Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
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Who is GOD?
In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our high priest
In Numbers, the fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Israel’s Guide
Joshua, He’s salvation's choice
Judges, He’s Israel’s Guard
In Ruth, the kinsmen's redeemer
1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign
In Ezra, He’s the true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah, the re-builder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He’s Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms He is our morning song
In Proverbs, He is our wisdom
Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season
In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream
In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, the call from sin
Daniel, the stranger in the fire
Hosea, the forever faithful
Joel, the spirit’s power
Amos, the strong-arms that carry
Obadiah, the Lord our Savior
Jonah, the great missionary
Micah, the promise of peace
Nahum, our strength and shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival
In Haggai He restores that which was lost
IN Zachariah, He’s our fountain
And in Malachi, He's the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
AND THAT’S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT
In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah
In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven
In Romans, He is the grace of God
Corinthians, the power of love
Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servant's heart
Colossians, He’s God and the trinity Thessalonians, our calling King
In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting courage
In James, the one who heals the sick
In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful shepherd
In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it’s all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior
He is Jesus Christ the Lord
HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED!
Lyrics from the song "He Is" by Aaron Jeffrey
You can view the video HERE
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Understanding will never bring you Peace. That's why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking me (your Master).
The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.
My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.
Proberbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
Romans 5:1
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wea]">[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Thessalonians 3:16
16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.
My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.
Proberbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Romans 5:1
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wea]">[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Thessalonians 3:16
16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
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Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. Exodus 19:5
Do I behave as though God has authority in my life? In the world?
When I choose to disobey God (you got the choose part, right) I am saying I don't trust God.
How will I live out Life Principle 2 in my life?
What challenge am I facing today?
What is God leading me to do?
My choices here will determine my success or failure so I need to obey.
Pray and ask God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself, to increase my faith, and to transform my life so that it can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Life Lessons to Remember:
Trust God with your life and all that concerns you. (Prov 3:5-6)
Wait on the Lord for an answer to your problem or situation (Ps 37:9)
Meditate on God's Word and listen to the Holy Spirit (Matt 6:33)
Be willing to wait or walk away when the way before you is unclear (Ps 27:13-14)
Be willing to endure conflict. (Matt 5:10-12
Leave the consequences to God. (Ex 14:13-14)
Do I behave as though God has authority in my life? In the world?
When I choose to disobey God (you got the choose part, right) I am saying I don't trust God.
How will I live out Life Principle 2 in my life?
What challenge am I facing today?
What is God leading me to do?
My choices here will determine my success or failure so I need to obey.
Pray and ask God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself, to increase my faith, and to transform my life so that it can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Life Lessons to Remember:
Trust God with your life and all that concerns you. (Prov 3:5-6)
Wait on the Lord for an answer to your problem or situation (Ps 37:9)
Meditate on God's Word and listen to the Holy Spirit (Matt 6:33)
Be willing to wait or walk away when the way before you is unclear (Ps 27:13-14)
Be willing to endure conflict. (Matt 5:10-12
Leave the consequences to God. (Ex 14:13-14)
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Our intimacy with God -- His highest priority for our lives -- determines the impact of our lives. Genesis 1:26
First, re-write that for yourself.
MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.
I find that comments and verses mean a lot more and force me to look at them differently when I make them personal. You could even put your name in there and make it really personal.
Bridgette's intimacy with God -- His highest priority for Bridgette's life -- determines the impact of Bridgette's life. You get the picture.
God is a God of relationship. He all by Himself is a relationship (trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit). God wants a relationship with you, with me. The bible talks quite a lot about all the things God does that show how much he cares for us. As I write this lots of things come to mind, saving my tears, knowing the number of hairs on my head, the whole salvation thing...
how about just the amount of grace and patience and mercy He gives me every single day. I don't mean in a oh I'm so religious way... but think about it.
I was recently very upset with a situation in a friend's life. It didn't impact me directly, but the main crux of the problem was somebody wasn't living up to their expectations / their obligations and it was having fall out into her life. I was righteously angry. (that's a good kind of angry for the uninitiated). I was also trying very hard not to bad mouth the other person but look for the good there too. (I wasn't quite so successful in this I am sad to say, but that adds to my point.) While thinking about this God did His famous whammy on me and instead of seeing things from my safe and secure position over here out of the way where my motives are (clears throat) pure; God asks, and in what areas are you not living up to your expectations and obligations Bridgette? Who in your life might be feeling the burden your friend is because of the things you don't do? Hmmm, that's a whole lot less "fun'"
This could be one of those instances where I feel like I've been hit in the gut and all the air rapidly leaves my body while I crumple to the floor emotionally. But, this is my God we are talking about. He loves me. He wants what is best for me and I get to choose to see Him that way - which is to see Him truthfully. So when God comes up and asks me a question like: "That person there that you are having such difficulty with? How are you like them? How do you behave that way?" and I am given the gift of additional motivation to work on something I might have previously been content to let sit as is because it's not really bothering me.
The other side of this perspective change is I can then look back at the original problem person and see them differently. Not just see the "bad" they are doing, but see them through the eyes of experience. Yes, that behavior was bad. It was harmful. I often find myself doing similar things because I am feeling selfish though I don't care to call it that. When I look again, I see a human being who is falible and who needs all the same love, mercy and grace that I do. And then I see even more clearly where my relationship with God comes into play.
The closer I am to God, the more He has my ear. The more closely I am able to hear from Him, the more I know what He's going to say, what His desires are in my life. the same way I don't need my close friends to tell every detail of a story for me to understand how they felt in a situation because I know who they are. I want that in my relationship with God. He even makes it easier than that for me...for us. He gave us His Holy Spirit who talks directly to my spirit and goes everywhere with me.
I want to have a life that has impact. Don't you? I really do. Picturing myself looking back on my life; I don't want to have just gone through the motions or gotten through whatever; I want to leave a mark. I want people to remember me yes, but I want people to remember me as a christian. As the song Legacy by Nicole Nordeman goes. (lyrics & song on link).
So end of Life Principle 1: MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.
Questions:
Do I want to live a life that is fulfilling and significant?
Do I want to make a difference in the world?
Then surrend myself completely to Jesus Christ and ask Him to oepn my hear to His infinite love and mercy.
How will I live this Life Priniciple in my life?
How will I pursue a deeper relationship with God?
Pray asking God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself and to transform my life so that I can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Remember:
God loves you and desired your fellowship and worship (Deut 6:5)
God wants my service for Him to be effective and fruitful (John 15:5)
God waits for me to invite Him to bless me (Rev 3:20)
First, re-write that for yourself.
MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.
I find that comments and verses mean a lot more and force me to look at them differently when I make them personal. You could even put your name in there and make it really personal.
Bridgette's intimacy with God -- His highest priority for Bridgette's life -- determines the impact of Bridgette's life. You get the picture.
God is a God of relationship. He all by Himself is a relationship (trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit). God wants a relationship with you, with me. The bible talks quite a lot about all the things God does that show how much he cares for us. As I write this lots of things come to mind, saving my tears, knowing the number of hairs on my head, the whole salvation thing...
how about just the amount of grace and patience and mercy He gives me every single day. I don't mean in a oh I'm so religious way... but think about it.
I was recently very upset with a situation in a friend's life. It didn't impact me directly, but the main crux of the problem was somebody wasn't living up to their expectations / their obligations and it was having fall out into her life. I was righteously angry. (that's a good kind of angry for the uninitiated). I was also trying very hard not to bad mouth the other person but look for the good there too. (I wasn't quite so successful in this I am sad to say, but that adds to my point.) While thinking about this God did His famous whammy on me and instead of seeing things from my safe and secure position over here out of the way where my motives are (clears throat) pure; God asks, and in what areas are you not living up to your expectations and obligations Bridgette? Who in your life might be feeling the burden your friend is because of the things you don't do? Hmmm, that's a whole lot less "fun'"
This could be one of those instances where I feel like I've been hit in the gut and all the air rapidly leaves my body while I crumple to the floor emotionally. But, this is my God we are talking about. He loves me. He wants what is best for me and I get to choose to see Him that way - which is to see Him truthfully. So when God comes up and asks me a question like: "That person there that you are having such difficulty with? How are you like them? How do you behave that way?" and I am given the gift of additional motivation to work on something I might have previously been content to let sit as is because it's not really bothering me.
The other side of this perspective change is I can then look back at the original problem person and see them differently. Not just see the "bad" they are doing, but see them through the eyes of experience. Yes, that behavior was bad. It was harmful. I often find myself doing similar things because I am feeling selfish though I don't care to call it that. When I look again, I see a human being who is falible and who needs all the same love, mercy and grace that I do. And then I see even more clearly where my relationship with God comes into play.
The closer I am to God, the more He has my ear. The more closely I am able to hear from Him, the more I know what He's going to say, what His desires are in my life. the same way I don't need my close friends to tell every detail of a story for me to understand how they felt in a situation because I know who they are. I want that in my relationship with God. He even makes it easier than that for me...for us. He gave us His Holy Spirit who talks directly to my spirit and goes everywhere with me.
I want to have a life that has impact. Don't you? I really do. Picturing myself looking back on my life; I don't want to have just gone through the motions or gotten through whatever; I want to leave a mark. I want people to remember me yes, but I want people to remember me as a christian. As the song Legacy by Nicole Nordeman goes. (lyrics & song on link).
So end of Life Principle 1: MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.
Questions:
Do I want to live a life that is fulfilling and significant?
Do I want to make a difference in the world?
Then surrend myself completely to Jesus Christ and ask Him to oepn my hear to His infinite love and mercy.
How will I live this Life Priniciple in my life?
How will I pursue a deeper relationship with God?
Pray asking God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself and to transform my life so that I can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Remember:
God loves you and desired your fellowship and worship (Deut 6:5)
God wants my service for Him to be effective and fruitful (John 15:5)
God waits for me to invite Him to bless me (Rev 3:20)
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We all struggle with difficult things in our lives at one point or another. Lately, I have found myself a bit shy with God, a little afraid. I truly hate admitting that, but there it is. And this is an odd place for me. It's only part of me that seems to be 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' and the rest of me knows God is good and regardless of where He takes me I'll be ok.
It's also an interesting place to be because traditionally in my life I've not been afraid of trials (for that is what part of me fears). I welcomed them because my life's hindsight shows me how close I am to God during them.
Two friends of mine in particular have really been put through the ringer. Well, that makes it sound past tense and unfortunately, it's not. Without going into extreme detail... we are talking about financial problems out of their control (for the friends of Job in us that means... not their fault) that have brought them to the brink of homelessness... more than once. Having to deny their children things that they really "should have" been able to provide. Devastating illness that will plague a family for months and possibly years to come. Not having money for gas, not having money for food, not having money for Christmas. It's heartbreaking.
I find myself constantly trying to resolve these problems. I think we all do when we hear of people who are struggling in any significant way. Oh... have they tried this? How about that? Truth is... there is little WE can do. These are truly God sized problems. I'm now joking with them saying... "I didn't know you were related to Job." One friend shot back, "Hey, we're all related to him!" eeek (If you don't know Job's story from the Bible that comment will have little significance. So happy reading!)
So, I have no great spiritual understanding to add to this.
Ok, maybe one thing.
When people share their difficulties, I think we should first pray. 2nd. we should continue to pray for them when they come to mind. 3rd. we should ask God if there are ways we can be of assistance -- this would be instead of offering all the solutions that come to mind.
Oh, now I'm thinking... (uh oh) do you think we offer solutions because we trust those more than we trust God? Do we really believe God will resolve the issue at hand? Do we believe that prayer works? That God listens and answers? This is a bit of a challenge for me now. oh, it's that same question that has been with me for decades now.... How Big Is Your God?
It's also an interesting place to be because traditionally in my life I've not been afraid of trials (for that is what part of me fears). I welcomed them because my life's hindsight shows me how close I am to God during them.
Two friends of mine in particular have really been put through the ringer. Well, that makes it sound past tense and unfortunately, it's not. Without going into extreme detail... we are talking about financial problems out of their control (for the friends of Job in us that means... not their fault) that have brought them to the brink of homelessness... more than once. Having to deny their children things that they really "should have" been able to provide. Devastating illness that will plague a family for months and possibly years to come. Not having money for gas, not having money for food, not having money for Christmas. It's heartbreaking.
I find myself constantly trying to resolve these problems. I think we all do when we hear of people who are struggling in any significant way. Oh... have they tried this? How about that? Truth is... there is little WE can do. These are truly God sized problems. I'm now joking with them saying... "I didn't know you were related to Job." One friend shot back, "Hey, we're all related to him!" eeek (If you don't know Job's story from the Bible that comment will have little significance. So happy reading!)
So, I have no great spiritual understanding to add to this.
Ok, maybe one thing.
When people share their difficulties, I think we should first pray. 2nd. we should continue to pray for them when they come to mind. 3rd. we should ask God if there are ways we can be of assistance -- this would be instead of offering all the solutions that come to mind.
Oh, now I'm thinking... (uh oh) do you think we offer solutions because we trust those more than we trust God? Do we really believe God will resolve the issue at hand? Do we believe that prayer works? That God listens and answers? This is a bit of a challenge for me now. oh, it's that same question that has been with me for decades now.... How Big Is Your God?
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How are you doing guys? Are you doing the whole Bible? I decided to give it a shot!
Day 2: learning about not putting ourselves before God (see devotion already posted today as well).
Day 3: I am struck by this incredible promise God makes to Jacob in his ladder dream: "I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
and then Jacob is all excited, talking about how "this is God's place" and names the location Bethel (God's House) and his next line is:
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Day 2: learning about not putting ourselves before God (see devotion already posted today as well).
Day 3: I am struck by this incredible promise God makes to Jacob in his ladder dream: "I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
and then Jacob is all excited, talking about how "this is God's place" and names the location Bethel (God's House) and his next line is:
"Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. 22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”Jacob has this wonderful vision and God gives him this amazing promise. I'm sure he knows about his lineage and how Sarah had Isaac at such an old age etc. and he still places conditions upon this being his God. Oh... I wonder how often I do that without even really realizing it.
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This spoke to me and I think it will speak to several of you as well. The quote from Isaiah kind of stopped me in my tracks. how often is that true of me! Do I have the kind of faith and relationship with God David did, that he honored those put in authority by God, that he was patient enough to let God deal with situations?
Are You Horizontal or Vertical?
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
06-16-2009
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Are You Horizontal or Vertical?
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
06-16-2009
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:21). Many of us have been trained to make decisions and respond to problems in a horizontal way instead of vertical. Operating from a horizontal basis means we try to fix the problem through our own self-efforts by bringing greater pressure upon it through our reasoning or our natural skills. Operating from a vertical position means we are seeking God for the answer and waiting for him to impact the problem. Perhaps it is a spouse who fails to put their clothes away, or a boss who is overly critical, or an employee that you clash with. When we operate horizontally we attempt to shame or coerce the other to change their ways. God knows the solution to the problem before it ever exists. Our responsibility is to ask God for help to solve the problem and to rely on Him for the outcome. The minute we take on the responsibility, God quietly stands by to let us experience failure until we decide to seek Him for the answer. One of the best examples of the contrast between a vertical and horizontal dimension in scripture is that of King Saul and David (see 1 Samuel 25). King Saul thought the way to preserve his kingdom was to kill David. While in pursuit of him there were several occasions when David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but David chose to wait upon God's timing and await his own deliverance because he understood authority. David had such respect for those who had been put in authority by God over him that he would not take matters into his own hands. Saul represents the exact opposite of this principle. He thought David was the problem and sought to get rid of him through force. As a result, he lost his kingdom because he chose to rule horizontally instead of vertically under God's rule in his life. No matter what problem you face today, stay vertical with God.
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What word are you a woman of?
Off the top of my head...
We are called to be Women of the Word... as in Word of God. Scripture. This is important. As I sit here going over your prayer requests & finding scripture that pertains to them I find myself thinking often that there are so many scriptures that apply to each issue. I could fill pages & my issue quickly becomes how to not create a 20 page volume of prayer for one aspect of our lives (ie: your bible study group).
How do we become Women of THE Word?
You know the answer. Quiet time. Devotions. Reading your Bible. MEMORIZING Scripture. Knowing God's will for your life.
YBH?
I heard a teacher once who wrote YBH in her Bible when she agreed with something, but didn't yet know how to put it into practice. Yes, But How?
So, very practically... what are you going to give up? I ask this because we are all busy. We all find things to do with our time. I personally am a huge fan of TV. Yes, I know, not having actual TV/Cable in my home for something like 13 years means I go about it differently, but I have discovered that technology has found many ways to bring this tantalizingly entertaining time waster into my life. (This commercial kind of sums it up). So this past week I've had to look at how I spend my time and let go of some things; re-prioritize.
Make A Decision
Decide that your Bible reading, prayer, quiet time are a priority. Take stock of what you will eliminate in order to capture quality time for you and God. Cutting down or cutting out TV time is an easy answer. Multi-tasking some things could help…like: returning important phone calls on your cell phone while you power-walk or drive. Be creative.
Work particularly on eliminating time wasting, energy sapping activities …as many as you can identify. This will leave enough space for productive, necessary things; leaving you more time to hear what God is saying.
A Blessed New Habit
Restructure your time and you will be blessed going in and blessed going out. (Deut 28:6)
Less stress & more peace will ensue. Remember it takes 30 days to make something a habit so that is your first goal.
You want God's word & prayer to become a natural part of your thinking and your knee-jerk response to any situation.
Knee Jerk Response
I love this... I read it on this blog. Build a knee-jerk response that is Godly. Read & memorize scripture, pray without ceasing, talk with God constantly, meditate on God's word and you will begin to have a different reaction to life.
When fear trys to creep in, you'll banish it by focusing on God.
When anger threatens to take over; you'll call on the Holy Spirit to calm you & give a calm response.
When lonliness wants to befriend you, you'll remember that God is always with you.
Perhaps God will change your heart. You'll look at things differently and see prayers being answered. You'll reach out to others who are going through similar issues. You will start having powerful knee-jerk reactions instead of condemning ones.
Gosh, this is exciting!
Transformation
What we spend our time doing and who we spend our time with will have a profound effect on who we become.
As we spend dedicated time in scripture meditation and in prayer, we are spending time in the presence of the Lord. And, that will determine, more than anything, who we are to be.
(In future days/weeks I am going to be posting selections from pray-the-scriptures.com on prayer, quiet time and drawing close to God)
Off the top of my head...
- I am a woman of MANY - many words, many emotions
- I am a woman of BUSY - being busy gives me a sense of importance & accomplishment
- I am a woman of ANGER - I hate that this is true, but anger often gets the better of me, wait... rather, I often let anger rule my emotions
- I am a woman of PRAYER - I have recently rekindled my ongoing conversation with God & find myself praising Him for loving me enough to bring me to my knees.
We are called to be Women of the Word... as in Word of God. Scripture. This is important. As I sit here going over your prayer requests & finding scripture that pertains to them I find myself thinking often that there are so many scriptures that apply to each issue. I could fill pages & my issue quickly becomes how to not create a 20 page volume of prayer for one aspect of our lives (ie: your bible study group).
How do we become Women of THE Word?
You know the answer. Quiet time. Devotions. Reading your Bible. MEMORIZING Scripture. Knowing God's will for your life.
YBH?
I heard a teacher once who wrote YBH in her Bible when she agreed with something, but didn't yet know how to put it into practice. Yes, But How?
So, very practically... what are you going to give up? I ask this because we are all busy. We all find things to do with our time. I personally am a huge fan of TV. Yes, I know, not having actual TV/Cable in my home for something like 13 years means I go about it differently, but I have discovered that technology has found many ways to bring this tantalizingly entertaining time waster into my life. (This commercial kind of sums it up). So this past week I've had to look at how I spend my time and let go of some things; re-prioritize.
Make A Decision
Decide that your Bible reading, prayer, quiet time are a priority. Take stock of what you will eliminate in order to capture quality time for you and God. Cutting down or cutting out TV time is an easy answer. Multi-tasking some things could help…like: returning important phone calls on your cell phone while you power-walk or drive. Be creative.
Work particularly on eliminating time wasting, energy sapping activities …as many as you can identify. This will leave enough space for productive, necessary things; leaving you more time to hear what God is saying.
A Blessed New Habit
Restructure your time and you will be blessed going in and blessed going out. (Deut 28:6)
Less stress & more peace will ensue. Remember it takes 30 days to make something a habit so that is your first goal.
You want God's word & prayer to become a natural part of your thinking and your knee-jerk response to any situation.
Knee Jerk Response
I love this... I read it on this blog. Build a knee-jerk response that is Godly. Read & memorize scripture, pray without ceasing, talk with God constantly, meditate on God's word and you will begin to have a different reaction to life.
When fear trys to creep in, you'll banish it by focusing on God.
When anger threatens to take over; you'll call on the Holy Spirit to calm you & give a calm response.
When lonliness wants to befriend you, you'll remember that God is always with you.
Perhaps God will change your heart. You'll look at things differently and see prayers being answered. You'll reach out to others who are going through similar issues. You will start having powerful knee-jerk reactions instead of condemning ones.
Gosh, this is exciting!
Transformation
What we spend our time doing and who we spend our time with will have a profound effect on who we become.
As we spend dedicated time in scripture meditation and in prayer, we are spending time in the presence of the Lord. And, that will determine, more than anything, who we are to be.
(In future days/weeks I am going to be posting selections from pray-the-scriptures.com on prayer, quiet time and drawing close to God)
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I hope you guys don't mind that I post things from other sites. I can write, but it takes me longer because of the EDITING that needs to occur after. I'm rusty and with my gifting at bureaucracy, I tend to use 1000 words when 10 will do.
Also, why re-invent the wheel when so many gifted people are out there and we can gleen from their lives and penned wisdom. (You know penned will always sound better that typed or blogged...).
This one is Powerful!
Again... Lisa from Proverbs 31 Ministry blesses us...
Francis Frangipane in his book Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God says, “Anyone can pass judgment - but can they lay down their lives in love, intercession and faith for the one judged? Can they target an area of need and rather than criticizing, fast and pray, asking God to supply the very virtue they feel lacking? And then persevere in that love - motivated prayer until that fallen area blooms in godliness? Such is the life Christ commands we follow!” (pg.11)
Prayer
Dear Lord, may I first fall in repentance into Your loving arms of grace. Thank You for the harsh ways I have been judged and let it open my eyes to this stinging way we women can be. Forgive me for not extending grace at times to others. I am a woman who desperately needs it - so, I should be a woman who freely offers it. When I am tempted to be critical of someone else, help me hold my thoughts and my tongue. Instead of voicing those things, help me bring them to You in honest and heartfelt prayers for that person. May I be one who is so motivated by love, that I will persevere in my prayers for that person until I see You working in glorious ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
The next time I feel critical of someone else, I want an action plan so that I can respond biblically. Don’t you? Why not write out today’s scripture verses on an index card and carry them in your purse. Below the Scriptures write, “Instead of criticizing, I will commit this person to prayer. I will stand in the gap for them with love and persevere in my prayers. I commit to keep my mouth closed but my heart wide open.”
Reflections:
Y How did it feel the last time I was judged by someone?
Power Verses:
1Peter 5: 5-6, “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.’” (NIV)
Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)
And ladies, let's please not be the ones to judge OURSELVES either!
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I realized about a year ago in bible study when one of the women was brave enough to share that God didn't talk to her. Knowing that God did indeed talk to her, I questioned this belief. We came to learn that, as Christians, we speak so often of "God talking" to us that we don't realize not everyone understands "Christianese." This sweet woman was feeling left out because she wasn't literally hearing God's voice.
Since today, God is definitely speaking to me, I wanted to share this with you because I know God is speaking to you as well. Perhaps, you just aren't tuned in to catch the message.
One of the ways God talks to us is in confirmed messages. You'll hear something at church that seems to really hit home. You know it was for you. Later in the week, that same topic will come up again in a discussion with a friend. Perhaps you'll hear another message on the radio or read it in your daily devotions. That is God confirming His word to you. So listen.
That's how I know God is talking to me, and given my position within the group and my affinity for sharing neat and thoughtful things, I know that God is also talking to YOU!
This is a devotion I receive in my inbox daily. I don't always read them, but they are there for me when I have the time to open them.
This was the prayer for today...
I know I received a personal nudge on this in regard to my family. No rebuke, but the idea of not working too hard to put my needs first when my role as a Mom & Wife pretty much require me to relinquish much of my personal space & time - for a season. In the past, I have fought this and found that I was constantly trying to have ME time and never really got it. I see now I "failed" at getting all that me time because it's not there. It just doesn't exist in the life of a Mom with school age kids. God has graciously changed my heart and I am able to see the blessings in this. I am much better at letting go and enjoying the time I have with my family and kids. I still get some time alone every so often and I appreciate it all the more.
I hope this blesses - or challenges - you.
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Since today, God is definitely speaking to me, I wanted to share this with you because I know God is speaking to you as well. Perhaps, you just aren't tuned in to catch the message.
One of the ways God talks to us is in confirmed messages. You'll hear something at church that seems to really hit home. You know it was for you. Later in the week, that same topic will come up again in a discussion with a friend. Perhaps you'll hear another message on the radio or read it in your daily devotions. That is God confirming His word to you. So listen.
That's how I know God is talking to me, and given my position within the group and my affinity for sharing neat and thoughtful things, I know that God is also talking to YOU!
This is a devotion I receive in my inbox daily. I don't always read them, but they are there for me when I have the time to open them.
This was the prayer for today...
Today's Prayer
Good morning, Lord. Thank you for this absolutely beautiful day. God, I need for You to please tell me something. Do I place too much emphasis on my wants? my relaxation time? my family time? my job? anything? Please show me, help me know in my spirit, if there are any "rights" I need to relinquish that may be hindering my freedom to experience Your love and grace. Please help me to balance my time and activities, my desires and needs, my work and play; every area of my life. May You receive all the glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Sound at all like some of the things we covered during last week's study? Hmmmmm.....
I know I received a personal nudge on this in regard to my family. No rebuke, but the idea of not working too hard to put my needs first when my role as a Mom & Wife pretty much require me to relinquish much of my personal space & time - for a season. In the past, I have fought this and found that I was constantly trying to have ME time and never really got it. I see now I "failed" at getting all that me time because it's not there. It just doesn't exist in the life of a Mom with school age kids. God has graciously changed my heart and I am able to see the blessings in this. I am much better at letting go and enjoying the time I have with my family and kids. I still get some time alone every so often and I appreciate it all the more.
I hope this blesses - or challenges - you.
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Great thing to print and keep in your Bible!
Question: "What are the attributes of God? What is God like?"
Answer: The Bible, God’s Word, tells us what God is like and what He is not like. Without the authority of the Bible, any attempt to explain God’s attributes would be no better than an opinion, which by itself is often incorrect, especially in understanding God (Job 42:7). To say that it is important for us to try to understand what God is like is a huge understatement. Failure to do so can cause us to set up, chase after, and worship false gods contrary to His will (Exodus 20:3-5).
Only what God has chosen to reveal of Himself can be known. One of God's attributes or qualities is “light,” meaning that He is self-revealing in information of Himself (Isaiah 60:19; James 1:17). The fact that God has revealed knowledge of Himself should not be neglected (Hebrews 4:1). Creation, the Bible, and the Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) will help us to know what God is like.
Let's start by understanding that God is our Creator and that we are a part of His creation (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 24:1) and are created in His image. Man is above the rest of creation and was given dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28). Creation is marred by the fall but still offers a glimpse of God’s works (Genesis 3:17-18; Romans 1:19-20). By considering creation's vastness, complexity, beauty, and order, we can have a sense of the awesomeness of God.
Reading through some of the names of God can be helpful in our search of what God is like. They are as follows:
Elohim - strong One, divine (Genesis 1:1)
Adonai - Lord, indicating a Master-to-servant relationship (Exodus 4:10, 13)
El Elyon - Most High, the strongest One (Genesis 14:20)
El Roi - the strong One who sees (Genesis 16:13)
El Shaddai - Almighty God (Genesis 17:1)
El Olam - Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)
Yahweh - LORD “I Am,” meaning the eternal self-existent God (Exodus 3:13, 14).
God is eternal, meaning He had no beginning and His existence will never end. He is immortal and infinite (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). God is immutable, meaning He is unchanging; this in turn means that God is absolutely reliable and trustworthy (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26-27). God is incomparable; there is no one like Him in works or being. He is unequaled and perfect (2 Samuel 7:22; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25; Matthew 5:48). God is inscrutable, unfathomable, unsearchable, and past finding out as far as understanding Him completely (Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 145:3; Romans 11:33-34).
God is just; He is no respecter of persons in the sense of showing favoritism (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30). God is omnipotent; He is all-powerful and can do anything that pleases Him, but His actions will always be in accord with the rest of His character (Revelation 19:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27). God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere, but this does not mean that God is everything (Psalm 139:7-13; Jeremiah 23:23). God is omniscient, meaning He knows the past, present, and future, including what we are thinking at any given moment. Since He knows everything, His justice will always be administered fairly (Psalm 139:1-5; Proverbs 5:21).
God is one; not only is there no other, but He is alone in being able to meet the deepest needs and longings of our hearts. God alone is worthy of our worship and devotion (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is righteous, meaning that God cannot and will not pass over wrongdoing. It is because of God’s righteousness and justice that, in order for our sins to be forgiven, Jesus had to experience God's wrath when our sins were placed upon Him (Exodus 9:27; Matthew 27:45-46; Romans 3:21-26).
God is sovereign, meaning He is supreme. All of His creation put together cannot thwart His purposes (Psalm 93:1; 95:3; Jeremiah 23:20). God is spirit, meaning He is invisible (John 1:18; 4:24). God is a Trinity. He is three in one, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. God is truth, He will remain incorruptible and cannot lie (Psalm 117:2; 1 Samuel 15:29).
God is holy, separated from all moral defilement and hostile toward it. God sees all evil and it angers Him. God is referred to as a consuming fire (Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Exodus 3:2, 4-5; Hebrews 12:29). God is gracious, and His grace includes His goodness, kindness, mercy, and love. If it were not for God's grace, His holiness would exclude us from His presence. Thankfully, this is not the case, for He desires to know each of us personally (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 31:19; 1 Peter 1:3; John 3:16, 17:3).
Since God is an infinite Being, no human can fully answer this God-sized ques
Recommended Resource: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
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Question: "What are the attributes of God? What is God like?"
Answer: The Bible, God’s Word, tells us what God is like and what He is not like. Without the authority of the Bible, any attempt to explain God’s attributes would be no better than an opinion, which by itself is often incorrect, especially in understanding God (Job 42:7). To say that it is important for us to try to understand what God is like is a huge understatement. Failure to do so can cause us to set up, chase after, and worship false gods contrary to His will (Exodus 20:3-5).
Only what God has chosen to reveal of Himself can be known. One of God's attributes or qualities is “light,” meaning that He is self-revealing in information of Himself (Isaiah 60:19; James 1:17). The fact that God has revealed knowledge of Himself should not be neglected (Hebrews 4:1). Creation, the Bible, and the Word made flesh (Jesus Christ) will help us to know what God is like.
Let's start by understanding that God is our Creator and that we are a part of His creation (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 24:1) and are created in His image. Man is above the rest of creation and was given dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28). Creation is marred by the fall but still offers a glimpse of God’s works (Genesis 3:17-18; Romans 1:19-20). By considering creation's vastness, complexity, beauty, and order, we can have a sense of the awesomeness of God.
Reading through some of the names of God can be helpful in our search of what God is like. They are as follows:
Elohim - strong One, divine (Genesis 1:1)
Adonai - Lord, indicating a Master-to-servant relationship (Exodus 4:10, 13)
El Elyon - Most High, the strongest One (Genesis 14:20)
El Roi - the strong One who sees (Genesis 16:13)
El Shaddai - Almighty God (Genesis 17:1)
El Olam - Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)
Yahweh - LORD “I Am,” meaning the eternal self-existent God (Exodus 3:13, 14).
God is eternal, meaning He had no beginning and His existence will never end. He is immortal and infinite (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). God is immutable, meaning He is unchanging; this in turn means that God is absolutely reliable and trustworthy (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26-27). God is incomparable; there is no one like Him in works or being. He is unequaled and perfect (2 Samuel 7:22; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25; Matthew 5:48). God is inscrutable, unfathomable, unsearchable, and past finding out as far as understanding Him completely (Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 145:3; Romans 11:33-34).
God is just; He is no respecter of persons in the sense of showing favoritism (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30). God is omnipotent; He is all-powerful and can do anything that pleases Him, but His actions will always be in accord with the rest of His character (Revelation 19:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27). God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere, but this does not mean that God is everything (Psalm 139:7-13; Jeremiah 23:23). God is omniscient, meaning He knows the past, present, and future, including what we are thinking at any given moment. Since He knows everything, His justice will always be administered fairly (Psalm 139:1-5; Proverbs 5:21).
God is one; not only is there no other, but He is alone in being able to meet the deepest needs and longings of our hearts. God alone is worthy of our worship and devotion (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is righteous, meaning that God cannot and will not pass over wrongdoing. It is because of God’s righteousness and justice that, in order for our sins to be forgiven, Jesus had to experience God's wrath when our sins were placed upon Him (Exodus 9:27; Matthew 27:45-46; Romans 3:21-26).
God is sovereign, meaning He is supreme. All of His creation put together cannot thwart His purposes (Psalm 93:1; 95:3; Jeremiah 23:20). God is spirit, meaning He is invisible (John 1:18; 4:24). God is a Trinity. He is three in one, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. God is truth, He will remain incorruptible and cannot lie (Psalm 117:2; 1 Samuel 15:29).
God is holy, separated from all moral defilement and hostile toward it. God sees all evil and it angers Him. God is referred to as a consuming fire (Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Exodus 3:2, 4-5; Hebrews 12:29). God is gracious, and His grace includes His goodness, kindness, mercy, and love. If it were not for God's grace, His holiness would exclude us from His presence. Thankfully, this is not the case, for He desires to know each of us personally (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 31:19; 1 Peter 1:3; John 3:16, 17:3).
Since God is an infinite Being, no human can fully answer this God-sized ques
Recommended Resource: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
www.GotQuestions.org
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me
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GOD IS NOT REALLY GOOD. // YES, GOD IS GOOD
click link: The Goodness of God
This link will take you to a lengthy article on God's Goodness. If needed, I will pare the article down to something smaller. Just let me know in the COMMENTS section!
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click link: The Goodness of God
This link will take you to a lengthy article on God's Goodness. If needed, I will pare the article down to something smaller. Just let me know in the COMMENTS section!
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Hello ladies... are you ready! This is going to be a ride! We have such freedom waiting for us at the end of this study, but I'm expecting some rough waters ahead as we tackle issues in our lives.
We will be focusing on our commitment to God, to truth, to freedom and to each other. It's going to be awesome!
We have books in stock and I've posted Chapter 1 from the book and the Workbook HERE. It's also linked in the bar on the right of the blog.
God Bless you all ladies! Can't wait to see you all!
Bridge :)
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We will be focusing on our commitment to God, to truth, to freedom and to each other. It's going to be awesome!
We have books in stock and I've posted Chapter 1 from the book and the Workbook HERE. It's also linked in the bar on the right of the blog.
God Bless you all ladies! Can't wait to see you all!
Bridge :)
