aMazing Grace: Mazes, Messes, Miracles

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

2012-01-27T00:00:00.124-07:00

Every Friday I FOCUS my FAITH with claiming a Promise from 365 promises and PRAYing with others FEARLESSLY for the needs of others. There is nothing better than a day filled by His Holy Spirit, praying, interceding and building our Faith through God's Word as we claim His Promises to us. I truly believe that turning His Word into prayer is the best way to do this.

This Week's FAITH PROMISES are from:

1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13;
1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Psalm 84:11;
Psalm 146:9; Psalm 116:6; Romans 8:37

ParaphrasedBible Promises for Everyday

Promise #
22
"Cast all your worries on Me, for I really care about you." 1 Peter 5:7
23
"I will not let you be tested beyond what you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13
24
"My love will persevere through every situation." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
25
"I will not withhold anything good from those with an upright heart." Psalm 84:11
26
"I look after foreigners and I help the fatherless and the widow." Psalm 146:9
27
"I will guard those who have a childlike heart."
Psalm 116:6
28
"You are more than a conqueror through My love in Jesus Christ." Romans 8:37

MY CHOICEPromise #24(at first I chose #23 but when I saw this I changed)

"Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, Love does not boast, Love is not proud. Love does not dishonor others, Love is not self-seeking, Love is not easily angered, Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... "

Thank You, Lord that Your Love perseveres through every situation, may I learn to love as You do and 1 Corinthians 13 defines LOVE... I see the drop of dew or Living Water ready to drop from the rose of love reminding me of the Rose of Sharon, the drops of love blood You gave for me and this drop looks like the tear that wells up in the corner of my eye... as I bow to You in worship for the love that catches each tear I've shed like the blood You shed, we are one in spirit and truth and love like this can't be denied... Love so aMazing, Incredible, Miraculous...

LOVE so DIVINE
(and it's not even Valentine's yet)

Now you choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the choices above; share here in the comments or on your blog to keep you focused and add your link here in the comments.

Worship On Weds.

2012-01-25T00:00:00.005-07:00

WAITING HERE FOR YOU Christy Nockels

"...and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing..."

1 Corinthians 13:2b
"True Faith has two components:Believing and Speaking"Pastor Tom Brown
"We live by faith not by sight."2 Corinthians 5:7

*********************************************

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

"It’s Only Temporary"(they're speaking about my computer problems)
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”

(2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)

"Aren’t you glad that your troubles and trials are only temporary? In fact, today’s verse tells us they are momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles don’t last long at all! As you stand strong in faith during times of adversity, scripture says that you are achieving eternal glory. When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test.

If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to Jesus! The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart and then develops it to completion on the inside of you. Your part is to open your heart and choose words of faith and victory.

Remember, your words set the course for your life. As you remind yourself that your troubles are only momentary and confess your trust and hope in Him, you will see His hand moving in your life. Focus on that eternal glory every day. As you do, you’ll move forward in victory and experience all He has for you!" — Joel & Victoria Osteen

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for working Your eternal glory in me. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are only temporary. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.— Joel & Victoria Osteen (from my daily emails of encouragement!!!) Couldn't have been any better for me for this day.Thank You Lord!

*******************************************

"By using the authority God Has given you, you can move the mountains in your life." ~ Pastor Tom Brown

[source]
This is stillW.O.W.dayif you wondered if you guessed correctlyfor theWoman Of Worthfrom last weektheWomen of the Bible...was...(drum roll please) *******Martha
Clue for next week's Woman of Worth:She is not named; telling where she is from would give her away; she is known, according to Bible Gateway, for:
Her IndividualityHer IniquityHer IgnoranceHer InstructionHer Influence
If you are reading along and doing the study with Renee Swope, "A Confident Woman" we are on Chapter 2 this week which would be a dead give away to the identity of "Sam" above.
WORD of WEEK"KNOWN"Jeremiah 1:5"To Be Known is to be Loved"powerful video
last week"BLESSED"(my Monday Manna Memory Word for "B")just not the same verse as Renee'sJeremiah 17:7
Renee's Prayerat the end of Chapter 2Praying God's PromisesfromEphesians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 4:16–18; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; John 15:9; Philippians 1:6starts
"May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know Him better. I want to know and rely on the love You have for me, Jesus, and live in that love. You say that whoever lives in love lives in You, and You in him. In this way, love is made complete in me, so that I can have confidence today and forever..."
Hope you are enjoying a WOW

*comments are closed now (note above), but leave your REACTION

MONDAY MANNA and MEMORY

2012-01-23T00:00:00.249-07:00

ABC MEMORY VERSES

MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST JESUS

tells me that

I AM ...

A. Accepted (last week's verse) in the beloved
B. Blessed with all spiritual blessings

Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

BLESSED

(5)

Since I only have the sample copy of Holley's book I can't share "Blessed" from Day 5 because it does not go that far... anybody have "God's Heart for You"? I do, but I don't have the one Holley wrote yet... maybe by...???

So I am pondering "BLESSED with all spiritual blessings"...

Are you experiencing “every spiritual blessing in Christ?”

Have you witnessed God do “immeasurable more than all you can ask or imagine?”

I don't question that I could or do, I ask, if I am living such a life before others that shows I believe this. I love these verses in Ephesians but then I have to reflect on them honestly and am I as blessed as I should be with all Spiritual Blessings... I can say that I am... but am I? We know we can't go by feelings, but frankly that's my M.O., in fact I almost wrote, I don't feel like a believer with every spiritual blessing... but what does that include? (maybe I am, and don't know it... but I do receive it and I will speak forth spiritual blessings on you, but EVERY one?)

Well, I started looking around (that means searching on Google) to see what exactly are these blessings, when I know I should go right to the Source first (God and His Word)... but I found this delightful place among many theological ones and even a sweet blogger friend (that will remain anonymous) so you go check out this site on our RICHES in Christ as found in Ephesians in Chapters 1-3 ... 54 Spiritual Blessings ... like an Easter Basket filled with sweet chocolate eggs... and you can click on each one ... if you are a believer in Christ, these are meant for you, they're YOURS... A-Z too (OK really only to 'W')*

[source*below]

Each Blessing

linked to the Verse in Ephesians

on their site, I started with some ...

RICH

SPIRITUAL

BLESSINGS

DELIVERANCE

Ephesians 2:5

ENLIGHTENMENT

Ephesians 1:18

ETERNAL

Ephesians 2:7; 3:11

FAITH

Ephesians 1:15; 2:8

FAVOR

Ephesians 2:7

FILLED

Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:19

FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 1:7

FREEDOM

Ephesians 2:14-15

GLORY

Ephesians 1:6; 1:18

GRACE

Ephesians 1:6; 2:7-8

HERITAGE

Ephesians 1:11

HOLY

Ephesians 1:4

HOPE

Ephesians 1:18; 2:12

INHERITANCE

Ephesians 1:11; 1:13-14;1:18

INTIMACY

Ephesians 1:5; 2:13

KNOWLEDGE

Ephesians 1:9

LOVE

Ephesians 1:4; 1:15; 2:4; 3:19

MERCY

Ephesians 2:4

NEW LIFE

Ephesians 2:1; 2:5

OBEDIENCE

Ephesians 2:2

PEACE

Ephesians 2:14; 2:15; 2:17

POWER

Ephesians 1:19; 3:20

PRAISE

Ephesians 1:6; 1:12;1:13-14

PREDESTINED

Ephesians 1:5; 2:10

PURPOSE

Ephesians 1:9; 2:10; 3:11

RAISED

Ephesians 2:6

RECONCILED

Ephesians 2:13; 2:16

REDEEMED

Ephesians 1:7; 1:13-14

REST

Ephesians 2:8-9

REVELATION

Ephesians 1:9; 1:17

RICHES

Ephesians 1:7-8; 1:18; 3:16

SALVATION

Ephesians 2:5; 2:8

SANCTIFIED

Ephesians 1:4

SEALED

Ephesians 1:13-14

SEATED

Ephesians 2:6

STRENGTH

Ephesians 3:16

SUCCESS

Ephesians 1:3; 2:10; 3:20

TEMPLE

Ephesians 2:21-22

UNDERSTANDING

Ephesians 1:8-9

UNITED

Ephesians 2:11-13

UNITY

Ephesians 1:10; 2:14

WISDOM

Ephesians 1:8; 1:17; 3:10

WORKMANSHIP

Ephesians 2:10

PRAISE GOD FOR ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS!

iWorship New Doxology

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*(beautifully signed by Deaf Ministry and congregation)

* Thanks Leona J.Atkinson and Rev. Richard L. Rice

*comments are closed here see note above near the "snow", only REACTIONS available... thanks for your time and visit!

SOS ~ LIGHT of the WORD

2012-01-21T18:00:00.057-07:00

"Morning Glory Cottage" by Thomas Kinkade

Psalm 119: 114, 116

You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in Your word.

Sustain me, my God, according to Your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.

"Morning Glory Cottage" clearly is a quaint cottage resting comfortably in a garden of flowers. Some, of course, are the beautiful Morning Glories that lift their faces to give Him praise in the morning... as we should to the One who gave to us all... brings this Bible verse to mind from the prophet Isaiah...

"Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8 Amplified Bible

You Gave, New Creation Church, Singapore
"Your love falls as themorning dewSweep me awayuntil I am lost in You"JESUS
Yes, O Lord, You are my Refuge and My Shield. I may enjoy a quaint cottage like this if I knew I would always see Your Glory in the Morning Light...and the Morning Glories... That is just how sweet and fragrant Your Word is to me! I have put my HOPE in Your Word! I delight in You! Sustain me according to Your Promise and I will live.
Please do not let our hopes be dashed those who have put their faith in You and in Your Word, Your Promises. Be the Glory and the Lifter of our heads and our hearts... May Your righteousness go before us and may Your glory be our rear guard. Break forth Your Light in us every morning until You come in all Your Glory... Let us rise and shine
In 2012, Let's continue to LET HIS LIGHT shineon us, in us and through us!JOIN by
sharing
A

scene, song or scripture

(or any combination)

just keep it simple!

share something

we can soak in

that reflects

the

SON
Light

* SOS posts Sat. at 6pm
than I move it forward to Sun.
to
SOAK On SONday

* if you don't see the Linky, please just add your title or link in the comments.

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

2012-01-20T00:00:00.006-07:00

*Psalm 37:24; Hebrews 13:20-21; Proverbs 3:11-12; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Numbers 6:24; Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 97:10;

January 15 Promise #15 - Psalm 37:24
I will take hold of your hand to keep you from falling.
January 16 Promise #16 - Hebrews 13:20-21
I will provide every good thing you need to do My will.
January 17 Promise #17 - Proverbs 3:11-12

I will discipline you in love as a father who loves his children.

January 18 Promise #18 - 2 Corinthians 12:9

My power will rest on you when you are weak.

January 19 Promise #19 - Numbers 6:24

I will bless your life and keep watch over you always.
January 20 Promise #20 - Jeremiah 29:13

If you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me.

January 21 - Promise #21 - Psalm 97:10

I will shield your life and deliver you from the wicked.

Of course, as happens most often with these daily paraphrased Promises from 365, I need each one of them to focus my faith.
As each new verse and photo appears each day, I think "this will be the one for my Friday choice." So, I focused and fought, choosing one for me and one for Sam, for his birthday, because the one on his day is perfect for him... Promise #20 from Jeremiah 29:13

Promise #18 is for me,2 Corinthians 12:9. Perhaps it is because I am weak often and always in need of His Spirit and power. I realized so very long ago, that when I am weak, He is strong. It is then that you know that you know that you know... He is there, He is with you. It has nothing to do with your training or ability, just your faith and trust in Him being in you at that moment providing exactly what you need, many times, without even asking... thank You, LORD!
Yes, Sam...search for Him with all your heart, you really do need to find Him and surrender to His will and His power.
Father, This is my longest and deepest prayer that Sam would come to You through knowing and accepting Jesus as His Lord and Savior. Many years, Lord... many years... But it's not by me, nor by my prayers, nor by my words or pushing 'religion'... or even wishing silently... It will happen when his heart is softened and You ever so gently let him know how long You have been waiting...and by the power of Your love and Your Spirit, He will come to know You and humbly accept Your Son, Jesus as the Only way... for You do not wish that anyone would perish and You love him even more than I do.
Yes, Lord, Your grace is sufficient. Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. May the power of Christ rest upon me, and give me the strength and courage to accept gladly that I'd rather glory in my infirmities so that You would be glorified. I depend completely on You. I need You Lord. Help me to see beyond any pain, suffering, trial, or time of waiting... to Your final glory
Now you choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the choices above; share here in the comments or on your blog to keep you focused and add your link here in the comments. Write this Promise out and the Bible verse and read it daily to build your Faith in this Promise.

Please let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link. Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!
Which Promise of God do you choose?

Yes, comments are OPEN for Faith Focus Friday, I'm trying out the embedded comments which allow REPLY, so come back and see the replies... the problem is that I have to go back and forth between embedded and pop up comments because depending which Browser you use (IE, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) it may not work... don't know if the problem is with Blogger or Google Chrome ... if you have a problem, be sure to let me know...

WOMEN of WORTH

2012-01-18T00:00:00.012-07:00

In the beginning of 2011(yes, that's right, not 2012, I do know what year we're in), I signed up to receive an email each week of a devotional from BIBLE GATEWAY on WOMEN of the BIBLE! They are all listed on my WOW page above from 1/31 through the end of the year with a link to each WOMAN. I am still receiving them in my email, which made me consider using Weds. to share the Women of the Bible for that week once again. At first, I thought that they would be repeating the same ones, but so far and as far as I looked that is not so... so they are continuing...I'm sure there are plenty of women in the Bible.

At this time, I am involved in so many things (Carnaval - the week before Ash Weds. of the Roman Catholic church here starts earlier this year, so also the preparations for outreach and evangelism) that I asked God about this, in particular and I'm still waiting... so we'll see what transpires. I also do not think it will be weekly if it does, keeping my options open (perhaps monthly review or intro or midway preface).

But I wanted to call your attention, once more to my WOW page... and that I did/do keep a running list of the WOMEN featured at Bible Gateway. I will try to update soon and add the new ones for 2012 as they are below. I encourage you to subscribe to receiving this newsletter from them in your email but don't look ahead.

I am no way, no where, no how, the most well informed, qualified woman to be writing about the Women of the Bible, but my interest is very high and no place can be better than Bible Gateway to start and the other resources available. I've read very many good bloggers who also have written on Women of the Bible, but I'm sending you directly to the source, the Bible.

So why don't I call this W.O.B.? Because WOW is much more! I do believe my WOW page covers this in between the other info I share there. This part starts after the STARS *** asterisks.

Right now, I am trying to focus on one Bible Study, because there are so many good ones going on and I'm having a difficult time choosing and a worse time trying to catch up or stay along with 2 You Version Reading plans I chose (I should have only done one). I'd like to feature a few good women studies that are happening with contemporary WOMEN of WORTH... creating their own part of His Story beyond the Bible. These are not women of the Bible times, but definitely women of the Bible in encouraging us in God's Word and way.

A few are them are women from Proverbs 31 Ministries team:
Wendy Blight: Hebrews "Living a Cross Centered Life" (chap. 8)
Melissa Taylor: with Lysa TerKeust's "Made to Crave" *
Renee Swope: "A Confident Heart" (*just started Jan.15th)

... then two places are doing the study on
James: Mercy Triumphs from Beth Moore:Melanie Britt (this one's just got started last week)
Women's Bible Cafe (they are pretty far along, Chapter 7)

... and just this week a great group of women with Courtney, Angela and I think a new person joined them at Good Morning Girls with thousands of women, are studying EPHESIANS with the S.O.A.P. method and being accountable to each other via email, Twitter, Facebook, in person, however you choose. Great book of the Bible to do this method!

Then Iris (Grace Alone) shared that Kathy Howard was starting a study in EPHESIANS also, starting today, the 18th of Jan. called "Growing Up Together". Kathy shares about it and invites you here.

THEN see the WOMEN at the top of my blog under my SNOW falling and I WAS HERE:

... in my book, these precious women are top WOMEN of WORTH! You probably are one also... but just did not add yourself yet. Since I do not do the "Blogger Follower gadget" but some 39 very dear people have added me and so they do follow along as I follow Jesus... and He leads us altogether through the Bible: His Word, His Promises, His Love Letter to us (so if you happen to be a guy that visits here, my apologies for not including you but the letters MOW... not so great) however, WOW works also for all of us as God's WORKMANSHIP of WORTH, (speaking of Ephesians) from Ephesians 2:10 which says:

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)

... because We all are in the process of His Workmanship and no matter the gender, we are People of Worth (POW)! His people! And the closer we follow Him, the more we reflect His worth in us, His image, His glory... let's work on that in 2012... to shine more of His Light through us!

BIBLE GATEWAY

Women of the Bible

for January 2012

Delilah 1/2/2012

Candace 1/9/2012

Lot's Wife 1/16/2012

Next woman:

1/23/2012

Clues:

Many clues will easily give this woman away

maybe even the title from Bible Gateway will

(but certainly the name of her brother or sister would)

The Woman Who Was More Practical Than Spiritual

Her Characteristics:

She Was Most Hospitable
She Was Meditative
She Was Guilty of Complaint
She Was Rebuked by Jesus
She Was Loved of the Lord
She Was a Woman of Deep Sorrow
She Was a Joyful Woman

Can you guess who this probably is?

You can check it out next week

here or for sure

Bible Gateway

or in your e-mailbox

* since COMMENTS are closed, just pick a REACTION... and put your face or blog up above...

Pray for me to decide which study God wants me in... (if I can be a part anywhere) or am I to be about my Father's business elsewhere...

Right after I typed this and stepped away for awhile ... I read some comments on one of the above and God confirmed My One Word 3 times there ... (sigh). So I'm laying aside other plans, for a "CONFIDENT HEART".

I'm ready to shake off old insecurities, "sweep away self doubt " (Sharon writes often how doubt is out)..."and usher in godly confidence" once again that I've been struggling and longing for my whole life and until I read the Forward of Renee's book, written by Lysa and then the first chapter sample, I would never have thought that what I was searching for was a confident heart... but it looks like my Light is going to shine brighter... as I discover the "shadows of my doubts" (Chapter 1)... the quote that many were sharing that convinced me this is where I should go...

"You can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light. ...The God of all hope is calling you out of the shadow of your doubts so you can live with a confident heart!" ~ Renee Swope

Yep, that was the clincher. I'm going to learn how to live beyond the shadows of doubt by holding each of my insecurities up to the Light of God's Word! My prayers weave together Scriptures as Renee shares that I too want to engrave on my heart and learn to live in the SECURITY of God's Promises.

God could not have spoken more clearly to me... than He did last night! Each chapter ends with a prayer applying God's Word like this one:

"Lord, I pray that You would give me a confident heart in Christ. Take me beyond believing in You to truly believing You. Help me rely on the power of Your promises and live like they are true. You say blessed is the one who trusts in You and whose hope and confidence are found in You. Those who hope in You will not be disappointed, because You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. When self-doubt tells me I can’t overcome my insecurities, I will believe Your promise that all things are possible to whoever believes. I will not throw away my confidence, because You say it will be richly rewarded. I will persevere so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what You have promised. My confidence is in Christ and I am no longer one who shrinks back and is destroyed, but one who believes and is saved! In Jesus’ name... "

See Jeremiah 17:7; Isaiah 49:23; Romans 8:28; Mark 9:23; Hebrews 10:35–36, 39.

Swope, Renee (2011-08-01). Confident Heart, A (Revell. Kindle Edition).

From Renee (and why I believe that we are WOMEN of WORTH)
to tie this all together, she wrote in sharing about her writing this book here and for whom:

"Women who are discovering just how valuable they are.

Women who want to live empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Women who are willing to do the courageous thing of believing God.

Women who are willing to hope.

Willing to seek and see that it’s possible to have confidence in Christ!"

So from the Women of the Bible to WE, the WOW of today... we are meant to gather and encourage one another to grow in our confidence in Christ... with hearts set free from doubts and discouragement... living with godly confidence and a confident heart.

MONDAY MANNA

2012-01-16T00:00:00.006-07:00

I would like us to "Connect our hearts to God's" in 2012 and know "God's Heart for " us by learning these ABC verses as we examine them in God's Word and perhaps some times by looking at Holley Gerth's precious heart in "God's Heart for You"

A. MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST JESUS tells me...

I AMACCEPTEDin the Beloved

Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV)
"...to the praise of the glory of His grace,
by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."
(NIV)

"...to the praise of His glorious grace, which

He has freely given us in the One he loves."

I noticed that many of the ABC verses (bigger version shared last Monday Manna) of Dr. Dan Cheatham were from Ephesians and for the many that are doing the Ephesians Study that Good Morning Girls (GMG) starts(ed) on Jan. 15th for this week, these verses will work great. Either way, both the Bible study and these verses of "Who I am in Him" are good medicine and blessings to your soul, if you put your heart in it and try.

Holley shares "Accepted" as number ONE in her 40 but she's not doing them alphabetically or in any specific order (I like hers because the verse starts with ACCEPT which helps as a cue):

[source: Heartlight Gallery]

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

But you really need to read what Holley's writes as she shares from her heart on being "accepted". I can't share all of her book but she did here from her blog here.

...and "in God's heart I am accepted"

Then in her HEART book, each of the 40 are set up for us to Reflect and Respond,
I'm adding REPEAT over and over, either Bible verse until it sinks deep down within and you not only believe in God and His Word, His promises, but that you believe HIM and know you are ACCEPTED!

READ and REFLECT:

Read Romans 15:1-7 and Reflect.

Complete this sentence:

Being accepted means that I…

How is conviction different from condemnation?

RESPOND (this is Holley's)

Lord, I’m so grateful You love and accept me just as I am. Sometimes that truth is hard to understand and embrace, so I pray You’ll help me learn to walk fully in it. I thank You for showing my heart…

from "God's Heart For You" by Holley Gerth.

Freedom in Christ Ministries
shares it like this
(always shared at the bottom of my blog)
"If you are a Christian then these statements are true of you...
If you are NOT a follower of Christ and would like to know MORE, go here..."

I am accepted ...

John 1:12
I am God's child.
John 15:15
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
I have been justified.
1Corinthians 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10
I am complete in Christ
Hebrews 4:14-16
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

Just in case that you needed more confirmations from God's Word in knowing that

YOU ARE ACCEPTED

I added the above verses that "Freedom in Christ Ministries" uses in many of the books on WHO I AM IN CHRIST... Neil T. Anderson has written many of these... cannot think of a better way to start 2012, then renewing our minds with these Truths!

Ohhh, I already gave up on the FIGHTER VERSES, on the second verse... too tough for me to get in my head... but it's still a great program to follow...

So I guess this is my

MONDAY MANNA MEMORY

3Ms

m-m-m

good

"God's Heart for You"

from Holley Gerth's

Heart to Heart

Blog

I love how Holley writes

and her heart for

God

and

you

too

(if you don't know her or her blog, check her out)

If you have this book, let me know...

I'm reading "Rain on Me" and love it!

It's my 40 days devotional for

Hope and Encouragement

plus a couple other ones

that you may see show up here too.

I know I have one for sure in one of my SOS posts...

SOS ~ LIGHT of the WORD

2012-01-15T00:00:00.006-07:00

"The End of a Perfect day III"
by Thomas Kinkade

Psalm 33:4,6

For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. ...

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.

When I started with this journey through the "Passages of Light", I began 2012 with the "Beginning of a Perfect Day" because of the verse John 8:12, which comes from the second section in the "Light of Life". Although this is the third of these beautiful paintings of the "End of the Day" and also the third one that I've shared ... I am sharing these in the order of the gift book now. But any way you look at this work of art, it truly is the perfect beginning or end to any day ... with the Light of God shining.
Susan Boyle

Good Morning Girls starts EPHESIAN BIBLE STUDY today and MADE TO CRAVE!!! I'll be reading along but did not form a group this time... but you can do it online through emails, Facebook, Twitter or in person... check it out! Never too late to be accountable in God's Word!

This photo I use for SOS is what the ending of one of my Perfect Days looked like after...SOAKING ON SONDAY in Him and with you
JOIN by
sharing
A

scene, song or scripture

(or any combination)

just keep it simple!

share something

we can soak in

that reflects

the

SON
Light

* SOS posts Sat. at 6pm
than I move it forward to Sun.
to
SOAK On SONday

*comments are closed, just enJOY SOAKING... pick a REACTION please

FRIDAY FEATURE

2012-01-13T00:00:00.016-07:00

Back to calling this Friday Feature, because I'm featuring a combination of FAITH FOCUS on God's Promises along with the new addition of FIGHTER VERSE(s) and continuing to pray with FEARLESS Friday! Each feature builds our FAITH!

And each one helps us to FOCUS our FAITH together in God's Word!

FIGHTER VERSE this Week 2:

...for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
[15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"] Romans 10:13-14 [15]

FIGHTER VERSE for next week 3:

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand Psalm 16:11

This week's FAITH FOCUS Promises are from:

Galatians 4:6; Galatians 3:29; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 2:13;
Psalm 23:2; John 3:34;

365 Promises

Paraphrased Bible Promises

JAN 8

I sent the Spirit of My Son into your heart so you could call Me Father. Galatians 4:6
JAN 9
Since you are in Christ, I have made you an heir of all My promises. Galatians 3:29
JAN 10
I have given you a new heart and put My own Spirit in you. Ezekiel 36:26-27
JAN 11
My plan for your future is filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
JAN 12
I am at work in your life through the desires of your heart. Philippians 2:13
JAN 13
I will give you rest in green pastures and lead you to still waters. Psalm 23:2
JAN 14
I give My Spirit in unlimited measure.
John 3:34

My choice: Promise #9 from Galatians 3:29; I treasure my inheritance and being an heir of all His Promises! Must have been turning this new leaf, and changing that drew me to this.

... but I love the devotion on the salvation message for Promise #10 also: My heart tendered by the compassion of His and His Spirit living in and through me.

Awesome! Can't get any better!

Now choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the choices above; share here in the comments or on your blog to keep you focused and add your link here in the comments.
(Usually I do a LINKY, but I have found that not many join on their blog but share right here, so I'm not doing the LINKY, but I certainly will if more BLOG their choice).

Please let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link. Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!
Which Promise of God do you choose?

*for more about Fighter Verses see last week's "Faith Focus" or their site

LET ME BE THE ONE

2012-01-12T00:00:00.017-07:00

video done by oparisgAmanda Kateher YouTube ChannelLet her know if you liked it!
Yes, Lord, let me be the one!
Thank You, LordI wasWON by ONEYou!And I'm forever gratefulto Youfor You

* sorry, forgot to let you know, Comments are closed, see explanation here

MORE *F.O.G.

2012-01-11T00:00:00.047-07:00

I shared a beautiful photo of F.O.G. last week for WFW (Word Filled Weds.) and I have been finding so much about F.O.G. that I was beginning to think that my chosen ONE WORD for 2012 of LIGHT must somehow be connected to the*F.O.G. (I'm sure that God will reveal more as this year progresses and that I must press on in His LIGHT to be a light in the darkness, which is very much like a fog).

Meanwhile, from the fog in my mind, as I reflect on His F.O.G., I have come close to giving up on "blogging" yet again... but instead for now, I am going to try something else first. (If I remember) I will be "Closing comments" on each post except Faith Focus and maybe SOS ... at least for now. So I will be depending more than ever on the 4 *REACTIONS: Amen! Insightful! Inspiring! No Interest! just to know that you've past by... I may try a poll to see what reactions you favor or any suggestions of range of reactions. I also will be trying to only post those two and maybe one more... which means only one post, will have no comments.

I also will no longer be joining memes, or carnivals... which seems to be the only way to get comments or feedback from like community or grow to more (I'm guilty of lurking without leaving comments myself at times) but when you join a meme and many visit and leave without a word...well, (sigh). I have hosted quite a few myself in hopes to create community but lately I am not being a very good host.You almost have to do one every day to stay active. It is not like it use to be when you visit someone, they visit you back and that's enough to initiate interest.

I'm still waiting on God's response as to what I should do with my 2 remaining ones: FAITH FOCUS and SOAKING ON SONday, which I would do with or without others joining me, it's just so much better when we share and encourage one another. I'm not complaining based on stats or any popularity status, yet I frequently get discouraged easily when I see that over 45 people have visited one post (unless it's the same person) and I get only my faithful follower comments of 4-5 dear souls. I hope that you don't object too strongly to my sharing and sorting my thoughts with you publicly, perhaps this is the FOG and the F.O.G. will prevail. I'm just keeping it honest.

I also was not going to add any more posts this week besides SOS, Monday Manna, and Faith Focus Friday (which looks like what I will be posting for now each week) ... I have SOS set up for a few weeks in advance... not so with Mon. or Fri. yet (but I will have Faith Focus set up through Jan. soon, I hope, just not my own choice for that week). I love to FOCUS on our FAITH in God's Promises. It has been a blessing to me... and I would hope that others also have found this to be so and also SOAKING

Yet today, I was being prompted over and over to share more on *F.O.G. There was something specific (it might have been "the year of unceasing fruit" 2012) but this one will have to do for right now (don't let that it opens with 2011 throw you off from seeing this for 2012 too, if you missed this in 2011) so much more to share ...

I plan to seek MORE *F.O.G. in the next 100 days in my own life... even though F.O.G may come at a cost, God is worth it

"The Power Of Looking To Jesus"
from
Day 1 of "100 Days Of Favor" by Joseph Prince

Today's Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:18

He begins with this...

"I LOVE TO preach about looking at Jesus and being Christ-occupied instead of being self-occupied. But what is the value of seeing Jesus?... ... Miracles happen when they keep their eyes on Jesus. Look at what happened to a fisherman called Peter..." ~ Joseph Prince

Matthew 14: 22-33

"Keep your eyes on Jesus. While it may sound impractical, it is the most powerful thing you can do, and Jesus will cause you to reign over every storm in your life!... " ~ Joseph Prince

"... But the greatest miracle that Peter experienced happened one night when he stepped out of his boat in the middle of a storm at Jesus’ word... Jesus was walking on the water and when Peter looked at Jesus, he became like Jesus and did the supernatural." ~ Joseph Prince

2 Corinthians 3:18

"Beloved, as Jesus is, so are you in this world. When you keep your focus on Jesus, you are transformed into His image from glory to glory. You are transformed by beholding, not by working. When you see that Jesus is above the storms of your life, you will effortlessly rise above those storms. No amount of self-effort could have helped Peter walk on water.When he did, it happened simply because he was looking at Jesus." ~ Joseph Prince

"Keep your eyes on Jesus and you will become more and more like Him —full of health, strength, wisdom and life!" ~ Joseph Prince
Today's Prayer

"Father, I know that a man cannot walk on water, whether in stormy or calm conditions. Likewise, whether there are problems in my life or not, I cannot reign in life without Jesus. Apart from Him, I can do NOTHING. Therefore, I ask that You help me keep my eyes on Jesus despite the many things that I have to attend to today. I thank You that as I look to Jesus for all my needs and wants in the midst of every difficulty and challenge, He will place me at the right place at the right time and provide me with every resource I need to experience good success!"

Today's Thought

"I can walk above my problems when I keep my eyes on Jesus and trust Him." ~ Joseph Prince

GRACE is God's Unmerited Favor!

Since my blog has evolved through HIS aMazing Grace... from my mazes, messes, miracles that I believe are happening and still to come... I must share as God leads.

Here's a highly energetic song of "Unmerited Favor" or with lyrics in big bold letters you can click and go to that one:

"Now I've got every reason to REJOICEYour unmerited FAVOR is on my lifeIt's got nothing to do with what I didBut it's all about what YOU'VE DONE for me"
"NO MORE STRIVINGbecause I've been forgivenMade forever righteous and whole"(every line in this song speaks from my heart)

Another more tranquil song of "Unmerited Favor of God" by Crosswork
Walking on in theF.O.G.towardsHIS LIGHTalways [source]"He (John the Baptist) himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world."John 1:9
With all my love to my faithful readers who encourage me so often ... thanksPeggy

* ohh and in case, you missed last week's WFW or did not catch this yet F.O.G. =Favor Of God... and God led me back today where all this started back with Beth Moore's 5th point on "Wrecked But Not Ruined" (I shared this back last year) a powerful teaching... I did not realize the impact it was having and continuous flow of God...another F.O.G. and you may be blessed with my new addition of LOVE LETTERS page added above."ONE LIFE can invite theFAVOR of GODto many in the storm"~ Beth Moore~
*don't forget to click a REACTION below*taking my eyes off of this and looking to Jesus!

MONDAY MANNA

2012-01-09T00:00:00.034-07:00

Remember when we use to do this for
MEMORY MONDAY

Here's a new idea that I like to MEMORIZE 26 VERSES in an order that one can remember since it's organized alphabetically and some very good spiritual truths. We all need, as new or old believers, to affirm WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST! Thanks to Dr. Dan Cheatham (here's a link to a pdf of these ABCs that he makes available), I had this bookmarked and tucked away for such as time as this... 2012 MEMORY!

There are other ones available also, like the one I shared last Friday, on FAITH FOCUS with Fighter Verses and a really FUN simple one that's so great that goes along with this idea, more info on this one that I've added below... so what are you waiting for...? Let's MEMORIZE (ok, let's work on and try... to remember verses and their references, so we have them, when we need them... not just hide them in our hearts, or store them away, let's use them to FIGHT and be VICTORIOUS like Jesus in the wilderness...

My New Identity In Christ (ABC's Of Who I Am In Him)

I am A.ccepted in the Beloved
A. Ephesians 1:6
I am B.lessed with all blessings
B. Ephesians 1:3
I am C.hosen in Him before time began
C. Ephesians 1:4
I am D.elivered from spiritual darkness
D. Colossians 1:13
I am E.levated to a heavenly position
E. Ephesians 2:6
I am F.orgiven from all my sins
F. Colossians 1:14
I am G.od's Masterpiece
G. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
I am H.ealed by Jesus' stripes
H. 1 Peter 2:24
I am I.n Him
I. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I am J.ustified by my faith in Christ
J. Romans 5:1
I am K.ept safe by the power of God
K. 1 Peter 1:5
I am L.oved unconditionally by God
L. John 3:16
I am M.ore Than A Conqueror
M. Romans 8:37
I am N.ot Condemned to Guilt or Hell
N. Romans 8:1
I am O.vercoming the world thru Christ
O. 1 John 5:4-5
I am P.redestined to Sonship
P. Ephesians 1:5
I am Q.uickened with Christ the Lifegiver
Q. Ephesians 2:1
I am R.edeemed from the curses of the Law
R. Galatians 3:13,14
I am S.ealed with the Holy Spirit
S. Ephesians 1:13
I am T.o His praise
T. Ephesians 1:12
I am U.nto His glory
U. Ephesians 1:12
I am V.ictorious by faith in Christ
V. 1 Corinthians 15:57
I am W.ashed in the Blood of Christ
W. Revelation 1:5
I am X.crucified with Christ
X. Galatians 2:20
I am Y.oked together with other believers
Y. 2 Corinthiams 6:14
I am Z.ealous of good works
Z. Titus 2:14

I was hoping to purchase Holley Gerth's new book, which covers these also

but I bought her other one "RAIN ON ME" for December and one on PRAYING for PRODIGALS for this new year January... which is my primary purpose, plan, priority and passion: prayer, prodigals. The only thing left is getting my perspective in line... with God's. Be sure to check out LIVING INTENTIONALLY over at Internet Cafe Devotion and also the IMMERSED Challenge with a wonderful plan of reading God's Word, Bible Memory, accountability,and MORE TO BE

Here's a GREAT PLACE to commit to MEMORIZING God's Word

"...sharing a new verse every other week (A to Z style) through December 17th, 2012 and lots of fun prizes to share each week with Memory Verse Challenge participants. The first official verse for 2012 given last Mon.:
A - As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15b
AMEN to this great beginning choice!!!
So check out Cindy Bultema at She SparklesBig Thanks to Denise atShortybear's Place for sharing this last weekGuess I had the same thing in mind, just did not know about Cindy!Let's PRESS On and Put God's Wordin our hearts and minds.
LOTS OF OPTIONS NO EXCUSEto notbe in God's WordLIVING INTENTIONALLYWhichever one you choose, let's carry God's Lightinto our world, right where we are, make a difference
FIGHTER VERSE this week on the Fighter Blog (Jan. 8th): Rom 10:13-14 [15](Jan.1st): Isaiah 40:8 (song)
Reflection (to accompany the article by Jonathan Parnell on the verse for this week)1. What must we do to be saved?
2. What do these verses tell us about human effort?3. How might we tell this good news to others?

SOAKING ON SONDAY (S.O.S.) ~ LIGHT of the WORD

2012-01-08T00:00:00.002-07:00

Each week in 2012, it is my hope

to choose my SOS from a precious GIFT

given to me for my birthday last year

from Karen, Hallelujah Anyhow

"Passages of LIGHT"

Selected Scriptures with

Reflections by Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light

I started with one from the 2nd section

LIGHT of LIFE

last week

John 8:12

continuing this week

with the beginning section

LIGHT of the WORD

I wanted to share the painting that is in this book "Passages of Light" that opens this section because it is my favorite. However, I could not find a painting by that name, and later I will be sharing "The Victorian Garden", which comes close, but it's not as close up as this beautiful gate and garden, that shows a darker hue of colors in the flower garden, with a glimpse of light that casts through the gateway onto the path... So, I have moved ahead to the first painting in this section known as "Afternoon Light, Dogwood" (be sure to catch the "Legend of the Dogwood" that Sharon shared in the comments) to which Thomas Kinkade adds this Word from:

2 Samuel 22:31

“As for God, His way is perfect:

The LORD’s word is flawless;

He shields all who take refuge in Him.

My Prayer:

LORD God, Your way is perfect. Your Word is flawless. Your Word is a LIGHT to my path. You are my Shield. You are my Refuge. I take my refuge in You. I thank You for shielding all who take refuge in You. Thank You for shielding me.

As the Dogwood tree stands in all its glory alone along this path, I stand alone many times, along the paths in my life, wondering which way to go and setting out on my own way. How many times, I should have come to You and Your Word to direct my path, to shield me as my refuge instead of plunging ahead on my own, hoping to make or do it right.

Thank You for the Light that illuminates so beautifully my path when I come to You and search Your Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" but that is a future Word and painting of Passages of Light that I look forward to sharing. Thank You God, that You always make a way for me!

Don Moen

JOIN SOAKING On SON DAY

by
sharing
a

scene, song or scripture

(or any combination)

just keep it simple!

* if you don't see the Linky, please just add your title or link in the comments. I almost did not continue with SOS because of the followingNOTEbut know that if you link up, I will make a way to visit you sometime...I really hope to be a better hostess of SOS
BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF LAST MONDAY'S POST!

MAGI ~ 3 FOLLOW THE STAR

2012-01-07T00:00:00.003-07:00

Previous posts each separate in their writing and what they share yet all related toMAGI

MAGI ~ 1 Personal Testimony in response to a SermonMAGI ~ 2Points of Following the Star like the Magiwhere I linked, at the end to the following YouTube of this song and another one that I shared during "Caroling"but because I so love so much about this song and this videoI had to share itbecause this is so like me I love "Point of Grace" and I love how Angels on Assignment 2006Voice Christian Dance Ministry "Follow The Star"

O, winter night of wonder - night of promise long foretold

When angel voices filled the heavens high above

Announced the joy of the ages and His glory to behold

For into this world is born the wondrous Child of Love

O, star of hope that leads us to His manger

Shine your light upon the newborn King

For all who seek to find new life

Make a gift of your heart

And follow the star

To hear the song that heaven sings

Like the wise men of old

Come follow the star

They laid their gifts before Him on that night so long ago

Stood in His presence every pilgrim great and small

To worship at His manger is to kneel before His throne

Laying our burdens down the greatest gift of all

O, star divine that brings us to our Savior

Give the light of love to show us our way

In place of gold lay down your life

In place of frankincense and myrrh

Abandon all

Praise God for creative dance ministriesMay they each dance for the audience ofONE!May the sense His awesome Presence and Flowthrough their dance!May each step be choreographed with HisGUIDANCE
Father God, I am trusting completely in You, Your Guidance, Your Guiding Light throughout 2012 and the rest of my journey. You know where I am to go and to be. I give You the Lead. I will follow You. I will follow Your steps. I want to walk or dance in Your way. Shine Your Light upon the King and help me follow in every thing, in every step, in every plan, in every thought, action and heartbeat... Give us the Light of love to show us Your way... as we abandon all for Your name sake. Glory, honor and all power and authority is Yours in me, may I shine that Light for others to know You the way that I do...

FAITH FOCUS FRIDAY

2012-01-06T00:00:00.013-07:00

Today I FOCUS my FAITH with claiming a Promise from God of 365 promises and FEARLESSLY PRAY with others who set aside Fridays to lift others up to the very Throne of God. There is nothing better than a day filled by His Holy Spirit, praying, interceding and building our faith through God's Word as we claim His Promises to us. Turning His Word into a prayer is the best way to do this. May I encourage you to "Breakthrough to the New" along with others. (see Vimeo in right sidebar).

I have another added FEATURE for FRIDAY FAITH FOCUS and that is a memorization of verses... I've used them here before they are called FIGHTER VERSES... so whether you'd like to memorize the weekly verse or just FOCUS on it as a FIGHTER VERSE, it's up to you... But each Friday, I will give the current FIGHTER VERSE and the upcoming one. However, if you go to their site, they have much more resources to offer you, such as this devotion on this week's Fighter Verse; a chart for you to keep track of your verses; a bookmark for the entire year, which also gives you some great tips on how to memorize; Verse card maker; and my favorite part... Legacy Songs (the Fighter Verses put to music...the only problem is that it is for a different set, 2012 they are doing Set 2) plus they have iPhone apps, etc. that I have no idea what or how to use ... nor can I, but you all can.

On next week's Monday Manna, I share another great place for memorization that started this past week.

The Fighter verse for Jan. 1 (this past week) was:
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of God will stand forever."

The questions to reflect on were:

What is our confidence in this text?

What is the “word of our God?”

How might Isaiah 40:8 help us when we feel the reality of our grass likeness?

For the week of Jan. 8th it will be:
Romans 10:13, 14 [15]

This week's FAITH FOCUS Promises are from:

Malachi 3:1; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 33:11;
Genesis 1:27-28; Ephesians 1:4-5;
Colossians 1:12-13; John 3:16;

I have chosen Promise #6 from Colossians 1:12-13 to go along with my chosen OneWord for 2012: LIGHT!

"...giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’inheritance in the light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son He loves."Colossians 1:12-13
Paraphrased Bible Promises

January 1 - Promise #1 - Malachi 3:6
I am the Lord your God and I never change.
January 2 - Promise #2 - Psalm 103:8
I am full of mercy and grace and I overflow with love.

January 3 - Promise #3 - Psalm 33:11

The intentions of My heart will remain steadfast forever.
January 4 - Promise #4 - Genesis 1:27-28
I created you in My own image with My special blessing.
January 5 - Promise #5 - Ephesians 1:4-5
I chose you to be adopted into My family before creation.
January 6 - Promise #6 - Colossians 1:12-13
I delivered you from darkness into the kingdom of My beloved Son.
January 7 - Promise #7 - John 3:16
I have given you eternal life because you have believed in Jesus Christ.

Now choose one of this week's Promises of God *from the choices above; share here in the comments or on your blog to keep you focused and add your link here in the comments (Usually I do a LINKY, but I have found that not many join on their blog but share right here, so I'm not doing the LINKY, but I certainly will if more BLOG their choice. Please let us know which one you choose and if you have it on your blog - your link). Visit 365promises site for their daily devotion and these Promises of God with beautiful photography and encouragement!

BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF MONDAY'S POST if you missed it! For this reason, I'm not being a very good host this month for either "Faith Focus" or "SOS" so I almost did not post them but that's what happens when you try to do "blogging" along with "REAL life" and for me that's being in a foreign field with mission work as well. Usually, I schedule my blog posts long in advance... for when I have much ado... I do not want to let either Faith Focus or SOS go, so I hope you keep focusing your faith on God's Promises and Soaking on SONday in God's love and light through scenes, scriptures, or songs... and continue along with me building and encouraging one another in FAITH!

MAGI ~ 2

2012-01-05T00:00:00.009-07:00

I'm so thankful for the GIFT that Jesus gives us and the Magi gave Jesus! Tonight Mexican children will put out their shoes in hopes of receiving GIFTS from the MAGI. They write letters to the Wise Men asking for presents they would like to receive...[I shared some of this in MAGI~1 and referred you to 2 places to read more, like this one]
How I long for the Children in Mexico to write letters to God, or ask Him in prayer for the BEST GIFT that can bring them the same wisdom as the Wise Men knew...
Jesus!

I truly love when I'm not searching for anything in particular and God leads me to something that not only delights my heart but I can share with others. That is what happened the day, I finished with MAGI ~ 1. Seemingly out of no where, I wander upon some fascinating writings of others like the following one (available and will open in WORD Doc by clicking on it):

A-Z Lessons From The Three Wise Men from Dr. Dan Cheatham at Devotional (dot) net

LESSONS from the MAGI

a. Follow the Star!

b. Follow the Glory!

c. Don't share everything you know with everyone. (Don't tell a Herod God's secrets.)

d. Be willing to go anywhere God leads you no matter the time it will take or the inconvenience it will require.

e. Worship the Lord:
First by showing up at the place of worship.
Secondly with your lips of adoration.
Thirdly with your material and monetary gifts to God.

f. Whatever God places on your heart to give to Jesus will be exactly what He requires and exactly what is needed. (Mary and Joseph probably used the wise men's gifts to pay their taxes, pay for their lodging in the stable, and their next journey.)

g. When God warns you of danger, be willing to take an alternate route or course of action than you had originally planned.

h. God may lead you or communicate with you in an unconventional manner.

i. When God manifests it is our responsibility to take the trip with Him. God will stop manifesting if we refuse to take the trip.

j. Though you may be an important person yourself, there is One who is infinitely more important than you who is worthy of your undivided attention & abandoned affection.

k. The wise men believed and were NOT thus strucken blind as Zechariah was for his unbelief. Unbelief makes you blind. Belief makes you able to follow the Star.

l. God always has a few that will listen and obey Him.

m. God loves and includes non-Jews. (The wise men were Gentiles.)

n. God is looking for worshippers and will bring them from afar if necessary.

o. God cherishes a worshipper and will always have one somewhere.

p. Three is a special number in the Bible.

q. God can and does communicate through dreams.

r. Sharing certain information with the wrong person can create a disaster for many. (The slaughter of babies by Herod.)

s. Jealousy is often the root cause of murder.

t. Years ago while gathering around the Christmas Tree and while having evening devotions with the family, my young son thought the three wise men gave Jesus "Gold, Frankenstein and Myrrh." After teaching him his mistake, he recanted and said that they gave Him "Gold, Common Sense and Myrrh."

u. No matter how wise you may be, there is One wiser who can give you even more wisdom.

v. God expects us to follow His lead.

w. Following the Star requires focus and concentration, tuning out other distractions.

x. The Star will never lead us down a dead-end street.

y. There is a blessing awaiting us at the end of our trip of obedience.

z. The Star was a manifestation of the Glory (like the Pillar of Fire by night and the Cloud of Glory by day that led the Israelites).

The Star was the Person of the Holy Spirit manifesting, that hovered directly ahead and over the Three Wise Men and guided them to Christ. The Star, in the Bible, is never called an Eastern Star in the sky. Rather the Wise men saw the Star manifest to them in the East (where they lived).

by Dr. Dan Cheatham

I love every one of these points (and considered rewriting or rearranging them as A-Z nuggets) but decided as I read them, this order leads you to the final point, which is "THE STAR... "

which led me to another series of another amazing phenomenon
THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM
I realize that I'm a bit behind times, but not living in the USA, I missed this when it came out.

The Real Star of Bethlehem (Part 1-7) (link is to part 1 only)
Rick Larson Blog
Isaiah 40:26
Psalm 19:1-4
Romans 10:17-18
Luke 21:25
9 Characteristics from Matthew 2 of the Messiah's Star(Part 3)
Personally, I never questioned The Star or the Wise Men, I just seek the King and if the Star is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit as Dr. Dan Cheatham concluded, I will and do follow the Star and the Glory of the Star and still ask that JESUS be revealed toall God's children. My prayer emphasis this year is for"prodigals"
I pray that we all SEEK HIS LIGHT to lead us in 2012 and shine LIGHT in the darkness of the world, just like the stars in the night sky. May His LIGHT guide your steps and heart this year.
Perhaps because this "Magi" has wandered through many mazes and messes to arrive at the miracle of God's aMazing Grace, I am so very thankful for the Truth being revealed and Light exposing the truth and bringing to LIGHT all of God's Glory in these last days, years, moments ... This week amidst all that's going on... I am praying, seeking, following the Eternal LIGHT and hoping that you too will learn the spiritual lessons from the
MAGI...More Awesome God In me INTENTIONALLY...
Make use of your GIFT in 2012! Discover it, seek it, use it, flourish and grow in Jesus and His Word revealed in us as Emmanuel... May HE go with you on your journey this year in 2012!VAYA CON DIOS!Go with GodGod with us!FOLLOWTHE LIGHT of the STAR OF OUR PRECIOUSMESSIAH
* I shared the perfect song during Caroling that keeps coming to my mind but than I discovered this one by Point of Grace (I'm sharing on Sat.)... so God has been with me, bringing this message to me longer than I realized. I so love when I can see the thread of God's leading.
Happy Birthdayto my pupstodayborn in my closet here6 years agoonly 2 of the 6 live with me stillwith their parents(maybe I can get their photos in their kid's sweatshirts, Karen)

Tomorrow we celebratewith traditional Rosca (but I think I'll get a cake instead)for Day of the Kings

BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF MONDAY'S POST!

WFW ~ F.O.G.

2012-01-04T00:00:00.007-07:00

I'm captivated by the F.O.G.

This one is a beautiful Appalachian Smokey Mountain

misty, dawn, sunrise or sunset scene

that drew me in to the

F.O.G.Favor Of God

Luke 2:52

"And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and men."

Luke 2:12-14

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

[and additional verse I added from the Nativity Story with FAVOR]

FAVOR = Divine, Assigned, Advantage, for Success"Favor and blessing are not the same"

How to increase in FAVOR?by Pastor Keith CraftElevate Life Church/Lakewood guest

Discover the secret
Develop your Mercy Quotient ........"Choose to see the best in others... Choose to overlook the worse"
Deploy your greatness

"Your Greatness is not deployed as a result of doing what you are asked to do, but Greatness is released when you do more than you are asked to do."

In the midst of whatever fog you feel surrounding you or your life ... I pray that F.O.G. fall on you because when you have the Favor of God on your life, when you increase in His FAVOR, everyone around you is blessed!
I listened and watched this sermon from New Year's Eve service 3 times and each time was more anointed and filled with God's holy presence! I was ~~moved~~ (no) compelled to share. And I wondered, why does Luke 2:52 tell us that "Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in FAVOR with God and man." Why did Jesus need FAVOR of God or man? After all, Jesus is/was the Son of God, Son of Man..." what does this mean for me? If I want to be MORE like Him, I too must.
Let's let the Light of God shine through us in 2012 and bless more people with His favor, His grace, His love and His mercy by offering them ours because the F.O.G. transcends everything and all things become possible. Let's do MORE!
ForgivenessOvercomesGrievances (me,2012)causing God's rich blessings to flowEphesians 3:14-21 is my prayer for youin 2012

"I pray that out of His glorious riches You may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, 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 the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

"O God, Father of all promise and hope, maker of a world that was once perfect and one day will be perfect again, help us to look beyond the fog of this world [to the F.O.G. we have with and in You!] Help us to see the shore of the homeland that awaits us-a glorious, eternal Kingdom purchased by the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior and the King of kings." from Randy Alcorn's book "50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light" Day 1 "If We Can Just See the Shore"
Linking up with Word Filled Wednesday at Internet Cafe Devotions

[*photo source: fineartamerica - artwork by John Samsen]
Here's a great blog post from Wanda (at The Watered Soul) on this F.O.G. "Favor is not Without Cost", I have to agree with this...
Reg. Readers: BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF MONDAY'S POST!

MAGI ~ 1

2012-01-03T00:00:00.419-07:00

Matthew 2:1-12(you can read this here in its entirety on my blog)

"Secrets of the Magi: by Pastor Denyes,

Emmanuel Christian Center in Minnesota
1) Go on the journey with friends
2) It's alright to go on a journey without knowing all the details
3) Don't give up when it's not like you expected
4) Look for the King in your present situation
5) Understand the value of the Gift

Yes, I do realize that CHRISTmas is over, but I'm thinking that I may not be changing my background of "The Star of Bethlehem" with the 3 Magi... though the Bible does not mention how many wise men came to visit the King Jesus as a baby and hopefully, you'll better come to understand why I'm not changing my background back this year but leaving the "star" to guide my light... His Light on my journey. My WORD for 2012: LIGHT!
January 6th is known as "El Dia de los Reyes" (The Day of the Kings) in Mexico and much of Latin culture. Sometimes the word "magos" similar to the Greek word, is added after "reyes"(Kings) which in English relates to magic or magician, socerer ... but generally understood as wise men. Some say they were astrologers, which associates them to astrology: study of the stars, which some have applied to the occult/witchcraft. However, some think that they may have been astronomers rather than astrologers. Whoever they were, they came to bring GIFTS to the King Jesus and traveled following what we call the Star of Bethlehem (which is another interesting phenomena). The reason that it is thought to be 3 kings or wise men, is only because of the mention of 3 gifts that were given to Jesus. In the Catholic Church, which celebrates this day as the Feast of Epiphany (usually the first Sun. twelve days after Christmas, where we get the "12 days of Christmas" that I shared here). This day is very important to the children here in Mexico, because they look forward to receiving GIFTS on this day. I'm sure that I have shared in the past about this day, and if not, there are many places that do explain the tradition here like About(dot)com and Inside Mexico because that was not the intention of this blog post yet I could not ignore this.
Many of you have visited me here at aMazing Grace, Mazes, Messes, Miracles for quite some time without realizing how/why my name came to be or even that my URL address reads maz magi (dot) blogspot (dot) com (and I use to have "mazmagi" instead of Peggy for my name). However, I shared this near the beginning of this blog in 2008 and the link is always in my sidebar under ABOUT my BLOG(s)"Blog's name - why?"
The "Maz" part is the easiest to explain, having to do with where I am located in Mexico, Mazatlan, a Nahautl word for "land of the deer". And throughout the Christmas season, I referred to the "más" part of Christmas as meaning "more" of Christ.
But then I come across this sermon above from Pastor Denyes, from a church that is almost like my 3rd church home, ECC -Emmanuel Christian Center. I listened and I didn't really focus in on his points (writing them down that is) until the 4th and 5th points struck me and then I had to listen to it all over again. Now as I look at all of his points about the "secrets of the magi", I realized that they were all from God, speaking to my heart for this new year and where I am at and planning to be or do (all in hands of God).
I began writing this thinking that I would be sharing on the "GIFTS of the MAGI", because I have become very interested in their symbolism and intrigued by the Star of Bethlehem. All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts given to a king. Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. But on a spiritual level, they represent so much more, and that God had this all planned in advance, documented in the Old Testament (i.e. Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72): gold as a symbol of kingship on earth (or virtue), frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity (or prayer), and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death (or suffering). Now that's the quickest, most concise explanation I've ever given.
Yet, I believe, since I was not searching for Pastor Denyes message, nor anything to do with "magi" that God wants me to personalize the meaning of these "secrets" to my life (but that would take an entire book) and hopefully you can do this with your own situation.

1.
I came on this part of my life journey to Mexico in 1996 and returned more and more each year (so how do you write 16 yrs. in a blog post? and get anyone to read it). I stayed a little longer each time, until I finally live here more than my home back in Minnesota. My last trip in 2010 home, various well intended friends and family members, too... asked me to perhaps consider staying home, starting over there, etc. but something deep within me, told me "no, I must go back", I really have not accomplished or worked on all of what God has placed especially most recently on my heart, and I do have a "mission" here (on my MISSIONS blog, I recently posted 3 videos here, here and/or here to show you what's happening in some parts).
This past season here, I've been having second thoughts and I have seriously began wondering and pondering, maybe even faltering. All of which applies to the 5 points that Pastor Denyes made.
My journey here, was not with friends or even my spouse, as I had hoped and come to expect would happen when he retired back in the mid 90s (in fact, he had told me this most of our marriage that we would retire in Mexico, Spain, or Argentina... but life happened and in '95, he changed his mind) yet I had waited to do missions work here and was sure that God had called me to Mexico back in a Spanish class trip from high school, so this has laid heavily upon my heart for years to be here. But maybe there was more work to be done in my home, in my marriage, through my church or other short term mission trips. After all, missionaries are sent out in twos and usually husband and wives (families) go together but mine is a unique situation, Lord... my husband does not believe that Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life... he believes that church is nothing more than another social organization. However, since 6th grade I had been waiting to do this calling on my life and preparing for this day. Disappointment and disillusion and maybe even doubt crept in to deter what God purposed in me. Or did I get this all wrong, God?
From '96 until 2009, I had a Mexican friend join me somewhat in this journey. But not committed as I was, yet a great help to me living here in Mexico and making the necessary trips to the border for permits, etc. a bit more safe for me. That ended in Dec. of 2009. Since then, other friends have helped, like you all... but no one person was here as a friend to make those trips, which keep getting longer, more dangerous, more problems along the way and I'm getting older and less able in so many ways. God has shown me that He is my pilot and He is here with me, as My Friend, my Guide, my Provider, my Everything... so I remain. I seek a fresh anointing... a refilling of His Spirit. I expect great happenings this year as I reflect His Light! (my new Word for 2012 if you've missed that)!
2.I definitely went on this journey, without knowing all the details. And my husband has remained faithful in providing for my monthly costs, which makes him my sponsor or partner somewhat without knowing all the details either, yet I believe God still requires more of him and more of me although we are separated in more than just the distance. I trust God with the details. Now I just need to fine tune my listening skills because I know God is working on me and pray that He is continuing to work on him. I stepped out in faith and I continue in faith, doing my part, with all of my heart, I lean into Him.
3.When we arrived at the 3rd point of this sermon "not giving up when it's not like you expected" God got my full attention. My ears perked up and my heart followed quickly. I thought about the "magi" making this trip, following the night skies, watching and looking for the Bright Star that would point out the place. I recall many nights trusting in that Bright Morning Star along my journey also. He shines so much brighter when you are seeking Him in the pitch darkness of either the night or your life journey. If you've been in the dark, you know what the Light brings. Hope, warmth, acceptance, significance, security, growth, freedom.
4.The most important part was when Pastor Denyes mentioned to "look for the King" in your current situation. That I needed to hear and grab hold of...how about you? Can you see the King? My purpose is to worship my King and follow what He purposes still in my life! The wonderful power of the Holy Spirit keeps me focused on God's plan and purpose for me but He has asked us to make our journey and be in fellowship, not try to make it "on our own". I no longer want to be deceived or walk in deception of others. I want to keep my distance from darkness, yet it is in this darkness that my light must shine. Mexico has become ruthless in the fight against corruption and cartels (reminds me of Herod's time) yet from the news I catch from back in the USA, there are many ruthless battles going on there as well. Can I see the King? Can I hear from the King? This is my personal desire this new year of 2012 to see and hear my King in every thing I set out to do and every way I travel just to touch the hem of His garment and know He's there, He cares, He's with me in this, He's guiding my steps and making a way. No camels, no entourage, no regal wardrobe, no expensive extras; just me and my King!
5.
Finally, I arrive at the point that I wanted to write about... the value of the GIFT! With as much as I have written already however, even trying to be brief, not possible 'cuz... I could go on and on about the value of the GIFT!
It is Priceless and that is what I hope to convey to many here in MX or wherever God wants me. I truly cannot put into words just how priceless and valuable His Gift to me has been or is...
I treasure and cherish the value of His GIFT so much, that I must continue to seek and share the greatest GIFT ever given to human kind... Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I am nothing, I have nothing... life is meaningless and so hard but with Him, all things are possible, I am something of value, I have all that He provides through His grace and I depend on His Provision. It does not mean that my life will no longer be hard or have difficulties, but I have Him and His assurance, His guidance, His promises, His Word to meet each one with Him and His help. This Gift is a gift that keeps on giving!
I must increase my understanding and role that God has given me and what part of this Gift, He wants me to share and where, according to His will. I do not have gold, frankincense or myrrh (can't even play a drum and have trouble with my tambourine) but I can offer virtue, prayer and any suffering for His Name's sake and shine my light into the darkness of another's life. I must see with His eyes and hear with His heart and move in His Spirit, not my own or another. This GIFT was very costly for Our Heavenly Father, Our Lord Jesus gave His every thing for you and me! God has given me and you resources/treasures that we can bring to the King! But the greatest Gift we can give is ourselves. We all have things that we value, whether economical or sentimental. Yet God treasures His ordinary people, flawed and imperfect, so in need of His Grace... and He wants us to follow Him in humility and repentance that comes as we follow Christ as His disciples. The treasure is to walk with Christ and experience a deeper relationship with Him as we present ourselves completely to Him. We need to develop a rich and satisfying relationship that brings real JOY for us and our loved ones! A lasting JOY! One that is our eternal JOY! May each one come to know Him...
Isaiah 9:6-7
God is with us"Emmanuel"
Can you even wrap your head around this concept?God, Divinity with me... awesome!
* Although I'm not linking up with them yet, this is the closest I've come to this, but I'd like to direct you to "Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday" even though it's Tues., the links are there and you can link up until Weds. midnight with Graceful. Then there's the special round up on Thurs. that Michelle DeRusha does (host and author at Graceful).
BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF MONDAY'S POST!

MONDAY MANNA

2012-01-02T00:00:00.013-07:00

God Promises for JANUARYfrom365promises.com

I could not think of a better way to start the NEW YEAR of 2012 than with continuing in the beautiful Promises of God's Word from 365promises from Barry Adams, the creator and originator of the Father's Love Letter. I don't know if his site will just continue with the videos that are available for every month, but since I did not start at the beginning of last year with them, I wanted to start this year 2012 focusing on all the Promises written to us in God's Love Letter to us.

The Promises of God could be used for your daily reading plan, or even a list to choose verses for Memorization. I have been using them to help me focus my faith.
This is what I do on Fridays with FAITH FOCUS. I hope you will consider joining us this year on every Fri. choosing a PROMISE to Focus your Faith on... either by sharing on your blog or just come and choose and write in the comments one of the paraphrased Bible promises for everyday life... starting with

Promise #1 for Jan. 1st from Malachi 3:6

January Promises - 31 Promises

Malachi 3:1; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 33:11; Genesis 1:27-28; Ephesians 1:4-5; Colossians 1:12-13; John 3:16;
*************************************************************************
Galatians 4:6; Galatians 3:29; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 2:13; Psalm 23:2; John 3:34;
************************************************************************
Psalm 37:24; Hebrews 13:20-21; Proverbs 3:11-12;
2 Corinthians 12:9; Numbers 6:24; Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 97:10;
*************************************************************************
1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Psalm 84:11; Psalm 146:9; Psalm 116:6; Romans 8:37;
*************************************************************************
1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 13:43; Joshua 23:1

Promise #2 for Jan. 2nd from Psalm 103:8 These are available daily along with a devotion and the KJV of the Bible verse. This is a great way to start out each morning with God. So for this Fri., we'll be looking at the first 7 verses as the Promises that we choose one to FOCUS on...
Thank You Father for these first two verses for the start of this year of 2012. You are the Lord, Our God that never changes... the same yesterday, today and forever. You are full of mercy and grace. And such an aMazing Grace it is! You overflow with love... and I seek more of You and Your love flowing through me this year to others. I truly want to reflect Your Light in the dark places this year.
May I be an open window for the reflection of Your Light, Your Life and Your Love! Help me to find Promises that give me Hope along the way, build my Faith and reach out to others with Your Love and Peace through Christ Jesus! Shine ON!
NOTE: I won't be around much at least for these first 21 days (see Vimeo in the right side bar) plus my computer crashed on me twice now and I need to take care of my Immigration stuff this month as well. I have some posts prescheduled but not many after the first week... WFW, Faith Focus Friday, and SOAKING on SONday ... maybe MONDAY MANNA... will be my accountability for being in God's Word, memorizing or just following my reading plans... or alternate with Moore4Monday in between, we'll see)

BEGINNING ... 2012 ... with SOS

2012-01-01T00:00:00.028-07:00

*if you missed my last post in 2011, please take the time to read it and be blessed

Welcome back to SOAKING ON SONday! Where we soak in any of these:

SCENE:

"Beginning a Perfect Day" by Thomas Kinkade (known as Painter of Light)

SCRIPTURE:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

JESUS

LIGHT of THE WORLD

andHIS LOVEis the onlyanswerSONG: Dan Seals Sheila Walsh sings this song also but I chose this one for the SCENES but I heard Cindy Morgan also did a remake Sheila has another one actually called "Light of the World"

SERMON?: The reason I'm pointing this out, besides liking her voice singing these songs, is for two reasons: First, because this was a secular song and both Sheila and I must have seen "JESUS as the LIGHT of the World" in these lyrics and that His "LOVE is the Answer"! Second, this is my WORD for 2012... LIGHT! The first song that came into my mind was this one... well, not the whole song, only that phrase, "Light of the world shine on me, Love is the answer..." and I could not think or find any Christian song with that line so when I 'googled' that line... here was this song from the 70's that I'm sure I heard often on the radio. You might be thinking that this is not a very good choice to start 2012... but listen to the words and how Jesus being the LIGHT makes the difference. Even the opening of Paradise which we know is with Him. He spoke Light into the world and created Paradise!Much moreLIGHTto come! The Message writes John 8:12 this way:
"I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in." As the title of the painting "Beginning a Perfect Day" by Thomas Kinkade, was the beginning of my inspiration for my WORD for 2012 I add, let this first day be "the beginning of a perfect year" in the Light of Jesus Christ, as the Light reflects through us in the darkness of this world with LOVE (His Love) as the answer... So in 2012Let's LET HIS LIGHT shineon us, in us and through us! JOIN USby
sharing
A

scene, song or scripture

(or any combination)
It's simple

just keep it simple!
share something we can soak in that reflects
the
SON

* SOS posts Sat. at 6pm
than I move it forward to Sun.
to
SOAK On SONday
and
visit all the others later in the week as time permits

[you can find the current week's LINKY in the SOS page up at the top throughout the week]
As long as this is a small group, I hope you make it a point to visit and encourage each participant, if we grow larger than 10, than try to at least visit the one before and after you... so as you LINK up, you are committing to honor this!

JOY for the Journey ~ 7b

2011-12-31T15:00:00.003-07:00

The Joy of Friendship

My JOY JOURNEY would not be complete without this JOY! I can't even imagine entering 2012 without letting you all know that I indeed am blessed by our friendship via internet through the vehicle of blogging. Many of you, are much more than friends, I am privileged to call you my sisters in Christ. To have found this avenue for me to be in touch with other Christian women means the world to me. I so needed to once again enJoy English speaking friends that know and love Jesus like I do. I love my Spanish speaking friends, but I was beginning to feel a bit isolated or exiled. You each are an answer to my prayers and I believe God chose you and you were hand picked. Who would have known that our paths would cross and you would become such a part of my every day life, thoughts, prayers and embedded in my heart as if we've known each other in person forever... but we will some day.

"A friend is someone who accepts you - warts, wrinkles, weight and all - unconditionally." Joy for the Journey

I did not need this precious book to tell me about the JOYS of FRIENDSHIP for they are almost as endless as Our dear Lord's love and friendship. I could write pages about the JOYs of FRIENDSHIP and SIESTAs (sistas... sisters in Christ) (because, of course, down here "siestas" are times to sleep... one letter away from fiestas) and trust me, if I was to meet any of you in person, we would not get much sleep, it would be more like one grand fiesta. Well, we won't need to sleep when we do meet, for it will be at one of the grandest Fiestas of our lives in our eternal life... I would not want any of us or our loved ones to miss that!!! So on to what this part PROMISES:

2 Kings 4:8-10

PROMISES
... about enJoying Friendship

Proverbs 17:17; 1 John 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:26; Hebrews 13:1-2

... about needing each other
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Matthew 12:50;
1 Corinthians 12:12-12

... about God's colorful creation
Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6;
Philippians 2:1-2

... about giving to others
Luke 6:38; Proverbs 31:20; Proverbs 28:27;
Psalm 82:3-4

... about serving others
John 13:34-35; Matthew 20:27-28; Galatians 5:13

... about reaching beyond ourselves
1 John 3:16-17; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 18:5

... to help you love others
John 15:13; 1 Corinthians16:14; 1 John 4:7

... to help you avoid comparisons
1 Corinthians 1:27; John 15:12; 1 Peter 1:22

... about the JOY of fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:7

I have found thisin each of YOUwho have investedyourselfyour timeyour wordsyour friendshipin meI am blessed beyond measureThank you!Happy New Year!please listen to the words of this songWishing you "JOY in the JOURNEY"
Michael Card
MY WORDfor 2012(shhhh, don't tell if you know)
Of course, I have a post scheduled for Midnight, but if y'all miss it,"A NEW YEAR'S PRAYER FOR YOU" by Wendy BlightA Blessed and Happy New Year!(I should have taken the time to write my own prayer for youbut know that I am praying for each of you by nameas my FRIEND and/or SISTERS in Christ!)

*Part 2 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ 7a

2011-12-31T06:00:00.110-07:00

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

THE JOY of LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS

(upbeat and lively)

Joy with Newsboys

"There is so much beauty around us, if we will only take the time to notice it" ~ Joy for the Journey

Luke 10:38-42

PROMISES...
... to help you savor each moment
... to help you recapture each JOY
... to help you look for beauty
... to help you behold the beauty of God
... about finding light for the path
... to help you find JOY in your work
... to help you live by God's priorities in God's Presence
... to help you understand your emotions
... to help you accept your body cycles

Promises found in God's Word, the Bible,... His Love Letter to you ...for each of Life's Little Moments(correlated with each one above)Matthew 6:34; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Psalm 34:8-10Proverbs 2:10-12; Matthew 5:5-6; Ephesians 5:1-2Ecclesiastes 3:11-12; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 29:2Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 27:4Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 48:14Colossians 3: 23; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 14:23; Psalm 29:111 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 10:29; Colossians 3:12; Ecclesiastes 9:10Psalm 100: 2-3; Psalm 102:1-2; 1 Peter 5:6-7Ecclesiastes 3:1-4; Psalm 139:14-15
What's one little moment that has impacted your life with JOY? Why?
How can you share that JOY with others to help them in their journey?Have you started sharing your journey of JOY?Have you taken a moment todayto seek the beauty around youthat God has placed therejust for your JOY?Share your JOY with meJesus and others
RememberYOUR JOY is CONTAGIOUSBe JOYful!JESUS OTHERS YOU
JOY TO THE WORLDis JESUS livingthrough OTHERS to YOUthrough YOU to OTHERSshining His Light for His Kingdom

For the Beauty Let us give Him thanks!

*Part 1 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD

2011-12-30T00:00:00.204-07:00

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

THE JOY of PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD

Each Friday, I set aside, a time away with God (it's our date) ... and I believe with my whole heart, it is this time well spent that has helped me the most on my journey. Not denying, that the other topics covered and the important ones left to come, are not contributing factors in JOY for our journeys... it's just that this devoted special time, where I try my very best to shut off (including tv and internet) myself from all else and focus just on Him, then on each of the many prayer needs of so many with Fearless Friday and/or Lighthouse of Prayer as well as ministries here and around the world. Ones that God impresses upon my heart for that week or day.

It isn't that Friday, is the only day I pray or seek God or read His Word, that's a daily venture... it's placing Him as the most important part of my day for that day in every way, which gears me up for ministry, on either Fri. evening or throughout the weekend and week. It is time well spent listening to His voice, hopefully hearing Him and allowing His Spirit to fill me once again. Sometimes, I have to do this on other days also, especially in my up hill journey to escape the valleys...

I
need
to lift
my eyes
'unto the hills'
to get my footing
solid and

look up rather than down,

look to Him rather than others,

look forward rather than backwards,

look intently rather than look around,

look for joy rather than despair.

This I find in prayer!

He sets my feet
on higher ground and
keeps me dancing

in His Joy!

*"To walk with God, we must make it a practice to talk with God."

1 Samuel 1:2, 10, 11, 20, 24-28

*PROMISES...

1) to help you Praise God
Psalm 149:1; Psalm 106:1-2; Psalm 113:3

2) about the Joy of Solitude and Silence
Psalm 4:4-5; Psalm 46:10; Lamentations 3:25-26

3) to help you Trust God
Isaiah 65:24; Isaiah 26:3-4; Isaiah 12:2

4) about Worshiping God
Psalm 29:1-2; Psalm 95:6-7; John 4:23-24

5) to keep Your Focus on God
Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 11:2-4; 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

6) about Asking Hard Questions
Hebrews 4:15-16; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Proverbs 19:8

7) about Praying for God's Work
1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

8) about Moving God through Prayer
1 John 5:14-15; Psalm 86:6-7; Psalm 6:8-9

9) to help you Pray Daily
Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Psalm 119:164

10) about Gaining Perspective from God's Word
Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:105; Romans 10:17;
Mark 4:20

11) about Being Refreshed by God's Word
Psalm119:103; Psalm 19:7-8,10

12) about Sabbath Rest
Psalm 37:7; Exodus 31:15; Joshua 1:8

Part of my Friday Focus also has been building my FAITH FOCUS through God's Promises, made available at 365promises.com with beautiful photos, short devotions and paraphrasing a scripture as a Promise spoken to us by God. The above promises and this full week of my Joy journey has some wonderful Promises also from God's Word that we can focus on as well (maybe they are some of the same ones). It is in digging into Scriptures of God's Word that we are able to find JOY or whatever we may be seeking and claim those promises right from His Word. His Word does not fail nor will it return void if we claim these promises and make them into our prayers.

*Part 4 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ HOPE, COURAGE, COMFORT

2011-12-29T00:00:00.209-07:00

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

FINDING JOY IN HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT

"From the winds and rains of adversity comes abundant growth and a beautiful life." ~ "Joy for the Journey"

Genesis 21:14-19

*PROMISES about ...

1) Growing through Adversity

1 Peter 4:12-13; Psalm 138:7; 2 Corinthians 2:14

2) helping you Trade Hurt for Wholeness

Psalm 34:18-19; Matthew 11:28-29; Isaiah 35:10

3) Forgiving Others

Mark 12:30-31; Ephesians 4: 32; 1 Timothy 6:11;

Matthew 5:7

4) Struggling through Heartache

Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 138:3; Isaiah 58:11

5) helping you Be/Become Strong in the Broken Places

Psalm 57:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 138:8

6) helping when you Walk through Deep Waters

Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 56:8, 11

7) Seeking Shelter in God

Psalm 17:8; Psalm 113:7,9; Psalm 27:5

8) helping you Wait Patiently

Psalm 130:6; James 1:2-4; James 5: 7-8

9) helping you Find Safety in God

Psalm 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Joshua 24:17

10) Learning God's Lessons

Joshua 1:9; Psalm 61:1; Psalm 86:3-4

11) Remembering God's Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 89:2; 1 Corinthians 1:9

12) Resting in God's Peace

Philippians 4:6-7; John14:27; Jude 1-2

In this "valley" that I have spent far too much time in, I have been struggling to overcome and rely on the tools of HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT, when I find myself without His JOY.
Yes, sometimes I may even have been hopeless, lacked courage, and wallowed in distress even when I knew that I was blessed, I was in this "pit" ... not so much having a "pity party" but searching to rise above and soar. The only source that gives me "hind's feet" for the high places, comes from the Word of God and the Presence of His Holy Spirit, who is my Comforter, breathing HOPE and COURAGE into this wandering pilgrim seeking the higher ground. I seek my shelter in God and steady my feet on Him, my Solid Rock. I desire to grow through any adversity, and trade hurt for wholeness! I want to learn each and every lesson God wants/ed to teach me through my circumstances. I no longer want to struggle with heartache or brokenness or drown in deep waters. I will wait patiently as I find my safety in God. I rest in God's peace and will never forget His Great Faithfulness to me. Fortunately, forgiving others is a grace that He gives me easily as I need His forgiveness so often that I readily forgive others, even ones responsible for the pain and heartache or no longer around to let them know I forgive... I have forgiven.
Yes, these are the Promises and the place I linger far too often, but I am learning to press on and find my JOY in HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT! It's not easy to grow in that place of adversity, whatever the circumstance, we can find that JOY from within... and with HOPE in Him, His Courage and His Comfort we begin.
Thank You, Lord! Thank You for helping me every step of every day! Thank You for encouraging me and sending others to lift my spirit when I was faltering. Thank You for fresh manna that restores my soul and gives me the strength to keep seeking You first and foremost. You are my Hope! You are my Courage! You are my Comfort! You are my Strength! Yes, Lord, the Joy of You is my strength for each new day! Joy is of the heart! You reign in mine!

*Part 5 in "Joy for the Journey" book

My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience

2011-12-28T00:00:00.015-07:00

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

My Word for 2011

Seeking to fill my life with JOY still in this last week of 2011

*FINDING JOY in CONTENTMENT and OBEDIENCE

Luke 1:26-28, 29-31

[source]"Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,and shalt call His name Jesus." Luke 1:31
No greater example of obedience and contentmentthan Mary, the chosen mother of Jesus Christ.Mary made saying"Yes" to God's love a conscious habitLuke 1:38As you read the list of Promises below, just check how Maryexemplifies this in her life, how 'bout you? Do you?

*PROMISES ...

1) about Living in Obedience

Galatians 6:9; 1 Kings 8:61; Jeremiah 51:10

2) to help you gain self confidence

Isaiah 43:7; Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-12

3) about paring down our schedules

Psalm 143:10; Micah 4:2; John 1:16; Proverbs 31:30

4) to help you choose tranquility

Philippians 4:8; John 14:1-3

5) to help you praise God all the time

Psalm 126:5; 1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 89:15; Psalm 147:1

6) about being content

1 Timothy 6:6-8; Ecclesiastes 3:14; James 3:17

7) to help you reflect Christ's humility

Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Proverbs 22:4

8) to help you change your outlook

Proverbs 14:26-27; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 84:11

9) about chasing away pride

Proverbs 13:10; Psalm 22:26; Proverbs 23:4-5; Psalm131:1

10) about delighting in God's love

Psalm 25:4-5; Isaiah 58:14; Psalm 145:2

Honestly, this is probably the most difficult one for me in finding JOY in these: contentment and obedience (and it would have to fall on Weds.). Don't get me wrong, I have learned much about being content and willingly obeying, in fact, gladly obeying... but it still does not mean that either comes easily. The mind and spirit are willing but the flesh is weak, especially when I'm at home, where I should show it the most. Someone thinks that I complain about everything... I sure hope not.

* "Perspective is all about how we choose to see things."

I'm so thankful that God not only looks at the heart, but He sees my heart and the difference in my USA living vs. my current living and knows I've learned to be content with little. Not that THAT makes one content. But trust me, if you have trouble with contentment and/or obedience, just be a missionary (long or short term) in a 3rd world country, you will quickly learn and be thankful for so much more of the small things. I guess I'm not quite a "Mary" yet.
"The definition of contentment from a biblical perspective is: “An internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances” - Holman Bible Dictionary"
"Contentment and patience are difficult because they are so contrary to fallen humanity and how we naturally think even after we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. It takes constant renewal in the Word, fellowship with the Lord, and growth through struggle to change." ... Bible.org on "Waiting on the Lord"
Obedience in the Christian Life involves listening; receptivity; spontaneity; liberty
Reflective questions to consider:How do you find joy in contentment?How do you find joy in obedience?Is it difficult or easy for you? Which is easier? Why?
Since it's Wednesday, there'sMOREWORD FILLED WEDS.at theInternet Cafe Devotions

*Part 8 in "Joy for the Journey" - Promises, scripture references and quote are taken from this book, which I am doing for this last week of 2011 for my WordJOYJoy posts so far this week:
My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience (today)
My JOY Journey ~ Positive Living (T)
My JOY Journey ~ God's Plan (M)
My JOY Journey: The Beginning of the End (S)
Joy posts yet to come My JOY Journey ~ HOPE, COURAGE, COMFORT (Th)My JOY Journey ~ PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD (F) My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS (Sat am)My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of FRIENDSHIP (Sat pm)

My JOY Journey ~ Positive Living

2011-12-27T00:00:00.136-07:00

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

FINDING JOY in POSITIVE LIVING

or as some writeLiving Intentionally

"No matter how bad things are, no one can force you

to have a bad attitude"

Joshua 2: 1-4, 7-9, 12-13

*PROMISES

from God's Word

to help you or about:

1) Choosing a Positive Attitude

Romans 15:13; Isaiah 55:12; Romans 8:28

2) Refreshed by Simplicity

John 12:25; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

3) Speaking Words of Wisdom

Proverbs 15:1-2; James 3:2; Proverbs 16:23-24

4) Waiting with Hope

Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 6:11-12; Psalm 27:14

5) Refusing Misery

Psalm 138:7; Isaiah 63:7a; Romans 8:31-32

6) Rejoicing

Habakkuk 3:18; Luke 1:46-47; Philippians 4:4;

Psalm 126:3

7) Finding Good in every Circumstance

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Proverbs 16:7; Revelation 22:14

8) Seeking Positive Solutions

Proverbs 19:20; Ecclesiastes 9:1; 1Peter 2:9

9) Looking for Laughter and Joy

2 Chronicles 29:30; Jeremiah 33:10-11; Proverbs 15:13;

Psalm 144:15

10) Changing Your Focus

Job 12:9-10; Proverbs 31:30; Hebrews 12:2

... "Don't gaze at your problems while you only glance at the Lord.Get life in focus!Gaze at the Lord - Behold Himand all your problems won't cause you to grow weary and loose heart."~ Joni Eareckson Tada ~"Seeking God"
I wonder Lord, am I living positively for You or for me? Am I living internationally according to Your plan or with purpose and intention with all You have given me? I choose to have a positive attitude. I will be refreshed in simplicity and humble means. I want to speak words of wisdom and find good in every circumstance. Will You help me? I am waiting with HOPE! I'm refusing misery... misery loves company, but I want no part of it instead I will rejoice, looking for laughter and JOY around every corner as I seek positive solutions.
I am changing my focus! I will focus my faith on Your promises in Your Word, as I seek You, I will behold and reflect more fully Your image daily. I will gaze long into Your face, and not even glance at my problems. I will get my life in focus as I behold and fix my gaze on You. And in doing this, I will not grow weary or loose heart, because Your Word promises me Your power and strength and love!Thank You for helping me to live more positively and be more intentional in what I do and say, think and feel, live and learn from You through Your Word !

Here's a great way to start 2012LIVING INTENTIONALLYYou can't live more positively than followingMORE TO BEwith Elisa's 5P'sCheck it out!

*Part 7 from "Joy for the Journey" mentioned in first post of My Joy Journey!