"Grace Made The Way!"

This last week-end my son & his family and my daughter & her family were in to visit! We all had pictures made at Sears, went to park & fed ducks, went to Chuckie Cheese in Mall, and went to a birthday party for one of the grandsons, and just enjoyed being together!!!
As my son & his family were leaving Sunday afternoon from my daughter-in-law's parent's house, they had put the kids in the car, keys were in the ignition, and my son & his wife went in to get the rest of their things, my 3 yr. old grandson got out of his car seat, turned the key, and put the car in reverse!!!! Oh......................!!!!! The car went down the driveway, down the incline, and hit & knocked down a fence post!!! The kids were alright!!! Hysterical, crying, and a few bruises!!! Thank God for His Grace!!! Thank God that the fence post was there!!! Just as the fence post made a way for the car to finally come to a stop, God gave His son, Jesus, to make a way for us!!! "The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5: 20-21

GRACE-God's Riches at Christ Expense!!!

O thank you, God, for your Grace!!! Thank you for Jesus!!! Thank you for forgiving me of my sins!!!

I am justified by His grace!!!

"So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3 :7

His grace is sufficient!!!

2 Cor. 12:9-"And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Praise God for His Marvelous Grace!!!

Oh, by the way my little 3 yr. old grandson's escapade in turning the key and putting car in reverse did over $900.00 damage to the car!!! But, thank God for His Grace and Protection over my precious grandsons!

"My Safe Place"

Oh, how each of us want to feel safe & secure!! When things in this world shake our world, the very things around us, how we tremble!!! But, oh how reassuring to know that we have that safe place, that safe haven, that refuge, that fortress to go to!! That shelter to comfort us, protect us, guide us, love us, and give us the encouragement we need!!! The Lord Jesus Christ, my safe place, blesses me each day with a new word!! He refreshes me!!! He draws me close!!! Lord, teach me more of your ways, show me the things I need to do and need to learn!!! Just as a toddler feels safe in their mother's arms, I am totally safe and secure in my Heavenly Father's arms!!! He knows the best plans for me and for you!!!
Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:10-"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run into it and is safe."
Psalm 107:30-Then they were glad because they were quiet, So "He" guided them to their desired haven."
Psalm 46:1-"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Psalm 118: 8-" It is better to take refuge in the Lord, Than to trust in man."
2 Samuel 22:3-"My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence."
Psalm 18:2-"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 91:2-"I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!"
2 Cor. 1:3-"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort."
2 Thess. 3:3- "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
John 16:13-"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever he hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."
Psalm 23:3-"He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
John 15:10-"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."
Romans 5:8-"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 15:5-"Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 6:18-"So that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us."
Psalm 25:4 &5- "Make me know your ways, O Lord; Teach me your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day."
Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."

"These promises from God's Word give me hope!!! Jesus, My Savior, My True & Faithful Friend, You are my SAFE PLACE!!!!

Anna's Song

Sometimes the sweetest worship comes from our children. In their innocence they are uninhibited by legalism, peer pressure, or religious standards. They simply look at God for who He says He is and accepts that as the truth of the matter. They do not question His greatness, His power, His authority, His workmanship. To them He is the I AM! They do not wonder how He came to be, or why He is - they just accept that HE IS! They do not look around to see who is watching, they do not wonder what others may think, they do not hold back - - they come boldly. The trust completely, and find complete joy in His presence, unchecked communion with God himself. And I believe He delights in them. O, that for a moment we could go back - or better yet move forward - past the legalism, the standards the religion that binds us, past our perception of what others might think, back to the basics of unrestrained, pure worship before the Lord.

Anna sang this song around our home for weeks in May 2005 (she would have been 4 years old at the time). She called it Up to God. Finally one day I wrote the words down in my bible:

God's looking down at me
I Sing praises up to God
God is my heart song, is in my soul
God sent his son,
He died on the cross
So I sing praises up to God
If you look up to God
You can sing praises
Whatever song he puts in your heart
I sing praises up to God
I sing praises in my heart
I sing praises up to God!

HATS

So many hats I have to wear
They've become quite a burden to bear
A wife, a mother, and a friend
then there's others I wear with them
I've got enough that I think I could share
After all that only sounds fair
I'll leave them here beside the road
To relieve at last this heavy load
Perhaps I'll come some other day
if ever again I pass this way
to dust them off and try them on..
but then again they might be gone.
Well, in that case, I'll keep them close
And wear all the ones I enjoy the most
I'll pass the others ones alone
To another who has none
I'll give my thanks for hats to wear,
at least my head's not cold and bare
No more grumbling will I make
For blessings aren't burdens for heavens sake
soon enough the hats that make me frown
will be traded in for a shiny new crown
So many hats have I to wear,
O, what blessing, this load I bear!

Kings Portion, God speaks

I've given you kings portion
the bounty of my hand,
and established your vineyard
in a beautiful land.
I've provided a tree
along the dusty road
Then gave you a well
where living waters flowed.
In the Valley of Bacca
marked with suffering
I led you to a cool stream
and caused your heart to sing
In the land of the shadows
when fears overtook
I heard your cries and answered
and held you while you shook.
On the rocky roads of battle,
and up the mountain steep
I have promised to hold you
and in my hand to keep.
In the midst of the wars
when the enemy will come
I'll provide you victory
Your battle will be won.
I've called on your spirit
I've asked you to take part
Because you offered up your life
and opened up your heart
You sought out my face,
you counted up the cost
You knew to have your life
the old man must be lost
So along this broken road,
and in this fallen place
I have promised to provide
endurance for this race
When you grow faint
from a battle long
I'll whisper in you ear
the victor's song
I've given you kings portion
the bounty of my hand
I've established your vineyard
in a beautiful land.

Remember the Saints

It seems so many saints have been called away home
And though we rejoice those of left sometimes feel alone
There is an aching in our hearts to have them to hold
And yet we know the time would come that we'd have to let the go
We know that heaven's angels met them with dance and song
But in our broken hearts for our loved ones we still long
O father grant us grace when at your alter we cry
And please be patient with us when we question why
O father give us peace and hold us to you chest
That in this grieving moment we may find rest
Thank you Lord for granting us the company of saints
Whose lives were living testimonies of a God who still reigns
So let our joy be rekindled, let our fire brighty burn
As in one accord to our Lord the remaining saints turn.

Tender Warrior

My tender-hearted warrior, My little child
I wish I could protect you from a world that is wild
My tender-hearted warrior, My little son
I wish I could protect you from a world that's undone
I wish I could keep you from the things you might see
But then I would keep you from the one you ought to be
And the prophesy rings true spoken by Simeon
To every generation of mothers who raise a son
I must raise you to battle, establish what is right
Stand on the sideline and pray as you fight
And the sword that pierces so deep a mother's soul
Is the very one that enables her son to reach the goal
Mary knew it well as she watched the Savior die
Her first born son lifted on that cross so high
My tender-hearted warrior, My little child
I'll raise in the love of God that is meek and mild
My tender-hearted warrior, My little son
I'll raise you in God's way for the work must be done.

The Valley of the Shattered Souls of Men

I walked through the valley of the shattered souls of men
And realized that I once was one of them
They cried out for mercy, cried out for healings
Moaned in agony and screamed about their feelings
They sat in groups of blame to pass along the pain
And clothed themselves in agony, garments heavy with shame
They entertained depression had lunch with self-hate
Shared secrets with Sir Criticism and all of his dear mates
They wallowed in self-pity, denied themselves victory
Claimed they sought deliverance yet refused to be free
The irony of the valley lies in its midst
A river flowing freely down the center of it
And all these desperate souls camped along its shore
Never understanding what it was even for
Like the pool of Siloam, healing ran within the stream
The blood of Christ flowing freely, seeking to redeem
I walked through the valley of the shattered souls of men
And realized the message I had to get to them
Healing comes in ways most refuse to see
Gentle, peaceful streams that pass by quietly.

Hold My Hand

O Father you know I struggle,in this daily life of mine
To study your word, to do your work, to make wise use of my time
You know my ancient enemy sits curled in striking pose
Always in my pathway, right before my toes
O Father you know my struggles within, and the battles without
And though I hold tightly to you, I sometimes look down in doubt
O Father as I step out today, let my stride be confident
Let me cling to the hand of the One that was heaven sent
Your word says you order the steps of righteous men
So, Father, set mine today before my work begins
Father, I can not walk this pathway on my own
For my adversary stalks me to watch when I'm alone
So hide me in your shadow and walk with me still
As I seek you face and try to do your will
And Father should I slip today - Help me take your hand,
Help me regain my footing, help me get up and stand.
Father grand me mercy, much of it I need
Father thank you for salvation and the sower of that seed,
Father, thank you for righteous men whose knees are always bent
whose faithful prayers are echoed as heavenward they're sent
Thank you for your sacrifice, redeeming me in my sin
that cleansing blood that makes me changed from within
So Father, as I begin today and off to battles go
Help me Lord to live my life a reflection of the God I know.

Come to the Father

Majesty and glory surround your throne
Mercy and love falling down on you own
The Lamb's blodd falling - to sinners is calling
"Come to the Father and be made whole"

Come to the Father and be made whole
Reclaim all the joy that Satan has stole
Come to the Father be and be made new
Learn of a love that's forever and true

Majesty and glory suround your throne
Mercy and love falling down on your own
The Lamb's blood falling - to sinners is calling
"Come to the Father and be made whole"

Tired and burdened, Cast down and alone
The thicket and thorns around you have grown
Poured out and broken upon dry ground
Tears that are falling with no one around

But Jesus is waiting for you to call
Waiting to mend you heart and all
Waiting to take you safe in his arms
To keep and deliver you from all harms

Majesty and glory surround your throne
Mercy and love falling down on your own
The Lamb's blood falling - to sinner's is calling
"Come to the Father and be made whole"

Jesus is waiting with outstretched hand
Waiting to lead you to the Promised Land
Waiting to relieve you from the burden of sin
Knocking and waiting just to come in

Come to the Father, kneel at His throne
Come to the Father, be one of His own
Come to the Father, be washed in the blood
Be made clean in salvations flood

Majesty and glory suround your throne
Mercy and love falling down on your own
The Lamb's blood falling - to sinners is calling
"Come to the Father and be made whole"

Your Esther Moments

Did you wake up this morning inspired to pursue life? To see what adventure God has called you to this morning - what purpose he set before you? Was there excitement in the moment as you put on your make up and fixed your hair? Did you view today as yet another day in a never ending adventure with your Lord?

As you looked at yourself did you reflect on the thought that your a a precious, unique individual? A princess of the great I AM - the daughter of a King that has power over everything on earth and in heaven? You ARE a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpeice, created by a loving father for adivine purpose.

If you you looked at life this way your days might be different.

I love the prophet Jeremiah! In Jeremiah 1:5-10 God speaks something to Jeremiah that changes his life forever

Today he is speaking these very words to you: if you are still and quiet you will hear the whisper of the Lord, "Daughter, draw close I have known you since the begining of time."

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.

I want you to notice what God says: "I knew you.
Not just I knew of you. No god wants us to know that he knew us in an intimate special, one on one way. He had an invested interest in us. He loved us cherished us, studied us, created us, and has known us inside and out. He looked at us the way we look at our children when they are born with love, with awe. He also says, "I sanctified you" - Before YOU were born God set you a part. He made You for a purpose that no one else can fullfill, He created you for a purpose that no one else is do. He had something special just for you!! Then he says, "I ordained you"...I annointed you. Have you ever stopped to think that God ordained you? Like David to be king you have had a mark set on you by the Most High, you have been set aside today.

Jeremiah 1:7 "The Lord said: Do not say 'I am a youth, For you shall go to all all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do Not be afraid of their faces for I Am with you to deliver you"

WOW! Do not say "I am a youth".... God is telling you this morning not to doubt in your abilities, age, talents, provisions, position, or any other thing. He is telling you this morning not to look at the world's standard. He is saying I am sufficient! I am have called you! Further more he says you will go, and do....and I will deliver you. Daily life is a call to be obedient to trust in the Lord to lead us. We must be obedient to his call, trusting that he is the I AM, the Alpha and Omega, The King of Kings - - able to deliver us from the evil one, set our feet on sure ground, able to lead us to green pastures, and able to guide us in and out of battle VICTORIOUS! Victorious, Ladies - not just okay! God says we will go and he will deliver!

Jeremiah 1:10 "I have put my words in your mouth. See I have this day set you over the nations and over kingdoms, To root out and to pull down To destroy and to throw down, to build and plant!"

God has set HIS word in your mouth: blessing and power!!! You must choose to operate in his word. He has set you over not under, given you power to pull down, root out and destroy. God wants all the evil around you and in you away from you. In HIS name, His power, the blood of His Son this is given to you to be able to do. He has given you power over the evil one. NO more defeat, No more bondage! God has called you to the abundant life. He has called you to reach for life. He has called you to spread Life! He has called You to be a pitcher through which the Living Water might be poured out in the dry and thristy land. He has said "Go to the enemies Camp and take back what was taken!" It is yours! The enemy has NO rights to you! YOU are a chosen, set a part, seperated, ordained, princess and daughter of the I AM!!

Further more he has give you the power to build and plant! You must speak the blessing of the Lord over all who come in contact with you. You must let the Living Water flow from you to water that which is here. You are to build and plant the love of Christ in all that come in contact with you. You have been called to the saving of families, friends, cities, nations. You are the beginning of a revival. You are created for a divine purpose: An Esther moment.

The words spoken to Jeremiah changed Jeremiah because he took hold of the truth of them. He chose to believe what God spoke to him. He allowed God to become a consuming fire in His life: Her surrendered to the purpose that God had for him, trusting God would do just as He promised.

This is how it works for you too....are you willing as Esther was that day - to surrender to the call? Are you ready for your Esther moment of the day?

Grow in Christ Daily!"

This last Sunday one of the ladies in our Faith Ladies S.S. class answered a question in our study about the farmer sowing the seed of God's word. She said, "He needed, "Miracle Grow!"
Just as plants need to be fertilized, so do we! We need a fresh touch from God each day!! He is our supply, He gives us what we need, and when we need it!! We are to grow in Jesus each and every day. Our fruitfulness depends on how we receive His message and our awareness that the world can easily crowd out His Word! Rest in God! Draw Near!

Grow: Romans 4:20-"Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God."
Supply: Philippians 4:19- "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Fruitful: Philippians 1:22- "But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose." (Paul knew the only reason to remain in this world was to bring souls to Christ and build up believers to do the same!)
Rest: Psalm 37:7- Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.'
Draw Near: James 4:8- "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Just as we are amazed when we see a flower bloom, a garden grow, or a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, We should be in total awe and amazement at the "miracle" of God's love for us!!

We truly serve a miracle working, most Holy & Sovereign God!!

Lord, work your "Miracle Grow" in my life more & more each & every day!!!

How?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1: 3-4)



I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Phil 1: 4-7)


HOW do you count it joy when you are in the middle of one of life's storms? How in the world could anyone, including God, expect that from us?

A few years ago, I would have answered "It's impossible." That was before I encountered a God that filled me with such spiritual joy that it overflowed into my daily existence and into everything that I do.

Paul is not speaking about happiness. He is talking about the joy of the Lord. That joy is strength and steadfastness. It is power and it is peace. "Do not sorrow; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh 8:10)

Happiness is dependent upon circumstance and surroundings. We are happy when things go our way. We are happy when life is what we call good. We are also joyful and thankful in those good times; however, as Jesus said, we are going to have hard times in our lives. Times when we won't be so happy.

The joy of the Lord gives us the ability to go through any trial, any trouble, any storm ... with the sure knowledge that God is working in our lives just as He promises that He will. Our joy is dependent upon God and what He has done in our lives and upon His promise for our future. It is not dependent upon our circumstance.

Times of hardship test our faith. We ask questions that seem to have no answers and have to trust that God knows what He is doing.

Without faith in God, we stumble and break in hard times and crumble in despair when our hearts break. If we do not belong to Christ, then we stagger through life's sorrows without hope.

And although we may feel as though our lives are shattered and broken upon the rocky road we are on, we must keep walking, crawling if need be, because we know that with Jesus there is hope for the future. And we will look back upon that journey with amazement and wonder in the mighty and loving God that brought us through it. We will realize that God does not make mistakes and we know that there will be a story to tell, a testimony of God's work and His faithfulness. That gives us cause for great joy even in the middle of our pain.

Also, during life's valleys and pits, God is perfecting us... perfecting our faith. He is growing us into the person He planned us to be; "perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

So rather than thinking that God let the devil after us to mess up our lives, we should look at our valley as an opportunity for growth and testimony. You know... "what the devil means for bad, God means for good."

There is nothing that happens in our lives that God does not know about in advance. He has a plan and a purpose for us. His plan was in effect before ever we were born and He is going to carry it out in us. He knows our past, present, and future.

Are you saved? Are you born again? Are you a child of the King? If so, then you have reason for great joy. Because God has a plan and a purpose for you.

As His child, when we are going through a trial, it is because God has trusted us with it. He has entrusted it to us. He is using it to perfect us and complete us. In doing so, He is completing the good work He began in us.

Has God called you into a ministry or service and you think it will never happen? It's impossible? Your life is too confused or messed up and you've taken too many wrong turns? You've gotten distracted too many times or just plain given up on it?

God has not given up on you. He has not lost sight of you where you are. His plan for you has not changed. Your circumstance is part of His plan and He trusts you in it. He has given you the measure of faith required to see it through. It is not up to you to complete it. He is the one who completes it. But you must participate by acknowledging Him and allowing Him to do His work. You must participate by standing firm in His word and by rejecting satan when he lies to you.

Take joy in knowing that whatever your situation, God is acting for your benefit and on your behalf. He is completing you.

And we won't be complete until we stand before the Lord and lay our crowns at His feet.

What If It's True?

“I’m telling you! I don’t know what happened! One minute I was there talking with Petronus, and the next I was waking up as if from a dream.”

“How can you say that? You must know what happened. You were there! You saw who took him. Talk man! We have to find these criminals and imprison them now! Pilate will have us all hanging from a cross when he gets word of this. I’m not taking the blame for your mistake. I know you fell asleep on your watch. You are the one responsible. They couldn’t have stolen his body if you had been alert.”

“No Commander! I swear! I stood my watch faithfully. No one came near. All I remember is the stone beginning to roll back from the tomb. It just rolled back with no one there to push or move it. I was terrified! And then the light! The light was as bright as the sun! I couldn’t see it was so blinding! I remember nothing else. It is like I was put into a deep sleep! When I came to, his body was gone. The only thing left was his clothing... his grave shroud... laying there as if it was still surrounding him. But the cloth that covered his face was folded and lying neatly to the side."

‘You have lost your mind. It’s impossible! I can not make this report! It was bad enough being assigned to this miserable post. If I tell your story to Pilate, he will be sure my life is not worth living. I’ll be sent somewhere even more forsaken by the gods!”

“But sir... what if.. What if it’s true... what if he did arise? What if he truly was resurrected from death? Some of the people are talking. They say that he told his followers he would rise from the tomb. They say he is the son of God! Yes! He told them they would have eternal life! Could it be? Let me go and talk with them... find out more.”

“Hog spit! It can’t possibly be true. You’re an idiot, man!”

“No... I know it appears foolishness... but something is different. I feel it. There was a power... a presence. Something happened to me. I have to find out more about this man. His people may know where he went... I mean where they have taken his body. I HAVE to find out.”

“You spineless worm! Where’s Petronus?! He will clear this up and you will find yourself facing serious charges for deserting your post."

“Sir.. Petronus... Petronus is gone. While I was coming to, he began to wake also. He mumbled something to me about finding Jesus! Then he ran out of the garden. He left his sword and shield behind as if he intended never to return.”

“Imbeciles! What kind of men are you? You can’t even stand your post and guard a dead body! We will never live this down!”

“Sir?”

“Yes.. What now?”

“Permission sir? Permission to leave?”

“Leave? Where are you going?”

“I HAVE to go...to find Jesus, sir.”