November 21, 2024

Made Me Glad

November 14, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I will bless the Lord forever
And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
And He has set my feet upon a rock

I will not be moved, and I’ll say of the Lord
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion
Deliverer, my Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present Help in time of need

Whom have I in Heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You

Songwriter ~ Miriam Webster / Performed by Darlene Zschech and Hillsong United

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Do you practice blessing the Lord on a daily basis…or only when things are going well in your life?  God calls us to count our blessings on a daily basis.  There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

This does not mean that we are happy all the time or would choose our current circumstances.  When you are in the fire and walking through extremely difficult circumstances, it can be harder to look for the things in which to be thankful. However, God is always faithful in our circumstances when we choose to be thankful and look to Him and what He is doing in our lives.

When I focus on the yuck in my life, it doesn’t help me.  But when I focus on God and the blessings that are there in disguise, my perspective changes and I begin to see the things that He is doing.  I would much rather focus on what God is doing in my life than what the enemy is doing.  Then I can watch this promise unfold in my life.…

And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 KJV

I love the wording in this Scripture!  The first part, ‘And we know…,’ means we must know and believe that God will work whatever we are walking through for ‘good’. The next part that speaks to me is that God says He uses ‘ALL things’ (not just some things) but ALL things for good.  Keep looking for the ‘good’ in whatever you are going through.  He Who has promised is faithful.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He Who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

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Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are our Shield, our Strength and our Portion.  May we believe and receive it in Jesus name.  AMEN!!!

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

Every Promise Of Your Word

October 18, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Remember Your promise to me;
    it is my only hope.
Your promise revives me….

Psalm 119:49 and 50

 Stuart Townend along with Keith Getty

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From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
Words of power strong to save that will never pass away
I will stand on every promise of Your word

For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on ev’ry promise of Your word

When I stumble and I sin condemnation pressing in
I will stand on ev’ry promise of Your word
You are faithful to forgive that in freedom I might live
So I stand on ev’ry promise of Your Word

Guilt to innocence restored
You remember sins no more
So I’ll stand on ev’ry promise of Your word

When I’m faced with anguished choice, I will listen for Your voice
And I’ll stand on every promise of Your word

Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on ev’ry promise of Your word

And You’ve promised to complete
Ev’ry work begun in me
So I’ll stand on ev’ry promise of Your word

Hope that lifts me from despair, love that casts out ev’ry fear
As I stand on every promise of Your word

Not forsaken not alone for the Comforter has come
And I stand on ev’ry promise of Your word
Grace sufficient,grace for me
Grace for all who will believe
We will stand on ev’ry promise of Your word

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Fulfilled Promises

October 15, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Remember the word to Your servant,
In which You have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
That Your word has revived me.
Psalms 119:49-50

David is reminding God of a promise to make David’s line to have a continuation on the throne.  God does not need reminding, but sometimes we need the reassurance that God had not forgotten us.  Doubt and sin creeps in trying to steal our promise.  We have to be ever so diligent to not allow those thoughts.  God wants us to know joy and to remember the promises He continues to fulfill today.

Abraham was promised a son.

On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying,
“To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt
to the great river, the river Euphrates,”
Genesis 15:18

Isaac who was not born to Abraham and his wife Sarah until they  were very old. God wanted to provide a miracle and show  Abraham that God could be trusted. God also told Abraham that his children would be in captivity and brought out after four hundred years of that bondage.

“It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born.
They saw that God had given them an unusual child,
and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.”
Hebrews 11:23

When Moses was born God had a plan that he would lead the people of Israel out of captivity to the promised land. Moses was raised in a life of luxury. But he also was reminded of his heritage and had to flee from Egypt because of his desire to protect his people. It was not his time to begin the deliverance. God had plans to grow Moses into a shepherd. He needed to become patient and humble.

Ever feel like God puts you through a time of patience building?  I know I have had my share of those.  Because I am headstrong, rebellious, and stubborn.  I am sure God just shakes His head at me. I try it on my own. Then I realize I need to turn back to Him and let Him handle the heavy lifting.  I just have to be willing to follow His word.

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Father, help me follow Your direction.  Forgive me for doing my will and not seeking Yours.  Help me discern Your will for my life.  Give me the courage to follow what You lay on my heart.  I want to be a vessel You use to further Your kingdom here on earth.  Thank You for allowing me to call You Father.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Comfort

October 13, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50

I love this passage of Scripture, for to be preserved by God is a big relief to any person who is waiting upon the Lord and has faith (1 Thessalonians 3:7) and has accepted Christ as his/her Lord and Savior.

This shows that God’s will for my life and your life is for us to be victorious in all areas of our lives. Even when we face trials, adversaries, challenges of any kind He will preserve us. Even if the enemies may fall 10,000 at the left side and 10,000 at the right, we will not be harmed for we are preserved and this is a comfort to us.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble You preserve my life,
You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes,
with Your right hand You save me.
Psalm 138:7

But why do you think He is preserving us for?

  • Because of His banner of love for us – He promised neither to leave us nor forsake us. He said in Psalm 23 that ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow us’ all the days of our lives. In Isaiah 46:4 it says “Even to your old age and grey hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
  • So that we accomplish what He sent us here on earth for—we are His disciples and so we have to bear fruit (disciples). [Click here to read John 15:1-8.] God wants us to bear fruits, more fruit, much more fruit and abiding fruit.
  • For us to live a comforted life—a life that is not worried about anything but trusting in the Lord. By so doing, serving Him will not be a hassle to do. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God trust also in Me” (John 14:1). This was Jesus speaking, giving an assurance that He and God are there for us.
  • Finally Romans 8:28 crowns it all by saying, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Let us make the purposes of God be fulfilled in our lives.

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Oh Lord, our God, we come before You in prayer giving You all the praise and honor for who You are…and what You have been…and what You shall be in the years to come. You are the Ancient of Days—from age to age You never fail us. We thank You for preserving us to Your glory. Make us also realize our calling and make us useful for Your purposes in this life. We thank You for this comfort and victorious life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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A Small Reminder for God

October 12, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo
Remember Your Word to Your servant for You have given me hope.
Psalm 119:49

When I read verses like this, I always wonder why the writer felt the need to tell God to remember.  If God said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” then it’s safe to say that you should come to Him…and He will give you rest.  No reminder needed.

There is a certain level of uncertainty when it comes to God.  For example, two people can pray for healing; and yet one will live and one will die.  Why?  Only God knows. Surely, there is some type of order to the happenings of life.  After all, 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “…For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”  Even with this being the case we don’t get to see the Big Picture all the time.

Perspective plays a huge role in our relationship with God.  He sees things we simply do not see and can not see.  We often have to ask Him to open our eyes to see what He sees.  And sometimes He sheds light on a situation.  But sometimes, we are told to wait.

Have you ever felt betrayed by God?  You went to Him for guidance, followed His directions to the best of your ability, and still got what seemed to be an unfavorable outcome?  I have.  And when I find myself in these situations I often take to reminding God of His promises.

Reminding God of His promises is beneficial to us, not to Him. Reminding God about His promises, reminds us of God’s Word and can bring up some very important issues:

  • Do I really believe this promise?
  • Do I trust God to fulfill this promise?
  • Is there something in my life that I need to address or hand over to God?
  • Is something hindering God’s progress in this situation?

I feel this is a very vital role in growing with God.  I have friends who can read the Bible and take God at His Word easily.  When they read that God will provide for them…they believe that God will provide for them.  When I read that God will provide for me…I ask questions . I need to know how and when.  If I can’t come up with a solution in my mind, then it must be impossible.  I need details.  I have gotten better at simply taking God at His Word, but I often have to fight the urge to remind Him of the way things are “supposed” to be.

The Message translation says,

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Proverbs 3:5 and 6

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Lord, I pray that I never forget Your promises and that I never stop coming to You when I have questions or concerns. Thank You for being faithful and answering my prayers.  Thank You for giving me knowledge and understanding.  Help me to doubt less, trust more, and follow relentlessly.  Give me the courage to stand for You, and humility to obey You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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As Sure As The Sun

October 2, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

There is good news
There is good truth
That you could never change
No matter what you do
You are loved
More than you know
More than you could hope for
After everything you’ve done

As sure as the sun will rise
And takes away the night
His mercy will not end
His mercy will not end

There is good news
There’s a promise
That no matter where you go
You will never be alone
In the dark
In the doubting
When you can’t feel anything
Oh, His love remains the same

Even through the night
Silver stars will shine
Hope of glory’s light
That will wake us once again


singer/songwriter – Ellie Holcomb
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The premise of this song is truly something we don’t ever worry about, right? Oh, we have our worries…I hear you! But not this—not the rising of the sun…we just KNOW it will be there when we awaken each and every morning. And as assuredly as we stake our trust and confidence on God’s faithfulness to His plan for each new day, we should be equally as positive of His mercy and love. Perhaps when we are ensnared in doubt we could remind ourselves, “See…look! The sun came up this morning! And just like that, God will faithfully provide mercy and lovingkindness today!”

Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge Him.
As surely as the sun rises, He will appear;
He will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 6:3

There is a promise in chapter 3 of the Book of Lamentations that I cling to every day of my life…may I share it with you?

But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation:
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed,
because His [tender] compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
Verses 21-23

Some days it is difficult, seemingly near-to-impossible sometimes, to be hopeful and have joyful expectations. The world we live in is full of things that snatch away our dreams and desires; tempting us to feel futile and overwhelmed. But, Jesus assured His disciples (and us!) of the peace and hope we have been given. And so we endeavor to hold this Truth firm in our thinking knowing that Jesus spoke it and so it IS the Truth.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

At times when my heart is needful of being reminded that “as sure as the sun will rise and take away the night…” I confess the following promises made in Jeremiah chapter 29 by our faithful, loving, compassionate, merciful Father. And I recite it like this…

For I know the thoughts and plans that <You> have for <me>…thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give <me> hope in <the> final outcome.
Then <I> will call upon <You>, and <I> will come and pray to <You>, and <You> will hear and heed <me>.
Then <I> will seek <You>, inquire for, and require <You> and find <You> when <I> search for <You> with all <my> heart.
<You> will be found by <me>….
Jeremiah 29:11-14 AMP (pronouns changed)

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Here are some additional verses from the Scriptures to persistently hang onto. I pray that you will be encouraged by each one of them as You remember Who has made the promises—the same One Who causes the sun to rise each and every morning—Almighty God, our heavenly Father.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews10:23

I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5

God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind.
Does He speak and then not act?  Does He promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not  be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath.  God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul….
Hebrews 6:17-19

 

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The Pits

September 10, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

 

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all His benefits—
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalms 103:1-5

A pit.  This pit can take on many forms…it can be a pit dug by others, or a pit of our own making.  This passage doesn’t specify that He will only save us from what others do to us, but that He will “redeem your life from the pit”, even if we make it ourselves.  Where others will cover us in shame and anger, He will cover us with love and compassion.  He will not only save us from situations we create ourselves, but He will wrap His arms around us while doing it.  He promises that our desires will be met…He promises love, compassion…He promises forgiveness, and healing.

The difference between God’s promises and those we make (or those made to us by others), is that God’s promises ring true.  These promises will not be broken; they are not conditional.  In fact we are given these promises over and over again.  We are forgiven over and over again, we are loved always, we are healed, and we are clothed in compassion.  Such simple everyday concepts made beautiful; made permanent, made personal.

I will praise the Lord. My soul will sing His praises for all He has done for me, for all He will continue to do for me. I will praise His Holy name.

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Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, only You, Lord, know the workings of my innermost being.  Only You know when I need love and compassion.  Only You know when I truly need love and healing.  Only You understand when I need compassion.  Only You know when I need to be pulled from the pit.  Only You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

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His Faithfulness Continues….

August 8, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before Him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are His.
We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving;
go into His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and His faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100

I’ve heard this passage my entire life…in church, in songs, through preaching, and in regular conversation.  A wonderful thing about God’s Word is that with each reading, a passage can reveal something new.  It may seem as if you’re reading the words for the very first time—when in fact it may be the hundredth time.

This passage did the same for me this time.  As I read the words, the last line stood out.  I know that God’s Word speaks to you in your seasons; and in this season of being a mother I need as much guidance from God as I can get.  For those of us who are sending our children back to school, or off to work, or out in the world—whatever stage of life our children may be walking into—there can be a good deal of worry associated with the actions of our kids.  “…And His faithfulness continues to each generation” (verse 5).

This line alone makes me want to shout thanks to the Lord!  It reminds me that He will be equally as faithful to my children as He has been to me.  Sometimes when I’m reminded of His promises such as this one, all I can say is “God is good! The Lord is good!”  Simple words that say so much. His promise to myself and to my children is reason enough to live this passage on a daily basis…but He has done so much more than that.  He has done more than I could ever imagine.  I want to live these verses not because of what He has done in my life, but for who He is to the world.  He is faithful, He is loving, and for this I thank Him.

Let’s Pray: Lord, Your words bring peace…they bring joy…they bring security. Words could never truly honor You as You deserve; but, Lord, we promise to make the best effort we possibly can.  I pray these words are written on the hearts of all the women reading this, and that we live these words in good times and in bad.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Move

May 29, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I’m not about to give up, because I heard you say
There’s gonna be brighter days, there’s gonna be brighter days
I won’t stop, I’ll keep my head up, no, I’m not here to stay
There’s gonna be brighter days, there’s gonna be brighter days
I just might bend but I won’t break, as long as I can see Your face

When life won’t play along, and right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way, I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down, oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway
I’m gonna move, move
I’m gonna move, move
I’m gonna move
I’m gonna move

I’ve got to hold ‘er steady, keep my head in the game
Everything is about to change, everything is about to change
This hurt is getting heavy, but I’m not about to cave
Everything is about to change, there’s gonna be brighter days
I just might bend but won’t break, as long as I can see Your face

When life won’t play along, and right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way, I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down, oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway
No matter what may come,
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move
Gotta move
To a different beat
No matter what may come
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move
Gotta move
To a different beat
I just might bend but I won’t break as long as I can see Your face

When life won’t play along and right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down, oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway
When life won’t play along and right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way, I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down
Oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway

~ Sing this song with me as part of your prayer and worship today ~

Written by Dan Muckala and MercyMe / Sung by MercyMe

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I love this song…because in this life we will have trouble.  But we need to keep movin’ and believing that better days are on the way!  Let’s see what promises God gives us for when we encounter days of trouble….

Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope!
I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.
Zechariah 9:12 NLT

What an AWESOME promise to hold on to! I have personally experienced this countless times in my life.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.
In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.
John 16:33 NLT

Hold on to your hope in Him, no matter the circumstances!
He is Faithful !!!!

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Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word and these promises to hold onto.  I thank You for Your faithfulness in each circumstance.  I pray that when trouble comes, we will choose to keep dancing and moving and not let them drag us down.  In Jesus name, AMEN!!

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

When You Don’t Feel His Presence

May 23, 2014 by

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3

I will be honest. I don’t feel God’s Presence every minute of every day.  But I have the faith to know that He is there because He promised.  His Word tells us not to fear but sometimes there are reasons to fear, true?  If you read the news or just step outside your door, you see a few.  Did you notice that in the verse above, it says “When you pass through the waters…” ? Not “If” because He knows that because of sin, we will encounter trouble but He is with us.  He is ever present, never leaving us, and that is our comfort.  And His Word reminds us of this over and over.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.
Psalms 139:11 and 12

Hebrews 13:5 says “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” You cannot escape the Presence of God, but you may not feel it.

In Matthew 14:25-32, in the middle of a storm, Jesus walked on water.  His disciples, who were terrified, did not feel His presence but Jesus said, “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid.”  The storms continued to rage until Jesus got into the boat. Yes, there was something to fear—a huge storm in a small fishing boat—but Jesus’ Presence brings peace and courage.  And notice…Jesus did not say, “Take courage! I am calming the storm. Don’t be afraid.” Instead, with the winds raging, He said,”Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The truth is—Jesus doesn’t always calm the storms, at least not immediately. However He always calms His child with His Presence.  I imagine Him saying,”Don’t worry!  Yes there are winds that are strong and blowing and the waves are really high and frightening but I am God over everything.  And if I do not calm the waves immediately, it is because I want you to watch Me walk on water.”  I still don’t enjoy the storms that I have to go through and I don’t want to go through it all again, but what I do still cherish is the closeness I have felt with Him and how much I desired to be with Him and hear His words.  I was desperate for His strength and I couldn’t get enough of Him.

Are you ready to accept His Presence in your life? Do you want to enjoy God in your life more than ever? If you said YES!, then take the time to pray and ask Him to give you faith and to teach you how to enjoy Him abundantly! He loves you and He created you with a desire for fellowship with Him. He is your Creator so He knows you more than you will ever know yourself. So you can trust Him always and know He will never leave you.

Feelings are just feelings and not facts. So not feeling His Presence doesn’t mean He is not there. Spend time in His Word and get to know Him. Hear His promises for yourself. Your faith will grow and so will your relationship with Him. Your life will blossom and there will be a peace that passes all understanding. And know that I am praying for you today, whatever you may need today. If you don’t have a relationship with Him, you can. All you have to do is ask Him into your heart.

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Pray with me today: Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need a Savior.  I ask for forgiveness.  I believe you died for my sins on the Cross and I am forgiven.  Walk with me now and forever more.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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