Saturday November 26, 2011
A Sacrifice of Praise
"I will be filled with joy because of You. I will sing praises to Your Name, O Most High." Psalm 9:2
I lead children’s worship and sing on one of our worship Teams. I love what the Lord has me doing! However, I must confess that there are times were I wake up and the spiritual attacks get the best of me and when I get to church my heart isn’t really into singing praise and worship. But, you know, it’s during these times that I force myself to look up to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and sing to HIM, sing a sacrifice of praise. As I sing and give it all to Jesus the oppression disappears and a refreshing in my spirit happens and the ‘sacrifice’ turns into a true heartfelt adoration for my Redeemer, my Lord; who is faithful to meet me where I am. And, praise God, He doesn’t let me stay there; He lifts me up out of the pit.
I know you’ve been there too. There’s nothing new under the sun. We have the privilege to follow an AWESOME God who is compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love – He waits for us to meet with Him; even if the days gotten off to a rocky start. Look up, beloved of the Lord, fix your eyes on Jesus and give Him the praise that is due Him, for He is worthy of our worship whether we ‘feel’ like it or not.
“The LORD is my strength and my song” Psalm 118:14
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Satan, A Created Being
At church on Sunday our pastor brought up some eye opening points in regards to Satan. I knew that Satan is a created being who held the highest position of the angels, until he became puffed up with pride and exalted himself above God. I know that he is not omnipotent, omnipresent, or omniscient yet some Christians act as if he is. They make statements such as, "The devil, he made me do it." or "I bind thee Satan!" Pastor Troy said, "When we bind Satan in Jesus Name, (or not) we are exalting him as God's counter-part. He is NOT God’s counter-part." This truth pierced my heart. Satan is a created being who fell into sin - God made him, "the anointed cherub who covers" (read Ezekiel 28:11-19)
You know, Michael the Arc Angel did not dare to rebuke the devil when he was disputing with him about the body of Moses; rather said, "The LORD rebuke you!" (Jude 9) Since he is not like God, all knowing, all powerful and everywhere at once, he doesn’t have time for us – the angels that fell with him help him out.
Bottom line: We mustn't fall into the deception of giving the devil credit when first, he is not God’s counter-part and second, he cannot be everywhere at once, or know your thoughts. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deception…” (Col. 2:8).
Let us press on and "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).
Grace and peace to you,
April
You know, Michael the Arc Angel did not dare to rebuke the devil when he was disputing with him about the body of Moses; rather said, "The LORD rebuke you!" (Jude 9) Since he is not like God, all knowing, all powerful and everywhere at once, he doesn’t have time for us – the angels that fell with him help him out.
Bottom line: We mustn't fall into the deception of giving the devil credit when first, he is not God’s counter-part and second, he cannot be everywhere at once, or know your thoughts. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deception…” (Col. 2:8).
Let us press on and "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).
Grace and peace to you,
April
Saturday, November 12, 2011
To God Be the Glory!
"Sing to the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things." Psalm 98:1
This verse is one of my life verses for I have seen the Lord do amazing things in my life and of those around me. He truly is faithful and holds us close when we go through the waters and the fire. I am compelled to sing both to and of Him out of a heart of gratitude.
A few years back I developed a weird blood disorder which affected my lungs (like having severe out of control asthma) which went undetected for three - four years; Prednisone (a steroid) is what kept me alive during this time. By the time I received the help I truly needed I was near death. My skin turned grey due to lack of oxygen; the numbers always ranged and stayed just above 88, which is when they put you on fulltime oxygen, so the only time I could receive the oxygen my body craved was when I would go back in to the EC for more steroid; this I received through the oxygen and it felt good. It took well over a year to get the asthma symptoms under control. It was a long trying time and I found myself at times asking, "Why Lord? Why?" I was totally baffled by it all because my music ministry was bearing fruit. I was leading Woman's Worship and a small acoustic team at our church as well as children's worship; doing outreaches with them in the community. But the Lord graciously reminded me that His ways are not my ways, neither are His thoughts my thoughts. I chose to cling to this word knowing He is love and faithful.
During this affliction the Lord did some amazing things in my heart and my marriage. I was now beginning to see my husband in a whole new light, my fear began to dissipate. No, we weren't having marital problems; I had a fear deep down that one day my husband would no longer desire me and leave - insecurities from my past BC (Before Christ). It was during this time that I grew to trust not only that my husband was committed to our marriage, but how God was the very source of my strength, and He was every breath I took - He was, and is, my everything.
I've just started getting back into "Singing 2 Jesus" within the last couple of years. He has led me down a different path recently; having me share of His faithfulness during that season of my life. A Ladies Tea and then again at a small country church; come Sept. another country church Ladies Tea. People where ministered to and God was glorified - that's what it's all about! And I'm excited to see what He has in store for us to come.
He's the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) If He's faithful for me (which He is) then He's faithful to you too. Let us cry out with the Psalmist, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your loving-kindness, because of Your truth." (Psalm 115:1) To God be the glory!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Five Deadly D's
Do you realize the Lord has a special plan just for you, His beloved? (Jer. 29:11) He does, however the enemy of your soul will do anything to stop you from achieving it. The LORD God is the Creator of all, sovereign Ruler of the universe, we must remember this. (Gen. 1:1; Psalm 103:19) I encourage you to learn, along with me, to take "dis"appointments, when they come our way, and turn them into "His" appointments; God uses these times as appointments with Him, to grow us closer to Him and in His ways. As a born again Christian, (John 3:3-7) you need to be prepared for the attacks of the enemy; his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Some of you know this already, but it is always good to review and refresh our minds.
All behavior starts with a thought. Jesus warned that in your life you are going to have tribulations in the world, but not to worry for He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
There are *five deadly "D's" the Christian must be aware of: Disappointment, Discouragement, Dejection, Despair, and Demoralization.
- Disappointment: When things do not turn out as you thought or planned. How you view the situation determines how you will act or react to it. TRUTH: There is a choice to be made. You can either allow the situation to get you down, becoming disappointed, or you can choose to see it from the view of your Sovereign Lord - as His appointment. (Rom. 8:28)
If you don't believe (or can't see) it's from the Lord, then you are set up to become discouraged.
- Discouragement: Being without courage; when you loose the courage to go on. The Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous... to not stray from His word, to meditate on it day and night. (Josh. 1:7,9) TRUTH: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and yes, forever (Heb. 13:8). You too, if you desire to live a life of victory, can apply this same truth to your life.
You must know and deeply understand the word of God to embrace His truth with your whole heart. (This is why it is so vital to devote yourself to the study of His word, and daily ready of His word.) The LORD is with you as He was with Joshua, and He will protect you as well. (Matt. 28:20)
If you allow yourself to become discouraged, and do not refocus on the Lord at this time, nor accept your situation as God's appointment for you, then you face becoming dejected.
- Dejection: Is a lowness of spirit. It is when you start to believe the opinions of the world, (the lies of the devil, and the world around us) over what the word of the Lord says. TRUTH: The word of the Lord says that, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10 and see Isa. 61:3) If you are here, beloved, choose to bow your knee and believe the Lord.
Dejection causes you to become sad and miserable with your life, and causes you to spiral downward into despair.
- Despair: When you loose your hope. Despair causes you to think the situation is hopeless; you are hopeless. TRUTH: Hope is God's promise to you, in His time. Your hope is knowing that you are heaven bound with Jesus for eternity. The hope of the glory of God is being in His presence forever.
(John 3:16, 36; 6:40; 11:25-26)
The last of the deadly D's is demoralization.
- Demoralization: disorder, chaos, untrustworthy in spiritual matters. Brainwashed by Satan, (God does not love you after this.) weary, you feel you cannot go on. Precious one, even at this point there still is a way out. It will be hard, but you MUST believe what God says in His word. Seek out someone to pray with and for you through this time.
All of the D's can lead to depression, because self has become the focus rather than the Lord. Your eyes have moved from looking unto Jesus to the circumstances around you. But don't lose hope. There is something that can be done to refocus on Jesus.
First, you must come before the Father in prayer. (1 John 1:9) Secondly, choose to gain your thoughts captive, and think on worthy things (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Phil. 4:8) It is always good to seek out someone to pray with and for you during this time, the Father will tell you who to go to, ask Him.
God is at your side at all times just waiting for you to call to Him. Remember you are more than a conqueror through Jesus, and there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from His love for you. (Rom. 8:35-39). Greater is He who is in you, than he who is of the world. (1 John 4:4) May the Lord hide this truth deep in your heart.
Have a triumphant day in Jesus!
April
Monday, December 6, 2010
My Comfort According to Your Promise
"May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight." Psalm 119:76-77
God has wrapped His arms of love around me these last several days, and I have wrapped His promises around me; for I find comfort in them. And it's during times like these, being in His presence, that I find His comfort and strength in ways most people can't imagine. His desire is that we would all cry out, "...Be my comfort according to Your promise..." rather than us turn to a friend, spouse, romance book or a TV program for worldly comfort during difficult times. During times of testing we find out the truth - He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, He will NEVER let you down, and He will ALWAYS be there with open arms ready to embrace you with the most awesome comfort one can ever imagine; this comfort invades the soul as it rushes over the body like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. Yes, precious one, I know this to be true.
Turn to the Lord during your times of need first thing and allow His Spirit to minister to you in ways no human can. He will give you strength to persevere; and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Truly His word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105) Take comfort in His truth, precious one, and know that He is God and that He has a plan for your life. His timing is always best, as are His ways. And during the hard times cry out to Him, "Be my comfort according to Your promise."
May you have a triumphant day in Jesus!
April
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Attitude of Gratitude
“Oh give thanks to the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.
Oh give thanks to the God of gods; for His mercy endures forever.
Oh give thanks to the Lord of lords; for His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3, 26
Oh give thanks to the LORD! Part of the Jewish heritage is to give thanksgiving offerings; a sacrifice of thanksgiving with specific ingredients. “If he offered it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour soaked.” (Lev 7:12)
The tradition introduced by European Americans of Thanksgiving as a time to focus on God and His blessings dates back over four centuries. But it is primarily from the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving celebration of 1621 that we derive the tradition of Thanksgiving Day.
The Pilgrims set sail for America on Sept. 6, 1620, and for two months braved the harsh elements of a storm-tossed sea. Upon disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they held a prayer service and then hastily began building shelters; however, unprepared for such a harsh New England winter, nearly half of them died before spring. Emerging from that grueling winter, the Pilgrims were surprised when an Indian named Samoset approached them and greeted them in their own language, explaining to them he had learned English from fishermen and traders.
A week later, Samoset returned with a friend named Squanto, who lived with the Pilgrims and accepted their Christian faith. Squanto taught the Pilgrims much about how to live in the New World. That summer, the Pilgrims reaped a bountiful harvest and declared a three-day feast in December 1621 to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends — America’s first Thanksgiving Festival. Ninety Wampanoag Indians joined the 50 Pilgrims for three days of feasting.
The Pilgrim practice of designating a time of Thanksgiving spread into neighboring colonies and became an annual tradition. America’s first national Thanksgiving occurred in 1789. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt began celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of each November, and in 1941, Congress permanently established that day as the national Thanksgiving holiday.
First description of thanksgiving is found in Genesis 4:3-4. Cain, a farmer, gives his offering of the ground. Abel, a herdsman, offers of the first born, choice cuts of meats. For us here in the USA we celebrate Thanksgiving because of the Lord’s goodness and provision for us as He did for our Pilgrim forefathers’.
I encourage you to make time to sit down, reflect on this past year. Write out what you are thankful for, and why. Allow this attitude of gratitude to well up in your spirit from fresh Living Water. Now you have the power to walk in the Spirit with the attitude of gratitude.
May you have a triumphant day in Jesus!
Happy Thanksgiving!
April
Thursday, October 28, 2010
His Promise to be There
“But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you… do not fear, for I am with you… your labor for me is not in vain”
Isaiah 43: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:58
As I recently read this passage the Lord showed me something exceptional for you, because He loves you and wants you to know how precious and special you are to Him.
This is a letter especially for you.
My dear (place your name here) I, The LORD, your Creator (place your name here) and He who formed you, (your name here), “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters (difficulties), I will be with you; and through the rivers (tribulations), they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire (sufferings), you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; … you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you… do not fear, for I am with you; your labor for me is not in vain.
Love,
Jesus
Love,
Jesus
In trials, tests, and tribulations it is easy to forget that we have an awesome God who is right beside us ready to give us the strength we need to make it through. I am no different and I believe this is why He inspires these letters to you (and me). When it is for me, such as today's, I simply type it up typing my name in the appropriate areas. Then I print it out and put it in a place where I will easily see it. I encourage you to do the same. When times get rough look to His promise to be there.
Have a triumphant day in Jesus!
April
Note: Egypt is a picture of the world in which we live. So remember, “greater is He who is in (me) than he who is of the world.” We have resurrection power within us to grant us the strength we need to persevere or avoid that which can cause us to fall into temptations.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
His Word is Valid Yesterday, Today and Forever
“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me…The Lord is my strength and my song.”
Psalm 138:8, 118:14
There was a time, not long ago, when I thought that I had failed the Lord. Oh, there are many times I feel this way, but this time was different. I fell into sin – the sin of unbelief. At the time I didn’t realize it was happening. It wasn’t until I became ill, with virus type symptoms that I cried out to the Lord as to why this virus would not go away. As clear as day the thought, “Because of sin”. “Sin of what?” was my response. “Unbelief” That word pierced my soul to the very core, and I knew it was true. You see I had given the position the Lord placed me in to another because they were far more “qualified,” and every chance they got they made sure to show me just how unqualified I was for the position. Shortly after I had stepped aside and let them have the ministry flu like symptoms started; which lasted for well over a week. After my cry to the Lord I realized that what was happening to me was due to my sin. I felt like I had failed my Lord and obstructed His plan in my life. Fortunately His ways are not like April’s ways. He is gracious and saw my repentant heart. Though the Lord forgives the sincere repentant heart, at times there are consequences to the sin. In my case I was not restored to that ministry.
Looking back I see the haughty mindset I had to think I could thwart the plans of God. So, my precious friend be encouraged that no matter what has happened to you or what you have done to cause you to feel as if you’ve failed God remember to cling to what you now know – the Lord WILL fulfill HIS purpose for you. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever – which means His Word is valid today, yesterday and forever.
“Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk for I give myself to You.” Psalm 143:8 This is my daily prayer, let it be yours
Have a triumphant day in Jesus!
April
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