Today's "Verse-A-Day"

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the
LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I love this verse. Strong and Courageous! Not Terrified! Not Discouraged! God is with me WHEREVER I go. I needed that today!

What helps you when you are discouraged? Afraid? Feeling weak? That is kinda how I feel right now, Spiritually. I am so thankful for this promise that God gave to Joshua (I think I will read Joshua again...), which also is a promise for us - for ME!

What inspires you?

The Old Man Is Dead

This song was sung at my brother's induction service yesterday. I thought it was awesome.


The Old Man Is Dead song lyrics from the album Calvary's The Reason by Del Way

~ Written by Del Way ~

Now and then an old friend of mine,I’ve not seen for some time,
Will stop by and ask me where I been,
What’s on my mind.
They wonder why I’m not drinkin’,
And still painting this old town red.
I tell them I’m serving Jesus now,
And the old man is dead

Chorus:
And the man you see before you,
May look a lot the same,
I may wear the same clothes,
And have the same old name.
But you’re looking’ on the outside,
If you could see inside instead,
You would see a brand new man,
Cause the old man is dead.

I used to live such a wicked life,
I had no peace inside.
I was lost in darkness,
Searching for the light.
Then one night in a little church,
After hearin’ what the preacher said,
I gave my life to Jesus,
And the old man is dead.

Chorus:
And the man you see before you,
May look a lot the same,
I may wear the same clothes,
And have the same old name.
But you’re looking’ on the outside,
If you could see inside instead,
You would see a brand new man,
Cause the old man is dead.


What inspires you?

"Followin' Jesus"

Pastor AJ's sermon this morning was about "Followin' Jesus" - is there really anything else?

New insight into the last passage of John 21, where Jesus asks Peter 3 times, "Do you love me?", then the directive "Feed my sheep"... I never thought of it this way before, in fact I always thought it rather redundant to have asked the same question and given the same directive 3 times, but AJ, this morning, drew for us the parallel between Peter's denial of Jesus THREE TIMES, and Jesus' questioning of Peter THREE TIMES. I love it when I learn something new out of something I have heard/read so many times...

Also, when Jesus tells Peter, "when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go", Jesus was not talking about someone taking Peter by the hand... The stretching out of his hands will be in crucifixion... Then Jesus said to Peter, "Follow Me".

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

*and the verse that really got to me this morning...*

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

Do you ever feel like you are going this road alone? Do you ever wonder, as Peter did, "Hey, what about him...what about her... Are You asking the same of them as You are of me?" Or, "There are none who go with me..." I sure do...

What inspires you?

The Lotus Flower

I like to liken myself to a lotus flower.

For one thing, they are NOT small and delicate, but rather round and hearty...

But more than that, I relate to the manner in which they grow.

You see, a Lotus flower takes root in the muck and the mire of a swamp or a pond. The roots become strong in the icki-ness, and they grow.

The stalk, too, is hearty, and then at just the right time the most amazing, beautiful flower appears.

This flower is born out or the muck and the mire (adversity and filth of life, perhaps?) and is shown to be radiant and beautiful.

We are like that... See Psalm 40...

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

What inspires you?

A Song...

This song is by Barlow Girl. It really speaks to where I am right now... most of the time actually... I hope you like it, I do...

"On My Own"

I can't believe that I'm here in this place again
How did I manage to mess up one more time?
This pattern seems to be the story of my life
Should have learned this lesson by the thousandth time

'Cause I promise myself I wouldn't fall
But here I've fallen
I guess I'm not as strong as I thought
All I can do is cry to You

Oh God You have to save me
You're my last and only hope
All my right answers fail me
I can't seem to make it on my own

I always thought that I would be strong enough
What made all of them fall couldn't take me down
Yeah, did I think that I was above it all
I have learned that pride comes before the fall

I can't promise myself that I won't fall
'Cause here I've fallen
I know I'm not as strong as I thought
All I can do is cry to You

What do you think??

What inspires you?

~~~~~Simple Things That Mean A Lot~~~~~

*Take a 10 - 30 minute walk every day. And while you walk SMILE, it is the ultimate anti-depressant.

*Live with the three E's: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

*Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

*Dream more while you are awake.

*East more foods that grow on trees and plants and fewer foods that are manufactured in processing plants.

*Try to make at least 3 people smile each day.

*Clear the clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.

*Don't wast precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive, present moment.

*Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are part of the curriculum, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

*Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

*Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

*Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

*You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

*Make peace with your past so you won't screw up the present.

*Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

{Note from me: Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.}

What inspires you?

Psalm 139 - And My Thoughts...

vs1: O Lord Your have examined my heart and know everything about me.
--> Thank You for this, especially when I can't figire it out myself, You know my heart and understand it completely.

vs3: You see me when I travel
--> Thank You that Your Eye will be upon me on my trip tonight as Your Eye is on the sparrow. How much more worth am I than sparrows?

vs5: You go before me and follow me
--> Thank You for going with me as I make my journey.

vs7: I can never escape from Your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence!
--> Praise You Father that I can always count on You being there for me, even when I feel so isolated and alone, when I am grieving many losses in my life.

Vs9-10: If I ride on the wings of the morning
--> As I am leaving on my trip in the wee hours of the morning!
If I dwell by the farthest oceans
--> As I cross the Sea, and visit another town tight by the Sea as Eastern Passage is.
Even there Your Hand will guide me, and Your Strength will support me
--> You will be my Guide, my Strength, my Support - my Protecter!

vs12: ...even in darkness I cannot hide from You. To You the night shines as bright as day.
--> As I travel in the darkness You will be watching over me as though it were daylight.

vs13: You made all the delicate inner parts of my body
--> You made my heart so fragile, my soul so tender. You made the softness that I try to hide.
And knit me together in my mother's womb
--> Every bit of ME was deliberate. I am not a cosmic mistake. I am just as you wanted me to be!

vs16: Every day of my life was recorded in Your Book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
--> You orchestrated my life. There are no co-incedences. The happenings, both good and bad, in my life have purpose. Help me to see that purpose and the lesson to be learned.

vs17: How precious are Your Thoughts about ME, O God. They cannot be numbered.
--> Oh, God, what a revelation THIS is! I AM precious in Your Sight! Not only so, but in immeasurable number! The One who calls the stars by name looks at ME and, in infinite number, thinks precious thoughts! Oh God, help me to see me as You see me - precious!

vs18: And when I wake up, You are still with me!
--> You keep watch over me as I sleep, guiding, strengthening, and supporting me.

vs23: Search me, O God, and know my heart
--> Look deeper, and know all of me!
Test me and know my anxious thoughts
--> Oh God, you will find many an anxious thought, I'm afraid! Please calm those thoughts and bring Your peace which passes all understanding.

vs24: point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
--> Father, if there is offense (sin) in my life that is barring my relationship with You or with others, reveal it to me that I may repent and be cleansed. As I take the road of everlasting life, be my Guide. Lead me and walk with me, carry me if You need to, shove me if necessary, but, oh God, please do not let me turn to the right or to the left.


What inspires you?

On The Way To Emmaus: God's Purposes for Life's Disappointments

~By Dr. Charles Stanley (An excerpt)

Remember, the Lord is not the author of pain and sorrow. We live in a fallen world, and problems are a part of the natural landscape of life. Yet, in many cases, God uses the disappointments we suffer to draw us closer to himself. He does not want us to waste our sorrows. There is much to learn through difficulty, if we allow Him to teach us. {Emphasis added}

Read the whole article here:

http://ww2.intouch.org/atf/cf/%7B865500FE-874B-487B-A95C-C0B327D0A690%7D/april07mag.pdf

What inspires you?

How ARE We To Treat One Another?

"Greet one another." Romans 16:16

"Be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

"Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32

"Accept one another." Romans 15:7

"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

"Encourage one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:18

"Build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Don't slander one another." James 4:11

"Don't grumble against each other." James 5:9

"Forgive each other." Ephesians 4:32

"Confess your sins to each other." James 5:16

"Stop passing judgment on one another." Romans 14:13

"Be at peace with each other." Mark 9:50

"Be devoted to one another." Romans 12:10

"Carry each other's burdens." Galatians 6:2

"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." Colossians 3:16

"Pray for each other." James 5:16

"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

"Love one another." John 13:34



What inspires you?

"How Beautiful"

How Beautiful

by Twila Paris

How Beautiful the hands that served
The Wine and the Bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How Beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ


How Beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ


And as He lay down His life
We offer this sacrifice
That we will live just as He died
Willing to pay the price
Willing to pay the price


How Beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes
How Beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ


How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How Beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How Beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ

What inspires you?

This Song Makes Me Sad

I know it shouldn't, but it does. I know what it is talking about, but I can't help but think of fathers and sons, and fathers and daughters, and fathers...and sons...and daughters... And it makes me sad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Welcome Home (You)"
by
BRIAN LITTRELL





When I left home
to be who I am
Some people said

"No Way"

But I laid it all down,
gave everything
In my head rang the words
that my father said

You're never far
I will be where you are
and when you come to me
I will open my arms

Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today

So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son,

it's good just to see your face.

When I look at you
holding my heart
I will give to you

all that I have

Son I know there'll be times
You will feel all alone
I will share with you
the words my father said

You're never far
I will be where you are
and when you come to me
You can bet I will open my arms

Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today
So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son,

it's good just to see your face

Said I've been waiting for that day
Just to feel your warm embrace
Your love has shown
I will never be alone
You will welcome me home
I'll forever be
You will say to me

Welcome Home, you
I know you by name
How do you do?
I shine because of you today
So come and sit down
Tell me how you are
I know son,

it's good just to see your face

When I left home to be who I am
Some people said "No Way"

What inspires you?

Understanding The Battle

Today's devotional is really good, so I am not going to post bits of it, that will ruin it, I am just going to post the link. Please go and read it!

http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2007/03/20/understanding-the-battle/


What inspires you?

Spiritual ADHD

As I previously mentioned, it infringes on Copyright Laws to post an entire email devotional here, but I can post up to 100 words... So here are a few words from today's devotional, and the link so you can go read the rest, should you choose to do so.

http://www.tmdevotionals.com/women/

Spiritual ADHD

by Marilyn Ehle

"God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants" (Philippians 2:13, Living Bible).

The medical profession describes [kids] with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder...as displaying some or most of the following symptoms: unable to stay focused ..., listen to and follow directions; distracted easily; often avoids, dislikes or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time; displays compulsive and disruptive behavior; lacks self-control.

****

But as I look at the long list of symptoms, I sadly reflect that many of those descriptions fit my walk with God. ... Fortunately, God has a diagnosis and a solution for my disorder.

****

He asks that I first acknowledge my wandering mind, lack of focus, need for self-control, and then take appropriate steps for healing... .

****

Well, that is about 15 words over my allowable limit. There is more to this devotional, and the link is at the top. It is very interesting. You should read it!


What inspires you?

Evidently...

I am infringing on copyright laws by posting the entire devotional I get in the email... Who'd have thought?? I can, however, post up to 100 words, so here are a few the struck me from todays...

JESUS RESPONDS TO OUR INDIVIDUALITY

~by Suzanne Benner


"We don't have to be the same as someone else to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus knows who we are -- He made us that way!"


"Jesus knows your situation. He knows your heart. He responds to your need.

Instead of trying to change ourselves into someone whom we admire, we need to simply seek Jesus."



"Questions to Ponder and Discuss: Do you have an area in your life where you are trying to become someone else, rather than simply seeking God? How has Jesus met you at your point of need?"

Related Reading: "Asking God Hard Questions" http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/montgomery.html

About the Author: http://www.tmdevotionals.com/women/authors/suzanne-benner/

What inspires you?

ROOT OF CONFLICT

ROOT OF CONFLICT

by Gail Rodgers { http://tmdevotionals.com/women/authors/gail-rodgers/}

Conflict very often arises out of unmet need. Sometimes it's as simple as the unmet need for rest. Things can look different after a good sleep.

Yet often it is deeper. The need to feel valued and heard can result in conflict when we feel tossed aside or not listened to. In our busy lives we sometimes don't take the time to listen to one another even in our own homes. We call to one another through out the house or leave one another standing with half said sentences hanging in the air. Resentment stirs and conflict then erupts over the most trivial thing.

We have a need to feel accepted and respected. The casual sarcasm that exists between loved ones is often hurtful. The quick retorts become commonplace and even humorous to by standers yet they can simmer as a spark for conflict.

Look seriously at the conflicts in your life. Ask God to help you identify the unmet needs that may be at the root. When you feel tension arising that could lead to conflict... stop... and use the opportunity as a tool to build into your own life or pray into another's. Be honest and learn to GROW through conflict.

G -- Give God opportunity to reveal any unmet need that may be at the root of your conflict. Be open to seeing your own need and to praying for the needs of another. It will help dissolve hostility.

R -- Recognize that God is the only One who can meet all of your needs.

O- Open your heart to God for His help. Let Him be the Source you need to meet the empty place in your heart.

W - Walk with someone who will help you pray through the conflict areas in your life.

God promises to be the Source for all of your needs. Believe Him today.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

Prayer: Father God, please help me to look at my conflicts with new eyes and to allow You to work in and through me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Questions to Ponder and Discuss: What are some of the obvious needs we all have? What does Scripture tell us about our needs? How do these needs relate to conflict in our relationships?

Related Reading: 7 steps for resolving conflict: http://christianwomentoday.com/womenmen/kassian_conflict.html



What inspires you?

Honoring Your Wife...

I got this in my email this morning. I think it can be applied to every important realtionship... Your Husband, your Children, your Parents...etc.

Honoring Your Wife...

"Promise to tell your wife daily what you appreciate about her. Promise yourself, not her, because she might develop expectations and be hurt if you forget."

- From "It Takes Two to Tango" by Gary and Norma Smalley


Friday, 9 March/07

This was today's... I guess they covered Husbands afterall...

"As a wife, you and your marriage will experience less stress if you understand that men tend to be challenge-oriented and often lose interest once they've "conquered" or met the challenge. That's why they can be so romantic before marriage and afterward show little interest in romance."

- From "It Takes Two to Tango" by Gary and Norma Smalley



What inspires you?

"My Jesus" by Todd Agnew

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sand
Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars

He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?
Who is this that you follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side
or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we'd recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet would stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despised the proud
I think He'd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

Not a posterchild for American prosperity, but like my Jesus
You see I'm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus
but I'm not sure what that means
to be like You Jesus
Cause You said to live like You,
love like You
but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like my Jesus

What inspires you?

KEEPING OUT THE WEDGE

KEEPING OUT THE WEDGE


by Gail Rodgers (http://christianwomentoday.com/devotionsgail/)

One of the quickest ways to interrupt your relationship with God is to allow a wedge to come between you and someone else. It's a sure way that the enemy of your soul can cool your heart toward God and reduce your testimony of love to a watching world.

Psalm 15 is a beautiful guideline for those who want to keep their open line to God. Listen...

"LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless (without rebellion)

and who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue,

who does his neighbor no wrong

and casts no slur on his fellowman,

who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD,

who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

who lends his money without interest

and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things will never be shaken." ~ Psalm 15

Prayer: Father God, May my heart be Yours today.
Keep my attitude free from rebellion
Help me to do what pleases You in my actions.
Keep my words truthful and loving.
Help my motives to be pure and my comments to be life-giving.
Help me not to tolerate evil and to honor those who lift up Your name.
May I be one who keeps my word, generous and trustworthy.
May my heart be steadfast and open to You every day in every way.
In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.

Questions to Ponder and Discuss: Who can dwell in God's presence? When your faith is shaky how can this Scripture help identify a possible cause? Are you willing to let God look deeply in your heart and spur you on?



What inspires you?