7 ladies go'n after GOD
Romans 15:5 says "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus., so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
I am just overwhelmed by God's incredible plan, and how he brought together such a different and unique group of girls to bring glory to His name. I LOVE it! I love that we all have very different strengths and gifts, and different weaknesses as well, and yet somehow we fit together like a puzzle to create this beautiful portrait of women who a running after Christ. Thank you for making me want to be a better woman of Christ.
Love,
Brandy
I couldn't have said it better myself...and this verse is PERFECT! Lord knows we need edurance for the day that come after our midnight - 2am gatherings! And I'd say, I don't think I ever leave without feeling encouraged. God IS truely Amazing!
Treasure
Verse for the Day21Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
- Matthew 6:21 NLT
When I think about a treasure I always think of pirates. A treasure chest is the most sought after prize, and they will go to great lengths to get it and keep it. The treasure may be wealth, gold, power, etc...Normally a material, earthly posession, that truly only leads to destruction, selfishness, and evil. Then I think about what my treasures are. I've noticed that I place an awful lot of importance on material things. Things that will rust, rot, and be destroyed. But, my relationship with Christ should be (and is) my most precious treasure. If this is what I value most then my thoughts and heart will be with it. I am constantly reminded by this verse to do a priority check, and examine where I am storing my treasure. If it is not in God and in heaven, then it is on myself and earthly things, and changes need to be made.
Hope and always bear fruit
7“ Blessed
is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding
fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New King James Version)
Comfort and suffering
Verse for the DayPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
This weekend was a strange one. It started off joyful and upbeat enjoying the company of fellowship, laughter, and good food. But then cam Sunday and tragedy struck. The recent plane accident, along with other tragedies, has the wheels in my head turning. It makes me think how short our time on this earth really is, and how God knows the number of our days. We are to be wise with the time we have, but also as Christians we know we are promised eternal life. But this tragedy makes me think of what we do in times of trouble. Where do we turn? God calls us to turn to Him. He is our Father, compassionate, comforting, and everlasting. He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. We will have trouble and suffering when we follow Christ, but he places people along side us to help us. We share in Christ's suffering so we in turn can share in the suffering of others. To love one another and pray for one another. God has blessed me tremendously. I get to do life with the most amazing people, and we have shared joy and sorrow. Life truly does happen best in community.
He's the CENTER
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.Psalms 118:8
I've always thought this was cool...
The shortest chapter in the Bible Psalms 117
The longest chapter in the Bible Psalms 119
The chapter in the center of the Bible Psalms 118
594 chapters before and 594 chapters after = 1188
The center verse in the Bible...Psalms 118:8...and what does it say...
So where should we go when we want to find God's perfect will for our lives?
...when we want to be in the center of His will?
...let's try the center of his Word and TRUST IN THE LORD!
Patience
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Verse for the Day
Verse for the Day15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Timothy 1:15-17
In reading this passage, I noticed how Paul refers to himself as the worst of all sinners. Granted Paul did some pretty awful things, persecuting believers and pretty much hating God, but he is still saved by the same grace as me. Paul goes onto live full out for Christ, writing much of the New Testament, and giving himself fully to the work of the Lord. he understands the power of God's grace. How it transforms you from the inside out. If Paul was showered with God's grace, than so am I. In my bible there is an excerpt that says "God's grace is still big enough to forgive and cleanse us, just as it cleansed Paul". Thank goodness for grace.
Mold Me, Make Me, Use Me
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
~Romans 9:21
I've always taken from this story that He is the potter and I am the clay. God is constantly working in our lives molding us to what He wants us to be and using us for His glory. Today, I look at this verse read it over and think..."How can some Christians be considered noble and others common?" My thinking is in relation to dining ware, noble being the fine china for holidays, and common paper plates. As I've continued thinking we are all used all the time, so noble and common have got to mean something else...and they do...Noble is what we as humans tend to elevate to a higher status, someone who is more in the public eye (pastors, lay people, deacons, etc...) or working in a mission field...That leaves the rest of us to be considered "common". This verse tells us "HEY! you are made from the same thing!!" We all have our different purposes, but our creator is the same...in the end the only thing appraisers really for is the makers mark. Our God is the best designer there could ever be!
Verse for the Day
Verse for the Day13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
14in whom we have redemption,[
a] the forgiveness of sins.
~Colossians 1:13-14
I have been participating in the Southland 56-day challenge, and part of the challenge is to read the entire New Testament. Let me tell you, this is a task in itself. I have never just read the New Testament end to end, but normally dwell on a few verses. So the other night I was reading Paul's books of Philippians and Colossians and I was just blown away. Over and over again Paul reminds his audience, and me, who we are in Christ, what we are called to do, and more importantly who God is. In fact, he says in Colossians that God qualified us to share in the inheritance. We are qualified, and I think "huh?! seriously!" I have been convicted that the way I act sometimes does not seem qualified to share an inheritance with anyone...let alone God. I have been challenged to look hard at my own life, particuraly how I act outside of church, and make changes. We have redemption-deliverance and freedom. Jesus paid the ransom, he paid my debt that I owed him, and set me free. He rescued me, and oh did he ever. I shudder to think of my life before Christ, I was alone and burdened by the demands of the world. But he rescued me! Before I was even born He had the life preserver ready. He changed my life, and is transforming me daily.
Listen...this is who you are
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
The last two days, the word patience has been on my heart, mind, and feelings (if that makes sense). There has also been a little bit of love, but mostly patience is what I've felt impressed upon me. So today I did a search of patience, I found some great verses, but this one spoke to me the most. Two reason that I can recognize, one is that it talks of how we are God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved...see love is in this verse...God's reminding me(us) that we are already great, no one, no thing can make us any greater a person. The second reason that I feel this is the verse to know/share is that it was also part of Sunday's message. Only, I had not written it down and in fact didn't realize this till I had started writing. I love how God gives us little "coincidences"! Anyway, I just wanted to share how God has been speaking to me and that He is truly Alive! and active in our lives.
Forgiveness
Verse for the Day 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.[
a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-Matthew 6:12-15
Something I have been wrestling with lately is what does forgiveness really look like? When do I know if I have forgiven someone? Someone gave me a quote that said "forgiveness is knowing that the past could not have been any different". I do not think forgetting is forgiving because Christ did not forget our sins. He remembered them, but chose to say you are nor in debt to me anymore. He paid the debt because we are unable to. We are to forgive each other because we can. We can forgive, and we must or else Christ died for nothing. This is a concept I am coming to grips with, and probably always will. God's grace covered my sins ,washed them clean, and now I must turn and do the same.
Self Image...anxiety
17
Some were fools in their rebellion;
they suffered for their sins.
18
Their appetites were gone,
and death was near.
19
"LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20
He spoke, and they were healed--
snatched from the door of death. Psalm 107: 17-20 (New Living Translation)
Do we often realize that we are fools? I think not because of our sins, but because of the false beliefs that we have about ourselves. Beliefs that are not of God, but of the deviousness of the devil trying to play on what has become our own insecurities.
Verse 18 was mentioned tonight at church in regards to those suffering eating disorders...I've instantly thought of a friend of mine that is at her 3rd rehabilitation center so to say. She is an amazing woman, so smart, strong, and encouraging. As I'm lead to intercede these verses in prayer for her, I ask that you may feel free to do so as well. Verse 20, He spoke, they were healed! What amazing power our Lord has!
Verse 18, made me also reflect on my times of high anxiety. For at those times I literally have no appetite and have gone near weeks without substantial amounts of food. Again I was a fool, not focusing on God's promises, love, and definition of who I am in Him. Instead I tend to focus on the worldly circumstances I find myself dealing with. I'm just awed by this group of verses as they help to show that God is not only concerned about our physical health, but also our emotional health...Why we tend to allow limits to his healing I'll never understand.
We are relational because He is relational
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version)
I included the whole story, so that those who aren't familiar may better understand verses 41 and 42 that I want to focus on. Here Jesus is telling and showing us that He is relational and that is what He desires from us and for us. He doesn't want us to be caught up in traditions or daily tasks that we miss out on the main thing. HIM! (it's about him not our good deeds) Wow, as I write this I'm realizing there are so many different things for us to take away from this story. Martha wanted to be recognized for all the things that she had done and essentially that Mary had not done. Jesus was more touched by Mary who was wanting to know him, he didn't care about her doings. (were not judged on our past) Ok, so these two may sound like the same thing only a said different, I guess they are but they aren't. There was one other thing I was going to say about this verse, but it seems to have slipped my memory...
Life happens best in communities, especially when the community revolves around Christ.
What's in your wallet?...err...life??
Sorry...I had to make a "dad" funny as Stacy and I call them...anyway...
1 John 5:21
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
It is God's number one command to
Have no other gods before Him...Maybe Capitol One is helping to allow you to let money and material possessions be your god/idol...(my tie in for using the lame joke as a title) Do you notice how we are referred to as children in this verse??? and that it's not idol, but idols (plural)? It makes me think how easily distracted children can be as they look around discovering and learning new things. And then how these things become passions for a while, maybe a year or two or three. How many of us remember having an infatuation with Barbie, HeMan, CareBears, New Kids on the Block, Star Wars, and the like... Many things that captivated, but none would be able to fully captivate and provide everything that we need. I think as we grow into adulthood in all seriousness, things like money, relationships, friends, hobbies tend to find ways to distract us, misguide us no matter how good they may be. We again are still as children. God knows this. I think he reminds us often, through whatever means, so that ultimately we can be complete as only
He can make us.
Grace
Verse for the DayBut by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. - 1 Corinthians 15:10
1st of all I apologize for my hiatus as I was on vacation with my family in Texas. Thank you Tamara for keeping the VOD alive and well, your insights defintaely hit home to me, and it is encouraging to know someone is going through the same things I am. You are a great friend, and I am blessed to know you lady!
Anyway, while on vacation my thoughts were wandering and I found myself dwelling in the past again. Wishing that things/relationships had turned out different. Wanting people back in my life whom God removed, and just not being joyful for what God has put in my life. Then as I was doing my bible study I came across the above verse. By God's grace I am redeemed...I am what I am which in God's eyes is free. I belong to Him. He loves me so much that He gave everything for me to know Him. Wherever we go the grace of God is with us. It covers us. It changes us, and transforms us. His grace is enough.
Attitude focus 101
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
We do this by training ourselves to think about what is:
- true (not speculation or assumption);
- honorable (assume the best first);
- just (we are objects of mercy ourselves);
- pure (untainted by gossip or slander);
- lovely (whatever reflects the glory of Christ);
- commendable (an evidence of God's grace at work),
- excellent (find what's right — and not just what's wrong — in this circumstance)
- praiseworthy (there is always something for which to thank God)
Taken from: Boundless Webzine
I really like how Boundless breaks down the various attitudes. I often find myself in need of attitude adjustments...oh do I ever! This is a very clear resorce to refer to when trying to train ourselves to think differently. The exciting thing is that as we see our attitudes changing, we shall also see the fruits of the Holy Spirit more prevelant in our lives. Or maybe I should say that others will notice the fruits more in our lives...more of Christ in us!
Promise keeper
56 "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.
57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.
58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.
1 Kings 8:56-58 (New International Version)
I intended to focus on the blessing that God will never leave or forsake us in verse 57. However, I wanted to see the context that surrounded the verse to get a better understanding. Low and behold reading verse 56, I was reminded that in all times we are to Praise God. That has been a post in the past, but yet still I need to be reminded. Yeah, I feel emotionally dry and want to know that I'm loved and never alone, but how much better it is to praise God for his fulfilled promises! To know that he's working on my heart, and since he is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow...His promises for me will be completed as well.
More than Enough
Psalm 48: 29,3029 They ate till they had more than enough, for he had given them what they craved.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
35 They remembered that God was their Rock,
that God Most High was their Redeemer.
I often feel that I need more of this or more of that...and most of the time it's not just materialistic things. I often want more time to hang out with friends, more time to sleep, more attention, more affection, more opportunity, more love, more experience, more adventure, more creativity, more quite time...it goes on and on. The thing is I don't want to end up like the Israelites who suffered the anger of God for not remembering that God is their Rock, Most High, and Redeemer. Thankfully, we live through the grace of Jesus now, but still we need to acknowledge and remember who God is and that he gives us more than enough...(insert song here)
Lord's servant to the opponent
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
~2 Timothy 2:20-26 (New International Version)
I so desperately want to be the Lord's servant mentioned in this verse. However, I am finding that I am in fact the opponent. I am resentful and found with bitterness, I long to be out of the devils will, but into that of will of the Lord. Yet, something seems to happen that triggers my ease in letting go and forgetting the truth. I pray that this is not the case for you and that your repentance is strong and steadfast. I do find hope in this verse to focus and cling to…working on being kind to all and knowing there is hope for committed repentance in my life.
Please pray for me…I've just felt really beaten up this week emotionally/spiritually…hence the day delay in postings (if you've noticed)…I apologize.
Running from baggage
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
~Hebrews 12:1
This verse is perfect for today, since I have ran (2) 5k's and have been having an awful trouble tossing antagonizing thoughts/feelings from a past relationship. Though this verse talks of running, we know that it’s message is more in regards to ridding oneself of spiritual baggage. Lord knows I’ve been struggling with this…entertaining thoughts that are untrue, or allowing distractions from focusing and reading God's word...Holy Spirit help us all.
What a joyous Day!
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:16
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACY!!
Eternal Refuge
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'
Deuteronomy 33:27
I'll be honest, I'm not having such a great day today...and am quite discouraged. I have been let down by a couple co-workers and then over run by another. I just want my space and it's no where to be found, but alas, I remember the first part of this verse. God is our refuge. What comfort and calm from my frustrations is found just by knowing and believing this! (it does help that I've reclaimed my office) God is not just our refuge for one time, but for eternity. Not just from office stress, but relational, emotional, physical pains as well.
I also like that my enemy, is also God's. He will go to fight for us with determination and passion...He already has if you think about it...at the cross. I believe that daily we are challenged in spiritual battles. God will be there to fight for us, because he has already won the WAR! I am so thankful!! Our God is so amazing! so full of love!! so forgiving!! so unconditional/come as you are!! There is no one I'd rather love more or be loved by than Him!!
We are more valuable than sparrows!
Luke 12:6-7
6"What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
It is nice to know that you matter to someone. I feel that our deepest need is to be known intimately be someone. Someone who cares for us deeply, and has our best interest at heart. That is how our God views us. He loves us so much, and he cares more for us than a whole flock of sparrows. He created us both, but He got down in the dirt and formed us with His hands. He knows us. He made us in His image, and I wish sometimes that I saw myself and others through His eyes. He never lets go and He is always there.
Bed time prayer
I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. ~Psalm 4:8
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I shall die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Did you ever say this prayer before you went to sleep? When I was little it was one of the easily recited prayer that I say every night rarely thinking about the words. In middle school maybe high school I'm sure I had taken a moment to think about what the prayer was saying, only to conclude that it was slightly morbid. It's been a long time since I've said this prayer now, only today did I stumble on this verse in Psalm, did I remember my childhood bed time prayer. I see it now as quite a perfect prayer to say before we sleep, and love that I can now attach a verse from the Word of God to it. Speaking/praying with the Truth always strengthens/empowers our prayers to another level.
The Way
Verse for the DayJesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
-John 14:6
This is probably the most popular verse in the whole bible. I think people who don't know anything about Christ, know of or have seen this verse. Even as a Christian, I use this verse but how many times do I stop and think about what it really means. For non-believers this is the best verse for them to be exposed to because it's the whole thing. Jesus is the way. He is the I am, He is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. There is no other option, no Plan B, or alternative route. You're either all in or out. Without Him we have nothing and we are nothing. With Christ we have abundant life-everlasting in the kingdom of God.
Waiting till your ready? you'll never be ready enough...JUST GO!
Exodus 3:12And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
At the end of the message today at church this struck me...why am I waiting? Earlier this summer I was all fired up ready to go and lean on knowing God was with me in what ever I did. I've now become complacent, comfortable but for who's glory? if anyone's?
What are we waiting for?? Whatever is holding us back we need to remember that God always with us and will provide what we need. He helped Moses, a man that stuttered and was not eloquent, to speak to Pharaoh the high ruler of his day.
The ultimate planner
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Verse for the Day
Verse for the DayThey devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
-Acts 2:42
This is the verse which Southland launched their "A242" message. As Christ followers we are called to be devoted to the teachings of Christ, to fellowship together, to eat, take communion, and always pray. As a church, Christ should be the focus. I think Southland Christian Church is following this verse. Acts talks about the forming of the church, and I think it is important to go back and remind ourselves of how we should act. Personally, I love that I can fellowship with my fellow believers. There is something so special and powerful when we are all together, in unity, praising God. It resonates. Can you feel it?
Repentant hearts take courage!
Isaiah 57:15 NLT
I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.
How many times do you find yourself in situations or doing things that you truly full heartedly decided never to do again? You've repented of this sin/action yet you find yourself doing the exact thing you detest over again. While Paul has written a verse to that regards, I find this verse in Isaiah to be encouraging to these situations as well. God knows that we will get frustrated and discouraged with ourselves, but here He promises to give us new courage (there is strength in that) to continue to work on overcoming that which we are truly repentant of.
Love your enemies
Verse for the Day"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[
h] and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies[
i] and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:44-48
We are called to love and pray for our enemies...what a hard task to do. When I think of the people I don't like the last thing I want to do is love them, and pray for them. Then I think of Jesus, betrayed and beaten, he cried out "forgive them for they know not what they do". As the Roman soliders beat nails into his hands, he prayed for them, and died for them. As Christ followers we are to love people in the same way, and we can because Christ loved us first.
Who's your boss?
Colossians 3:23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
There are many days where I am not particularly happy with my job or the tasks that it involves. Therefore, I find myself unmotivated and procrastinating to do such drudgery. I often need to be reminded by this verse, that I am working for God and not my boss in the office across the hall. Would I work this way on things I clearly see as work for God, surely not! But we must remember that we are always working for God, all human interaction that we have needs to reflect His love and glory. If people don't respect me at my job, how can I hope that they can respect, see, and know our Lord and Saviour who is in me?
