November 23, 2024

Praise and Honor

March 2, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord?
Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?
Psalms 106:1-2 AMP

Praise the Lord!  What emotions or memories does this bring to your mind?  For me it is several things, such as when I found my dad who had given me up to my maternal aunt for adoption.  You see, I come from a line of misfit women.  And when I say misfit, I mean that in an endearing way.  The woman who raised me was the oldest of three girls. There was Pat, Mandy, and Linda.

Linda was the youngest and my biological mom.  Mandy, the middle sister had three boys.  Pat, the oldest, was the one who was stable, responsible.  Mandy appeared to be as well, but she had a hidden problem—she abused alcohol and drugs…mostly prescription ones.  Linda sought love in the wrong places.  You see I was the oldest child of at least five children.  She gave each of us up to families who could not have children of their own.

I was given to Pat and FA because Pat had a hard time carrying a child to full term. She had two live births and one of those died due to eating rat poison at age 2 or 3 years of age.  That’s when the idea came for Linda to abandon me and for Pat and FA to adopt me to help fill that void (plus she felt responsible for caring for me).  Then she was able to have Terry, my 1st cousin.  We were raised as brother and sister. Even though we are not that close now, we were when we were kids.  We fought like kids, loved like kids and grew in the Lord together.  Other things happened and I could see then a pattern of abuse.  Physical, mental and other abuses abounded.  I was determined, when I found out about curses, I would do everything I could to stop it from affecting my family.  I do what I can through God’s nudging to help others who seem to be stuck and trapped in an unending cycle of abuse.

Deuteronomy speaks of blessing and curse.  You do this and you receive this as a reward; you do that and you receive that as a curse (chapter 28).  I have learned that I should honor my parents.  No matter what they did, they were working out of their hurt, their pain, and their love.  God is the ONLY perfect parent.  He gave us imperfect ones to help us see that we need Him to grow and learn to love others no matter how they treat us.  Just as He loves us, we are to love them—unconditionally.

When I first married John, my second husband, I was so broken, hurt and discouraged.  I SO wanted the love that was written about in books and told in movies.  You see, I bought the lie about what love and intimacy truly is.  You cannot have these without fully seeking and know God.  I had heard a pastor speak one time about how women from broken relationships have a hard time with intimacy for whatever reason.  How we need to give ourselves to our husband as a gift, with a bow on.  While I have not done this yet, I want to.  When the time is right and I know I am doing it for ‘us’.  God gives you people to steer you in the right direction and right path.  I have found that in my 18 years of being married to John.  I have not been easy to deal with and, while he has had his moments, we have stayed commited to our vows.  We love each other in such deeper ways that I am in awe and wonder.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for being patient and loving me when I hated everything and everyone. Forgive me for not knowing You more deeply than I do.  I want to know You with an intimacy that surpasses all my understanding.  Let me focus on You and be in continual prayer.  I love You, God.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Trusting in the Lord

February 25, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Psalms 84:8-12
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
Behold our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!


~  Better is One Day written by Matt Redman ~
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
How many of us have had one of those days that will not end.  You know, where things keep happening that are just mind boggling, that we are at a loss for words? What do you do when that happens to you?  Is your first response to pray, or to complain?

As we walk through our life, God offers us opportunities to walk out our faith or to stray from it.  There are people who watch every move we make.  These are Christians and non-Christians, new believers and old believers.  God knows what our choice will be.  He knows if we are going to search for Him and His leading or whether we choose to walk out our own.  As we mature and are not afraid to choose Him, we build such a faith and trust that God will not let us down.  But we have to trust that God will do the best for us.  It will not line up with the world view.

As you start your week, think on the things of God.  He will honor our willingness to serve Him.  It is not our works that please Him, it is our love and friendship.  Just as God loves His people, He loves us the same.  When He brought out His people from Egypt, He did not take them the short route—He took them the long way.  He knew that His people would not be able to go to war against the other nations from the beginning of the journey.  He knew He would have to help them to develop their trust in Him.

Only…who wants to wander in the desert for forty years only to die because of unbelief?  Once those who had not believed they could go into the Promised Land died, God then promoted Joshua; and Joshua took the people on the journey to begin taking the land that God had promised the Hebrew nation many hundreds of years before.  I want to be like Joshua, I want to profess that my God is more than able to protect and sustain me no matter where I am.  How about you?

Joshua was able to defeat the enemies and lead God’s people for many years.  He loved the Lord and obeyed the God throughout his life.  Joshua never aged, grew weak, or lost his eyesight.  Because he followed God without question, he lived a very long life before he died and went to be with God and Moses.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, thank You for the men and women we find in the Holy Bible that teach us what it looks like to follow, believe, and trust in You with all of their hearts.  We want to come into Your presence on that great day and worship You with all that we have!  You are awesome and mighty to be praised.  Please bless the women who are seeking You and investing in Your word each and every day.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Compassion

February 18, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. 
Because he turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. 
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; 
I was overcome by distress and sorrow. 
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” 
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 
The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, He saved me. 
Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. 
Psalms 116:1-7

God’s love knows no bounds!  He is there when we call out to Him and He hears our plea for ourselves and for others.  This past week was such a test for some friends of ours.  It is rather a long story, but the unfortunate side effect was that a teenager took his life.  No one this side of heaven knows why, but I am sure there are theories. He loved the Lord and people loved him.

We can use this situation to minister to others and let them know that it is okay to feel sad.  As Christians we are taught, or believe, that we should not feel sad, depressed, or helpless.  That is a lie from the evil one.  We are capable of sinning and, when sin creeps in, we are vulnerable to thoughts of suicide.  Please be aware, dear sisters, that here you can find rest, love, acceptance, help, and healing as well as hope.

com·pas·sion

noun 1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

This—compassion— is what God has for us. If only…..they would see; they would seek me; they would pray more; they had paid more attention.

Mighty to Save by Hillsong is such an appropriate song for us today.  He is so mighty to save us and help us know that we are forgiven and loved.  We may face desperate times, but it is not to define who we are in Christ.  Rules are made to protect us and guide us, but not to rule us.

We must remember to love the way that God loved us and everyone would be better.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, thank You for loving us unconditionally.  Thank You for those who would love on us, even when we are unlovable.  You are a great and wonderful God that we mostly do not deserve to have in our lives, but You love us anyway.  Help us to be strong enough to share Your Word with others and with those in our own families. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Tell Me The Story of Jesus

February 10, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev’ry word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels, in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest!  Peace and good tidings to earth”

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart ev’ry word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past; How for our sins he was tempted, yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of His labor, tell of the sorrow He bore, He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.

Tell of the Cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain; Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again. Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see: Stay, let me weep while you whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.

~ By Fanny J. Crosby ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church, this was a popular song we would sing. Praying and thinking about the hymn to write about, this song kept playing over in my mind.  There are sweet memories associated here.  Ones of  simpler and happier times.  I remember singing this at tent revivals and camp meetings.

How I loved the week-long camp meetings!  It was always a chance to get away and get closer to God.  We would have three square meals, go to the sanctuary for services and then go to the girl’s dorms for the evening.  We would be able to meet girls from all across the south, share our lives and addresses, and learn more about God.  There were some really good speakers.  Usually on Wednesdays there was an altar call…there was always  an expectation of hearts turning to God and those re-dedicating their lives to Him.

We would sing the song, and it would take on a new meaning.  The freshness of those who gave themselves for Jesus is priceless…I wonder where they are now.  I pray that they are as strong in their faith as they were the day they were saved.

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

Hope For All

February 4, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:18-22

These verses are like a salve to soothe the hurt each of us have endured over time. We never feel like it will at that moment…but it does.  One summer a friend of mine had a visit from her sister, brother-in-law and their three boys.  It was a very sweet time of fellowship and new friendships were developed during the three week visit. It soon came time for them to return to their home and they were sorely missed.

By October, the middle boy became gravely ill.  My friend left everything and went to be with her sister.  Her nephew stayed in the hospital until the middle of November when, by God’s mercy, he succumbed to the disease.  There was a webpage that was dedicated to having others offer prayer and support for this child and his family.  People from all walks of life and from all over the world were praying for his recovery, but God knew better.

Through all of this my friend, whose faith had always seemed to be unshakable, began to question God’s.  Why did He allow this to happen to her nephew, why didn’t He heal him, why are some healed and others die.  What was different in his case?  Did they not pray enough?  Did they allow doubt to enter their hearts?  Did they not ask the right church leaders to offer prayer?  My heart hurt for my friend.  I prayed for healing, but as they cut away the limbs of the child, I knew he might be better off in heaven where he could run and play with his dinosaurs.

1 Peter 5:7  says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  We may never understand why God chooses to heal one over the other.  But we have to trust that He knows infinitely better than we.  Our hope in these situations is that we will see each other in heaven, with our bodies whole—not scarred or broken—but made whole.  Sometimes all we can do is pray and listen.

 * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, we love You and praise You.  Give us the wisdom to know when to encourage, and when we just need to listen.  There are questions we will never know the answer to until we see You in heaven.  Help us to know when we need to question and when we just need to have a child-like trust that You are in control. Help us not to be angry with You, when things do not make sense in our limited human knowledge.  You have a bigger plan that we cannot see.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Rock of Ages

February 3, 2014 by

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

~  Written by Augustus Toplady, 1760’s / Performed by Sound Doctrine Band  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

This is an old hymn which many of us have grown up singing in a more traditional setting.  This version is a little more updated.  The story goes that Mr. Toplady was traveling the countryside in England when a violent thunder storm occured leaving him to find shelter in the hillside.  While waiting for the storm to subside and fearing for his life, the poem began to form in his mind.  Having no paper, it is said that he found some playing cards that he wrote upon.  As a young cleric I am sure he was much chagrined about using such a surface.

How many times have we found ourselves in the middle of storms that we have thought we might not survive?  But by the grace of God, He is faithful and true to bring us through them.  I remember growing up and wondering why was I there and why was I with this family who did not love me.  But then I realized that I was where I needed to be.  God had a specific purpose for me walking through the abandonment, abuse, abortion, and later forgiveness.  He helped me to see that there are such things as generational curses that need to be broken, and choices each person is responsible for.

I have come a long way from that little country girl who suffered.  He put women in my life who have walked the same path I had and came out of the fire whole and willing for God to use them.  Grace and mercy is what helps us get through all the hurt.  Speaking life into others brings healing.  Forgiveness brings us full circle.  It gives us the ability to see others as they are, human, despite their role in our life. Whether it is a parental role, sibling role, or as a friend…we are all human.

For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:16-17  ASV

We all have a part in what happens to us, good or bad.  We all suffer consequences of our actions.  It is when we let those actions from our past define who we are now that we are defeated.  We are to put away the old man and fight for the new creation in Jesus Christ to shine forth.  We need to find the passion we had when we first believed.  And we can!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace and mercy; and for the Holy Spirit that is within all of us.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

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

Faithfulness

January 30, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
Your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They feast on the abundance of Your house;
You give them drink from Your river of delights.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
Continue Your love to those who know You,
Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalms 36:5-10

Our God loves us in such a powerful and wonderful way.  From the beginning of time He has desired to have an intimate relationship with all that dwell here.  As the psalmist says, “His love reaches to the heavens.”  I wonder, could ours reach that far?

A friend of mine and her husband were awaiting genetic testing results for a disease his mother and aunt have. The period of waiting was beginning to take its toll on each of them. What with their already demanding work (they are both in the medical field), and raising a 12 year old daughter, they have their share of commitments. Finally the results came in—he had no indicators of the disease and all of the symptoms of the disease left hm.  I know some of you are thinking, “If he was/is a believer, then why was he worrying.”  It is mainly because he does/did not have a close relationship with God.  He could have focused on the positive outcome, rather than the negative which would have allowed them both to have truly “lived” this past year.

As our lives continue and we are faced with new challenges and concerns, we need to remember to keep God first in our thoughts.  It is a learned thought process, one that is cultivated, and should be encouraged in others.  Our God delights in us when we truly seek Him and want to know Him.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father,  thank You for Your provisions for us Your children. We want to be jealous for You, we want to know You more fully as we begin this new year.  Show us places where we can improve and where we can be brave enough to share our hearts with You. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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Mighty To Save

January 28, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Everyone needs compassion, a love that’s never failing, let mercy fall on me
Well, everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains; my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me—all my fears and failures—fill my life again
I give my life to follow, everything I believe in, I surrender…I surrender.

Savior, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine Your light and let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King,
Jesus, shine Your light and let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Songwriter Rodney Clawson / Performed by Hillsong

This song just makes my heart glad! I want to dance and jump around for my Savior, raise my hands and sing at the top on my lungs!  (I do apologize for anyone standing close by!)  This song has the perfect balance of praise and asking for forgiveness and joy.  Not many songs can do that.  As we read and sing along, think on the words. Let the meaning fill your soul and lift you to new heights!

Being at service on Sunday we were reminded that we are to always show others what it is to be a Christ follower. We are to speak, act, and walk in the path of Christ.  Songs like this will help us keep that focus on the Kingdom.  As the one line goes, “Let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King.” One day He will return and we will have to give an account of what we have done.  I know I want to be able to hold my head high and say I have tried my best.

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

I See The Lord

January 21, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I see the Lord
Seated on the throne exalted,
And the train of His robe
Fills the temple with glory
And the whole earth is filled
And the whole earth is filled
And the whole earth is filled
With His glory

Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord

~ Performed by Rob Mathis/Maranatha Music – Written by Chris Falson ~

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When I first heard this song I was totally amazed and awed. At the time I was taking lessons in sign language. This is one amazing song to sign. When you allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you, you are able to praise Him in a most wonderful way. I could just visualize our heavenly Father seated on His throne, listening to an angelic choir.

Isaiah wrote in chapter 6:1-4 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.”

One day we will see our heavenly Father and we will have the opportunity to worship right along with the angels. Perhaps some of us will catch a glimpse while here on earth!

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

He Heard My Prayer

January 21, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Come and hear, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what He has done for me.
I cried out to Him with my mouth;
His praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld His love from me!

Psalm 66:16-20

Oh, what sweet words to hear—that He has not withheld His love from me! How many times, as mere humans, have we felt like we have done something totally unredeemable only to discover the God of the universe loves us unconditionally. All we have to do is repent, ask for forgiveness, and receive the blessings.

Maybe you have asked for a boyfriend, job promotion, your spouse to change or love you more. Maybe you have asked for your kids to love and respect you. Whatever your circumstances, our God is more than able to meet your needs. All you have to do is turn the attention to Him. He desires a relationship with you. When your friendship with God changes you may be surprised at how strong you feel and how your self-confidence increases.

As when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, His prayer was not answered in the way He wanted (Luke 22:39-46).  But Jesus knew His Father had a bigger plan. A plan that would effect the whole world. Talk about trusting! Most of us know how Jesus sufferd and died on the cross. He was alone, naked, beaten, and abandoned. But three days later, a miracle happened, Jesus rose from the dead! Every word He had spoken was fulfilled, every Scripture spoken about His birth, death, and resurrection was made true.

As you walk through your day, be aware of what you say, what you do, what your read, and what you watch. I have been trying to be more conscious of this as well and sometimes I fail. The Holy Spirit is working on me to turn away from things that would distract and keep me from a closer walk with our Father.  I pray that God will be patient with me, not give up on me, and keep searching Him out.  How about you?

*  ~  * ~  * ~ * ~ *  

Father, thank You that you hear and answer our prayers. Thank you for the opportunities You have given us and forgive us for the ones missed. I so want to love you the way Jesus did! Please put people in my life, path, and areas of influence who will push me, stretch me, and grow me for Your Kingdom’s sake. Help me to see where others need Your touch and let me let go of me and focus on You. I love You, Father!  Amen!

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