~When I Say I Am A Christian~
02.27.04 (9:00 am) [edit]
When I Say I Am A Christian
When I say ..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I was lost!"
That is why I chose this way."
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are too visible but God believes I'm worth it.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His name.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority I only know I'm loved.
© 1988 Carol S. Wimmer
E-mail Address: CCCWimmer@aol.com
When I say ..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I was lost!"
That is why I chose this way."
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are too visible but God believes I'm worth it.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His name.
When I say..."I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority I only know I'm loved.
© 1988 Carol S. Wimmer
E-mail Address: CCCWimmer@aol.com
Unfolding the Rosebud
02.25.04 (8:00 pm) [edit]
Unfolding the Rosebud
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Author Unknown
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Author Unknown
Are You Stuck in a Cocoon?
02.22.04 (7:02 pm) [edit]
Are You Stuck in a Cocoon?
Chip Ingram
Ask any butterfly if God has changed its life, and the answer will be a resounding YES! But according to the respected Gallup and Barna research organizations, you wouldn't get the same response from the average American who believes in Christ.
Sadly, recent research from both Gallup and Barna indicates that the decision to follow Christ makes surprisingly little difference in how the average American believer lives. It doesn't change where they spend their time or how they arrange their priorities. It doesn't affect their integrity at work, their sexual expression, their commitment to marriage, or their principles of parenting.
Why? Most likely it's because these believers got a little bit of the Easter story, but never fully understood the foundational truths of what was accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection. And that's the core, the basis for the metamorphosis of the believer. And without that, there's no real change.
Perhaps you've faced a similar struggle. Perhaps you went to camp or a church service and prayed to receive Christ. Then you tried hard to be good for three or four days, or weeks, or years. But you've realized that you're still sinning a lot. You're still struggling with the same stuff. It sure is hard. You want to change, but you feel as if you're still stuck in the cocoon.
If that's where you are today, or if that describes someone you know, what I'm about to share is going to be a tremendous blessing for you. Here are five principles of metamorphosis, of life change, that I believe can help bring you or any believer out of the cocoon and into a transformed life.
Principle #1: Life Change Always Begins with the Truth
Life change, real life change, is always rooted in the truth. And the first truth you have to understand is that the power to live a new life was made possible by Christ's death and resurrection. Christ broke the power of sin so you are no longer its captive.
God wants you to change. He wants you to walk in a manner worthy of your calling. But He's not asking you to try harder or do better. Christianity isn't about a code of ethics. Christianity is about a relationship with Christ, and part of being in that relationship is receiving from Him the power to change.
Principle #2: Life Change Demands That We Act on the Truth
Christ won the victory over sin, but you don't become a co-partaker of Christ's victory until the moment you receive Christ as your personal savior by faith. The moment that happens, your past is put behind you, the spirit of God comes in, and your sins are forgiven. You are in Christ.
Principle #3: Life Change Is a Gift
You can't change on your own. Sure, you can discipline your life. You can make some progress. But only God can change your life from the inside out. Only God can make you into the mom or dad that your kids never dreamed they could have. Only God can make you love your spouse unconditionally, even if you get nothing in return. That's supernatural power. That's radical change. That's the gift of God!
Principle #4: Life Change Is a Responsibility
But with the gift comes responsibility. Every believer is given a spiritual gift, a supernatural enabling, at the moment of salvation. It's a sacred trust given to you for the purpose of service. It's given to you to fit exactly who you are so that your life and purpose will achieve God's highest glory and bring about the greatest joy in your life.
Principle #5: Life Change Never Happens in Isolation
I don't know why, but God uses the spiritual gifts He gives us to work the gift of supernatural change in others. That's why He chooses to have us live in community together, love each other, and operate out of our giftedness in a way that transformation occurs. The gifts God gives us supply what others need to change into the likeness of Christ.
So if you've already experienced life change, I encourage you today to actively use your spiritual gifts to help others experience the same transformation. And if you're still stuck in the cocoon, I hope you understand that Christ's death and resurrection defeated sin, death, and Satan. Act by faith today. Repent from your old way of thinking, be transformed by the power of God, and discover life outside of the cocoon!
Chip Ingram
Ask any butterfly if God has changed its life, and the answer will be a resounding YES! But according to the respected Gallup and Barna research organizations, you wouldn't get the same response from the average American who believes in Christ.
Sadly, recent research from both Gallup and Barna indicates that the decision to follow Christ makes surprisingly little difference in how the average American believer lives. It doesn't change where they spend their time or how they arrange their priorities. It doesn't affect their integrity at work, their sexual expression, their commitment to marriage, or their principles of parenting.
Why? Most likely it's because these believers got a little bit of the Easter story, but never fully understood the foundational truths of what was accomplished by Christ's death and resurrection. And that's the core, the basis for the metamorphosis of the believer. And without that, there's no real change.
Perhaps you've faced a similar struggle. Perhaps you went to camp or a church service and prayed to receive Christ. Then you tried hard to be good for three or four days, or weeks, or years. But you've realized that you're still sinning a lot. You're still struggling with the same stuff. It sure is hard. You want to change, but you feel as if you're still stuck in the cocoon.
If that's where you are today, or if that describes someone you know, what I'm about to share is going to be a tremendous blessing for you. Here are five principles of metamorphosis, of life change, that I believe can help bring you or any believer out of the cocoon and into a transformed life.
Principle #1: Life Change Always Begins with the Truth
Life change, real life change, is always rooted in the truth. And the first truth you have to understand is that the power to live a new life was made possible by Christ's death and resurrection. Christ broke the power of sin so you are no longer its captive.
God wants you to change. He wants you to walk in a manner worthy of your calling. But He's not asking you to try harder or do better. Christianity isn't about a code of ethics. Christianity is about a relationship with Christ, and part of being in that relationship is receiving from Him the power to change.
Principle #2: Life Change Demands That We Act on the Truth
Christ won the victory over sin, but you don't become a co-partaker of Christ's victory until the moment you receive Christ as your personal savior by faith. The moment that happens, your past is put behind you, the spirit of God comes in, and your sins are forgiven. You are in Christ.
Principle #3: Life Change Is a Gift
You can't change on your own. Sure, you can discipline your life. You can make some progress. But only God can change your life from the inside out. Only God can make you into the mom or dad that your kids never dreamed they could have. Only God can make you love your spouse unconditionally, even if you get nothing in return. That's supernatural power. That's radical change. That's the gift of God!
Principle #4: Life Change Is a Responsibility
But with the gift comes responsibility. Every believer is given a spiritual gift, a supernatural enabling, at the moment of salvation. It's a sacred trust given to you for the purpose of service. It's given to you to fit exactly who you are so that your life and purpose will achieve God's highest glory and bring about the greatest joy in your life.
Principle #5: Life Change Never Happens in Isolation
I don't know why, but God uses the spiritual gifts He gives us to work the gift of supernatural change in others. That's why He chooses to have us live in community together, love each other, and operate out of our giftedness in a way that transformation occurs. The gifts God gives us supply what others need to change into the likeness of Christ.
So if you've already experienced life change, I encourage you today to actively use your spiritual gifts to help others experience the same transformation. And if you're still stuck in the cocoon, I hope you understand that Christ's death and resurrection defeated sin, death, and Satan. Act by faith today. Repent from your old way of thinking, be transformed by the power of God, and discover life outside of the cocoon!
LONELINESS
02.21.04 (6:11 am) [edit]
LONELINESS
In a world populated by billions of people, some folks want nothing more than to get away and experience solitude and serenity. Others can’t shake the nagging pain of feeling lonely... detached... disconnected.
You are, if I may say so, not alone.
A society of acquaintances
The lament of loneliness is one of the most common anthems of our time. We fill our schedules with wall-to-wall events and pack in meeting after meeting, phone call after fax response. But despite all the people and all the activity, we so rarely connect deeply with others. We have become a society of clients more than colleagues... acquaintances more than friends.
Los Angeles once was described to me as a thousand suburbs in search of a city. It strikes me that our society has become like the sprawl of L.A. We are often little islands of self-absorbed, self-contained individuals in a futile search for the solid continent of community.
In our aloneness, we have plenty of company.
A Constant Companion
Yet, in truth, we are never really alone. People may let us down. Friends may disappoint us. Families sometimes fracture. But Someone is always with you. You can find Him in Psalm 23, declaring that He is with you. And in Isaiah 41:10, promising that He'll strengthen and help you. Say hello to a faithful companion on whom you may always depend - your creator, redeemer and sustainer. Your forever friend.
Loneliness
Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:24
Jeremiah 17:14-17
John 14:1-6
John 14:26:28
John 16:1-16
In a world populated by billions of people, some folks want nothing more than to get away and experience solitude and serenity. Others can’t shake the nagging pain of feeling lonely... detached... disconnected.
You are, if I may say so, not alone.
A society of acquaintances
The lament of loneliness is one of the most common anthems of our time. We fill our schedules with wall-to-wall events and pack in meeting after meeting, phone call after fax response. But despite all the people and all the activity, we so rarely connect deeply with others. We have become a society of clients more than colleagues... acquaintances more than friends.
Los Angeles once was described to me as a thousand suburbs in search of a city. It strikes me that our society has become like the sprawl of L.A. We are often little islands of self-absorbed, self-contained individuals in a futile search for the solid continent of community.
In our aloneness, we have plenty of company.
A Constant Companion
Yet, in truth, we are never really alone. People may let us down. Friends may disappoint us. Families sometimes fracture. But Someone is always with you. You can find Him in Psalm 23, declaring that He is with you. And in Isaiah 41:10, promising that He'll strengthen and help you. Say hello to a faithful companion on whom you may always depend - your creator, redeemer and sustainer. Your forever friend.
Loneliness
Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:24
Jeremiah 17:14-17
John 14:1-6
John 14:26:28
John 16:1-16
~Sara Groves~
02.18.04 (4:32 pm) [edit]
Have you guys heard of Sara Groves? Here is a wonderful song...
[u][b]Less Like Scars[/b][/u]
It's been a hard year • But I'm climbing out of the rubble • These lessons are hard • Healing changes are subtle • But every day it's... • Less like tearing more like building • Less like captive more like willing • Less like breakdown more like surrender • Less like haunting more like remember • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars and more like character • • Less like a prison a prison more like my room • Less like a casket more like a womb • Less like dying more like transcending • Less like fear, less like an ending • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • • Just a little while ago • I couldn't feel the power or the hope • I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing • Just a little while back • I was desperate, broken, laid out • Hoping you would come • • And I need you • And I want you here • And I feel you... • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And more like character • •
This is from the album, "All Right Here"
http://www.saragroves.com" title="http://www.saragroves.com" target="_blank"http://www.saragroves.com
![]()
=http://img18.photobucket.com/...
[u][b]Less Like Scars[/b][/u]
It's been a hard year • But I'm climbing out of the rubble • These lessons are hard • Healing changes are subtle • But every day it's... • Less like tearing more like building • Less like captive more like willing • Less like breakdown more like surrender • Less like haunting more like remember • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars and more like character • • Less like a prison a prison more like my room • Less like a casket more like a womb • Less like dying more like transcending • Less like fear, less like an ending • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • • Just a little while ago • I couldn't feel the power or the hope • I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing • Just a little while back • I was desperate, broken, laid out • Hoping you would come • • And I need you • And I want you here • And I feel you... • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And more like character • •
This is from the album, "All Right Here"
http://www.saragroves.com" title="http://www.saragroves.com" target="_blank"http://www.saragroves.com
The Match Maker
02.16.04 (4:47 pm) [edit]
Check this out! Here is such a wonderful and inspiring testimony on dating and marriage!!
http://www.gospeljohn.com/dating.htm" title="http://www.gospeljohn.com/dating.htm" target="_blank"http://www.gospeljohn.com/dat...
![]()
=http://img18.photobucket.com/...
http://www.gospeljohn.com/dating.htm" title="http://www.gospeljohn.com/dating.htm" target="_blank"http://www.gospeljohn.com/dat...
Developing an 'US' Identity During Dating
02.14.04 (7:51 am) [edit]
Developing an 'US' Identity During Dating
If you are currently dating, I hope you feel as if you are developing something between you that has an "us" identity to it. You should feel that you are heading in the same direction, acting as a team of two. If this is not the case in your current relationship, it might be time for you to face the fact that you might be growing apart. Dating will do one of those two things - either bring you closer together or move you away from each other.
If you are, in fact, moving away from each other, don't be afraid to put an end to a relationship that's going nowhere. If this happens, you should thank God for the things you learned from that relationship and move on.
If you find that you are developing that "us" identity with the person you are dating, the next stage in your relationship is courting - dating one person exclusively, frequently, and with the purpose of determining if this is the person with whom you truly want to spend the rest of your life.
My Question For You:
In your current dating relationship, are you moving closer to or away from your boyfriend/girlfriend?
My Challenge For You:
If you do not honestly feel like you are moving closer to the person you are dating, think long and hard about moving forward with the relationship. Remember, if your current boyfriend/girlfriend is not the one for you, God has something better in store for you!
![]()
=http://img18.photobucket.com/...
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
If you are currently dating, I hope you feel as if you are developing something between you that has an "us" identity to it. You should feel that you are heading in the same direction, acting as a team of two. If this is not the case in your current relationship, it might be time for you to face the fact that you might be growing apart. Dating will do one of those two things - either bring you closer together or move you away from each other.
If you are, in fact, moving away from each other, don't be afraid to put an end to a relationship that's going nowhere. If this happens, you should thank God for the things you learned from that relationship and move on.
If you find that you are developing that "us" identity with the person you are dating, the next stage in your relationship is courting - dating one person exclusively, frequently, and with the purpose of determining if this is the person with whom you truly want to spend the rest of your life.
My Question For You:
In your current dating relationship, are you moving closer to or away from your boyfriend/girlfriend?
My Challenge For You:
If you do not honestly feel like you are moving closer to the person you are dating, think long and hard about moving forward with the relationship. Remember, if your current boyfriend/girlfriend is not the one for you, God has something better in store for you!
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
The Plan of God
02.12.04 (7:53 am) [edit]
[b]The Plan of God[/b]
One definition of the “decree of God” is “His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass.” This is one of the best definitions I’ve heard of the decree of God, or God’s plan to fulfill his eternal purpose in history.
There are three distinct characteristics of the decree of God. The first is that it is singular. In other words, there is one plan - God’s plan. Some people interpret biblical history as two plans – God’s and Satan’s – in competition with each other. But the truth is, God was in control – and is in control – all the time.
The second characteristic of the decree of God is that it is progressive. God’s plan demonstrates two definite points – that Man is a liar and that God is true. The bible contains numerous examples of Man’s disobedience to God. The world today continues to scorn God, even with the historical fact of the resurrection. Revelation 20:8-9 tells of Man’s unwillingness to obey God even after Christ returns to rule the earth. Revelation also tells of God’s final execution of His long-awaited justice. All this progressively demonstrates what Paul says in Romans 3:4, “Let God be found true though every man be found a liar.”
The third characteristic of the decree of God is that it is comprehensive. There is nothing, not one thing, that God cannot do. Nothing is too large or too small for Him. God ordains evil for His own purposes and He ordains good. But whatever the circumstances, God can be trusted 100% of the time.
My Question For You:
Is the thought of God’s grand design for mankind stimulating, comforting or confusing to you? Explain.
My Challenge For You:
Knowing that God’s plan is all of these things – singular, progressive and comprehensive – and that he is in control of everything, are you allowing that to make a difference in your life daily? If you will, it will change your life forever – for the better!
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
One definition of the “decree of God” is “His eternal purpose according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, He hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass.” This is one of the best definitions I’ve heard of the decree of God, or God’s plan to fulfill his eternal purpose in history.
There are three distinct characteristics of the decree of God. The first is that it is singular. In other words, there is one plan - God’s plan. Some people interpret biblical history as two plans – God’s and Satan’s – in competition with each other. But the truth is, God was in control – and is in control – all the time.
The second characteristic of the decree of God is that it is progressive. God’s plan demonstrates two definite points – that Man is a liar and that God is true. The bible contains numerous examples of Man’s disobedience to God. The world today continues to scorn God, even with the historical fact of the resurrection. Revelation 20:8-9 tells of Man’s unwillingness to obey God even after Christ returns to rule the earth. Revelation also tells of God’s final execution of His long-awaited justice. All this progressively demonstrates what Paul says in Romans 3:4, “Let God be found true though every man be found a liar.”
The third characteristic of the decree of God is that it is comprehensive. There is nothing, not one thing, that God cannot do. Nothing is too large or too small for Him. God ordains evil for His own purposes and He ordains good. But whatever the circumstances, God can be trusted 100% of the time.
My Question For You:
Is the thought of God’s grand design for mankind stimulating, comforting or confusing to you? Explain.
My Challenge For You:
Knowing that God’s plan is all of these things – singular, progressive and comprehensive – and that he is in control of everything, are you allowing that to make a difference in your life daily? If you will, it will change your life forever – for the better!
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
The Art of Dating
02.11.04 (7:47 pm) [edit]
[b]The Art of Dating[/b]
One of the biggest problems dating couples face today is one partner thinking he or she can change the other, whether it is before they are married or after. That is one reason it is so important to look for spiritual disciplines in the person you are dating while you are dating. If those disciplines are not there now, chances are, they won’t be there in the future. Here are three questions you might want to ask yourself about the person you’re dating.
Does the person have a daily quiet time with the Lord? The answer to this question can be very revealing. If a person spends time daily in God’s word, he is in a position to be led by God. It’s much easier for the Lord to be nagging your beloved spouse into right paths and right behaviors than for you to be in that role.
Is the person involved actively in a Christian church or other body of believers? Christian fellowship is so precious! Your mate should be someone who enjoys the fellowship of other believers.
Does the person desire to pursue the same type of spiritual life and ministry that you desire to pursue? If God has called the person you are dating into a particular ministry, whether it is as a church staff member or layperson, you’d better understand completely and agree with that ministry as well. Marriage is a partnership, and if you end of marrying this person, their ministry will become yours as well.
My Question For You:
What do your strongest Christian friends think about the person you are dating?
My Challenge For You:
Closely examine your relationship with the person you are dating and determine whether or not you are a better Christian because of that relationship.
~~This came from:
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
One of the biggest problems dating couples face today is one partner thinking he or she can change the other, whether it is before they are married or after. That is one reason it is so important to look for spiritual disciplines in the person you are dating while you are dating. If those disciplines are not there now, chances are, they won’t be there in the future. Here are three questions you might want to ask yourself about the person you’re dating.
Does the person have a daily quiet time with the Lord? The answer to this question can be very revealing. If a person spends time daily in God’s word, he is in a position to be led by God. It’s much easier for the Lord to be nagging your beloved spouse into right paths and right behaviors than for you to be in that role.
Is the person involved actively in a Christian church or other body of believers? Christian fellowship is so precious! Your mate should be someone who enjoys the fellowship of other believers.
Does the person desire to pursue the same type of spiritual life and ministry that you desire to pursue? If God has called the person you are dating into a particular ministry, whether it is as a church staff member or layperson, you’d better understand completely and agree with that ministry as well. Marriage is a partnership, and if you end of marrying this person, their ministry will become yours as well.
My Question For You:
What do your strongest Christian friends think about the person you are dating?
My Challenge For You:
Closely examine your relationship with the person you are dating and determine whether or not you are a better Christian because of that relationship.
~~This came from:
http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" title="http://www.thesongofsolomon.com" target="_blank"http://www.thesongofsolomon.c...
Heart To Heart
02.09.04 (8:22 pm) [edit]
Heart To Heart
How are we to praise God? Is worship the singing of particular songs? No, people enjoy different types of music. Is worship an experience? Not totally; there’s more to worship than a great experience.
Is worship about the heart? YES. Worship is the attitude of telling God of our need, appreciation, and love. It’s admitting that God is in control and that we don’t have to be. Since God is holy, worship is asking God to purify us so that our relationship with God will not suffer because of our sin.
Yes, worship is about the heart–my heart, your heart, God’s heart. God help us to keep an attitude of worship throughout the week!
By: Cherith Long
**This little devotion was taken from DEVOZINE. Visit their website at http://www.devozine.org
Let’s examine our hearts. When you worship, the Lord looks right into your heart. Do you really desire to worship God? Do you really desire to meet Him face-to-face? Do you sing the words of hymns as prayers or do you just go through the motions. When the whole congregation gets up to clap along with the quire do you get up to clap along and praise God because the holy spirit is in you or do you do it just because “everyone else is”? Is your worship from your heart to God’s?
It’s something to think about.
Joe showed me a wonderful piece of scripture and I’d like to share it with you all:
1 Chronicles 29: 10-13
David’s Prayer
“David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly saying, “Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our Father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.
Guys! This is how we are to praise God!
:wink:
How are we to praise God? Is worship the singing of particular songs? No, people enjoy different types of music. Is worship an experience? Not totally; there’s more to worship than a great experience.
Is worship about the heart? YES. Worship is the attitude of telling God of our need, appreciation, and love. It’s admitting that God is in control and that we don’t have to be. Since God is holy, worship is asking God to purify us so that our relationship with God will not suffer because of our sin.
Yes, worship is about the heart–my heart, your heart, God’s heart. God help us to keep an attitude of worship throughout the week!
By: Cherith Long
**This little devotion was taken from DEVOZINE. Visit their website at http://www.devozine.org
Let’s examine our hearts. When you worship, the Lord looks right into your heart. Do you really desire to worship God? Do you really desire to meet Him face-to-face? Do you sing the words of hymns as prayers or do you just go through the motions. When the whole congregation gets up to clap along with the quire do you get up to clap along and praise God because the holy spirit is in you or do you do it just because “everyone else is”? Is your worship from your heart to God’s?
It’s something to think about.
Joe showed me a wonderful piece of scripture and I’d like to share it with you all:
1 Chronicles 29: 10-13
David’s Prayer
“David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly saying, “Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our Father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.
Guys! This is how we are to praise God!
:wink:
I've decided to stay!!
02.08.04 (3:23 pm) [edit]
Hey guys! You know how in my last entry I said that I was going to leave? Wellll...I've decided to stay..BUT...instead of this blog being all about me and my everyday life, it's going to be all about the Lord! Yep..less of ME and MORE of Him :wink: that's the way it's gotta be.
Anyway, from now on, my blog will feature devotions and bible studies. I will also include links to other Christian websites. Anything that will help us all to grow closer to the Lord! I hope you all will enjoy this. God Bless 8)
Anyway, from now on, my blog will feature devotions and bible studies. I will also include links to other Christian websites. Anything that will help us all to grow closer to the Lord! I hope you all will enjoy this. God Bless 8)
Proverbs Chapter 4
02.03.04 (7:20 pm) [edit]
Proverbs Chapter 4:-)
~~I've gotten so much from this chapter. We are currenty studying Proverbs at ~He Holds My Hand!
Feel free to come and join us in this study!
~~~
This scripture is so refreshing...so inspiring! It quenches my soul! In the first few verses of chapter 4, it tells us that we are to pay attention and gain wisdom. In 4:7 it says, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.” Yes, it actually tells us in verse 10 that if we are to listen to the Lord’s commands and accept them, the years of our lives will be many.
I really like 4:11-12, “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” This is saying that when we grow closer to the Lord and seek His guidance and wisdom, we will hear His voice and we will be able to stand up against the world. We’ll have on the Armor of the Lord!
This next verse is soo very important to remember, (verse 14-15) “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. AVOID it, do not travel in it; turn from it and go on your way.”
We are to not set ourselves up for sin. Why surround yourself and associate yourself and befriend people who will cause you to stumble? The Lord knows that we are easily tempted and He can see the sin that can come out of it.
This next verse has to be one of my favorites! Verse 18-19, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day, but the way of the wicked is like the deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” When I look into this verse it saddens my heart to think of how so many people are blind...they are in the dark and they’ve hardened their hearts to God! Don’t get me wrong..we’re ALL in the dark, it’s just that we have the Lord to guide us through! The wicked are blind and they continue to follow each other through the dark...they go in circles. They think they find joy or happiness in worldly things, but they haven’t. The Lord cries out but they cannot hear Him.
It’s so important for us to listen so carefully for God’s voice. He will speak to us in whatever voice He wants. Sometimes it’s only a gentle whisper...other times it’s a roaring rumble. We just have to be willing to stand on our tip-toes in order to hear Him, and I guarantee...we will as long as we seek Him:-)
~~I've gotten so much from this chapter. We are currenty studying Proverbs at ~He Holds My Hand!
Feel free to come and join us in this study!
~~~
This scripture is so refreshing...so inspiring! It quenches my soul! In the first few verses of chapter 4, it tells us that we are to pay attention and gain wisdom. In 4:7 it says, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.” Yes, it actually tells us in verse 10 that if we are to listen to the Lord’s commands and accept them, the years of our lives will be many.
I really like 4:11-12, “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” This is saying that when we grow closer to the Lord and seek His guidance and wisdom, we will hear His voice and we will be able to stand up against the world. We’ll have on the Armor of the Lord!
This next verse is soo very important to remember, (verse 14-15) “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. AVOID it, do not travel in it; turn from it and go on your way.”
We are to not set ourselves up for sin. Why surround yourself and associate yourself and befriend people who will cause you to stumble? The Lord knows that we are easily tempted and He can see the sin that can come out of it.
This next verse has to be one of my favorites! Verse 18-19, “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day, but the way of the wicked is like the deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” When I look into this verse it saddens my heart to think of how so many people are blind...they are in the dark and they’ve hardened their hearts to God! Don’t get me wrong..we’re ALL in the dark, it’s just that we have the Lord to guide us through! The wicked are blind and they continue to follow each other through the dark...they go in circles. They think they find joy or happiness in worldly things, but they haven’t. The Lord cries out but they cannot hear Him.
It’s so important for us to listen so carefully for God’s voice. He will speak to us in whatever voice He wants. Sometimes it’s only a gentle whisper...other times it’s a roaring rumble. We just have to be willing to stand on our tip-toes in order to hear Him, and I guarantee...we will as long as we seek Him:-)