March 18, 2026

Ain’t That Good News

March 15, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I got a robe up in that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news
I got a robe up in that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news

I’m gonna lay down this world,
Gonna shoulder up my cross
Gonna take it home to my Jesus,
Ain’t that good news, ain’t that good news

I got a crown up in that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news
I got a crown up in that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news

I’m gonna lay down this world
Gonna shoulder up my cross
Gonna take it home to my Jesus
Ain’t that good news, ain’t that good news

I got a Savior in-a that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news
I got a Savior in-a that Kingdom
Ain’t that good news, Ain’t that good news

I’m gonna lay down this world
Gonna shoulder up my cross
Gonna take it home to my Jesus
Ain’t that good news, ain’t that good news

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

DSA Concert Choir / Traditional Negro Spiritual
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day
—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8 NIV
If you’ve read any of my blogposts, I’m sure it will come as no surprise that music was an integral part of my life growing up.   My parents were careful to guard what my sister and I listened to when we were younger, and the radio was not on often.   We did, however, have a treasure trove of records (some of you probably don’t even know what records are…) of some of my parents’ favorite music that we listened to often.  Many of those albums I now have on CD or in a digital music file on my computer!

One of the records I dearly loved was of a college gospel choir, who sang many gospel classics and Negro spirituals.  This song, “Ain’t-a That Good News” was one of my favorites from that album, and always made my heart rejoice.   Imagine being a small child (or anyone, for that matter) and hearing that you had a robe and a crown awaiting you—in a kingdom!  I was royalty!  That was, indeed, good news!  I may not have understood salvation when I first heard that song, but I could still feel the joy of being a princess.

Some of us still don’t truly understand the full measure of what it means to be saved.  We don’t realize that, yes, we ARE children of God, the ultimate King!  We ARE royalty, by the love and sacrifice of Jesus. We have a robe, a crown, and our Savior in that Kingdom, awaiting our arrival.  Ain’t that good news??

In Romans 8:16-17 the apostle Paul writes:

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,
if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.

So if we look at this verse, it also tells us in order to share His glory we will also share in His suffering.  We’ve all tasted that, haven’t we?  All of us have been touched by sickness, sorrow, death, discouragement—but this beautiful song says that “I’m gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up my cross, gonna take it home to my Jesus….”

At the feet of Jesus I will lay all the burdens, trials, troubles, and my own cross where He daily receives me!  And when my short time on this Earth is finished and I get to go home, I get my robe, my crown, and the Presence of my Savior!  Hallelujah!  Now ain’t that good news?

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fully Dependent on God

March 14, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogoWe have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 6—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’  Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:3

In the same sense that we can be rich in many areas—money, family, friends, love, etc.—we can also be poor in other areas of our life aside from finances.  I think for people who strive for excellence, the terms poor and weak are not words we take lightly or accept willingly.  When in reality they are not as negative as we think. When we are poor in spirit we are fully dependent on God.  Now this doesn’t mean that we need to be at the lowest place in our life or depressed or unhappy but it does mean that we acknowledge that without God we have nothing.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

When we say we’re weak, it doesn’t mean that we can’t handle where our lives may be or that we can’t deal with what we currently have on our plate.  What it does mean is that we are able to acknowledge that without God…we have no strength; because He is our strength, and in our weakness and dependence on Him…His strength prevails.

How wonderful is it to know and accept that we can be weak?  That we can be poor and still be covered by His love?  That we can be these things and be carried by our Heavenly Father?  That we don’t have to worry about our own strength and love carrying us through life because His strength and His love are far more than we need.

Let’s Pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to accept our weakness, our poor spirits, because when we accept these, Lord, we embrace Your Strength instead of trying to grow our own.  And when we accept Your rich love, instead of our own, we will experience a freedom like no other.  Thank You Lord for Your loving strength.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Revelation Song

March 14, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Holy, Holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven’s mercy seat
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain; Holy, Holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven’s mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my Everything and I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be to You the only wise King

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my Everything and I will adore You

Filled with wonder awestruck wonder at the mention of Your name
Jesus, Your name is Power, Breath and Living Water-such a marvelous mystery
Oh, You’re worthy, You are worthy

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my Everything and I will adore You…I will adore You

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

I so much LOVE this life-changing song…because of this truth: my life was forever changed!  Praise You, Father, for the sacrifice made on behalf of each one of us.  I am filled with awestruck wonder when I think of the power in the name of Jesus and ALL that He endured to save me!  I am overwhelmed at how my life has changed since that dark day 22 years ago when I was lost and then suddenly I was found… Until I draw my last breath I will sing the praises of the One Who saved me!  This is my Truth—a life-changing Truth… What about you???  Have you received the gift the Father has so freely given through His Son?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6

There is no way to the Father except through Jesus.  He IS the only Way.  His name IS Power. There IS Power in the name of Jesus.  There IS Breath and He IS the Living Water.

Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink!
For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from His heart.’
John 7:38 NLT

‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.’
Revelation 5:12

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, thank You for the sacrifice You made.  I am praying for each sister who may not know You that their hearts would be open to the Truth of who You are and the life-changing sacrifice made on our behalf.  In Jesus’ name!!! Amen!!!

Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty
With all creation I sing to the King of Kings
You are my Everything and I will adore You!!!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Move Over

March 13, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 6—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’  Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:3

I typically stay away from the Message Translation of the Bible, but on occasion I do find it useful.  Matthew 5:3 reads like this.

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope.
With less of you there is more of God and His rule.

How true this is. When I am not covering up an issue or trying to put my hands to solving a problem rather than trust God, I am making room for God. Where there is no room for God, you’ve crowded Him out—very likely with yourself.

It’s first nature for me to want to fix something, reason through something, and come to my own conclusions.  But now I’ve gotten quicker at putting the brakes on and turning to God.  Usually, but not always, before I’m at the end of my rope.  (Sometimes though I even get well past the end of my rope and still haven’t made room for God.)

I’ve always wondered why I keep doing this same thing…when in the end I know I always turn to God.  Part of me just wants to be so self-sufficient.  Who I’m trying to impress or prove something to is beyond me.  Habits take time to change.  Before I was saved I’d try to figure it all out, and sometimes I simply forget that God is always present in every situation.

When I read this verse in the Beatitudes, the first story in the Bible that came to mind was of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath; her story is told in 1 King 17:8-24.  What stuck out the most to me was in verse 12.  This foreign woman, who is likely not a believer, swears by God and says to the prophet,

As the Lord your God lives, I have no bread,
only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar;
and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in
and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.

She was transparent.  She didn’t try to save face or figure something out, she didn’t offer what little she had and then hope for the best.  She admitted her lack…and the Lord stepped in.  She moved out of the way and unknowingly made room for God.

Move out of the way and give God some elbow room.  You don’t need so much space.  I mean, we are talking about the Creator of the universe after all!  (He’s pretty big, you know.)

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Lord, more of You and less of me.  This is my prayer daily.  In a society where “me” is the number one priority it can be difficult remembering that You, Lord, ARE number one.  Keep me focused.  Thank you, Lord!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

He Touched Me

March 13, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvShackled by a heavy burden ‘neath a load of guilt and shame
Then the hand of Jesus touched me and now I am no longer the same

He touched me, oh! He touched me
And oh, the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole

Since I met this blessed Savior
Since He cleansed and made me whole
I will never cease to praise Him
I’ll shout it while eternity rolls

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

)

Performed by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires
Songwriters: Gaither, Youmans, Rose, Eliscu

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Can you even begin to imagine touching Jesus or being touched by Him?  Even now, my eyes well up with tears at the very thought!  “Oh! the joy…”  But here is the Truth: physically touched by or touching Jesus was never the determining factor of healing in any of the Gospel records.  What was needful was faith.  Listen to this record of faith:

And behold, a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years
came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment;
For she kept saying to herself, If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health.
Jesus turned around and, seeing her, He said, Take courage, daughter!
Your faith has made you well.
And at once the woman was restored to health.
Matthew 9:20-22

This is such an inspiring account recorded in the Gospels. Picture this for a moment—a day or two in the life of our Lord: He had been teaching the crowds over on the other side of the Galilean Sea.  What He shared that day we know as the Sermon on the Mount.  (Great, incredible, life-changing truths He taught them!)  He came down the mountain, “and great crowds followed Him” (chapter 8, verse 1).  Amongst the people Jesus would encounter this day were folks who were waiting for Jesus’ “touch.”  They had faith that He would and could make them whole…physically, and mentally.

  • A leper (verses 2 and 3)

And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

  • A centurion (verses 5-13)

A centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.

  • Peter and his mother-in-law (verses 14 and 15)

And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served Him.

  • His disciples (verses 24-26)

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.

  • A paralytic man and his friends (chapter 9, verses 2-7)

And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.”
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home.

  • A synagogue official (verses 18 and 19)

While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples.

  • But wait, on their way to the centurion’s home, an ailing woman (verses 20-22)

And behold, a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment; For she kept saying to herself, If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health. Jesus turned around and, seeing her, He said, Take courage, daughter! Your faith has made you well. And at once the woman was restored to health.

  • Back to the official and his daughter…(verses 23-25)

And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making an uproar and din, He said, Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping. And they laughed and jeered at Him. But when the crowd had been ordered to go outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

  • Two blind men (verses 27-30)

As Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting loudly, Have pity and mercy on us, Son of David! When He reached the house and went in, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord.
Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power invested in Me] be it done to you; And their eyes were opened.

  • A man unable to speak (verses 32-33)

Behold, a dumb man under the power of a demon was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke;

Each of these people had observed or heard of ‘this Jesus,’ and quite obviously had determined in their minds that they COULD and WOULD receive healing from him.  We know that the woman who suffered from hemorrhages kept encouraging herself by saying, “If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health.”  Note that she never voiced this; Jesus never heard her say this. He knew her heart and her need…and He knew her faith.  And when He turned to her, He told her that her “…faith has made you well.”

Jesus is the same today!  He is the same to us!  He knows our need.  He knows when we have faith.  He touches us with His grace, His blessings, His healing.  He touches us when we had given up hope!  He touched us when we were dead in our trespasses and sins.  He touched us when we were lost and in need of a Shepherd.  He touched us when we thought that we were so far gone that nothing and no one would ever want us!  He touched us…and made us whole!

It is just as the song goes, “He touched me…oh, He touched me! And oh! the joy that floods my soul!  Something happened, and now I know—He touched me and made me whole!”  Let’s shout it now…and, when He returns, we will be able to “shout it while Eternity rolls!”  Amen?

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Be Like Children

March 12, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 6—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’  Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:3

My daughter is full of spirit.  Nattie is a pistol.  She chases after lights during cosmic bowling.  She jumps on the trampoline.  She jabbers at 90 miles a minute.  I can understand her almost 80% of the time.  She runs around the house like she is running a race.  Plus, she has a temper to match.  Needless to say, at the age of three, my Nattie Grace is a very spirited child.  But, like all children, she still needs me, and she knows how to get my attention.  She grabs my hand and pulls me to where she wants me, or she tells me to stop what I am doing because she wants something.

Yet, remembering that she is only three, I also know that she is poor in spirit because she does not have the ability to understand who Jesus Christ is.  As children of God, we should be like our own children—looking to God like children do their parents.

“Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said.
“Don’t forbid them, because the Kingdom of Heaven
belongs to people like these children.”
Matthew 19:14

As the children of God, we should also act like children looking for the love and protection of their heavenly Father.  We should humble ourselves before the Lord and seek Him as a child does their parents.  We are instructed to act as children seeking their father.  This is because that is what we were created to do.  We were created to be the children of God and to continually seek His Presence.

If we become like children and constantly seek God, we will be rewarded as the children of God.  We will live in the Kingdom of Heaven with God for eternity.  We must humble ourselves and tear ourselves from earthly desires.  As the children of God, we should constantly be seeking Him, His riches, and His glory.

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Dear Heavenly Father:  As we enter the season of Easter, please help us remember that Jesus died for us so we could be like children and constantly seek You.  Thank You for the sacrifice.  It is with this sacrifice that we can live with hope to see You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

A Quick Spring Workout

March 12, 2014 by

82aa43ee802311e2bbe622000a9f1270_7

Spring is right around the corner.  If there is a way I can get in some fresh air and exercise outside before it gets too hot, I can get pretty creative.  Not only that, but who wants to go to the gym once the time changes and it is daylight longer…not to mention all of the extra activities that start when spring comes?  When the weather is pretty and I’m short on time, I like to head out to my street and get in a little cardio and strength training for a quick spring work out that takes 30 minutes.

All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes, an exercise band with a place to support it, and a light set of weights, 3-5 pounds.

WORKOUT
Start off with light jog or fast walk for 5 minutes to warm up.

Complete the following workout 2-3x depending on your fitness level

  • 15 walking lunges down driveway    

If you are new to lunges, forget the walking lunges and stay in a stable position and lunge up and down to complete 15 on each side

**keep toes forward and knee over your heel at all times to avoid injury to your knee

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  • 15 Chest presses with exercise band

(With band wrapped around a stable object), face opposite direction, place handles under your arms on each side and press out at chest level

**keep elbows soft at all times and avoid locking them out

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  • 15 Back presses with exercise band 

Now turn around and walk back, extend arms on each side and pull back squeezing your elbows back together

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  • 15 squats
  • Run or walk 3-5 minutes
  • 15 bicep curls with band

While standing, place band under feet that are shoulder width apart and curl handles up to shoulders

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  • 12 shoulder raises with weights

With weights to your side and palms down, lift them up together  to shoulder level

** keep a slight bend in elbow and do not raise weights about shoulders

  • Repeat 15 walking lunges down driveway (or standing lunges) 
  • Run or walk 3-5 minutes

Consult with your doctor before beginning any new program.  Remember this is what works for me.   Modify exercises according to your location.   Be creative and you can have your own quick spring workout.

In Good Health,

Crystal

For more customized workouts for your needs and personal schedule, contact me at Crystal@yourfitnessdesigner.com to learn how you can get started.

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , ,

Poor In Spirit

March 11, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 6—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’  Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:3

Jesus was teaching the lost on the side of a hill.  As He was speaking all kinds of people surrounded Him—rich, poor, healthy, sick, loved, hated.  His teaching was for all who would seek Him and His Father.

In researching and thinking about what “poor in spirit” is, I came acoss a study which stated,

“Being ‘poor in Spirit’ is to have a humble and broken/contrite heart
that constantly seeks help and forgiveness
from God for their very existence.”
(Biblesco: Free Inductive Bible Study Lessons)

From the beginning of time, God has wanted a unique relationship with His people. When the people of Israel kept refusing to follow God’s leading, He would bring punishments upon them.  Sometimes these were very painful and then He would show mercy.  The people would repent and turn back to Him for a period of time but would fall back into the old familiar patterns of behavior.

Then God decided it was right for His Son Jesus to come and live among us for a period of time.  The life Jesus lived among us was fantastic.  He obeyed His earthly parents, His Heavenly Father, and learned at the feet of His local teachers.  When it was time for Jesus to begin His ministry, He sought to give it to the Jewish people.  The Pharisees and Saducees had hardened hearts and rejected God’s truth, but Jesus did not stop sharing.  They were more about revenge and keeping rules than in showing grace and mercy toward others.  These people had long since forgotten what it was like to have a ‘humble, contrite heart’.

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

As we prepare our hearts for the Easter season let us try to remember the sacrifice He made for us.  Let us remember to be humble and obedient to God’s word and leading of the Holy Spirit.  He will honor us when we honor Him and His Son.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Freedom Song

March 11, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Freedom Song
Performed by Mandisa

Praise to the Lord, our chains are gone
Can’t help but sing our freedom song
Praise to the Lord, our chains are gone
Can’t help but sing our freedom….

I am a child from a broken home
Where true love was torn apart
But then I met a Heavenly Father
Who made a home inside my heart

I am a man with the chains of addiction
Dragging me down for way too long
But I came face to face with redemption
And now those chains are gone

Can anybody hear me?
Does anybody know what I’m talking about?
When you’ve been delivered like that
You’ve got to shout it out

Lift your hands up in the air; shout Hallelujah
Lift your hands up in the air…I have been set free

I am a sixteen year old daughter
Lost in the mirror, no self esteem
But God made me in His image
And that makes me a beauty queen

I am a wife and the mother of three
Trading my dreams for a busy life
Searching for my lost identity
And I’m happy to announce that I found it in Christ

Praise to the Lord, my chains are gone
Can’t help but sing our freedom song
Praise to the Lord, my chains are gone
Can’t help but sing our freedom song

 ~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

What does it mean to walk in freedom?  The definition of freedom is: ‘the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.’  Another definition is ‘the quality or state of being free.’

Because of Jesus work on the Cross we can now walk in freedom without hinderance or restraint…because of Jesus my chains are gone; praise God!!!

Because of Jesus you have been set of free of the bondage of your past that ensnared you…what an AWE-inspiring Truth and something for which I am thankful each and every day.  If God never did another thing for me, the fact that I have been saved from a dark past and that I won’t be going be going to Hell is enough for me….  I will never begin to understand the love of the Father and the sacrifice that He made for Me and for YOU!

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed

Galations 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

I Love Ephesians 3:12 In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Because of Jesus we can approach God with freedom and confidence… Hallelujah!!!!)

Psalm 118:5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free.

Sisters, will you receive the freedom that you have available to you this day?  And choose to walk in the freedom and confidence of who you are in Him?

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father, I can never begin to understand the sacrifice, pain, and suffering that Jesus went through so that I may walk in freedom today.  A simple ‘Thank You’ can never begin to express my thankfulness!  Without Jesus there would be no hope for someone like me.  Thank You that in my anguish I cried out to You and You have set me free!!!  In Jesus name, AMEN!!!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Garlicky Shrimp and Veggies with Red Quinoa

March 10, 2014 by

Here we are…getting closer and closer to Spring every day!  Today’s recipe continues to celebrate the return of Spring veggies!  In this veggie-licious dish, we have the first of the season (at least here in NY) sweet onions (I like to use the Vidalias).  Along with asparagus, carrots, tiny tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers.  This is a healthy but-oh-so-yummy dish to serve either on a weeknight (comes together rather quickly!) or to serve to guests.

Garlicky Shrimp and Spring Veggies with Red Quinoa

2014-03-09 19.19.19

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small sweet onion (Vidalia), halved and sliced 2014-03-09 18.43.48
1/2 red (or yellow or orange) Bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 pound asparagus, woody ends removed
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons minced garlic (I use jarred)
1+1/2 tablespoons freshly ground lemon pepper mix
1-2 tablespoons sea salt
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 small lemon, juiced
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Directions:

  • In a small saucepan, stir chicken broth and quinoa. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover. Let simmer ‘til broth is absorbed about 20 minutes. When done, remove from heat; leave in pan ‘til ready to serve.
  • In a large saute pan, heat olive oil and add sliced onions and peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In the meantime, cut tips off asparagus; set aside. Cut remainder of asparagus stems into 1″ pieces.
  • Then add shredded carrots and cut-up asparagus stems (not tips) into saute pan. Continue to cook for 7-8 minutes ‘til crisp tender.
  • Remove to a bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
  • Place tomatoes in saute pan (adding a small amount of olive oil IF needed), cut side down. Let cook for 3-4 minutes to soften.
  • Add in shrimp and asparagus tips. Cook for 4-5 minutes ‘til shrimp are beginning to turn pink. Flip over to cook on other side. Add chopped garlic and cook for just one more minute, stirring gently. Remove just the shrimp to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour white wine and lemon juice into saute pan and simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Stir well. Remove from heat.
  • Add back in sauteed shrimp and cooked veggies. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons grated Parm.

Serve on a large platter; pour out the quinoa and top with the shrimp/veggie mixture. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parm. Enjoy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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