Tag Archives: God the Father

National Day Of Prayer

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who
earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:16 NIV

 

Prayer doesn’t need to be elaborate, with big words, or have utterances of a certain length.

 

911: President George W. Bush at National Cath...

 

Prayer is talking with God.

 

It really is that simple.

 

He tells us He wants His children to talk with Him. He tells us that in Philippians 4:6-7.  Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Today is The National Day of Prayer……and there is much to pray about.

Not just on this one day, but every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Children Of God

Today at Faith Barista we are writing about Jesus.

I can’t think of a better subject.

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This world is hard on people.

Heart Candle

Heart Candle (Photo credit: Bob.Fornal)

Oh, none of us like to talk about it, admit it….but, deep down we know it is true.

Life can be harsh and confusing and many times it… well, it can be irritating.

At the very least it wears us down.

I needed a perspective change…

Last night in Bible study, we ladies were discussing the verses about Jesus being The Word, and dwelling among us.

And, once again I was reminded…

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:9-14 NIV

Jesus understood the pain of not being understood. Can we even imagine?  Being accused. Being abused.

These particular verses amaze me…every single time I read them. They are powerful. Jesus, Creator of the world, and yet people didn’t recognize Him. Many did not believe Him….but, to those who did (and do), HE gave the right to become CHILDREN OF GOD.

Stop.

Think about what I just wrote. Read the verses for yourself. Do it.

It is right there in black and white.

We, as believers, are adopted. Signed and sealed, because……..

Jesus chose to love us.

I don’t know about you, but that changes my perspective about today and tomorrow.

How can it not?

I’m carrying this Word in my heart today, with a smile on my face.

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Words That Describe God

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;102_2364
  you are the one Israel praises.  Psalm 22:3 NIV

The words of scripture let us know that, God indeed, inhabits the praises of His people…..

The words that describe Him, leave the heart full.

* Faithful * Forgiving * Glorious * A Refuge * Ever Present Help * Father * God * Love * Peace* Just * Avenger * Mighty * Powerful * Helper of the fatherless * Judge * Jealous * King * Maker * Provider * Advocate * Most High * Comforter * Mighty Rock * Wise * Adonai * Jehovah * Eternal * Compassionate * Glory * Only True God * Righteous *

And…

Jesus, name above all names.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2: 9-11  NLT

* Alpha and Omega * Ancient of Days * Chief Cornerstone * Bread of Life * Christ * Lord * Faithful and True * God’s Son * Great High Priest * Shepherd * He who searches hearts and minds * Light * Holy and Righteous One * Jesus * King of Kings * Lamb of God * Savior * Rabboni * Messiah * Passover Lamb * The Word * The Great Physician * The First and the Last * Wonderful Counselor * Word of Life * Salvation

And, the Holy Spirit…

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2: 1-3 NIV

* Holy Spirit * Holy Fire * Spirit of the Living God * The Gift * Voice of the Almighty * Holy One * Spirit of Truth

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This day…..Thanking the Great I AM, for all He IS.






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The Notebook

The notebook is worn. The pages wrinkled and stained.

A permanent ink marker featuring a chisel tip....

Eucharisteo is written in black permanent marker across the front of the book.

A book of thanks…for all the moments. All the moments, that truly are gifts.

Little things. Simple things. Big things. Life changing moments.

The first words written…

1. healing 2. family bonds 3. hugs 4. a much needed massage 5. Lonnie 6. warm cookies 7. funny jokes 8. warm blankets 9. quiet evenings 10. walking the dogs 11. reading a good book 12. love 13. my friends 14. a hot drink of coffee 15. crazy quotes 16. laughter 17. cozy socks 18. soft light 19. a warm shower 20. inspiration

The list continued throughout the year…trying to capture the beauty in each day. The climb to one thousand things. The gifts that God gave me. The gifts He continues to give. The more I wrote, the more I saw.

The thanksgiving never ends, because the Giver always gives.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 NIV

The roar of the wind, the snow globe world, the whistle of a train, phone calls from friends. Early morning sunrises of purple and pink, bright sunshine, and blog comments. Scripture that assures me, having a purpose, clean kitchen counters, and a casserole in the oven that smells so good.

Each moment captured with the pen…so I remember.

I want to be reminded, so on days that are gray and unclear…I will know that the Giver still gives. He has not forgotten me. When times are hard (and those times always come!) I will be reminded of His love for me and it will be (is) with my thanksgiving, that I show Him my love.

That my legacy will stand firm. That future generations will read and know, that God is good. Always good.

And, always the Giver… of life.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17  NIV

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The list continues today:

* having a good hair day

* leftovers in the fridge

* dandelions that color the front yard

* a chicken coop almost done

* being able to touch student’s lives

* a favorite, well worn pair of sweat pants

* beautiful, goofy pictures

* Easter morning

* The Resurrection

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There Are Always Things To Be Thankful For…

There are always things to be thankful for…

I continue to learn this truth–sometimes with a joyous smile on my face and unfortunately at other times, with my lips tightly pursed.

1,000 Gifts

1,000 Gifts (Photo credit: LearningLark)

Thanksgiving is a discipline and as with all discipline, sometimes it can sting. I’ll be honest–there are days when I cross my arms and the only words my mouth can form are dark and griping words. My vision is blurred by the want(s)…and my thoughts dwell on my lacking. There is frustration with the mundane, the routine, the daily occurrences that leave me frustrated with the ordinary. Complaining is so much easier. It seems more normal…all too often it is.

A little over a year ago, I found Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. Her grace filled words set me on a journey. A journey to learn true thankfulness. The Lord used her poetic prose to stir me. The book left me with a desire to discipline myself to be grateful. To give thanksgiving to my Heavenly Father for everything.

Is this journey easy? Do I still struggle. Of course! I am human and my heart’s desire does battle with my strong, stubborn will. And yet, I move forward…inching ever closer to my God who has blessed me beyond what I ever could have imagined on my own.

He didn’t have to. Give me gifts, I mean.  No where does it state that God owes me. He doesn’t.  He owns all things, so anything He gives is a gift, right? Isn’t that so?  I would not take one more breath of air, if it weren’t in His plan. The sun would not rise tomorrow if not for His command.

And before you think that I can’t relate, or I don’t “get” pain or struggle–and where, by the way, is the blessing in that??? Let me say I have struggled…and continue to do so…Life is not easy, not for any of us.

Thanksgiving is not about ease, not about fancy clothes, big houses, or perfect families. That life would be a fairy tale. For those of us that live in reality, thankfulness is a choice. I choose to give thanks to the One most deserving.

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.    Ephesians 5:20 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.    Colossians 3:17 NIV

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Thankful…always thankful

* a husband who is committed to me, even when I act unlovable

* beautiful music that feeds the soul

* storm clouds that roll across the sky

* fuzzy springtime chicks

* kisses left on scruffy boy-man faces

* beautiful locks of daughters hair

* a chance to practice having a servants heart

* my mom’s encouraging words

* blended family–and knowing, there is indeed life after a death

* old friends

* new friends

* quiet stillness

* each breath I take

* walks around the property

* a beautiful new necklace that reminds me I’m chosen (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

* daily provision

* journaling  my life

* good health

* promises kept

* shelter from life’s storms

* hope…always, hope!

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It’s Always About The Relationship

Jesus

At Faith Barista, Bonnie asked  us to…..“Share one thing that attracts you to Jesus.”

(One thing, Bonnie? Just one? Do you realize how difficult that is?)

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The one thing. The ultimate thing. Salvation that brings…..RELATION.

Relationship with Jesus Christ, not for what He can give me, but for who He is.

Here, in this life, I am limited.

Limited by time and space.

Limited by the physical. Limited in thought.

He is not.

The fact that I, blotted by my own sin, can have this relationship with Christ…

still amazes me. Truly. Utterly. Amazes me.

I can never “repay” Jesus for His sacrifice on my behalf.

Lost. Alone. Dying.

Unable to save myself…because I, yes I, was the problem.

Sin, my sin,

not sin as a whole, not I’m not as bad as the other guy, not “hey, cut me a break, I made a mistake”.

Pure darkness. Soul secrets. Selfish. Rebellious. Enemy of God.

That was me.

God loved me so much, even in that horrible state. Even when my very actions screamed, “I don’t WANT you!”

Born into my guilt….. and unable to save my own life.

Restless. Careless. Hopeless.

He came. He came for me. He mended the relationship that was broken, what sin had destroyed.

When the Heavenly Father looks at me now….He no longer sees me as I was. He now sees me as I am.

A sinner saved by grace.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:24 NIV

His Son, Jesus, stands in front of me…so that when God looks at me, He sees the reflection of His perfect and blameless Son.

It’s relationship. It’s always about relationship. There is nothing greater….and nothing I am more grateful for.

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One of my favorite songs is by Fernando Ortega—-Just Give Me Jesus.  The song is very simple, but couldn’t do a better job of describing my heart.

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus

When I am alone
When I am alone
When I am alone, give me Jesus

When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

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Sometimes Thanks Is Not Easy

candle

Image by jamingray via Flickr

Most Mondays I blog about thanks, along with other bloggers, over at A Holy Experience. Many of my blogs are happy thanks.

Eucharisteo….to be grateful.

Sometimes… I don’t feel grateful.

I should.

But, I don’t.

I’m working on it.

Hard work.

It is what Ann Voskamp, in her book One Thousand Gifts, says……is “hard eucharisteo”.

I’ve not had any terrible things happen to me lately. I am thankful for that. I know that life will throw me another curve ball someday—and I pray that I am ready for it.

God has always been faithful…and He will be again.

He is my anchor in all of life’s unpredictability.

I am thankful, grateful, in awe of, a God that is strong.

That is powerful. Whose grip on me is firm.

So, today I thank for the hard stuff…….

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*I am thankful for doctors and their skills. Physicians that care for those I love… Even when it hurts.

*I am thankful for family members that love each other through good and bad, and they feel my love for them even when I can’t see them regularly.

*I’m so very grateful to be able to send love across the miles, when I can’t be there in person.

*I’m thankful for sticky floors that I have to clean, even when I didn’t make the mess.

*I’m thankful for a vehicle to get me from one place to another, even if it isn’t new.

*I’m thankful for times when I am weary, times when  God’s strength and power, alone, are shown.

*I’m grateful that I don’t have to have all the answers, all the understanding of the “why?”.

*I’m glad for having the opportunity to make choices…even when I choose poorly.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you… Isaiah 43:2  NIV

I am thankful, that in darkness, even a small light can help people see.

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We All Have Storms In Our Lives

We all have storms in our lives.

Sometimes they come, due to our own making

Other times, only because we live in a broken and fallen world…

As darkness envelops…

Jealousy. Anger. Bitterness. Arrogance. Pride.

An unforgiving heart.

The storm pounds on my soul.

Wanting only my own way…

As the storm grows… a heart hardens.

The rain pours…

But….in the midst of the storm….if I look up….an unobstructed view.

Much like the prodigal son of scripture, lost in my own life…my own problems…

I realize my need.

I run back to the Father. “Father, forgive me!”

After I’ve ventured out on my own and made a mess of things,

I return to the One who forgives. The One whose voice alone, can calm any storm.

18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.    “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  Luke 15:18-20 NIV

There is calm after the storm.

There is beauty in forgiveness.

For the forgiven,

as well as for the one that chooses to forgive.

Fragile colors as the anger of the storm subsides.

Quiet. Peaceful…

Awe.

Are you in the middle of a storm, right now?

Are you the forgiven?

Or do you need to be the one who forgives?

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How do you practice forgiveness?

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Jesus Fingerprints On Me

Fingerprintforcriminologystubs

Image via Wikipedia

I love my kitchen. Handcrafted cherry cabinets…beautiful work done by some Amish friends. Granite counter tops. Big picture window to frame the country views outside. I only had to wait 41 years to get it. Perfect. Just perfect.

I sat down at the island counter this morning, like I do every other morning of the year. Everything seemed in order. The early morning sunshine streamed through the window.

Fingerprints on the stainless steel.

Smears and smudges on the counter top.

Pet fur accumulated around the baseboard.

What I thought was beautiful, has imperfections. Many.

Life leaves a residual mess.

It’s easier to see each smudge when the sun shines on it…

It makes me think about THE SON.

How often do I believe I have it all together?

And yet…

God humbles me. He lovingly shows me my imperfections when He allows His Son to shine on them.

His Son is perfect, and the Heavenly Father wants me to be more like Him.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Slowly, the cleaning process begins.

The grime, dirt, and smudges of me.

The things that hold me back or keep me down.

The pieces of my life that are stained with imperfection.

Sometimes the clean up seems easy, on other days the scrubbing hurts.

It’s a work in progress and I am forever grateful that Jesus is patient…and persistent.

The only fingerprints I want others to see, are those of Jesus, on me.

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Counting My Blessings

Garden hammock

Image via Wikipedia

“People often crucify themselves between the regrets of the past and the worries of the future.”  (Pastor referenced this quote while preaching his sermon yesterday morning from Matthew, chapter 6)

The words struck me. There was truth in the sting.

How often do I worry or show regret over things I’ve said, or done, or worse yet things I didn’t say or do?  Then I worry about the future. The state of our country, the cost of gas, the cost of groceries, teens driving, jobs, money, relationships, conversations…Sadly, I could go on and on….and sure enough I am crucified. The hammer swings hard against me. YOU SHOULD HAVE. WHY DIDN’T YOU? YOU COULD HAVE. TAKE IT BACK. WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SOMETHING! or….WHAT IF? I’M SCARED. I NEED. PLEASE?! I CAN’T. I WON’T. HELP ME!

32(For the Gentiles)…run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6 NIV

Don’t worry. My Heavenly Father already knows what I need.

Don’t worry about tomorrow…each day has enough trouble of its own. (So why borrow trouble from the future?)

Worry is a verb…but, so is trust, and which will I do?

I’m thankful that God knows me. Personally.

I’m thankful that I am loved by the One that holds the future (my future!) in His hands.

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*Cool breezes through an open window

*Less oppressive heat

*Sunshine

*Pillows for the deck hammock that have giraffe print

*Breakfast

*Finding new country decorating blogs

*Vintage

*Men who sing Amazing Grace

*Children that  love me

*Trips to Tractor Supply

*Half tea, half lemonade

*Shade on sunny days

*Walks with my hubby

*Family

*Dirty dishes, dirty clothes, dirty floor

*A God that already knows all of my tomorrows and…

tells me not to worry.

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Will you share the multitudes of ways that you are thankful?

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