Tag Archives: christianity

Glorify through Thankful song

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Glorify through Thankful song

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:30

songbirdI like to sing in the shower; when no one is around of course. Music makes my heart soar to new heights, and in that moment I am a songbird, melodic and beautiful. Unfortunately, God and I are the only ones who think so! The thought of anyone but the Father hearing my tuneless crooning makes me cringe, but when it is just He and I – I am brilliant!

I certainly am not thankful for my crappy voice, but I am thankful for the opportunity to use it to glorify my God – even if it is for an audience of one.

 Most of the time I sing out of gratitude.

  • Gratitude for the love He shows me every day, simply by being by my side.  

  • Gratitude for coming into my life and forgiving all of the wretched things that have defined my past.  

  • Gratitude for giving me a heart for what is true, and worthy, and beautiful.

But it is when I sing simply because of who He is – the Creator of the universe, that I believe I glorify Him most. He is so big that a song can barely contain all that is our God. All powerful. All loving. All merciful. The heavens and all of nature declare His glory, and I join in; singing my tuneless song, perfect in all its glory – to Him.

For Him.

About Him.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving a time to remember all that God has done in our lives, especially the small things that often go unnoticed. Thank Him each day by expressing  your gratitude for who He is and what He has given you.

Even if it is a simple tuneless song, just between you… and He.

Soli Deo Gloria!

A Lenten Fast

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Lent is a time to remember. To remember how Jesus lived and how He died, why He came and what that means for us as a body of believers; as His bride.

 fAsting pic

Fasting as a spiritual discipline has lost its popularity and practice over the years, but is founded in  biblical teachings as far back as the beginning of the Old Testament. Prophets of old used this practice to further develop their relationship with their creator and to experience profound transformation through humbling themselves before God and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal their true spiritual condition.

This opportunity is available to us too, as believers, through the practice of fasting. When implementing this discipline, prayers have been answered as well as questions of the spirit through the repentant heart of the fast-er, and lives have been changed.

Over time, we have become a self-obsessed people, dispelling the notion that we should ever deprive ourselves of anything we desire including food, entertainment, clothing or the latest technology. Our “gimme” society is so accustomed to having it all; that the notion of doing without is the farthest thing from our minds… it is time to change that.

Have you asked yourself what is keeping you from a deeper relationship with God? Possibly, there is a part of your life that you have worked to reform, with little success, a habit that you can’t seem to let go of, or a discipline that you have tried to learn but continually seems to escape you. Discouragement can be devastating to your resolve and your strength wanes with each moment of perceived failure. Fasting done as a spiritual discipline could be your answer.

The practice of fasting separates you from an inner desire, denying the body of what connects it to the world and therefore separates you from your father. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

There are a lot of action words in that sentence. Not only are we to pray, repent and look for God, but also humble ourselves. How do we do that?

King David humbled himself through fasting (Psalms 35:13); Moses fasted at least twice for 40 days each as did Jesus and He then instructed His followers, “but when plateyou fast, put oil on your heads and wash your face.” You notice that He said when not if. In Jewish culture, fasting was expected along with prayer, especially when a reformation of the people was needed. The people would dress in sackcloth, put ashes on their heads and fast until their situation was changed. This action showed God a humble heart, the sorrow of the people and a desire to change. We are still living in biblical times(we have not yet experienced the second coming)…fasting, therefore, is still necessary and expected. Change can happen with the right heart and the right petition.

Fasting today can have the same effect for change, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be done in the same way. The point is to deny yourself…make a sacrifice. There are numerous ways that this can be accomplished.

  • ·         a partial fast (like the Daniel Fast, or from a meal 1-2 times a week, possibly just a dessert or treat that you like)

  • ·         A full food fast (water only – check with your doctor before doing this please and only undertake this if you know that it is the will of God)

  • ·         a media fast (facebook, twitter, computer activities, phone texting)

  • ·         an entertainment fast (movies, tv, video games)

  • ·         a  music fast (from secular music primarily)

These are the things that, today, separate us from having a more intimate relationship with our Father. They are worldly influences that threaten to replace God in our hearts and time,

I think that it would be valuable for most people to experience all of these options as the majority of us today indulge in most of these activities, and spending a period of time in denial of them, will be beneficial in discovering which truly present a problem for us. We all have different trouble areas, and some could be problematic and we aren’t even aware of it.

I propose that during the 40 days of lent (that is Monday through Saturday, Sunday being your day of rest from the fast) we devote ourselves to (4) 10-day periods, fasting from a different aspect of worldliness each period, and placing that concentration on God himself. The results could be astounding, life altering even. God desires this, but it is up to us to take the first step.

I have been doing some research lately, on this subject and would love to have you participate if you are willing. If you would like to participate in the research, I have a link below for you to follow to download a 40 day guide to journal in while fasting your way through lent. At the end of your fast, if you could simply email the journals back to me so that I can review the results for an upcoming book on media fasting, I would be very grateful. If you do not wish to share your journals, I understand and would love for you to participate anyway. Feel free to download the journal for your personal use.  Consider sending me a simple message about how your fast went and how it enriched your relationship with God. Also, I welcome comments or suggestions about the fast itself.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your Lenten time, I pray that it includes thoughts of our Savior and leads to a deeper and more spiritual relationship with Him.

Reflect His Light!

Lisa

Download The Fasting Journal ~ fasting journal 2013

Life’s Blood ~ Part 3

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“When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”  

 Daniel 12:7b

At the end of the book of Daniel, he is given a vision of many things including things that have not yet come to pass. In the above passage, Daniel sees a man clothed in linen, hovering above the waters with his hands raised towards heaven, swearing by Him who lives forever. No reference is made as to who this man in linen is but the point to understand here is that God’s will, will be done, when our power has been finally broken. If we look back on history we see that many times over this has happened. Persecution of God’s people, near destruction of the remnant…our power seems to be crushed over and over again.

God has a recurring purpose here, and that is to break the pride and self-sufficiency of his rebellious people.

We are not just talking about the Israelites here.  We are His people, His rebellious people. Many times we don’t see it, but when we worry about losing our job, we are telling God that we don’t trust His provision. When we pass judgment on someone who wronged us and harbor hate in our hearts, we become judge and jury instead of trusting in God’s perfect timing for retribution or judgment of the sins of man.  We don’t look to God anymore to improve our situations, we don’t count on Him for the things that we need, we don’t ask for His guidance in decisions we need to make, we just make them ourselves.  Self-sufficiency. Then we wonder why we experience trials and tribulations, when we should be wondering when we stopped trusting in our Father.

Growing up we placed our very lives in the hands of our parents, the ones we knew loved us. We trusted that they would feed us, clothe us, provide love and security and we never doubted their sovereignty over our lives. This is what God wants…to love us and provide for us, to be our “go-to” guide and to be the sovereign Lord of our lives. But somewhere in our rebellious teenage years, we started to think that we were all grown up and didn’t need our parents anymore, that we could make all the decisions and provide all that was necessary for our happiness and security. Just as a loving parent lets their child experience independence, God lets us decide for ourselves whether we need Him or not, if we want to trust Him or not. Sometimes we take enough rope and hang ourselves with it, causing troubles in our lives that sometimes could have been avoided if we had only listened and obeyed.

Self-sufficiency, relying on our own power and capabilities to navigate through this life, is something that we all are guilty of, and also something that we are all capable of giving up.  Prayer and petition and reliance on our Father doesn’t make us weak. Jesus relied on the Father for everything; I doubt anyone would call Him weak.  Many other biblical giants trusted in God’s provisions, and while they may have faced trials and adversities, they ultimately had the favor of God and they lived a fruitful life.

The second step in our journey to our Life’s Blood is to relinquish our control; give it to God. Self-denial is a good place to start. This would mean giving up our desires for God’s. How do we do this? Biblically speaking, many of God’s people achieved this by fasting; denying themselves what their bodies craved.

We are leading into the Lenten season on Wednesday which is a perfect time to enter into a period of self-denial or self-sacrifice. Tomorrow (fat Tuesday) I will present a lesson on fasting. This is not just a fasting of food, but much more, it is a fasting of the mind and of what is replacing God in our lives. There will be a downloadable booklet for you to use to track your fast which will be broken down into (4) 10-day periods, concentrating on different aspects of secular concentrations that are not of God. This should make the experience more manageable and hopefully lead to a closer understanding of the things that separate us from the Father.

Tomorrow: A 40-day Fast

My Prayer: Lord guide me in your will for this coming Lenten season, I wish to honor you and your sacrifice with my desire to give up my self-sufficiency. In Jesus’ great name I pray.

Reflect His Light!

Lisa

Intentionally Chosen Words

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unglued~ In the fifth session of our “UNGLUED” bible study, we are asked to consider what we want to be remembered by when we leave this world. What about your life, your accomplishments, do you want to be the lingering impression, the lingering words that define you and what you are about.

It’s easy to be self-condemning in the way we view who we are, based upon our reactions to external content. The problem with this is that we tend to think that God views us that way as well. A self-condemning attitude can easily turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. “I did _________so I must be_______, and will always be….I’ll never change.” When we tell ourselves that we are failures, we will be. If we label ourselves with terms like angry, or screamer, or control-freak, it is likely that, over time, we will not make the needed adjustments or improvements that need to be made, and can confine ourselves to that distinction.

We read about bible heroes and heroines and assume that they did it all right because God called them “mighty”, or a “friend of God”.  But that is not true, these biblical examples of God’s beloved, are human, they had human tendencies and human failures, just like you and I. So why did God call them friends? Because He knew that their failures were only a small imperfect part of them. God saw the bigger picture. And these biblical giants chose to see what God saw. They set their focus on Jesus and asked for needed help, an adjustment in their understanding of themselves.

Let’s look at a few examples:

  • Joseph: “ The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (Gen 39:23)
  • David: “God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart’” (Acts 13:22)
  • Abraham: Friend of God (James 2:23)
  • Gideon: Mighty warrior (Judges 6:12)
  • Joshua: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)

These are all great examples of humans with a heart for God; humans with faults, but a prayerful, joyful and thankful outlook.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to…Be JoyfulBe PrayerfulBe Thankful. This, I believe, is God’s vision for us all. If only we could let these words define us, define our lives. Placing our focus on this aspect of ourselves can create lingering words, lingering views of who we are in God, and allow us to fulfill our callings. We need to intentionally write godly words into the script of our lives; live intentionally with intentionally chosen words.

My Prayer:

Lord, show me who I am in you, who you see me to be. Help me to be joyful, prayerful and thankful, even when my circumstances don’t want me to be that way. I don’t want to feel justified in the ways I react, I only want to be righteous in the right choices that honor you daily. Help me to remember who I am; your son/daughter, and let that guide my steps. Today I only want to live life giving words, words that will bring me closer to you and define who you see me to be. Be my word.

Reflect the Light!

Lisa

~If you have not yet joined this bible study, please do! There is SO much more to learn than what I am posting here. If you would like to get the UNGLUED bible study material, visit www.proverbs31.org

Revelation Song

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            The Book of Revelation is without a doubt, my favorite book in the bible.  I love the imagery that is used and the best part:  We Win!  The artist in me wants to paint it all, all of the colors, all of the creatures, all of Jesus!  Everything about it draws me in.  One of my most favorite songs that we sing on Sunday is Revelation Song. It reflects some of the very best parts of that book, and never fails to make me cry (not hard to do if you know me at all!)  But truly, it is a beautiful song with beautiful words and I imagine that these are words we will all be singing one day to the

   King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

If you don’t know the song, read the words and the corresponding verses below and discover it’s beauty, then at the end there is a link to the version that I like the most.  There are a couple of others that are good too, but this is my favorite!

May grace and mercy be yours!

Lisa

Revelation Song

Songwriters: ALLEN, MARC EDWIN / BARCALOW, NATHAN / DOHERTY, DEREK / LINARES, ALEJANDRO M. / STROHMEYER, RANDY

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain

 

Revelation 5:11-12 ~ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ”Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

Revelation 5:13 ~ Then I heard every creature on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:  “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Revelation 4:8 ~ Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

Revelation 4:10-11 ~ The twenty-four elders fell down before Him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:  “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,”

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!

 

Revelation 11:16-17 ~ And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.”

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery

Revelation 1:17 ~ When I saw him, I fell at his feer as though dead.  Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living one; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!”

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!

Revelation 19:16 ~ On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

                            KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore YOU…

if you  would like to hear the song, click the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY

B.I.B.L.E.

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I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from                   Psalm 119:19 (NIV)

          I used to be diligent about controlling what my children watched on TV.  I would approve or disapprove the content of the screen, sometimes to their dismay.  I still do sometimes, but I discovered some time ago that if I say no, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t see it.  When they leave the house and go to visit their friends TV’s… all bet’s are off!  So I decided that, within reason of course, I allow some of the more popular shows that “all the kids are watching” and I watch it with them, taking the opportunities to discuss what is good, what is bad and why.  Sometimes they get so irritated with me that they just don’t watch it anymore because somehow I am “ruining all the fun!”  Last night was one of those times.  My youngest, who by the way surprises me constantly with most of what comes out of his mouth, was watching “the big bang theory” (which I have to admit is pretty amusing) but at the beginning the theme song goes on and on about their “theory” of how the world began…. and it isn’t a theory I support, so of course I commented on how it was SO WRONG!  He looked at me and said, “That’s why it is called a theory and not a bible.”  So I responded, looking for the Sunday school answer of course, “and what is the Bible?” (God’s truth right?)  He says this, very matter of factly I might add; “It’s the B.asic I.nstructions B.efore L.eaving E.arth”

          I have to say, I almost pee’d my pants I laughed so hard!  And isn’t that exactly what it is?!!  2 Timothy 3:16 says:  “All scripture is God breathed” which makes it His words put to paper (or parchment anyway) so is consequently the truth because God is truth. In 2 Chronicles 17:9 the King of Judah sent his officials to teach in the cities and towns, and they brought with them “the Book of the Law”  God’s guidebook for right living.   Proverbs 16:22 explains that God’s wisdom is the fountain of life, and when we live by his words, he washes away the deadly effect of sin.  It can make us happy, healthy and alive forever!

            Our scripture verse for today,Psalm 119, is thought to be written by the priest Ezra, and in verse 19 of that psalm he states that he is a stranger here, not familiar with the ways of the land, and needs a guidebook (“do not hide your commands from me”).  I think that we are all at times unsure of what to do, how to act, where to go. I say Stop!  …and read the B.asic I.nstructions B.efore L.eaving E.arth!

 

The Names of God

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Jehovah Nissi

Exodus 17:8-15 “…Moses built an altar and called it the Lord is my banner.”

In the scripture passage Exodus 17:8-15 Moses has is hands raised along with his staff because of the instuction of God, and the scene before him is one of victory!  The Jews are at war with Amelek and they are winning!  When Moses begins to lower his staff, the Jews begin to lose, so Moses with the help of his friends keeps his hands and staff held high until the battle is done and their enemy utterly defeated!  I think that this is a wonderful illustration of how God is our banner, our shield and our protection!  When we raise our hands up to God in prayer, we are guaranteed victory over our enemies, whether that enemy is a literal person, a sinful habit or a situation that is threatening to destroy us.  We win!!  But like Moses, we need to KEEP our hands held high and be continually in prayer for his protection.  This could mean a week, a month or possibly longer.  We must continue to pray and believe that our victory is guaranteed. If we are weary and need help, this is where our christian sisters and brothers come in.  They can help us by holding our hands up for us and  praying along with us!  We don’t have to do it on our own.  The prayers of our brothers and sisters are SO important…..with their help and ultimately God’s, we can prevail! Do you have an enemy pushing you, enticing you, luring you into defeat?  Call a Godly prayer warrior and ask for help…..leave me a comment or email me and I would be honored to pray with you.   It does not mean that we are weak to ask for help, it means that we are strong in our confidence in our Lord to be our strength and our Savior in times of trouble.  Reach out to Him today (and get some help too!!) make Him your JEHOVAH NISSI…..count on him to win your battle for you today.  Lift up your face and raise your hands in victory!!

~Lord, be our strength today and help us to lean on you in our times of trouble.  Encourage  us to reach out to others for help in raising our battles up to you for your protection and grace, and to have confidence that our battle is already won through you for you will not let our enemies conquer us. In the precious name of our Lord jesus Christ we pray.  Amen!

Be blessed today my friends!                                                                                                               Lisa

                  Tomorrow~ Immanuel