Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I'm still here~

I am still here! I have fell behind a few days on my bible reading and am playing catch up. I hope to be posting in a day or so.

I am hoping to rename my blog so if you would like an update and link please leave a comment!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Giving Till it Hurts

Scripture
Luke 21
3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

Observation
This widow did not give of her wealth (she didn't have any!) but of fervent desire and true sacrifice. What a role model!

Application
Do I give out of my abundance only? Do I sacrificially give like this widow did?
My husband and I had donated to the Haiti earthquake relief a few days ago and after reading this bible account I am going to double my offering. What a tragedy those people are having to endure.

Lord help me to follow the example of the poor widow who gave till it hurt. I want to exercise faith and believe that you can meet my needs!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

God's hand in the life of Joseph


Rather then choosing one specific verse today I would like to spend time on the story of Joseph.



God had promised through Abraham that he would make a great nation that would be like the stars in the sky and the sands of the sea. Even when there were impossibilities and it seemed IMPOSSIBLE God had his hand in the plan. (Abraham sacrificing Isaac and Sarah bearing a child in her very old age are a few so far in Genesis) To think that God would come through in these difficult times is simply mind boggling! And then there is Joseph which has always been one of my favorite bible stories. Joseph told his brothers and parents that one day they would bow down to him in obeisance. While his brothers scoffed, Jacob kept quiet and wondered about Joseph's words. Through plans of murder, being sold as a slave to the Midianites and being sold into Egypt, God's plan of preserving His chosen people rings true no matter the circumstances. What seemed impossible God made possible!

Lord, there are so many things that I would like to take into my own hands and control instead of allowing you to work and will in my life. Help me to trust you with a childlike faith so your perfect will can be done in my life. I want to learn from the life of Joseph that you are really in control.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Multitudes of Mercy

Scripture Psalm 5:7
But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Observation
When I first became a Christian I focused more upon judgement then anything else. Maybe it was my age or maybe my mindset, I'm not really sure. Do I believe in judgement? Of course. I believe fear and judgement go hand in hand and that you can't have one without the other. How can the Lord show mercy if He isn't showing you mercy agains some rightful punishment?

But as I have walked the road of Christianity I have found myself focusing on grace and mercy much more. It is God's grace that leads us to repentance. What a wonderful and merciful God we serve! I have served the Lord in fear and I have served the Lord in mercy and there is a difference. The difference I believe is LOVE. I serve the Lord because I want to serve Him out of genuine love for Him.

The Old Testament was full of laws that were impossible to keep. It was judgement and showed us our sin. But in the God coming to earth we find the Law pointed to grace and Christ embodied the answer to the law. Grace is Christ coming to earth, dying for us and showing mercy. Thank the Lord!

Thank You Lord for you boundless grace. For all you have done and the mercy that you have shown me let me love you and serve you Lord. You are such a merciful and gracious God.

Can such a man be found?

Scripture Genesis 41:38
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Observation
Genesis unrolls like a television drama. Betrayal, Seductress, Deceit and more.

Application
In the midst of this chaotic world Pharoah summed it up perfectly. In this sinful world "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?"

Lord in the midst of this lost world let me be the one. Let your Spirit dwell in me so that others may see Your glory shining in my life.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Exalted

Simple and Sweet

Scripture Luke Chapter 18:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Observation
The angels rejoice over one sinner that repents! The Bible also says in Zephaniah 3:17 (various versions being referenced) that the Lord-

rejoices over us with JOY
takes great delight in you with gladness
will exult over you with joy
be glad over you with joy

Whichever way I look at it God is rejoicing when we pray and as we live for Him He rejoices over us with singing! Can you imagine God's singing voice????



Lord, I am so thankful