Saturday, March 15, 2014

A Quiet Retreat

Welcome to
...where I share different verses from the Psalms every week!
 May you find truths about God, yourselves, and living life in the images and word pictures shared here!
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 I find hope in His Word!
 In Christ, through the Word, I find hope for acceptance and justification, for peace, pardon, and eternal salvation; all which are in Him. The promises contained in His Word are my only sure hope! 
 
May you find a quiet retreat, wherever you are, and may you find renewed hope in His Word.
 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Blazing Hearts On Fire (Pt.1)

Jeremiah 20:9
"His word is in my heart like a fire!"
In Luke 3:16 we hear John the Baptist proclaiming  
“I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."  

John shares with us that this fire is a good fire, a fire of the Love of God, a fire of the Holy Spirit, a fire of doing God's will, waiting to burn in each of us. This fire, is the fire that Jesus gives us-the blazing in our hearts that must continually burn.

On Pentecost we see the Church, Christ's believers, set on fire by the Holy Spirit. He creates faith. He sustains faith. He sets our hearts on fire. He builds us up, kindles our faith, through the message of Christ crucified and risen again.

It is His desire that the world would be filled with the fire of belief and Faith in the one true God.
Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
If we are on fire and consumed with God, we are going to have that intimate relationship He desires with us.

This inspiration that fills a life with fire and fervor for the Lord, comes from the HOLY SPIRIT of God! The Bible says, 
"Our God IS a consuming FIRE" (Hebrews 12:29), and repeatedly compares His Spirit to a fire, or flames of fire. (See Acts 2:3,4; Revelation 4:5; Matthew 3:11.)

--So if we want to have a blazing heart for the Lord, full of His fiery anointing and inspiration, all we need to do is just PRAY and ask Him to EMPOWER and FILL us with the power of His Holy Spirit!--And He WILL! Even if you're not always exactly sure what to do or even how to do it, you can PRAY, acknowledge the Lord, and then do your best to obey what you DO know is His will.

Let's get our hearts BLAZING ON FIRE for God by earnestly praying and faithfully and hungrily reading His Word and letting His Truth and His Spirit inspire us, filling us with the vision of the great things He wants to do with us and through us!--And then let's do OUR part by putting our WHOLE heart into WHATEVER tasks we can do for JESUS and OTHERS!!

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I'm continuing to give thanks, listing the many gifts from the Lord! Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".

1,639 - Thankful that my mom, who fell on the ice last weekend, didn't seriously injure herself! 
1,640 - Thankful for extra time with my hubby, who is taking the next several Fridays off because he has to use up his vacation time- making extended weekends!! 
1,641 - Enjoying a few much warmer days (in the 50's, instead of the teens and 20's)
1,642 - Thankful that the ice is holding out for those crazy people who continue to drive their cars out on the lake!! Ahhh!
1,643 - All this snow, trying to melt just a little in the warmer temps.
1,644 - Eating my favorite meal (Fetuchini Alfredo) at our favorite restaurant!(A small hometown diner near our house). 
1,645- My doggies finally getting to walk on grass again!!!(This was the first time our little Cheyenne has walked in our yard since we got her in December)

1,646 - Taking in deep breaths of fresh air on such a gorgeous day!! 
1,647 - Hearing someone calling me from above...no it's not the Lord...
 It's my hubby, who opened a window to let in some fresh air!!

1,648 - The beautiful white birch trees that our neighbors have in their yard look so white in the sunlight!!
1,649 - The warm sun, piercing throught the trees; a jetstream, forming a line across the sky!(It seems like I haven't seen these things in months!)

Linking over to these blog hops:

Saturday, March 8, 2014

God's Mercy and Healing Power!

Welcome to
...where I share different verses from the Psalms every week!
 May you find truths about God, yourselves, and living life in the images and word pictures shared here!
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 It's been a very stressful week! Family members have been sick and injuries from falls on the ice have caused pain and suffering to some.

It is such a comfort to know that God is full of mercy and heals us when we are weak and helpless.
 Most of Psalm 6 talks about our pain and suffering, but in verse 9 we are reminded that...

"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
    the Lord accepts my prayer."
  
Thank You, Lord for showing so much mercy towards me and hearing my prayers that go up to You every day!! Amen.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Strive to be an "Eager Beaver"

(I'm not sure why, but this post has been in my drafts for over a week! I have really struggled either to be motivated to write or just don't have the time/energy to get it completed. So, please bear with me. I am very late getting it published, but I felt I really needed to post it before the end of the week. I'm not sure if someone is supposed to read it this week, or what, but I wanted to post it in obedience to what I sense the Lord is wanting me to do. God bless you all!)

I remember as a child, hearing people use the phrase 
"eager beaver",
to describe someone who was enthusiastic and willing to jump right in with whatever they were doing!

"Referring, of course, to the industrious beaver, this near-rhyming expression is a Canadian Army phrase that was penned around 1940. People observed beavers working and, well, beavering away at their work - they seemed to always be doing work of some sort of other which was admirable."
(From "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997). Page 224.)

Now, I'm not a big fan of beavers. To me, they look like big rodents! But, from what I know about them, they are quite industrious and hard-working.
Metaphorically, an eager beaver is a person who possesses an unusual amount of energy and enthusiasm for working hard and completing far more than might generally be required of him or her.  A willingness, zeal or longing to accomplish a task or fulfil an ambition.

Believers should be eager to follow and serve their Lord in many ways! Here are just a few, followed by verses that share this:

Eager to do good works Tit 2:14 See also 2Co 8:7,22; Tit 3:1,8,14; 1Pe 3:13, 1 Cor. 2:10
Eager to serve Ro 12:11; 1Pe 5:2 See also Ps 110:3; Ro 12:8; 1Co 14:12; Eph 4:3; Tit 3:8, Gal 2:10
Eager to share the truth Ro 1:15; 2Pe 1:15 See also Acts 18:25; Ac 21:13; Ro 15:20; Php 1:20; Jude 3
Eager to receive or understand the truth Mk 12:37; Ac 10:33 See also Mk 10:17 pp Mt 19:16 pp Lk 18:18; Lk 2:15; Lk 21:38; Jn 4:40; Ac 13:42; Ac 17:11; 1Ti 4:15
Eager to give 2Co 8:7 See also Ex 35:21-22; 1Ch 29:9; 2Co 8:11,19; Gal 2:10; 1Ti 6:18
Eager to pray Col 4:2 See also Ro 15:30; Php 1:3-4; Col 4:12
Eager for God’s honour Nu 25:11 See also 1Ki 19:14; 2Ki 10:16; Jn 2:17
Eager to see Jesus Christ’s return and the end of the world 1Co 1:7 See also Mt 24:44 pp Lk 12:40; Ro 8:19 
Creation shares the same eager expectation; Ro 8:23; Gal 5:5; Php 3:20
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Those eager to receive the message of salvation are thought to have noble character:
  • "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11
A wise person is eager, yet patient:
  • "But if we hope for what we do not yet observe, we eagerly wait for it with patience." Romans 8:25 ISV
We also need to be careful about what we are eager for. There are wrong kinds of eagerness:
  • "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10
  • “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 28:20 (NIV)

We also have to be aware that our spiritual eagerness can be superficial and unreal

  • "Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you." Gal. 4:17-18
  • "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;" 1 Peter 5:2
There is also another saying (this one was actually one that I've never heard before):

"An Eager Beaver Could Be The Collapse Of A Dam"

Galatians 4:17-18
They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/eagerness#sthash.L7o9qBt6.dpuf
But, I think it can apply to how we live out our "eagerness". Here are some verses that might apply to this saying:
  • "Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools." Ecc. 7:9 NASB
  • "A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him." Prov. 28:22 NIV
Galatians 4:17-18
They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/eagerness#sthash.L7o9qBt6.dpuf
Are you like the "eager beaver", ready to jump into serving the Lord, or do you struggle to "get things done" with enthusiasm and a willing heart? I know, for me, there are times I am more of an "apathetic aardvark". May we seek to show true eagerness for Him in our lives!!

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I'm continuing to give thanks, listing the many gifts from the Lord! Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".

1,630- Great ladies Bible study lesson, followed by some girl time with my friend!!
1,631 - A quiet week at work.
1,632 - Spending an afternoon with my mom!
me and my mom
1,633 - Getting to sing some great worship songs in our church service!
1,634 - The beginning of the week was difficult, but God got us through it.
  • My great-niece was hospitalized with RSV.
  • Lots of illness /injuries at work.
By today, things were MUCH better...
  • niece feeling better, released from hospital
  • most of the staff feeling better
  • 2 ladies that came into our church for help got saved!!!
1,635 - Watching a crazy driver speeding across the frozen lake and doing donuts.(Yes, this has become our entertainment during these dreary winter months!)


1,636 - Getting stuck in the snow and my hubby taking off work to come push me out! (The blessing wasn't as much, getting stuck as was seeing my hubby!) Such an awesome guy!
1,637 - Safe travels to and from work!
1,638 - After several days of yucky weather, we had sunshine and temps above freezing today!!! Thank You, Lord!!   

"I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other." Romans 1:12
Linking over to these blog hops:

Friday, February 28, 2014

My Soul Thirsts For You, Lord!

Welcome to
...where I share different verses from the Psalms every week!
 May you find truths about God, yourselves, and living life in the images and word pictures shared here!
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Psalm 63:1-8 
Ardent Longing for God
A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God for you I long!
For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, like a land parched, lifeless and without water.
 $18 - Psalm 63:1 by #AmenPrintables via #Society6 
So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship!
I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall that you indeed are my help
   
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.


Monday, February 24, 2014

Ardent for the Lord!

I've never read the book, but the first time I watched the movie "Pride and Prejudice", I fell in love with it! There were many aspects of the movie that I loved, but the most outspoken theme throughout was the great emotional conflict and passion between the the characters.
I think of the part of the movie where Mr. Darcy finally can't hold it back any longer. After pursuing her throughout the movie, he tells Lizzy how he feels about her, no matter what his family or friends said, no matter what society told him, and even when she turned him down at first, ..but he didn't care. I like this brief summary of his ardent devotion. (I only ask for you to watch the first 50 seconds, especially if you've not seen it and don't want to spoil knowing the storyline..but if you're like me, you most likely will watch the whole scene.)

I think of my relationship with Jesus, my Lord and Savior! Oh, that I would hold nothing back, but passionately pursue Him without consideration of what others say or think. To desire to be devoted to Him and let nothing hold my heart and emotions back...
I long to know God. And God desires this connection as well.The longing in our souls can only be quenched by an intimate relationship with our Savior.

With enthusiasm, may we be ardent witnesses of the faith which we have received!  Make the loving face of the Saviour shine in every place, to show all who hear us proclaim our love for Him know truth, life, and hope in a difficult world!
Just as Mr. Darcy proclaimed, so let's proclaim to our God...

Those who are ardent in faith-

  • seem to show a burning faith - in itself a true and evident token of God's divine Presence ! For they truly know their Lord in the Breaking of Bread, whose hearts burn so ardently when Jesus walks with them. (Luke 24:32)
  • display such devotion and affection, such unfeigned love and fervor, to have a heartfelt desire of His love in sacred Communion, that faith may be strengthened, that hope in His goodness may be fostered and that love once perfectly kindled, having tasted the Bread of Heaven, may never fail.(source)
We in our souls all long for a personal, deep relationship. Who better to have one with, than the person that knows us best because He created us?
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Continuing to give thanks, listing the many gifts from the Lord! Linking over at  "Multitude on Mondays".

1,621 - Bible verses that reminded me what it means to be ardent for the Lord...
  •  "For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you."  2 Corinthians 2:4
  •  "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." Matt. 10:27
1,623 - Sierra Mist soft drink 
1,624 - Celebrating my father-in-law's 86th birthday. 
1,625 - Electric heating pads - for those backaches that won't go away! 
1,626 - Beautiful sunrises on a cold winter day!

1,627 - Youtube, where I can listen to music and watch some of my favorite Christian speakers. (Like Ravi Zacharias) 
1,628 - Attending my two granddaughters basketball games.(6th and 8th grades) 
1,629 - I know I share a lot of pictures of them, but I just adore my two canine companions!
Now, they are best friends
 
Taking a ride in the car.
My hubby, talking to Cheyenne
1,630 - Talking with my son tonight on the phone, even if it was just a brief conversation.      

Linking over to these blog hops:


Friday, February 21, 2014

New Weekly Post - "Honey for the Heart"

I have felt a tug lately to share a weekly post that encourages you, my readers to Trust in God , praise God for His love, rejoice in God as Jehovah, learn about His mercy, and seek God's forgiveness, when we have sinned. As you'll discover, all these can be found in one particular Old Testament book.....

The Book of Psalms actually means "Book of Praises" in Hebrew.  It is a book of the Bible, where we not only learn all about God’s character, but also where we can explore all the parts of our lives and  say who we are and what is in us—guilt, anger, salvation, praise—to the God who loves, judges and saves us in Jesus Christ.

Calvin called them "an anatomy of all the parts of the soul." Everything that anyone can feel or experience in relation to God is in these prayers.

As I share different verses from the Psalms every week, remember that the Psalms are to be read with your heart, as well as your head. Truth about God, ourselves, and living life will be found in images, word pictures and emotions. Many of the Psalms meet us where we are, in the nitty-gritty of everyday life, and they point us to our compassionate Creator who is our King, Warrior, Fortress, Shepherd, and Rock. Let the beauty of these Songs sink deep into your soul and they will become 

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Remember God's Faithfulness
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Psalm 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
 Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God? 
 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples. 
 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

 Psalm 77:11-15

One of the first symptoms of old age is "forgetfulness". I have to admit, the older I get, the more forgetful I am becoming. I lose things all the time. I always forget to buy something I meant to get at the store when I go to town.(Even when I have a list!) And, yes, I even have walked into a room to get/do something and forgotten what I walked in for. (So frustrating!)

The Psalms give us many reminders of the things that we must take heed of. One very important thing we must never forget is the faithfulness of God. No matter what happens in our personal lives, or what occurs in the world and events around us, we must unswervingly hold onto His faithfulness. How can we trust in Him to always be faithful, though? 

In Psalm 77, it says we are to remember....

When we remember the works of God, it is a powerful reminder against distrust of His promise and goodness. In the Old Testament, we can remember how He redeemed the decedents of Jacob and Joseph. Today, His works and wonders may be personal things in our lives that we have seen Him do or they can be public acts of God saving and protecting His children.

As we remember the blessings of God, these remembrances will be a glorious message of encouragement!

Lord, help us remember your faithfulness to those from the days of old and in our own lives today. Give us strength and faith to hold unswervingly to Your promises! Amen.


Everything is Blooming!!

Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...