tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43595262457426130892024-02-08T05:57:31.008-07:00Latte Lover DevotionsMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-39780318137126165592011-10-03T11:02:00.004-06:002011-10-03T11:02:44.383-06:00Blog MoveHello,<br />
<br />
In an effort to focus my writing, I'm moving my blog archives over to my second blog (<a href="http://www.deployedheart.com/">www.deployedheart.com</a>). Please come visit me over there. Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-20647651533730824362011-09-21T12:00:00.000-06:002011-09-22T17:37:07.385-06:00Refinement<style>
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<sup>“</sup>I will put this third through the fire; I will
refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will
call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say: They are My people, and
they will say: The L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ORD</span> is our
God." (Zechariah 13: 9,
HCSB).</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He
never said the refinement process would be easy. Just the same, I shudder at
facing it. I know that it’s for my best. I know that I will be better for it.
Just the same, I shy away at the sign of discomfort, of pain. I step back when
I see that this life lesson will hurt. Because I don’t like hurting. I’d rather
live in a world without hurt and pain and loneliness. But I don ‘t. The
realities of this world are hard to stomach at times. Just this morning I heard
of some awful things on the radio. It was hard for me to believe that a woman
could be treated like that. But she was. This world is filled with muck and
grime, muck that our Savior wants to wash us free from. In order to do this, we
have to give Him free reign. We have to give him control, so that He can work
and move and slowly make us into something more beautiful than we can imagine.
When given the choice, I would honestly take the ultimate beauty over the worldly
muck, even if I do have to face trials and tribulations in the process. What
about you? </span></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-21853277011563135072011-09-14T12:00:00.000-06:002011-09-14T12:30:32.402-06:00Not By Strength<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">"So he answered me, "This is the word of the L<span style="font-variant:small-caps">ORD</span> to Zerubbabel: 'Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit, ' says the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ORD</span> of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6, HSCB). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love to be in control. Time and again I do things the hard way, trying to solve life’s problems, instead of handing the reigns over to my very able Savior. As I read this verse above, I was reminded once again about how great and powerful our God is. He can handle my worries, He can handle my frustrations, He can handle all of the bits and pieces of my life and make something beautiful of it yet. I can’t, but He can. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And for that, I’m extremely thankful. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">What about you? Do you ever try to handle life’s problems on your own? </p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-82219071542306361572011-09-07T00:01:00.000-06:002011-09-07T00:01:00.214-06:00I Am With You<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;">“Haggai, the L<span style="font-variant:small-caps">ORD</span>'s messenger, delivered the L<span style="font-variant:small-caps">ORD</span>'s message to the people, "I am with you" —the L<span style="font-variant: small-caps">ORD</span>'s declaration” (Haggai 1:13, HCSB).
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<br /></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">“I am with you.” </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Such simple words, but so profound. So often<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I try to live this life on my own. I somehow think it’s my lot in life to suffer. I push through the pain like a martyr, knowing better things are ahead.</p><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">I think that God wouldn’t give me anything I can’t handle.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">I think I can do it on my own.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">But I can’t.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">I’m weak.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">Sometimes things are thrown at me that I truly can’t handle.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">But then God whispers, "I am with you."
<br /></p><span style="font-family:arial;">He reminds me that this world, and it’s trials, are not meant to be suffered alone. </span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">They are there so that we can depend on Him all the more. Yes, there are things we can’t handle. But God is there. He can handle them. And all He asks is that we give Him those things with open hands and let Him take control.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">This is such a hard thing to do. There are things that I daily have to give back to Him. Physical pain, hardships, loneliness, uncertainty—I give these things back to Him because I cannot deal with them in my own strength, I need Him to provide.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">I need to recognize the difference it makes when He walks through this life with me. When He is in control. Because it most certainly makes all the difference. </p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-49986057593570099732011-08-31T00:01:00.000-06:002011-08-31T00:01:00.548-06:00He Delights in Me <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“The L<span style="font-variant:small-caps">ORD</span> your God is among you,
<br /> a warrior who saves.
<br /> He will rejoice over you with gladness.
<br /> He will bring [you] quietness with His love.
<br /> He will delight in you with shouts of joy” (Zephaniah 3:17, HCSB).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the words above God is speaking to the Israelite nation. He is reminding them that He, indeed, rejoicing over them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Did you know that He rejoices over you and me as well?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I need this sweet reminder. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I need His love to quiet my restless soul. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">My soul that tries to fix and mend and keep everything in it’s place. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I need to be told that He joyful shouts His love to me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Where does He do this?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I see it in a new morning, high up on a mountainside. I see it in the laughter in my child’s eyes. I see it in the food on my table each evening. And the victory of a prayer battle won. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">He </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Delights </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">How marvelous. How wonderful.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And He delights in you as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-22166778482661022802011-08-24T00:01:00.000-06:002011-08-24T00:01:00.199-06:00The Feet of a Deer <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> </p><p style="margin-top:.1pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.1pt;margin-left:0in"><sup><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> "</span></sup><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">Though the fig tree does not bud
<br /> and there is no fruit on the vines,
<br /> though the olive crop fails
<br /> and the fields produce no food,
<br /> though there are no sheep in the pen
<br /> and no cattle in the stalls,</span></p> <p style="margin-top:.1pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.1pt;margin-left:0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> yet I will triumph in the L<span style="font-variant:small-caps">ORD</span>;
<br /> I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! </span></p> <p style="margin-top:.1pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.1pt;margin-left:0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> Yahweh my Lord is my strength;
<br /> He makes my feet like those of a deer
<br /> and enables me to walk on mountain heights!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> (Habakkuk 3: 17-19, HCSB)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I love these words above. They really caused me to ask myself some questions of myself. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Do I truly trust my Savior to provide?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Do I truly trust Him to take care of us in the days ahead?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s hard when things are uncertain. It’s hard when I’m looking ahead to a time of loneliness and stress. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Sometimes I have to be reminded of how far I’ve already come.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I have to be reminded of all the times He has taken care of me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Because when my focus is on this world I start to mis-step.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">But when my focus is on my Savior my footing is sure, and I’m climbing mountains higher than I ever have before.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Jesus is real my dear friends. He can handle the impossible situations. He can give us the footing we need to climb over those tremendous mountains of this life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Trust Him with your worries, your cares. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His love will never fail.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p></p> Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-60755263804709092662011-08-17T10:51:00.000-06:002011-08-19T10:52:21.325-06:00A Melancholy soul <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >I think I have a bit of a melancholy soul <span style="font-style: italic;">(is that the right word? Now I’m not sure…)</span>. I’m drawn to the sad, the heartfelt. I love rainy days and jazzy music. I like to brood a bit, and ponder, and write. In fact, I think that this very soul is what makes me a writer. I think it’s those pensive times, those introspective times that I write the most. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >It’s on such days that I have to choose to be happy. I have to choose to look for the positive around me. It would be easy to become completely depressed, but I’ve traveled that path before and don’t want to get back to that place. Instead, I choose to use those days to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice and to see what He might have for me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >And often, when I’m quiet enough, He talks. Sometimes there’s a lesson involved, a person to pray for, or just an overwhelming sense of peace.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >I think such days are good for me. They give me perspective. They give me a sense of connection with my Savior. They are a part of what makes me, well, me. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Do you ever have rather “melancholy” days? What do you do on such days? Does God ever speak to you during those times?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-33352159331124402352011-08-10T09:39:00.001-06:002011-08-10T09:41:11.392-06:00Unchanging Creator <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">“He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word” (1:3, HCSB).</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">"You will roll [the earth and heavens] up like a cloak,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and they will be changed like a robe. But You are the same, and Your years will never end” (1:12, HCSB).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes I need to be reminded that He sustains me. I need to be reminded that He is the one in control. That He does not change with the passing seasons.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Have you ever needed such a reminder? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As Autumn draws closer and closer I dread the coming cold weather. I dread the changing of the seasons. I don’t always like change. I’d rather the sun stood still. But change happens just the same. Times change. People get older. Family travels near and far. Farewells and welcome homes come and go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This winter will be a lonely one for our family. It will be a dark one at times. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even so, Jesus brings radiance into my life. He brings light into the darkest corners. He brings an oil of joy into my life time and again (Hebrews 1:9). And for that, I’m oh so thankful. I’m thankful that He will sustain me through the winter months. I’m thankful that He will see me through to the other side. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And I’m thankful that He will not change as the seasons will. He will be the same God next Spring as He is this Autumn, watching over me, guiding me and protecting me every step of the way. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-57727844813282490262011-08-03T00:01:00.000-06:002011-08-03T00:01:00.683-06:00Prophetic Words<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">Back in college I took a class on Biblical history. This class argued for the existence of Jesus. The professor told us that there were three main ways that we could prove this issue. We could prove it Historically, Biblically and Personally. (Please excuse my paraphrasing). Historically was through all of the historical evidence over the years (even Jesus’ enemies could not refute his existence). Biblically is through all of the Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled (an impossible amount by human standards). And Personally is through the experiences of friends and family that we trust. </p><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">One of the things I have enjoyed the most about reading through the Old Testament are all of these prophesies I keep coming across. According to some sources, Jesus fulfilled more than 300 prophesies! It’s wonderful to read these affirmations of Jesus’ true kingship. Micah 5:2 gives us one such prophesy. The detail is astounding: </span><span style="font-family:Arial">“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity” (</span><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">HCSB).The prophet Micah predicted Jesus’ birthplace down to the town! He also affirms Jesus’ Lordship, saying that He has existed for all of eternity. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Another favorite prophesy is found in Nahum 1:15, “</span><span style="font-family: Arial">“Look to the mountains—the feet of one bringing good news and proclaiming peace!”(Nahum 1:15, HCSB). </span><span style="font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Jesus brought words of peace for those who loved Him. He brought the source of life eternal when he came into this world and died for our sins!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What are your favorite words of prophesy in the Old Testament? What do such words mean to you? </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-65793538517578995142011-07-27T12:03:00.001-06:002011-07-27T12:05:16.969-06:00Seek Him and Live<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">The books of Joel and Amos were written to the Israelite people as a call to repentance. They had wandered far from God and His ways. They had done everything they could to profane His name. And so He was reminding them both of His love and of His ultimate judgment. He cannot stand the presence of evil. Because of this, He can’t just bring His people into His kingdom. Repentance and atonement are needed.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >“For the LORD says to the house of Israel: Seek Me and live!” (Amos 5:4, HCSB).<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >What words for all of us to hold on to! God holds the keys to life everlasting. We can choose to live completely in this world, or we can choose to reach out at grasp the everlasting life that He offers us. Oh how I want to Seek Him and Live every single day. Yes, in an everlasting sense, but in a daily sense as well. I want to truly live every moment of this life. I want to taste and see everything God has for me! I don’t want one day to mundanely lead to the next, no, instead I want to LIVE each moment for Christ and share His love with those around me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >Why? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" ><br />Because God’s judgment is a very real thing. It’s nothing to joke about. A day will come when all of us will have to give an account, even those that deny God’s existence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >On that day, I’m so glad that my Sins will be covered by the lamb of God (Jesus Christ).<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >Judgment is real, my dear friends, whether you want to think about it or not.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >But there is a way for your sins to be covered as well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" >“</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Then everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved” (Joel 3:32, HCSB).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross for all of our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day, showing His Lordship. If we believe this, admit that we are nothing on our own, and call out to God for deliverance, He will save us as well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;font-family:Arial;" >It is never my intent to be preachy on this blog. Just the same, I wanted all of you to know how real judgment day is, and how much we are all in need of a Savior.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;" > Will you seek Him and live today?<br /></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-3206871288751313272011-07-20T17:10:00.003-06:002011-07-20T17:21:52.938-06:00Freely Loved<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Hosea is written to a people who have wandered far from the love of God. This adulterous nation has turned their back completely on God. They are worshiping idols and committing all kinds of ugly acts. Still, he woos them back to himself. Yes, he demands justice, but he loves them just the same. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While most of the book of Hosea speaks of God’s judgment of the Israelite nation, the last chapter of the book gives an ultimate promise of restoration: “I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger will have turned from him” says the Lord (Hosea 14:4). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I love the phrase “freely love.” God loves his people voluntarily. He loves them because He chooses to, not because He has to. They have done little to deserve His love. In fact, they've done everything they can to deny Him, but He loves and blesses them just the same.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Everything good in their lives comes from God above: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing pine tree; your fruit comes from Me” (Hosea 14: 8b, HCSB ).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">And so it is with us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">As I look around me, I’m amazed at what God has done. He has given me so many things I don’t deserve, a house, a family, gifts, talents, passions. All of the things I enjoy and hold dear come from Him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Sometimes it’s nice to look around and simply be thankful. Thankful that He’s a righteous God who demands justice, but thankful that He’s loving as well.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">It’s nice to be freely loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-35371402744756298242011-07-13T00:01:00.000-06:002011-07-13T00:01:02.225-06:00You shall go out with joy<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“‘For 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 higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands’” (Isaiah 55: 8-12 NIV). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">I question, I doubt, I worry. I wonder why I would have to go through such a time as this. But God provides just the same. These verses above are so encouraging to me right now. They remind me that God has a purpose and a plan far above anything I can imagine. While the road directly in front of my may seem horribly rocky, He sees to the other side. He knows the ultimate outcome. And He will use this time to draw me closer to Him. The choice is now up to me. Will I trust in His faithfulness and love? Will I trust in His ultimate purpose? Or will I wallow in loneliness and self-pity? I chose the former. I pray that today, and everyday will be filled with joy and peace. I hold tight to the promise that He will carry me through each hard day of this journey called life, because there’s no better way to live. </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-70409455726215291072011-07-06T00:01:00.000-06:002011-07-06T00:01:01.496-06:00Love, just love<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10, HCSB). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What is good? Good things build others up. They show encouragement and love. They don’t belittle or discourage. Instead they only make that person better in the long run. Sometimes it’s hard to find the good. Sometimes there’s a person out there that really gets under your skin. On Sunday, my pastor told us to “love, just love.” Love, the greatest commandment, is the best way to bring someone to a deeper knowledge of Christ. No, you don’t ignore their sins, but you love them and show them a better way of living. You don’t preach at them. You don’t make them feel bad about themselves. Instead, you “cling to what is good.” You show them the love of Christ, and leave the rest up to the Holy Spirit. You, “outdo one another” when it comes to showing respect and honor. You give that person the respect that the rest of the earth says they don’t deserve. You show them how much they matter to their Heavenly Father up above. You love them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">Who can you love today?</span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-50859903551474359832011-06-29T00:01:00.000-06:002011-06-29T00:01:00.181-06:00God's Calling<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">“God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable” Romans 11: 29 HCSB</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">His gifts and calling are final. They can’t be changed. And so it’s up to me. Do I ignore the calling placed upon my heart, or do I embrace it? Do I stay busy and preoccupied, or do I give myself moments of quiet and rest in which to write? This calling, this life God has called me to, is not easy . I feel such a strong calling as a military wife, a mother and a writer. These are all a part of who I am. The first two callings take up a large portion of each day. With a house to clean and a baby getting into everything, I am more than busy. Just the same, my fingers long to write. My soul longs to empty itself on the page. Writing is cathartic for me. It’s one of the ways I talk to God. It’s the way in which I’m the most transparent. I love writing to the point that it scares me. I love writing so much that I’m afraid of criticism. I’m afraid of being turned down. I’m afraid that people won’t like my writing, or will be overly critical of my grammar (my weakest link). Jus the same, it’s my calling. It’s something that can’t be ignored. This gift of writing is such an intricate part of who I am. And so, I find tiny moments out of the day to write. I experiment with styles. I stretch my skills. I search for ways to get published. And most of all, I seek the face of my Father, who gave me this gift for a reason. What that reason is, I may not see until eternity, but it’s a wonderful reason just the same! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">What calling has God placed upon your life?<br /></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-55874023823546446482011-06-22T15:38:00.002-06:002011-06-22T15:39:35.742-06:00A Message of Faith<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal">“This is the message of faith that we proclaim: if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10: 8-13, HCSB).</p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-">It’s so simple dear friends, but we often make it so complicated. We try to live this life on our own. We try to handle everything that has been thrown at us. What we end up with is brokenness, despair and defeat. We feel lonely. We feel unloved. When right in front of us is the answer. Right in front of us is One who will carry all of our burdens for us. Growing up in a Christian household I knew all the correct answers, I knew how to sing the songs and act like a good little Christian girl. Although I knew all the answers, a point had to come where I admitted that this world was too hard for me to handle on my own. And believe me, as a perfectionist, I tried to handle it! That point, for me, was a point of extreme loneliness. It was a point of life in which I felt like I didn’t have a friend in the world. It was at that point that I reached out to Jesus and took a deeper step in my relationship with Him. It was at that point that I let Him fully into my life as my truest friend, the number one love of my life, my Savior and my God. All it took was placing all of myself at His feet and letting Him take control of my life. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-">I’ve never been disappointed. </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-21494913671623874552011-06-15T19:46:00.001-06:002011-06-15T19:46:23.781-06:00Sufferings<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we<sup> </sup>have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we<sup> </sup>boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we<sup> </sup>also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:1-5, NIV).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have long struggled with this idea of rejoicing in my sufferings. How can I find good in such things, I ask? How can I be happy that such things come about? I’m starting to think that it isn’t that we are happy for the struggles that come our way, but instead that we see how God uses those times of struggle. I never wanted to experience my grandparents dying, but I know God used that situation for His glory. He used me to show other’s how different my grieving process was, since I had the assurance that I would see my grandparents in heaven one day. He used a bad time in my life to improve my prayer life and draw me even closer to Him. Through it all He was improving me as a person. He was forming me into the kind of Christian woman He desired me to be. That gives me joy. That gives me hope. That gives me a desire to share my story with the world around me. And that, I believe, is what makes this world, with all of its struggles, worth living in. <span style="font-family: Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-5974896335174829832011-02-25T04:51:00.001-07:002011-02-25T04:53:01.427-07:00The Call<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">"</span></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">(Isaiah 6:8)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am here for a reason. My being here has purpose. It has intent. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">At times I start to believe I’m insignificant, that I don’t really matter. But there’s no truth in that. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">God has called me by name. He has given me a life to live on this earth, and that life has purpose. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That purpose is to share the Gospel. To tell others how much God means to me. How life isn’t worth living without Him. Hopefully this is evident in the very way I live my life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In addition to this, He has called me to be a mother. He’s given me a beautiful gift in my daughter, one I don’t take for granted. He has created me to be the perfect mother for this little girl. My strengths and weaknesses (and those of my husband) are knitted together in a way that will help to best raise this child.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He has called me to be a wife. He’s blessed me with a wonderful husband, one whom I’m called to love and support day-in and day-out. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He has called me to be a writer. He has put words upon my fingers, and given me an unquenchable desire to share them with the word. If the desire wasn’t there, I wouldn’t write. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He has called me to live my entire life for Him. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What has God called you to in this life? Are you answering that call, or ignoring it? </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-29062338379124856382011-02-18T08:15:00.003-07:002011-02-24T11:03:23.785-07:00The Coal<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Reading: Isaiah 3-6</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;">; </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 Corinthians 12</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">"</span>Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:6-7 NIV).<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This morning I felt my human nature well up inside of me. I woke up to a crying baby, who continued to cry for the next two hours. I was filled with woe-is-me type thoughts, filled with grumbles and complaints.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Until I stopped and admitted that once again I needed a touch from my Savior.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once again I needed Him to place a coal upon my lips and make me worthy.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Worthy to come into his presence.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Worthy to enter the throne of grace. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once again I needed to be reminded of all of the blessings in my life.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Blessings that are hard to see what I have a crabby, stuffy nosed baby on my hands. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And so I turned to prayer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I turned to scripture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I turned to my Savior to feel his heeling touch.</p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-36332966003973917392011-02-10T06:46:00.000-07:002011-02-10T06:57:34.171-07:00Whole-hearted Living<h5> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }h5 { margin: 10pt 0in 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: rgb(36, 64, 97); font-weight: normal; }span.Heading5Char { font-family: Calibri; color: rgb(36, 64, 97); }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading: 2 Chronicles 24-26</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">; </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 Corinthians 11:1-15</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span>“He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly” (2 Chronicles 25:2 NIV).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> </h5><h5 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Amaziah King of Judah did what was right, but not with all of his heart. He knew the rules, he knew how to play the game, but his heart wasn’t in it. How many Christians have I meant like that? How many Christians know how to say the right words, act the right way, but don’t feel it deep inside? I really don’t have an answer to that. And I’m not here to cast stones. Instead, I’m here to look at my own life and ask if I have always lived my life wholeheartedly for God. I hope I have. I hope that others see that this life I live isn’t just an outward act, but an inward love. I hope they see that I truly love God wholeheartedly, with all that I am. I hope that see all of this. </span></h5> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What does the word “wholeheartedly” mean to you? </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-18083332568640990132010-12-10T13:56:00.001-07:002010-12-10T13:58:21.360-07:00Captive Thoughts<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Reading: 2 Chronicles 23</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;">; </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Joel 2-3</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;">; </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 Corinthians 10</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“ We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:2b NIV).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This week has been tough. As soon as I decided <a href="http://www.deployedheart.com/?p=221">to find joy in this Christmas season</a>, I was bombarded with stress. My little girl has been extremely fussy, and my list of to-dos just keeps getting longer and longer. It seems as if there are never enough hours in the day (or night for that matter). My mind has been filled with negative thoughts. Satan has known exactly where to attack me as of late. He makes me doubt my mothering skills, my writing skills and my wife skills. He makes me look around at my life and see everything that is broken and incomplete. He directs my eyes away from Christ, where they belong. The verse above is meant for me, today and everyday. It’s a great reminder to take each thought and deed captive. In fact, it’s a verse meant for everyone of us. There’s a destroyer out there that preys on our thoughts. Some days we have to go moment-by-moment, giving each thought back to our Lord and Savior. That’s life for you. Satan wants nothing more than to make us feel insecure and insignificant during this Christmas season. He wants us to get caught up in the craziness of gift buying, and forget to find joy in Jesus Christ. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But I’m not about to let him. I’m taking each thought, and giving it back to Christ. I’m living each moment of this Christmas season for Him. <i style="">I know it sounds cliché but </i>He truly is the reason for the season. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-88260712625054282752010-12-02T00:00:00.000-07:002010-11-30T13:55:13.686-07:00Use Me<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; </style><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Reading: 2 Chronicles 21-22</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">; </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Obadiah</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">; Joel 1; </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">2 Corinthians 8-9</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">“</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">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” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">As the weather gets colder and I bundle my little baby up tightly for trips outside, I start to think about those who are less fortunate then me. I wonder if someone’s baby is cold today, less protected from the wind then my own. <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">My arms are already so full. I feel as if I’m constantly running from one thing to the next. My hours largely revolve around the little girl in my life. So what can I do? Where can I be used?<br />It’s probably a mistake to say that I can’t be used. God knows my limitations. He knows my gifts. And I’m sure He has things in mind, even now. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">My prayer today is that He will show some of those things to me. That He’ll show me how to best love and serve this Christmas season, even if it is with a baby in tow. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">How does God want to use you this Christmas?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br />“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8 NIV).</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-68559231763513075972010-11-30T13:07:00.000-07:002010-11-30T13:08:12.692-07:00The Battle Belongs to the Lord<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading: 2 Chronicles 17-20</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">;</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 2 Corinthians 6-7</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><sup>“</sup>[Jahaziel] said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. <span style=""> </span>You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you’” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17” NIV). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">“You will not have to fight this battle.” </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">How many battles have I fought that were never mine to fight? How many times have I tried to fix things, when it was none of my business to do so? How many times have I tried to make those around me happy, giving my expert opinion when all I was really called to do was pray? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">More times than I can count. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">My desire to make those around me happy has gotten in the way of my Savior working. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">That’s why it’s been good for me to be at a distance from certain things. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although I miss my friends and family, living far away has given me a sense of perspective. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s caused me to fall to my knees in prayer, instead of getting the middle of a situation. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s reminded me of the power of prayer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For the battle has never really been mine to fight. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The battle has always belonged to the Lord. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It always has.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""></span>It always will. </p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-41421240738694566272010-11-18T00:00:00.000-07:002010-11-18T00:00:00.372-07:00Christ’s Love Compels<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><sup>“</sup>For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">What does it mean to be compelled by the love of Christ? How does this influence the way we live our lives?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greek word for compelled, <em><span style="font-family: Cambria;">synechō,<span style=""> </span></span></em><em><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal;">means to hold together with restraint. Christ’s love holds us together. He makes us complete. He is our reason for living on this earth. And so why wouldn’t we live our every breath for him? Why wouldn’t we make Him the center of our world, our number one focus and priority? </span></em></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal;">But do we? So often I find myself coming up short. With a new baby in the house my priorities in life have shifted. She has become the center of my world. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. She definitely needs my love and care. Just the same, as I care for her, I can’t forget where my heart ultimately belongs: to my Savior. He’s the one that has given this precious little life. He’s the one in charge of everything. He compels me each and every day. He holds all of my pieces together, even on the days when they feel like they’re coming unglued. He is there, by my side, helping me through this crazy days called motherhood. He restrains me, consoles me, and reminds me to find joy as I live my daily life for Him. He is my everything, I would be nothing without Him. What about you? </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-68129670999229678872010-11-16T13:30:00.001-07:002010-11-16T13:30:23.668-07:00Eagerly Seeking<style>@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reading: 2 Chronicles 15-16</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">; </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 Corinthians 5</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><sup>“</sup>They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. <sup><span style=""> </span></sup>All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. <sup><span style=""> </span></sup>All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side”<span style=""> </span>(2 Chronicles 15:12-15 NIV)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eagerly seeking after Him. What does this look like? What does this mean? I love God with everything in me, but it isn’t always evident in the way I live my life. At times, He becomes an afterthought, a rushed prayer, someone I turn to on the bad days. But to seek Him eagerly, to desire to spend time in his presence, do I do this? I want to, I do desire it, but I don’t always put in into practice. My life gets busy. Already I’m focused on the holidays, and trying to pack in as much fun as possible. In the midst of it all though, I’d love to think that I’ll find time to spend with my Savior, even when my house is full of friends and family. I’d love to think that Jesus will still be my number one priority, even in the midst of a busy season. Now to put it into practice. </p>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359526245742613089.post-6508067031414228262010-11-11T15:06:00.001-07:002010-11-11T15:06:56.760-07:00Do Not Lose Heart2 Chronicles 7- 14; 2 Corinthians 2-4<br /><br />“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV). <br /><br />Do you ever get to the end of the day, thankful that its over and a new one is about to begin? I know I do. This world can be draining at times. Some days are just tough. Nothing seems to go right. I love the verse above, because it reminds me that the things of this world truly are just temporary. What truly matters is on the inside. While things around us may be falling apart, we are being renewed and strengthened day in and day out. Our Lord and Savior walks through each trial with us, and reminds us of what really matters, eternity with him. In order to truly bring this point home, I looked up the meaning of a few words in this verse. The first two words “lose heart” were translated from the Greek, ἐγκακέω, which means to become discouraged. It’s so easy to become discouraged when we look at everything that is wrong in our lives, isn’t it? But this verse reminds us to not lose heart, but to instead focus on what’s important. <br />The last word I looked up was renewed. Renewed was translated from the Greek word ἀνακαινόω, which means to make new, to grow up, to give new strength and vigor, or to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state. God gives us new strength and vigor each and every day as he transforms us into the person he created us to be. This process isn’t always easy, at times it’s downright hard in fact, but just the same, it’s wonderful. Personally, I’m thankful that God didn’t leave me the way I once was, that person wasn’t exactly pretty. Instead, He is daily transforming me into a work of art. A masterpiece He created just for His glory.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497769773220980634noreply@blogger.com0