How do you SEE God today?

Are you looking at your circumstances and then looking to God to persuade Him to do it your way?

Or are you seeing God first and then looking at your circumstances?

Have you thought lately about how big God is?

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?  Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?”    Isaiah 40:12 NIV

"”Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:Who created all these?  He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.  Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”             Isaiah 40:26 NIV

He measures the waters of the earth in his hand and calls each of the stars by name!  That is astounding…and we worry about what might happen tomorrow.  He is the Great I Am!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV

He upholds us with the same right hand that He uses to measure the waters of the earth.  What reason do we have to doubt Him?  To think that He doesn’t have it all under control?  He deserves praise and honor for what He’s done for us and we usually burden Him with our sins and offenses (Isaiah 43:24-25) and He still chooses to blot out our transgressions and remembers our sins no more.

So take today to set aside your worries and concerns, VIEW God for who He is and what He’s done – then look at life’s circumstances. Allow Him to use YOU to bring Him glory no matter how you feel things ought to be.  Trust in Him, He knows exactly what you need.

The Word of the Lord Will Stand

For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass.  The grass withers and the flower drops off.  But the Word of the Lord endures forever.  And this Word is the good news which was preached to you.     1 Peter 1:24-25 amp

We, as mere men, only have a short time to bloom here on earth.  The Word of God  never changes.  It will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).  So, with this knowledge…how do we live our lives? 

Everything that God said, He did.  He sent His Son to save a world in need, to pay the price for our sin.  He lets us choose to follow Him.  And often enough, we don’t take this into account.  We follow Him when it’s convenient and comfortable, not necessarily when it squeezes us or brings change to our hearts and lives.

We need to consistently remind ourselves that studying and praying the Word of God are the best ways to proclaim His promises that can’t be undone or ever change.

Look to His Word for answers to your everyday situations and with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Him (Philippians 4:6).

Think About It Thursday – Where’s your focus?

I heard a saying today…”Your focus determines your future”

Wow.  That’s something to take into consideration, especially with all the things that demand our time and energy these days.  We let worry take over and forget that if we seek His kingdom, He takes care of it all (Matthew 6:25-34).

Focus is defined as: a central point, as of attraction, attention or activity.  The things and activities that we spend our time consumed in is what we’re focusing on and that is what will produce fruit in our lives.

The girl in the photo above sees the entire skyline, but she is choosing to only focus in on a certain part to take a picture of.  There’s so much negativity and wrong doings that we hear about day after day, and while it’s fine to take notice of it – it’s not fine to dwell on it and let it affect our everyday lives.

Have you ever heard this saying “Who you will be next year depends upon two things – the books you read and the people you meet”?  Amazingly true, change doesn’t come by sitting around doing nothing.  We have to decide that we’re going to do what it takes to be a different person one year from now.

Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

As a teenager in youth group, we were always told ‘You become like who you hang around.’  But I don’t think that only applies to the younger crowd.  Even at my age, I want to surround myself with God-fearing, Bible-reading, Discipline-Administering, Honest-to-Goodness moms that provide me with an example to follow, as well as a friendship.  And I want to provide those friends in return, an example of a Godly wife and mother.  But it’s hard for me to be those things if I don’t take time out to study God’s Word or to worship at His Feet.

There is also a stack of books that I’d like to read sometime in the next five years soon.  As soon as I finish one, I will share about it here.  These are books about self-improvement – spiritually and relationally.

The challenge – to decide to focus on something that will make a positive change for your future…a book to read and that person that you’ve been interested in hanging around more because you think they’re a great example grab them both and get learning from them.

The prayer – God, I humble myself before You and I ask You to train my eyes to see the focus that You have for me.  I thank You that as I seek and worship You, I don’t have to worry because You’ve got a plan for me.

Think About It…

Think About It Thursday - The Work of Your Words

This is the beginning of a new year.

If you could purpose to change one thing, what would it be?  Your busy schedule, your exercise routine, the amount of quality time you spend with your kids?  This list could go on and on.

I was reading the other day and came across this quote:
     "All the words I had ever spoken, they are making my children who they are.  What we speak into others, this is what they become." Anne Voskamp

Oh, my.  How true this is.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.  The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.  Proverbs 10:19-21

The book of Proverbs is studded with verses regarding the tongue and how it's misuse can lead to our downfall.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Proverbs 12:18

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Proverbs 18:21

God has given us care and charge over our children and the things that we say TO them and ABOUT them shape who they are.  No, it isn't easy, but mothering is my job so I'm going to do it the best that I can.

The challenge...Put a reminder of one of these verses (or another that reminds you of the power of your words) in a visible place where you can be reminded of it daily.

The prayer...Lord, help me to thoughtfully speak life to those around me.  I am so grateful for the job that you've given me as a mother and I pray that the things I say glorify you each and every day.

Think About It...

The Attitude of I Refuse

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking at the Sunday morning service at our church.  I've decided to share my notes with you.  It was an exciting topic that I hope will inspire you to make a choice this year.

New Year's Resolutions date back many, many years to a Roman god named Janus.  He is usually pictured to have 2 heads, one that looks forward to the new year and one that looks back to the past.  Making resolutions usually was about forgiving your enemies and looking forward to your successes in the new year.  This Janus guy is where we get January from. 

Modern day resolutions vary from getting in shape, improving finances or careers, becoming more organized, reducing stress and volunteering to help others.  Research has shown that, while 52% of participants were confident that they would succeed, only 12% actually achieved their goals.

Last week, while listening to the radio, I heard the song, I Refuse by Josh Wilson.  The words struck me and as I prepared for last Sunday's service I was lead to read them aloud.

Sometimes I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright, when I know they're not

The world needs God, but it's easier to just stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer, Oh I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else, to do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move, But I refuse

Those are thought provoking words.  God has called each of us to a certain time and place, He doesn't change His mind regarding that which He's called us to (Romans 11:29).  Our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers need the hope of Jesus.  We are called to be the light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 John 1:5).

So in addition to whatever self improvement goals you are setting for yourself this year...

I challenge you to adopt (take something and make it your own) the attitude of I REFUSE...

• not to show God's love
• to be a bad example in my attitude, words or actions
• to let another day go by without letting 'that' person know they are loved by God and myself
• to ignore the Spirit's leading
• not to take the opportunity to pray with someone when I know they have needs to be prayed about

We attended a marriage seminar this past spring, it was an incredible study about marriage and what it should look like according to God's Word.  We learned there are three characteristics that are essential to every successful marriage, but these are also the things that we need to reach people for God.

1. LOVE - 1 Thess. 4:9b - you, yourselves, have been taught by God to love one another.  Paul said it so well in 1 Corinthians 13 - without love, I am nothing!
2. FORGIVENESS - Col. 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
3. ENCOURAGEMENT - 1 Thess. 5:11 amp - Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another.

Reminding ourselves to engage these characteristics in our relationships will lead to positive PR for God.  We are walking advertisements for Him.  If we claim to be His children, we should ACT like it!

Statistics show resolutions don't have sticking power...adopting something is making it YOUR OWN.

The challenge...adopt the attitude of I REFUSE to let someone else do what God has called me to do.

The prayer...God, you have called us to be your children and the light of the world.  I refuse to leave you out of every day situations and I choose to share your hope with those around me today!

Think About It Thursday

God is FAITHFUL

Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:3-5 NKJV

There is ABSOLUTELY nothing that God can't do.

He is faithful to accomplish His Word and care for His children. We are to put our trust in Him, although it isn't that easy sometimes.

We need to constantly remind ourselves that He has our best interest at heart and that as we go through the seasons of life He is FAITHFUL and will complete the good work which He started in us.

The definition of the word faithful - true to one's word, vows, promises, etc.; loyal; constant; reliable, trusted or believed. After reading that, you could pretty much sum it up in one word - GOD.

He is always there for us, never lets us down and always takes care of us. The best part is that is true ALL OF THE TIME, regardless of how we act toward Him. His love for us is amazing and is not based on anything we do or don't do.

I'm thankful that He is reliable and constant, FAITHFUL in every way, all of the time.

Think About It...

Think About It Thursday

Isaiah 55 (amp)

Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while he may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near. (vs. 6)

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. (vs. 8)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (vs. 9)

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (vs. 11)

For you shall go out [from spiritual exile caused by sin and evil into the homeland] with joy and be led forth [by your Leader, the Lord Himself, and His word] with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (vs. 12)

As children of God, we can seek Him by right (vs. 6). The same way that a child asks their parents for help, we can go to God and ask Him for what we need. Although His thoughts are so far above ours, He still takes time to listen to our hearts and He knows what we need when we need it.

His Word - the Bible - will NOT return to Him void (vs. 11). Everything that we SAY that is from the Word of God will go out and accomplish what God intended. As we pray and believe what God says about our family, friends and those we love - we can have peace and joy regarding the circumstances (vs. 12).

I am so thankful that 'if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.' (1 John 1:7) God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8).

His thoughts and His ways are enormously greater than ours and we can come to Him with the needs that we have and trust that He will use His Word to make a way, His way, for us.

Think About It...

To You I give my future

No Sacrifice - Jason Upton

To you I give my life
Not just the parts I want to
To you I sacrifice
These dreams that I hold on to

Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice, here's my life

To you I give the gifts
Your love has given me
How can I hoard the treasures
That you designed for free

To you I give my future
As long as it may last
To you I give my present
To you I give my past

The lyrics to the song above struck a chord with me last Sunday morning. The wonderful design of God's plan, what He sacrificed for us and what He has given us, free and clear. All He asks in return is that we commit our lives, our everyday to Him.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

To worship Him each day and seek His character and what He would do in all things is what we are to be doing. After we go LOOKING for the kingdom everyday, God then looks to add to what we have. And we DON'T have to worry about what comes next!!!!! That is profound and simple, but we still spend a lot of time worrying.

I am so thankful for what God has given me...the gifts that were free that I am called to use for His glory. I need to be seeking the kingdom daily and letting go of any worries I may have.

Think About It...

Think About It Thursday

"For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." Ephesians 2:10 amp

This verse was brought to my attention last night during a church bible study/discussion group. In our Wednesday night sessions, we are studying the book Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. It is about seizing the power of EVERY moment.

It brought me to my thought for today, which has been on my mind a lot lately. We all have a PURPOSE and usually 'daily LIFE' doesn't create moments that we 'think' helps us to fulfill OUR purpose. But it has become very obvious to me that I haven't had the right perspective on God's purpose for me.

This verse reminds me that we were created by HIM and were born again to fulfill the works that He already PLANNED IN ADVANCE.

All of the time we come across moments, days, sometimes months and we think "Why is this happening?" And we don't know what the Lord has for us in the future and so it's hard to have the understanding as to the why of what's going on.

It's been important for me lately to relax and TRUST in HIM. Thankfully, He's got it all figured out - all I've got to do is focus on Him, giving Him the glory in all things and surrender to His leading to stay on the path that He's already arranged.

Think About It...

Think About It Thursday

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17 amp

I was recently spending time with my niece, Makylah, and my sister's friend, Sarah, was there too. At one point Makylah was climbing on something and we were telling her to be careful. I was joking with Sarah, who is a teacher, "What would a teacher say to her in this situation?"

Sarah replied, "Are you making a good choice right now?" (She was a teacher to preschoolers last year). We definitely see when a child isn't making a good choice and the result of their choice could cause them to get hurt.

But I think we often overlook the fact that this a question that we should be asking ourselves several times a day. In the verse above, Paul was telling the Colossians, "Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus and depend on him."

There are many times we when we make a choice and ACT on impulse. In making certain choices, we don't consider if that choice represents the Lord in our life, how that choice may affect those around us or if there is consequence.

I encourage you to take moments throughout your day and ask yourself, "Am I making a good choice right now?" In all things: actions, decisions and reactions, by doing this I believe that we can continue to reflect Christ in all that we say and do.

Think About It...

Think About It Thursday

"When Jesus is asked, 'what's the most important thing?' Jesus' response is to love, love God with everything that you have and then love those around you in the same kind of way. Jesus doesn't separate loving God and loving others. For Jesus, everything hangs on these two. And so the defining mark of a Christian is love." - Rob Bell

Loving God usually comes pretty easy. It's the loving your neighbor that is a little bit harder, and yet without doing that we don't fulfill the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:29-31). The word love in this passage can be translated in the Greek - agapao, a verb meaning to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly (this is in regard to people).

Last night at church, we were discussing the issue of how the world views Jesus and how we as Christians help them to see Jesus. The world doesn't actually KNOW Him like we do. To most of them Jesus is just a good man who died for what He believed in. But to KNOW Him is to have relationship with Him and to personify Him in all that we do.

As it says above, "the defining mark of a Christian is love." You can have so many things, but without LOVE you are nothing but a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Cor. 13:1). People will know that you are a Christian by the love that you show toward them - the love of Christ - the love that sees beyond a person's choices and looks to their heart to embrace who they really are: a child of the Most High God.

Also, note that in the verse from Mark that says the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself, the word love is a verb - AN ACTION is required here. To complete this commandment requires that you actually DO something.

As followers of Christ, we are known by the love that we show to believers and non-believers alike. It truly is the "defining mark" that shows who we are.

Think About It...