:12), which is always a matter of choice (1 Corinthians 10:13). While God is perfectly capable of stopping tragedies before they begin, sometimes He chooses not to. While we may not know why, we do know that He is perfect, just, and holy, and so is His will. Also, the suffering we experience in this world does three things. It leads us to seek God, it develops our spiritual strength, and it increases our desire for heaven (Romans 8:18-25; James 1:2-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7).

In the garden of Eden, God spoke to Adam and communicated in clear and direct ways, not in abstract concepts. God speaks to us today in the same way. In some ways, this is the most important meaning to be found in any tragedy. Tragic events demonstrate much of their meaning in the way we react to them. C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This does not mean that God causes tragedy, but that He uses our reaction to tragedy to speak to us. Tragic events remind us not only that we live in an imperfect and fallen world, but that there is a God who loves us and wants something better for us than the world has to offer.

Recommended Resource: Is God Really in Control? Trusting God in a World of Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Personal Tragedy by Jerry Bridges.


Matthew 10:29-31 NLT
²⁹ What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. ³⁰ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

John 16:33 NLT
³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Romans 5:12 Holman Christian Standard
¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.

James 1:2-3 Holman Christian Standard
² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.


1 Peter 1 Holman Christian Standard
³ Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. ⁵ You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials ⁷ so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.


As the Lord leads, please pray:

For the families who are grieving the inexplicable loss of their loved ones.

For those who have been injured, and the medical teams attending them.

For the family of James Holmes.

For law enforcement as they work to disarm the explosive-laden apartment of Holmes, and search his personal effects for some explanation of the shooting.

The destination is worth it!

I was flipping through the channels and heard a talk show host make this statement:

"It's not the destination...it's the journey."

I thought to myself, "are you kidding me?"  For Christians the Destination gives purpose to the journey!  It's all about the Destination!!!  To be Home with Jesus???  Of course that's what matters.  Our journey should be purposeful and full of love and service towards others.  God gives us opportunities to shine for Him along our road, but never doubt for once second,  it is the destination that gives us hope and a reason for the journey.

http://youtu.be/YE4Yf4NkdrU - Long way Home - Steven Curtis Chapman

I just love this song by Steven Curtis Chapman!  It reminds me that this journey we are on - bumps and all,  is going to be so worth it!


Do you ever see someone who seems to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and you just can't understand how he keeps going?  Sometimes it seems supernatural.

This life is full of struggles and suffering. All of us, sooner or later, will have to deal with something horrendous, and we'll  get through it.  We have no choice.  But for a Christian, there's a difference.  Yes, we still have to face the problems of this life, we still suffer, but God gives us a peace that comes from knowing we are never alone in our struggles. He is walking with us every step. 

There is a difference between just surviving bad times and coming through those bad times in victory.  A Christian uses those difficult times as a testimony to God's faithfulness.  So even in the worst possible circumstances, others see strength that defies our circumstances.  It's the strength that Christ provides.

No matter how tough things get, Christ has promised to give us everything we need to get through the crisis.  He is ready to strengthen us, provide for us and give us His peace which is beyond our comprehension.

I love this passage in Philippians.  Actually, the whole book of Philippians is a treasure chest of encouragement and hope - regardless of the circumstances we may be facing. 

The bottom line  - I'm not alone.  My Father is the Creator of the Universe and He chose me to be His special possession.  Now that's reason to rejoice always!

Philippians 4
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

¹⁵ And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.



from Belief Changers:

Today, I need the peace that only Your presence brings. With situations and circumstances that create concern, I ask You to be the Peace that passes all understanding. I don't have to know the all the details, I only need to know You're here. Lord let Your peace prevail in my home, at work, wherever you lead me, let love and grace fill the atmosphere. I pray for this nation as well as every nation of the earth. Let Your word go forth and draw men, women and children to You, wonderful Savior! Amen & So be it!



http://youtu.be/1vmY2ztb5xc  - How great the Father's Love - Selah

How Deep The Father's Love For Us
by Selah
from the album "You Deliver Me"

Lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross

Ashamed to hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that kept Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom [x2]

A CLEAN HEART

Psalm 51:10-13

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You. 


http://youtu.be/aSIazjrA0Ls - Refiner's Fire - Brian Doerksen

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

This message has been on my mind so much lately.  I feel that my heart's desire truly is to be holy, set apart to do whatever the Lord has for me to do. I fail miserably but I refuse to give up because I know I have the power of the Holy Spirit within me ready to get me through whatever may come my way. 

I don't like life to be difficult.  I don't like problems.  But I've begun to look at obstacles and struggles as tests.  Can I pass the test?   Will I work through the obstacles by keeping my focus on Jesus, inviting Him to be my Guide and Strength?  I so want to be able to do that consistently.  I really think that many of those difficult challenges I face from time to time may just be to refine me, like the refiner's fire as he seeks to purify the silver by getting rid of any impurities.



I can know the right way to handle adversity, but until I have adversity and have to actually put what I know into practice, I'm just spouting off knowledge.  But really using that knowledge in the face of adversity, that's wisdom.  And when I manage to trust God to get me through the struggles of life, the next struggle doesn't seem nearly as threatening.

Malachi 3
3 “See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desire—see, He is coming,” says the Lord of Hosts. ² But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? 

For He will be like a refiner’s fire and like cleansing lye. ³ He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. ⁴ And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by.

Refining Silver

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." One lady's opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her. "But Sir" she said, "do you sit while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes, madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; "the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver....

--Author Unknown

When I read this, I was reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

He will not let me be tested beyond my strength, but will provide a way out so that I can endure.  That way out is always reaching for His Hand, trusting Him to pull me through the fire.  And He is always faithful.

The Lord has promised to give me a new heart and to put His Spirit within me.  His Holy Spirit living in me prompts me to choose His Way not mine own.  When I listen and obey, His holiness is demonstrated in me.  This is not righteous of my own, I am simply reflecting the righteousness of Christ, shining through my willingness and my desire to live for Him.  The more intense the heat I face, the closer my Lord watches, ready to scoop me out of danger.   One day, I hope to be so refined and pure that Jesus will see Himself in me.

Ezekiel 36:23b-
The nations will know that I am Yahweh”—the declaration of the Lord God—“when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight. ²⁴ “For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. ²⁵ I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. ²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷ I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances. ²⁸ Then you will live in the land that I gave your fathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God. ²⁹ I will save you from all your uncleanness.

http://youtu.be/SXJz8-6dNKg - Come and fill my heart - Avalon

Contagious Faith!



2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

http://youtu.be/MmUDDxflt6o - MOVE - MercyME

If this song doesn't get you up and moving on Monday morning, I don't know what will! We've got something in Christ that should have us up dancing for joy. Share your joy in Christ! It's contagious!

Contagious Faith

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
not for men.  - Colossians 3:23 NIV


Are you genuinely excited about your faith? And do you make your enthusiasm known to those around you? Or are you a "silent ambassador" for Christ? God's preference is clear: He intends that you stand before others and proclaim your faith.

Genuine, heartfelt Christianity is contagious! If you enjoy a life-altering relationship with God, that relationship will have an impact on others—perhaps a profound impact.

 A couple of years ago, Dallas Christian School's PTO has a special motto: Be Salt & Light at DC! We wanted our lives to reflect His LIGHT so that others would be drawn to HIM, and we wanted to be salt. We wanted to be influencers in the world for Christ.   I think it's a motto every Christian should have.

Salt has many purposes:    http://www.teal.org.uk/mat/saltand.htm

As a seasoning agent, it improves the taste of the food that it comes into contact with, and so as we come into contact with society our Christian values should improve the nature of that society.

Salt makes people thirsty - and as Christians we seek to create a thirst in people's lives that can only be satisfied by Jesus, who said : "if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me me and drink" (John 7:37)

Salt is used to thaw ice on roads : so it can have the effect of warming hearts that have hardened against the gospel - over time the saltiness of Christians can bring people to know Jesus Christ.

As a preservative, salt gives food an improved length of life. Ultimately, with enough salt, those who do know Jesus, and acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour will have eternal life.

My job as a disciple of Christ is to be Salt and Light, and if I am, my faith will be contagious! I'll be a positive influence on my community, my school, at my job, at my church and in my home.

Isaiah 58:10
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.


Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.

Isaiah 60:19
“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.


Mark 4:21
Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.


John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.


John 12:35
Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.


John 12:46
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

Believers are the light of the world. We are to reflect Jesus, The LIGHT, to those around us who are struggling in darkness. Let your light shine today. Don't just go through the motions - give today your everything!

http://youtu.be/qaHmiFaX_pk  - Going Through The Motions


Does Christ reign over your life? Then share your testimony and your excitement. The world needs both.

http://youtu.be/auE-ZCQBOKY  - More - Matthew West

"Your enthusiasm will be infectious, stimulating, and attractive to others. They will love you for it. They will go for you and with you."
Norman Vincent Peale


"Prayer must be aflame. Prayer without fervor is as a sun without light or heat, or as a flower without beauty or fragrance. A soul devoted to God is a fervent soul, and prayer is the creature of that flame. He only can truly pray who is all aglow for holiness, for God, and for heaven."
E. M. Bounds


"Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." John Wesley


"Don't take hold of a thing unless you want that thing to take hold of you."
E. Stanley Jones

Father, Thank You for loving me and for sending Your Son to save me. How can I show my gratitude for such a wonderful gift! Help me to be a light that reflects Your great love. I know that others are watching the way that I live my life. Help me to be an enthusiastic Christian with a faith that is contagious. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Confidence in God


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjbl4gkJSVI - Who Am I - Casting Crowns

Probably, at one time or another, most of us have had a confidence problem.  During those
times, we feel worthless, unloved, forgotten.  That's our perception, of course, and not reality. 
It can happen to anyone of us at anytime - anytime when we listen the lies of the Enemy instead of the Voice of God, our Creator and Father.

Many people consider Elijah the greatest prophet that every lived.  He was a prophet during the reign
of King Ahab who was possibly the most wicked king of all times.  Elijah walked with God.  He performed amazing miracles, even bringing a young boy back to life.  If anyone should have had confidence in himself and in the power and might of God, it was Elijah.  But Elijah was not unlike me.  He had moments when he was afraid, when he forgot that God would never leave nor forsake him.

This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible.  Once again, the people have turned from Jehovah God
and instead, worshipped Baal.There's been a drought in the land which is interesting considering that
Baal is supposed to be the god over storms and nature. Hmmmm... One would think "rain" might fall
under his power.  But Baal had not provided rain for a long time (or ever!).  Our mighty God has a way of getting our attention when we take our eyes off Him.  Of course, it was Jehovah God, the only true God, who controlled nature and determined whether to send rain or not.  And HE had withheld rain for a long time.

Finally, at just the right time, the LORD sent Elijah to King Ahab with a challenge.

1 Kings 18 -

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

“You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. 19 Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.”
 20 So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.
 22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. 23 Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. 24 Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed.
 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls, and prepare it and call on the name of your god. But do not set fire to the wood.”
 26 So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made.
 27 About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!”
 28 So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. 29 They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response.
 30 Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. 31 He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, 32 and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. 33 He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood.
   Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.”
 34 After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, 35 and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.
 36 At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. 37 O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.”


Don't you just want to stand up and cheer!  Or maybe, like the Israelites, we should fall to our knees, with face to the ground and worship Almighty God.  This was a powerful demonstration of God's power.  It should have settled the question once and for all for King Ahab and the people - "The LORD - He is God! Yes, the LORD is God!"

1 Corinthians 10:12 - 
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Just a few short verses later, we see Elijah, who has just witnessed the power of Almighty God over the Enemy, hiding, afraid of a woman - wanting to die rather than face another day.  Where is that powerful Prophet who called down fire from Heaven?

1 Kings 19:1-4
When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”
 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

When I read this passage, I think, good grief, Elijah!  What are you thinking?  If God is on your side, how in the world can you be afraid of Jezebel?  God has just shown you His power and might, and you're afraid of a woman? 

But don't we do the same thing?  Have you ever noticed that we are most susceptible to discouragement when we're coming off a great victory?  When a person accepts Jesus, our single greatest moment, it is often followed by an attack by the Enemy.  He can't stand for us to praise God, to lift up His Name, to accept His Son as our Savior!  So he tries all kinds of tricks and schemes to defeat us and render us ineffective for the Kingdom. 

Right after Jesus was baptized, what happened?  He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days and nights. Jesus had just announced to the world that His ministry was beginning, and the first thing that happens is "temptation".

Jesus overcame that time in the wilderness by keeping His eyes on His Father.  He didn't answer the enemy with His earthly wisdom and strength - at that time, His strength was probably failing; he had fasted for 40 days.  No Jesus trusted His Father's Words and His Father's strength.  He didn't rely on His own abilities.  There's a powerful lesson there for us.

When I feel powerless and ineffective, I have two choices.  I can wallow in my defeat and discouragement, like Elijah, or I can look to God and give Him my worries and concerns. I can imitate Jesus. 

Instead of listening to the lies that the Enemy whispers in my ear:

"You are such a loser!"  "You are worthless."  "Once again, you've managed to mess everything up!"  "You're never going to get out of this mess."   "Why should God bother with you?  You're nothing.  He's got much more important things to take care of."

I can listen to my Father.  He tells me a completely different story.

Psalm 139
 1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
      and know everything about me.
 2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
      You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
 3 You see me when I travel
      and when I rest at home.
      You know everything I do.
 4 You know what I am going to say
      even before I say it, Lord.
 5 You go before me and follow me.
      You place your hand of blessing on my head.
 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
      too great for me to understand!
 7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
      I can never get away from your presence!
 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
      if I go down to the grave, you are there.
 9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
      if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
 10 even there your hand will guide me,
      and your strength will support me.
 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
      and the light around me to become night—
    12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
   To you the night shines as bright as day.
      Darkness and light are the same to you.
 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
      and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
      Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
      as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
 16 You saw me before I was born.
      Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
   Every moment was laid out
      before a single day had passed.
 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
      They cannot be numbered!
 18 I can’t even count them;
      they outnumber the grains of sand!
   And when I wake up,
      you are still with me!
 19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
      Get out of my life, you murderers!
 20 They blaspheme you;
      your enemies misuse your name.
 21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
      Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
 22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
      for your enemies are my enemies.
 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
      test me and know my anxious thoughts.
 24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
      and lead me along the path of everlasting life

I am a much loved child of God.  I matter to my Father.  He has a plan for me, just for me.  And He has watched every moment of my life, sometimes allowing difficult circumstances because He could use them to help draw me closer to Him.  He's shown Himself so powerfully in my life, so many times.  I choose to trust Him, not just in those powerful moments when I feel His presence, but also in those times when I feel so discouraged and forgotten.  That's what faith is, believing when you cannot see.

Jesus showed us how to face the temptations.  He turned to God's Word.

Luke 4
The Temptation of Jesus
 1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.
 3 Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”
 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”
 5 Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”
 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,
   ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
 9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say,
   ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.
 11 And they will hold you up with their hands
      so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
 12 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
 13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

This morning, I was feeling discouraged.  I had a tough day yesterday, my underwriter would not call me or email me back, and I tried several times to get a response on a loan I'm trying to close.  The loan in question is for my new boss, and I definitely don't want to drop the ball on this loan.  I have to get an answer from the underwriter to get the loan closed.  My boss is upset because the underwriter isn't calling me back.  Me, too.  But all the way home last night, all I could think about was this:  What if I have failed to do what I was supposed to do and it's my fault the underwriter isn't calling me back?  I hate to admit it but I have been worrying over this situation. I know I'm not supposed to worry, but I don't want to fail.  I don't want to be the one who "messed up".  How am I going to respond today if I didn't do what I was supposed to do? 

Defeat and fear can be  overwhelming when we let ourselves dwell on things that we should have done differently.  Just last week I was feeling so strong and confident about my new job.  Now... I'm afraid I missed something that has caused a loan not to close when it should have. I feel like Elijah, defeated and afraid of the future.  But when I took time to be in God's presence, He  reminded me of all the times He's provided when I thought there was no way I would survive.  He reminded me of my friends, Oscar and Emma, and how they trust in Him because He has always been faithful.  He reminded me that I have no one to fear when He is with me and HE is always with me.

God put Psalm 139 in front of me.  As I read it, once again, I knew HE was telling me: "I know,Carol.  I know exactly what's happening. I've seen everything, and I have already made a way for you.  I will not leave you to face this alone.  I am with you always - from the time you were conceived even until now.  Trust Me.  I have a plan for you, and it's greater than You can imagine. Keep your eyes on Me, precious daughter.  I'm right here."

I feel better now, because I've stopped listening to the lies.  Instead, I'm listening to my Father who loves me and will get me through whatever may come.  And these tough moments are in my life to remind me that I am not in control.  I can't do this life without Him.  The moment I think I've got it all figured out, that's when He gives me a little nudge and says "Trust Me, not yourself, Carol.  I won't ever let you down."



Father GOD, Your Word says that You will never leave me, but right now I feel so alone.  I'm afraid of what lies before me.  Help me to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that You are with me.  You are my Provider and my Protector, my Good Shepherd.  The storms and the trials of this life feel as if they are going to overcome me, but You have overcome the world and will not let me be defeated. You are by my side, I need not fear. You are for me, what can man do against me?  You have given me the spirit of power, love and self-discipline, and I revel in this knowledge. Your Spirit who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.  I will not fear, for You, O God, are with me.  My confidence is in You and You alone. Fill me with Your presence and give me courage as I greet this day. Forgive me when I fail to trust You for everything.  I pray all these things in Jesus' Name. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1jRcpFEIzs - He Knows My Name - McRaes

Staying Strong



Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”


This morning, I was going to send this out in my Monday morning devotional, but I just ran out of time.  This new job is really cutting into my free time.  = )    I really wasn't feeling a need to "stay strong" but it's always good to remember the message.

First thing this morning, I had an email from Oscar - the kids don't have any food again.  I told Larry we just have to send some money.  Oscar's kids need food and I can't stand it that they don't know where the next meal will come from.  Well, let me say, I didn't know where their next meal would come from.  I'm sure Oscar knew God would provide.  He always trusts and God is always faithful to make a way.  Well today, I figured God was giving Larry and me the opportunity to help in some very small way.  As I left for work, Larry said he would send money.  I felt better.

But then, later today, I got an update from Lost Orphans. I knew there might be some small amount in the Happy Choice account but I had just asked that they send a wire early last month because we had another urgent need. I decided not to impose on them again this soon.  Larry and I could just send the little we had and hopefully it would be enough until Lost Orphans sent the monthly wire.  But God is so good.   About 10:00 I received an email from Lost Orphans giving me an update of donations for the month, letting me know that a wire was being sent today for over $600.00!  

I almost cried with joy.  Oscar never doubts our God.  He's got 12 kids plus his own three with no food and no prospects of food, but he's trusting God.  I, on the other hand, have a full stomach, never miss a meal, and I wonder where the money for more food, for school needs for the kiddos, for a barbed wire fence to surround the Happy Choice Compound for protection - where money for all those things will come from.  You'd think I would have figured it out by now.  God is our Provider and when we trust Him, He will out do our little human efforts every time.

Then I got an update on Jessica Boone, the sweet young girl who has been coming back from a traumatic head injury that nearly killed her.  This young girl has such amazing faith.  Her pain is excruciating right now.  Her mom, Lisa, who is a living testimony to faith herself, is overwhelmed with watching her daughter suffer, unable to give her any relief from the pain.  Saturday, when mom Lisa is at the point of despair, Jessie turns to to her and wants to know if they can go to church on Sunday. Lisa says, "no Jess,  you aren't able to sit on the pew for that long right now with your pain."  Jessie tells her mom, "it will be better tomorrow.  I asked God to make it better and He will."

Oscar and Jessica Boone know how to stay strong.

Faith is believing when we cannot see.  Jessie and her family, Avery Grace Akeman and her family, Oscar and Emma and their ministry... so many others I could name - these precious believers are my encouragement to stay strong, to never doubt, never fear.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Holy Father, I thank You that You have already defeated the enemy. I submit to You this day and resist the onslaught of the enemy upon my life, knowing that he will flee from me when I do. Lord Jesus, help me to recognize those seemingly innocent compromises I am tempted to make for what they are - the beginning of a spiral downward into darkness and away from You. You alone are my strength and my God. My allegiance is with You, my Redeemer. Lord, keep my eyes focused on You and all You have for me.
Help me to stay strong, to trust Your strength when I have none of my own.  Help me to remember that You are always with me. What or whom should possible fear with You by my side?


This day is for You, for Your glory. I worship You in the midst of everything I face, knowing that in Your presence there is safety and peace.


In the precious Name of Jesus, my Savior and my God. Amen.


This hymn came to mind.  I couldn't find it on youtube but I'll share the lyrics here.  Lord give me such a faith as this.

William Hiley Bathurst (1796-1877) wrote:
O for a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by every foe,
That will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe.
That will not murmur or complain beneath the chastening rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain, will lean upon its God.
A faith that shines more bright and clear when tempests rage without;
That when in danger knows no fear, in darkness feels no doubt!
Lord, give us such a faith as this; and then, whatever may come,
We’ll taste even here the hallowed bliss of an eternal home.


http://youtu.be/ZbnKW1gHRzE  - Stay Strong - Newsboys


You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin

You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong

You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls

The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliché'
We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?

Did you forget whose trip you're on?
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day

We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won

This race can be won

We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong

His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way
Come on, and stay strong
You and I run

For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8a

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED




Colossians 3:17, 23


And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. …


Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Steven Curtis Chapman - Do Everything - Official Music - Music Videos
http://youtu.be/d3YLJCOKOzM

The Lord used the prophet Jeremiah to issue a warning to Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 26:4-6 
“Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’ “

But Jerusalem wouldn’t listen. So God allowed the people of Jerusalem to be taken into exile by Babylon. There they would remain for 70 years.

They must have been felt so discouraged and defeated. They were aliens in a foreign land, with no hope for a future. But Jeremiah had another word from the LORD:

Jeremiah 29:4-7
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

My translation – “Bloom where you’re planted!”

Jeremiah told the Israelites to make the best of things. He told them to go ahead and put down roots, to build houses, plant gardens, let your sons and daughters get married, go on with your life. Make the most of the situation. Seek peace and prosperity in your new your city because when Babylon prospers, you will prosper, too.

This is a lesson for me. There are days when I feel stuck in my job. I would love to spend my time studying God’s Word, doing good deeds in His Name, sharing the gospel, teaching His Truths. I love doing those things, and I feel that’s what honors God. But instead, I have a real job I must do to help provide for my family. My real job is not in ministry. I’m a mortgage banker, and I help people get financing for their homes. It’s not exactly the “higher calling” that I desire! But maybe God has a reason for me being right where I am.

Paul says that whatever I do, whether it’s teaching a bible class or helping a client get his loan, I should do it in a way that honors the Name of Jesus. I am an Ambassador of Christ wherever I am and whatever I’m doing. The way I do my job reflects on His power in my life. If I’m not ethical or conscientious in my work, if I’m not giving each customer my very best, then I’m not representing my Lord honorably.



I deal with lots of people in my job. Every day I have opportunities to be “salt and light” to the people I meet. I don’t have to “preach with words”, I can teach by example. What sermon will my life preach today? Will others see Jesus living in me? Or will they see someone just going through the motions of the day, longing for 5:00 to come so I can “clock out”?



God’s people should be known for their excellence. We should always be the ones most willing to do whatever needs to be done and without complaining; we should be the ones who work harder and with more enthusiasm than our co-workers who do not have our Hope. We should be more powerful, more effective, more productive and wiser BECAUSE we have access to the Spirit of God living within us. We have the Holy Spirit with us every moment. And He is more than willing to guide us throughout our day; helping us to make decisions that honor Him, showing us how to do everything we do for His glory. All we have to do is ask and be willing to give Him control.



And I don’t have to be the “boss” or the “leader” in order to be a powerful influence. Every relationship I have should honor Christ.



Colossians 3:18-22


Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.


Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.


Slaves (employees) obey your earthly (employers) masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.



As a wife, I’m not the head of my family, but I do have a powerful influence on my family. I can honor Christ by submitting to my husband and helping him to be stronger and more effective in all he does. I can be his helper or I can constantly beat him down with my words and disrespect. “Slaves” can equate to “employees” for my purposes here. As an employee I should be respectful of my employer. Whether he’s out of the office or in the next room, I should work diligently at the task he’s given me. If I do that with a sincere heart, I honor my employer but more importantly, I honor the Lord.



Wherever God plants me that is where I need to bloom. He has a plan for me. And that plan is so much better than my plan, so I’m going to trust Him and “bloom where He plants me”. Jeremiah had one more message for the Exiles in Babylon, and that message is for me, too.



Jeremiah 29:11


“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD…

“Wherever we're planted, there's something to give thanks for. There's someone to help, a garden to grow, and a life to build. We're in the midst of it all, and God is, too. With his love, we can bloom and we can thrive ... wherever we're planted.” Susan Bennett

http://youtu.be/OHUppFNjy5E  - The Motions - Matthew West