May 4, 2026

Spiritual Hunger and Thirst

April 3, 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 5—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 hunger and thirst for justice, 
for they will be satisfied. 
Matthew 5:6

As children we hunger to learn what is right and what is wrong.  We are supposed to learn this from our loving parents—the ones that God has blessed us with.  From a young age when we start to learn between right and wrong, we hunger and thirst to do right so as to please those around us.  As children of God, we should do the same.  We should hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God.

The Samaritan woman said to Him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

John 4:9-15 NIV

As Christians, we have a hunger and thirst for a relationship with God.  Once we accept Christ, we begin that relationship.  Even before the Samaritan woman received Christ, she thirsted for the righteousness of God.  The Samaritan woman was already thirsting for Jesus before she even met and spoke with Him.  When she asked for the living water, Jesus told her everything about herself. He already knew her.  She ran back to tell the people who shunned her.  That day many became children of God.  Even though she had sinned, Jesus blessed her.

As the children of God we, like the Samaritan woman, have sinned.  However, if we want to be in a relationship with Jesus, our spiritual thirst and hunger can be satisfied by accepting Him.  All we have to do is believe that He died on the Cross for us and rose three days later to defeat death and sin.

 *  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for satisfying our thirst and hunger with Your righteousness.  Without You, our spirit would be forever hungry.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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My Redeemer Lives

April 3, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning
Who taught the ocean you can only come this far
And Who showed the moon where to hide ‘til evening
Whose words alone can catch a falling star

Well I know my Redeemer lives; I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies tthat here’s life within the Christ
I know my Redeemer lives

The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn, and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken
They conquer death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives; I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify that there’s life within the Christ
I know my Redeemer…

He lives to take away my shame
And He lives (forever I’ll proclaim)
That the payment for my sins was the precious life He gave
Now He’s alive and there’s an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer lives; I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify that there’s life within the Christ

I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
He lives….

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

~   Nicole C. Mullen   ~

*  ~  *  ~    ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

When you really stop to think about those things (and really reflect on them): Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?  And Who taught the ocean to only come so far…and then stop and go back out?  Or Who taught the moon where to hide ‘til evening?  It is AMAZING and something most of us cannot even begin to comprehend!   The Creator of the universe didn’t miss a detail…so powerful!

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28

• The very same God that spins things in orbit, runs to the weary, the worn and the weak

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

• And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken…

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

• (The same gentle hands) they conquer death to bring me (and you) victory…

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.
Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know
that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Sisters, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for!  A heavenly Father who went through so much to redeem and restore our lives.  Even though in this world we know we will have trouble, be encouraged!  Jesus has overcome the world!  This week I encourage you not to focus on the circumstances. Instead choose to have joy in your journey and be thankful for ALL the Blessings you do have.

*  ~  *  ~    ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

Heavenly Father, I pray for each one of my sisters this day that they would be strong and immovable and that they would know that nothing they do when they do it for You is useless. When they choose to have joy in their journey, and choose thankfulness and victory in You over their life’s circumstances, I know You will be smiling.  And I pray You would bless them through their obedience in Jesus’ name!!  AMEN!!

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

Why Would We Want to Honor God with our Body by How We Eat and Exercise?

April 2, 2014 by

Why

Last week, in my blog, I encouraged you to think of the way you exercise and eat as an opportunity to honor God.  It can be motivating to do it unto Him and not out of our own desires and needs.  However, what if that is still not motivating enough?  How do we even get to the point of wanting to honor Him in all that we do, including how we eat and exercise?  If it is still a struggle, let me share with you what I have learned from my own experiences and why I now want to honor God with my body by how I eat and exercise.

God’s Love and Grace

My friend, when I think about where I would be without God’s love and grace in my life, I am overwhelmed with appreciation toward Him. He has set me free from the bondage of sin and shame and given me a life of joy and peace.  Let us not take for granted John 3:16 and remember that God sent His ONLY son to die for us. Ephesians 1:4 says He chose us to be ‘holy and blameless.’  In verse 6 he reminds us that He “freely” bestows on us His grace.  I am so blessed to walk in His amazing grace everyday that I want to honor Him in EVERYTHING I do.

By accepting and understanding the fullness of His love, grace, and forgiveness, you may discover you have a heart to give back to God.

My Confidence is in Him, Not Others 

Have you gone on crazy diets or tried to stay motivated to exercise because of what you, others around you, or someone from your past has said about the way you should look?  Ladies, we do not have to be imprisoned by the media, what others say, or the voices in our head.  Those pressures can lead to yo-yo dieting or extreme exercise which finally leads to quitting because of a lack of motivation.  How beautiful is it to hear God tell us that we are wonderfully made.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.
Psalms 139:14

Once we can become confident in who we are in Christ, and believe what He says about us, our motivation is for Him and not for ourselves or others.

If you are struggling to stay motivated, I encourage you today to stop “trying” to eat healthy and exercise on your own.  Take some time and devote yourself to learning and accepting two things that can change your life.

  1. God’s love, grace, and forgiveness He freely gives you

  2. What God says and feels about you

When we understand these truths, God’s says in John 8:32 that the truth will set us free.  Through this freedom, our motivation can change to give back and

 Honor God with our Body by How We Eat and Exercise

In Good Health,

Crystal

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When You Took My Place

April 2, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Lost like a little child, helpless as a baby
Searchin’ desperately to find Someone who could save me

Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take away
When You took my place

Chained like a prisoner from the day I was born
Blamed like a criminal for the things that I’d done

Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take away
When You took my place

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

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~  ✞  ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

Have you ever been lost?  If so, then you can appreciate the amazing, indescribable feeling of relief of being found or finding your own way out.  Isn’t it true though, that you can’t truly appreciate the victory until you’ve tasted defeat?   And until you’ve been in the dark, you cannot appreciate the light of a flashlight?  My point is, until life really happens to you, and until you’ve really struggled and been in the valley, you cannot really appreciate climbing out of it and being on the mountain top.

Think back to your darkest hour… Did you feel His arms around you?  Did you know that He is strongest in your weakness?  And at some point, did you think that there is no way you can make it one more day not one more minute?  Then out of the Heavens, He shows up.  He shines His light into our darkness.  He meets us exactly where we are and saves us.  We don’t have to get good enough. We can never be good enough.  You know, we are all sinners and we all come short of His glory.  But because of a loving God Who sent His Son to literally take our place, we have a life that is abundant, a life full of blessings.  All we have to do is ask.  All we have to do is accept His redeeming love and His unending forgiveness.  And we are not to live in the shame of our past.  We have to live that forgiveness.  We have to hold on to His grace.  We have to live out His love for us and love others the way He calls us to.  All because He took our place.

Where are you today?  Are you in the woods somewhere lost and in need of a road map?  Or are you in a valley and need a rope to get up to the mountain?   He is a word away. He says “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  God delivers with a “mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 5:15).  And then when you are on the other side of the road from your circumstances and God has rescued you and given you the victory, then tell the world that “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God (Psalm 40:3).

If you’re still in the middle of a hard place, then place your hope in Him. He will not leave you in one place too long.

He loves you.

He took your place so that you could live forever with Him in eternity.

And take heart…He overcame the world!

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A Hunger for God

April 2, 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 5—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 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. 
Matthew 5:6

Ever had that overwhelming desire to know our Creator and God more fully?  To know His forgiveness is complete?  Sure you have…me, too!  As we walk through our life there are those moments when the desire is so intense that we want to devour every bit of information we can glean.

As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.
I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?
Psalms 42:1-2 HCSB

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You;
my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory.
Psalms 63:1-2 HCSB

How can we satisfy our hunger and thirst for God?

  • By becoming immersed in His Word
  • By listening to music that uplifts us
  • By simply being still and listening to His creation that is all around us

When was the last time you sat in communion with God?  I cannot remember the last time I was able to sit for more than 2 minutes and listen for God.

You may say, ‘How can I hear God?’  That is as simple as listening and observing God’s creation.  Most of us have a devotional time.  When we are in those moments, is it by ourselves, with no distractions, no television on to distract or the radio?  Do we listen to our devotion while we are driving to work?

Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament says,

“Never was there a desire to be holy, which God was not willing to gratify.  And the gospel of Christ was made to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy.”

This past weekend, our pastor continued his teaching on  God, Our Deliverer.  He stated that no matter how many times we fail, we should not give up on repentance, and coming to know our heavenly Father more intimately.  The evil one would love nothing more than to discourage you from seeking the knowledge, peace, and comfort that only God can provide.

Just as the woman at the well asked Jesus about the living water He spoke of and explained, we can continue throughout our lives seeking for it as well.  It is not given just once, but continuously as we seek to know Him (John 4:14).  God wants no one to perish. He has adopted us, grafted us into His family, and He will fight to keep us in it.  Oh, what a wonderful Father we serve!

  *  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

Father, we humbly thank You and praise You for Your mercy and grace so freely given.  Forgive us for when we fail to admit our shortcomings and our sins to You.  Help us to rid ourselves of our selfish pride and arrogance and seek to model our lives after Your Son, Jesus.  Holy Spirit, be with us and guide us.  Show us when we stray and help us turn back to our Father. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

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Hunger and Thirst

April 1, 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 5—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 (happy) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
(justice) for they will be filled (satisfied).
Matthew 5:6

Happy and blessed…yes, happy (blessed, fortunate, prosperous, to be envied)
are the people whose God is the Lord!
Psalm 144:15

I enjoy verse mapping. I find it helps me dig deeper to understand the meaning of a particular Scripture. So I versed mapped Matthew 5:6 and this is what I found.

The Scriptures above point the way to happiness.  Happiness hides when we seek it.   When pursued it cannot be found.  True happiness is only found when we chase after God wholeheartedly…passionately seeking Him.  Passion that is illustrated in Psalms 42:1-2:

As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God.

This type of hunger and thirst is a longing so intense that it cannot be satisfied by just a bite or a sip.  It is a deep craving for more—wanting all of it instead of just a piece or a snack.

So what is it we are to seek so intently?  To be right with God…to be delivered from the bondage of sin…to be completely forgiven—past, present and future. We are seeking justification—to be pardoned of all our sins.  Easton’s Bible Dictionary states: “Justification declares that all the claims of the Law are satisfied in respect of the justified.  The Law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense.”  A full and complete pardon.  The slate is wiped clean and we are given a fresh start.

So where does this righteousness, this justification, come from?  It is not of our own doing.  We cannot achieve righteousness on our own.

Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.
But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work,
but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
Romans 4:3, 5

Only through faith can we be made righteous.  Then we are filled with God’s holiness and literally saturated with happiness.  We are filled with His love and satisfied by His grace.

The Scriptures tell us the righteous will prosper and receive blessing from the Lord.  Hosea 10:12 confirms this:  “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love.”  Blessings abound when we seek His righteousness, causing us to seek Him even more.

  *  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

Lord, thank You for Your many blessings.  I am so grateful that You are easy to find when I seek You.  Thank You for satisfying my longings for You.  Deepen those longings so I continually seek Your righteousness, Your justice so I can be made complete in You.  Amen, so be it!

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Mercy Seat

April 1, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

In the darkness, where everything is unknown
I faced the power of sin on my own
I did not know of a place I could go
Where I could find a way to heal my wounded soul
He said that I could come into His Presence without fear
Into the Holy Place where His mercy hovers near

I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’ to the Mercy Seat
Where Jesus is calling, He said His grace would cover me
His blood will flow freely, it will provide the healing
I’m runnin’ to the Mercy Seat, I’m runnin’ to the Mercy Seat

Are you living where hope has not been
You’re lost in the curse of a lifetime of sin
Well, underneath the illusions, they never come true
I know where there’s a place of mercy for you
He said that you could come into His Presence without fear
Into the Holy Place where His mercy hovers near

Come runnin’, come runnin’, come runnin’ to the mercy seat
Where Jesus is calling, He said His grace would cover me
His blood will flow freely, It will provide the healing
Come runnin’ to the Mercy Seat, come runnin’ to the Mercy Seat
He said that you could come into His Presence without fear
Into the Holy Place where His mercy hovers near

Come runnin’ to the Mercy Seat
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy on me

I know Your grace is greater than my sin!
You said that Your grace would cover me
Your blood would flow freely it will provide the healing
I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’ to the Mercy Seat
Where Jesus is calling, He said that His grace would cover me
His blood will flow freely, it will provide my healing
I’m runnin’, come runnin’, come runnin’ to the Mercy Seat

~  Listen while you read!  ~

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~  ✞  ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 
What a great question to ask ourselves today: ‘Are you living where hope has not been?  Are you lost in the curse of a lifetime of sin?  Underneath the illusions, they never came true.’  I KNOW where there is a place of mercy for you…. Sisters, I KNOW this to be the Truth in my own life.

The definition of the word illusion is “…a thing that is, or is likely to be, wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses.”  It is the lie that is believed.  A lie I once believed that there was NO hope for my past choices…until I discovered the Truth!!  Are you believing the lie?  The lie that there is no hope for you??   As Proverbs 13 :12 tells us “Hope deferred makes the heart sick….”  Sisters, let me assure you there is ALWAYS, ALWAYS HOPE in JESUS!!!  His grace is greater than my sin!

Sisters, come running to the Mercy Seat where Jesus is calling.  His Blood has provided for your and my healing.

He went once for all into the [Holy of] Holies [of heaven],
not by virtue of the blood of goats and calves
[by which to make reconciliation between God and man],
but His own blood, having found and secured
a complete redemption (an everlasting release for us).
Hebrews 9:12 AMP

I love Matthew Henry’s commentary on Hebrews 9:15-22.

The solemn transactions between God and man, are sometimes called a covenant, here a testament, which is a willing deed of a person, bestowing legacies on such persons as are described, and it only takes effect upon his death. Thus Christ died, not only to obtain the blessings of salvation for us, but to give power to the disposal of them. All, by sin, were become guilty before God, had forfeited every thing that is good; but God, willing to show the greatness of his mercy, proclaimed a covenant of grace. Nothing could be clean to a sinner, not even his religious duties; except as his guilt was done away by the death of a sacrifice, of value sufficient for that end, and unless he continually depended upon it. May we ascribe all real good works to the same all-procuring cause, and offer our spiritual sacrifices as sprinkled with Christ’s blood, and so purified from their defilement.

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~  ✞  ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

Heavenly Father, I pray for each and every woman reading this blog that they would not believe the lie that there is no hope for their situation.  But, instead, receive the Truth that there is ALWAYS Hope in You!!!  Thank You for the blood sacrifice so that we may obtain grace and healing.  In Jesus’ name! AMEN!!!

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Lemon – Mustard Roasted Baby Potatoes

March 31, 2014 by

2014-03-29 20.57.45Sometimes I find that I am preparing the same boring side dishes to serve with our meals.  How about you?  So I always have my eye open for little tweaks or twists on the ‘same old, same old’ standards…like roasted potatoes.  These were on my menu this week. So I planned on buying some red potatoes.  And then, when I was at the grocery store, I found some lovely baby red potatoes.  Oh, happy me!

2014-03-29 20.08.29

Take a look around in the produce aisle at the grocery store or at the Farmer’s market.  They come in either red or yellow (Yukon Gold) or (my favorites!) even purple varieties.  When you find them, buy ‘em!  You will not regret it!  They can be boiled, steamed, roasted, baked, grilled…I suppose you could even microwave them.

These Lemon-Mustard Potatoes will get some crispy edges and have a yummy coating baked right on!  We enjoyed them with baked tilapia filets and steamed fresh green beans.  This recipe makes approximately 4 servings…easily doubled!

2014-03-29 21.05.09

Lemon – Mustard Roasted Baby Potatoes

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of that lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or dried, if that is all you have)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (I used lemon pepper)

1 1/2 pounds baby red potatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375. Line a heavy baking sheet with foil. Set aside.

For the vinaigrette:

  • Zest and juice the lemon.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Remove 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and set aside. (I used this extra bit to coat the fish filets.)

Prepare the potatoes:

  • Scrub the potatoes.
  • Cut in half any that are larger so that all of the potatoes are approximately the same size.
  • Place the prepared potatoes into the bowl along with the vinaigrette.
  • Stir to thoroughly coat them.
  • Pour out onto the lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then turn over.
  • Check the potatoes with a thin-bladed knife after 25 minutes. They are done when the knife easily slides right through the potato. They might take up to 45 minutes depending on their size. (If not quite done, continue roasting.)
  • When done, scoop into a serving bowl and sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper. Enjoy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

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

♥  coleen

 

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God’s Not Dead

March 31, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold to see a revolution somehow
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold to bring a revolution somehow
Now I’m lost in your freedom, and this world I’ll overcome 
My God’s not dead; He’s surely alive
He’s living on the inside roaring like a lion
Let hope arise and make the darkness hide
My faith is dead, I need a resurrection somehow 
Now I’m lost in your freedom, and this world I’ll overcome
Let Heaven roar, and fire fall
Come shake the ground with the sound of revival
My God’s not dead; He’s surely alive
He’s living on the inside roaring like a lion

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

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~  ✞  ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

 We went to see the movie “God’s Not Dead” this past Friday night.  It is such a great movie!  I hope you get the chance to see it if you have not had the chance yet. This touches on the need to equip our school-age children with the ability to argue why they believe in God and know who God is.

What shocked me was that so many would deny the existence of God in a classroom and not think about the consequences.  I mean, would you write a statement that says, ‘God is Dead’ to get out of taking a class?  I was horrified at the thought!  My God IS alive and well.  Sometimes I do take Him and His mercy for granted and do things I know I have meant to give up…but to write, ‘God is Dead’ is just wrong.

I grew up in a home where I could discuss the Bible with my mom.  She was very knowledgeable and was willing to share her faith.  Where we grew up we were able to walk to a small Baptist church when my brother and I wanted to attend. She did not make us.  It was up to us.  When we were old enough she would go and sit with us to make sure we would behave, and not embarrass her or dad. After a while she would let us go by ourselves.  We would go to Sunday School and attend the worship service, then go home.  From an early age, our acceptance of God was left up to us.

As we grew older we were baptized, became members, served when we could, grew up, and moved away.  God was always there.  Nudging us, loving us, and disciplining us when we deserved it.  Growing up I felt very protected and sheltered.  For that I am thankful.  There are things I don’t need to know…things I don’t want to know.  I want to be able to take people at their face value and not have to read between the lines.

When I attended college, I was not presented the challenge to deny my faith.  I may not have walked in it as I should, but I also do not believe I would have denied Him.  As we think and pray about our schools and colleges, I pray that we as parents are equipping our kids with the ability to defend their faith and their belief in our God.  It may rest on their ability to do that and for them to know why they believe.  Not just because mom and dad, or aunt or grandma goes to church.  Or, to say, ‘I believe because my family does.’  They have to make their relationship with God personal and real.  This can be helped along by our prayers for our children.

*  ~  *  ~    ♥ ~  ✞  ~ ♥    ~  *  ~  * 

Father, thank You!  Thank You for the opportunity to share Your word and Your love with others. Thank You for the opportunity to defend our faith. Let us continue to grow in our confidence of Your Word.  Help us develop an ear to hear the Holy Spirit speaking, and the ability to be still and know more fully who You are.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

God’s Justice

March 31, 2014 by

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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 5—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 hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6

I’ve always been one to want fairness and for justice to come into play.  Before I got saved, the ideals I held said that, if you did wrong, you should be punished.

So, imagine how shocked I was when I got saved and actually started reading the Bible for myself.  A Christian murderer forgiven and used to write most of the New Testament (the Apostle Paul).  I myself am not surprised that I favored the Old Testament to the New. In the Old Testament people got what they deserved—Sodom and Gomorrah burned to the ground; the Israelites were hard-headed and -hearted and were made to wander around the Promised Land until they got it together; even the man after God’s own heart (David) suffered the consequences of his affair.

Needless to say, people should have consequences for their actions. But I understood this in an extreme sense. Talk to me about justice, I could give you the Law. Then talk to me about mercy or grace and you would see me struggle to make the connection between the three.

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
Psalms 45:6-7

Mercy, grace and justice…in my mind, there was no way they could mix.  God is a mighty God, a Sovereign God, a loving, caring, merciful, and just God—and He understands the balance between the three.

Jesus is what mercy, grace, and justice look like wrapped up into one.

 And now when I see wrong, I don’t excuse it.  But I don’t try to bring the gavel down so quickly; instead I seek God and ask for His insight.  Jesus died for me, for you, for all of us!  One God to perfectly live among us.  One man to die for the world’s sin.

Where is the justice in Calvary?  An innocent man died for all of mankind.  I am free and I am forgiven and I experience grace because my God said He loved me so much!  He could not imagine living apart from me and so He came and did what only He could do.

Justice?  What we see as just is not often what God sees as just.  God’s justice is seasoned with grace and mercy.  And oh! how thankful I am!  Thankful that Jesus did not stay in the grave.  Thankful that Jesus was given His throne in heaven.  Thankful that Jesus will be coming again.

Justice?  There is a big picture when it comes to God’s justice.  Your situation may not seem fair, but our God is a God of justice!  Seek Him.  Ask Him to show you!  And remember…the battle is the Lord’s to fight.

  *  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

Thank you, Lord, for Your awesomeness, Your amazingness and Your never-ending love.  We pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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