Psalm 84

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God,

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young? a place near your altar,

O Lord Almighty, my King and my God,Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;

they are ever praising You.

Better is one day in Your courts, than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my

Godthan dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does

He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.

Thoughts and Reflections

It's been like 2 months since I've last wrote. Everything has just been so crazy and i just haven't took the time to do it. A lot has happened over the past two months... God has continued to work in me and show me more and more. Over the past 2 months God has reminded me of somethings and I have caught myself thinking about some of the things that I have read about or journaled about. Thess are some of my thoughts and reflections...

1st:
We can't love God on Sunday and rod him the rest of the week. Jesus said we can't be neutral with him. We have to choose to either worship him or something else. I think for most people, it's just that they don't want to have to SACRIFICE what it takes. People don't like the criticism of choosing God. In Hebrews 13:15 he says that if we choose to be light, we are going to be ripped.

2nd:
Everytime we sin we are just as guilty as the ones who crucified Jesus (what does the thought of that do to you?). The awesome thing is that even when we are covered in sin, God still loves us. From the cross he tells us how much he loves us, but why do we continue to live in sin? If there had been another way for God ro die, he would have. He even prayed in the Garden, but God still said "NO". He (the cross) is the only way to heaven and with that we can either reject God or accept God. If we choose God, we have to carry our own cross and do our own part. He called us to him, but sent us back into the world. He demands no LESS!

3rd:
I think it's about time that we give God more than our leftovers and instead give him ALL we got! This past summer I herd an awesome illustration that Louie Giglio gave. He asked, "Do you want to get to heaven and be on your knees trying to scrape up a little puddle that's left and give it to God?"... I don't know about you, but I DON'T! I don't want to hear God ask, "Is that all you got... is that all you've got for the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords?" God is very plain in scripture (Malachi) that he does NOT want (nor does he deserve)our LEFTOVERS.

4th:
How would our life change if we wanted nothing more than to make God happy? We should ask, "What does God want?"... Since worship is for God.

5th:
It's not just telling God... It's showing God.

6th:
We lived in a messed up world, but God is BIGGER than this messed up world.

7th:
He holds my heart beat, my life, and when I've sinned and amd entering the pits of hell, he holds and saves me. THAT'S WHY I WORSHIP HIM!

8th:
God is not a God of confussion.

Your life = Frangrance?

Wow! It has been over a month since I have last wrote. Everything has been so busy, but God has been showing some things.
I read in Corinthians 2:14 (Now wherever we go, he [God] uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God.) the other night I while reading it something caught my attention. When it mentions the fragrance, this is supposed to be something that comes off of us as we worship God in our daily lives. God rubs off on us and in turn, he rubs up against the people we know and encounter. Some welcome this and some don't, but that part is out of our control. Our focus is to be on him. His life in us is what presents us with this fragrance that bares his name. We should live our lives to where everyone around benefits.

Miracles

Here's a question: What defines MIRACLE? ~When there is a need sensed by a few, and each individual understands his or her responsibility and gives their all regardless of the odds, then Jesus works a miracle. Mark 6:30-44 As I was reading the story of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand, it became clear to me that every miracle begins with a problem. Just like in the story, the disciples had no food to feed all of the people and would cost eight months of a man's pay to feed all of the people. If you have a problem, then you are a canidate for a miracle, meaning that God's Grace is in your life. In order to recieve a miracle we MUST get involved with HIM. Sometimes we want God to do all of the work, but God doesn't work that way. He wants us to get involved with Him. Part of our responsibilty is sometimes we don't need a miracle, but God may want to use us for a miracle for someone else. Most of the time the request from God makes no sense, but I have herd the obdience is the success to Christian success. Without God we can't; without us He cannot!

Christ is All This and More

CHRIST IS ALL THIS AND MORE
-author unknown-

He is the First and Last,the Beginning and the End!He is the keeper of Creationand the Creator of all!He is the Architect of the Universeand the Manager of all times.
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He always was,He always is,and He always will be . . .
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Unmoved,Unchanged,Undefeated, and never Undone!
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He was bruised and brought healing!He was pierced and eased pain!He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
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He is risen and brings power!He reigns and brings Peace!
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The world can't understand Him,The armies can't defeat Him,The schools can't explain Him,and the leaders can't ignore Him.
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Herod couldn't kill Him,The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and

The people couldn't hold Him!Nero couldn't crush Him,Hitler couldn't silence Him,
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The New Age can't replace Him,
and nonbelievers can't explain Him away!
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He is Light, Love, Longevity, and Lord.

He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure,

His ways are right, His Word is eternal,His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!
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He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,He is my Guide, and He is my Peace!He is my Joy, He is my Comfort, He is my Lord,He rules my life!
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I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.
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I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the wise,The Power of the powerful, The Ancient of Days,
the Ruler of rulers, the Leader of leaders,
the Overseer of the overcomers,
and the Sovereign Lord of all that was,and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, consider this:

His goal is a relationship with me!
He will NEVER leave me, NEVER forsake me,
NEVER mislead me, NEVER forget me, NEVER overlook me,and He will NEVER ignore my fervent prayer!

When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgivesWhen I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
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When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me!When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home to be with Him!

He is everything for everybody,
everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God! He is Faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure,
understand this . . .

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing forJesus Christ is LORD !!!!
________________________________________

Psalm 96
Sing a new song to the Lord!
Sing it everywhere around the world!
{2} Sing out his praises! Bless his name.
Each day tell someone that he saves.

{3} Publish his glorious acts throughout the earth.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
{4} For the Lord is great beyond description
and greatly to be praised.

Worship only him among the gods!
{5} For the gods of other nations are merely idols,
but our God made the heavens!
{6} Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty are in his Temple.

{7} O nations of the world,
confess that God alone is glorious and strong.
{8} Give him the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come to worship him.
{9} Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives.

Let the earth tremble before him.
{10} Tell the nations that Jehovah reigns!
He rules the world. His power can never be overthrown.
He will judge all nations fairly.

{11} Let the heavens be glad, the earth rejoice;
let the vastness of the roaring seas demonstrate his glory.
{12} Praise him for the growing fields,
for they display his greatness.
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.

{13} For the Lord is coming to judge the earth;
he will judge the nations fairly and with truth!

A Prayer of David

Psalm 86:1-17 A Prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever. For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of violent men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your handmaid. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

The Church

As a church we need to honor scripture and abandon religion. Matthew 12:1-5 We as a church today seem to get wrapped up in the religion and miss God altogether. People are so worried about what others are wearing to church instead of the heart of the people. If this is the case and if the church is missing God, then how are others being reached? Insead of the church running Jesus out, we need to lift him up. Matthew 12:6-8 The church has also seemed to have lost their passion about reaching out to others. Matthew 12:9-14 It's time that we make up our mind... are we going to let the little things we worry about get in the way of someting big? Matthew 12:14 We've got to be willing to do whatever it takes to win a generation for Christ.

Joy

JOY is a FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT and HAPPINESS is a CHOICE. You can have both, but you can also have one without the other. If you are prioritizing your life to the reason of your existence, which is to bring to God the glory that He deserves, then you will discover a joy that is unexplainable. With that joy you must find that feeling inside of you that makes you who you are. Wether it be sad, happy, mad, ect. It's ok to be sad or mad at times, but it's happiness that makes you out to be a likeable person. I find myself a lot here lately being down about the situations around me and think to myself about how if I didn't have joy in my life, how miserable I would be. God gives us all kinds of emotions... but in the midst of these emotions I've found that because of the joy that God has given me, that I can always find happiness in every situation. Those who choose to not live their life for the purpose of their existence will find themeselves with no joy.

Living a Life of Worship

This past week at camp God showed me that worship is a life that reflects what's right and God's greatness. I have always known that we are to live a life of worship, but had never heard it put this way before. I found that it's not just telling God how great he is - it's SHOWING him how great he is.
--Worship is for God.
When we come through the door of worship we are humbled before God and we come through saying we are blessed and ask him in return, how can we bless him. By doing this we become a servant. We become his servant by going out and living a life of worship and sharing with others what God has done for us and bringing glory to his name. Sometimes we come into worship and soak it up and keep it all to ourselves. By doing this we classify oursleves as a sponge.
... so what are you... a sponge or a servant?-- I choose to be a servant.
We have to also ask... What does God want?-- Since worship is for God.
How would it change our life if we wanted nothing more that to make God happy?... it has changed my life a lot... instead of worrying what music I like to sing on Sunday mornings or what I thought about the preacher's message... I now ask myself... Is this what God wants?... because what I wants doesn't matter.
We should want and have the desire to give God everything we've got and continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. (Hebrews 13:15) Even when things are messed up because we live in a messed up world we are still to give him praise and bring glory to his name because God s bigger than this messed up world that we live in-- in order to do this we have to come through the door of worship.

I was babysitting last night and had got the kids to bed and then just sat in silence... I asked God to just speak to me and show me his face. WOW! That's the only way I know to put it. As I sat there and just ask him to break me I began to cry. In the stillness of my heart I was reminded of everything that I have been blessed with and just how merciful our God is. Sometimes the things of this world get in the way and we seem to forget what we have. I was also reminded that I may not always understand the things of life, but that I have a savior who loves me, who is alive, and who is always here for me.

Spiritual Growth - The Pathway of Suffering

Job was a servant of the Lord and the devil desired to have evil things to happen to him so that his character would be brought down. Then God, in His wisdom and own purpose, allowed Satan to do certain things to Job that that he desired to do. I have realized that God allowed those things to happen to Job to help him deepen his faith, to help him define his character, and to help him know God in a more personal way. I also know even though God allowed these things to happen to Job to test him, he set limits on Satan as to how far he could go to bring evil into Job’s life.
We may not always like what is happening, it may be hurtful, harmful, and destructive... all these things and more, but God always puts a limit on them, and has a purpose for allowing them to happen. And that purpose always is that ultimately as we go through things and learn how to deal with them, it's that we come out on the other side stronger and more Christ-like, having a new desire for purity and Godliness, and having new experiences to help us minister to the needs of others who are going through the same things (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
In knowing that everything is all God’s will and that he has allowed these things to happen to in the first place, and that God won’t test us past our limit, then we have to get through and feel all of the pain. Yea, we're going to cry, pray, ask why, get angry, feel abused, feel confused, experience loss and lost ness... lose sleep, and a million possible other feelings that we might feel and experience during these times. And all this with the ultimate goal that we will be purified, and the meaningless things in life will be taken away so that the brightness and Glory of God will shine in us that much more brightly (Job 23:10).
We need to try and take each painful situation and view it as a "wake-up call". God may be calling us to start growing inwardly, spiritually, in dimensions of holiness, commitment and service. Oftentimes, the means of this growth is the pathway of suffering (Job 1:20-22).
Job's first response was to cry out in grief, but then to immediately fall down on the ground in worship, and focus his attention on God. He took an attitude of submission to the sovereign will of God. He sat in silence for 7 days, saying nothing, meditating and rehearsing all the traumatic events that had just happened to him. During these times we need to focus our attention like we never have before on the Person of God...in repentance, and humble submission, seeking a new relationship of closeness to Jesus Christ, calling out to Him for mercy. Before I read Job I was afraid and felt uncomfortable with sharing with other people what was going on and what I was feeling inside. From this I have learned that it is ok for us to talk to the people we trust most and not have to worry about keeping it to ourself. Job talked about what was going on with his most trusted friends. He talked to them about his feelings, doubts, and sadness. Even though his friends didn’t really "get it" he talked over everything. He expressed all of his feelings of sadness and hopelessness that was in his heart... all throughout the book of Job you see this... him putting into words all the pain that was inside his own heart... not hiding it (Job 7:11).
With this we need to strive to be all that we can be for our Father, bringing GLORY to his name and sharing what he has given us to others.

My Twin... My Special Friend

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better thatn one... If one falls down his friend can help him up.

Having a twin is a special gift from God. I wouldn't trade it for nothing. Melanie and I have shared just about every moment of our life together and have aways been there for each other. We are alike in many ways, but yet we are a lot different in ways too. I am good at things that she isn't too good at and Melanie is good at different things that I'm not as good at. Sometimes we get to thinking that one is better than the other, but then we remind each other that if we both were good at the same things then we wouldn't need each other. God has given Melanie to me for a special purpose and I want nothing more than to live out that purpose. Having a twin comes with a special relationship that I couldn't ever have with anyone else. The relationship that we share is something that can't be explained. If one of us is going through a hard time then, we are there to help the other through it. Melanie has always been there for me and gives me someone to talk to when no one else is around. If I see her hurting inside then I feel her hurt. Now, of course we fight. All brothers and sisters fight, but in the end we make up. Later we think back over the things that we fight about and usually end up laughing over it. I am so blessed to have a friend like Melanie and having her to share my life with. No one could ever replace her.

Thanks Melanie for everything! Thanks for being there and for sharing every moment with me... I wouldn't want to share it with anyone else. I love ya girl!

Struggles

I was reading in a magazine the other day and came to an article "The Cocoon and The Butterfly". The article was about a man who found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force it's body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life struggling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that by restricting the cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings, so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved it's freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.

The Storms Of Life

There have been those devotional stories and poems of actual storms, but more about those storms that rage within each of us. My favorite poem I have ever read is Step Into My Storm, which when reading it made me realize God doesn't always end storms at the drop of a hat. He has a way ...
of just stepping into the storm and speaking peace when the time is just right. The storm may be raging all around, but He keeps us safe. The storm may be raging inside, but He speaks peace and calms the storm. I wonder why God allows thinds to happen. I'm always wondering if God causes thingss to happen because of something I might have, or might not have done. I often wonder was this punishment, or just a test that He was allowing to happen. As I think of those thoughts, I of course immediately think of the recent natural disasters, and all the talk I have heard whether this was, or wasn't the wrath of God. I have heard all the discussions as to whether God caused this, or simply allowed this to happen. I personally believe that God does allow, not necessarily cause things in nature, as well as in other places to happen. I believe our God is a merciful, kind, and loving God. He doesn't enjoy seeing His children suffer. Today as I pray for this storm to pass, I think God wants me to learn to stand and face this storm head on. I know Jesus is standing in the shadows watching,waiting to step in if the waves get to high, or the wind blows to hard for me to handle. My God didn't cause this storm to reform, He still loves me and doesn't enjoy seeing me suffer. If He sees I can't stand strong and return this storm to the raging sea from which it came, He is sitting on ready, to step right in and speak His peace once again.God, step into my storm. Let a great calm return.

Mark 4:39
And He arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea ;Peace be still, and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Step Into My Storm
Some storms are but a small gust of wind.
Some storms can great turmoil send.
Some storms are mild and meekSome storms devour all they seek.
God brings lightning ,thunder, rain-God stops loneliness, confusion, pain.
God can end any storm at will-God need only say "Peace be still".
I speak not of storms of rain and such-I speak of storms with a deadly clutch.
I speak of storms from which you cannot hide.
I speak of storms churning deep down inside.
Man has no power over storms great or small-Man has no power over much of anything at all.
Man can only look up and ask God to step in-Man can only ask God's power over storms within.
Ask not for God to make your storm to cease.
Ask not for God to give you an easy release.
Ask God to step into your storm - give Him all control-Ask God to speak His peace deep into your soul.
-Judy Parker

Pushing On

When times are hard and I just feel like giving up... I have learned that I have to keep pushing on. As Christians, just as Jesus did, we are called to carry our cross during times of suffering. Instead of letting it get me down, I have learned that if I look at all that God has blessed me with and just look for the good in all of the bad, then I will have hope and faith in knowing that God is able to move the mighty mountains that stand in my way.

Just as Jesus did,
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame ...
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
-author unknown-

Enlarging Your Veiw Of God

As Christians, we all need to enlarge our veiw of GOD.

Here's a question: What if we focused on how BIG GOD is, instead of how BIG our problems are?

As I look around everything I see has been created by GOD. I see my family, the trees, the sun, ect... and then I start thinking about all of the Galaxies and how all of space is far beyond our reasoning. Then I relize that GOD is so BIG and amazing that HE knows all of the stars by name and he has all of the hairs on my head numbered. This goes to show that HE is BIGGER than all of my worries and problems.
It is so Awesome to think about how GOD is indescribable and all powerful HE is and then try to figure out what I did to deserve HIM.... but the thing is I haven't done anything to deserve HIM. None of us have! There is nothing that anyone could ever do to deserve to have the eternal connection with GOD, but GOD'S desire is for HIM (the Creater) to have and connection with ME and YOU (the Creation). Since this is HIS desire HE cares about us and is always there. HE knows my pain and HIS spirit dwells in me. This is the part that makes GOD my desire... if HE is this Amazing, Indesrcribable GOD (the Creater of all) then, why shouldn't HE be my desire? Knowing this just makes me want to GLORIFY HIS name even more.

The first thing we have to do is realize how great our GOD is. Then we have to think and know that GOD allows things to happen and limits the pain and know that our problems are so small compared to how BIG GOD is. GOD is always in control and so therefore we need to try to focus on the BIGGER picture (his plan). We are required to endure it (2 Corinthians 1:4). Doing this is the hard part. Sometimes it is so hard to hold my head up and keep pushing, but in the end i know that I will have been purified like gold is purified in the fires that will burn away that which is impure and meaningless, so that the GLORY of GOD will shine through me that much more (Job 23:10).

Our Daily Conflict: The Spirit vs The Flesh

So there is a spiritual struggle going on inside every person at all times. Before we are born-again and Christ lives in our heart by the person of the Holy Spirit, we have no choice but to follow the sinful path because we are fallen creatures, cursed because of Adam's sin, and unable to display the Glory of God. We are a slave to sin.
Rom 3:23 (KJV)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

BUT, once we repent of our sin, both the actions and the condition of sin, and turn away from them, and invite Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and to make us born again, then we get a new life from God, and the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. We still may be tempted to sin, but now the Holy Spirit in us gives us the power to say "No" to sin. It is then our job to continually say "no" to every temptation to sin, and there will be a lot of them, and let the "saying no" become a habit, replacing the old habit of just giving in to sin.

My Passion

Isaiah 26:8
"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your truth we wait eargerly for you, for your name and renown are the desires of our souls."

This is one of my most favorite verses in the Bible. I love what it says. It is saying that when we are directly in tune with God, he is our desire and the main focus of our life. The more we engage in his truth and the more we grow closer to him, then the greater of a passion we will have for him.This verse is describes the Passion of my life and is what I strive for the most. I strive to have such a close relationship with God and to be so in tune with him that I am constantly walking in his obedience. I want to be able to always hear his voice clearly and reveal his Glory to the world.