Thursday, May 28, 2009

Stepping Up! A journey....

Tonight, I really began to get into my new Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent! I'm excited.... can I say how much I love her teaching and what she brings out of the Word! Wow.

So here are a few thoughts that touched me tonight:

The first "Today's Treasure" was: "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me." Psalm 120:1

Beth has asked that we spend at least a little bit of our day, face down in the floor, praying to our GOD. To demonstrate to Him reverence and surrender.... what a humbling thing for me.

I love this quote by John Calvin: .... I have been accustomed to calling this book (Psalm) 'An Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul'.... meaning... there is every emotion we can possibly feel somewhere in this book! I think that is so true.... I've always loved Psalms because I can find one for every situation, every feeling, ever time in my life. One of them just "fits". Always.

Another great quote from the study was that God's first priority is a relationship with us... not just an emergency response. I love this, but was convicted of it too.... How often does my time in prayer and seeking MORE of Him, come when I need a 911 call? How much more does He long to have an intimate relationship with me... in the good and the bad!

So far the first Psalm we have walked through is Psalm 120... and it is just amazing how this one tonight really touched on something I'm dealing with in my life.

In this Psalm... David is calling out in distress... He is distressed about the terrible people he is living in the midst of. He is miserable because of some of the people who are causing him stress, etc. Beth points out, that we have people in our life on a regular basis who do not put a high priority on integrity... they play dirty and cause trouble. But part of our "ascent" to getting closer to God, and who He wants us to be... requires that we take the high road.

Is there anyone out there who agrees... the high road is sometimes REALLY hard!?! I know right now in my personal life, there is a family member who... well... you know what I mean. And I confess, I've found myself falling to that persons "way"... Lord, forgive me and help me to take the high road. I know that you will deal with the "yuck" in your own way.... I just have to give the same grace to this person as you would for me... even if it's really hard!

I also learned that Psalm 142: 1-2 gives me permission to give God my complaints... and tell Him my troubles. He already knows... but it's ok for me to hash it all out with Him... instead of duping it on someone else.

Ok... that's my thoughts for tonight.

Tomorrow... moving on to my FAVORITE Psalm of all times... Psalm 121!!!!!

Monday, May 25, 2009

God bless American... Land that I love...

stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above....

Today I am so very thankful for all those men and women who have served this country. To those who died, we will remember. To those who were wounded, we pray for you. For those who served with honor, we salute you.

Our country is still a great place. But we cry out for God to be merciful to us. As decisions and choices are being made that violate Hiw will and plan for us, may God be patient. I pray that those who truly serve the God of all Creation, would stand up and make a difference. Let your voice be heard, before it is silenced forever.

I am also so thankful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for the ultimate sacrifice given for me and for all. My freedom in Christ is the most important freedom I have been given. I worship and adore you King Jesus. You are worthy of my praise forever.

Friday, May 22, 2009

So things have been

crazy and chaotic. Lot's of changes going on in our household. Good mostly, some not so good, but part of life. Some days I would love to know what God was trying to teach me through some of this. Am I a slow learner or something! Wow...

I know that God is always faithful. I know that He always keeps His promise. I know He sees beyond what we ever can. I know that my trust must be in Him... I KNOW all of this.

I just wish that in the flesh, it wasn't so hard to do it!

Ah well more later. I'll be starting a new Bible study next week... so I'll be sharing more.

Blessings to all!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Life has been so busy...

I have neglected my blog. Sorry to those few who read it. :)

So today, I am just going to share a wonderful promise from the Lord! And I will be back to share more soon!

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17