Mustard Seed Moments

Finding Peace

2013-02-09T13:45:00.001-06:00

Our world we live in is in constant upset isn't it? Someone is always angry, hurt, lying, depressed, stealing, or killing. Why? For what? What good is there in any of this? Nothing but destruction seems to be around us. This world seems to be going crazy. Things make less & less sense if we are focusing on the world as it works.

But every time I see such things I remember Jesus said DO NOT FEAR, many many times. This was one of the things He impressed upon His disciples. Take courage & do not have fear. He has overcome, period. Yes, it's hard to stay at peace sometimes. But we are called to stay focused, stay at peace & know that God is in control. By thinking of the noble, pure & honorable things we will be able to maintain a level of peace.

Remember that God goes before you, that Jesus has already paid the payment in full & victory is won! Keep your heart & mind at peace, love yourself but love each other & share the good news!

~ Randa ~

There is no one like our God....

2012-07-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

You're the God of this city, You're the King of these people, You're the Lord of this nation, You Are.

You're the Light of this darkness, You're the Hope to the hopeless, You're the Peace to the restless, You Are.

For there is no one like our God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come,
And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Greater things are yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here.

You're the Lord of Creation, The Creator of all things, You're the King above all Kings, You Are.

You're the Strength in our weakness, You're the Love to the broken, You're the Joy in the sadness You Are.

For there is no one like our God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come,
And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Where glory shines from hearts alive, With praise for you and love for you, in this city. Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done, in this city.
Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here.

There is no one like our God. There is no one like our God. Yes, there is no one like you, God. There is no one like you, God. Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done, in this city.
Where glory shines from hearts alive, With praise for you and love for you, in this city.

Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done, in this city. Greater things are yet to come, And greater things are still to be done here. Still to be done here. Still to be done here.

Still to be done here.
~ God of this city by Bluetree ~
There truly is none like our God.... I have experienced so many amazing little blessings lately. You know what I mean? Those little aggravations that turn out sooo wonderful?? Sooo much more fantastic than you could have imagined & you KNOW that Divine Intervention is the ONLY explanation?? Yea, those! We are surrounded in a world that seriously needs a wake up call & to see God's hand in so many things still is just beautiful. Keep your eyes open to God's handiwork going on around you no matter how big or small. It often shows up where we least expect it, so don't let the heaviness & darkness of this world drag you down. Be Joyful always! And don't forget to SHINE!
<3 Randa

What If I Stumble....

2012-05-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." C.S. Lewis

Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord? Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains. Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame. Cause I see the trust in their eyes. Though the sky is falling, they need Your love in their lives.
Compromise is calling...
What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall? What if I stumble, what if I fall? You never turn in the heat of it all. What if I stumble, what if I fall?
Father, please forgive me for I can not compose, the fear that lives within me or the rate at which it grows. If struggle has a purpose on the narrow road you've carved, why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar? Do they see the fear in my eyes? Are they so revealing? This time I cannot disguise all the doubt I'm feeling.

What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall? What if I stumble? Everyone's got to crawl when you know that you're up against a wall, it's about to fall... everyone's got to crawl when you know that....
I hear You whispering my name [You say]
"My love for You will never change" [never change]
What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble, and what if I fall?

What if I stumble, what if I fall? You never turn in the heat of it all. What if I stumble, what if I fall? You are my comfort, and my God.
Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?
~What If I Stumble by DC Talk~

Face it, folks... We are all going to make mistakes. You will not react right in every situation you are placed in. But one thing we need to remember in the midst of our mistakes is that God already knew what was going down. God forgives & God's love for us never changes. Never...
Because Romans 8:38-39 says: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Now this doesn't give you the "OK" to run around living the fleshly desires of the world. I believe this is telling us that once you have become a believer in Jesus as God's son, who was sent as our redemptive payment and your life has changed, that nothing can take that from you nor take you from God's family. We all fall short. We were told to LOVE each other. We were told to LIVE so that unbelievers wonder what it is that we have. Life is complex and difficult enough to muddle through, however we do have to live what we believe and what we profess. Believers, remember every mistake you make in this world will be viewed as hypocritical. Do NOT let it discourage you! You are a Child of the King! You know whose you are and in whose hands you are held! Do your best to SHINE! We have to not simply pay lip service to what we believe. It's time to walk the walk that was laid out before us as Jesus walked this earth so long ago. Serve your community, be love & see the mission field right in your backyard!
~ Randa ~

It's been awhile my friends...

2012-03-14T11:54:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Cheryl & I have been sharing our walks with Jesus for a few years now. We often share books, music, websites, etc., anything that strikes a chord with us in what God is working on in our lives. Recently Cheryl brought me this book called "Choosing Joy" by Angela Thomas. Angela Thomas is such a great writer on women's emotions & struggles within themselves. This is the second book by Ms. Thomas that Cheryl has shared with me. I have had a trying year personally and Cheryl has been an incredible support in my family's life. Cheryl & I spoke over Christmas over some personal matters & Cheryl told me she felt like God was speaking JOY into my life. It seemed as though everywhere I looked prior to our conversation, I saw something about joy or the word joy. Just seemed odd, & then she brought the subject up to me & seriously caught my attention! You might find this as interesting as I do... My middle name is Joy! Hmmm...

The Holy Bible speaks much on the Joy of the Lord....

Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

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

John 16:22 - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

So back to this new book...
This book is a 52 week Devotional on Choosing Joy. You start on a Monday, any Monday. Let me share with you an excerpt from day one:
'For the Glory of God
Monday
The Pursuit of Joy

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalm 43:4 KJV

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV

As we begin this year of intentionally choosing joy, I want us to begin with one purpose in mind. We must choose joy in our everyday lives because a joy-filled life brings glory to God. God shines brightly through the soul that is wholly devoted to Him. Trusting in Him. Delighting in Him. If the pursuit of joy has seemed too worldly to you, then I pray this year of Scripture-directed joy will change your heart. The pursuit of joy and the glory of God are not in conflict. In fact, just the opposite is true. To pursue joy with your whole life is to honor the One who has given you life....God desires that we find our joy, our happiness, our peace, and our purpose in Him. When we have done so He is glorified."

Therefore, as Philippians 4:4 says Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice! I will dance & sing before my God like King David...like there's no one around! I will seek that unspeakable joy that only God gives. So find your joy in God, in Jesus... be silly & happy...

I am choosing joy!

FYI: El SIMCHAH GIYL = God my Exceeding Joy (Ps. 43:4)... When I read "Your Secret Name" by Kary Oberbrunner this was my secret name for God. Interesting.... :)
~ Randa ~

Donation Report

2011-11-28T20:10:00.000-06:00

The T-Shirt sale we had to benefit Heifer International has ended! As stated, I am posting a donation report. Sadly, I must report that we were unable to sell enough shirts to secure a donation. The plan I had was to hopefully sell a minimum of 50 t-shirts. This would have secured a good donation amount to give over to Heifer International to provide a sustainable gift to someone in need.

Unfortunately in this economy, we were not able to do this at this time. The cost to have the few shirts made that were sold would not have provided us with any money to donate. In reality, it would have cost more to have them made. I am extremely grateful for those willing and able to step out and give to someone in need, someone with substantially less than they do.

We will do another fundraiser down the road in hopes of helping again. Thank you so very much for your cheerful giving to this project. The donated funds have been returned, minus the paypal fee. God bless you my friends! Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season celebrating our Lord!

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

~ Randa ~

The time is now & I have something to say... If a man cannot be a Christian where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere. -- Henry Ward Beecher

2011-11-21T11:56:00.002-06:00

Ya know I finally figured out what I wanna be when I grow up. I'm going to be a PLANET SHAKER! Wondering what that is yet?? Well, it's a Transformist; someone who makes a difference in the world. Tall order you say? Uh no actually it's not. You see the time is now people. Get it together & get it in gear! We were created for a specific purpose. We all have a special name on a white stone waiting for those who overcome. Many people are so numbed down by this world & the culture of sin that they either don't realize it's there or just don't care about salvation anymore much less their purpose. Well.... WAKE UP!!!

We have never been closer than we are right now to Jesus' return. Are you thinking to yourself: oh that's for all those religious types; I don't need that return of Jesus junk. Who really believes that stuff anyway? My response: read the book for yourself because you do need it. You can realize it now or when it's too late, bottom-line. And p.s. that book is a life guide as well! I've heard many times over the years "Oh, so & so doesn't go out partying anymore, they found RELIGION" as they laugh... Like salvation is a joke. It's not a joke. Again, read the book. Sitting in the garage doesn't make you a Cadillac so understand that simply sitting in church doesn't make you a follower of Jesus. It's a relationship, it's not about religion.

Evil actions & drunken revelry is not of God. Tell me when's the last time anyone prayed earnestly to God while doing flaming Dr. Peppers or Tequila shots or drank gallons of beer?? Seriously, you may not like what I'm saying & that's ok. There's more in the book I'm sure you'll be convicted of, which is why most people avoid it in the first place, but know this: ignorance is not bliss when you're standing in the fire. You are accountable in the end. Remember that everyone has been there at the crossroads too. Some people choose to wake up & some people hit the snooze button. Just make sure you don't hit it one too many times only to realize you're too late. So unfriend me, delete me, whatever makes you sleep better at night if the truth isn't appealing to you.

Believe what you want, hear what you want, live how you want. After all, the choice is yours. I'm gonna wave my Banner for God & I'll keep waving it. That's how I choose to live, because contrary to what some believe I'm not blind.

I'm wide awake to the Truth in Jesus. Not the "party all week but Christian when it suits me" type of belief that so many follow. God warns in Revelation about being lukewarm. The gospel is foolishness to those who don't believe. Now He knows we aren't perfect but Jesus also said "Go & sin no more". In others words, make a change & try to be better, not fake it & pay lip service. I pray that many see God's truth & redemption & come out of the darkness. I'm a PLANET SHAKER & I'm gonna stand. What are you gonna do?

Revelation 2:17
Matthew 25:14-30
Song of Solomon 2:4
Revelation 21
Romans 8:31
Psalm 118:6
Isaiah 41:10
Jeremiah 20:11
Jeremiah 29:11
1 John 4:4
Oh just read the whole thing, LOL LOL LOL!!!!

For the Christian, nothing less than the presence of the Spirit
is enough to explain the marvelous changes worked in human
lives. Call it grace; call it providence; call it the result of
Bible study ... just so we understand that in and behind any or
all the instruments is the presence and work of the Spirit who
seeks and finds and transforms .-- Jim McGuiggan

Jesus does his best work at such moments. Just when the truth
about life sinks in, his truth starts to surface. He takes us by
the hand and dares us not to sweep the facts under the rug but
to confront them with him at our side. -- Max Lucado

I have been tortured with longing to believe ... and the
yearning grows stronger the more cogent the intellectual
difficulties stand in the way. -- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Make the most of the present moment. No occasion is unworthy of
our best efforts. God often uses the humble occasions and little
things to shape the course of a man's life. -- James Garfield

~ In Christ, Randa ~

Fundraiser Project for Heifer International...

2011-10-23T12:06:00.001-05:00

Hello all! I hope today finds you happy, healthy & in God's Peace. Here at Mustard Seed Moments, the last few days have been very interesting. It's been laid on our hearts to reach out, to help communities, to help not only with food but provide sustainability to those with a hopeless outlook. As such, we have decided to start a T shirt drive as a way to raise funds to purchase items in the Heifer International Project Catalog. Please look into Heifer Project! They have an incredible mission & we desire to be a part of that. Together we have the power to help sustain a family, a community, a village with an animal as a food source. Not just for a single moment in time but as a continuing source to sustain many people!

Can you help? Will you? If God has laid it upon your heart to help with this project, we are very grateful for your kindness & willingness to participate, Thank you so much!!!

So MANY MANY people are hungry out there...on our soil & abroad. The global economy has hit everyone hard. However, if you can find $22.00 to spend on a Christian design T shirt, I humbly ask you to purchase this one. I will be posting a donation report on here once we have gotten through the sale time of the shirts & I have purchased our gift to Heifer Project. I am SOOOO excited to be doing this, to be taking a stand & being obedient to the words laid on our hearts. Thank you again for your participation. Remember, the sale of the shirts will go on from 10/23/11 through 11/23/11. At that time, I will place a group order for all of your t shirts. Once they arrive, I will personally mail them to you so please allow adequate time for arrival to you! P.S. Be sure to include your shipping information & contact information!!! <3

Let's work together to break some chains!!! The link for purchase is on my blog on the right side of the page. May God bless you all abundantly & shine His face upon you in a very special way today & always!!!
~ Randa ~

Such a Time as This....

2011-10-14T12:33:00.005-05:00

http://facebook.com/beckahshae 
‪http://twitter.com/beckahshae 
http://beckahshae.com

For Such A Time As This
By: Beckah Shae
Produced by: Jack "Shoc" Shocklee
****2011 Shae Shoc Records****

I'm just an ordinary person,
With so much resistance and so many hindrances.
I'm just a common average woman,
With an ugly past, that keeps tryin to hold me back.
Limitations all surround me
And this world thinks that it's drowning in hopelessness.

Then I hear you call my name
Out loud and I say yes!

Just a moment for a lifetime. For such a time as this, I say yes!
I've been chosen to arise, For such a time as this, and I say yes!

Alive awake alert, I know I don't deserve,
Why I'm in this position,
But I'm here ready to serve.
Willing to lose it all, I'm answering Your call.
Oh heart and soul please listen,
For the mandate must be heard.
Your grace and favor crown me,
And I need Your strength around me,
Cause I still fear how hard it might be.

And what's worth living for, if nothing is worth dying for?
I'm gonna make a stand, I'm gonna make an echo.
I'm gonna make some history, with His story!
Writing the pages of today to read about tomorrow's change,
Cause I know I was made, for such a time as this.

Esther 4 / Matthew 22:14 / 1 Corinthians 1:28 / 1 Peter 2:9

****2011 Shae Shoc Records****

Beckah Shae is an incredible artist & this song speaks volumes. In a time such as this, we are called to make a stand, to live for God & to tell the world about Jesus. I ABSOLUTELY relate to this song!!! I think we've all felt like this world thinks it has drown us out at some point in our lives. However, when we get our focus back on our Great Redeemer, we realize we were never drown out. We were simply carried along until we could regain focus. Isn't our God so good?? He loves us even when we mess up, when we fail to follow directions...funny isn't it that he never left our side?? And as we grow & mature in our ability to keep focused, we become more aware of our journey... where God is leading us.
You are chosen to make history with His story!! Jesus is Lord!!! Make a stand, make an echo...by arising to follow God in such a time as this!!!
~ Randa ~

2011-07-18T19:55:00.001-05:00

I've heard life is like a box of sweet delights, But in reality every day is a fight
So we hold on to the promise, that things happen for reasons we may not understand it
But faith keeps us believin'

And I know that we can make it with faith in our hearts, we can face it
Any mountain that comes our way we can move

There's never a right time To get up and live life You only got one try (Andale, andale)
So take what you've been given

And make time to turn someone's day bright And change how we live life (Andale, andale)
The future's what we make it

So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (One life, one world y'all) The future's what we make it

So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (One life, one world y'all)
The future's what we make it So let's go

We in a time when sun don't shine in all places, Typically nose to the grind just to make it
Take the same old, see the same faces, Sayin' it's the hand we've been dealt so we take it

But if life's what we make it, I'm a turn the world around
Make the poor people famous, Make the B the new A list
Give your Facebook page a new face-lift

And every status you post will compliment who you are
The whole world's dark while you shine like a star
Then bring hatred to an end and watch the honor of our generation come alive again

There's never a right time To get up and live life
You only got one try (Andale, andale)
So take what you've been given

And make time To turn someone's day bright
And change how we live life (Andale, andale)
The future's what we make it

It's the right time To get up and live life
You only got one try (Andale, andale)
So take what you've been given

And make time To turn someone's day bright
And change how we live life (Andale, andale)
The future's what we make it, so let's go

Yeah, we got brighter days ahead
I know you got dreams, I believe in them
I know you got problems too, forget them
'Cause life's too short so let's begin

Yep, see it's all about you
You are the change the world needs to view 'Cause when we change the world changes too
And it's a small world after all

'Cause I got something that'll change the world..Moms to the dads, every boy and girl
All I wanna do is show ya how it could be if ya open up and let your spirit free

So let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go
Let's go, let's go, let's go

There's never a right time, To get up and live life
You only got one try (Andale, andale)
So take what you've been given

And make time To turn someone's day bright
And change how we live life (Andale, andale)
The future's what we make it

So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (One life, one world y'all)
The future's what we make it

So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (To the beat y'all)
So let's go (One life, one world y'all)
The future's what we make it
So let's go, yeah (Andale, andale)

Sure we make it, Sure we make it, (Andale, andale)

We make it, we make it
Let's go, let's go
~ Let's Go ... Group 1 Crew featuring Toby Mac~

I love this new song by Group 1 Crew!! It coincides with a mission trip some people in our church have gone on. I posted a graphic of it above...please pray for them as they are now in Uganda being the hands & feet of Jesus..doing God's work He would have them do..being humbled by the faith of those in Africa as the Holy Spirit moves. My cousin & his step-daughter are there in this group. They inspire me so :) I wish I could have gone with them...what an AMAZING experience!! The updates coming in are truly beautiful :') So let's get out there & be PIONEERS OF CHANGE in this broken world...being the servants God intended us to be so we may shine His light & His love to everyone to has eyes to see & ears to hear!!!!
Love you all & God bless you richly... Randa

"Come Home" by Luminate

2011-06-24T14:32:00.000-05:00

You're best friends with the word regret.
You're afraid that your life's been wasted,
So why hope if it's only gonna let you down.
You don't think people really change.
That you're a mess and you'll always be the same,
And you doubt if you'll ever get it turned around.

So (I know) you've been running, searching for something But you're looking in a place you don't belong. It's never too late, you can't outrun grace.
No, Mercy doesn't care what you've done!
So Come Home (Oh Oh, Oh Oh)
So Come Home (Oh Oh, Oh Oh)

You can try to fix your broken empire. And put bricks on a cracked foundation. But you'd be building castles on the sand. There's power in the blood of Jesus.
Your Father's screaming just come home.
He's reaching out His hands...

From the shadows, From the wrong roads
From the darkness, From the unknown
To redemption, Something beautiful
To a new love, To new Home...

Yep... another pivotal song!! Today is music day in my little brain :) I really LOVE this song & the message it brings! NO MATTER WHAT YOU'VE DONE OR HOW UNREDEEMABLE YOU THINK YOU MAY BE THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE STILL SCREAMS YOUR NAME... I know all caps on that last sentence lol. It's just a point that we just don't seem to get. Even the most mature in their faith walk still struggle at times with the AWESOME fact that God still wants a heart to heart closeness with us regardless of our mistakes, regrets, wrongs, failures, etc.... ask God to forgive those things because He loves you anyway & it's done that simple :) It all goes into the sea of forgetfulness. Jesus paid it all, period. You can do all things through Jesus, but without Him, well... it's like the vine without the branch it grows from. No access to the good things you need to grow & mature. I would not survive without my sustainer, God or His son Jesus who strengthens me daily, nor could the vine away from the branch & the vine dresser. The vine, the branch & the vine dresser...we are the ultimate team ;)
~ Randa ~

2011-06-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

You hold the weight of the world
Still I don't slip through Your hands
Your love is bigger
Than just a notion built by man
I fall again and again,
But you whisper, “You're still mine.”
You feel the pain of the world,
But you never push mine aside.

(Chorus)
And You reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And You reach for me
Like a Father wipes away the tears
So many people in this world,
But I hear You calling out my name.
You reach for me.
Now I'm never gonna be the same.

You know all of my fears
There's nothing Your eyes can't see.
When I tried to give up,
Lord, You never gave up on me.
I give You all of my hopes and dreams,
I lay them down.
Of all the place I've looked,
You're the one truth I have found.

And You reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And You reach for me
Like a Father wipes away the tears
So many people in this world,
But I hear You calling out my name.
You reach for me.
Now I'm never gonna be the same.

You hold the weight of the world,
Still I don't slip through Your hands.
You put the stars in the sky.
You know every grain of sand.

And You reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And You reach for me
Like a Father wipes away the tears
So many people in this world,
But I hear You calling out my name.
You reach for me.
Now I'm never gonna be the same.

You reach for me.
For me.
~ Reach by Peter Furler ~
WOW!! That's a great song by Peter Furler! God is bigger than anything we are facing! Think about the lyrics for a minute... He holds the weight of the world, yet each of us don't slip through His hands... He put the stars in the sky, but He knows every grain of sand! He is in total control even when we think it's all out of control. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." And while He is in control of ALL that is going on in the universe & this planet, He wants a relationship with US, between our hearts & His heart. A close walk with us. Who are WE that the creator of EVERYTHING wants to be near us in all of our faults & imperfections?? AWESOME right?! :) He calls us by name.. He reaches for us, for our hearts so that not only will we benefit, but so that those around us will benefit by seeing God's love & light shining in us. May God shine through you today & everyday in amazing, incredible boldness!!! ~ Randa

That was awkward...

2011-05-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

Ok Ok soooo, obviously this has been the topic of conversation for at least a few days right??
Well, these are my thoughts, and I'm sure those of you who personally know me knew I would have a few ;)

Matthew 24:36-44
The Day and Hour Unknown
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Alright, that being said....
Make no mistake, He will return for His beloved! Are you prepared? Have you heard of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?

Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

So, is your lamp full? Will you be prepared or you run out of oil when He returns?

~ Randa ~

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD!

2011-05-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

Jeremiah 29:11-13

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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Wow..what an amazing verse!! In all of our struggles, in all of our problems & pain God has a PLAN! Not JUST any PLAN, but a PLAN FOR HOPE & A FUTURE!! JESUS was & still is that PLAN & GOD knew what He was doing all along. How comforting is that?! What's even more comforting is that God STILL knows what He's doing as He always has. He still desires us to come to Him, to seek Him FERVENTLY. To pray FERVENTLY. To call on Him & He will listen.

Sometimes we have to realize that when we ask for certain things it may not be in His will. That can be hard to take but His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways. His plans are meant to give us a hope & a future. And what the enemy has meant for evil, God will work out for good. He can use those struggles & trials to get you to the place He needs you to be for a certain purpose, place, & time. God is ALWAYS with you, even when you think He isn't. So go in peace & seek God with all of your heart, because our hope & future arose & lives!
~ Randa ~

Prophetic Wonderings

2011-03-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

VERSE:
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward.
-- 1 Peter 1:10-11 nlt

THOUGHT:
One of the most important claims Scripture makes about itself, and its origins, is that it is God-breathed and Spirit-inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The prophets of Israel had looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and the making of a new people. But they did not, and could not, fully understand what their prophecies meant. This was especially true of Jesus' suffering and the glory that followed his resurrection. Yet these messages, these recorded prophecies in the Old Testament, were given them by the Holy Spirit of God to speak of the coming of Christ. We value Scripture because we believe that the Spirit of God stands behind its origin and inspired the words that its prophets and writers shared.

PRAYER:
Father God, please give me a deeper appreciation for Scripture, looking to it as the words inspired by the Holy Spirit and used by the Holy Spirit on my heart as I read them. Open my heart, open my mind, and transform my will and my behavior as I read your words inspired by your Spirit. In Jesus' name I ask for this grace. Amen.

~www.heartlight.org~

~Randa~

TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT -- Colossians 1:19-20

2011-03-21T15:44:00.000-05:00

VERSE:
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace with his blood, shed on the cross.
-- Colossians 1:19-20

THOUGHT:
How do you comprehend both the majesty and the sacrifice of Jesus? We've been looking at our Lord's identity all this month and still we find ourselves amazed, delighted, bewildered, and blessed by his glorious and humble character. The main thing, however, is that he made peace between a perfect heaven and a flawed humanity. He made this peace at horrific cost, the shedding of his own blood on the torture tree at Calvary. He did this with all of God's pleasure and nature in himself. He did this because of our sin. He did this because of love.

PRAYER:
O Father, I am sorry that it took such a great sacrifice to atone for my sin. I am thankful that you loved so much that you would pay the price for that sacrifice. I praise you for bridging the distance that I could not cover that my sin created between you and me. May you be as pleased with me today and see my life as a praise for your costly grace. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

~from http://www.heartlight.org~

~Randa~

2011-03-11T22:36:00.000-06:00

All my chains ... I can't disengage, And I don't believe that I want to
One hand sings your praise, The other brings me shame
I have selfishness to blame ... And I'm singing for FREEDOM...
I know I'm not the only one, praying to the One who can bring me this FREEDOM...

I'm ready for change, broke down I lay I keep holding my chains
No longer bound but here I stay...I scream Father PLEASE.... I need rescuing
I need You and You alone. And I'm singing for FREEDOM...
I know I'm not the only one praying to the One who can bring me this FREEDOM...

I'm ready for (change) still You patiently await, Yet I won't just let go
I see You and You alone saying FREEDOM...
And so I'm singing for FREEDOM!
The time has come, separation lost the war to love. Take my hand grace has found you where You once began. You're Alive! You're Alive! in the waking of new life.. Take my hand, in the end there's only love, There's only love
There's only singing for FREEDOM!

I know I'm not only one
Praying to the One who can bring me this FREEDOM.. I'm ready for,
I'm ready for...
Father please I need rescuing...
I need You and You alone

~Freedom by Run Kid Run~
~Randa~

In honor of Joe Stephens...

2011-02-26T17:58:00.001-06:00

Wow..yesterday was quite a day. We lost a good friend of many years in a tragic accident. He was a Truck Driver, a cowboy, a redneck (LOL!) but above all a great guy. So many people will miss him that I can't even begin to explain!! We as a community of friends, family & coworkers are DEVASTATED at this, our first fatality at the company my husband works for.

This "Band of Brothers" as I lovingly and humorously call these drivers stick together like glue. This loss is just unfathomable for anyone who doesn't drive a truck or haul a tanker. I won't even try to express the pain the family is in at this time.

But even in the midst of such a tragedy, God is ever present.

He carries us through the most difficult time times in our lives, healing our pain and grief, comforting our sorrows, helping us to continue on.

Psalm 73:23-26

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Litmus Test

2011-02-24T08:16:00.000-06:00

February 24, 2011

VERSE:
Remember how you were when you didn't know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It's different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say "Jesus be damned!" Nor would anyone be inclined to say "Jesus is Master!" without the insight of the Holy Spirit.
-- 1 Corinthians 12:2-3

THOUGHT:
In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit spoke through human writers to give us some absolute, bottom line, truth. When the Holy Spirit lives inside people, they are not going to curse Jesus. Instead, the Holy Spirit impels them to confess Jesus as Lord and Master -- not only as Lord and Master of all creation, but also the Lord and Master to whom they yield their hearts! Through Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the Holy Spirit declared Jesus Christ our Lord as the powerful Son of God (Rom. 1:4).

PRAYER:
Almighty God, I confess that I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, my Lord and Savior. I yield my heart to Jesus and pray that my life reflects his character and compassion. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart always be guided by your Holy Spirit and lead me to confess the glory and grace that I have found in my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

~SpiritFire! from www.HEARTLIGHT.org~
~Randa~

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10

2011-02-23T12:46:00.001-06:00

Bible Study Lesson:
1st Thessalonians 1:1-10:
Background: Acts 17:1-9 gives an account of the Church at Thessalonians.

Q. What are the three distinct characteristics, Paul remembers about the Church?

*Work produced by faith (1 Th 1:3)

*Labor prompted by love (1 Th 1:3)
*Endurance inspired by Hope (1 Th 1:3)
*Faith, Love and Hope are unseen characteristics. Paul here uses three classic phrases to describe the life of a witnessing Christian.
*He does not mention ‘work, labor and endurance’ only or ‘faith, love and hope’.
*Your true christian qualities should be demonstrated by your actions.
*We are ‘Saved by Faith Alone’, but not by ‘Faith that is Alone’.
*Work alone without faith can not save you.
*Labor without a true motivation is useless.
*People have different intentions or motivations, it is very important to check real motives behind actions.
*Paul in chapter 1 and 2, describes how the Church of Thessalonians displayed these characteristics and what were the impact of their behavior.

(Also check, 7 Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

Q. How did the Gospel come to them and How did they respond? (1 Th 1:4-6)

*The Gospel came not only as mere man’s words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
*They became imitators of Paul and God.
*They welcomed the Gospel with joy.
*They turned to the true and living God from idols.
*They endured severe sufferings for it.
*They became the model for all believers around Macedonia and Achaia.
*Their faith became known everywhere.
*Others testified about their faith and their reception of apostles.

Reflection and Bible Lessons:

*Does our faith produce good works?
*How do people around you think of you?
*How do believers around you think of you?
*Do people testify about your faith and actions? (Mat 5:16)
*What are your motives behind your work or labor in Christ?

~www.bibleseo.com~
~Randa~

United in the Spirit

2011-02-18T23:17:00.000-06:00

VERSE:
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
-- Ephesians 4:3 nlt

THOUGHT:
When we open the book of Acts, we hear Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower the early disciples as they go to all nations to share the good news of Jesus. In addition, we see the Holy Spirit at work to break down every barrier -- geographical,cultural, racial, economic, political, and social -- to make the people who come to Jesus into one new people. As Paul reflects on the great grace of God he has talked about in Ephesians chapters 1-3, he now challenges Jesus' followers to make every effort to keep what the Holy Spirit and the grace of God had worked to create: a people united by the Holy Spirit and held together with
the bond of peace. He wanted them to "wage peace"! He wanted them to be peace-makers, and not just "peace-wanters." This can happen only when we allow the Spirit to control our hearts and we
earnestly and diligently strive to be united through the Spirit as God's children.

PRAYER:
Father, please forgive me. I've been selfish, impatient, and harsh to some of your children. I haven't been committed to "waging peace" with the same passion as I have sought to get my own way and protect my own position. Please help me as I try to mend relationships and re-establish fellowship with others that I've alienated. Please help me as I seek to have your Spirit take
control of my heart and exert more effort to live in peace with your children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SpiritFire! from HEARTLIGHT

~Randa~

What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?

2011-02-16T20:22:00.000-06:00

Question: "What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?"

Answer: The garden at Gethsemane, literally “oil-press,” is located on a slope of the Mount of Olives just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. A garden of ancient olive trees stands there to this day. Jesus frequently went to Gethsemane with His disciples to pray (John 18:2). The most famous events at Gethsemane occurred on the night before His crucifixion when Jesus was betrayed. Each of the Gospel writers describes the events of that night with slight variations, so reading the four accounts (Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:40-53 and John 18:1-11) will give an accurate picture of that momentous night in its entirety.

As the evening began, after Jesus and His disciples had celebrated the Passover, they came to the Garden. At some point, Jesus took three of them—Peter, James and John— to a place separated from the rest. Here Jesus asked them to watch with Him and pray so they would not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41), but they fell asleep. Twice Jesus had to wake them and remind them to pray so that they would not fall into temptation. This was especially poignant because Peter did indeed fall into temptation later that very night when three times he denied even knowing Jesus. Jesus moved a little way from the three men to pray, and twice he asked His Father to remove the cup of wrath He was about to drink, but each time He submitted to the Father’s will. He was “exceedingly sorrowful unto death,” but God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43).

After this, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, arrived with a “multitude” of soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. Judas identified Him by the prearranged signal of a kiss which he gave to Jesus. Trying to protect Jesus, Peter took a sword and attacked a man named Malthus, the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and miraculously healed the man’s ear. It’s surprising that witnessing this amazing miracle of healing had no effect on the multitude. Neither were they shaken by His awesome display of power as described in John 18:5-6, where either at the majesty of His looks, or at the power of His words, or both, they became like dead men, falling to the ground. Nevertheless, they arrested Him and took Him to Pontius Pilate, while the disciples scattered in fear for their lives.

The events that occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane have reverberated down through the centuries. The passion Jesus displayed on that momentous night has been depicted in music, books, and films for centuries. From the 16th century, when Bach wrote two magnificent oratorios based on the gospel accounts of Matthew and John, to the present day with the film “The Passion of the Christ,” the story of this extraordinary night has been told again and again. Even our language has been affected by these events, giving us such phrases as “he who lives by the sword dies by the sword” (Matthew 26:52); “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38); and “sweating drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). Of course, the most important impact of this night was the willingness of our Savior to die on the cross in our place in order to pay the penalty for our sins. God “made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

~www.gotquestions.org~
~Randa~

Recommended Resources: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll.

2011-02-15T20:59:00.000-06:00

Salt of the Earth: Matthew 5:13-16
Posted By Bible SEO On October 10, 2010 (9:03 pm) In Gospel of Matthew Studies, New Testament Studies
Bible Study Passage:

Matthew 5:13-16
Use of Salt in Bible

*Salt was used for seasoning and preserving food. (as today)

*Salt was found in great abundance on the shore of the dead sea.

*Salt was used as an antiseptic in medicine. (Ezekiel 16:4)

*Salt was used in the offerings of all kinds. Lev 2:13: “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings. Add Salt to all your offerings.” Every sacrifice was offered with salt as a symbol of preservation. Salt in this context symbolizes external preservation. Numbers 18:19: “It has an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring.”

*Sometimes captured city were sowed with Salt to insure utter desolation of the place. (Judge 9:45)

*Covenant of Salt: In Palestine and surrounding countries, salt was used to make covenants. To eat of a person’s salt is regarded as a token of amity and loyalty, and brings one under his protection. The covenant of salt picturizes the everlasting friendship between God and his people.

*NT, salt is used to describe wholesome character and speech. Col 4:6 “Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with Salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Jesus’ use of Salt in Parables
Jesus uses the parable of salt three times in the Gospels. In Matthew, it follows after the beatitudes. In Mark 9:42-50, It follows after the teaching to remove anything that causes you to sin. In Luke 14: 25-34, It follows after the teaching of the cost of discipleship.

Salt of the Earth
Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
There can be many possible implications of “loosing the saltiness”. It can be implied for “falling away from faith”. Jesus in his very early ministry, clearly mentioned the cost of following him. He was not to be taken lightly. He reminded his followers that you can be the “salt of the earth” or the “covenant that God made with men.” But if you lose the very essence of salt, then there is nothing that can be done. There is no middle ground here. Something that appears to be salt but lack the very nature of salt is a useless thing. It is no longer good for anything. In the same way, someone who appears to be the follower of Christ but lacks or looses the very nature and essence of Christ is good for nothing.

I found this interesting ... hope you do as well!
~Randa~

More Bible Study Lessons:
Article taken from Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - http://bibleseo.com
URL to article: http://bibleseo.com/matthew/salt-earth-matthew-51316

Vitally Empowering

2011-02-12T20:26:00.000-06:00

Vitally Empowering
February 12, 2011

VERSE:
Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him [David], with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.

THOUGHT:
Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would come on leaders for a time and empower them in special ways. David was led and empowered by the Spirit for his whole life, although his sinful time with Bathsheba made him question whether God would remove the Spirit and his leadership because of his sin (Ps. 51:10-11). The remarkable thing about the Holy Spirit under the new covenant is that the Holy Spirit comes upon all Jesus' true followers: men and
women, young and old, leaders or followers (Acts 2:1-39; 5:32; Rom. 8:9). We have this "vitally empowering" gift living inside us, to guide us, convict us, empower us, equip us, intercede for us, and transform us. What a precious gift!

PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, for such an incredible gift as the Holy Spirit. As I continue on this year-long journey to learn more about your Spirit, I want to yield my life fully to the influence of the Spirit. I want to reflect Jesus more completely. I want to honor you more perfectly. I ask that this "vitally empowering" presence of your Spirit do what needs to be done in me to honor you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

~SpiritFire! from HEARTLIGHT~
(www.heartlight.org)
~Randa~

Who's on FIRE?

2011-02-09T21:05:00.000-06:00

"Feeling solid cause I've finally
Got my feet on the ground now
You rescued me with gravity
I was upside down
(down)

I've got a fire in my eyes
I'm burning brighter than the sunlight
You orchestrated my escape
Now I'm awake
I feel alive for the first time
You ignite the fire in my eyes

Used to live my life locked up
Inside a room with no doors
(before)
You found a window, You broke it
And now I wont be contained anymore

I've got a fire in my eyes
I'm burning brighter than the sunlight
You orchestrated my escape
Now I'm awake
I feel alive for the first time
You ignite the fire in my eyes

Oh, I know You are the reason I can breathe
Oh, I know You are the reason I am free

I've got a fire in my eyes
I'm burning brighter than the sunlight
You orchestrated my escape
Now I'm awake
I feel alive for the first time
You ignite the fire in my eyes"

~Fire in my Eyes by Fireflight~

9But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, afire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Talk about being on fire for GOD! That's the pure power of God's truth at work, right?! Jeremiah faced ridicule and taunts over speaking God's message but there had to be a freedom once he gave that message out. A peace or release if you will. Today, we are called to also be on FIRE for God spreading the good news of Jesus to the world. We face taunts and ridicule as well at times unfortunately. Never let it get you down! God gives us freedom and strength to proclaim His grace and mercy. Always stand and be a warrior! Always share the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus with others because we never know when the seeds we plant will be harvested. Let those who have ears hear and those who have eyes see! Every good thing comes from God so let us proclaim it on high! ~Randa~

Unfailing Love...

2011-02-07T19:09:00.000-06:00

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

That He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

~ David Crowder Band~

I just LOVE this song don't you? How amazing is this love that the Creator has for us? As most who know me already know, I really dig my music! I mean it's like feeling God's arms around me & Him speaking right in my ear! THIS song really speaks VOLUMES to me, hopefully to you as well! I really enjoy taking a closer look at the lyrics to see what's going on...

"When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are, And how great Your affections are for me."

WOW! If I focus on God, nothing else matters! No struggles at work, no fighting with someone who just doesn't see things your way ... Oh and better yet, WHAT would happen if we LOVED each other like He loves us?? Yea, i know ... pretty tall order there for most folks really. But in reality that's exactly what we should do. So tomorrow, or even tonight, LOVE someone..really and truly LOVE someone that is outside of your box of who deserves it. Make your own little world population MANY instead of population one! ~Randa~