April 26, 2024

He Knows My Name

October 28, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take
Every move that I make
Every tear that I cry
And He knows my name 
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain
And can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

 The McRaes
Written by Annie and Kelly McRae

*  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

This passage seems to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so….  Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit, that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart is not quite so brave.  But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember, and am greatly encouraged, as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people…for example, His man Job.  Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say this–

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, me, myself, on my own?…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times.  But not my God!  Oh, He is able!  He is unchangeable!  He is faithful!  He can do all things!  He keeps His promises!  And so I trust His Word(s).  Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged and strengthened!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139—it is such a beautiful prayer of praise to Almighty God!  Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Below are excerpts from Psalm 139…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.

And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS your name.  He knows you—every step, every move, every tear, every pain, all your heartache, all your ways.  He knows all about you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up. He knows your inward parts, your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days.

He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You,
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.

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

Respect

September 16, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

If only You, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of You with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse Your name.
Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against You?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
Psalms 139:19-22

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~   ♥   ~   *

As we go through life, we have choices.  The choices we make determine our future.  We can choose to serve God or our own needs or wants.  Just as David decided to trust God with his life through all he experienced, we can learn to walk through our trials in this life.

Our memories and reactions are just as unique as we are.  There are similarities between us, but we are unique.  Our families have formed us to be who we are.  Our dads are usually how we compare who God is.  I was adopted by my aunt and uncle.  I am not sure how old I was, but I do know they did the best they could in raising me and my cousin, their son.

Dad always did what he could by us kids and by mom.  He provided a place for us to live and thrive when we moved to the country.  He set mom up in a grocery store.  We were able to walk to elementary school and grew up protected.  There were not the typical pressures of living in a big city and attending a large school getting lost in the crowd.

We thrived and grew and matured.  We respected what our parents was able to do for us.  Especially now that we are older. I remember thinking I won’t say that to my kids and then I hear myself saying it to my son or daughter. Yeah, I had those days.  I would have days where I truly disliked my parents because I thought they were unfair and that I would not ever leave.  But I did, and through lots of tears and forgiveness, I have been able to respect my parents.

Through respecting and honoring them, I am showing the same respect for God.  God tells us we will be blessed with long life and abundance when we respect and honor our parents.  But we also need to teach this to our children and to those around us.  When everyone has a respect for each other, then this world will become a better place.  It only needs to start with us.

Honor your father and your mother,
so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20: 12

In our time, as in David’s, ignorance prevents us from being in line with God’s best for us.  When we begin to serve our own desires we are out of God’s plan.  We need only to repent and turn back to Him

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~   ♥   ~   *

Father, forgive us for when we seek our own way and not Your way.  Thank You for providing Your Holy Spirit as a guide and a reminder to us to return to You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

Divine Presence

August 18, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalms 139:7-10

A child of God can never move beyond God’s care, guidance, and supporting strength.  He is with us in all situations in whatever the present and the future brings.

Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? Declares the Lord.
“Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:24

His Divine Presence shows us the following:

• with God’s presence we are assured of being protected, strengthened, and well taken care of
• fullness of Joy
• we need to have the fear of the Lord

Should you not fear me? declares the LORD.
Should you not tremble in My presence?
I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.
Jeremiah 5:22

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).  Therefore we need to fear the Lord and not just do our own things in our own ways—for that is sin.  In as much as we cannot hide anything from God let us train ourselves to live a holy life which is pleasing unto God.  Hate sin and do good always.  Bearing in mind that all things are open in His sight.  Do not steal because you are alone by yourself…remember the One Who is invisible.  May the good Lord help us remain faithful in His sight in the mighty name of Jesus.

  *  ~   ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥   ~  *  

Dear Lord, I thank You for You are the great God, the I AM WHO I AM, always present.  We give You all the praise and glory for what You have spoken to us through Your Word.  Thank You that You gave us another chance to make amends with You knowing that You are omnipresent God.  Forgive us for making You too small in our lives and living our lives pleasing ourselves alone not knowing we are grieving You.  Lord, forgive us and create in us a clean heart.  As we are starting all over, give us the grace to realize You are an ever-present God.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

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

Psalm 139

August 2, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Psalms 139:1-3

Rebecca St. James, singer/songwriter
 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

You search me
You know me
You see my every move
There’s nothing I could ever do
To hide myself from You
You know my thoughts
My fears and hurts
My weaknesses and pride
You know what I am going through
And how I feel inside

But even though You know
You will always love me
Even though You know
You’ll never let me go
I don’t deserve Your love
But you give it freely
You will always love me
Even though You know

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

He Knows My Name

May 21, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name 
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name 

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

 The McRaes
Written by Annie and Kelly McRae

*  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

This passage seems to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely.  But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am greatly encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people…for example, His man Job.  Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say this–

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, me, myself, on my own?…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times.  But not my God!  Oh, He is able!  He is faithful!  He keeps His promises!  And so I trust His Word(s).  Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged and strengthened!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139.  It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God!  Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.

And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS your name.  He knows you—every step, every move, every tear, all your ways. He knows all about you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up. He knows your inward parts, your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days.

He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You,
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

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

He Knows My Name

March 11, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

~  Written by Annie and Kelly McRae / Sung by The McRaes  ~

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *

This passage seems to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely. But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people; for example, His man Job. Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say of God…

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, myself…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times. But my God…He is able! He is faithful! He keeps His promises! And so I trust His Word(s). Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139. It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God! Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.  And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS you.

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

❥ He knows your every step, every move, every tear, all your ways.

❥ He knows you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up.

❥ He knows your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days.

❥ He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

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

He Knows My Name

May 18, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name 
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name 

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

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

~  Written by Annie and Kelly McRae / Sung by The McRaes  ~

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *

These verses seem to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely. But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people; for example, His man Job. Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say of God…

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, myself…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times. But my God…He is able! He is faithful! He keeps His promises! And so I trust His Word(s). Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139. It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God! Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.

And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS you.  He knows you—every step, every move, every tear, all your ways. He knows all about you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up. He knows your inward parts, your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days. He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

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

CHRISTLife – Six: Choosing New Images

January 20, 2014 by

christlife graphic2961_n

How is your inner identity album coming along? I’ve talked with a few ladies and there seems to be lots of different ways of crafting them. Some are putting collages together with words and pictures cut-out from magazines and other publications. Some are journaling their thoughts and prayers. Some are making actual pages for a scrapbook. Some are sketching. But one thing that is consistent from each who have shared with me is that they are amazed at what they are finding in their heart! Mrs. Myers poses some very pointed questions, doesn’t she? Don’t shy away from them…I do understand that they are difficult, at times, to honestly answer. But if we want to deal, once and for all, with the negative ‘self-talk’ and the lies that we have come to believe, well, no one can stop that for us…just you (and me!).

David wrote in Psalm 139 that God knew everything about him.

  • God formed and made him
  • God knew him before he was born
  • God was aware of everything he did
  • God knew what he would say, and think

God was fully acquainted with the whole makeup of David—his abilities and talents, his temptations and weaknesses, his doubts, his sins, everything. And God still saw him as “… a man after His own heart,” (1 Samuel 13:14).

David knew the Truth…and believed it. He choose to think what God knew about him. And, yes, there were times he faltered; so he sought God’s help. And so should we.

Can you say, as David did:

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
Psalm 139: 23

There is no one—never will be—who cares more for you than your heavenly Father! His heart is for His children! He loves you with an unconditional love and He is “…your Refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). God is the very best One to run to when we need to deal with our hearts!

  • He formed and made you
  • He knew you before you were born
  • He is aware of everything you have done (and will do)
  • He knows what you have said (and will say)
  • He knows your innermost thoughts…and He loves you!

Now HERE is true perspective:

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the LORD.
And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8 and 9 NLT

God Almighty—the Creator of the heavens and everything upon the Earth, the Sovereign God with an eternal plan of redemption for all mankind—His thoughts are the ones that are True, right, and should matter. When we are doubting, we can turn to the Scriptures and be reassured of just how God thinks of us. When we are shaken by hurtful words and accusations from others, God’s Word can be the soothing balm for our souls. When the enemy attempts to dissuade us from believing the Truth, we have the Scriptures to stand upon and say, as Jesus, did, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written…” (Matthew 4:3-11). We have the choice, moment by moment, to choose what we believe. And as we make the choice that lines up with God’s thoughts we will strengthen our hearts to make that good and right and positive choice the next time. When David cried out to God to ‘search’ his heart and ‘know’ his thoughts…

Will you draw near to your Father and ask Him, as David did…
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

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Dear Father, You know us…inside and out. And You love us—You really, really love us! Help us, Lord, to allow You to show us what is truly in our hearts as well as the way to deal with it. Help us to seek Your guidance and admonishment so that we can live in the freedom and the Truth that You have for us. Help us to ask You to search us, try us, and know us! WE need Your help, dear Lord! We pray and ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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CHRISTLife – Two: Our Best Mirror

January 14, 2014 by

1545826_412714308860313_985682540_nI am not sure if you might be like me…at times it seems to be so difficult to keep thinking the TRUTH of what God says about myself.  Do you struggle with this too?  But, somehow by God’s grace, we muster up the fortitude and remind ourselves,

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

When I recognize I am thinking these negative thoughts (lies), I try to remind myself, “I do not believe that!  That lie <negative thought> must be obedient to Jesus Christ.  God’s Word says ______ .”  (And then I speak or read the TRUTH of God’s Word which pertains to that situation.)

We are in charge of what we think!  We control the thoughts that we allow to live in our hearts!  We determine to put the TRUTH into our hearts and minds!   That is exactly what this verse reminds us to do!

Have you ever thought, or said, any of the following to yourself?

“I look _____ <fill in the blank> …no one could ever love me like this.”
The TRUTH is: I am beautiful in His sight!

I am fearfully and wonderfully made and beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.
Psalms 139:14

“I am not important…I have no value to anyone.”
The TRUTH is: I have great worth to God!

Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.
Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!
Luke 12:7

“I can never forgive ____ for what they’ve done! They don’t deserve it.”
The TRUTH is:  I have been forgiven of so much!  Forgiveness has nothing to do with what is ‘deserved;’ it is all about trust and obedience to God.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For if you forgive others for their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Matthew 6:12, 14, 15

We all have thoughts that are lies; for some of us they are ocassional…for others of us we suffer under these thoughts.  Sometimes they are long-buried words that others have spoken to us in our past.  Sometimes they are strongholds that are in our hearts that we have not dealt with.  Sometimes they are deceptions that the enemy of our souls speaks to us.  It really isn’t too important where the lies/thoughts come from.  What we do when we think those lies/thoughts is vitally important!  We could dwell on those lies/thoughts, harboring them in our hearts and allowing them to fester and grow.  NOT a good idea!  Or instead we could recognize those lies/thoughts for what they are, and choose to refute the lie by replacing it with the Truth of God’s Word, and have peace and joy.  A REALLY good idea!

Finally, <sisters>, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—
practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8 and 9, paraphrase mine

This is one way to replace those lies/thoughts, “…think about these things.”  These are the things that God wants us to fix our minds on!  Just look at them: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, of any excellence or worthy of praise…and when we do…we will have God’s peace.  Isn’t that just what we SO desire? Yes?  Amen.

Are there lies in your heart that you believe about yourself?  Take a moment…write down two negatives thoughts, or lies, on a piece of paper.  Now, compare them to the Truth; shed light—the Light of God’s Word on them.  Find the Truth in the Scriptures about who He says you are.  And write the Truth out on this same piece of paper.

Perhaps you are not quite sure how to go about this…try this:  google ‘God says I am worthy’  Now, try putting a phrase that you want to know the Truth from God’s Word into the Google search engine.  And, if you need help, come back here and let’s work together on it, ok?  I would love to work through this with you!   ♥

  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

Lord, we really want to believe with our whole hearts that ‘I AM what God says I am!’ In some areas of our lives, we regret that we believe lies.  Please guide us to Your Truth, Lord; please help us to change the lie into Truth.  We recognize our great need for Your help, Your guidance, Your healing, and Your deliverance.  We know that with You…all things are possible!  Thank You for helping us, Lord!!!  We thank You for it and look forward to praising You for our deliverance!  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

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16 Day Love Challenge: Chapter 10 – Love Does Not Delight In Evil

November 15, 2013 by

Our chapter today was a tough one for me to write. I think it is the most vulnerable I allowed myself to be in this book. I was nervous sharing it because of what I admitted. If you haven’t read it yet, go read chapter 10, Love Does Not Delight In Evil and come back.

16daylovechallengenodelightinevil

Can you remember a time when my story was a reflection of your heart?  I think as we grow in our walk with God we should have the same desire David did when he asked God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”  (Psalms 139:23-24).  But sometimes the search reveals more than we want to know.

The day God revealed my heart I realized that I had lost sight of wisdom and chose to delight in evil…and it was ugly.  I was so ashamed of myself and yet I could not bring my heart to make it right.  My rights were at stake.  I felt I had a right to be “right!”  Then I read Psalm 139 and realized this isn’t even close to David’s heart—or God’s.  Every time I read this passage I missed a very important truth that I needed to understand.

“God already knows my heart!”

King David was asking God to search his heart, however the purpose wasn’t for God to find out what was going on. The purpose was so God could reveal David’s heart to him. God is omniscient!  He knows everything about us.  Nothing is hidden from Him because He is everywhere.  He is here with me, guiding me as I write to you.  And He is with you, speaking to you as you read.   Admittedly though, the following verses cause me to fear God in a respectful manner and bring great comfort to me.  They are a source of refreshing water to my dry and fearful soul.

Where shall I go from Your Spirit?  Or where shall I flee from Your Presence.  If I ascend to heaven, You are there!  If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!  If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.  If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You.

Psalms 139:7-12

I love this quote from Renee Swope’s book, A Confident Heart. She said, “God uses conviction lovingly, to show us our sin and lead our hearts to repentance. He does this to draw us away from destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and others. His desire is to bring us out of the darkness of sin and back into the light, so that we can walk with Him in the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love.”

I pray you will take today’s Love Challenge to heart.  God wants to reveal any wickedness that is residing within us for the purpose of transforming us. We can’t change something if we don’t know it needs to be changed, right?   His goal is that we would become an outward reflection of His inward Glory.  God’s inward Glory has a profound effect on our outward appearance.  “The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; Her clothing is woven with gold” (Psalms 45:13).  This is another verse for you to consider. The inward glory of the King’s daughter originates in, and is the result of, her calling and being set apart for Him as royalty: “But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly” (Psalm 4:3).

God won’t reject us because we’ve made bad choices today.  We are His daughters and He loves us with an everlasting Love. Don’t be satisfied to walk with a heart that delights in seeing others hurt because they hurt you.  Though we fail, we know that we can find comfort in God’s Word.  No matter what we do or the choices we make, He is with us!

Father, thank You for Your loving heart to guide and direct us.  Help us to recognize when You are convicting us.  Lord, give us the courage to not only see the sin in our hearts but to repent and change.  Thank You for the Cross and the loving way You defend us.  Help us to recognize that You are not the source of condemnation but of forgiveness and love.  In Jesus name… Amen!

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