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

Learning as I Go

Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
Prov. 4:1

You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.
Prov. 8:5

i've been busy setting up another blog. Parading His Greatness. i am a novice at html and css, but i'm learning a lot and gaining understanding about how this programming works. it makes me think about how God uses various people and circumstances in our lives to help us understand Him. the more time i put into this blog, the more i gain understanding. the same goes true with my Father. the more time i spend in His Word, the more i know Him. and this, my friends, is why i live.

Hey Dad,
i am drawn closer to You. thanks for opening my eyes and ears to understand You. thanks for helping me to realize that when i spend time with You, i know desire more of You. thanks for the books i'm reading which enlarge my understanding of who You are, and Whose i am. You are my God, and there are none like You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Joe *Stacy *Carrie

Desire to Experience God

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
Ps. 32:8

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
Jer. 29:13

"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near."
Is. 55:6

i've been doing a great deal of trying to figure how well i know God. these two scripture references always come time mind when i think about this: Jer. 9:24 and John 17:3. i desire eternal life with my God and i want to be able to boast about how i know God, but how do i go about it? how do i deepen my relationship with the Prince of Peace, the Almighty Father, my Counselor?

so far i am discovering that He desires for me to seek Him. He wants me to obey His commands and He wants me to be sanctified by His Truth. He wants me to call on Him, coverse with Him always. And the greatest part is that He promises that He will reveal Himself to me when i seek Him with all my heart.

so that is what i am learning to do: seek Him with all my heart. i am learning to be honest with Him about what i am feeling, even when it's less than holy. I'm learning to go to Him with my questions, and then listen to His advice. I'm praying for Him to open my eyes to where He is moving, where He wants me to witness, etc. and thru these, i am seeing my trust in Him grow, and ultimately He is glorified through my life.

Amazing Friend,
i praise You for setting my heart in motion to seek You. i long to know and to be known by You. come into my life, Holy Spirit, and open my heart to Your promptings. let my desire to find You surpass all other fleeting desires. You are my center and i can do nothing apart from You. hold my hand and let's go out together.

In Jesus' Precious Name ~ Amen!

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*Ron *Christopherson Family *Jason

Spiritual Meanings

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: "The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing."
Jer. 26:12-15

today is one of those days when i have about 150 things i need to do before noon. i just walked into work and discovered i have a pile of things which need to be filed or put away, a list a people to call, etc. so instead of starting all that i decided to blog for a minute or two.

i was reading this morning in Jeremiah (i love jeremiah and isaiah!). i've read this passage before but didn't associate it with my life. guess something different jumped out at me. so anyway, i've been on this kick lately about holiness. then i read this verse about "reforming my ways and actions and obey the Lord your God". when i read it, i began to think that "ways" and attitudes are associated. well, if i am to reform my attitudes....then i have a lot of work to do.

so this morning i've been focusing on my thoughts and attitudes toward others. i'm supposed to have the same attitude as Christ, but i'm discovering that many of my thoughts are not so loving and compassionate. i've only about awake for 2 hours and already my holiness is down the drain. so back to the royal Throne i go...

Hey Dad,
i need You. already today my heart has been tainted by the thoughts in my head. i pray for You, Holy Spirit, to come fill me. open my heart so that i may be move loving and kind. if there is any wickedness in me, i pray that You'd show it to me and have me deal with it immediately. please don't let me procrastinate on this. i want to be more like You in holiness. i love You, Lord. Give me a heart which seeks to manifest Your likeness with all my actions.
In Christ's Name ~ Amen!

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*Edward *Cindy *Geoff