Truth

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
ps. 145:18

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
jn. 8:31-32

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
jn. 14:6

sometimes life can be so complex. from gifts to guests, from church services to traffic, from sickness to insecurities - the list just goes on and on. and yet, we who believe in Christ have been set free from all this. we are instructed to not worry because it doesn't do any good. we are comforted by Him who created us and calls us by name. He promises to mend the brokenhearted. He is the Healer of hearts. and we have His words in a book, which simply needs to be read so we can gain understanding. our security comes from knowing Christ.

the Truth became flesh and lived on this earth. He is the meaning of Christmas, even tho ol' st. nick has nudged his way into this remarkable holiday. and when our hearts are troubled, our minds are overwhelmed, our tempers flare, we can always return to listen to our Father. He is near to all who call on Him in truth, and knowing the truth will set you free.

hey Friend,
it's been pretty crazy lately, tho You know that. and i've not put much effort into our relationship cuz i've been so distracted with everything else. my mind is full, my emotions are every direction, and i need You. before Your presence i attempt to quiet my soul so that we can converse. it's been too long, Dad. i praise You for giving me peace. thank You, Jesus, for living on this earth, so that i can have a way to the know You intimately. You are my hope, my truth, and the only way i want to go. i bow before Your greatness and adore You. thanks for pulling me aside this hectic day and for re-focusing my worship. i don't want to go on without You any more. let my heart be reverent in Your presence.

thanks for denise's mom and her visit with us. thanks for sending your healing upon her. thanks for the laughter, the jokes and all the fun we've had. Jesus, i pray that You would create a way for her to accept Your grace. open her heart so she will receive You. let her worship You with her life. may Your blood cleanse her from the snares of this world. may You be glorified for this change in her heart.

i lift up denise's grandpa to You also. he is sick and in the hospital, Father. may Your gentle healing come upon him. may You strengthen him so he can be home for Christmas. Father, i also pray for a way for him to see You and know You. too many years he has turned his back from You. Jesus, please send forth Your blood to cover all the sins of his life. grace Him with a deep understanding of Yourself. let him know that in You all his desires will be fulfilled. give him a deep conviction to fall into Your arms of grace. let this transformation affect others in his family. let this all be for Your glory.

i lift up denise to You. she's been thru a lot these last few days. Father, please wrap Your loving arms around her, to comfort her. God, You know her, and You know her needs. may Your loving kindness melt away any hurt feelings. may denise be used as a witness for her family to see You. equip her to be a living sacrifice always, even in the midst of their unbelief. may Your grace equip denise to be a bright light for the youth at st. paul. thanks for using her gifts to minister to the youth and members of st. paul. You have an amazing way of transforming lives thru the use of Your faithful children. thanks for denise and for her wonderful friendship. thanks for shining thru her to minister to me more times than i could ever count. i love denise and i know You love her even more. thanks for taking care of her.

Holy One, You've prepared a way for my parents to come visit in 5 days. i lift them up to You. they've had so much going on in their lives lately. may this visit be a resting place for their weary souls. may You embrace them, pour out Your love on them, and just woo them back into Your gentle arms. let them know Your comfort. may Your traveling mercies rest upon them. may our time together be filled with grace and mercy. may You prepare my heart to receive my parents, cuz sometimes we don't get along so well. Father, i commit my life and love to You. may You transform my heart, so that i can be patient, kind, humble, and incredibly loving to them. i want to shine Your love, but on my own strength i cannot. i'm trusting on You to help me, God.

thanks for the great Christmas party last night. thanks for the visitors and for the hospitality of the May's. You are awesome Father! it's so cool to see the youth get excited about gathering together. You are the connection between them all. it's incredible to see the bonds which are forming in their friendships. thanks for being with us. You make the party incredible.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*cheryl *earl *densie

Satisfied Desires

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Ps. 145:16

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Ps. 90:14

isn't it awesome to think that when God opens His hand, we are completely satisfied? i am trying to think of the last time i was satisfied - there seems to be always something i am longing for, desiring, wanting, especially around Christmas time. often i search for peace and quiet, or joy and happinesss, or fulfillment and satisfaction, but i search in the wrong places. i know that when i have sleepless nights, if i were to only open my Bible my fears and worries would be calmed. it's an amazing thing. and yet i stumble and persist on laying in bed, attempting in my strength to fall asleep.

'by His hands, we are fed'. many of us have said this prayer too many times to count, but isn't it awesome to put it in perspective of God opening His hand, and then we are satisfied? if only we were to think of 'fed' as the result of God giving out of His abundance. or how about looking beyond our satisfaction in food to the spiritual nutrients which our souls so desire. He desires to feed us in those areas always. somestimes we simply need to ask, or maybe we need to open our eyes and hearts to see and feel the desire.

Father,
You are an amazing Giver. when You open Your hand, we get fed. You give out of Your abundance to those who seek You. let Your people be drawn to Your loving-kindness. please open our eyes and hearts to the blessings we receive from Your open hand. let our hearts be full of praise and adorations of You. we love You so much. thanks for giving so graciously.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Russ *Russ *Cheryl

Food

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
Ps. 145:15

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Matt. 4:4

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
John 4:34

so often i mention that i am hungry, but it's not in the sense in living on God's word. my physical needs have convinced my mind that i need some nutrition. i'm just wondering if there will ever be a time in my life when my spiritual hunger pains will kick in and it will convince my heart that i need to feast on God for awhile.

in the psalm passage, the people sought the Lord first, and He supplied them with their physical needs in due time. Jesus quoted scripture from the book of deutoronomy which confirmed that we don't live on bread alone - (we are more than carnal people.) then Jesus went on to say that He survived by doing the work His Father had set out before Him. is that what i believe? do i believe that i live to do the purpose God has for me, or am i still trusting in my strength to get thru life?

Father,
i come to You humbly. i allow my stomach to speak much to clearly to my mind. i pray that when my physical needs flare up, that i would think to thank You for calling me to serve You, that i would praise You for giving me Your Spirit to sustain me, that i have Your Word to live by, that You've blessed me beyond imagine. i love You, Jesus. please forgive me for being selfish. it is for Your sake that i survive. only in You is my life complete. You are my All in all, and King of all my kings. let my life be a fragrant offering, pleasing and acceptable in Your sight.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Kay *Herschel * David

Supremacy of our God

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
Ps. 145:8-13

amazing how time flies when you are busy. i just realized that it has been one week since i last updated this blog. i am not going to make that a normal event. i've missed it.

i am continuing a word study on psalm 145. this has been sooo good for me. it has been a breath of fresh air, not stagnant swamp water. we serve a God who is compassionate {One who wants to exchange our suffering for His glory} i often forget, tho i am not really sure 'forget' is the right word, that God has feelings, and he desires for us to be made well. He cares that we are struggling with temptation. He is slow to became angry, tho too many of us assume He's always upset with us for doing something wrong. God created us - He knows we are not perfect. and not only that, but thru our weakness He can shine with His amazing strength. when is the last time You saw God work thru Your weakness? when is the last time i submitted my weakness to Him so He could transform it with His incredible power?

God doesn't show favoritism. He is good and compassionate to all, even suddam hussein. wouldn't it be incredible if when we get to heaven, suddam would be there rejoicing and praising Jesus? we can only hope and pray for his heart to receive the free gift of forgiveness and salvation.

one day all men will praise Him, and their praise will burn for the world to see and hear of the wonderful acts God is doing in their lives. people will burst into praise of God, and their lips with pour out the most incredible news of a mighty God who loves and saves sinners, like you and i. that day is getting closer every second.
and ultimately, we worship a God who reigns eternally in the heavenly realms. our God already took the prize for being the winner, and now we are waiting to recieve the prize. we've already been chosen to be part of the winner's circle. the God we serve will never surrender to someone else. He can't - He's already the victor. no one can ever over power our God. and He, the most powerful force in the universe, has called us by name, reach out His loving arms, and embraced us with a kiss. He has invited us to become part of His eternal kingdom, the winning team. all we need to do is simple say, "yes, i wanna be part of Your team. where do i sign?". amazing things happen when people say 'yes' to the God of the universe.

hey God,
today is a new day. You've already begun to do new things. i praise You for being rich in love, slow to anger, and possess the supreme power to keep people from hell. thank You for inviting me to be part of Your kingdom. i surrender all i am to You, so that Your power may shine thru my weakness. Father, for too long i've tried to hide my emotions from You. i thought i could worship You by just thinking the Truth, but You are calling me to more, much more. thanks for opening my eyes to Your supremacy. no one can ever be greater than You. You are my God.
in Jesus' Name - Amen!

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*raymond *ryan *chris

Justice Isn't Always Easy

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Is.30:18

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.
Hos.12:6

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 5:1

many of you may have already heard of the trial where the Congressman from South Dakota, William (Bill) Janklow, has be convicted of manslaughter. Click here to read more about it. since i grew up in South Dakota, and my parents still are residence of this state, i have some connection to the case. i know the corner where the accident occurred. i lived in the state while mr. janklow was governor.

but that all being said, it is still difficult to hear the verdict. most people assumed he would be convicted of the crime, but it is still a surprise to know your house of representative congressman will need to resign because of an accident which occurred in august. so now south dakota is without a voice in the House until one can be elected, which i believe is about 4 months from now.

so, that all being said, there is a bigger picture. the picture includes God in all His glory sitting as a judge for us on the day of His return. i don't know where mr. janklow stands with the Lord, but i've heard story that bill doesn't acknowledge Jesus as his Lord. i am not the judge of that decision, but i can get on my knees and pray for he and his family to experience the grace of Jesus Christ. it is a grace which can heal the hurt in their hearts, a grace which will humble the proud and uphold the brokenhearted. it is a grace which can forgive our sin, and renew us in the likeness of Christ Jesus Himself. it is profound, how God in heaven, can rescue us from the dominion of darkness. so i ask myself, what am i doing to expand the kingdom of heaven? how much time are we spending on our knees, pleading with God to find me, our friends and family innocent by the blood of Jesus Christ?

Jesus,
i praise You with all that i am, for You have graced me with Your salvation. You've called me by name, and have written my name in Your book of life. oh how i rejoice in this salvation which You've blessed upon me. i come before You, Jesus, pleading for Your grace to be upon the family of bill janklow. may he and his family come to know You and Your grace in a way which transforms their lives. may You receive the praise and glory for this radical change. may You also be upon the jurists as they have to live with this decision, and get back to the normal routine of living. may You embrace them, giving them hope, which only comes thru You. thanks for hearing my prayer. i love You, Lord.
it's in Jesus' name, i pray ~ Amen.

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*jurists * bill *russ

Exaltation

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Psalm 145:1-5

this weekend has been an interesting one. my roommates left on Thursday to begin a 10 day vacation, so i assumed my apartment would be pretty quiet this weekend. but i was delightfully wrong. amazing conversations occured with Jesus. it was as tho He kept wooing me into His presence. i could nearly hear Him speaking directly into my ears. when the people at church asked me if it was lonely around my place, i couldn't say 'yes'. i just kinda brushed off the question, b/c there wasn't the right words to answer.

Psalm 145 has been laid upon my heart, so i began a study of the words in it. i've never studied the Bible while having an dictionary open, but it's been wonderful. for instance: 'exalt' - to elevate by praise; to raise the intensity of. isn't it awesome to know that we are choosing to raise Jesus above ourselves when we praise Him....kind of like submitting in some ways. we are raising Christ's intensity when we praise Him. not that we could make Christ more - because He already is supreme, but that we are raising our awareness of Him. We are focusing on Him, not on ourselves. that is worship!

or how about verse 5. 'glorious' - delightful. 'splendor' - magnificent display. 'majesty' - God's supreme power. so paraphrased it is saying, 'we will speak of the delightful, magnificent display of God's power.' how cool is that? we are a people who need to testify of the greatness of God. that's awesome! i'm just loving this word study.

anyway, if your Bible reading is a little dull, perhaps it would help to pick up a dictionary. i didn't think it would be 'fun', but it has turned out to be quite the adventure.

hey Jesus,
thanks for hanging out with me all weekend. i want to praise You for wooing me into your presence all weekend. thanks for opening my heart to receive Your awesome friendship. it rocks! i praise You for this renewal of heart and soul. and thanks for allowing denise and steven to relax and enjoy the time away from their jobs and the regular routine of life. thanks for their safe travels and rebuilt friendship.
in Jesus' name ~ Amen!

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*stacy *brett *wang family

Effective Witness

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD ; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Ps. 37:4-6

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2 Pet. 1:5-9

often i find myself praying that i may be effective in my witness to others around me. i pray that the light in me will shine thru my actions, so others can come to know Christ thru my life. i've never before put it together that when i commit my way to Christ and trust in Him, He will let my light shine before men. He promises to let my justice shine like the noonday sun, which down here in Atlanta can be quite bright - giving off much warmth.

but not only am i to believe in Him, but i am to express goodness, gain a deeper understanding of the Holy One, pursue self-control, seek perseverance, live a godly life, display brotherly kindness, and most importantly, love others as Christ loves me. that all being said, it seems like a stiff order to live up to. oh how blessed i am that the Holy Spirit resides in me, giving me His fruit that i may live as Christ to those whom i come into contact.

i've been reading Purpose Driven Life. i'm only on day 8, but i can already see a change in my attitude. in every decision i have to make - from vacuuming the youth room because the janitor didn't to deciding when to use the restroom - i have opportunty to do all these activities with a heart of worship. i can choose to be negative, criticizing the janitor, complaining to others about it, or i can simply willfully accept the task which has been given me. living in a attitude of worship - continually conversing with my Savior all day long - is making an impact on the way i think about everything. gotta love having the ability to converse with Jesus all day long!

hey Jesus,
today is great day. thanks for hanging out with me. thanks for allowing me to talk with You - what an honor. i am so glad you've called me by name, and have opened a way for me to be rescued from the chains for slavery to sin. Your grace is amazing. i love You. will You come with as i finish my day at work? thanks for making opportunites for my light to shine in the darkness. thanks for motiviting me to worship You thru acts of service. it is a blessing to be able to share my gifts with others.
in Jesus' name ~ Amen!

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*Jeff's Mom *derrick

Friends

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
ecc. 4:9-12
And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
1 sam. 18:3-4

friendships. how many close friends do i have? well, i have many friends who know a great deal about me, but whom i won't share all my thoughts with. i have many 1 or 2 friends who will care about me, no matter what i do. but even those friends i don't share all my thoughts with. why is that?

i want to say 'i don't know', but i know that is a lie. it's because i don't trust them, and i don't want them to know the real me. i put on some legalistic, better-than-you-are attitude. i'm a sinner, saved by grace - that's all. i am nothing without Christ. my identity is in Him. without Him, i am only learning that i am nothing - i'm a miserable heap of ruin. i don't need to try to be someone different with Christ, b/c He is ultimately the One who created me, with all my flaws, and He chooses to love me. that's what a real friend does.

when i fall down, do i trust someone enough to allow them to help me up? do i allows others to offer their help when i fall down? do i take the robe my friends are offering me? or do i say, 'no, thanks. i'm alright without your help'? too many times i choose the latter answer. i am miss independant - if i can't accomplish the task, then the task just can't be completed. that's is so arrogant for me to think that way. that is yet another confession.

Amazing Father,
You are my God. i am nothing without You. and yet, when You equip Your children to offer me help, i too often turn down their help. Father, please humble me in order to receive grace from those around me. Father, i don't want to be arrogant, thinking that my way is better than others. please, come into my life and transform my heart. i give myself wholly to You. take this servant and use her talents for Your glory.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Chuck *Steven *Denise *Barbara

Eternity in our Hearts

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Eccl 3:10-14

isn't it incredible that even pre-Christ God-fearing men knew that God set eternity in their hearts? the book of Ecclesiastes is thought to have been written by Solomon, David's son. the same Solomon who asked for wisdom over riches (2 Chron. 1:10-12), but who married foreign women who believed in different gods. (1 kings 11:1-4)

we, as new testament believers, understand Jesus when he says, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." (John 17:3) so, we who trust Jesus as our Lord and Savoir are already living out eternal life. we have been given eternity by simply believing in the One who loves us. and yet, we struggle to understand what God's will for our lives is. we don't get it when bad things happen to good people. we fail to think eternally when life doesn't go the way we've planned. our flesh and wordly vision hinders our spiritual eyes of understanding. we forget that faith is believing without seeing, and evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1)

and so in all this, i'm just stepping back for a moment to ponder God's ways, and how he gives different graces to each of us. He has given me so much - a family who cares, friends who will be near my side and speak the Truth in love, a job where i make plenty of money, and the ultimate grace: eternal salvation.

Father,
thanks for all You've done for me. i rejoice that You have reached down from on high to seek the lost and heal the lame, and draw back the lost sheep. You are a wonderful shepherd. i love You, Lord, i love You, i love You! praise be to You, for my heart is renewed in Your Spirit.
in Jesus's Name~ Amen!

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*Haze *Chris *Billl

Comfort

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
Ps. 119:76

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
2 Cor. 1:3-5

i admit that i am a thinker, much more than a touchy-feeling type of person. i often loose track of how i am feeling, compared to what i am doing and the effect it will produce. i am this way too often w/ those around me too. i get so wrapped up in the way i'm acting or the way they are acting, that i forget to acknowledge what is the emotion behind that action. if someone is mad at me, then i must have done something wrong...instead of thinking that perhaps i simple haven't express love to them in non-verbal, non-physical ways. this is a major defect in my life.

a few nights ago i was up late praying about a certain situation. i knew my heart was troubled b/c my mind was racing a million miles a second. as i was praying i began to have my eyes open to my need to soften up. i had been doing the right things without much emotion, without my heart being involved. my mind was completely focused, but my emotions where hiding. God comforted my fears, my heart and my mind. He intervened in a way which has impacted my life. he met me in my room, while sitting on the floor. His loving arms wrapped around me; His Spirit made His dwelling in my heart. and i worshipped Him at that point like i've not experienced in a long time.

i'm learning that even a servant needs to quiet themselves and worship. during our normal services at my church, i am somehow involved in service - anything from running the sound board to the audio video equipment - to looking after the youth who are ushering - to being over zealous about not allow any visitors leave without getting to meet someone personally. seldom do i enter into the sanctuary with my heart set on listening and worshipping God alone. lately my motta has been: gotta move, gotta move, gotta move! and Jesus is saying, "what about Me? when do you truly worship Me? when do you have your heart, mind and soul set on Me? when do you, tanya, allow Me to comfort you? why do you keep thinking that you are loving Me when you don't even think to woship me? don't you know that I love you, and want you to spend time hanging out with Me?" so, i'm coming down from my high horse - and learning to worship with my heart, soul and mind.

Holy Comforter,
i enter into Your presence with a changed heart. You've renewed my mind, my heart and my soul to worship You with an awareness of Your greatness. i love the way You love me. You are excellent and praise-worthy. please forgive me for my arrogance. i've been praying to be humble... and i know You are teaching me in the way of Truth. thanks for giving me this understanding of worship. i love You with my heart, Jesus. You are my all in all.
in Your amazing name ~ Amen!

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*Debra *Wendell *Summer

Fasting

David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead." Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
2 Sam. 12:16-20

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matt. 4:2

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:3

what is the power behind fasting and prayer? i've read time and time again about men and women fasting and praying, and God miraculously intervenes. and yet our churches today don't encourage their people to take part of this incredible spiritual discipline....maybe that why we don't...because it takes too much discipline.

i've read several books on this topic. i've fasted, and seen how God moves mountains thru it. so why i am not quick to respond to this when events all around me seem to be falling apart? why am i so arrogant to think that God has a will, and He will just do whatever He wants anyway. i know that prayer and fasting has changed God's mind. that's pretty incredible. the God of the universe, this immortal God whom we serve, could be convinced to do something which He hadn't planned, simple because one of His creation decided to give up their human needs and seek His face. have we forgotten that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God? {Deut 8:3, Matt. 4:4}

maybe we should re-think the spiritual disciplines which we've forgotten.

Jesus,
good morning. it has been quite the emotional weekend. i rejoice that You've impacted Brandon in a wonderful way. i give You the praise and glory for the lives which have been transformed thru this Chrysalis weekend. Jesus, i rejoice that You've blessed me with a close friend who is willing to speak her concerns to me. i rejoice that You are in the center of our friendship, and that we are firmly grounded in You. i love the way You carry me thru the tough times. Jesus, i want to fast, not because i need something, but because You are calling me to seek Your face. i trust that You will go with me into this unknown territory. Holy Spirit, please reveal the Son to me in a new and refreshing way. may You be preparing Denise and Steven for their trip to Canada with their relatives. i pray for safe travels and a time of refreshing. may You rekindle in them Your fire, Holy Spirit. may You receive the praise and glory for this servant. let her light shine so others may be blessed in coming to know You in a personal way.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Barbara *Peggy *Louise

Worldly Wealth For Eternal Profit

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
Luke 16:8-12

i've heard several ministers preach on this passage, and they have all had different punch lines. what do you think "use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves" means? i realize it's a parable and there may be many meanings, but i want to know the concrete...and right now i don't have a clue.

when i was younger, i thought this verse meant that i should give as many gifts as possible to rich people who could support me as an overseas missionary. let me tell you, my understand has grown some since then. since then, i've had opportunities to be trustworthy in handling worldly wealth and have failed misterably. now i have the debt to prove it, which is not something i am proud of. so, by the grace of God, i am digging out from the burden of owing creditors money. hopefully by the time i'm 32, i will be debt free...but who knows.

anyway, i am still a kid with many questions and a lack of understanding. the Bible is chuck full of great mysteries, for which i attempt to decipher the true meaning. isn't is great being a kid of the omniscience One, the omnipotent One, and the omnipresent One?

holy Jesus,
i am humbled by Your words which speak directly to my heart. i have not been trustworthy in the small things. may You strengthen me by Your grace to make wise financial decisions. this money that i have been entrusted with is a gift of You, and i want to be wise in the way it gets used. Jesus, i need You to be my financial advisor. let my past not dominate my future. i lay this burden on Your altar. may You be my Guide, my Counselor, and my Hope. may the praise of my heart penetrate to Your throne of grace. i love You and treasure Your insight.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Karla *Audrey *Brandon

Hiding Place

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:6-7

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Heb.5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil. 4:6

while attending the prayer service on Sunday, i began to feel this overwhelming feeling to prayer over our church, it's members, my family and friends, and the world. it was incredible! for quite awhile i've felt that my reason for being at st. paul is a calling to pray for this church. i suppose that was just reaffirmed on Sunday.

we have a magnet on our fridge which asks, "have you prayed for your church today?" often i see the magnet but don't pray. that's my confession. so i am committing today to pray more diligently for st. paul and all its facets. my friend, denise, is the youth director, along with program director (the name has recently changed, but i can't think of it...). her calling to Christian ministry resounds throughout her life. it's amazing for me to see how God uses her to be an effective leader. the reason i am mentioning her, is because today i have chosen her as one of the staff members to pray for.

dearest Jesus,
You are the ultimate pray-er. You wept with blood pouring out of your pores...that's intense! also you prayed with petitions with loud cries and tears.... Jesus, i want to be that passionate about prayer - about knowing You. i know You can and have changed lived. i've seen Your power move mountains. please forgive me for slacking in my calling to pray. You have given me the highest calling, to speak with You personally. open my mouth, my heart, my eyes to converse with You more. let me always acknowledge Your presence, Your power, and Your will. i want to pray in the Spirit on all occasion so that Your power will be released here in earth. i know You don't need me to pray, but i know that You've told me that when i ask in Your name, You shall give freely. That is amazing - that a great God as Yourself would give to a humble servant as myself. i can not thank You enough. i love You, sweet Jesus.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen!

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*Kris *Denise *Laurel

Eternal Salvation

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the LORD your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar- the LORD Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "
Is. 51:6, 12-16

i just love Isaiah. i'm pretty sure that being around him in person would have bothered me, because i wouldn't have had a clue what he was talking about, but reading his prophecies nearly 2500 years after it was written is amazingly profound. now i understand that he was speaking of Jesus, my Savoir, who has come and who will come again. i can see the whole picture; it's no longer a prophecy because it has come to pass. if you're into geometry - it's a "given".

how often do i lift my eyes up to the heavens and think about who created them? sometimes i look up and admire a beautiful sunrise or a cool cloud formation, but i often forget to give God the glory for them. i don't put enough thought into God ability to set the heavens in place, along with the earth and all the stars. He has placed the sun the perfect distance from the earth so that we can stay alive. also, i can't say i've thought about the day the heavens will come to ruin. i have thought about the earth being destroyed...but not about the heavens. and yet, is that not part of the hope which we profess?

it is the salvation of Jesus Christ that will last forever. nothing i can see will ever last that long. kinda reminds me of the verse which speaks of hope that is seen is no hope at all. {Rom. 8:24}

moving from knowledge to emotion: it is Christ who comforts us by covering us with the shadow of His hand. He also has called us His people. we are not nomads, or wanderers, or put here on earth for no reason. we have purpose and we have been called to the highest calling anyone could have ever given us. we are God's chosen people.... how cool is that?

Amazing Creator,
You have created the heavens, the earth, and the human race - nothing is too difficult for you. {Jer. 32:17, 27} i praise You, Jesus, for allowing me to see the big picture. thanks for opening my eyes to Your eternal salvation. i can't thank You enough to covering me in the shadow of Your mighty hand. You are my God, nothing can compare to You. i love You, sweet Jesus, and long for the day when i can see You face to face.
in Jesus' powerful Name~ Amen!

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*Janie *Janie *Hulda

God Alone

Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!' Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.
Hab. 2:18-19

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Ps. 86:10

Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Mark 2:7

we worship a living God - a God who can speak, who can give advice, who can bring the lifeless to life, who has breath. isn't that a wonderful Truth?

and yet we continue to bow before created things: money, fame, family, etc. if only we could grasp that without Christ we are nothing, then we might actually understand that all this stuff is on loan to us. we don't really own anything, not even all that stuff inside our beautiful houses. our lives are but a breath, like a fading flower - here today and gone tomorrow. when our time is up, what will people say was your driving force? will they say, "that man lived as a servant of Jesus Christ", or how about, "she knew her God and He knew her". i can only dream of what my friends and family would say about me.... she could really talk to anyone. kids just loved her. she was pretty arrogant and often stubborn. she had so much potential. she seems like a real nice person.

i want to challenge us to think about what others see as our driving force? if you have close friends, ask them what their answer for you would be. ask your spouse, who knows you, what they see as your driving force? don't be offended, but use those words to pursuit Christ in all You do.

Holy Jesus,
it is by Your grace that i live. i want to have You manifested in all i do and say. Christ, in areas where i am falling , i pray for You to guide me, search me and know me. use others to speak Truths into my life. i love You and i worship You. let my worship for You burn so the world can see. be praised for saving me from the depths of the grave.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Steven *Bill *Ryan

btw, tomorrow i am getting a make-over from some of the youth from st. paul. can barely wait to see what they will add to me. good thing i am careless about my looks.

Habakkuk's 2nd Complaint

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Hab. 1:13, 2:1

Habakkuk realized that God was about to annilate the Israelites by use of the Babylonians, but he has some major problems with this. (and rightfully so. his life is as stake!) so habakkuk asks God the reason for Him to carry out this plan. Habakkuk is not only concerned about his life and the Israelite people, but also the character of God. he comments to God, "You eyes are too pure to look on eveil; You cannot tolerate wrong." then he goes on to question why God is not rescuing the Israelites, His chosen people.

Habakkuk knows God is too holy to look on all this evil, and much less to tolerate it. how often do i pray for God to take away the evil in the world, simply because He is too pure for it? i can't say i ever have prayed that way. which injustice do i see upon Christians which i should be praying about? persecution? HIV/AIDS? children sold into prostitution? how much of God's character do i know?

and habakkuk doesn't stop there. he goes on to say, "i will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer i am to give to this complaint." (2:1) he's willing to give up his ordinary activities until he hears an answer for the Lord. He is waiting in expectation to hear to voice of God. when i pray, how often do i just run away without expecting an answer? when have i waited in silent expectation to hear His voice? also, he is willing to stand in the gap when God speaks. when is the last time i took up a complaint against Jesus? why don't i? i have many gripes and complaints about everything else in my life? am i too legalistic to blame God for something? why don't i cry out to Him with my concerns, instead of candy-coating them w/ please....God....if You can....would You please.... blah, blah, blah?

this, than, is how i am to approach the Throne of Grace: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:19-23)

Jesus,
You've made a way for me to enter Your Most Holy Place with confidence. i trust You are big enough to handle my complaints and arguments. You are God, my Creator. You delight in me...tho i don't always see why. Jesus, i pray that i would be more eager to lay my requests down on your altar, and wait patiently and expectantly for You to reply. i don't just want to run from Your altar of prayer. when i seek You, Jesus, i want to see You, not just assume i've met You. move in a mighty way thru St. Paul. come and rescue us, for we are Your chosen people, struggling to survive. let the hearts of Your people return to Your grace. let us draw our strength from You, not from the strength of technology and money. You are our God, not those created items. i love You, and am standing on my rampart, waiting for You to answer.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Jason *Joe *Duane

Habakkuk's 1st Complaint

How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
Hab. 1:2-4

something this week is drawing me to Habakkuk, a minor prophet of the Old Testament. Habakkuk has a problem: God is not answering his prayer. ever had that problem? ever wonder why God is taking His sweet little time in answering your prayer? well, we all know God has the power to "fix" it, just the way we want it...but often He has a different plan in mind. this is what is happening to Habakkuk.

i feel sorta of in the same place as Habakkuk. i read the news, see the lives of the youth with whom i work, and can barely believe the violence, strife and conflict which abounds. i see the heathens ruling over in the Christians, and justice is perverted. when sports become more important than knowing a Savior - something is amiss. when our kids go to middle schools where drugs and sex are rampant, we've experienced injustice.

so i too cry to God that He would send down help. that He would send revival - that hearts would be turn back toward Him in an amazing way. i cry out for churches to preach the full Gospel, and the power of the Holy Spirit. i pray for Jesus to be manifested in the hearts of those who proclaim to know Him. i pray for more missionaries to be equipped to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. i pray for Christ to release the apathy which is so prevalent in american churches.

Holy Jesus,
i cry to You, for i know You answer me in the day of my trouble. You've come to bring light into this darkness. You power is great, and your purposes last forever. You never change - You despise the wicked's actions. Father, i'm asking for a revival. this dry and weary land is desperate for Your refreshing rains - shower Your mercy down from on high. i pray over broken families, over sickness and violence. Jesus, Your power is still amazing, able to heal the sick and forgive sin. Come, Jesus, with Your power.
thru Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Susan *Susan *Susan

Forgiveness and Prayers

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Col. 3:13

Imagine, Jesus hanging on a cross after being proved innocent by the judge, looking into the eyes of the crowd and saying, "Father, forgive them." or Stephen, who is being stoned to death, as says, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." those are ardent prayers of hearts filled with forgiveness.

these two men knew that hell was even too severe for their persecutors. Jesus and Stephen knew a God who had the power to rescue sinners from their eternal condemnation. we know the same God. His name is Jesus Christ, who is no longer on that cross, but has been raise from the dead, in order to sit at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. AMEN!

these two men could have cursed with their mouths these persecutors; they could have hurled down insults from heaven, but they didn't. why? what kept them from praying to God to take their lives in the most horrid ways? why did these men pray for the Father's mercy upon their sinful lives? probably because they saw the big picture. they knew that even hell is too horrible for their worse enemies. they took seriously Jesus command to pray for your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) they knew that these men didn't understand Jesus, and the purpose for His life - to restore the Chosen People back into a thriving relationship with their Creator.

so these are my questions: are my prayers going up for God to have mercy on sinners? where is my passion thru my prayers? is my attitude that of Christ Jesus or Stephen? do i really see the big picture - that my life is valuable only when Christ is glorified? do i understand that my purpose in life is the glorify God - and anything besides that is meaningless, a chasing after the wind? am i willing to forgive as Christ forgave? what am i doing to sharing the Truth, so that others can gain more understanding of who Jesus is and the His power to transform dull lives into thriving, vibrant lives? why am i afraid to tell others of Jesus' great love for them when i know that hell is so real? what more can i do to keep people from creating walls against Jesus?

Jesus,
I praise You for laying down Your life so that i can communicate with You. Jesus i feel inadequate to communicate You to the people, and yet i know so deeply that we all need You. Equip me, Jesus, to proclaim Your Good News. i want to be Your vessel. i want to glorify You in my life - and my death. i lay down my life to You - please use it for Your glory. please forgive me for laziness in prayer. let my heart and prayers be changed into passion for restoring the lost to You. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Jenni *David *Paul

Soul Winner

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:16

i've been skimming an old text book which i used in college called, 'Perspectives on the World Christian Movement'. the book is written by various authors, missionaries, speakers, etc. i just want to share some from an article by Andrew Murray.

Christ meant every believer to be a soul-winner: that every believer has been saved with the express purpose that he should make the saving of other souls the main, the supreme end of his existence in the world.

The missionary problem is a personal one: it is a matter of being near enough to Him to hear His voice and so devoted to Him and His love as to be ready to do all His will.

Weak believers who are glad to hear and give, must be lifted to the consciousness of the wonderful spiritual privilege of offering themselves to Chirst to live for His kingdom. They must be encouraged to believe that the Lord who loves them, greatly prizes their love, and will enable them to bring it to Him. They must learn that Christ's love asks for whole-hearted devotion, and that the more they sacrifice, the more will that love possess them. As definitely as we labor to secure the interest and the gifts of each individual, even more so must be labor to bring each one into contact with Christ Himself.

It is your highest privilege, it will be your highest happiness and perfections. As Christ gave Himself, give yourself wholly to this work of love.

those are just a few of the points which i've highlighted. so, what have i gotten out of it? i need to be willing to know God, in order for me to share Him with others. i need to be willing to sacrifice my life, it that should be what is my Father's will. my goal in life should be to share the love my Father has lavished upon me. my devotion needs to be toward raising up believers who are giving their hearts to His service. by the way, i began Purpose Driven Life yesterday....so far i love it!

Jesus,
You are the mission Giver. You desire for me to seek You, and You will supply me with direction. i trust this to be true. so i come before You, Jesus, not knowing where ou want me to go. lead me, and i will go. open my ears to hear Your commands. my life is laid before Your throne as a sacrifice of the love You've bestowed upon me. may your favor fall on those whom i come into contact with. may You change their hearts thru Your glorious power.
In Jesus' name ~ Amen!

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*Ruth *Jonathan *Stacy

Intoxicating

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Eph 5:18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

'get drunk on the Holy Spirit.' thru my conservative upbringing i'm torn with this thought. perhaps i just don't undersand the full meaning of it. maybe it's because i've experienced the negative effects of being raised in a dysfunctional family where alcohol abuse played a major roll. maybe it's because i've always been taught that i need to be in control of my physical body at all times. perhaps it's because i'm too much of a control freak to let something else control me. in any case, i don't get it....tho i should.

i pray often to be filled more and more by the Holy Spirit, but do i really ask to be taken out of control? do i ask Him to honestly come into my life - and take over? in all honesty, i think i would freak out if i began to speak in tongues, just because it's so foreign to me. (no offense to those who have that gift.) Jesus has laid this verse on my heart for 2 days now. i don't know what do think about it, but i'm trying to draw a deeper understanding of it.

David Crowder has a new CD out called Illuminate. i recommend this CD. and on it there is a song called, "Intoxicating"... some of the lyrics are: You are captivating to me. if i'm outta my mind, it's You, You. (2 Cor. 5:13) i'm so crazy in love for You, You. yes, i'm head over heals for You, You.

anyway, i love that song. i want to be drunk on the Spirit who searches the mind of God. i suppose that would take the boredom out of the daily rountine - as refreshing as water to a dry land, or as palatable as salt to bland food, or as radiant as light in the darkness.

Holy Jesus,
i want to be drunk on You. i want to let You be in control. i'm ready to give up my control. if i stumble, let me fall on the Your grace. send down Your fire from on high to rescue me for the muck of daily life. renew my mind, heart and soul in Your glorious light. i love You. fill me completely, Holy Spirit, so that You may be glorified.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Shari *Brian *Raymond

Family Adoption

He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.' "But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others."
Luke 19:9-16

the power of story telling - Jesus had it! He could use a great story to convict hearts, to encourage the lost, to turn sinners away from their folly, to give hope to the needy. it's a gift. i don't have that gift. i'm pretty pathetic actually at telling stories of any type. but i am glad many great speakers have this gift, because the effect is exponentially great.

in preceding story of the farmer and his vineyard, his was delegating responsibility to some "unworthy" workers. they decided to reap the benefit of someone else's property, and in so doing, got caught and killed. that seems pretty extreme, but Jesus was extreme. He didn't lolligag around with those whom persecuted Him. he wanted the 'sheep' to know the importance of living in right attitude of the Son of God. i get this story. it's not about being afraid to delegate responsibility, it's about gentiles entering into the Presence of Jesus. i am a gentile, and i am so grateful that Jesus opened the veil so that i could come inot His radiant Presence. He made a way for me to become a kid.

Jesus,
thanks for endure the cross so that i could be saved thru You. may my gratitude motivate me to share my new life with others. may You be glorified thru these fews years i have here on earth. thanks for appointing me to Your servanthood. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Valerie *Kim *Harrison

What's the Condition of Your House?

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:5-9

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Romans 6:15, 19-20

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?
1 Cor. 13:5

i was reading an article from PRAY! Magazine which got me thinking about something which seemed so simple. since i am a temple, or house, of the Holy Spirit, then probably i should spend some time thinking about the condition in which He lives. i know that i try to clean out the major debris, but what about the noise? since i talk all the time, he lives in a pretty loud and busy environment. how about the pictures on the walls - what images do i entertain in my mind? which types of guests am i inviting to join my livingroom? how often does He get quality time as my guest?

i know that i've thought about Jesus being with me all the time, and becuase of that i should maintain a good life-style. and i know that He lives in me. but for some reason, i've never thought about the Holy Spirit as a guest into my body. isn't it great when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to a new understanding. guess it's benn long overdue for some new "house rules".
*listen to the Guest more than i speak.
*ask questions in order to get to know Him
*go out of my way to love on Him
*look into His eyes when i speak to Him, don't be distracted
*cherish the moments we have in personal communication
*heed His advice
*perform random acts of kindness for Him
*praise Him for the good His does
*take time to notice the little things He does
*call Him by name
*wait for Him to speak, don't rush Him

i am only beginning to understand this concept, but what a wonderful Friend we have in Jesus!

Sweet Jesus,
there's no One like You. You are King of all kings, and You are the Guest in my heart. i want this dwelling to be comfortable for You. don't let me be distracted during our conversation. i want to hear for You. when You are silent, i pray that You'd help me to remain faithful in waiting for You to speak. Come into my heart and dwell in me. i want You to fill every room of this temple. let the praises ring for the good You are doing. i love seeing You - You are beautiful. i praise You for this understanding, and for allowing me to be worthy of Your indwelling. let my worship for You burn so that others can see and be praise You.
Jesus, thru You i pray ~ Amen!

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*Laurel *Warren *Hope

Show Your Trust

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said.
Matt. 14:25-29

i believe that God has an incredible way of speaking to each of us differently. for some he uses the gift of hearing His voice. for others He use His Word to speak directly into our souls. for some He uses events which are interpreted. still others know God's voice by the mouths of other people. i dont' know how God speaks to you, but i want to encourage You to listen for His voice. and even sometimes when you least expect to hear it, you'll know it's Jesus speaking to you.

often when Jesus speaks to us, there is something which we are supposed to do, tho this is not always the case. lately i know that He has been working on me to learn this concept, "show Me your trust." it's when i have a crisis of belief (if any of you have read any of the 'Experiencing God' books, you'll know what i am talking about.) it's when i know what my faith is telling me to do, and my flesh is telling me something different. it's like arguing with yourself. an example is when i don't feel like catering to the needs of a snotty 7th grade girl who doesn't want to take the trash out after not getting any sleep during a lock-in. or like remain calm in the mist of a stressful situation. or worshiping upon hearing word of a loved one who has died. or saying "no" to another committee meeting when things at home are not in good working order. those are times when i can nearly hear the voice of Jesus saying, "show Me your trust." what He is really asking is, you say you trust me, tanya, but are you going to act it out? are you going to let others around you see that You trust me with your life? are you willing to make a change and stand up for what you say you believe?

i'm learning that the Christian faith is a risky life-style. i am constantly making choices based on the way i believe, but how about my thought life? or my sex life? or my reaction to stressful situations? am i able to keep my calmness, my groundedness in the mist of trials? do i consider trials and temptations 'joy'? do i radiate the fruit of the Spirit, which i proclaim with my mouth?

holy Jesus,
it is amazing to me how You care so much about me. how You can speak into the dark reserves of my heart and still call me your "Beloved". how You, precious friend, know the way i let You down, and still continue to call me a friend. i cannot thank You enough for calling me to be Your child, for the way You lavish me with Your love. Friend, i want to make choices to show You that You are making a difference in my life. i want You to be glorified thru my actions, thru my thoughts, thru my words. i praise You for working in me, creating me to be more and more like You. be praised for the times when You give me a chance to stand up for what You are doing in my heart. i love You with everything in me. i long to worship You even when life is falling apart around me. You are my stronghold, Jesus.
In Your Amazing Name ~ Amen~

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*Katie *Meredith *Kaylen

Unworthy Servants

"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Luke 17:7-10

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.
Prov. 27:21

Lately i've been hooked on this song by Matt Redman, called, "You must increase". it's based on John 3:30, "He must become greater; I must become less." the statement comes for John the Baptist speaking of Jesus. i thought about the lyrics, "i lift You high, and i bow down low. how high can You be? how low can i go? He must increase, i must decrease. Lord, i'll bow down and You will be adored. Jesus, You will be adored." and i really am only beginning to get it. i've heard the song nearly a thousand times now, and i am only beginning to understand what John was speaking about - to be a servant, one must receive an order with joy, and carry it out with diligence, possess a heart which is grateful for the ability to carry out the order, while all the time remaining humble

let me tell you, i don't meet these requirements. i fall terribly somewhere before receiving the order with joy. when someone tells me to do something, i too many times try to get out of doing the duty, complain while on mission, and accept all the praise of accomplishing the task. it's pretty pathetic when i think of my attitude and the way i try to lead others into servant leadership. but i rejoice the Jesus continues to offer me orders, and He willingly offers the strength to carry out the task. He amazes me with His friendship along the journey, and His joyfulness to commune with me. there is something about being in the company of the greatest man who ever lived. if only i can pay more attention to His stories and His wisdom...

Dearest Jesus,
i praise You for continually being with me. Holy Spirit, You amaze me with Your mercies which are new every day. You patiently prod me along life's mission. be praise for starting a work in me which You persist on continuing. it is a great joy to know You. i love You. Father, please forgive me for falling short of Your glory. please forgive me for my rebellion, my grumblings, my hard-heartedness, my lack of ambition, and my stubborness. i surrender these to You, and lay them down on your altar. may Your sanctifying blood flow over them, cleansing them from their vileness. let them be transformed into gratitude, willingness, eagerness, zeal and joy. Your power is great and You are faithful.
through Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Phillip *Shannon *Denise

In the Presence of Greatness

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Heb. 6:19-20

when denise and i were at the YS convention last weekend, there were many "great" Christian leaders, ranging from Louie Giglio, Miles McPherson, Tony Campolo, David Crowder, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Mike Yaconelli. denise and i both commented that we were in the "presence of greatness" while amongst them.

as some of you already know, Mike Yaconelli went Home to be with his Savior yesterday. i can only imagine now what it is like for him to be in the Presence of real Greatness. his life on earth was a living sacrifice of a mighty Savior. i had the opportunity to speak with Mike last weekend. we didn't say too much, but it was enough for me to know that his heart was already with Christ. my emotions are sad, but my heart rejoices for his mission here is complete. he has entered into the Presence of Eternal Greatness.

Mighty High Priest,
You are God on the earth and in heaven. thanks for allowing Mike to come before You with Your white robe of righteousness. i praise You for his life on earth, and the impact You've made thru him. he was a vessel. Holy Spirit, i pray for You to surround those who are mourning the loss of this precious friend. may Your love envelop his family. let them know how much You love them. lift their hearts to praise You for using their loved one in such an incredible way.
thru Jesus ~ Amen.

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*Mike's Family *YS team *Youth Pastor across the world

Spiritual Freedom Versus Physical Freedom

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Luke 13:10-13

this story caught me off guard. maybe it is because i have been reading from 'A Godward Life' by John Piper this morning. the specific excerpt i read from that book had to deal with our compassion to others, and what we do with our few days on earth. john commented that he wished we had more than one life so that we could fulfill all the desires of our hearts. in any case, this story left me praising God for who He is and the compassion He has on His people.

first off, Jesus is hanging out at church on the sabbath. well, i normally hang out at church on sunday, so i guess we have something in common. i teach Sunday School for the combined sr. and jr. high youth. Jesus too was teaching Truth to others. there was a woman there who had a crippling disability. we have some of those in our congregation.

then comes the divide between Jesus's story and mine. Jesus knew that this particular God-fearing woman had been held captive by a demon for 18 years. how often do i see disabilties as spiritual battles? i've been to some healing services, but i don't think this woman came forward to be anointed with holy oil in order for her to be healed. she may not have even known why Jesus had called her forward. she simply, in faith, came to Him. i can only imagine her expression when Jesus told her that she had been set free from this ailment. maybe she doubted. you see, there was a moment in between when Jesus said she was healed and when He placed His hands on her. if only i could know her thoughts in that moment. i bet she was thrilled, scared, anxious, etc. but then, with one touch of the Master's hands, she straightens her back after 18 years. i bet her praise to God was pretty incredible. i know she had come to worship in the synagogue, but just imagine the change in worship from when she entered the building to when Jesus touched her. that is transformation!

Jesus,
i know that You still touch lives. You still have the same power to release captives from the grip of satan. i know You still care for Your people the same way You did while You were in that synagogue. Jesus, i love You, and i praise You that You have set me free from the yoke of slavery of sin. Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging. Jesus, please open my eyes to see the spiritual battles raging among Your kids. Jesus, i pray that You would equip me to be a tool used for releasing captives. to You be the praise and glory and honor and power for ever and ever.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Beth *Ashton *Deanna

Overcome the World

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4

A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish-vanish like smoke.
37:10, 12-13, 20

You just gotta love Jesus! He sometimes says things which get our attention because we don't understand them. like this first verse. He tells us Truth so that we can have peace. (ok, i like peace.) then He goes on to say, we will have trouble. (ok, now i'm getting a bit confused... 1st peace, but trouble will surely follow. ok?) Paul follows up by saying that greater is the Spirit in us than the spirit of the world. (so, is the the answer to my questions? yes!)

and how about David, whom we have all come to know as the "man after God's own heart"? he tells us that the wicked (mainly satan's dominion, along with all his 'helpers') will be no more. how about we all just take a second and think about that day. that is heaven. the time when satan will be no more, Jesus will be all we know, and we will truly be 'lost' in Him. that, my friends, is a glorious thought. and it is a reality, too. Jesus, who lives in us, has already overcome this this world. He has given us the power to do that same.

now what? that has been the question i've taken with me from the convention. now what am i going to do about the lesson i've just learned? how i am to put this into practice? what are the steps required to do it effectively? who else needs to be involved? Matthew 6:33, "seek first My kingdom!" that is where i am going to start.

powerful Jesus,
You have given me Your divine power to overcome this world. that is a miracle. now i need You, Jesus, to teach me how to use this power. please help me use my weapons effectively, so that i won't be wounded by the enemy. Holy Spirit, i pray for You to manifest Yourself thru me. let Your power draw lost kids back to You. becuase You desire for none to be lost, so i too pray for Your revival of rekindled hope. may Your power be reason to praise You. thanks be to my God and Father who has already conquered the power of satan. i rejoice in the coming day when the wicked will be no more. may You open hearts to accept Your glorious grace.
in Jesus' Powerful Name ~ Amen

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*Laura *Barbara *James

Self Destruct

Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot." Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: "What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, "Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!' "Just then God showed up and said, "Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods--who gets it?' "That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God."
Luke 12:15-21

well, i just got back from the National Youth Workers Convention. it was incredible - everything from the speakers, the cooperate worship, the food, etc.! now my mission is to put to practice some of what i've learned.

the theme of the weekend was "renovatus" - latin for renovate us. much of the weekend was spent on admitting where i've built my "house", my ministry, my life, and what parts has God built? this leads to these verses and how they embraced what i'm learning today.

many of you know that i am a type A personality, with a rather high self-esteem. (i can only imagine how many comments i am going to get from that statement! - it's all worth it!) anyway, i often fall into relying on self, rather than humility and God's strength. i have too many agendas and few visions. i dream small (lacking faith), instead of dreaming large and expecting God of move mountains.

from here on out, i am striving to dream God's dreams, complain less, expect more, and stretching my love for others by humbling my tongue to speak less. God is good and He does speak to anyone willing to zip their lip and listen for His voice.

dear Jesus,
it was great to get away with You for the weekend, nearly it seems like an affair - getting away from my "ordinary" to enter into Your Sanctuary. thanks for drawing my heart closer to Yours through this convention. i want to listen to Your voice, Holy Spirit, and seek to know Your mission for my life and my ministry (tho the two should be the same thing.) i love You and greatly enjoyed our time together. let's not stop, ok? may You continue to open the hearts of those in st. paul, so that their hearts will overflow with praise to You. for You, sweet Jesus, are the reason to sing, dance and live.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Jacqui *Joe *Ruth

YS Convention

just wanted to give an update to all you readers: i'll be at the YS Convention in Charlotte, NC, until Monday. hopefully i'll return with bundles of wonderful blogging ideas. until then, God bless.

Desire To Be With Jesus

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:38-39

this man had suffered from demon-possession. he had been confined to living in tombs. i can only begin to imagine the terror that this man lived in every moment of his life. i bet he longed to be freed from this chains which entangled him, but he couldn't break free.

then one day, Jesus comes to the town where this man lived. the demons know this is Jesus, Son of the Most High God and they begin to taunt Jesus. what did Jesus do? command the demons to flee. but get this, the demons began to speak thru this man. they try to convince Jesus to let them stay, to not order them to go into the abyss. Jesus allows them to enter into a herd of pigs, which all plummet to their death by rushing over a cliff, but in so doing, the man is freed by Jesus power. the towns people fear Jesus power because they knew what this man had gone thru, but also, because there were many dead pigs.

this man desires to go with Jesus, but He doesn't allow him. instead Jesus requests this man to return home and tell how much God has done for him. i can only imagine the way this man would tell of his experience with Jesus. do i tell my story of knowing Jesus with excitment or with dullness? probably too much complacency.

Merciful Lord,
i come to You with a humble heart. let my ambition to tells others about what You've done for me. let them know i am serious about my love for You. You are my stronghold and my salvation.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Kaylen * Amy * Brodie

The Love/Forgive Connection

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 7:44-47

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matt. 6:14-15

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph. 4:32-5:2

i am struggling where to begin. there is so much to learn in these few verses. i'm going to start with Simon. he had a strong prejudice against this woman. in luke 7:39 he stated that she is a "sinner". but Jesus didn't seem to mind that she sinned. He just enjoyed her adoring Him. she loved Him, and Him demonstrated His love for her by forgiving her sins.

this is quite the example to live up. how many offenses of other people can i recall that have kept me from demonstrating love to them? far too many. i am like simon. i let my prejudice shine, instead of being an imitator of Christ. my negative thoughts of people hinder my love for them. i am human, tho i long to be like Christ. i do what i don't like to do, but strive to do the things which i know glorify Christ. i fall toward the cross of Christ and cry for forgiveness, and for the ability to love the way He loved - unashamed and unreserved.

Jesus,
Your life on earth had to have been difficult. You can relate to what i am going through. i praise You for standing strong to the end, even death on a roman cross by the hands of the people whom You created. when i was dead in my transgressions, You cared enough to save me by grace. and for this grace i can live as You live, love the way You love, and rejoice in the trials that come my way. show me areas in my heart where i am prejudice. enable me to live the way You lived.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Ashton *Joe *Holly

Dead Man Walking

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out--the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God.
Luke 7:11-16

it always amazes me how God's Word is alive and active. on saturday i was getting ready to attend a funeral, and read this passage. i'm sure that i've read it before, but this time it jumped out at me. i didn't remember Jesus walking up to a coffin and requesting the young man to get up. i can only imagine what would happen in today's times, if some man would ask the funeral processional to stop. he would continue by speaking with the widow, trying to offer comfort and support. then we would walk over to the hearse, open the door and speak to the dead person. and that is not the odd part: the dead guy sits up, and gets out of the coffin. truly Jesus is a man of power and compassion.

Holy Jesus,
i pray for You to enter into my life. i praise You for being full of compassion and power. thank You for caring for this widow. may You care for the Reid family with Your comfort and support. let them all rest in Your Presence as the continue to greive the loss of the dad, husband, son, and friend. use my hands and voice to display Your compassion.
In Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Crissy & Family * Phyllis * Susan

Lord of the Sabbath

If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.
Matt. 12:7-8

Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

i am discovering that Christians who are passionate about life are passionate about knowing Jesus. nomally when i read my Bible i read from the old testament, so i am turning over a new leaf. i am on a quest to know Jesus. so this morning i began reading from the gospels. and already i'm feeling conviction of sin in my life.

this Matthew passage written above comes just after Jesus demonstrates why it is ok to do good on the Sabbath, even when it may not follow the customs or laws of the time. the statement, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' comes from Hosea 6:6. in yesterday's entry, i commented about attending 7:22. Louie Giglio is the main speaker, and his message was about the prodigal son, but it was given from the view point of the jealous brother. the message really hit home with me, because i grew up in a situation where my older brother was (and still is in some ways) the prodigal son. i was the one to stay home, do the best that i could, and watch my parents accept Derrick back into the family time and time again.

louie began the whole talk by mentioning that during Jesus's life, all the sinners and "untouchables" wanted to spend time with Him. and that too often when we approach someone with the Gospel, they brush us off and try to hide from us. then Louie commented that perhaps we are too much like the older brother, eager to point out everyone's sin and condemn them. we should be more eager to give mercy than to point the finger. perhaps we have the "older brother syndrome". i am convicted... what basis do i have to stand which assumes my innocence? all i have is Jesus' blood. so why i am such a hypocrite?

so anyway, the message by Louie was good from me to hear. now i am going back to Jesus to see how He lived in such a way that sinners and the lowliest people desired to hear what He had to say. this is why He lived: to draw the lost back Home.

anyway, i know my title doesn't really match up with the content of this entry, but i have a question: what does this mean, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." i've been pondering this all morning. if anyone has any insight, please comment. i would greatly appreciate it.

Lord of the Sabbath,
it is for Your glory that i come to You. i delight in Your Presence. thanks for giving me an outstanding example on how You lived, and continue to live through Your people. Jesus, i want to be like You. i want to give mercy. hear my call to You, Jesus, for i am guilty of being too much like the older, jealous brother. i want to give the way You gave. You promise me in Luke 6:38 that when i give, it will be given to me. let me offer myself as an offering to You; this is all i have. i am nothing without You, and my innocence is in You. You are the reason for my life. may You use this servant to draw people Home.
Through Jesus' Name ~ Amen~

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*Crissy *Charli, Robyn, Scott *Ann

Asking For Workers

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. The seventy-two returned with joy...
Luke 10:1-3, 17

i have many questions about these few verses.
who were these select 72?
why did Jesus need a publicity group to precede His ministry?
if i were chosen to be one of these 72, how encouraged would have i been to hear, "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few"? but then, followed up by, "ask God for more workers"?
how about, "i am sending you out like lambs among the wolves"?
how much fear did they feel being sent out with those encouraging words?
what type of blessings did they receive, which produced "joy"?
how did Jesus decide which 2 to send together?
did they go door-to-door or only to the families whom the stayed with?
which type of teaching did they have?
did they know when they would be relieved of their mission?
did they care if they were ever done?
let me get this straight: they didn't have to raise support - God just supplied all of their needs?
was their ministry strictly relational?

i know some of these questions are outrageous, but how can they apply to my life if i don't wonder the answers? i am not a robot - i have a mind which i try to keep from being conformed to the pattern of this world. i want to know the way Jesus taught and worked, so that i, too, can be effective in my ministry to the lost, the hurting, the hopeless.

Faithful Jesus,
i know You know the answers to all my questions, and You know how many questions i have. may You come and open my mind to Your understanding. let my mind be quick to learn from You. i desire for You to shine through me. i desire for You to be my light which shines to all people. use me to witness Your love to those who most desire it. let others find their way back to You by using me for Your service. i am Your servant.
In Jesus' s Powerful Name ~ Amen!

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*Charlie *Edward *Derrick

Learning to Acclaim God

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.
Ps. 89:15-17

as i tried to read God's Word early this morning, my eyes were very heavy, but somehow He managed to capture my attention through these verses. i want to be someone who walks in the light of God's presence. i want to rejoice in His name all day. i want to exult in His righteousness. i want Him to be my glory and strength. but how?

webster says that "acclaim" means praise or applaud. when is the last time i applauded God. i say thanks for things...is that the same? i don't think. i think acclaim has a higher meaning than just saying thanks. so today i'm learning to applaud God. i'm learning that my attitude has to praise Him all day long. and once my attitude is maintained, then i'll be able to rejoice all day and have Jesus as my glory and strength.

Glorious Friend,
teach me how to applaud You. teach me how to maintain an attitude of praise throughout the entire day and all through my life. lead me to walk in Your Presence each step of the way. You are my King, and i praise You for giving me Your salvation. thanks for restoring my joy in You. thanks for promising to never leave me. i applaud You for Your greatness of creation. i love You.
in Jesus's Powerful Name ~ Amen!

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*Steve *Karla *Claudia

How is God Affecting You?

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD . You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Ps. 139:1-6

as i was studying last night and also this morning, i was thinking about ways that i allow God to penetrate my life. i realize God is at work all around me, but i often miss it. i realize that He wants me to included Him in all i do, but honesty, what percentage of my life do i offer to Him?

as i think about these verses in Psalm 139, i need to allow God to move through them. i have these verses memorized, but have never thought about me inviting Him into these areas. i assumed that He was already involved, and so i just need to sit back and experience it. i am learning differently. even though He is already involved, i still need to surrender these areas to Him. even though He has already searched me, i need to always be seeking ways He is doing it again. Even though He knows me, do i allow Him to know me, or do i try to hide things from Him? do i want Him to be with me in my times of R & R, like watching TV, or do i try to cover up the fact that He desires to be involved with me? even though He already knows my thoughts, do i keep a tight reign on what i spend time thinking about? how about when i go out with my friends or when i lay down in my bed? are my actions and thougths being honorable to Him? simply because He is familiar with everything i do, do i really want Him to be familiar with all my ways? how about the words of my mouth - do i honor Him in all i say? do i really know what it means for God to always be before and behind me? am i grateful that He has laid His hand (...or Spirit) upon me? what is my level of awe about all these Truths? have i become too apathetic about loving God? has it become my routine, or do i fervently seek to know more about Him and attempt to become familiar with all His ways?

Hi Dad,
right now i am blown away and amazed at the way You love me. You already know me completely, so i don't need to hide from You. i welcome You into my life, into all these areas. i want to be honest with You about my thought life, my spiritual life, my sexual life, my everything. please give my strength to be holy for You. come and search me again, Lord, because this time You have my attention. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Deena *Jamie *Sheri

Staying on Track

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Prov. 4:5

this morning we have a planning/bugeting meeting at church. all through this week i had forgotten about it, then on Thursday a friend reminded me. so, since then i've been praying and mostly dreading it. normally these meetings are dull - no offense, but talking about "resubmitting last years budget" just doesn't spice things up.

this morning i awoke with a different attitude. i can barely wait to get there. i have a feeling that today's meeting is going to be different. Jesus has changed my heart to be eagerly desiring to seek His will about how to improve/expand the evangelism ministry at St. Paul UMC. i am not sure what this all entails, but i will go to this meeting eagerly expecting to meet Him, rather than expecting to be bored.

God of heart transplants,
i know that You've changed my heart overnight. thanks for this new attitude about today's meeting. thanks for lifting my eyes toward Your sanctuary early this morning. i love You. let st. paul's evangelism ministry be a useful tool for Your outreach. let all of the leaders of Your church be encouraged at the changes which You have in store. let our hearts trust Yours. guide and lead us through this important meeting. Holy Spirit, we welcome You to join us and fill us with Your wisdom and knowledge of how to run Your church. i love You!

In Jesus' Powerful Name ~ Amen!

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*David *Marcie *Bill

United in Worship

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Ps. 86:9

can you imagine the day when all the nations God has made will worship before Him? it's hard for me believe. this is the day i should be praying for. this is the day i should be longing to live for.

i've been memorizing Psalm 86, and this is my verse to memorize today. normally i take one verse a day, to memorize, ponder, meditate, and pray over. today is especially good for me, since i often see such a lack of passion for Jesus throughout the community, {and as i confess} ...and in my own life.

Merciful Father,
i want to dine in Your Presence. i want to seek You and find You, so that my everyday life isn't routine and ordinary. You give life and refreshment to those who come and ask. well, i am asking. please forgive me as i confess my lack of passion for You and Your people. let my heart be filled with You, Holy Spirit, that my way may be blameless. let my life be a passionate pursuit of You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Susan *Kimberly *Case

Are You Thirsty?

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:37-38

Let them give thanks to the LORD for is unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Ps. 107:8-9

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matt. 5:6

when is the last time you were so thirsty that you would've done nearly anything for a drink? after working in the hot sun for a while or shooting hoops for an hour can make me pretty thirsty. i desire to have something quench my thirst. i need a drink because my body has used most of its resources already.

so when have you been that thirsty for God? when have You desired for Him to fill You as much as you thirst for a physical beverage? it's been a long time for me, but i can tell this is what i am longing for. i desire to be filled with His Living Water and have my thirst quenched by Him. i need Him to satisfy me with good things. i am tired and need a drink. and i know that nothing can satisfy me the way He does; nothing compares to Him.

Living Water,
i come to You thirsty. i long to be filled by the streams of Your Holy Spirit. Enliven me by Your power. let my heart pour out Your love and mercy on others. let my light burn bright becuase of the Water within. use me to share Your water with others. may You be please for satisfying my thirst that i may continue on this journey in pursuit of You.
Amen.

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*Landra *Tasha *Meredith