a lily among thorns

Lyrical Friday - Set A Fire

2012-02-10T01:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

There is no better place to be than in the place where you are secure in God's love. His love is altogether lovely and free. If you feel that you are far from God, return to Him. He is only a breathe away. If you feel that you have failed Him, return to Him. He will forgive. In your worst, He loves you. There is nothing that you can do that can separate you from His love.

As you here this cover of Set a Fire, make it a prayer, for your life and for the lives of those around you. God bless You!

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Set a Fire, Will Reagan & United Pursuit

No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
Than here in Your love here in Your love
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Chorus:
Set a fire down in my soul
That I cant contain
That I cant control
Cause I want more of You God I want more of You

sentence tuesday

2012-02-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

When I give a piece of bread to a little hungry child,I believe what Jesus said "You did it to me".

-Mother Theresa

Lyrical Friday - Kingdom Come

2012-02-03T10:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!
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We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”^[c] ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

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For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard. Psalm 22:24
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The righteous cry out, and the Lord heard, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Psalm 34:17-2
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Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
¹¹Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
¹²Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
¹³Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
¹⁴He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces. Psalm 107:10-14
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 1 Corinthians 5:17
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Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:12-13
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But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5
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Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Peter 3:13-14

-I pray that your faith has been renewed after reading these verses. Kingdom Come by JJ Heller is a song that settles these very scriptures in my heart. Your affliction, heartache, pain, struggle and burdens matter to God. He is intimately acquainted will all your ways (Psalm 139) and promises to perfect all which concerns you (Psalm 138). There will be a day where He will make all things new, brand spanking new! There will be no more sorrow, no more tears, no turmoil, no more fears. We will abide in peace, eternal and glorious peace. There will be no shadow of shame over us and sin we will not know. Thinking of it overflows my heart with joy.

So what are we to do until that day comes? I would fail you if I didn't point you in the right direction (--->Jesus). He is your portion of strength, courage, boldness, peace, joy, self control, love, mercy, grace, validation, affirmation, counsel, hope and well, the list goes on. Though we live in the here and now, we are building/and being built for the then and there of eternity. May hope arise for you in Jesus as you allow Him to manage your current affliction and deliver you from them.
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I can't wait to spend eternity with you!
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Kingdom Come, JJ Heller

Ashes, ashes, we fall down
It always feels too soon
But when we walk on golden ground
All will be made new
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Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
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All will be made new
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Life is but a dream at best
Morning's coming soon
Kingdom come will bring us rest
All will be made new
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Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
All will be made new
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All sorrows and sighs
Will fade away into the night
And all will be made new
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Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
All will be made new

Lyrical Friday - One Thing Remains

2012-01-27T11:40:00.001-05:00

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8
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Beloved Friend, Jesus loves you.
He loves all of you.
He loves you in your best.
He loves you in your worst.
He loves you at all times.
His love for you has no end.
His love for you has no bounds.
His love for you is unmatched.
His love for you is yours forever.
There is nothing you can do that will ever diminish His love for you.
There is nothing anyone can do that will cause His love to be removed from you.
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For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5
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But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, [your name here],
And He who formed you, [your name here] :
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
Isaiah 43
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One Thing Remains, Jesus Culture

sentence tuesday

2012-01-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

You carry your cross temporarily,

but you will wear your crown eternally.

-Fidel Gomez

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Lyrical Friday - On My Knees

2012-01-20T11:57:00.002-05:00

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Hello There.
Today's post is for any one who is weary, tired, burdened, overwhelmed, afraid, maybe even terrified, depressed, discouraged, rejected, humiliated, empty, alone, disappointed or feeling guilty, ashamed and condemned. It could be that you find yourself hopeless and dismayed. If things are not looking good for you from your view point, this song is for you.
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May hope arise for you through the only gateway of hope: Jesus. Only He can fully satisfy your hungry heart and quench your thirst for life, joy and hope. He is your Savior, Redeemer, Father, Friend, Lover of your Soul, Provider, Healer, Teacher, Guide and every other role you need Him to be, He already is. Surrender your hurt, your pain, your all. As the song begins (and lyrically speaking, it's quite short) meditate on the words, let them sink in and become your words. As the music continues, scroll back up and meditate on these verses, let these sink in and become your prayers and anthem.
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O LORD, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips.
Declare me innocent,
for you see those who do right.

You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say.
I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:1-8

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In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3
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It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
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You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

On My Knees, Seryn

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On my knees
I can see
Where my heart
needs to be.
When this life
Gets to me
I'll be found
On my knees.

small beginnings

2012-01-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends. As of lately, I've been quite silent: discerning, praying, reading, listening, learning, teaching, sitting, waiting, growing and moving. As promised, I will share with you my 2012 verse.

While attending a ladies bible study this past fall, I was given a verse by one of the attendees. In her words, “I believe God wants you to hold on to this word: Do not despise the day of small things.” She then proceeded to warn me not to take this verse lightly. And so I prayed. I searched. I found.

I prayed.

Why this verse? It really had little to do with what we were studying and much less with what I had shared with the group that night. But I wasn’t about to take for granted that which may have been a word from the Lord. I prayed: Lord, reveal to me two things 1) the meaning of this verse and 2) how it applies to me.

I searched.

Zechariah 4:10 is the exact verse. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.) ” NLT

Small Beginnings?

We find ourselves in the book of Zechariah, where the people of God had returned to Judea from exile. The returning Jews had laid the foundation for a new temple yet soon abandoned it. As a result, it lay in ruins, neglected and the people overcome by discouragement. The Lord loved His people and so, He raised Zechariah the prophet to call His people to repentance, spiritual renewal and to return to a right relationship with Him. This was the time of small beginnings.

For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin?

Rejoice = Samach (Hebrew) = to brighten up, cheer up, be made glad, make joyful.

See = Ra’ah (Hb) = advise self, appear, approve, behold, consider, enjoy, be near, look after, see after, perceive, give attention to, discern, distinguish, provide, regard.

Plumb Line?

A plumb line, a cord of tin or lead weight attached to one end, is used in construction to ensure that a wall is vertical.

Seven Lamps?

Seven signifies completeness or perfection. God sees all that takes place on earth; He controls the fates of people and nations.

I found.

The past two years have surely felt as if I was in exile. I can’t explain it in words, nor can I fully describe what I felt, but it was much like a person who left a familiar place and migrated to a new location and is now returning to their homeland. Much was taken from me. However, looking back from where I am at today, I see that it was the very hand of God that stripped from me all my “riches”.

The sovereign hands that took away people, ministries, jobs, financial support, and more is now giving back to me. Though I haven’t wandered off, worshipped other gods, nor have I damned His name, there are areas in my life that lay in ruins, neglected and discouraged. He has called me to repentance, spiritual renewal and to return to a right relationship with Him. He doesn’t leave me alone to do this work. He has faithfully placed Zechariah-type people in my path. He has given me His Word, which is my armor and protection (Psalm 91:4). I have His love which covers a multitude of sin in my life (Proverbs 10:12) and casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). And as a few verses before reminds me, it is not by my strength, nor by my might that this work will be done in my life, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

How precious to know that God, Creator God, Savior God, Holy God wants to do a work in my life. He yearns to do a work in your life too. I desire for my 2012 verse to encourage you as well. Those areas that lay in ruin, neglected, abandoned, discouraged, sin-filled, broken, bleeding, barren, ill, poor, paralyzed, or even refused are all areas that God longs for. When we surrender them to Him, He rejoices over them, He sees that the work is done upright (plumb line) and brought to perfect completion (seven lamps). For who can make straight what God has made crooked? When God is Lord over every area of your life, He will make you whole, a glorious work! And if like myself, you find yourself in the midst of a “small beginning” or a “new work”, do not despise these days nor be afraid but rather find strength in the fact that God has not look down on you but rather has counted you worthy of His work. You are not alone, we are all in the making.

sentence tuesday

2012-01-17T10:47:00.001-05:00

We should not fulfill our potential; we should fulfill our calling.

-Mark Driscoll

Lyrical Friday - Sun and Moon

2012-01-13T16:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!
Today's post is short and a glorious one. Glorious because it's a song that speaks of the life that we are to live as Christians. When Matthew 5 exhorts us that we are to be the light of the world, it speaks of a reflector light. Such a light is mirrored in the way the moon reflects light from the sun. We are to live our lives in such a way that we reflect the light of Christ to a dark world. So where is the glorious part to all of this? God can use anyone to reflect His majesty and light, all we need to do is surrender to Him. Be encouraged today to let it all go, for the sake of knowing Him and being more like Him. He is as the sun and we as the moon.
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You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16

Sun and Moon, Phil Wickham

sentence tuesday

2012-01-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

Only God can make something beautiful and useful

from out of our ashes.

-Raquel Rodriguez

Hannah's story

2012-01-09T12:46:00.002-05:00

Lyrical Friday - Crags and Clay

2012-01-06T13:11:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!
I am so excited to announce a new Heal group. This is the first adult Heal group that I do. It is definitely way different that leading a youth only group. It was a very sweet time. So what more appropriate song than Crags and Clay by Gungor.
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You are wonderfully made.
You are wholly and dearly loved by God.
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Crags and Clay, Gungor

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Standing up from crags and clay
The peaks of earth
In full display
They break the lines
That break the sky
That's full of life
Full of life

The chaos of creation's dance
A tapestry, a symphony
Of life himself
Of love herself
It's written in our very skin

All praises to the one who made it all
Who made it all
All praises to the one who made it all
And finds it beautiful

Soil is spilling life to life
Stars are born
To fill the night
The ocean's score
The majesty
Of sculpted shore
Mystery

All praises...
Fearfully and wonderfully and beautifully made

sentence tuesday

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

There are people who have money, and people who are rich.

- Coco Chanel

a year in verses

2011-12-31T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends and Good-bye 2011.
I have spent all morning reading and reflecting over my journals for this year. The faithfulness of the Lord is so wonderful. His Holy Spirit remains my greatest strength and my best friend. His Word continues to heal, mend and lead. His promises stand true forever and ever.
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As my last post of the year, I would like it to be about what I love most. I love God's word and all who know me know this to be true. I love reading it, treasuring it in my heart, learning from it, teaching it and sharing it. For the last 6 years I have purposed to text morning verses and I have. This year I surpassed 300+ people that I text daily. And though time consuming, it is a joy in my life to be able to deliver God's word to so many. I date and journal the verse I send out and so here you will find my year in verses. One verse from each month.

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Read my 2010 verses, and 2009 verses.
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January 31, 2011
"...that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..." Deuteronomy 30:20
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February 4, 2011
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4
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March 11, 2011
So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23
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April 7, 2011
That Christ would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
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May 5, 2011
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
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June 13, 2011
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
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July 29, 2011
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15
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August 7, 2011
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4:12-13
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September 9, 2011
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
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October 10, 2011
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10
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November 5, 2011
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24
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December 23, 2011
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6
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My 2010: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." -John 10:10. As I reflect on this past year, I was given an abundant year full of life, joy and blessings. Was it the year I would have planned for myself? No. But it was the year God planned for me and I lived it abundantly.
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So till next year dear friend.
May your heart be turned to the Lord and His Word.

Sentence Tuesday

2011-12-27T01:30:00.000-05:00

Education is useless without the Bible.

-Noah Webster

Lyrical Friday - When Death Dies

2011-12-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday to you and Merry Christmas!

Today's post come from the talented and musically genius Gungor Band. This song tells the best part of the Christmas story. I pray it inspires you today to rejoice and be the bearer of glad tidings!

Christmas story time.

Whether its playing on TV/ being read in a classroom/ played as a skit/ or shared to a church body, the Christmas story is being told. What sweet glory this time of year is, when even heathens declare the birth of our King. How tragic though to leave the story half way told. The birth of a King and the gifts He received wasn't the end of it all. He grew, He lived, He died and He rose from the dead victorious. And because He lives, those who believe in Him, live as well.

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting?

"O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 55-58

I challenge you, tell the complete Christmas story to all the people around you. The end of the story is the best part, for the end of the Christmas story includes your name and mine,

"...and [your name here] too has risen from the dead and will life forever and ever with Jesus."

When Death Dies, Gungor Band

Like the waters flooding the desert
Like the sunrise showing all things

Where it comes flowers grow
Lions sleep, gravestones roll
Where death dies all things live
Where it comes poor men feast
Kings fall down to their knees
When death dies all things live
All things live

Like a woman searching and finding love
Like an ocean buried and bursting forth

Where it comes flowers grow
Lions sleep, gravestones roll
Where death dies all things come alive
Where it comes water’s clean
Children fed
All believe
When death dies all things live
All things live

Sentence Tusday

2011-12-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

A person is only beautiful
when their own beauty is reflecting on to others.

-Tara Grady

click HERE to learn more from Aunty Katie who is a Mom to 14 orphan girls in Uganda at 'The Journey' blog

Morning and Evening

2011-12-19T11:58:00.001-05:00

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Rend your heart, and not your garments. Joel 2:13

GARMENT-RENDING and other outward signs of religious emotion, are easily manifested and are frequently hypocritical; but to feel true repentance is far more difficult, and consequently far less common. Men will attend to the most multiplied and minute ceremonial regulations-for such things are pleasing to the flesh-but true religion is too humbling, too heart-searching, too thorough for the tastes of the carnal men; they prefer something more ostentatious, flimsy, and worldly. Outward observances are temporarily comfortable; eye and ear are pleased; self-conceit is fed, and self-righteousness is puffed up: but they are ultimately delusive, for in the article of death, and at the day of judgment, the soul needs something more substantial than ceremonies and rituals to lean upon. Apart from vital godliness all religion is utterly vain; offered without a sincere heart, every form of worship is a solemn sham and an impudent mockery of the majesty of heaven.

HEART-RENDING is divinely wrought and solemnly felt. It is a secret grief which is personally experienced, not in mere form, but as a deep, soul-moving work of the Holy Spirit upon the inmost heart of each believer. It is not a matter to be merely talked of and believed in, but keenly and sensitively felt in every living child of the living God. It is powerfully humiliating, and completely sin-purging; but then it is sweetly preparative for those gracious consolations which proud unhumbled spirits are unable to receive; and it is distinctly discriminating, for it belongs to the elect of God, and to them alone.

The text commands us to rend our hearts, but they are naturally hard as marble: how, then, can this be done? We must take them to Calvary: a dying Saviour's voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now. O blessed Spirit, let us hear the death-cries of Jesus, and our hearts shall be rent even as men rend their vestures in the day of lamentation.

Morning and Evening devotions by Charles Spurgeon

Lyrical Friday - Beautiful to Me

2011-12-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

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Happy Friday!

I first want to wish Stephanie Landa a happy birthday. She is a faithful reader, great prayer warrior and friend. May the Lord's beauty and light continue shinning in you and through you.

As always, I must be honest with you. I had heard of Kerrie Robert but not listened to her music. Upon "youtubbing" her today I felt a bit disappointed with her lyrics, lots of words yet not much substance to them. That all changed when I stumbled upon 'Beautiful to Me' and it stirred up within me so many memories and took me back to a place of loneliness, pain and hopelessness. The greatness of this song is that it didn't just lead me down a sad memory lane, but to the promise land. The place where God took my pain and brought about beauty and wholeness.

Isaiah 43:1-2 // But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, and He who formed you:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
      When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
      And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
      When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
      Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:25 // I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

Isaiah 49:14-16 // But [your name here] has said, “The LORD has forsaken me,
      And my Lord has forgotten me.”
       Can a woman forget her nursing child,
      And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
      Surely they may forget,
      Yet I will not forget you.
       See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
      Your walls are continually before Me.

Isaiah 51:3 // For the LORD will comfort Me,
      He will comfort all My waste places;
      He will make My wilderness like Eden,
      And My desert like the garden of the LORD;
      Joy and gladness will be found in it,
      Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 54:4-12 // “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;

      Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
      For you will forget the shame of your youth,
      And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
      For your Maker is your husband,
      The LORD of hosts is His name;
      And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
      He is called the God of the whole earth.
      For the LORD has called you
      Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
      Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
      Says your God.
      “ For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
      But with great mercies I will gather you.
     With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
      But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
      Says the LORD, your Redeemer.
      “ For this is like the waters of Noah to Me;
      For as I have sworn
      That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth,
      So have I sworn
      That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.
      For the mountains shall depart
      And the hills be removed,
      But My kindness shall not depart from you,
      Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
      Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
       “ O you afflicted one,
      Tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
      Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems,
      And lay your foundations with sapphires.
      I will make your pinnacles of rubies,
      Your gates of crystal,
      And all your walls of precious stones."

I have suffered from a broken heart many a times. The cause that wounded me deeply were many: death of a loved one, death of dreams hoped for, death of a career, death of a friendship, death of a romantic relationship, deaths of many kinds. There was much confusion overtaking my mind and uncontrollable fears. Even my health was falling apart. My heard bled in silence, I cried and barely felt alive. Depression kicked in, held me captive and bound me with chains. But the Word of the Lord did not fail me and Isaiah became my most intimate companion. God loosened the chains, captivated me with His wonders and removed my reproach, He healed my broken heart and mended my wounds.

Beloved Sister, beloved Brother I am in tears for you. The Lord sees your pain, He knows your affliction and He cares. He is holding your broken heart, all and every single piece. If you allow Him to, in His length of time, He will heal and mend. He will restore you to wholeness. No sin is too great that God cannot forgive. I beg you to forgive your offender, even if the great offender is you. God can and will restore.

If you have no other place to go, or can't find the strength to open your Bible, print these verses out and read them till you believe them. I know that Jesus, who personally knows pain, will comfort you. I know how hard and how terrifying a healing process can be. You don't have to do it alone. Invite Him today to be your Healer. He is gentle and loving, full of mercy and overflowing with compassion. I can attest to this great truth. He healed me and continues to do so. His promises are yes and amen, so why not hand over your burdensome pain? If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with, contact me.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—
      a splendid crown in the hand of God.
Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.”
   Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,”
   for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.

Isaiah 62:3-5

My promise to you: I will not stop praying for your until your righteousness shines like the dawn, and your salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1

Beautiful to Me, Kerrie Roberts

So much I don't understand
That I’d change if I wrote the story
How pain can heal and death bring life
How defeat can bring such glory
You didn't hold back one breath
You even gave Your last one
So I’d live

It's beautiful to me
Your holy mystery
I'm standing here in awe
Of how you make everything
So beautiful to me
Someday I will see
How You hold this wounded heart
And make it perfect and complete
And it's beautiful to me
Beautiful

I don't deserve Your suffering
I should be the one who's bleeding
But Your broken body gives
This broken spirit what it's needing
You reach through time with Your sacrifice
Your wounded hands holding this fragile life

This ache, this longing
This heart that I've been searching
In this moment while I'm breaking
Show me
What Your plan, Your promise
A pain that has a purpose
I let you in to use it
And just like Your hands built heaven’s hall
You’re making me so beautiful

It's beautiful to me
Every mystery
I'm standing here in awe
Of how You make everything
So beautiful to me
So perfect and complete
You hold this wounded heart
Someday I will see
And it's beautiful to me
Beautiful to me
Beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful to me
Beautiful to me

Ruth Bell Graham on faith, doubt and pain

2011-12-14T11:37:00.001-05:00

-
Into the heart of the Infinite can a mere mortal
hope to gain access,
what with no part of me geared to His greatness,
to His vastness my infinite less?
Yet the longing for Him was so wide and so deep,
by day it crowded life’s thronging,
by night it invaded my sleep.

Then came the pain:
again …
and again …
and again …

As if a wing tip were brushing the tears
from my face
for the breath of a second I knew the unknowable,
glimpsed invisible grace.

And I lay where for long in despair I had lain;
entered, unshod, the holy There where God
dwells with His pain –
alone with the pain of the price He had paid
in giving His Son for a world gone astray
– the world He had made.

My heart lay in silence,
worshipped in silence;
and questioned no more.

Ruth Bell Graham

sentence tuesday

2011-12-13T08:55:00.002-05:00

This is the joy we have today-that we are saved in Him; and if this joy is satisfying,
why would we think of changing?

-Alistair Begg

{photo credit}

a missing child

2011-12-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

{photo credit}

A few weeks ago, my Sister and I were walking out of a crowded local mall when a woman ran outside yelling like a crazy person. I turned around to find the most heart-breaking scene. Pale faced, tears covering her eyes and urgency in her steps… she quickly ran back inside. The air felt thick, the sky gloomed and the cold heart of those around was revealed as they turned blind eyes to this woman’s agony. I looked to my sister and we both turned around.

As we reentered the mall, we looked for the woman. Her frantic cry could be heard as she sobbed her daughter’s name. We approached her and asked her if we could help. The words rolled off her tongue as she stumbled over her them. This woman was not from here and the language barrier was an obvious obstacle. She stood out; the veil, the makeup, the accent. So many people passed by her. They starred at her as if she was crazy. Others knew she had lost her child and turned their faces. Many didn’t even look her way though they brushed arms with her.

She had another child with her, a little girl about 7 years old. Her eyes were tearing and fear could be read through them. She just looked out into space. I could tell my sister quickly connected with her, older sister to older sister. She comforted the little girl and reassured her that God was going to help us find her sister.

I ran into a store and asked them to contact Security and the Police. A small child was missing and the worst of scenarios could have happened. Was she kidnapped? Was someone hurting her? Was she crying in a store? What if she thinks her Mother abandoned her? Could she communicate? All these questions crossed my mind. In a nonchalant tone, the store attendant told me she didn’t have Security’s number. I’ll be honest with you; I wanted to ring her neck in the face of this great tragedy. I kept calm for the sake of the Mother. Eventually another store employee found a number and Security was on its way. But how much time could pass before someone did anything to find this missing 4 year old.

We decided to split. The woman remained around the entrance of the mall, her friend went down one hallway, my sister and I took another. We both took every other store. As I left each one, my heart grew anxious and desperate. Hope faded. Tears filled my eyes. Anger was rising. Mixed emotions overtook my mind and heart. Why wasn’t anyone else helping? What if everyone united and helped in the rescue of this little girl? I felt like yelling and scorning the people. A child was missing and they only cared about their agendas. However, the search continued.

As we approached the end of that corridor, my sister sees two security guards coming. Sure enough they are holding a little girl, each holding one tiny hand. Relief and joy filled our hearts and we began to run back and tell the woman the great news. Her child was lost but now is found. We see her standing where we left her and told her the good news. They were taking her to the store that called in the missing child. She shook as she waited for her daughter. We broke down in tears as the little girl made eye contact with her mother. She was still at a distance.

Mother, daughter and sister are reunited, they hug, they cry and I cry. Relief settles in and we say goodbye to this woman. One last word with her, “I told you God would bring back your daughter. God bless you.” It was apparent that she had a lot to say to us but overcome by emotions she was at a loss for words and simply said, “Thank You.”

We walked out of the mall very and into the car. My “righteous” anger towards the people in the mall quickly turned in to compassion for them, how could I ask them to help me find a missing child when they too where lost people. Waves of thoughts came over and up until now haven’t really settled in my mind and heart.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

The world we live in is much like this missing 4 year old, they have a home, they have a parent and a family longing for them but they are lost. They wander around aimlessly, walking on a path that seems right but in the end leads them farther from home.

We who claim to love Jesus and carry His name are doing a terrible job at bringing them home. We are aware of the need yet we turn our faces from them. God has placed us where we are today to lead the lost home. Just thinking of the agonizing cries of the woman puts us to shame when we look at it through spiritual lenses. Are we crying out to God for the lost? Is their an urgency in our hearts for the lost? Are we relentlessly searching for the lost? I pray that we would be a different generation, not passive in reaching the lost and proactive in searching for them. You have been blessed and baptized with both the power of the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11), don’t be afraid nor ashamed to reach the lost.

Lyrical Friday - Out of Reach

2011-12-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

{photo credit}

Happy Friday!
Having a bad day? Having a bad week? month? year? life? I tend to live in the past. I live in the regret of yesterdays, the mistakes of long ago and the pain of the past produces fear in me. I have lost count at how many times I have intended on changing a certain area of my life or even embarking on a new journey and I don't do anything because my past has a hold on me. Is this you? Are you being held captive by your past? Have you been hurt and continue wounded? Have you failed and fallen and haven't gotten up? Is yesterday not allowing you to live today? Be encouraged, for God can make all things new.

Anorexia, my silent killer, has been one of the toughest obstacles to overcome. Shame kept me from opening this area of my life to anyone. My thoughts of relapsing was a vicious cycle that caused me to hate myself. And the fact of the matter that I had not forgiven myself condemned me from living in freedom. That is until God led me on a heal journey, literally a HEAL journey. God has a heal journey for you too. It begins with a willingness to surrender your past, bury it and rise above it with the Holy Spirit's guidance and help. God's Word is critical in overcoming the past because God has so many promises for you and your future. If you need prayer, please email me.

Sarah Kelly wrote this very song in a moment where she was being healed by God from the wounds of her past. In her case, she had been married to an abusive man who landed her in and out of the hospital many times. Deeply rooted wounds are hard to overcome, but allow this song to give you courage as you not only meditate on the words that Sarah Kelly now lives by and I live by too. God bless you.
-
Out of Reach, Sarah Kelly

No more words to singNo more contradicting melodyNo more cheap goodbyeNo more golden lie
Nothing to defendEyes, it's time to learn to cry againDrawing out this lineFor the millionth time
Behind me I seeA broken world andDead end dreams
I'm out of reachI'm out of the reach of yesterdayFade awayAnd I have changedI have changed, so on with today
Following my heartNo where but the honest truth to startWhat have I become?What could I become?
Failure or successWelcoming the test to prove my loveGrowing in my faithLord please grant the strength
Thankfully, I'm breaking freeFrom all the chains that are holding meI never knew how good life could beSo this is peace

I'm out of reachI'm out of the reach of yesterdayFade awayAnd I see lifeI see lifeAheadNot behind

sentence tuesday

2011-12-06T01:50:00.003-05:00

Often the most beautiful people
are those who have once been broken.

-Allie Marie Smith

[photo credit]

Lyrical Friday - Glorious

2011-12-02T01:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!
For the past few weeks, the Lord has been working the discipline of worship in my heart. And by worship I mean worship by thanksgiving, worship by praise, over all, worship by words. Eventually all our works here on earth will be judged and if our works were good than we shall be rewarded. Worship is a good work and I don't want to fail God in this area. By no means am I encouraging anyone to do good works in order to earn a reward, for what greater reward than eternity with God!? But this is where God has me, He is molding me to be a worshiper in spirit, in truth and as a good worker.
-
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
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I don't know about you, but I want my works of worship to endure all throughout Heaven and eternity. I have determined to worship God with excellence, focus and purpose. I encourage you to do the same as you meditate on the lyrics of this song. May your worship be a sweet-smelling aroma unto the Lord; a worship that pleases Him.

Glorious, Bryan and Katie Torwalt

-
Hope fills my soul, and the love that youʼve shown
Brings refreshing like the rain
Peace floods my heart, Iʼve known nothing apart
Apart from Your goodness God

Chorus
You are Glorious,
You are Holy, Holy
The heavenʼs shout, You are Worthy, Worthy
My soul cries out, You are Holy, Holy
The Nations will shout, You are Worthy, Worthy

Verse 2
Your Love frees my soul, and fear has no hold
For You have broken the chains
Now Joy fills my life, Your Spirit Your Light
Iʼm undone by the Kindness of Christ