What A Day That Will Be

This past Sunday was our last regular Sunday morning at our church.  We moved Monday and will be looking for our new church home.  I purposefully did not announce to everyone, because it would be too much for me to take.  I mentioned it to a few and some tears fell. 

But my 5+ year experience at this church really hit home during the special music in worship.  A dear friend of mine got up to sing and I thought what a fitting send off.  Her voice and heart while singing has always blessed me and my husband and I was so thankful I got to hear her on my last morning.  As she sang, the tears streamed down my face.  She and others have been a  family to me and my family.  The faith of the women there far exceeded anything I imagined finding in a church home.  They have blessed me more than they will ever know.  (I need to find the kleenex among all my moving boxes.)  I love them like sisters. 

In the midst of my anguish and reminiscing, I felt a peace.  God let me know through the song that I will spend forever with them.  He also reminded me of what I always tell my daughter - when goodbyes are hard and they hurt, that means there was something special between you and those you are leaving.  I thank God that it hurts so much.  I thank God that as I looked around that sanctuary, I was flooded with memories and saw the hearts of those there.

Thank you, Lord, for the Godly women you brought into my life.  Please keep them close and bless them for the many blessings they have given me.



What A Day That Will Be
Words and Music by Jim Hill Mark 14:62
"And Jesus said, I AM:
and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven."

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye. All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore, What a day, glorious day that will be.
Chorus What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.
There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; What a day, glorious day that will be.
Chorus What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. What a day, glorious day that will be!

When I sat down to write, I had no clue what it would be about.  Then I wrote about how I've been discouraged and wanted to scream out for God to move in a friend's life.  I was so upset when I started, but then as I read over it, I saw God bringing me full circle.  I started in tears and by the time I finished, I realized God was picking me up by understanding my hurt and anger over my friend's ordeal. 

Through trying to encourage someone else, and speaking my frustration, God showed me that He is sovereign over everyone and every situation.  He will hold my friend up and do what is best even though I do not understand it.  He is a loving, caring Father. 

I deleted everything and started over, with the Spirit guiding me.  I'm learning the lesson that when I am honest with myself and God, no matter the ugliness of it, He is always there. 

Dear Lord,  I pray for those struggling with life.  I pray for strength, comfort, and peace.  If they do not know you, Lord, I pray they will see you through their trial.  Help those of us on the sidelines be a source of encouragement.  Thank you for loving each and every one of us.  Amen.

A daily devotional worth 3-5 mins of your time

Living for a Cause Greater Than YourselfMarch 7th, 2011 by Os Hillman

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

In the thirteenth century a man named William Wallace became the instrument of freedom from England's tyranny over Scotland. A very wicked king ruled England. A tragedy in the life of William Wallace launched him into living for this cause. Initially his cause was revenge, but soon his cause turned to something bigger than himself - freedom for a nation. When he challenged the commoners to fight for this freedom, they responded that the enemy was too great and that they might die on the battlefield. They also refused to fight for the nobles, the knights and leaders who had a vested interest in gaining more land for themselves versus a pure cause of freedom. Wallace's response: "Yes, we might die. We will all die sooner or later. But we will die for a cause worth dying for. So that our children and their children might live in freedom." This story was popularized in the movie Brave Heart (Sherman Oaks, California: Paramount Pictures, 1995).
Today we find many Christian workplace believers living a status quo relationship with God that is more characterized as "business as usual" than a life demonstrating God's power. Our focus is often more concerned with improving our standard of living than improving the Kingdom of God through our circle of influence. While this takes place, millions upon millions die without the saving grace of Christ. Many other Christians die never experiencing the freedom in Christ that His blood paid for. God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves - a life that is dependent on His grace and power to achieve things we never thought possible through our lives. This is His plan for your life. The apostle Paul prayed that He might experience the power of the resurrection in his life. This power is available to you and me to live for a cause greater than ourselves. Ask God what He wants to achieve through your life today. And consider yourself dead already to the consequences of what that might mean for you.

Calling out to God

This morning I was a little overwhelmed with how to handle an ongoing situation in my life.  Many days I'm at peace and my head is above water, but today not so much.  I prayed to God, trying to recite scripture (new for me) and laying out my heart to Him.  I have no doubt that He will see me through, but I need guidance that comes from Him.  I felt better after prayer and a couple of hours later, I got an email update from a forum group.  A woman started a blog dealing with my situation.  She is laying everything out there in order to help others.  And she has written a book which is now on its way to my doorstep.  These are the verses she is staring with:

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

I praise You, God!  I had no idea how You would answer me, but You did in a most wonderful and caring way.  Thank You for answering as soon as I stopped trying to handle it all myself.  Amen.

Today's command!

I'm listening to the radio while I work and a kid calls in saying today is the only day of the year that is a command... March Forth!

It's really silly and kinda dorky, but really, this is our command isn't it?  We are to march forth for the Lord each and every day.  We should not shrink back from our faith or focus on what we cannot do.  We are to find our strength in the Lord and have faith He will sustain us.

I love the messages God gives us through the simplest of things.  Have a wonderful Friday and march forth!!

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.    Joshua 1:9 
The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.   Exodus 15:2

The Lord is my strength and my shields; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my hearts exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.   Psalm 28:7

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, through the earth should cane, and though the mountains slip in the the heart of the sea.   Psalm 46:1-2

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.   Isaiah 40:29

Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.    1 Peter 4:11


AMEN!!

Waiting...Hope...

New American Standard Bible...

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.  Psalm 33:20

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You, I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 

He only is my rock and my salvation; my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:2

And now, Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in you.  Psalm 39:7

Many of these verses mention waiting.  In other translations, it says hope.  Hmmmm...waiting...hope.  Gives us alot of food for thought.