Monday, March 31, 2014

Hear My Cry, O God!

 It's been a very different(yes, I might even say, "difficult") weekend and now the week is turning out the same way. So I thought I would kind of mix things up a bit. I'm posting "Honey for the Heart" at the beginning of the week and my weekly "gratitude" post at the end of the week.

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! 
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
 "Hear my cry, O God!" 
....In terrible earnest, David shouted and lifted up his voice on high. Being in distress, this was vocally expressed with great fervency and importance.
Sometimes the pressures of life may make us want to run away and hide, that no matter how hard we pray, we feel our prayers are getting nowhere.

"Attend unto my prayer." 
We may ask, "give it Thy consideration, O God, and such an answer as Thy wisdom sees fit." The Lord at all times hears his people's cries, and is never forgetful of their prayers; whatever else fails to move him, praying breath is never spent in vain!".(Charles H. Spurgeon)

"my heart; it is overwhelmed"
"Drawn into a spiral of trouble, borne down by a tremendous sea of difficulty, crushed and broken; my heart is overwhelmed within me." Can you now get an idea of the extreme sorrow of the psalmist's spirit? "Yet," says he, "even then will I cry unto Thee." When we have exhausted every resource and we feel we are going under, but we can do nothing. (source)

It is hard to pray when the very heart is drowning, yet tribulation brings us to God, and brings God to us. Faith's greatest triumphs are achieved in her heaviest trials.



"Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. There is a place for the child of God to live without worry and that is by going to the Rock. I love the visual of our God as the Rock! 

"There is a mine of meaning in this brief prayer. Along the iron-bound coast of the northern shores, lives are lost because the rocks are inaccessible to the shipwrecked mariner. A clergyman of one of the coast villages has With immense labour cut steps up from the beach to a large chamber, which he has excavated in the chalk cliff: here many mariners have been saved; they have climbed the rock, which had else been too high for them, and they have escaped. We have heard of late, however, that the steps have been worn away by the storms, and that poor sailors have perished miserably within sight of the refuge which they could not reach, for it was too high for them: it is therefore proposed to drive in iron stanchions, and to hang up chain ladders that shipwrecked mariners may reach the chambers in the rock. The illustration is self-interpreting. Our experience leads us to understand this verse right well, for the time was with us when we were in such amazement of soul by reason of sin, that although we knew the Lord Jesus to be a sure salvation for sinners, yet we could not come at him, by reason of our many doubts and forebodings."
I'm reminded how we are led to cry for grace upon grace, and to see how dependent we are for everything, not only for the Savior, but for the power to believe on Him.

No spot is too dreary, no condition too deplorable; whether it be the world's end or life's end, prayer is equally available. To pray in some circumstances needs resolve, and the Psalmist here expresses it, "I will cry." It was a wise resolution, for had he ceased to pray he would have become the victim of despair(as we all would become); there is an end to a man when he makes an end to prayer.

I found this song on Youtube and loved the music, put to the words in the Psalms... 

"Oh, masterpiece of faith, that from a broken spirit can present prevailing prayer!"
 ( C. H. Spurgeon.)

Praying that God will lead us to “that Rock that is higher than I.”
 
Linking over to these blog hops:
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Thursday, March 27, 2014

I'm a Liebster Nominee!

I found out the other day that my awesome bloggy friend, Joan Davis, over at The Beauty In His Grip, nominated me for the Liebester Blog Award! Now, to my knowledge, there's no trophy or monetary payment for this award. It's more of a recognition from a blogger who has been encouraged by another Christian blogger. (Personally, having someone recognize my blog as being encouraging is better, anyways! Thanks again, Joan, for nominating me!! :)) I was nominated, along with 4 other bloggers, who, if they chose to, they could do the same. 

Not only do the nominees get to choose 5 of their favorite blogs, but they get to answer 11 questions, presented by the nominating blogger. This is a great way for fellow Christian bloggers to get to know and encourage each other. So, without further ado...

 http://reneweddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blogger-image-1259597635.jpg

First, I'll be answering the questions that Joan presented to me. Here are the questions: 
1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?  Somewhere tropical! I love the ocean and beach! I've always loved South Carolina (visited there twice on vacation). My hubby and I have even discussed spending the winter months there, once we both retire.
2. What is one silly moment you've had that you'd like to share?  Wow! Just one!? I love getting silly, especially with my hubbs! I recently saw these pics on my facebook page and they reminded me of all the silly times we have together. These were taken at a 2-day Christian concert that we went to, as we were waiting for the performers to get on stage! Love the expressions!!

 Here's a serious one, just to let you know that we can also be "normal"! :)

3. What is your favorite dessert? Peanut butter pie!! (I love anything with peanut butter in it!) Now, my mouth is watering and I'm craving some PB Pie!
4. What has been the greatest blessing through blogging? Making new friends! I've met and have been blessed by so many Christian bloggers from all over the world! Now to be able to travel all over and meet them all in person would be a dream come true!
5. What is your favorite room in your home? My sun porch! Now that we live on a lake, the view is so relaxing (especially in the summer, when I can open all the windows and get a cool breeze and hear the sound of water lapping the shore)
6. Do you have a favorite animal? If so, what is it? Well, if you mean any animal in the world...I've always loved giraffes. They are such a unique creation of God. But on a more personal level...my two Chihuahua dogs, Jet and Cheyenne! They are like family members!
7. What is your favorite trait about yourself? (I know that's a tough one to share, but you can do it!!) Yes, this is a challenge. I'd have to say having an upbeat, positive spirit. I naturally am an encourager and that comes out in my personality.
8. What is your favorite color?  This can vary for me. Awhile back, I owned so many purple outfits, it was ridiculous!  I love and tend to be pulled toward bright colors! But I also love the deep blue color of the ocean and sky on a clear sunny day. So relaxing!
9. What is your favorite time of day? Interestingly, evening (at sunset) and nighttime are my two favorite times. I've never been a fan of mornings.
10. What is a favorite "God moment" you'd like to share? This wasn't a specific "moment", as much as it was God's "intervention and timing". I met my hubby in a newspaper single's ad. I would have NEVER had the courage to answer his ad, if my sister hadn't prompted me. Then, after we dated a few months, I moved 2 states away and we stopped dating and had NO contact for almost 2 years. Out of the blue, I moved back home and within 2 weeks, Ken called me to just say "hi". He had no idea where I was living. A friend had asked him about me and he was prompted to call me again. The rest is history!!
11. What is your favorite book of the Bible? That's a hard one. There are several I love to read. More recently, I'd have to say the book of Ruth. I love her life story of devotion to God and the Israelite people. In the New Testament, I'd say, I love reading Philippians. Seems like every time I read it, I gain something new from it to apply to my life.




I nominated the following bloggers for the Liebster Award. I also listed their bios/profiles. Feel free to visit their blogs and see what awesome bloggers they truly are(Also, don't forget to check out Joan's blog!):
1.  Rachelle @ From the Heart of Rachelle D.
  •  I am a wife, daughter, mother, bilingual teacher, poet, author, women's Bible study teacher, world traveler, orphan advocate, and an adoptive mother.  Our adoption journey has been filled with a lot of hurt and loss, along with even more hope, grace, and healing.  Through it we have experienced more of God than we ever bargained for and have watched Him miraculously redeem our story when we surrendered all the broken pieces to Him.
 2. Cherry @ Pursuing Heart
  • Always learning more of God's unending grace, mercy, and love through the joys and trials of this life. Blessed beyond measure to share my days with my husband, and to be the mom of six (grown) children, and grama to ten sweet grandkids. And desiring to follow Jesus and reflect His love and grace.
3. Sharon @ Sharon Sharing God
  • I'm a 50-something, married, Christian woman. I have one wonderful husband, two great adult sons, an awesome daughter-in-law, and an adorable granddog (a beloved beagle!) I consider myself a COLEN ("Change-Of-Life Empty-Nester"). This is a time of transition in my life. Things are changing, and so am I. However, I desire nothing more than to serve my Savior. Please join me on my journey as I walk out my faith in the second half of life!
4. Hazel Moon has 2 amazing blogs A Joyful Noise  and Tell Me a True Story
  • I am married to Robert and we have 4 grown children. I have been a teacher of the Word of God from an early age. I am an ordained minister but am retired except for an occasional wedding or funeral. Sharing about Jesus is a passion and that is why this blog has been set up. I write true stories with a spiritual twist.
 5. Toni @ In His Embrace
  • This website was born out of much love for our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of His people. Every word is written in hopes of glorifying God and for the edification of the reader. It is my fervent prayer that all who visit will leave feeling blessed, encouraged and excited to share it with others.
It’s all about spreading the word about other blogs out there that are of great value. So in accepting the award I have the responsibility to share with you some of my favourite regular read blogs. And I know I’m always interested to know what some of my favourite bloggers are reading, so hopefully you will find this interesting too. - See more at: http://www.teenagewhisperer.co.uk/sharing-the-love-my-top-recommended-blogs-as-a-liebster-award-winner/#sthash.bvqG4Fvf.dpuf

Posted by at 6 comments:

Monday, March 24, 2014

Blazing Hearts On Fire (Pt.2)

Already, this year, I have learned so much about what it means to be "fervent" for the Lord. Other words that are used in Scripture to describe this trait are "blazing" or "on fire". 
 "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!" 
Luke 12:49

What does fire represent in the Bible?
  • It can represent the presence of God -- think pillar fire in Exodus (13:17-22) and the tongues of flame at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).  
  • It can also represent eschatological judgment -- in Revelation, Satan and his army are consumed by fire (20:7-10). 
  • Fire also represents purification -- Zachariah (13:9) and Malachi (3:2-3) each refer to God's intention to purify Israel like a refiner purifies silver by fire.
source 
 
When someone is "on fire", they can't sit still. They are in love with Jesus and they cannot keep this love to themselves. They are unselfish people. They love Jesus more than anything or anyone else. They overflow with zeal, hunger, and thirst for more of Jesus.

When the word of the Lord penetrates your heart, it will cause a fire to burn on the inside of you. It's a fire that man cannot put out. It's a fire that has been ignited by God. It's supernatural in origin.

If you want to be "on fire" for God, you must keep yourself in the the Word. Allow the Word of God to become a part of you. It takes work to stay "on fire" for the Lord. Discipline yourself to stay hungry for God. It means spending time with Jesus when you'd sometimes like to be doing other things. It means witnessing to someone when you're dog tired and want to go to bed. It means laying down your life, so that He can live through you.
source

We must constantly strive to keep that fire burning brightly! What good is a furnace when its fire goes out? It's cold and dark and useless! But it's still all there--just no fire. If the furnace goes dead in my house in the cold winter months, the whole house will grow freezing cold.--And, sad to say, that's what's happened to most of the churches of the Bible, and even many churches today. The fire's gone out, so the whole house has grown cold and frozen in lifeless, Spiritless formality! We must be aware, so this doesn't happen to us, as believers.

Another verse that uses the word "blazing fire" is found in the Song of Solomon:

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame."
Solomon 8:6
God desires that your heart be set on fire with His Love… ultimately that you love as He loves.  The Holy Spirit dwelling within us makes this possible. I know I've posted lots of videos lately, but sometimes it's the words in the songs that make what I'm learning even more meaningful. This song by Britt Nicole says it so well... 
"Set the World on Fire"
 "Take my dreams, come and give them wings....Lord, with You, there's nothing I cannot do!"  
- Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.       
I'm also sharing, once again, some more blessings that the Lord has provided and gifted me with throughout my week. Linking up with  "Multitude on Mondays" blog hop over at "A Holy Experience".
1,659 - A clean house! (We did some major cleaning this past weekend, which we hadn't done in awhile.)
1,660 - FINALLY, we are finished with the remodeling of our upstairs bathroom!!
1,661 - So thankful that the Lord is teaching me to be fervent for Him - to have a blazing heart!!
1,662 - A big Sunday morning breakfast! French toast, bacon, and eggs! Yummy!
1,663 - We got to see our son this past weekend, as he came home for a visit!
1,664 - That God has blessed me with such an amazing, gifted son!!

This is Part 2 in a series, titled "Blazing Hearts On Fire". To read Part 1 go HERE.


Linking over to these blog hops:
Posted by at 6 comments:

Saturday, March 22, 2014

The Lord Is Near

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!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mef0gcjHZV1rm5g57o1_1280.jpg
Are you broken hearted? Has your heart been torn apart by the events in your life?  Has your heart been broken by the people you love?  Does your mind feel the pain so much that you have trouble thinking of anything else? Do you feel crushed inside under the weight of your troubles?

 Every once in awhile I find myself in this state. My heart is crushed by everything that's happening around me, especially when it involves the people I love the most. That has been the case for me just recently. I love my son!! But seeing him usually has been a bitter-sweet pill. Our times together can either be awesome and enjoyable or they can be excruciatingly stressful.(It usually is a little bit of both.)

 Prayer can be difficult and tiring when we are going through these trials. When the grace of God is delayed, and all experience of it so far withdrawn, as that our spirits begin to fail, it is a very severe trial.

Sometimes we think that if we just try hard enough or pray hard enough things will change. Yet sometimes it's not about God giving us what we want (though I do know how frustrating that can seem at the time).

God knows just how I feel and what I'm going through. He feels my pain, He knows my sorrow, and He wants me to cry out to Him for help. The One True God will save everyone who has been crushed by life. He will rescue, defend and deliver us from all of our troubles if we cry out to Him, and trust and accept His will for our life.

Even in the darkest of moments, God gives us a bit of comfort and light. Even when we cannot seem to see the purpose in, or reasons behind, the obstacles, we can turn to God and ask Him the questions. Yet, it is up to us to allow God into our lives so that He can open our eyes to all the other possibilities.

 If your very heart, mind and soul, the center of your being is crushed and hurt, then the Lord, the One who has always existed, is near you right now.  

Always remember, the Lord Who knows all about you is very close to you when you are bursting or broken in pieces.




Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Thursday, March 20, 2014

GOD'S NOT DEAD!!!

I decided to take a break from my posts on being "Fervent" and share some things that have been heavy on my heart lately.

Mostly, I've been struggling with how much the world (and especially the United States) has not only become greatly secularized, but is often working overtime to tear down and degrade those who are claiming and living out their Christian beliefs. Not only that, but I'm seeing how our own schools (funded by the state) and government (funded also by the citizens) are now trying to make it illegal for Christians to express/live out their Christian convictions. What we used to be able to do freely, without fear of being sued, reprimanded, and threatened has become a concern in many schools, businesses, and daily lives.

There is a new movie, recently made by "Pure Flix" that will be opening in many theaters around the nation on Friday, March 21st.

Here is a review by the Dove (award) Foundation:
"This is a powerful film. Kevin Sorbo(played Hercules years ago) turns in a brilliant performance as a Philosophy professor who starts his new class by insisting that his students sign a paper stating "God is dead". One student, named Josh, refuses to do so and Professor Jeffery (Sorbo) tells him he must debate the topic that God is dead and give convincing evidence that he is not. Josh accepts the challenge and the viewer later learns why Professor Jeffery has been bitter at God for a long time. It should be noted that the professor's girlfriend is a Christian but he just can't seem to outrun God.

Other plots involve a man named Mark (Dean Cain, who played in the T.V. series, Superman.) who is self absorbed and doesn't care when he learns his girlfriend has cancer. He ignores his elderly mother too who has dementia and is in a nursing home. This compelling movie features the Newsboys who minister to the woman with cancer and a providential moment when Pastor Dave (David A.R. White) has an opportunity to minister to a certain college professor. In addition, a woman lives for Jesus despite the fact her father belongs to another religion and will reject her if she doesn't reject Christ. We are happy to award this movie our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal for ages twelve plus. This movie is a powerful tool to remind every viewer: God is certainly not dead!"

I have a son who is currently in college and my husband and I plan on taking him to see this movie this coming weekend.


If you think this isn't truly a big problem in the schools our country, think again! Please watch the video below! It is very unnerving and frightening to think about what our future generations are being taught and by whom!!
This is why the movie "God's Not Dead" is SO important! If you have or know a college student/high school student, PLEASE watch/take them to the movie! Our freedoms as Christians are being taken away!!
I would highly recommend that all Christians, especially for teens to young adults, watch this movie! To see a list of possible theaters that are near you that are playing this movie, go HERE.   If you aren't able to go see it, please pray for those who will be. This can be such a powerful tool to bring others to Christ!
 "God's Not Dead is a powerful reminder of the importance of always being ready to give a defense of the hope that is in us, and how desperately hungry the hurting world around us is for that hope."
Bob Pritchett, CEO, Logos Bible Software
 Here is the official music video of the song "God's Not Dead" by the Newsboys. I think the movie was based on that song and will include the band in the movie itself. I have always like this song, so I really look forward to seeing the movie, also!
I'm also sharing, once again, some more blessings that the Lord has provided and gifted me with throughout my week. Linking up with  "Multitude on Mondays" blog hop over at "A Holy Experience".
Some of my favorite verses that remind me that the Lord is eternal:
  • 1,651 - Revelation 1:8
    I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
  • 1,652 - Psalm 90:1-4
    Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
    Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
    You turn men back to dust,
    saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”
    For a thousand years in your sight
    are like a day that has just gone by,
    or like a watch in the night.
  • 1,653 - 1 Timothy 1:17
    Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1,654 -  Even though it actually snowed here this morning, it's officially the first day of Spring! Beauty and new life is just around the corner!! :)
1,655 - My stepfather's healing...he's had poor health and was in the hospital for a few days, but is now home.
1,656 - A good annual review from my boss in the counseling center at work.
1,657 - Talented and conscientious Christians who are dedicated to making movies, like "God's Not Dead" (And "The Son of God" that is also in theaters.)
1,658 - Getting excited to see my son this coming weekend!! (Visiting from college)    

Linking over to these blog hops:

Posted by at 3 comments:

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!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
 
 
 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.
 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

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!!

source

===========================
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:

Posted by at 4 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)