Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Gardening for Flutterbys...Butterflies
Take Root and Write: Gardening for Flutterbys...Butterflies
Check this out!! Can't wait for Butterflies.
Posted using ShareThis
Check this out!! Can't wait for Butterflies.
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Where are God’s Heroes?
Where have all God’s heroes gone? Lord, where are Your Champions of the Faith? Where are the testimonies of Your great works? Where are the ones who have been delivered? Why are they not speaking out to proclaim what You have done for them?
Why does the enemy’s voice seem louder than those who have been set free? Those who YOU have set free will be FREE indeed! Unless….
Have they been listening to the enemy’s lies? Have they laid down their freedom and picked up a yoke of bondage once again? It was a gift. Have they believed the whispers of doubt that say, “It won’t last!” Does their “reality” set in and convince them that things will remain the same as before? Have they accepted the lies as truth?
Hold on to the Freedom that Jesus has given to you! Remember His Promises. Remember what has been done for YOU. You began walking on the path to LIFE – Don’t reverse to familiar ground. What was familiar CAN be replaced by the things God had planned for you to have all along. They are yours for the claiming.
The enemy is a LIAR and a thief! He loves to steal God’s blessings. He loves to bring despair that convinces us to lay down the very things we have longed for – fought for – even held for awhile, but felt undeserving to keep. God has PAID the way – we don’t have to EARN it to receive them or to possess them. Freedom is available to ALL who come to God in true repentance – seeking HIS Face – opening our hearts to receive the forgiveness HE has for each one of us.
The enemy roars and gloats over his “victories”. He boasts and loves to expose the short comings of a Christian who stumbles or falls. Do NOT join the accuser of the brethren when “a brother” sins. Seek to restore him, NOT to re-enforce his shame. Reveal the Father’s Heart to redeem, not the enemy’s plan to humiliate.
God has brought many out of bondage. HE has healed, delivered and set free. Captives have been released to worship their Creator. Are their songs of Freedom being heard? Are they praising Him before the people and testifying to HIS power and glory?
We NEED to HEAR it. We NEED to HEAR from those who are God’s trophies – God’s overcomers – God’s redeemed! They are the ones who will bring hope to the hopeless. They are the ones who will encourage those in despair, to say, “If God can free them, He can free me as well.” God is the SAME yesterday, TODAY and forever – What He has done in the past – He CAN and will do TODAY for those seeking relief – seeking HIS FREEDOM.
Where are the Heroes and Champions of the Faith? Where are God’s Warriors of TODAY? Are they hiding? Have they been silenced by fear or intimidation? Or even worse – have they been silenced by apathy or self-centeredness? God wants them to proclaim what He has done – to confirm that God is still God TODAY.
Stand up and testify of what God has done in your life. Silence the lies of the enemy that say, “Give up and accept your fate.” “No escape for you – no hope of freedom from your chains of bondage.” “No hope to be changed or redeem – learn to live with it!”
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4:18-19
Jesus proclaimed His mission – it hasn’t changed! John the Baptist sent his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the One?” Jesus replied, “Tell him what you see.” They testified of the fulfillment – so must we. The world says,”This is how it is and it will always be like this. This is your reality, we are born this way. There is no reason to change, accept me as I am. Change the laws to make me acceptable – don’t make me feel shame for my sin. Give me the “freedom” to do as I please. Remove my guilt by removing the laws against it.”
Why does the enemy’s voice seem louder than those who have been set free? Those who YOU have set free will be FREE indeed! Unless….
Have they been listening to the enemy’s lies? Have they laid down their freedom and picked up a yoke of bondage once again? It was a gift. Have they believed the whispers of doubt that say, “It won’t last!” Does their “reality” set in and convince them that things will remain the same as before? Have they accepted the lies as truth?
Hold on to the Freedom that Jesus has given to you! Remember His Promises. Remember what has been done for YOU. You began walking on the path to LIFE – Don’t reverse to familiar ground. What was familiar CAN be replaced by the things God had planned for you to have all along. They are yours for the claiming.
The enemy is a LIAR and a thief! He loves to steal God’s blessings. He loves to bring despair that convinces us to lay down the very things we have longed for – fought for – even held for awhile, but felt undeserving to keep. God has PAID the way – we don’t have to EARN it to receive them or to possess them. Freedom is available to ALL who come to God in true repentance – seeking HIS Face – opening our hearts to receive the forgiveness HE has for each one of us.
The enemy roars and gloats over his “victories”. He boasts and loves to expose the short comings of a Christian who stumbles or falls. Do NOT join the accuser of the brethren when “a brother” sins. Seek to restore him, NOT to re-enforce his shame. Reveal the Father’s Heart to redeem, not the enemy’s plan to humiliate.
God has brought many out of bondage. HE has healed, delivered and set free. Captives have been released to worship their Creator. Are their songs of Freedom being heard? Are they praising Him before the people and testifying to HIS power and glory?
We NEED to HEAR it. We NEED to HEAR from those who are God’s trophies – God’s overcomers – God’s redeemed! They are the ones who will bring hope to the hopeless. They are the ones who will encourage those in despair, to say, “If God can free them, He can free me as well.” God is the SAME yesterday, TODAY and forever – What He has done in the past – He CAN and will do TODAY for those seeking relief – seeking HIS FREEDOM.
Where are the Heroes and Champions of the Faith? Where are God’s Warriors of TODAY? Are they hiding? Have they been silenced by fear or intimidation? Or even worse – have they been silenced by apathy or self-centeredness? God wants them to proclaim what He has done – to confirm that God is still God TODAY.
Stand up and testify of what God has done in your life. Silence the lies of the enemy that say, “Give up and accept your fate.” “No escape for you – no hope of freedom from your chains of bondage.” “No hope to be changed or redeem – learn to live with it!”
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4:18-19
Jesus proclaimed His mission – it hasn’t changed! John the Baptist sent his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the One?” Jesus replied, “Tell him what you see.” They testified of the fulfillment – so must we. The world says,”This is how it is and it will always be like this. This is your reality, we are born this way. There is no reason to change, accept me as I am. Change the laws to make me acceptable – don’t make me feel shame for my sin. Give me the “freedom” to do as I please. Remove my guilt by removing the laws against it.”
God has a better plan. HE redeems and restores. He forgives and transforms. HE heals the wounded and releases the captives to be who HE created them to be – whole and free.
Have you been healed or transformed by His Love? Testify! Have you been released from a prison that only God could open? Testify! Have you been changed and set free to worship Him as never before? Testify! When God sets you free – you will be FREE indeed. When God heals you – you will be WHOLE – able to walk the path HE has set for you. TESTIFY! Proclaim HIS Faithfulness to a hopeless generation looking for someone to give them direction. Don’t stay in silence.
The enemy’s voices are getting louder – leading many astray – seducing many to believe his lies. The enemy’s “heroes” are not afraid to speak out – they can be seen everywhere. Testify to the greatness of our God. Let HIS works be made known among all people.
Shine HIS light into a dark world. Show the way to the lost and broken-hearted. They are waiting. Don’t let them slip silently away. Call to them. YOUR testimony can bring the hope they need to believe – to reach out one more time – to the God who is waiting to act on their behalf.
Testify! Raise your voice to drown out the enemy’s lies. Rise up Warriors. It’s time to release the Battle Cry and rescue the perishing. Scatter the enemy and gather the lost sheep. Testify! and call the prodigals home. Raise the standard – No Compromise! Testify! that God is alive and well and still on His Throne. Proclaim His Word that endures forever. Stand on His Truth and Testify!
Be God’s Hero in this hour. Stand against the lies that are meant to bring much pain and destruction. TESTIFY! of what God has done in YOUR life.
Selah Y
Have you been healed or transformed by His Love? Testify! Have you been released from a prison that only God could open? Testify! Have you been changed and set free to worship Him as never before? Testify! When God sets you free – you will be FREE indeed. When God heals you – you will be WHOLE – able to walk the path HE has set for you. TESTIFY! Proclaim HIS Faithfulness to a hopeless generation looking for someone to give them direction. Don’t stay in silence.
The enemy’s voices are getting louder – leading many astray – seducing many to believe his lies. The enemy’s “heroes” are not afraid to speak out – they can be seen everywhere. Testify to the greatness of our God. Let HIS works be made known among all people.
Shine HIS light into a dark world. Show the way to the lost and broken-hearted. They are waiting. Don’t let them slip silently away. Call to them. YOUR testimony can bring the hope they need to believe – to reach out one more time – to the God who is waiting to act on their behalf.
Testify! Raise your voice to drown out the enemy’s lies. Rise up Warriors. It’s time to release the Battle Cry and rescue the perishing. Scatter the enemy and gather the lost sheep. Testify! and call the prodigals home. Raise the standard – No Compromise! Testify! that God is alive and well and still on His Throne. Proclaim His Word that endures forever. Stand on His Truth and Testify!
Be God’s Hero in this hour. Stand against the lies that are meant to bring much pain and destruction. TESTIFY! of what God has done in YOUR life.
Selah Y
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Rise Up!
Daughters of Zion – Rise up!! Awaken from your slumber. Your Prince has not forgotten you. Your promises to Him are not void – but alive! They beat within His heart.
Sometimes we can be carried away by the passion of a service and freely promise anything that is suggested. “Oh yes, Lord, pick me! I will do whatever You ask.” You can be truly sincere as the words leave your lips – BUT have they rooted in your heart? Did you really mean what you just said?
God takes His Words very seriously. He never speaks without purpose, or promises what He cannot keep. Shouldn’t we be the same? Especially in our commitments to Him?
You can say, “Sure. I will do this or that,” but then be distracted by something more interesting and cancel your commitment. There could be an urgent situation arise that takes a higher priority over your casual agreement, but more times than you may want to admit, you give your consent to things way too quickly, without thinking before you agree. Then it is hard to reverse it to say “no” so you make up an excuse, or even try to justify why it is OK to break your word.
God takes your “yes” seriously. In the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-31) One son said yes but didn’t do it and the other son said no but changed his mind and did it after all. Jesus commended the obedient son.
Your word should be as a promise – a commitment to fulfill what you have spoken. Think about this: If you were held to every word spoken – could you do it? Would you then think more carefully before you gave an answer, or made a commitment?
We live in such an impatient society. WAIT is a four letter word!! “How long is that line up?” “Why is this traffic light so long?” You want the parking space closest to the door – walking those five extra spaces just won’t do, and yet, how much longer does it really take for you to walk it?
You give promises to God, but if you don’t see any results today, or next week, will you persevere to see it through? You ask, “Why is it talking so long?” I ask you, “How long is too long?” Can you stay focused on the task at hand long enough to fulfill it?
In the Parable of the foolish virgins, The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. When He did arrive, they weren’t prepared to go out and meet Him. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:5,13) Jesus is coming back. He has promised that He would, and He keeps His word. Are you sleeping or watching?
Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us, He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Do not grow weary – persevere! Wait on the Lord and renew your strength in HIM. Stay on the path. Remember His promises to you, but also remember YOUR promises to Him. Have you left something unfinished? Have you fulfilled your commitments made in those times of intimacy with Him?
Yes, He sees your heart. Do you see His heart? We are His Bride and He loves us. Don’t break His heart with broken promises.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Be a Candle
I love the song "Go Light Your World" by Kathy Troccoli. Our friend Tammy is in the process of recording her first CD and we were treated to a sneak preview of her recording of this song on Sunday morning. I was impacted again by these wonderful lyrics. (For full lyrics click here)
A few years ago I wrote out my response to this song and I am posting it here today. I know it is rather long, but hopefully, it's worth the time to read it.
The first part is a chorus from the song "Thrown Away" by Ray Boltz. (For full lyrics click here) My prayer is that God will touch your heart today as He touched mine.
THROWN AWAY
CAN YOU BELIEVE THE THINGS THEY TOSS ASIDE
AND LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY LAY
OH BUT THEY CAN BE SAVED
IF YOU TAKE THE TIME
AND TRY TO FIND THE GOOD ALONG THE WAY
OH WHAT THIS WORLD THROWS AWAY
(Ray Boltz)
Thrown away, tossed aside, unwanted, unloved - abandoned!! Seen as useless. No value. Not worth the effort. Too hard!!! Takes too long!! When will she ever learn? When will she get it? Wasting our time!!
NO!!! It’s NOT wasting time. Can you BELIEVE the things they toss aside and leave them where they lay? SOULS. People needing love, needing direction. They ARE lost. Oh, but they CAN be saved. So many have gone astray. Even those who started off well - on the right road. BUT the enemy came when we weren’t guarding the little ones. They were damaged. They were used and abused. They were left devastated. Unable to pick themselves up. Instead of understanding.... instead of receiving and redeeming them, they were tossed aside!!!!
How God WEEPS when each little ones’ cries go unanswered. Can your heart hear them? Has it grown cold? Don’t turn from their cries. Who else will answer them? Who else can God send to them? IF you will take the time and try to find the good along the way - You will find what GOD sees in them. Precious ones who have been crushed by sins. There is still a treasure locked inside. It is waiting to be released. Waiting for it to be safe enough to finally come out. How much longer? How long can she hang on? How much longer can she fool everyone that everything is fine? Her strength is almost gone. Is there hope? Is there an answer to her questions? Is there a Deliverer for her? The world sees her as an Outcast. Oh what this world throws away!!!
Jesus is the answer. Always was. Always will be. Doesn’t matter what the situation is. HE has paid it ALL. He has provided for it. But He needs us to carry it out. We are HIS. Will you go for Him? He is the Light. We are HIS Candles. HIS Light burning in our soul. His Holy Spirit burns within us, speaks to us, consumes us, IF we will let Him. There IS a candle in every soul. God puts it there. Some ARE Brightly burning. They love God, love His Word, love His Presence, LOVE HIM!! They want ALL they can receive. Their hearts are open and obedient. Ready to respond.
Some are dark and cold. They let their flame go out. No oil. No passion, no time for God. Too busy with their own lives, their own interests, their own pleasures. Their hearts are growing colder. They can’t hear the cries of the lost or hurting. They are drowned out by other sounds.
BUT There is a Spirit - God’s precious Holy Spirit - Who brings a fire to rekindle that flame. He ignites our candle and makes His home in us. He is here to stay. Not just for a time, but every day!! LET Him REVIVE your heart. THEN carry your candle and RUN to the Darkness. It is Urgent!! Your light will dispel the darkness. It has to flee. Darkness cannot consume the light. JESUS always overcomes.
Seek out the HOPELESS, CONFUSED & TORN. So many have NO hope. Where can they look? Who has the answers? Who will ever take the time to talk with them? They ARE confused. Who will explain until they understand? Which way to turn? Many say, "Here!! We have the answer." They are torn between Doctrines and Religions, Hypocrites and Broken Promises. False Hopes. Empty Words. Giving up too soon. The job is not finished!! They ARE torn away by the enemy again!!!!
Hold out your candle for ALL to see it. Don’t hide the Truth. Don’t withhold the answers. Are you able to make a difference? Then DO it!! Put actions to your prayers. God can only use you when you are willing to walk out the path that HE has laid out for you. Take your candle. Pick it up and Go light YOUR world. Go where GOD is leading you to go. GO!!! Don’t delay. Don’t make excuses. Shine the light that HE has given to you.
Many have tried to light their candles in their own way. It won’t work. They will burn out - either by themselves or be put out by others. Only God’s Flame is eternal. In our own strength, we are nothing. Shallow Cures that last for the moment. FRUSTRATION. Our plans will fail. Our solutions don’t heal. Jesus does. Do it HIS Way.
See your sister - she’s been robbed and lied to. Robbed of what she cannot regain. Forever stolen. She was deceived, tricked, lied to, betrayed. She believed the lie. It SOUNDED like Truth. It had pleasure for a season, But it soon turned sour. Now it is bitter. No goodness left. Her candle has no flame - no hope, no escape, no relief. Never ending pain. Tears without end. She is sitting in darkness with no one to show her the way. RUN to her. She is LONELY, TIRED & WORN. No one to comfort her, no one to stay with her until she regains her strength. It is all gone. She is worn out. Weary from crying without end. Hold out your candle to her. She WILL see it. She’s not far away. God will show you where she is.
We ARE a family. We are adopted into God’s family. Sometimes closer than our own flesh and blood. When we stand together, our hearts WILL be Blazing. What a bonfire we could make if we joined together!!!! Raise your candle up high. Don’t be ashamed. Let it be seen.
PRAY. Our Father WILL hear your prayer. Use the weapons that Jesus gave us. Use His Name to send the enemy running. Shut him OUT!!! Be a Beacon in Darkest night. Be as a lighthouse on the point. Shining into the night. Shining into the storms. Don’t shut down the light and go to sleep in the storm. ARISE & Be Alert!!! Souls are at risk. CALL to them. WARN them when you see the signs of the storm coming. Don’t let the waves crush them again. Don’t let them be swept away and drown. RESCUE THEM!!!
They are HELPLESS to survive on their own. Jesus died to save them, to heal them, to redeem them. Call to them!! Many are DECEIVED. Many are headed for destruction and don’t even see it. Many are pulled back into the mire with no strength to resist. Seek them out. They are POOR. They have nothing to pay the price with. Never enough to buy their freedom. Forever slaves to bondage. Bondages that have been placed on them. Chains too heavy to be broken. Prisoners of the Accuser. No one to defend them. No one to plead their case. Only Jesus can liberate them!!!
FORGIVENESS. The key that opens the doors. YES, there is hope for the hopeless. Dispel the confusion. Bind up the torn. God can and will. Redeem and Restore. GO and find them. Seek them out and then DO your part that God has called you to do. Don’t let them be THROW AWAYS any longer. The world has given up on them. GOD HAS NOT!!!! How can we? WE CAN’T!!! TAKE THE TIME!!!!
Hear her cries and Answer with GOD’S Love and GOD’S Power to heal her Broken Heart. Hold out your candle. Bring Jesus to those who NEED Him. Minister as He has called you to do. Be ready. Keep your flame burning. Don’t let Satan blow it out!!! Hold it high. Keep HIS Fire burning in your heart.
Let Him burn away ALL that is not of Him, ALL that would pull you back to your old life. CLOSE THAT DOOR!!!! It is the PAST. Leave it behind. Don’t reopen what God has covered. Remember why God took you out of it. RUN from it. Run TO God. Into HIS Safety. Into HIS Protection. He has given you New Life. Live it as He has called you.
Selah Y
26 Sept 1999
A few years ago I wrote out my response to this song and I am posting it here today. I know it is rather long, but hopefully, it's worth the time to read it.
The first part is a chorus from the song "Thrown Away" by Ray Boltz. (For full lyrics click here) My prayer is that God will touch your heart today as He touched mine.
THROWN AWAY
CAN YOU BELIEVE THE THINGS THEY TOSS ASIDE
AND LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY LAY
OH BUT THEY CAN BE SAVED
IF YOU TAKE THE TIME
AND TRY TO FIND THE GOOD ALONG THE WAY
OH WHAT THIS WORLD THROWS AWAY
(Ray Boltz)
Thrown away, tossed aside, unwanted, unloved - abandoned!! Seen as useless. No value. Not worth the effort. Too hard!!! Takes too long!! When will she ever learn? When will she get it? Wasting our time!!
NO!!! It’s NOT wasting time. Can you BELIEVE the things they toss aside and leave them where they lay? SOULS. People needing love, needing direction. They ARE lost. Oh, but they CAN be saved. So many have gone astray. Even those who started off well - on the right road. BUT the enemy came when we weren’t guarding the little ones. They were damaged. They were used and abused. They were left devastated. Unable to pick themselves up. Instead of understanding.... instead of receiving and redeeming them, they were tossed aside!!!!
How God WEEPS when each little ones’ cries go unanswered. Can your heart hear them? Has it grown cold? Don’t turn from their cries. Who else will answer them? Who else can God send to them? IF you will take the time and try to find the good along the way - You will find what GOD sees in them. Precious ones who have been crushed by sins. There is still a treasure locked inside. It is waiting to be released. Waiting for it to be safe enough to finally come out. How much longer? How long can she hang on? How much longer can she fool everyone that everything is fine? Her strength is almost gone. Is there hope? Is there an answer to her questions? Is there a Deliverer for her? The world sees her as an Outcast. Oh what this world throws away!!!
Jesus is the answer. Always was. Always will be. Doesn’t matter what the situation is. HE has paid it ALL. He has provided for it. But He needs us to carry it out. We are HIS. Will you go for Him? He is the Light. We are HIS Candles. HIS Light burning in our soul. His Holy Spirit burns within us, speaks to us, consumes us, IF we will let Him. There IS a candle in every soul. God puts it there. Some ARE Brightly burning. They love God, love His Word, love His Presence, LOVE HIM!! They want ALL they can receive. Their hearts are open and obedient. Ready to respond.
Some are dark and cold. They let their flame go out. No oil. No passion, no time for God. Too busy with their own lives, their own interests, their own pleasures. Their hearts are growing colder. They can’t hear the cries of the lost or hurting. They are drowned out by other sounds.
BUT There is a Spirit - God’s precious Holy Spirit - Who brings a fire to rekindle that flame. He ignites our candle and makes His home in us. He is here to stay. Not just for a time, but every day!! LET Him REVIVE your heart. THEN carry your candle and RUN to the Darkness. It is Urgent!! Your light will dispel the darkness. It has to flee. Darkness cannot consume the light. JESUS always overcomes.
Seek out the HOPELESS, CONFUSED & TORN. So many have NO hope. Where can they look? Who has the answers? Who will ever take the time to talk with them? They ARE confused. Who will explain until they understand? Which way to turn? Many say, "Here!! We have the answer." They are torn between Doctrines and Religions, Hypocrites and Broken Promises. False Hopes. Empty Words. Giving up too soon. The job is not finished!! They ARE torn away by the enemy again!!!!
Hold out your candle for ALL to see it. Don’t hide the Truth. Don’t withhold the answers. Are you able to make a difference? Then DO it!! Put actions to your prayers. God can only use you when you are willing to walk out the path that HE has laid out for you. Take your candle. Pick it up and Go light YOUR world. Go where GOD is leading you to go. GO!!! Don’t delay. Don’t make excuses. Shine the light that HE has given to you.
Many have tried to light their candles in their own way. It won’t work. They will burn out - either by themselves or be put out by others. Only God’s Flame is eternal. In our own strength, we are nothing. Shallow Cures that last for the moment. FRUSTRATION. Our plans will fail. Our solutions don’t heal. Jesus does. Do it HIS Way.
See your sister - she’s been robbed and lied to. Robbed of what she cannot regain. Forever stolen. She was deceived, tricked, lied to, betrayed. She believed the lie. It SOUNDED like Truth. It had pleasure for a season, But it soon turned sour. Now it is bitter. No goodness left. Her candle has no flame - no hope, no escape, no relief. Never ending pain. Tears without end. She is sitting in darkness with no one to show her the way. RUN to her. She is LONELY, TIRED & WORN. No one to comfort her, no one to stay with her until she regains her strength. It is all gone. She is worn out. Weary from crying without end. Hold out your candle to her. She WILL see it. She’s not far away. God will show you where she is.
We ARE a family. We are adopted into God’s family. Sometimes closer than our own flesh and blood. When we stand together, our hearts WILL be Blazing. What a bonfire we could make if we joined together!!!! Raise your candle up high. Don’t be ashamed. Let it be seen.
PRAY. Our Father WILL hear your prayer. Use the weapons that Jesus gave us. Use His Name to send the enemy running. Shut him OUT!!! Be a Beacon in Darkest night. Be as a lighthouse on the point. Shining into the night. Shining into the storms. Don’t shut down the light and go to sleep in the storm. ARISE & Be Alert!!! Souls are at risk. CALL to them. WARN them when you see the signs of the storm coming. Don’t let the waves crush them again. Don’t let them be swept away and drown. RESCUE THEM!!!
They are HELPLESS to survive on their own. Jesus died to save them, to heal them, to redeem them. Call to them!! Many are DECEIVED. Many are headed for destruction and don’t even see it. Many are pulled back into the mire with no strength to resist. Seek them out. They are POOR. They have nothing to pay the price with. Never enough to buy their freedom. Forever slaves to bondage. Bondages that have been placed on them. Chains too heavy to be broken. Prisoners of the Accuser. No one to defend them. No one to plead their case. Only Jesus can liberate them!!!
FORGIVENESS. The key that opens the doors. YES, there is hope for the hopeless. Dispel the confusion. Bind up the torn. God can and will. Redeem and Restore. GO and find them. Seek them out and then DO your part that God has called you to do. Don’t let them be THROW AWAYS any longer. The world has given up on them. GOD HAS NOT!!!! How can we? WE CAN’T!!! TAKE THE TIME!!!!
Hear her cries and Answer with GOD’S Love and GOD’S Power to heal her Broken Heart. Hold out your candle. Bring Jesus to those who NEED Him. Minister as He has called you to do. Be ready. Keep your flame burning. Don’t let Satan blow it out!!! Hold it high. Keep HIS Fire burning in your heart.
Let Him burn away ALL that is not of Him, ALL that would pull you back to your old life. CLOSE THAT DOOR!!!! It is the PAST. Leave it behind. Don’t reopen what God has covered. Remember why God took you out of it. RUN from it. Run TO God. Into HIS Safety. Into HIS Protection. He has given you New Life. Live it as He has called you.
Selah Y
26 Sept 1999
Monday, March 23, 2009
Christian Women Take Root
Check out this fantastic site I have discovered. LOTS to explore.
A great place to connect with other Christian women!!
Then go over to their sister site especially for Writers.
There are great columns to read and a very cool Digital Magazine.
Let me know what you think.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Still Amazing!!
Amazing Grace. How easily spoken - Do we still understand what is wrapped up in that simple phrase? Do you need to have it's impact renewed for you today?
Watch this video clip. (Il Divo singing Amazing Grace) All I can say is WOW! We are so BLESSED. Our God is truly amazing.
After watching this clip for a few times, I suddenly saw something deeper. They are singing "Amazing Grace" in the Coliseum - a place where so many Christians faced death because of their faith in God. They would rather die than deny Him - and they were martyred. It was a place that represented death and suffering, and displayed the depths of the evil men can imagine and carry out.
BUT GOD can redeem. He can bring beauty out of ashes. He can take the "ruins" of our lives and, through HIS GRACE, raise up hope and a future we could not imagine was possible. He did for John Newton (the author of the song) and He can for you.
Whether we have committed great evil or just ignored God, we are captured by His "Amazing Grace" towards each of us as He calls us home. He is our God and we are His Beloved. Amazing!!
Selah Y
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
More Giveaways
There are more giveaways on Pam's Blog. Check out the wonderful books in #4. Or the Cookbook on #2. Then check giveaway #1 for 6 Beth Moore products. She's really celebrating!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Attention Coffee Lovers
Now that I have your attention - check out this coffee giveaway on Pam's blog. I'm sure all the Starbucks lovers will join, but even if you don't like coffee, you can sign up to win this awesome mug. Good Luck!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Six Word Challenge
I enjoy reading blog entries from a number of authors with various themes. This one was really cool from Beth Moore's blog. The post challenged readers to "Sum up YOUR LIFE in just SIX WORDS" - check it out. There's over 700 entries, but it's really worth a look. Maybe she will use them in an upcoming book!! It's harder than it sounds. Some are really creative. Do YOU want to give it a try? Let us know what your answer would be. Then share which ones were your personal favourites.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Who is like our God?
His Ways are HIGHER than our ways; His thoughts are ABOVE what we can comprehend. It IS a mystery. Countless millions have tried to “figure out” why He does what He does – only to abandon their logic and simply TRUST that HE is God – the Most High God, the One who is Holy and Sovereign.
Tired of trying to figure it all out? Surrender to Him. Lay down your doubts and your fears, your worries and your striving. Allow HIM to give you HIS answers and guide you on HIS path for you. There will be many things you will not understand this side of Heaven – that’s OK – HE is in control. He still reigns the universe, He can handle your situation as well. He is God – expect no less.
Selah Y
Friday, February 27, 2009
Balanced?
February is a busy time of year for anyone connected to the approaching tax season. For me, from January 1 to February 28, there is a great flurry of making sure everything is in order and all has been entered before releasing the tax receipts and T4s, etc. It means many extra long days with crammed hours added to an already full schedule. This last week is like the homestretch of a marathon to get everything sent out by February 28.
Once released, I can pass the baton to those who are now shifting into high gear to process all those receipts and statements required to pay our annual taxes. Being from a family who have always prepared tax returns, February - April is blocked off as “Tax Season” and don’t expect any spare time until May.
Once released, I can pass the baton to those who are now shifting into high gear to process all those receipts and statements required to pay our annual taxes. Being from a family who have always prepared tax returns, February - April is blocked off as “Tax Season” and don’t expect any spare time until May.
We often have seasons where it seems like “when it rains, it pours” – one thing after another piles onto our already full plates until it is just too overwhelming. Where does it all end? There is hardly a breather until the next “Crisis” or “Emergency!” Everything is stamped “URGENT – you MUST deal with this TODAY!” (No rest for the weary!!)
In the midst of all of it, do you strive or thrive?
We have often heard “You must stay balanced” and “Prioritize” or “Don’t try to do it all yourself – Delegate!” Sounds great, but how realistic are they? In our fast-paced, stress-filled society, they very well may ensure your survival. There is a point that crosses the line into “too much” – “The straw that broke the camel’s back” or that last card that toppled the house of cards. The Juggler can only handle so many pins at a time – past that limit – they will come tumbling down.
God knows your limitations. Boundaries ARE necessary. We are to “Rest in Him” and make HIM your main focus. Seek Him first!! We CAN have “peace in the midst of the storms” of our lives. “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Fear robs our peace. Worry is a waste of time and energy.
God has made only 24 hours in each day. We must sleep and eat and make time for our families. Work can only consume a portion of our day. How important is what you are doing right now? Will it matter next week? Next month? Next year? If not, maybe you need to re-assess your priorities.
During a flight plan, course adjustments are necessary along the way to keep the plane on track and going in the right direction. If they are ignored, the plane will not reach its destination. We need periodic assessments and adjustments as well.
In the midst of all of it, do you strive or thrive?
We have often heard “You must stay balanced” and “Prioritize” or “Don’t try to do it all yourself – Delegate!” Sounds great, but how realistic are they? In our fast-paced, stress-filled society, they very well may ensure your survival. There is a point that crosses the line into “too much” – “The straw that broke the camel’s back” or that last card that toppled the house of cards. The Juggler can only handle so many pins at a time – past that limit – they will come tumbling down.
God knows your limitations. Boundaries ARE necessary. We are to “Rest in Him” and make HIM your main focus. Seek Him first!! We CAN have “peace in the midst of the storms” of our lives. “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Fear robs our peace. Worry is a waste of time and energy.
God has made only 24 hours in each day. We must sleep and eat and make time for our families. Work can only consume a portion of our day. How important is what you are doing right now? Will it matter next week? Next month? Next year? If not, maybe you need to re-assess your priorities.
During a flight plan, course adjustments are necessary along the way to keep the plane on track and going in the right direction. If they are ignored, the plane will not reach its destination. We need periodic assessments and adjustments as well.
God wants you to complete your destiny and fulfill your purpose, but He also wants you to enjoy the journey – to make time to “stop and smell the roses” along the way. It is far too easy to get caught up in the “rat race” and swallowed up by the crowd.
There is a time to blow the whistle and call “time out!” Ask God – He will show you what’s on HIS priority list for you – the next leg of your journey. Then walk out HIS plan in HIS timing. It will never be out of balance and always on time. Make time for Him. You can’t afford not to. Sometimes – when overwhelmed – I feel like this bird below – BUT GOD puts things back into perspective and priorities become clear once again = BALANCE!!
Selah Y
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Crosswalk
Every once in a while,
a seemingly-simple email comes around
that ends up being quite profound.
This is one of them.
We complain about the cross we bear,
but we don't realize it is preparing us
for the "dip in the road" that God can see
and we cannot.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!
but we don't realize it is preparing us
for the "dip in the road" that God can see
and we cannot.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!
I received this email and I have to pass it on. (I have no idea of its origin) It is profound. Can you relate?
We are each to carry "the cross" God has given to us. We often want the easy road - the one that takes the least effort and is pleasant or comfortable. We do not see how our heavy "load" (or burdens) are preparing us for what's ahead. We only see our own discomfort for today. (and often complain about them)
God DOES have a purpose and a plan. He gives us what we need for our journey. An athlete knows his coach is preparing him for the next level - pushing him, stretching him to reach higher/go deeper, challenging him to go the extra mile, testing his limits and building his muscles. We also should understand (and trust) that God is preparing us for what's in our future, knowing that HE will daily provide what we need for each season we walk through. Don't cast aside those things we don't think we need to learn.
The enemy loves to lull us into a false peace saying, "Don't worry - ALL is well - Relax!!" He sets the trap and waits for us to fall into it. God says, "Be alert! Be prepared - ready in season and out of season." He also assures us that we don't walk alone. He is right there - doing His part. We just need to do our part.
So when you feel God asking you to carry more than usual, don't argue with Him and justify why you shouldn't have to - Trust Him. Don't try to find the shortcut or the escape hatch - Co-operate with Him! Don't resist - Surrender to HIS plan.
Selah Y
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
RELAX!!
Exhausted? Relax!! The shopping is finished and most of our expectations were met. Christmas and the frenzy of the Holiday season are over – leaving many of us scrambling to recoup and get refocused. Suddenly in the midst of all of our celebrations, we were launched into 2009 - ready or not.
Do you have resolutions for the New Year? (Does anyone really make them anymore?) Do you remember yours from last year? Better question – does anyone keep them all year? I love getting my scripture for the year. It’s an encouragement rather than something to strive to maintain.
The holidays were great, but the workload didn’t go on vacation – it just piled up for our return. (I think it multiplies when left on its own!) Now it’s time to get caught up and back into some kind of routine and structure – wading through it all – prioritizing as we go. I am not complaining.
I am reminded of how truly BLESSED we are. We have so much – many times more that we could ever consume. We do not have to deal with the severities of life that bring hopelessness and despair. We don’t have to face the atrocities of war – they are far from our thoughts (unless we know someone personally connected – then we get involved). We have all the comforts we could ask for – we feel safe and satisfied.
Does it stop there? No. How sad if it did!! What about those who are in need tonight? What about the ones who have lost their job and don’t know how things will work out? Quoting the scripture, “All things work together for good” doesn’t give them instant peace!
God cares for EACH ONE of us without partiality. Our success, or apparent lack of success, is NOT an indicator of how much He loves us. He blesses us in different ways (not always financially). Whether we are healed, or not, is NOT an indicator of our faith level. He uses the natural AND the supernatural in our lives.
We CAN have peace in the midst of the storm. We CAN glorify and worship God through our difficult circumstances. Life is often unpredictable. Bad things DO happen to good people – serve God anyway. Our obedience is not a guarantee to be exempt from tragedy. We live in a fallen world. You can do everything right and still have to deal with the fallout from unwise choices others have made. Our promise is that God will never desert or forsake us.
Our society loves to be comfortable. We avoid pain – any kind of pain – at all cost. But it is not biblical. We are not promised a “pain-free” life, or a “problem-free” life. We cannot expect to never experience hardships or hurts. God gave us emotions. Some may be unpleasant, but the alternative is to be numb to everything. Not an acceptable option. A life without suffering may seem desirable, but it is sterile. God has made provision for us THROUGH our journey. Whatever we face – He will walk through it with us.
For many, January can be a very depressing time. Christmas is over and now they are overwhelmed by everything – the perfect time for a re-evaluation. What’s really important? What’s a priority and what can wait? Stress, fear, worry, etc, can consume our thoughts and wear us down until we have no strength left to face the day. This is not God’s plan for you. It will kill your joy and leave you depleted.
There’s an old song, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy!” It’s a rather annoying song, but with some elements of truth. Throw off worry and you will be happier!! Easier said than done. God has a better way (as always!!) He says worry is a waste of time. You really can’t change a thing by worrying about it. He says to “Cast your cares on Him” and that the “Joy of the Lord” is to be our STRENGTH. It really DOES work.
Does this puppy look stressed? Not at all. He’s relaxed – sleeping – even oblivious to what’s going on around him. Safe and secure if the road gets rough. Trusting that “the driver” will bring them to their destination. Peacefully enjoying the journey. Maybe we need to try TRUSTING GOD with our circumstances and relaxing IN HIS CARE. Stress levels would go down. Worry and fear would fade away.
Can you give your worries to God? He’s big enough to handle them! He has a better answer than you’ve come up with – one that will actually resolve your situation!! Trust Him. Take the plunge and make this your “New Year’s Resolution” – to TRUST GOD and follow HIS guidance for your life. Try it for yourself. You’ll enjoy the journey. Relaxed and safe in His care.
Selah Y
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)