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

What's in a name?

God changed Abram's name to Abraham.  Abraham means father of many.

Gideon's name was changed from Jerubbaal.  Jerubbaal means "Baal judges".  Not a great name for one of God's judges.  "Gideon" was given the task of delivering the Israelites from the Midianites and the Amalekites who were constantly raiding the country.  In Judges 6 we learn that Gideon cut down the Asherah pole that stood next to Ba-al. He cut down the idol to reclaim his people for God.   The name "Gideon" means "to fell, to cut down".   After that, we no longer hear of Jerubbaal. But exploits of Gideon are found in 103 verses in only 3 chapters - there is more about Gideon than any other judge. Judges 6-8.

There are many "name changes" in the Bible.  And they always seem to have meaning or reflect a change in heart or purpose for the name bearer.  Paul was no different.

Ephesians 3:8
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah.

Paul considered himself the least of all the saints, the least of all the apostles.  He knew where he had come from and was so thankful for the incomparable riches of being called to be a servant of God unto the Gentiles. 

But Paul wasn't always called Paul. When we first meet him in chapter 7 of Acts of the Apostles, we hear of a young man named Saul. 

Acts 7:55-58
⁵⁵ But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ⁵⁶ “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
⁵⁷ Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. ⁵⁸ They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

At the martyrdom of Stephen, whose name means "crown" = ),  the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young named.... Saul.
                                                                                                                          
The change from Saul to Paul didn't happen when we might expect to happen - at his conversion.  We don't see the switch until chapter 13 of Acts.   

Acts 13:9-10
 This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear God’s message. ⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (this is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 
Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer ¹⁰ and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?                          

There it is!  Saul - also called Paul!

We no longer hear about Saul of Tarsus.  But we hear plenty about and from Paul.

Why the name change?  Did God change Paul's name like He did with Abram to Abraham, or Jacob to Israel?  We don't really know for sure based on Scripture.  Some think that Paul was just Saul's "Roman" name. It was not uncommon for people to have two names, especially if they had dual citizenship like Paul did. Or maybe Paul changed his own name, to make a new start.  Maybe he didn't want anything to do with that man "Saul" who had persecuted followers of Christ.   Whatever the reason, whether it was God or Paul himself making the change, the name mattered.

The name Paul means "little,  least, humble" and I even read one definition of "Paulos", the true Greek version of Paul, that said it meant "little man". 

Sounds to me like Paul was constantly reminded that he was the "least" of the apostles, the "least" of the followers of Christ, but probably just in his own eyes.   I certainly don't look at him as the least of any group.  He was powerful, humble, passionate ambassador for his Savior.  And there's nothing "small" or "least" about that wonderful man of God.

The story of Paul should give us all hope.  Saul of Tarsus was heartless and relentless in his pursuit of believers who followed Jesus.  He literally hunted them down and either stoned them or took them to jail.  But God had a  plan for Saul of Tarsus.  He took this horrible excuse of a man and changed him forever.  If Christ can make that kind of change in Paul, I think he can change any of us who are willing to trust in Him and walk in His way.

Names are important.  I looked up my name and found in French, my name, Carol, means "strong".  However, the English name, Carol, means "song of joy". I like both of those meanings. They make me hold my head up a little higher.  Attributes I hope to have  when I grow up.  = )   But the German version wasn't quite so grand.  In Germany my name means "farmer".  I guess I better go plant some seeds for the Lord.  

I still answer to "Carol", but I do have a new name now.  My new name  is "Christian" which simply means follower of Christ.  That's how I want to be remembered.

http://youtu.be/CC8puwexBBo- He knows my name - Paul Baloche

  

NOT PERFECT - JUST FORGIVEN

My "perfect" child went through a period when he was hurting.
He felt alone and unloved.  How could I not see? 

http://youtu.be/rVcCKe2sz0Y - Give me Your eyes - Brandon Heath  - lipsinked by Myke Fox

When Tyler was in middle school, he went through a period of time when he felt alone and unloved.  He wore black all the time.  Larry and I thought it was just because he was trying to find himself - some fashion statement that would make him special.

But he was hurting.  We saw what we wanted to see.  He was always surrounded by friends who loved him; he had parents who thought he was amazing.  Yet this 12 year old boy felt alone.



In high school he shared some of the feelings he had had when in middle school.  His English paper began: "There is no God and if there is he doesn't care about me."  Now that will get a mom's attention.  He continued to explain how depressed and discouraged he had felt, that is until someone noticed.  His friend Ben took the time to really listen to Tyler.  When Ben asked how Tyler was, he didn't let Tyler get off with "I'm fine."  He knew something more was going on.  Ben showed Tyler that someone did care Someone besides his parents.  After all, according to Tyler, we had to care because we were his mom and dad.  Ben started asking him questions about the bible, making him think about spiritual things.  A funny thing happened, Tyler started seeing God's goodness and love.  He began to realize that God had put Ben in his life to point Tyler to Jesus.  God really did love Tyler after all. 

Just this week, I've learned a valuable lesson about making rash judgments.  I've been reminded that everyone has got junk that they are dealing with.

Violence at home
Drug Addiction
Illness in the family
Death of a loved one
Financial hardship
Marriage problems

These are just a few of the situations I've seen this week that people around me are dealing with.  Had I not taken the time to show interest in the lives of others, I would not have known that the man who tends to fly into a verbal rage when things get stressful - that man is dealing with a child addicted to drugs and he doesn't know how to help.  The woman who seems distracted and unable to focus on anything - her husband beat her up and her kids had to stop him from hurting her. Her marriage may be over and that weighs heavy on her.  Or what about the woman who has a family of her own but still must go every day to the nursing home to make sure her mom is okay?

This week, I had a prayer request for a family whose 18-year-old son had been swimming with friends and he drown.  That's what they're dealing with this week and the rest of their lives.  Everyone is dealing with something and that "something" can affect how they act around us.  Maybe if I realized how much others are hurting, I might be more compassionate and less quick to be offended or angry at things they do or say.

Mark 6:34
“And Jesus, when he came out, saw many people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.”

Someday, I want to do a search of all the times that the Bible tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion.  Doesn't this verse just touch your heart? Our Savior, the Son of God, has great compassion for the hurting and the lost.  "He saw many people and was moved with compassion towards them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd".  Do I see what Jesus saw when I walk into a room, or when I'm shopping at the mall when I'm at work or school, or sitting in church? Do I have compassion when I walk among the lost in my community?  Or do I walk right past without giving them a second thought?

People are hurting, but they don't trust others enough to open up. We're consumed with looking good on the outside, and we hide who we really are. We put on our masks and only show the world what we think will be "acceptable".  And why do we play these games? We do it so that people will like us and respect us, and maybe, just maybe they will be our "friend".  How many of us truly let others see who we really are - on the inside?

Being transparent is scary.  It means no more secrets.  No more lies.  No more pretending.   That's not easy for most of us. We are afraid that if our friends knew the truth, they wouldn't be our friends anymore.

How truthful are you when you go out into the world?

If you and I aren't always truthful about what's really going on in our lives and the struggles we're facing, don't you think that there are lots of people just like us who look good on the outside but on the inside, they are falling apart?

We are isolating ourselves from people who just might surprise us and be more than willing to come alongside offering encouragement and understanding. And even worse, when we don't open up and share our struggles, we may miss opportunities to help someone else who is going through the same thing we've already gone through and survived.  When we are transparent and real, we open the doors for others to be transparent, too.

Galatians 6:1-3
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

1.  If I see a fellow believer overcome by sin, Jesus says to gently
    and humbly to try and help that person find his way back.

2.  When I try to help someone who is struggling, I must be on guard less I
     fall into the same sin.

3.  Jesus wants me to help others who are burdened -  to come along side
     and help them to get through the struggle.

4.  And if God puts someone on my path who needs help, I should never
     think I'm too busy or too important to stop and help, however I can.

This is the law of Christ.  He taught his disciples to help others, whether it
was a physical need or a spiritual need.  And we are to be His Hands and Feet.

And don't underestimate the people around you.  You may just be surprised at how much they care and how willing they are to help if you share your struggles.  You might just find out that they need some encouragement, too.  And when we help each other, we become the true Body of Christ.

Holy Father, give me Your eyes for the hurting and suffering around me.  Help me to really see each person you put in my life every day, whether it's the cashier at the grocery store or man who cut me off in traffic.  Let me see those crossings of paths as opportunities to be Jesus to a hurting world.  Lord Jesus, You were never too busy to help others.  You were never too tired.  Please forgive me when I think that what I have to do this day is more important than taking a few minutes to encourage a friend who is suffering. Lord, teach me to listen, really listen not just to the words someone says, but to the unspoken words, the body language that clearly shows pain.  Lord, I realize that I may not be the one to help every friend who is struggling in silence.  Not everyone will be able to open up to me, but Lord, help me at least give them the option of letting people know I care.

I've got a long way to go, Lord.  I need You to prompt me to put myself out there so that others won't see me as someone who has never struggled.  I want people to know that I have struggled and You've gotten me through every time.  I will be Your witness.  You are so faithful.  I love You, Lord.  May my life reflect Your goodness and kindness and compassion to everyone you put in my life.  It's in Your precious Name, Jesus, that I ask these things. Amen.  

This song says it so much better than I can.  Mark of Casting Crowns shares how he felt as a young boy growing up around "perfect Christians".  If we never let down our masks, if all people see is our plastic church faces, we will miss out on opportunities to witness for Christ.  If others don't know how God continually gives us victory over our own struggles, they may think there is no hope for them.  But when they see that we aren't perfect, we are just forgiven, they might just want to know our Savior and experience the Peace that only He can give.

Thank God that Ben took the time to see Tyler through Jesus's eyes.  Thank God for putting Ben in the right place at the right time so that he could speak Life into Tyler's life.  Because Ben cared enough to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Tyler came to know his Savior in a powerful way.  Tyler is now committed to living his life for Christ.  He knows the love of God - personally.  He has been forever changed because someone cared enough to see with Jesus's eyes.

I'm so proud of Tyler.  Since that day when he began to fully understand how much he is loved - not just by his parents and family, not just by friends, but by his heavenly Father, he has been a faithful witness to God's love and compassion.  He sees others with Jesus' eyes, just like Ben did.  Tyler has a powerful testimony.  Just ask him.  God is using him to help others, just like He used Ben.

 http://youtu.be/tA0sJXOGeNE  - Stained glass Masquerade - Casting Crowns

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong
So I tuck it all away like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

*Chorus*
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade.

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage
The performance is CONVINCING
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Chorus x2
Well if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small