Holy, holy, holy!

Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.  This is a quote from today's "Our Daily Bread" devotion. It is a good reminder when looking around at all the miraculous things we see every day... a baby, flowers in the snow, bees that fly with tiny wings, starfish that can grow new limbs. It's also a good reminder when looking at the stories in the Bible. 

My husband and I were watching a show the other day about the ark and the flood. The scientists created a model of the ark and put it in a wave machine and their model sank. Their point was that the waves created by storm conditions would cause the ark to toss and turn violently, taking on water, and sink within minutes. But, 1) they aren't fully reading the Bible and 2) they are using their logic, not God's.

Genesis doesn't say it stormed... "it rained" could mean a gentle rain and, believe me, if we have a steady, constant rain around here for 2 weeks, things start flooding. Also, Genesis says "all the fountains of the great deep were broken up..." so rain wasn't the only source of water. And finally, it wouldn't have to storm in the vicinity of the ark... the earth is a vast place. Just because I have the faucet turned to full flow in one end of my bathtub doesn't mean there are violent waves at the other end. 

Again, never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations. 

"Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!  All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea."

Red Letter Day

Many of you know the struggles I've had the past few years.  Struggles with depression, wandering in the wilderness of life.  Days filled with tears, regrets, and "What ifs".  But as Easter approaches this year, the hope is returning. I'm trying to live "One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus" as my mom used to sing. And, as dad used to say, "forgetting the bad and holding on to the good memories."

Then I think of Paul in Philippians 4:8-9 saying, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

So, even as I continue to struggle with the roller coaster of emotions, I'm humming NewSong's lyrics to "Red Letter Day":

Every day before the rush gets started

I get down on my knees

And I pray, Lord, I need You here to guide me

Please speak to me

And something happens that I can't explain

His Word starts talking to me and

I'm out to face this world again

Chorus 

I had a friend call me up and tell me

How he struggles through each day

I told him that I didn't have all of the answers

This world's a crazy place

I've learned to hide God's word in my heart

So I can have it with me when the pressures of the day start

Chorus 

So many hidden treasures in God's Word for us to find

The mysteries and secrets that are there to bring us life

I do believe it's gonna be another red letter day

[it's gonna be another red letter day!!]

I do believe it's gonna be another chance for me

To take His Word and walk by faith

I got a smile with every step I take

Knowing He is here with me

It's gonna be a red letter day

May God grant you a Red Letter Day.

Love Broke Through

Jesus is my focus.... it's been a year since my dad was allowed to slip from this earth to heaven. A year of drought in the dessert of my broken heart of prayers not answered as I wanted. But just as He promised, God never left me and I'm glad to say, the melody is humming in my heart once again.  I've prayed for this longing, this unquenchable joy... a melody of love, worship, praise that you can't get out of your head because it stems from a heart filled with His joy. 

Today's melody is Toby Mac's, "When Love Broke Through" and how appropriate. Talking about wandering through the dessert, hopelessness, and darkness. So, as I often do with these songs that plague my soul, I looked up the lyrics so I could read the words and these 3 phrases stuck with me:

Walls I built 

Opinions I learned 

Covered in the ashes of bridges I burned 

Lord, I know you're still working on me. Please continue to shine and continue to help me forgive and move forward. Thank you for the lessons dad taught me, for the faith he shared, and for the special times we had. Help me to pass along that faith, that love, the joy that only You can bring. 

Take the Name of Jesus with You

This morning's devotions ended with a phrase of "Take the joy of Christmas with you" and it brought this song to mind:

Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe; It will joy and comfort give you, Take it then where’er you go.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav’n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

  Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.

Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.

If temptations round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

All the favor of the Father

In this name we may enjoy.

At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

Claim His vict’ry over evil

And the enemy defeat.

Taking the joy of Christmas is good but Christmas only focuses on a specific date whereas the name and Godship of Jesus as your personal savior is the only true source of Joy and Peace, Comfort and Victory. So, take the name of Jesus with you and carry Him in your heart. 

Living He Loved Me

"Living He loved me.  Dying He saved me.  Buried He carried my sins far away. 

Rising He justified, freely forever.  One day He's coming!  Oh glorious day!"

These words have literally been running through my head all night as I cough, toss, and turn.  So, I figured God has a lesson for me. I tried doing some cleaning of a cupboard that hasn't been touched in years (I actually found trash left over from our Son's wedding rehearsal dinner 8 years ago) and, as the song still played in my head, I found myself staring into the faces of my wonderful parents. 

Mom has been gone for 3 years now (longer if you count the years when Alzheimer's didn't allow her the recognition of the ones who loved her) and dad joined her 11 months ago. So now, I've got the coughing, hymn stuck in my head and tears rolling down my cheeks... a mess, right?  But that's exactly what I am, without Jesus... a mess.

One of the things I praise God for all the time (even before their passing) is the fact that I was a child of these too wonderful, loving parents because, without them, I may not have become a "Child of the One True King."  And, if it weren't for my parents, I may hav never known this hymn and so many others that are memorized in my heart.  Songs that remind me that Jesus left His home in glory to lead a life that He knew would lead to Calvary.  Songs that remind me that He is my light and salvation.  

So, sleep is overrated when your mind is flooded by His glory and grace... when ther are so many things to praise Him for and when memories are so precious. 

Thank you, Jesus, for my parents, for their legacy of faith, for dying on the cross as punishment for my sins. Thank you for your Word that recounts Your faithfulness and the stories of your miraculous intervention, tender mercies, love, joy, and peace.  Prepare my heart for the celebration of your birth.

"Living He loved me.  Dying He saved me.  Buried He carried my sins far away. 

Rising He justified, freely forever.  One day He's coming!  Oh glorious day!"

The Miracle of Prayer

If I truly believe in the power of prayer, in miracles, that God is the true master physician, then why am I such a mess and going through Kleenex like water over a dam?  It's because, rather than focusing on prayer, I'm holding onto anger, hurt, regret, and doubt... I'm focusing on the past, the circumstances, and the injustice, rather than focusing on the one who can erase the past, change the present, and is the one true judge.

Dear Lord, 

Help me in my unbelief.  Take this mess and jumble and turn it into a miracle.  Reset my focus and priorities.  Take control of the healing... Please, Lord, give us more time with our dad... The vibrant man we knew last week, make him whole but let him be whole here on earth so that he can be a part of his Great-Grandchildren's lives... so that they can know the man that we all love so much.

Lord, dad has been such a good earthly example of your love for us... I'm praying for a miracle... A miracle of love and grace.

"I believe in miracles

I’ve seen a soul set free,

Miraculous the change in one

Redeemed through Calvary;

I’ve seen the lily push its way

Up through the stubborn sod

I believe in miracles

For I believe in God!"

Onward Christian Soldiers!

For far too long, we Christians have kept silent and if this trend continues, we will no longer have the right to open our mouth to share the gospel.  Government has taken away our right to pray in school, won't allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed, won't allow the display of nativity scenes or crosses on public property, has legalized murder and called it a "choice", and have opened the floodgates to the Sodom and Gomorrah lifestyle.

What do we hear from some of our Christian leaders?  Remember God is in control, don't join the haters.  I was raised singing songs like "Onward Christian Soldiars".  We are "Marching as to War" and, yes, God is in control but what did we see in the Old Testament?  We saw people fighting to spread the gospel, being martyred for telling the truth, and fleeing evil with the help of angelic beings.

Now days, it seems that our battles are only fought on our knees and, while prayer is good and we must stay in constant communion with our Father, we must also obey when His Spirit tells us to stand strong, fight the good fight, and spread the word of God.

We are to be the salt of the world.  Salt on a canker sore does not feel good, but it's effective.  Are you being effective salt or have you stopped spreading the truth because it rubs people the wrong way?

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle see His banners go! 

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;

On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;

Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise. 

     

.

Faith and Works... A purpose and a plan

Faith and Works (James2:14-20)

14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

This is exactly what my husband has been telling me but not in so many words. He says, "so, what? Now that we believe, we just wait and bide our time until we die?"

Everyone is searching for meaning in life and this is it... God has a purpose for each one of us. And, for each one, it's different. For you, it may be helping young couples plan weddings based on a relationship with Christ, or helping an unwed mother make the tough decision to go against social opinion even when it costs her a relationship with her parents. It may be caring for the elderly or spreading God's word abroad.

For us, our mission, our God breathed purpose, is showing His love to the lost and hurting... The homeless and working poor in our area. God continues to bless this ministry that He has given us and He has a plan for you, too.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "for I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord..."

What plan does He have for you? In Matthew 7:7, He says, "seek and you will find. Ask and it will be given... Knock and it (the door) will be opened." So, go to Him in prayer today. Ask Him to reveal His plan and purpose for your life and then step out in faith, believing that He will open the doors and will unfold that plan... His will... in and through you.

Corporate Worship through Music

Church services are otherwise labeled "Corporate Worship".  Therefore, when one goes to a church service, they are expecting certain things... mainly, the Praise and Worship of the Eternal King of kings.  So, what is Praise and Worship?  Praise is singing songs about God... His grace, wonderful works, mighty power... songs of thanksgiving for what He has done and/or promised to do.  Worship would also include songs of thanksgiving because true worship songs would be songs singing to God.  So, if praise songs sing about God and worship songs sing to God, how do secular songs fit in with praise and worship in a corporate worship setting?  Granted, there are some that may work but with so many true praise and worship songs, why would we need to delve into that gray territory?

Today's worshipper has so much rich music to choose from... there are classic praise and worship songs such as, "Great is Thy Faithfulness", "It is Well with My Soul", "Crown Him with Many Crowns", "Count Your Blessings", etc. and then, over the years, these songs have been added to with music from great songwriters like Andre Crouch ("Through it All"), Rich Mullins ("Awesome God"), and Bill Gaither ("Because He Lives").  And, as many of you will recognize, I've only used one song per person but they each have such a rich history of songs from which to select. 

To further add to our repertoire, we've now got songwriters such as Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder... again, each with so many songs from which to select.

If you are a worship leader at a local assembly, please prayerfully consider... will the songs that I'm selecting for this week truly usher our congregation into the presence of God?  Will they be inviting God into our assembly?  Will they be preparing hearts, as soil, to accept the Word of God?  Or will they be a distraction from the purpose of our time together.  Are these songs laid on my heart by God for a particular purpose for this week's message?

Also, please prayerfully keep in mind 1 Thessalonians 2:4, "... we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.  We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts."

Tell the Nations

During a recent devotion, I was reminded... We have a beautiful story to tell but are we telling it?  Do we share our secret with those around us or pretend that it is such a precious commodity that it must be hoarded and kept to ourselves?

So this song came to mind and the words are so true... We've a story to tell that will turn the darkness to dawn.  Are you telling HIS story?

We've a Story to Tell to the Nations

H. Ernest Nichol, 1862-1928 (CWH attrib to Colin Sterne)

1. We've a story to tell to the nations,

that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to the dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright;
and Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.

2. We've a song to be sung to the nations,
that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil
and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword.
(Refrain)

3. We've a message to give to the nations,
that the Lord who reigneth above
hath sent us his Son to save us,
and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love.
(Refrain)

4. We've a Savior to show to the nations,
who the path of sorrow hath trod,
that all of the world's great peoples
might come to the truth of God,
might come to the truth of God.
(Refrain)

Sharing Love

The ending quote from this morning's devotion said, "Real love is helping others for Jesus’ sake even if they can never return the favor."  Hmmm.  I've thought of other things that way before... money, time, invitations to our home, etc. but never of love.  I guess it never occurred to me that there were some who are incapable of love.  

Now that I re-read those words, I see that the quote is talking about the same thing I've always heard but it did still put that thought in my mind about loving people even if they can't return the favor... I mean, sure, we help people and, by doing so, show them God's love, but we don't expect love in return...  

Honestly, at times, we get upset because the people we help just want more and are demanding like they think we have an endless supply and we should have thought of this need or that need and where is it?  Why isn't it being met?  Instead of thanking us for the things we do provide, they are looking for more... but is that really being loving on my part?  Perhaps they are uncapable of returning God's love.  After all, we aren't doing these things for earthly praise but because we are feeling called to do them for our Heavenly Father.

We need to remember... our response to God is praise and love for our neighbor.  We are only responsible for our response.  We shouldn't expect the same from those we help.

So, as we go through this journey, perhaps we should think of this quote this way... "Show God's love to others for Jesus' sake, even if they can never show it in return."  If you've got the love of Jesus down in your heart, don't leave it there... share it with those around you.

Let's shine for Jesus today.... "I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart..."  "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!"

Know

This week, I've had two songs going through my head.  And these aren't the usual Christian Contemporary, Praise & Worship, or Hymns that normally reside there but, instead, secular jingles.  But, God has given me new perspective for each of them and I felt He would like me to share with you what I've learned.

So, here's the first one:

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name

And they're always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows your name"

Making our way does take a lot out of us but we can take a break from our worries when we lay them at the foot of the cross.  "Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and He knows our names.

Hopefully we have a small group that we meet with on a regular basis who share our burdens and know us more intimately than the general public but even without that, God knows our name... we are as numerous as the stars in the heavens... the multitude of humankind is more numerous than all the grains of sand but (and this is a huge BUT) God knows each one of us by name... He even knows the numbers of hairs on your head!  My mind can't even comprehend that truth!  So, when you're feeling dragged down by the world, what better place to hide than in the arms of Jesus.

The second song is this...

You've got to know when to hold 'em....

I don't think I need list those lyrics here in total but I will break down what the Spirit has been saying to me about this chorus:

Ecc. 3 tells us there is a time for every purpose under heaven.  We need to know when to hold our loved ones close and when to let them go.  We need to know when to hold our tongue and when to share the knowledge and truth that God has laid on our hearts.  And here are two other scriptures to go with that portion of the chorus...

You've got to know when to hold 'em:  Matt. 10:11 says, "whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city".

... know when to fold 'em:  Matt. 7:6 says, "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

... Know when to walk away:  And Matt. 10:14 says, "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet."

... know when to run: Genesis 39 tells the story of how Joseph fled from Potipher's wife.  He didn't just walk away or ignore her while staying in the same room, no, he fled... he ran away as quickly as his feet would carry him.  When we are faced with temptation, we need to run just as Joseph did.

... Never count your money when you're sittin' at the table:  In Luke 12, Jesus talks of a man who had great gains and so he tore down his old store houses and built bigger better ones and then, in verse 20 it says, "But God said to him, ‘You fool!  This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’

... They'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done:  2 Cor. 5 and Rev. 22 are just a few scriptures that talk about the rewards that await us in heaven.  There is too much work for us to do here on earth... too many lost souls that need saving... hurting souls that need comfort that only we can give... we can't sit around and dwell on the good things we've done for Christ and His kingdom but we need to strive on toward the goal.  We will have all of eternity to look back on the blessings of this life.

So, there it is... two secular songs in a little more spiritual light.  I hope these thoughts bless you as they have me this week.

Enough!

I woke this morning with an old favorite from NewSong on my heart:

There is nothing good in me that did not come from him

nothing I could boast of that he did not give

from the moment I cried out to him to heal my troubled soul

he welcomed me with open arms, said all that's mine is yours.

Now I will never let myself forget all he has done

how he came and rescued me and where he brought me from.

chorus:

I am nothing without christ, he is everything to me!

He's the reason that I live, he is my only need.

I know I couldn't make it through

one day without jesus in my life.

I am nothing, nothing without christ.

So, then, I was reading my devotion this morning and it was all about how if we truly love God, love Christ, there is nothing that we wouldn't know about Him.  And another song started reverberating through my soul... this one from Hillsong:

Christ is my reward

And all of my devotion

Now there's nothing in this world

That could ever satisfy

PRE-CHORUS

Through every trial

My soul will sing

No turning back

I've been set free

CHORUS

Christ is enough for me

Christ is enough for me

Everything I need is in You

Everything I need

I guess today's theme is that Christ is all I need... He is enough for me and I would not be complete without Him.  Can you say the same for your life today?

Our Awesome (Defender) God

While visiting family a few weeks ago, some of our grandchildren got me hooked on a new game. I'm not going to name it because that's not important.  But, in this game, you're defending the defensless against what seem, at times, to be unbeatable odds.  And it's caused me to think of a few things.  1) Of course, I shouldn't be playing so many games.  But 2) Although life is not a game, we do have a mighty defender who defends us against what seem, to us, to be unbeatable odds.

He is all powerful.  He is greater than anything that comes against us!  And isn't it awesome to know that He is protecting us 24/7?

"When He rolls up His sleeves

He ain't just putting on the ritz

(Our God is an awesome God)

There's thunder in His footsteps

And lightning in His fists

(Our God is an awesome God)

And the Lord wasn't joking when He kicked 'em out of Eden

It wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood

His return is very close and so you better be believing that

Our God is an Awesome God."

The Solid Rock

One of my favorite places to visit is Laguna Beach.  Watching the waves crashing against the rocks and cliffs is so beautiful.  And when you stand on those rocks you feel so invincible... the waves aren't going to touch you, no matter how ominous they look because you're standing on solid rock.  Sure, over time, even water can wear down rock.  But, in the rocks of Laguna Beach, you find life.... the tide pools in the rock are teaming with life.

Just like those rocks and tidepools, if we stand on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ, we will be filled with life... eternal life.  And He is invincible... the waters of time will never wear Him down.  He is the Living Water.  Is He your Living Water, Daily Bread, and Solid Rock?  If not, please seek Him out today... don't wait another minute... seek Him while He may be found because a day will come when it will be too late.

"His oath, his covenant, his blood,

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand."

The Only Name

Lately, this new song by Big Daddy Weave has caught my ear, heart, and mind.  I mean, really, listen to (or read) these lyrics:

"The Only Name (Yours Will Be)"

Yours will be the only Name that matters to me

The only One Whose favor I seek

The only Name that matters to me

Yours will be

The friendship and affection I need

To feel my Father smiling on me

The only Name that matters to me

Yours is the Name the Name that has saved me

Mercy and grace the power that forgave me

And Your love is all I’ve ever needed

When I wake up in the Land of Glory

And with the saints I will tell my story

There will be one Name that I proclaim

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, just that Name

Jesus... I love, Love, LOVE, my family...  I adore my husband, all of children, and all our grandbabies that God has blessed us with but, when all is said and done, the only name that should matter to any of us is Jesus.  His is the only favor we should be seeking.  His affection and smile are the only one we need.  And although those are powerful lines... the chorus is what really grabs me...

When I wake up in the Land of Glory and with the saints I will tell my story... wow!  One day, I will open my eyes and I'll see my loved ones and most of my friends, that will be fantastic... but just think, we'll see Moses, Abraham, Stephen, Paul, Peter, Mary, and Martha, Isaiah, Daniel, David... and, of course, Jesus!  Wow... the stories that will be shared, it will be aMAZing!  

Thank you, Lord, for this blessed assurance that one day, I will wake up in the land of glory and one day I will see your smiling face.

Grace, Grace, God's Grace

The Pharisee and the Publican

⁹ And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: ¹⁰ “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ ¹³ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Luke 18:9-14

I noticed something new in this story this morning... not only did the publican puff himself up, his prayer didn't ask for forgiveness.  It was a prayer of praise for all he had done rather than for what God had done and the scripture makes that obvious but the more subtle message is forgiveness.  Notice in vs 14 how it says, "this man went to his house justified"?  The tax collector was justified not only because of his humility before God but because he asked God for forgiveness.  He recognized his sinful state, showed a true repentent heart and asked for forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 says:

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

"Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin."

God's mercies are new every morning.  One of His mercies is that He extends grace freely and forgiveness to all who will ask.  He wants to forgive us if we'll only ask.  Seek The Lord while He may be found and ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Bless The Lord, Oh My Soul!

During my devotion today, I was reading Psalm 107 and I was struck with wonder, once again, that mankind waits until they are in dire despair before crying out to God.  God is faithful and just... He is always present and has promised never to leave us or forsake us.  Why, then, would we not long to soak in that presence every minute of every hour of every day?  Why do some wander in deserts or flounder in raging waters?  Better yet, why do some wait until then to cry out to God?

Christ died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly, not so that we could continue in our sinful ways.  His desire is to have a loving, ongoing relationship with His creation... yes, YOU!  Why wouldn't we want the same?  Instead we struggle and think we know better.  

I've wondered a similar thing through the years as I see young adults or new parents ignoring the advice of their parents.  Ok, admittedly we all make mistakes as parents but, still, don't you think we may have learned from them?  But I digress... the point is, God is our Heavenly Father so why don't we come to Him for guidance and encouragement or a loving embrace as well as help in troubled times?  All He wants is for us to ask.  

And, if you are a parent, look at things from His perspective.... isn't it harder to wait on the sidelines than to step in and clean up the mess without being asked?  God wants to be included in your life.  He's just waiting for an invitation.

"Bless The Lord, Oh my soul!  And all that is within me bless His holy name!

He has done great things... He Has Done GREAT Things... HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!!!!

Bless His Holy Name!"

This song by Matthew West has been running through my head for weeks now.  I just love it because it is so powerfully true...

Hello, my name is regret 

I’m pretty sure we have met 

Every single day of your life 

I’m the whisper inside 

That won’t let you forget 

Have you ever heard that whisper?  Something that God asked you to do that you didn't do or an opportunity not taken has left you with a feeling of regret that you just can't shake?  How about defeat?  Ever felt defeated?...

Hello, my name is defeat 

I know you recognize me 

Just when you think you can win 

I’ll drag you right back down again 

‘Til you’ve lost all belief 

These are the voices, these are the lies 

And I have believed them, for the very last time 

Satan is the father of lies... he is constantly whispering over and over in our heads until we can't take it any more.  I remember seeing a drama performance "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" and during one of the scenes a woman is contemplating suicide and satan is literally walking all around her whispering lies of regret and defeat.  Is this how you are living?  Being bogged down by Satan's lies?  Well, here's the good news of the song and God's story:

Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, and I have been set free 
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing 

Hello, my name is child of the one true King 

I am no longer defined 

By all the wreckage behind 

The one who makes all things new 

Has proven it’s true 

Just take a look at my life 

What love the Father has lavished upon us 

That we should be called His children 

I am a child of the one true King

Isn't that awesome?!  If you've been born again, if you've asked Jesus into your life, if you have a relationship with Him, then you are a child of the one true King and, as scripture says, "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4).  

So stop listening to the lies of the devil.  Scream out and tell him to leave in the name of Jesus because you are a child of the one true King and He has made you new... He has lavished you with love and He has overcome.

Are You Washed in the Blood?

My husband and I like watching crime shows... Bones, CSI, NCIS, etc.  One thing that is remarkable is how blood is never completely washed away... it might be invisible to the naked eye but they put these chemicals on them or shine their special lights and there it is... the blood that is so incriminating.

As Christians, that is a great promise.  Being covered in the blood of Christ makes us acceptable to God... a pleasing sacrifice... a living sacrifice... and that blood, once applied, can never be washed away.  Isn't that wonderful news!

Today is Good Friday.  Although it is a sad day because it's a day of darkness... a day of remembrance... a day when we think of Jesus' death on the cross, it is also a great day.  If Jesus had not died on the cross, there would be no resurrection and without the resurrection of Jesus, there would be no promise of eternal life for you and for me.

So, here is my question today... Have you been washed in the blood?

"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r?....

Are you fully trusting in his grace this hour?...

Are you walking daily by the Savior's side?...

Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?...

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?...

Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright?...

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin, and be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?

Are your garments spotless?  Are they white as snow?  Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"