It was not a silent night There was blood on the groundYou could hear a woman cry In the alleyways that night On the streets of David's town
And the stable was not clean And the cobblestones were coldAnd little Mary full of grace With the tears upon her face Had no mother's hand to hold
It was a labor of painIt was a cold sky above But for the girl on the ground in the dark With every beat of her beautiful heart It was a labor of love
Noble Joseph at her side Callused hands and weary eyes There were no midwives to be found In the streets of David's town In the middle of the night
So he held her and he prayed Shafts of moonlight on his faceBut the baby in her womb He was the maker of the moon He was the Author of the faith That could make the mountains move
It was a labor of pain It was a cold sky above But for the girl on the ground in the dark With every beat of her beautiful heart It was a labor of love For little Mary full of grace With the tears upon her face It was a labor of love
Every time we WORSHIP, unto Our LORD and KING, it should be a LABOR of LOVE!
Wikipedia, even says,
"In Christianity, worship is considered the central act of Christian identity,
the purpose of which is to give honor or worth to God."
"It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest." ~ The Advent Conspiracy
MY TSMSS song is below "Breathe of Heaven". I discovered this afterwards and as you will see, it goes so well with my SUNDAY Advent SONG series...just needed to have this one...I so love music
at every season but this SEASON, HE IS THE BEST REASON to adore and worship Our LORD!
I have shared "Breathe of Heaven" in both of these videos; one is dance, which I so enjoy and the second is a reenactment...so REAL...with the lyrics. Choose one or enJOY both! Each offer a fresh "Breathe of Heaven" ... may this song stir your heart and soul ... and WORSHIP HIM!
I don't know about you, but this takes my BREATH away! Both videos touch and speak to my heart, thinking of Mary and this "BREATHE of Heaven". Such an aMazing LOVE!
He came from Heaven to this earth, and we now celebrate His birth. But truly what we celebrate is our own new birth when we realize HE IS THE REASON we live and breathe and have His promise for eternity. I am in awe each time I reflect on this IMMENSE love & ACT for us. To be the chosen vessel, as Mary was, by just allowing His Presence in and saying "Yes, be it done to me according to Your Word." Her act of obedience, her motherly love and sacrifice, her beloved Son that came to deliver us just as she delivered Him unto this world. What honor, humility and LOVE! Breathe of Heaven ... BE WITH US NOW!
Have you listed all the times you've tried Do you call on all your alibis When somebody asks the question why are you hiding
did you feel the pull, did you hear the call did you take a chance and lose it all do you fear there's no collateral left for trying
Friend, I know your heart is raw But love is still a worthy cause Picking up and pressing on Oh, love is still a worthy cause Like the touch that starts the thaw Oh, love is still a worthy cause or the word that breaks the pause Love
in the midst of passing bravery in the face of our own injury It's the constant generosity of grace
Thank you Sarah for reminding us that "LOVE IS STILL A WORTHY CAUSE"! Such a message! Such a CALL to action! Such LOVE! Such GIVING! Let us not forget the many in needs far greater than our own.
Alyssa @ KEEPING THE KINGDOM FIRSTshared a 30 day Giving Challenge and last week was the 4th week, she shares some very wonderful ways to GIVE! These two struck me, but she has more:
This movement is rumbling throughout the body of Christ - a revolutionary army of people ready to take up this mandate. We are actively pursuing the lost, the forgotten, and the poor to show them a God who is passionately in love with them. We stand ready with one heart, saying, "I will serve others and show them the hope they can have in Jesus."
For me, SERVING is in GIVING and GIVING is in SERVING!
Sometimes my little heart can't understand "What's in Your will, what's in Your plan?" So many times I'm tempted to ask You why, But I can never forget it for long. Lord, what You do could not be wrong. So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the river flow? Do I trust You, Lord? Does the north wind blow? You can see my heart, You can read my mind, And You got to know That I would rather die Than to lose my faith In the One I love. Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?
I know the answers, I've given them all. But suddenly now, I feel so small. Shaken down to the cavity in my soul. I know the doctrine and theology, But right now they don't mean much to me. This time there's only one thing I've got to know.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the robin sing? Do I trust You, Lord? Does it rain in spring? You can see my heart, You can read my mind, And You got to know That I would rather die Than to lose my faith In the One I love. Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?
I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why. I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die. I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain! You were God before, and You'll never change. I will trust You. I will trust You. I will trust You, Lord. I will trust You.
The WORDS and this SONG from Twila Paris spoke to me & my heart back in the mid '90s, sending me off into service finally for my Savior & King to serve in Mexico, wherever He'd send me...ready to TRUST HIM! After reading the beautifully written poem/words of LESLIE@DO YOU WEARY LIKE I DO? I just had to find this and share... so I dedicate this song to Leslie & her beautiful heart & words (a must read) ... Thanks Leslie!
And also as an encouragement for MICEYas she decides where God wants her to go & serve! Please pray for her and why not visit her and leave her some encouragement.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. JOHN 12:26
"We can't out serve, out love, or out give Jesus. He longs to bless us. He longs to pour out heaven's riches and grace upon us. Even more incredibly, he longs to honor us. When our lives are over, God the Father, LORD of the entire universe, will honor all who have served his Son and blessed others in Jesus' name! Unbelievable? No, just another example of God's incredible grace!" ~ Phil Ware
Loving Father and Holy God, please help me follow the will of Jesus and serve others in His name. Father, I know that I cannot earn your grace, but I want to serve others in Jesus' name and help them find your grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen. ~ Heartlight.org Today's Verse
Somehow I have 10 Weekly Memory Verses left over (kinda like Thanksgiving leftovers, huh?) but I know that there are not 10 weeks left in this year. My best guess is that The Power of Your Lovedid not start with these verses from "Embracing the Word" at the beginning of 2009, looks like we started the end of January, but I know that I started at the beginning of the year with Memory Verses and a Bible Reading plan. I will choose the ones that God directs for me at this time of the year.
So listed below are the last 10 and I will be choosing from these for my WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY and WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. If you want to see all the VERSES, go to my right sidebar and click on Memory Verses 2009.
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Week 43
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
Psalm 100:1-2 (NASB)
Week 44
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)
Week 45
Ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (NASB)
Week 46
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
Week 47
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
Week 48
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
Week 49
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
Week 50
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)
Week 51
For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)
Week 52
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)
As I went through listing these 10 verses, some I already have memorized so now I just need to choose the BEST for the close of 2009, and the ones that I can depict the BEST as well. Week 51, I did as one of my 1st WFW back on January 13th, 2009 so that verse on HOPE is memorized.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Psalm 100:1-2 (NASB)
These verses seem to be the BEST choice following a month challenge of GIVING THANKS and then last Thursday celebrating THANKSGIVING in the USA. But shouting joyfully to the LORD and giving thanks is a year round act of WORSHIP! Above graphic was premade, the one below I made because BLUE is my favorite color...this is more like ME PRAISING, shouting joyfully, coming before the LORD with JOYful singing ... now it's on to SERVING the LORD with GLADNESS, as
Pastor Dino Rizzo's book "SERVOLUTION" challenges us and encourages us to REACH OUT as a church through serving others:simple acts of kindness for the Glory of God! Now is the time!
"Come Lord Jesus. Come to brighten every corner of the world."
Each week I have been taking a verse from theFather's Love Letterto share and allow us to soak in HisLOVE from HIS Letter to Me & YOU: the Bible.
Today's portion comes from 1 JOHN 2:23
No one who denies the Son has the Father;
whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
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(*FLL will represent Father's Love Letter). To see the letter in full you can scroll down and read or listen & watch a video of it. Or just go to the original site by clicking on FLL above in red.
There are 52 verses in the FLL! Today we are looking at #47from theFLL
So far I have covered these lines & the verses from FLL:
When we receive the free gift that is offered to us through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we receive all that the Father has to offer.
Is there anything more I need to say? NOT REALLY, but I would be amiss to not take this opportunity to lead anyone, who may not yet have a special relationship with Jesus or may have gone off course and wandered away from God...the steps to receive THIS GIFT!
This is a perfect time of the year, to get your life back on track or receive THIS GIFT. It truly is free to you but it was not really free for Jesus. Jesus paid a price that NONE of us could pay... HIS LIFE. He was without "sin" but yet became sin for you & me. He took the weight of all our sins and carried them to place of surrender and was crucified, crucifying our sins (life in this flesh) and separation from God, Our Father. We are the sinners, which means we are the ones who go astray, our own way, deciding for ourselves what we think is best and end up many times WRONG (and in the wrong clearly). Being with "sin", separates us from God.
If you would like to start a relationship with Jesus Christ,
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen.
LORD,
If there be anyone who reads this and does not yet know You, or may have wandered away from You, I ask that You would meet them right where they are this day and lead someone to them to help them along the way or may they have a special encounter with You. Give them your GIFT so that they may begin a new life with You and have an eternal connection to You. Lead them day by day to come closer to You. Open doors and open their hearts, LORD... so many will receive You this year and start their relationship with You. Tear down any walls in their hearts or lives that keep them from You. Build and restore each heart personally so they will realize their need for You.
I thank You for the precious GIFT You gave me and made available for us to start over and live free from destructive and negative forces that come against us. Thank You for their decision to PRAY or click to STEPS TO PEACE with You! Help us to live our lives with You!
I praise You and rejoice in the Victory! Thank You Lord Jesus! Thank You that Your arms are open!
Thank You Almighty Father for sending us Jesus, Your Son!
Father, I thank You that when I received the gift of Your Son Jesus, I received all that You have to offer. Thank You for coming to live in me when I asked Jesus into my heart. I love You and want to know Your love deeper than I have ever known it before. In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray, AMEN.
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2
"MAGI"
(ma-ji)
from the Greek magos
magician,sorcerer
"a member of the hereditary priestly class among the ancient Medes and Persians"
Majusians
from Old Persian language,
a Priest of Zoroaster (astrology)
Three Wise Men
Three Kings of the East (Orient)
[Persia which is actually Iran]
...We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar...
If you would like the lyrics or background of this song, written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins
The Bible gives us the direction, East and the legend states that the wise men were from Persia (Iran) - Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar - thus being priests of Zarathustra religion, the mages. Obviously the pilgrimage had some religious significance for these men, otherwise they would not have taken the trouble and risk of travelling so far. But what was it? An astrological phenomenon, the Star?
It's something for us to think about, because the scriptures do not give us much information about them. But if you are curious for MORE information, you can read that at Answers.com. This was not the reason that I began a brief study on the MAGI or this post, yet I'm intrigued.
I explained when I started my blog, about "mazmagi" in one of my earliest posts here... and that is the URL of my blog http://mazmagi.blogspot.com ... I did not know enough or much about blogging and for some reason felt I needed to create something that identified this blog to me, without really identifying myself, and then they have you give a complete profile ... so that certainly was a good clue that it's not a secret alias identification, but you can be who you are.
[Briefly the "maz" was for where I was currently living in Mexico, abbreviated from Mazatlan, meaning "land of the deer" and also that "mas" (maz) means MORE added to the word "MAGI", which to me, meant gift bearer. When I first began "mission" service here in Mexico, I tended to be a "gift bearer" or at least, each trip, I would bring as much as I could to give away to the many in need. Nothing very grand just the very basics like shoes or gloves or even "coffee" (instant) since I was always being asked for "money for coffee", I was sure this was easier. Of course, I'd bring candy or toys for kids but I just never really brought or had enough but it was the thought that I think counted. I wanted to be MAGI, a gift bearer. I also thought my nickname in Spanish like Maggie, would be Magi...the trouble was that it is not spelled as I thought "Magi" but "Magui" (to get the sound right).] WOW...that was alot for briefly. :0( sorry!
Anyways, that is also the reason that I've chosen the background I use from The Cutest Blog and the header,that I tried to make fit right, of the "Star of Bethlehem". I kept loosing my blog in the process and no matter how many tries, I could not get the image to stretch across. But I did learn that there is an Advent series called from "Nazareth to Bethlehem".
However, as I start my first week of Advent, without a "Advent devotional" that I like, I began reading the various accounts of the events leading up to Christ's birth. Though the story of the Magi, is certainly not the first, it is the first one that leaves me wanting to know more.
I think of these travelers wandering, following a STAR and I can't help but be filled with wonder of who they are and why they were drawn to follow this particular star or better yet, why they were chosen to have a part in this story.
Since the first candle lit for ADVENT is that of HOPE or anticipation, I thought who besides Mary, was filled with such HOPE. And I decided that it must have been these wise men.
I identify with them somewhat, not because of wisdom or sorcery (heaven forbid) but because they were headed off on a journey, not knowing where they were going or how they were to go but GO they must. Much like my blog title indicates, they seem to be traveling in a MAZE, like I have at times in my life, as I start out on my own "seeking" a way. Their MAZE involved traveling many miles, gazing into a sky filled with stars, yet focused on one STAR. This star was their guiding force and pointed them to the place of their destiny. I try to put myself in their place and travel along this journey.
The best part of my journey, which was a MAZE for much of my life, that is similar to this journey of the MAGI, would be my decision to finally answer the call on my life to serve as a missionary in afar off land. Which one and what part was God calling me to minister? How was I to decide with the many needs and opportunities available? Where and for what was I equipped best? How would I know when I was in the right place that God wanted me to serve? If I followed the MAZE of my life and the preparation I had done, clearly it must be a Spanish speaking country. (after all I speak Spanish fluently and majored in the language). Now that eliminates alot of countries, but the amount left is still more than 20. And on and on, when my discourse... to eliminate. But you see God had a plan, God had my destiny, God knew all along. Why didn't I just ask Him? Why didn't I just TRUST Him that He really would make a way?
Well, He did lead me to where I am and He did confirm this place because I came and went many times and to other parts. Since I began this blog, I have shared about my SUSANA story, which is my confirmation of my journey here. But every so often, I need to look to the STAR and ask once more,
"Am I where you want me?"
"Am I doing what you purposed for me when you called me in sixth grade?"
"Have I wandered off course again?"
"Am I following You and the STAR or am I following my own way again, doing as I want not Your will?"
"Am I in a MAZE or am I just aMazed of Your Incredible Plan for me & each of us?
Sometimes we walk in a MAZE not knowing which way to turn, or which direction will keep us moving forward to the goal or destiny. Yet it becomes very clear that God needs to direct our steps.
That we need to keep our FOCUS and steer clear of dead ends. I don't think the wise men went around in circles or kept crossing the same desert or wilderness. They had a destiny and they were focused on following that STAR. They were WISE! All the preparations and studies had brought them exactly the route that their journey was meant to follow to end up at the precise time to behold a babe, lying in a lowly manger, that is the KING they were seeking.
We are SEEKING this King as well. We need a VISION! We need a DREAM! We need to closely follow Our Savior, Our Guiding Light, Our STAR ... and as we do, we become more aMazed at His Grace, Mercy, Power and WHO HE IS! We are filled with HOPE for His return. We anticipate the moment and yet we wander and we wonder...
When will we meet Him face to face?
WHO IS THIS KING of GLORY?
Dear God, I may not have excellence or be as wise as some people, but this one thing I know, that Jesus Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for my sin and has risen to sit at Your right hand, so that I may receive Your forgiveness, a new life, and eternal life with You. Though I may be weak and fearful at times, I can be strong through the power of Your Spirit. God, please speak through me and live through me that I might touch the lives and hearts of the people I come in contact with each day. May You be glorified.
Father, forgive me for the many times I have gone ahead of you or done things my own way instead of WAITING for You to direct my steps. Forgive me for the times, I wandered in a MAZE. Forgive me for any time I take my eyes off of the STAR. Forgive me Jesus when I am not focused on You, when I am not following You or listening to Your Word.
Teach me, O LORD to follow with HOPE as the Wise Men did that night long ago, searching for You. Fill me with HOPE. Keep Your vision alive in me. Keep me following after You in all I do. Keep me on a path of righteousness. Guide my steps with Your wisdom, Your will and Your Word. Encourage me when HOPE grows dim. Prepare me.
May Your light be my light as You shine through me. Empty me and fill me with more of You. Thank You for leading me out of each MAZE and placing my foot where You desire that I serve. May I serve You with the love I show to others and how I show others Your Love for them. Thank You for being our HOPE.
I praise You. I exalt You. I give all Glory, Honor and Power to You and I AWAIT Your coming with a grateful heart... in Jesus beloved Name, I pray.
Twila Paris wrote this song and I heard it back when I felt this strong TUG on my heart to wander back in the mid 90s, the urge to GO was so URGENT and may HE GUIDE YOUR WANDERING:
I have been searching for just the right devotional series to follow through Advent. I still have yet to find THE ONE... so I WAIT...
Rev. Debi Tyree writes "Advent is the season in the Christian year when we hear and participate in the time of waiting for the birth of the Messiah, and we look with hope for the second coming of Christ.
It is a time of intentional prayer for the light of Christ to fill the darkest corners of our world.
We hear the voice of God in scripture. We hear the voices of God's people around the earth as we pray together for the brilliant light of Christ's love to warm the hearts and lives of humankind.
In worship we use the colors purple and blue as visual reminders of the season. One of the primary symbols of the season has become the Advent Wreath. The wreath itself is a symbol of life without end. The lighting of a candle each week marks our journey through the four weeks of Advent.
In 2009, Advent begins on November 29 and culminates with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day." ~ Rev. Debi Tyrie
• November 29, 2009 - First Sunday of Advent (purple candle, theme is Hope)
• December 6, 2009 - Second Sunday of Advent (purple candle, theme is Love)
• December 13, 2009 - Third Sunday of Advent (purple or pink candle, theme is Joy)
• December 20, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Advent (purple candle, theme is Peace)
I guess because of my religious upbringing, I am geared towards PREPARING my heart during this time between Thanksgiving & Christmas. Living here in Mexico, which is still very Catholic, in their many traditions, I'm ready for a good time with our LORD, focusing on Love, Peace, Hope, Joy.
I recall as I started this year and looking for a Bible Reading Plan, I centered on HOPE to begin. It seems that the Advent readings I have found started with LOVE but I will follow this with HOPE. And I will WAIT and hope that I encounter a devotional series I like.
My ABS Bible Reading Plan theme for the month of December is: Called to be Free to Spread Joy Tidings. Starting off with :(1) Luke 21:5–38 (2) Psalm 2 (3) Isaiah 11:1–16 (4) Isaiah 25:1–12 (5) Isaiah 60:1–22 ... (6) Malachi 3:1–4 (7) Malachi 4.1–6 then back to LUKE 3: 1-20 and Psalms 122, 123, 124, 125 bringing us to the 3rd Sunday in Lent JOY
Another resource shares these reading for this 1st week: Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:14–16;
Psalm 25:1–10; I Thessalonians 3:9–13; Luke 21:25–36
So I guess there is a consensus of starting with LUKE 21(just not what verses, so I'll read the entire chapter, can't go wrong with that).
This unique reading from Luke’s Gospel properly announces a significant claim of the Gospel, offering counsel regarding God’s fulfilling the promise for a just and peaceful world.
Come and Worship ~ Bebo Norman
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Today we light the Candle of HOPE.
"Come Lord Jesus. Come to brighten every corner of the world."
Psalm 25:1-10
1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in You I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in You
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me Your ways, O LORD,
teach me Your paths;
5 guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are God my Savior,
and my hope is in You all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, Your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to Your love remember me,
for You are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore He instructs sinners in His ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them His way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of His covenant.
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As we prepare to celebrate His first coming, let us renew our anticipation of His coming again.
I love this prayer from Prime Time Ephesians 4 Ministry for today (it speaks my heart):
Dear God, I'm thirsty. I'm thirsty for Your anointing on my life and ministry. Please increase my hunger for Your Word and Your will; keep my heart humble; and strengthen my commitment to Your ways. I need my heart's desire to be for You. I want more of You, God. Please forgive my frailties and strengthen my spirit. Help me to feel Your presence and experience Your power as never before. Shine through me to touch the lost and dying world around me, for their good and Your glory. Light their lives with Your Hope! Please shower me with Your blessings that I may soak up those blessings, share them with others, and be a blessing to You. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Starfield is NEW for me but I've been exploring many of their songs and enjoy so many of them. As I look at the words of "SHIPWRECK", I thought about being shipwrecked. Of course, growing up with this TV series, this is the first image with their stories on the island that come to my mind...
Here on "Gilligan's Island"
Followed later in my life by the "TITANTIC". Have you had any time in your life, where you experienced being "shipwrecked?" Think about it. Most of us will not be shipwrecked at sea. Yet daily we face the possibility of suffering a shipwreck in our spiritual life. We need to have a plan and a course to follow to AVOID shipwrecks in our lives! You do not have to be shipwrecked in your walk with God.[If you plan on making any sea voyage, you may want to check this out: How to survive a Shipwreck.] Have you ever had times when you felt "shipwrecked"?
[Paul lays out 5 steps in 1 Timothy 1:18-19 that will help you and me recover or avoid a spiritual shipwreck.] The remedy lies in: following, fulfilling, fighting, faith and faithfulness.
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ...14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
(1 Timothy 1:12,14)
If you are headed for a shipwreck and it is clear to you, you can come. If you want to prevent that from happening in your life, then you can come. If you are lost and need to be saved, you must come. Come to Jesus, He is waiting for you!
There is help for you in the presence of the Lord!
My intention was not to give a sermon but the song "Shipwreck" has a real message for our lives and we each need to COME to Our Lord empty handed and allow Him to CHANGE us. Maybe I need to think about writing more on this from my personal ship...and course for the future. Sunday starts ADVENT, a time of WAITING, PREPARING our hearts & COMING to JESUS! Are you ready?
REDEMPTION is a beautiful place to be in the arms of the One and Only, who saves us and keeps us from the SHIPWRECKs of our "ship"... we need a good Christian fellowship to stay the course & follow His way, not our own ... reading His WORD keeps us on course, accept His truth & trust Him & His promises not push it away. Sometimes tragedies come when we drift, or are overloaded, loose our momentum, flounder, break our rudders or tear our sails. Let's keep our ships afloat, running well, filled up and on course so we don't veer and hit jagged reefs, rocks of sins, unexpected icebergs because of miscalculations.
Declare these daily! Claim & believe them for they are written in His Love letter to you (the part in parentheses comes from the Bible).
Renamed by me as "The Tree" instead of "The Bell" because I did not have the shape of the bell but a tree when I finished.
THE
'TREE'
I KNOW
WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
*I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified
(Romans 5:1) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10 ) I am confident
that the good works God has begun in me
will be perfected.(Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed
and forgiven (Col. 1:14).
I have been adopted
as God's child*
(Eph 1:5)
I am rooted
and established
in Christ
(Eph 3:17)
I belong
to God
Do you
know
who you are!?
[this is suppose to be in the shape of a bell but the last part* did not fit that way, 2 verses together from star to star, to see it correctly go here.
When I was done the best I could form it, it looked more like a tree & I added the last verse above & the 3 verses below, for the TREE, whereas usually it tells you to "keep this bell ringing -pass it on"]
I will say,
"Keep this TREE planted & growing,
rooted & established in Christ"
Pass it on
The fruit of the righteous is a TREE of LIFE
and s/he who wins souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30
BE LIKE THIS!
S/He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever s/he does prospers.
Psalm 1:3
And I pray that YOU, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all believers, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love
that surpasses knowledge that YOU may be filled to the measure of all
fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17b (NIV) emphasis mine
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.."
Numbers 6:24-26
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and
For more of Today's Verse go to HEARTLIGHT.org with Phil Ware
The Father's Love Letter (the Original in English)(Spanish version follows Love Letter)
Father's Love Letter
My Child... You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32 Love, Your Dad.... ...Almighty God
PERMISSION TO COPY:The printed version of Father's Love Letter can be copied and used for free distribution providing the following copyright information is displayed... 'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2008http://www.fathersloveletter.com/
Father's Love Letter in Spanish Carta del Amor del Padre
DO YOU KNOW JESUS?
I believe that my MAZES, MESSES, & MIRACLES ...aMAZING GRACE would not be complete without offering this GREAT opportunity to MEET my BEST FRIEND FOREVER: Jesus Christ. I feel that the best way is to start with Proverbs 31 Ministry: (Just Click and be linked http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php Conoces Jesucristo o quieres conocerlo(con un clic aqui para saber como y conocerlo mejor!!!)Espanol-Proverbios 31.
If you knew Jesus, but gave up your faith or following Him, perhaps it's time to restart your life. He's waiting with open arms.
If you never knew Him as Lord and Savior, please accept my invitation, and follow the steps Proverbs 31 suggests.
If you've struggled throughout your life, or just decided that you can do it on your own, surrender and try Jesus, it's never too late!
TODAY IS...TIME TO PRAY for... click on button to learn more
Bible Gateway Reading
WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE...with The Power of Your Love
Click on Memory Verses 2009 below or button above for the verses.
MEMORY VERSES 2009
Your word is a lamp to my feet & a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
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About Me
Peggy
Born in St. Paul, MN. My home is in Stillwater, MN -but now most of the time I live in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. My passion is Jesus Christ! I love the Mexican culture and Spanish language. I am living my Purpose Driven Life and have a vision of seeing God's children freed from injustices, poverty, hopelessness, and saved by the Grace of God!
