Word-Filled Wednesday - Matthew 6:28-29

"And why are you anxious for clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." Matthew 6:28-29 NIV

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Picture courtesy of www.christianphotos.net

1 John 2:1-6

"My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." 1 John 2:1-6 NIV

Not too many weeks ago we celebrated Easter. We spent this time recognizing that Jesus died on the cross. A painful death that he suffered for you and for me. He died to pay the cost for our sins... for the sins of the world. We then celebrated that he arose from the dead on the third day. He arose and walked this earth again for a short period of time before ascending into heaven to be with God the Father.

Because Jesus died for our sins "we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous". Jesus goes to the Father on our behalf. He speaks for us and understands us... sometimes better than we understand ourselves. Jesus is able to shed light on us so we are better able to see the light in Him.

However, in order for this light to shine we must obey God's commandments. Without obedience there are lies and dishonesty. We see in our daily lives with our friends and family how lies and dishonesty affect our relationships. Where there are lies and dishonesty there are only broken relationships filled with distrust and fear. Why would it be any different in our relationship with God?

It is only through obedience that we find the love of God. It is only through obedience that we stay in a right relationship with God.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "Testify to Love"

I truly believe we were put on this earth to praise God and to testify to others of His love. I love how this song states that very thing... "With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above, For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love". Yes, this is what I want for my life... to testify of His love to all I encounter. And, to do so with a JOYFUL heart!

Testify to Love
sung by Avalon

All the colors of the rainbow
All of voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
That reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation lives to testify

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the sea
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step to kingdom come
All the Hope in every heart will speak what love has done

1 John 1:5-10

"And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:5-10 NIV

Earlier in the school year, my son came home with a disciplinary note from his teacher. This was not the first one this year and Josh knew that if anymore came home, we would be discussing disciplinary actions at home.

I had noticed coming home that day he had been quiet, but chalked it up to him being a little tired. As I do every afternoon once we get home, I went thru his papers in his backpack and, in doing so, discovered the note from his teacher. All I said was, "Josh, could you come in here? I need to talk to you for a minute." and he took off flying up the stairs to his bedroom screaming, "No, I don't want to talk about it!" He knew, even without seeing what was in my hand, exactly what I wanted to talk about. He knew he had done something wrong and the last thing he wanted to do was admit to it or talk about it .

We do this with God, too. We don't want to talk to Him about our sins. Maybe we think that if we overlook them, then He will, too. Or, more likely, we don't like having to admit to God that we sinned -- that we hurt another person, that we didn't help someone in need, or whatever our sin may have been.

In doing this, we cause a divide in our relationship with God. We bring darkness to that relationship and to our lives. We will only see God's light when we confess our sins, when we are open and honest with Him about the sins in our lives.

In the situation with my son, all turned out okay in the end. I gave him about half an hour to settle down and relax a little and then we started the conversation over. While he didn't want to, he did tell us exactly what had happened and we discussed what sort of punishment he would receive at home. Jeff (daddy and hubby) and I assured him that no matter what had happened, we always will love him. We hugged and we snuggled and even tried to explain a bit that we discpline because we love him so much. In the end, even though he knew there was a punishment, I could tell that he began to feel so much better as we came to the end of the discussion.

And, you know, confessing to God can be the similar. Oh, it is so hard as we begin to voice our admission of sin. But, God still loves us.... no matter what it is that we have done. As we confess He pours His love out over us and brings relief and peace to our hearts. We remain in fellowship with Him and see that God IS light.

Thankful Thursday - April 24, 2008

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light unto my path". Psalm 119:105 NIV


I am so thankful for God's Word. Over the last 2-3 months, I have begun digging into God's Word more than I had in several years. One of the reasons I started this blog was to write down what I found in God's Word and how it spoke to me. My blog was a way to think and process the scripture as I had to actually put down in words what the scripture was conveying. It also has served as a type of accountability for me to ensure that I don't let my time in God's Word fall by the wayside.

An added benefit to this, for which I am also so very thankful for, are all the bloggers I have met as I've begun this "blogging journey". I am so blessed as I read comments that are left and as I visit around to all of your blogs. I had no idea this would turn into such a special part of blogging.... especially since I started it more as an aide for me in my personal journey.

As I think more on God's Word and all that I gain from such a treasure, I'm reminded of the song "Thy Word".

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think Ive lost my way.
Still, you're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.
Youre the light unto my path.

For more "Thankful Thursday" posts visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 NIV

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Picture courtesy of www.christianphotos.net

1 John 1:1-4

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life -- and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete." 1 John 1:1-4 NIV

I have a friend that has had many struggles over the last few years with knowing whether or not God is real. She grew up with a father that is an athiest and heard for many, many years that God is not real. God does not exist.

When I first met her, she was at a point in her life where she had begun questioning if this was really true. She was in a bad marriage, she and her husband had many financial issues, and she was beginning to see that her youngest daughter had some serious mental and emotional issues. She was looking for someone or something that she could turn to for support. Someone to whom she could cry and shout and scream to in the most difficult of times. Someone that she could trust to be with her day in and day out -- through the good and the bad. Someone she could count on.... ALWAYS.

Since that time, we have had many conversations about God. Is He real? If He is real, why does He allow bad things to happen? How can I know that He is REALLY there for me? We have had many discussions about God. And many times, about matters that do not necessarily have easy answers. I have found that in being her friend and sharing her questions and doubts that I have grown stronger in the Lord. And, praise the Lord, she has grown also. She has since accepted the Lord as her Savior and strives to live her life for Him. Unfortunately, she still faces many difficulties in her home and family life on a daily basis. However, she now does so with God in her life. She seeks His help and His guidance. She knows He loves her and that she can pour her heart out to Him.

In looking back, I wish that early on I would have suggested she read the book of 1 John. This book is a wonderful telling of a God that is VERY REAL. In these first few verses, John tells us that God is real... and he should know, he experienced first hand the teachings of Jesus, the healing of Jesus, the love of Jesus. John was able to be in His presence while Jesus was on this Earth. Can you even imagine what that must have been like? I am just in awe when I think about it. The experience of walking with Jesus, seeing Jesus, touching Jesus.

But, wait... we are able to walk with Jesus. Maybe not in the exact same way that John did... we can't physically touch Jesus and we can't physically see Jesus. But, we can have a relationship with Him. We can fellowship with Him. And someday, we will see Jesus and we will touch Jesus when we join Him in our heavenly home.

As Christians, this is what we should desire. A relationship and a fellowship with God. We should seek Him out daily. By doing so, we will see that our God is very REAL. We will see that our God can and will fulfill our every need. We have the promise that we will see Him and touch Him in one sweet day when we join Him in heaven.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "The Voice of Truth"

I absolutely love this song and its message. This is one of my "go to" songs when I'm facing difficulties and feel insecure. Thank goodness we have the "Voice of Truth" to help us as we face the storms and the giants in our lives!

The Voice of Truth

sung by Casting Crowns

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giants they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

but the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
i will soar with the wings of eagles
when i stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

What Next?

As I posted on my bible studies in Philippians I found it to be such a blessing. In order to post on the scripture I had to REALLY study and determine what these scriptures meant to me and how to apply to my life. I found that I studied deeper -- really got into the Word more than I have in the past! I also found the encouraging comments from each of you to be such a special and unexpected blessing! I thank each of you that have stopped by to visit and join me in my study of Philippians.

After some prayer I have decided the next book I will be studying and sharing will be 1 John. As I studied Philippians, I was convicted that my relationship with God needs some work.... some additional commitment, nurturing and growth. 1 John seems to be perfect for this as it discusses our relationships. Relationships, both with God and with others, is a precious gift from God. I don't want this gift to be wasted one bit.

I look forward to all I have to learn and share about this book. I'm planning to get started next week, so be looking out soon for the first post from 1 John to get us started.

Thankful Thursday - April 17, 2008

"Be anxious in nothing, 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 NIV


This week I am so thankful that I can turn my worries over to God and He will carry the load for me. This last week has been filled with a number of trying, worrisome situations. None of them have "quick fixes", so I need to be able to accept that it "is what it is" for a period of time. I don't want this to just be an "okay, if I MUST" type of acceptance either... I want it to be an acceptance that brings peace. Last night I set down and turned each situation over to God and asked Him to provide me with the "peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension". I immediately felt that peace flow over me and woke up this morning feeling renewed and was ready to face the day regardless of what might happen. I truly feel at peace and know that as long as I keep relying on God, that I will continue to feel this way until the time comes for each situation to be resolved.

Thank you, Lord, for peace. Peace that is beyond our human comprehension.

For more "Thankful Thursday" posts visit Iris at Sting My Heart

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Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 100

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the Lord Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of the pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting,

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.






Picture courtesy of www.christianphotos.net

The Apostle Paul

As I've been studying Philippians, I've thought alot about the Apostle Paul. At the time Paul wrote this letter to the people of Philippi, he was imprisoned for his beliefs. I've wondered many times about this man that, although wrongfully imprisoned, was able to write such a letter full of joy and thanksgiving. In addition to the letter to the Philippians, Paul also wrote the following 13 letters:

Romans

1 & 2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Colossians

1 & 2 Thessalonians

1 & 2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

As I began searching for more information about Paul, I found a number of interesting facts about him -- some I already knew and others that I did not know. For example, did you know that......

Prior to his conversion to Christianity, Paul was named Saul?

He was born in Tarsus?

Paul's parents were Jewish AND Roman citizens? (this was very rare as only the Jews considered the most important could be Roman citizens)

At age 14 Paul was sent to Jerusalem to train as a Rabbi?

As a 2nd trade, Paul trained to be a tent-maker?

At one time Paul was a persecutor of Christians?

Paul was present at the stoning of Stephen? ( As a matter of fact, it was at his suggestion that Stephen was stoned.)

While traveling to Damascus to continue persecuting Christians, Paul saw a vision where Jesus asked Paul why he continued to persecute Him? It was at this time that Paul's name was changed from Saul and he began preaching of Christ to the Gentiles.

He preached in Damascus for 3 years?

While in Damascus Paul's enemies wanted to kill him so he had to slip out of the city at night?

After leaving Damascus Paul returned to Jerusalem and it was there that he met Barnabus?

Barnabus joined Paul on his first missionary journey to Cyprus, Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe?

During this journey Paul faced many hardships, including being stoned?

Paul carried out two more missionary journeys which included visits to Galatia, Phrygia, Macedonia and Greece?

After the third journey, Paul returned to Jerusalem and it was at this time that he was imprisoned due to a dispute with the Sanhedrin that caused a public dispute?

This imprisonment lasted at least 2 years and it was at this time that Paul wrote Philippians, as well as several other letters that are in the New Testament?

What an amazing man and an amazing life that he led for Christ. He was one of the first missionaries and contributed so much to the New Testament. It's hard to imagine that at one time he persecuted Christians. What mighty things God can do when we allow Him!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "I Am"

I am so thankful that our Lord IS the great "I AM". So thankful that he is "The fount of living water, The risen Son of man, The healer of the broken..... The author and perfecter, Beginning and the end."






"I AM" -- sung by Mark Schultz




I AM
I am the maker of the Heavens
I am the bright and morning star
I am the breath of all Creation
Who always was
And is to come

I am the One who walked on water
I am the One who calmed the seas
I am the miracles and wonders
So come and see
And follow me
You will know

Chorus:
I am the fount of living water
The risen Son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

I am the spirit deep inside you
I am the word upon your heart
I am the One who even knew you
Before your birth
Before you were

Chorus:

Before the Earth (I am)
The universe (I am)
In every heart (I am)
Oh, where you are (I am)
The Lord of love (I am)
The King of Kings (I am)
The Holy lamb (I am)
Above all things

Chorus:

Yes, I am almighty God your father
The risen son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Philippians In Review

A large part of the reason I started this blog was to share my journey of reading through the Bible and discovering ways to apply the fruits of the spirit to the way I live my daily life. I chose to start with Philippians as it is referred to as the "Epistle of Joy". Since joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, it just seemed natural to start with this book.

I have such a desire to live a life that is full of the joy -- the kind of joy that can only be found in our Lord. The kind of joy that is always there and always evident regardless of whether life is smooth or rocky. As I read through this book in the Bible and read through the posts I have shared as I've been studying Philippians, I see exactly how Paul has laid out his message to the Philippians (and to us). Paul tells us what needs to happen in order for us to receive this joy in our lives.

Towards the end of Chapter 4 Paul writes of having a contentment in the Lord regardless of where we may be or what we may be experiencing. To reach this point, we must have a relationship with the Lord and allow Him to work in us, allow Him to show us the way, allow Him to carry our burdens. It takes a spiritual maturity. What I see laid out for us by Paul in Philippians is the relationship we must have with God and how we can grow in Him to reach this spriritual maturity.

Let's take a look back through each of the four chapters for a moment:

Chapter 1
Here Paul writes of being thankful to God, continuing to preach God's gospel even in times of despair, and living IN Christ and not of the world.

Chapter 2
In this chapter we read of being like Christ and about the characteristics of godly men.

Chapter 3
This chapter expresses our goal in life as Christians.

Chapter 4
And, here we are reminded to always focus our minds on those things that are of God and to hand our worries and our cares over to God.


Only after we have learned to follow and live according to these things can we find true contentment and joy in the Lord. It is at this time that we have reached a spiritual maturity that naturally gives way to God-given contentment and joy.



My prayer is that each of us may live a life that --

--> is thankful to God in all circumstances

--> is able to continue preaching God's word no matter the circumstance

--> is lived IN Christ

--> shows the characteristics of a godly man
integrity, selflessness, perserverance, servanthood, sacrifice

--> seeks the goal of the "upward call of Jesus Christ"

--> gives all worries to God

--> focuses on those things that are of God

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Thankful Thursday - April 10, 2008

This week I am thankful for fewer activities and more quality family time. Somehow we have been fortunate enough this week to not have anything in our schedule except the "normal stuff" -- school, work, church activities. It has been so wonderful because it has given us more time together as a family and it was some time that was so needed. There is almost nothing more relaxing to me than good, quality family time where we just sit and talk (in the case of hubby and I) or color together or read a good book (yep -- that would be the stuff with the kiddos!). The weather here has been wonderful so we've been able to spend some of this extra time outdoors. Monday night we were able to sit down and enjoy dinner on our patio. We ate and visited and just hung out together. It was so nice!

Dear Lord, thank you for family time that doesn't have to be rushed or spent in a car running to the next event!

For more "Thankful Thursday" posts visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 42:1

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Picture courtesy of www.christianphotos.net

I've Been Tagged!

Liza from Take a Ride tagged me for a meme. It sounded like fun and a great way to get know some people since I'm still new to the blogging world. So.... here goes.


Here are the rules of the game:
1) Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


7 facts about myself:

1. I'm the oldest of 3 girls. I have 2 younger sisters that are the best! We are not fortunate enough to live close in distance, but we have a great relationship and have learned to make the most of the time we do have together.

2. My father and I attended school at the same time. During my years in college, he was attending seminary working on a Master's Degree in Divinity.

3. My husband proposed to me on an airplane. He was joining my family and I for Thanksgiving, so we were flying together to my sister's house for the holiday. He managed to get a message to the pilot before our flight took off and had the pilot speak those special words to me over the plane's intercom system in-flight. My father married us 6 months later and in May we will be married 12 years!

4. We have been blessed with two beautiful children -- Josh is 6 yrs old and Abby is 3 yrs old.

5. I have never liked going to the dentist. No particular reason other than I do not enjoy having anyone poking around in my mouth -- especially with all those dental tools! As I was growing up, I always went regularly because... well... my mother made me. As an adult, I almost stopped going altogether. I think over the course of about 7 years I went twice (I know.. I'm lucky my teeth didn't rot out of my head!). Ironically, I married the son of a dentist. Now if I get off the schedule of once every 6 months, I get my own personal reminder call.... no kidding! :)

6. My favorite ways to relax are time outdoors with my kids, reading to my kids, cooking (when I have time and am not rushed) and reading myself a good book.

7. I teach a 4 year old Sunday School class at my church.

I had a hard time picking out only seven people to tag since there are so many wonderful women I have "met" over the last 2 months. Plus, a couple that I wanted to tag I've seen participate in this meme recently, so I didn't want to ask them to do it again. However, I managed to narrow down my list and here they are.... consider yourselves tagged! :)


1. Stephanie
2. Tricia
3. Jen
4. Sandy
5. Tara
6. Faithful Chick
7. Sarah

Philippians 4:10-23

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Philippians 4:10-23 NIV

I've been thinking and praying about this passage of scripture for about a week now. I keep coming back to the portion of verse 11 that says, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." There are several reasons this has such an impact on me... 1) I desire to be truly content with what God has given me and where He has placed me, and 2) there seems to be such a focus in our society on what it takes to be content or to be happy.

Over the last few years, I have noticed a number of surveys reported to have been done regarding happiness or contentment in America. I "Googled" the words 'contentment' and 'survey' and found an abundance of surveys that have been done on this topic. There are surveys asking about contentment in careers, contentment with quality of life, contentment in marriages, contentment in family life -- the list goes on and on.

From my vantage point, the realization of true contentment seems to be elusive to so many people. Why is that? Could it be that many have not discovered where true contentment comes from? Maybe that they haven't yet learned that this comes from God and not from material possessions? Until we have found contentment and peace in God, all the rest is just fluff.

We may not have the largest TV or the most expensive car on the block, but God will provide us with a roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes to wear, the love and support of family and friends and a peace that passes all understanding -- He will provide our NEEDS. As Paul tells us in verse 19, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." And we know we have the ability to be content because Paul tells us in verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." God gives us the strength to be content in a world that is materialistic. He gives us the strength to be content when we are hurting. He gives us the strength to be content when we're not sure what lies ahead. God IS our contentment.... our JOY.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "People Need The Lord"

Over the course of the last year or so, the Lord has impressed upon me how important it is to share Him with the world around me. Whether it be by the words that come out of my mouth or by my actions, I have been called to share. I was placed in this world for that very purpose -- to share God's love with those that have not yet found it for themselves.

The message of this song is such a reminder to me that there are people hurting in this world. They are all around me -- everywhere I turn. Not all of them have found the wondrous love of God. If I don't tell/show them, how will some of them ever know what awaits them if they will only choose to follow?

One phrase that speaks to me personally -- "We are called to take His light; To a world where wrong seems right. What would be too great a cost; For sharing life with one who's lost?"



People Need the Lord
Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eye.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?

On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize --people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What would be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?

Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord.

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Thankful Thursday - April 3, 2008

Today I am thankful for some very special people in my life.

First, I am so very thankful for my husband. He is kind, loving, compassionate, and fun. He loves the Lord and seeks to grow in Him more and more. I know he loves me so very much as he shows it to me on a daily basis. He supports me and uplifts me daily. He never hesitates to jump in and help out around the house. Every evening after dinner you will find him at the sink cleaning up dinner dishes. He helps fold laundry, unloads the dishwasher, and is always willing to chip in and help with other tasks around the house. He is also a wonderful Father. He loves our children unconditionally and takes an active role in their lives each and every day. He plays with them and laughs with them, holds them when they are hurt, and tucks them into bed each night.

Secondly, I am thankful for co-workers that are more than just co-workers. I have been blessed to work with several wonderful women that are also friends and are Christians. This last year has been especially difficult at work. Without the support and prayer we have all provided to each other, I'm sure the road would've been much rockier. We have laughed and cried and grumbled together. We've provided each other with support and friendship and prayer. We have not only grown together as friends, but also as Christians. Not all of us work at the same location and this week has been an extra blessing as we've all come together at the same location to train together for several days. What a blessing these women are to me!

Thank you, Lord, for the special people you place in our lives!

For more "Thankful Thursday" posts visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 121:1-2

"I will life up my eyes to the mountains;
From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth,
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever."
Psalm 121:1-8 NIV

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

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