Tag Archive for: Jesus

Tightrope Tricks

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Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)

This Psalm written by David during his times of war is clear that we cannot depend on weapons of war above God.  The weapons of his day included chariots and horses in battle.  David knew that he could not put his trust in how the chariots ran or how the horses battled.  He knew the only way to truly win a battle was through God.  David was constantly communicating with God to see when he should go forward in battle with his enemy.  Here is one of those times: Read more

Tame the Titanic

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When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:3-8)

Wow!  The tongue carries a lot of power in it.  I’m sure many of you have experienced it’s power, whether you have been built up by it or destroyed by it.  The Truth we are facing is how well are we controlling our tongues.   Read more

U-Turn When Necessary

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If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This verse is so refreshing to me.  It is in this place that Solomon has finished building the Temple, he has dedicated it to God, and feels like what he set out to do is now finished.  During the night the Lord appears to him.  In this time the words above that I have shared are spoken clearly to Solomon.  Let me take the time to break them down and find out what they mean for us, right now, today!

If my people, who are called by my name…

This is a huge beginning to the verse.  God’s people.  You’re not just anyone when you make Jesus Lord of your life.  Yes, in the Old Testament God is talking to the Israelites and right now I am applying this verse to our time.  We are all part of God’s chosen people through the blood of Jesus.  I can’t imagine belonging to anyone else or having any better title than “God’s people.”  What a great start to the day!  It makes me get excited and ask, “What’s next?”  What is God going to ask us to do?  And how will He follow through on His side of the bargain?  Let’s see!

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Running the Race

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

 

Yesterday, I was reminded about this great race we are in.  A race that began when Jesus became Lord of my life.  I’m reminded that I’m in this race to win.  I don’t want second place and I’m not about to lose.  I’m running with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things in life that come along and try to entangle us.  Things that get in the way of us running a great race for Jesus.  I’m watching someone right now who is struggling with a decision to do something because of those entanglements in life.  Maybe you know someone who is in that spot too or maybe you are in that spot.  I want to encourage you to “throw off EVERYTHING that would hinder you”.  Here is a portion from my second book that I was kind of thinking about yesterday when these race thoughts came to mind. Read more

Unwrap A Gift

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We love because he first loved us. (John 4:19)

Yesterday I celebrated my one year anniversary with my husband.  I still can’t believe we have been married one year!  God has been so good to me.  It makes me think back to when I wrote my vows for our wedding day.  I remember thinking love is a choice.  Yes, I felt in love with Paul.  I loved him with all my heart, but I knew there would be days where we wouldn’t see eye to eye on things, so I wanted my vows to reflect what Jesus would want from me in my marriage.  I am able to love because God first loved me.  Is this not one of the greatest gifts we have in life?  I have the freedom to love my husband because God has decided to love me first.  He has shown His love through His faithfulness in every story throughout the Bible, but most of all through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son.

Now I have the choice, the opportunity to love my husband!  Wow!  So this takes me back to a moment on Clearwater Beach where I said some very important vows to my husband that I meant with my entire heart.  Here is just a small portion of those vows…

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