Monthly Archives: April 2016

Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Political

How to set America back on the Right Path

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americas path

We’re coming down to the final days of the primary election, and although I’ve pretty much made my mind up on who I’m voting for, I’m not happy with any of the choices. I don’t like having to vote in a leader of our nation by choosing who is the least evil. But here we are!

The world would have us believe our nation is without hope, but as long as I serve Jesus Christ, being without hope is not an option. Because He is hope defined! And so to find His hope we must go to His book and follow history, which does seem doomed to repeat itself, but we can also use the historical facts to revise the plan that our idiot leaders have put in place. Not very godly calling our leaders idiots? Probably not, but I stand by it.

Here are my steps to setting our nation back on the right path:

Act like a Child

Hey, they’re pretty good at it already! But look at the child Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 who began to reign as king at the ripe old age of eight! He had way more sense than our current administration.

2 Chronicles 34:1-2

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

He didn’t go to the right or the left. Wow, could we learn a lesson there? And that’s not a plug for any other political party, that’s for throwing the political party notions out completely. America could begin an incline if we just walked straight. If honesty was the rule, not the exception. If we turned our nation back to God and acknowledged that because of Him, and only Him, we are still here. Not to the right or to the left… just straight.

Even as a child Josiah knew that. Perhaps because he was yet to be jaded by the politics of the day.

Break Stuff

Another childish attribute that may be worthy of re-visiting. I don’t mean in the literal sense, although that would work, but what about breaking up collective groups of people who go against the foundation that America was established upon. You know… the foundation that made us a great nation.

In verses 3-4 Josiah, now at the age of 16, he began to seek after God and through God’s guidance he broke up those who worshipped other gods and destroyed their nation through idolatry and filth. “But it’s a free country,” they say, “We’ve got rights” they say. I’m okay with that. But I too have rights; and my rights tell me that you don’t have the right to corrupt my children and grandchildren, take away my ability to defend myself and speak the gospel where ever it is that I want to. And if you try to take that from me, it’s my right to break stuff. Like breaking up your organization who only wants freedom for self, not for others. A nation returned to God because a teen decided to break stuff. Whew! That’ll preach.

Verses 3-7

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

Build Stuff

At the age of twenty six, when he had finished breaking stuff, Josiah began to build, and he began with building the spiritual side of his nation. America could do wonders for the economics of our nation if they’d start building back the churches. Josiah’s leaders put finances under accountability and put the worshippers back into place. They weren’t worried about who had the finest chariot in the community they were concerned with making the house of God back into its prominent position. Josiah knew that God had to be central in getting his nation back, so they began to rebuild the church. Oh my stars can I get an Amen. We have the buildings… but we need the accountability and worship, and we need to be building God’s church by filling His pews with people. Are you building? Are you inviting people to church?

Verses 8-14

Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem. And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the Lord, to repair and amend the house: Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed. And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick. Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.  And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses.

Have Story Time

Remember what it was like as a child, or when your children were small and how they loved to be read to? When Hilkiah “found the book,” the very Word of God that had been forgotten Josiah insisted that they be read to. And the entire nation heard the word of God! I almost cut this blog down by picking out parts and piece of this scripture to fit my points. But then I thought, that’s what’s wrong with America. We’ve stopped reading and listening to the Word of God and that’s who we got ourselves in this mess. So this is the entire chapter of 34, and it’s still just a very small portion of what God needs us to hear. Finish the chapter, and then determine in your heart to make a difference and hold on to Hope! Don’t forget that church day is in just a few days… get busy building!

Verse 15-33

And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go, enquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book. And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect. And she answered them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again. Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.  And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord.  And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.  And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. -And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. And all his days they departed not from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.

 

Life Inspiration

Finding the “O” in Overwhelmed

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finding the O

It’s not every day that I feel overwhelmed, else my bones would not survive! It’s amazing how the pressures of life can have a physical toll on our bodies. I’m sure the medical professionals would tell us that it was so, but we don’t have to go see a doctor to know that it is; the Bible tells us it is when David said in Psalm 22:14 ~ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

There are many other mentions of the aches of his bones caused by the pressures within and without. Times when David was so overwhelmed, far greater than anything we’ve likely experienced and before us as an example that we’ll make it! Psalm 77 is one such Psalm that commentary is unclear if this was a personal heartache or a national heartache, but I’m pretty sure we too have both concerns, at least I do. Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Read on!

77:1-6

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

It’s Okay to Complain

David said I cried to my God with my voice. Complaining to God isn’t for the purpose of alerting Him we have an issue… He already knows. It’s for the purpose of letting our troubles know… I told God on you! As a kid I was not a tattletale, I hated to see someone get into trouble! But when it comes to Satan and his merry minions who wreak havoc in my life continually I do not mind taking my plight to God. It encourages my soul to know that my worries and heartache are in much more capable hands than mine. God wants to hear from His children, He wants to know it is He Whom we depend upon and not ourselves, but don’t stay in a state of complaint. David couldn’t sleep or speak, his heart was consumed with concern. I’ve seen time and time again where people reject the peace of God and continue wallowing in grief and concern over the issue. I’ve done it!

It’s Opportunity to Commune

Talking to God is an opportunity to encourage your soul and reap the peace that He offers. David communed with his own heart and it is there that he felt overwhelmed. Listen to the questions he was asking… Verse 7-9

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

David had all but given up when communing with himself! Make sure when you’re praying you’re not just praying to hear yourself complain. I’ve done it. I just wanted to whine! And all I managed to do was heap more despair in my soul. It is God we should be hearing from, not our own heart! David finally realized this when he said in verse 10 “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.”

He essentially said, “I’m making this my problem. And it’s not.” He started reminiscing on what the Most High God had brought him through.

It’s the “O God” of Comfort

Vs. 11-20

 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.  Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

When David started thinking back on what God had not only brought him through, but the people of his Nation, it was then he got to the “O God” of comfort. Who is so great a God as our God? The God that doest wonders! Our redeemer, the wind and waves obey You, O God!

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Go ahead and complain! It’s okay. But don’t stay there long. Start thinking back about what God has brought you through and it won’t be long until you too will be saying “O God that doest wonders! You got this!” I wrote myself happy today. God is so faithful…

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Life Inspiration

How to Slog Through Life

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Life's muddy

On weeks like this, with an upcoming retreat at weeks end you’ll generally see me fade in and out of the woodwork on the blog scene as I give way to preparation for the event. But this week (possibly for months) I have been somewhat scarcer! This morning as I prepared to take time in His word, and seek out His message to me (that’s who I write for) my thoughts drifted… or perhaps I should say slid into place I hate to go. Frustration. I’m frustrated with me, I’m frustrated with other people. It’s like standing on the edge of a miry mud hole. Have you been there? You’re aware of the fact that you’re about to slide in, but you can’t seem to stop it. Oh, you could have not been around the mud hole to start with, but now it’s too late for that and it’s about to go down; or your song book is, or your instrument case or possibly even you and it’s going to stain whatever it touches. Possibly even to the point that the stain will me irremovable.

Or so Satan would have me believe.

My friend Gloria gave me the gift of “sloggers” recently. They are the cutest little slip on rubber mud shoes for summer nights of pickin’ at some less than paved bluegrass venues. They’ll keep my feet dry and with the deep tread on the bottoms they’ll hopefully keep me upright and beautiful as I don the stage to perform. This morning I needed sloggers in the kitchen. Something that would keep my mind upright and beautiful.

And then I am reminded what the Psalmist said in Psalm 37:31

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

I have the Lord Jesus in my heart, and with His words I won’t slide. They’ll shore me up and keep me upright and beautiful. This is where my mind should be this morning! Not teetering on the edge of ickiness (so not a word) but it is an emotion, but holding on to the whatsoever’s.

Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

True

Romans 3:4 ~ God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

GOD IS TRUE, SATAN IS A LIAR. I am judged by no man, but God is my Judge and He is just.

Honest

Luke 8:15 ~ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

I’m on good ground. I’m not perfect, but I must continue on in sincerity serving the God who created me with purpose in the place He has called me to be. Waiting for the promised fruit.

Just

Galatians 3:11 ~ But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

I cannot live “good enough” to justify the price God’s Son paid. I must live by faith alone that God loves me regardless.

Pure

Hebrews 10:22 ~ Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

There is no purer water than that which cleansed my soul the day of my salvation. And though I am saved by grace alone, I need the cleansing water of the Word of God to be my spiritual washcloth that cleanses my soul each day.

Lovely

Song of Solomon 5:16 ~ His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Jesus. My Friend.

Good Report

Hebrews 11:1-3 ~ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Faith is a good report. Sometimes I do well to muster a mustard seed of faith. But I want that good report that the elders received and so I’ll continue on. Slogging through the mud if necessary. Believing God’s going to bring me through the other side. This world is a dirty place to live in… but my God is a cleansing God. Glory!

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Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Grace, Life Inspiration

Is God Fed Up With His People?

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CHICK FED

Have you ever wondered exactly how “fed up” God is with His people. I must confess that I get fed up with people pretty easy. People walk in and out on God and the church like He’s a local supermarket. They hand Him their grocery list

  • Fruit of the Spirit
  • Milk of the Word
  • Meat (if it’s done right)
  • Water of the Word (flavored please)
  • Serving towels… the pretty ones… not the ones you use.

And “if” they can find the time they’ll actually come for dinner, but it needs to be of the heat and eat variety because kickoff’s at noon. Oh yeah… I’ve gone to medlin’. But this thought entered my mind as I read in Zechariah 11:7 this morning.

Feed the Flock

 And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

I think Zechariah was at the fed up point and I’m pretty sure he was there because God was there. Those who desired the word of the Lord, the poor of the flock would be fed. In our churches today we have wonderful men of God who week after week pour out their hearts before the congregation of the Lord hoping to stir a fire in the hearts and in a few it does. In every church there’s always a few who show up emptied out and ready to be filled and God is faithful to provide what it is they stand in need of. I’m that person. I need the word of God in my life in every form. I need it from the Preacher, I need to read it for myself and I  need to hear the Holy Spirit speak to my soul. I’m poor every day without it but I’m rich and filled to the brim when I seek to find it. But there are those who were playing church then and we have them yet today, They love it when they feel the power of God in a service, but let’s not get radical and want it outside the walls too. God, said let them go.

Fire the Fakers

In verses 8-11 Zechariah said

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another. And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord.

This is one fed up leader! He fired three men and said I can’t stand them! That’s pretty harsh and I don’t really feel the love of God in his words, until I read further and realize why God is so fed up with people. I understand why He has let our Nation go to the point that it’s at with wicked leadership and immorality running amuck.

Listen to Zechariah’s words of condemnation that bring it into a New Testament realm.

Father Forgive them

 Vs. 12-14

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Zechariah told them to put a value on him and they threw down 30 pieces of silver, just like the value that Judas put on Jesus; and then having tried to return the money, Judas hung himself and the priests purchased the potter’s field because they could put the money in the treasury.

This is my frustration with not only those who fall out on God but myself as well, when I realize that so often I ignore the price my freedom cost. Oh I want to hear from God, but do I want to hear what He has to say. Not always. Because I know I could live better. And His words convict my soul.

I barely touched anything about this scripture. It’s the history of God’s people at play, and their rejection of the Messiah, but history repeats itself in America as we reject the Lord every day when we have the opportunity to serve Him and choose the world instead.

Sunday’s coming…I’m preparing my heart to hear what he’s given my Pastor. Praise God we still have good godly men! Praise God we still have the freedom to hear the word of God. With the state of this nation we should never take that for granted.

Don’t take your grocery list of expectations to church. Go in with a blank piece of paper and let God fill your cart full of what you need at the house. He is faithful!

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Life Inspiration

What More Can I say?

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My God is so Big

Hebrews 11:32a –  And what shall I more say?

The writer of Hebrews asks that question and this morning so do I? I wake up and my mind is pummeled with doubt and frustration and the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart, “Have you looked back at your life lately? When have I ever failed you?” If you’re a child of God that statement just hit you like a ton of bricks. Because God has never failed you. But then I say to you shuck off the bricks, Jesus carries our load.

The writer, who I assume to be Paul, continues on with examples. (vs. 32b-40)

For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Time would fail me as well if I told you of the many times that Jesus pulled my fanny from the fire. Often times with my back pockets singed because I’d just about waited too long to ask Him for help. I hear the song in my mind (Oddly enough it’s the Veggie Tale version) – “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!” That’s not a cartoon quote, that’s bible!

Psalm 66:1-4

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.  Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

God knew the Veggie Tales before they were famous. And He knows you and I, and He knows our heartaches and struggles. He has fought our foes, He has shut the mouth of the lions that we were sure would devour us, He has stopped that fire that crackling the thread on our pockets and delivered us time and time again. If you’re honest you can recall, because you remember what an awesome feeling it was when you were raised to life again!

I love, love, love verse 40 where God says “God having provided some better thing for us.” How awesome is that!

Glory I just wrote myself happy!

Are you struggling with something today? As my finger hits the last key on this blog, I’m praying for you. I’m asking my God (and yours) Who is so great and so mighty, believing there is nothing my God cannot do.

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Faith, Life Inspiration

What Fear and Faith have in Common

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faith and fear

Fear. Even the word causes my heart to flutter a little anxiously. It causes a broad path of memories to be explored of the many times in my life I’ve faced very real adversaries. For the past twenty years many of those battles have been on the spiritual realm. I can think of one physical time of facing a drive home from work through twenty miles of perilous rock slides, water crossings and downed trees that I feared physical harm, a few snowy roads I don’t care to travel again and perhaps a Doctor’s appointment or two that I feared the results, but the fears I face in life are usually of the circumstantial variety that leave the future’s direction questionable. It’s where decisions are made that can change the course of life and making the wrong one could lead to heartache.

Another thing about traveling the road of salvation for twenty years is that I’ve learned the first place I should turn to for direction is in the Word of God. But it’s a big book! And although it’s worked a time or two, opening the Bible willy nilly to a random spot probably isn’t the way God wants you to seek His guidance. It’s why taking time with God’s word is important because you never know when you’ll need to recall a scripture that will nudge your heart in the right direction. But perhaps you’re new to the word of God or you’re just not as well read as you’d like to be, I’ve been guilty of that too! What then?

First and foremost – Pray. Ask God to direct you in your search for truth, peace, answers. He is faithful!!! Talk to Him as you search your way through. Google the topic matter for which you’re struggling with a bible verse search (i.e. – Bible verses for fear) You’ll get great results! But God may want you and He alone to search the scriptures out, be willing to take that path too.

This morning as I face an encounter with uncertainty I began on one trail, and then another and another. I’m always praying for a sign, preceded by the words “I know it’s wrong Lord… but could you give me a sign?” When the Pharisee’s sought a sign they were trying to disprove Jesus, and He called them an evil, adulterous generation. I’m not seeking that kind of sign but more than a sign, I sought hope. If you’re in a trial or have been in a recent one you know where I’m coming from, you just want to know it’ll be alright and the only One capable of telling you that is Jesus Christ. Because He controls the world. So I look to Him for my hope.

And there on the second or third trail I went down my hope was found in Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

That’s an awesome verse! But more than that it had numerical meaning to me. 419 is my husband’s unit number when he serves for the Emergency Medical Services in Calhoun County and my fear concerns him. I’m not telling you that God will give you a sign, but I am telling you that He will give you the answers you desire. For me today that scripture spoke to my heart in a way the Lord knew I needed, so that I could move forward in faith and trust and not allow fear to be a stumbling block for this journey the Lord has me on.

Are you struggling with something this morning? Pray and ask God to reveal through His word what it is you stand in need of. Are you in need of prayer. Let me have the privilege of praying for you. Comment below and I’ll respond.

Hoping your day is blessed!!!!

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Why you need to meet the Delanceys

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David and Marolyn Delancey

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:18-19

I received a call from my good friend David Delancey yesterday, a man without sight and yet he sees more than I’ll likely ever see through the eyes of God. Possibly because the world is not a distraction to him (well not too much anyway, he does love bluegrass!) I’ve learned so much through he and his wife Marolyn. David is blind and Marolyn has battled cancer for years, beating the odds again and again, defying the logic of man because I believe and she believes, God has a mighty work for her to do. The two of them are not super saints, they’re just plain ol’ ordinary extraordinary children of God.

How does one become ordinarily extraordinary? I’m so glad you ask!

They Care

Much like Habakkuk the prophet whose vision of the coming of Christ caused him great concern for his people, David and Marolyn have a great concern for the people of the earth. All over the earth, not just in their neck of the woods, or in their family, but for the missions of earth. They serve at Marietta Bible Center Church which is the Church on the Campus of Marietta Bible College. They give and they give, not only of money but of time and prayer, while the world around hoards for themselves. They tirelessly pray for the students of Marietta, both current and past and even on the days that they feel terrible, they’re terribly concerned about people. They genuinely care.

They Commend

They praise the Lord in the best of times and the worst of times and they encourage others to praise. They’ll likely hate me for this post (not really, there is no hate in them) but they are humble people, and worthy of introducing you to. Not because they’re any different or better than you and I, but because if the Lord can use them in the manner He does, we’re without excuse. When is the last time you’ve really praised the Lord. I mean out loud and to people who needed to hear it? People who only think they have trouble, but have yet to realize the trouble they’re in without Christ as their Savior.

Habakkuk made the world aware of the return of Christ and praised God for the opportunity 2600 years ago or so, and we may be within seconds of His return and we’re saying nothing. We need to praise the Great and Awesome God and let the world know that to fear Him is to praise Him because you’re acknowledging Who He is.

They Continue

Habakkuk said the Lord would make his feet like hinds (deer) feet to walk upon high ground! In this area of the world for which I live deer season is second only to Christmas, and the ideal Christmas gift is hunting gear. I won’t say that deer are worshipped but it’s real close! They’re a worthy adversary for the hunter because of their sure footedness and grace. That should be the life of a Christian, should it not? My friends, David and Marolyn, know where they stand! They stand on the solid ground and saving grace of Jesus Christ. They continue to tell the world about Jesus on their bad days and their good.

Who are you going to tell today? If you’re saved you are without excuse you know? Me too. I don’t tell it near as often or as loud as I should.

Jesus is coming back, and none of the heartache we’re facing will compare to being left behind when He calls His church home.

Tell somebody! Love on somebody today with the love of Christ like my friends do. Sing a song about Jesus! I hope it’s bluegrass 😉

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Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

Why You Need to Meet the Delanceys

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David and Marolyn Delancey

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:18-19

I received a call from my good friend David Delancey yesterday, a man without sight and yet he sees more than I’ll likely ever see through the eyes of God. Possibly because the world is not a distraction to him (well not too much anyway, he does love bluegrass!) I’ve learned so much through he and his wife Marolyn. David is blind and Marolyn has battled cancer for years, beating the odds again and again, defying the logic of man because I believe and she believes, God has a mighty work for her to do. The two of them are not super saints, they’re just plain ol’ ordinary extraordinary children of God.

How does one become ordinarily extraordinary? I’m so glad you ask!

They Care

Much like Habakkuk the prophet whose vision of the coming of Christ caused him great concern for his people, David and Marolyn have a great concern for the people of the earth. All over the earth, not just in their neck of the woods, or in their family, but for the missions of earth. They serve at Marietta Bible Center Church which is the Church on the Campus of Marietta Bible College. They give and they give, not only of money but of time and prayer, while the world around hoards for themselves. They tirelessly pray for the students of Marietta, both current and past and even on the days that they feel terrible, they’re terribly concerned about people. They genuinely care.

They Commend

They praise the Lord in the best of times and the worst of times and they encourage others to praise. They’ll likely hate me for this post (not really, there is no hate in them) but they are humble people, and worthy of introducing you to. Not because they’re any different or better than you and I, but because if the Lord can use them in the manner He does, we’re without excuse. When is the last time you’ve really praised the Lord. I mean out loud and to people who needed to hear it? People who only think they have trouble, but have yet to realize the trouble they’re in without Christ as their Savior.

Habakkuk made the world aware of the return of Christ and praised God for the opportunity 2600 years ago or so, and we may be within seconds of His return and we’re saying nothing. We need to praise the Great and Awesome God and let the world know that to fear Him is to praise Him because you’re acknowledging Who He is.

They Continue

Habakkuk said the Lord would make his feet like hinds (deer) feet to walk upon high ground! In this area of the world for which I live deer season is second only to Christmas, and the ideal Christmas gift is hunting gear. I won’t say that deer are worshipped but it’s real close! They’re a worthy adversary for the hunter because of their sure footedness and grace. That should be the life of a Christian, should it not? My friends, David and Marolyn, know where they stand! They stand on the solid ground and saving grace of Jesus Christ. They continue to tell the world about Jesus on their bad days and their good.

Who are you going to tell today? If you’re saved you are without excuse you know? Me too. I don’t tell it near as often or as loud as I should.

Jesus is coming back, and none of the heartache we’re facing will compare to being left behind when He calls His church home.

Tell somebody! Love on somebody today with the love of Christ like my friends do. Sing a song about Jesus! I hope it’s bluegrass 😉

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK!!!

Life Inspiration

What to do when you’re feeling Down

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moodI almost laughed out loud when I read David’s Psalm. I so got it. It’s what happens when an optimist has a down day, or perhaps several down days. There is no doubt that I’m a glass half full kind of gal, but even we have days where the cups looking  a little empty and there’s not a coffee pot in sight. Yes, that’s what my joy cup is filled with. That orange and white bag of pure goodness called Duncan Donuts! Life will get you down and it’s not a time to let go of your sunny disposition at the hand of a joy snatcher. They’re out there ready to steal your joy, suck the life out of your day and drink the last drop of liquid sunshine. So what can you do to get your joy back?

Let’s take a gander at what King David did.

HE COMPLAINED

Psalm 77

Vs. 1~ I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

Pray and believe God listens. The first thing Satan will tell you is that God doesn’t care about your trouble. Yes He does and Satan’s a liar, move on. Even if life doesn’t get better for a while you have to trust God. Listen to David’s complaint.

Vs. 2-10 ~  In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

God’s okay with a complainer. From God’s vantage point our problem has a beginning, middle and end. He knows them all, but He understands that we don’t. God doesn’t expect us to be a super saint, that’s why He put the illustrations throughout the bible of real people like David who made huge mistakes, who had huge troubles and huge enemies and God delivered him, even after he whined.

HE COMMUNED

 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

David complained but he finally got to the realization that “he” was going to have to get over it. When he communed with his heart. This is my infirmity he said. This is not God’s problem, God doesn’t have problems. I have to get over myself and realize that God’s got me covered. Just as David did we can complain or we can choose to move on and allow God to do something amazing in us. But He can’t do that if we’re stuck in the mire of complaining. We have to search our spirit and find that happy place that will allow us to pull ourselves up out the mire and start afresh. It’s when taking three steps back is a good idea. Look at what God has not only brought your through but the examples He set before us.

HE COMPILED THE VICTORIES

Vs. 11-20 ~ I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.  The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

David got into the word of God and looked at the victories God had won in the lives of His people. Seriously, what does our problems look like in comparison to Moses and the children of Israel being chased by Pharaoh’s army? Facing 40 years in the wilderness? David had the Old Testament, we have the New Testament.  Look at the victory won for us on the cross; the Holy Spirit dwells within our soul and encourages us from within to go on, God’s got us covered. We have so much more!

Yes, we’ll have bad days and we can complain, But Commune with the Spirit of God and Compile your list of things that God has brought you through before. And move on! Let God do something so amazing that you can’t even comprehend it!

That’s my God! I’m headed back for another cup of liquid sunshine to get this day started.

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Making Randomness a Habit

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rak

At 6 a.m. I heard my husband talking to someone outside and then the roar of a loud exhaust coming to life. A young man had ran out of gas in front of our house and David poured what little bit of gas he had in the lawn mower can into his truck and sent him on his way, hoping it was enough to get him to the gas station 6 miles out. A random act of kindness, often referred to as Raking someone. What used to be a way life for America now has an acronym. I find that odd. But I also live in a little country town where random acts of kindness are a part of who we are. Oh, be not deceived, we have our share of grumpy pants people too, but another thing about living in a small town is we probably know why they’re grumpy. Sometimes they have good reason, and sometimes they’re just mean.

There was a picture that went viral last week of a couple of guys at a coffee shop praying through a drive thru window for a grieving woman in her car. Oh how it stirred my soul to see it! Such compassion we need more of. I was in need of prayer on Sunday and a prayer group that adopted me in, prayed over my voice; it was humbling to know that people I’d never met would take the time to lift my name to the throne of grace and ask God to help a sister out!

We take prayer for granted. Or at last I do! It costs nothing but a little of our time and can net such results. I have several people on a prayer list in my journal that I pray over and I’ve seen God move over many of them, and others seem to be lying dormant for results. But just like the trees, flowers, and even an old pickup truck that we see coming to life in these spring days, the answer may be getting ready to break through the ground. God may just be waiting to hear us pray one more time.

It’s not that He didn’t hear the first time; but just as He doesn’t have lilies blooming in January in our neck of the woods for a reason, He also doesn’t allow prayers to be acted upon for a reason. It’s not their time. We oftentimes don’t see the results on this side of glory. But as my friend Tracy Miller’s song says, “He’s not a Jeanie in a bottle, but He’s the God of love and grace!”

What are you praying for? Keep on praying.

Whose path may you cross today that needs prayer? Take the time.

The love of God should be going viral every day in the life of a Christian.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

JESUS CHRIST. THE GREATEST INTENTIONAL RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS.

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