Currently I am reading the book The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. Regarless of how much experience you've had in Church this book is a great read! I would recomend it to anyone!
Blessings!
Heather :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Are you being tested?
I have asked myself if I am being tested many times. Yesterday was one of those days and when those days surface it's important to know what The Bible says about it.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 says: “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—3 do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul". (NLT)
I think it's safe to say that we are tested in all areas regarding the condition of our heart. There are several questions I ask myself when I feel I am being tested. I ask myself " Is this is something I would be happy to share with others, or God about". If not, I know that is an indication that I am being tested and that I need to lean on Him for direction. Another question I ask myself is, "what am I learning in this situation" and "can I apply it to helping others"?
I like to remember that God isn't testing me to see what I might do because he already knows all things. He is testing me to strengthen me, so I become more aware of what is in my own heart.
I pray that if you are feeling like you are being Tested today, or if you are struggling in your walk with God that you are able to hear that "still small voice". God is trying to communicate with you! If you have never had a relationship with God. I am including a prayer that you can pray to allow God to work in your life.
"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I find it helpful to journal frequently. It helps me clarify my prayers to God. I also try and read scriptures daily. There are some good resources out there. I have a Bible verse sent to me everyday. You can sign up at www.EverydayBible.com
Be Blessed!
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 says: “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—3 do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul". (NLT)
I think it's safe to say that we are tested in all areas regarding the condition of our heart. There are several questions I ask myself when I feel I am being tested. I ask myself " Is this is something I would be happy to share with others, or God about". If not, I know that is an indication that I am being tested and that I need to lean on Him for direction. Another question I ask myself is, "what am I learning in this situation" and "can I apply it to helping others"?
I like to remember that God isn't testing me to see what I might do because he already knows all things. He is testing me to strengthen me, so I become more aware of what is in my own heart.
I pray that if you are feeling like you are being Tested today, or if you are struggling in your walk with God that you are able to hear that "still small voice". God is trying to communicate with you! If you have never had a relationship with God. I am including a prayer that you can pray to allow God to work in your life.
"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I find it helpful to journal frequently. It helps me clarify my prayers to God. I also try and read scriptures daily. There are some good resources out there. I have a Bible verse sent to me everyday. You can sign up at www.EverydayBible.com
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"IT IS I: BE NOT AFRAID"
Dear Reader,
I often do not get time to blog, but I want you to know that I do want to encourage anyone reading and I hope the little insights I do write about help you as much as they help me. I am not a Pastor, but I hope that the times I reach out that someone is encouraged. If you have any questions feel free to email me. Thanks!
You'll Get Through This Storm
It's when we feel most separated from God, that He's teaching us the most. We are reminded of this when we read Mark 6:47-51 (NKJV).
47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
The lesson here for all of us is that the wilderness is part of our walk with God and just as important as being on the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God's presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by His absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence." God doesn't show up early. Usually He comes at the worst part of the storm ( or in my experience what seems like the last minute) when you feel you can't take any more - but He will always be on time. God takes us through different storms, revealing more of Himself to us in each one. Otherwise there are aspects of His character, and divine strategies we'd never understand. God's presence alone should be enough for us in any storm. The moment He shows up and says , "It is I," Should calm our every fear.
This devotional has been quoted with permission from the The Word For You Today by Cedar Park Assembly of God. You may visit their website by going to www.cedarpark.org
I often do not get time to blog, but I want you to know that I do want to encourage anyone reading and I hope the little insights I do write about help you as much as they help me. I am not a Pastor, but I hope that the times I reach out that someone is encouraged. If you have any questions feel free to email me. Thanks!
You'll Get Through This Storm
It's when we feel most separated from God, that He's teaching us the most. We are reminded of this when we read Mark 6:47-51 (NKJV).
47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. 48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
The lesson here for all of us is that the wilderness is part of our walk with God and just as important as being on the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God's presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by His absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence." God doesn't show up early. Usually He comes at the worst part of the storm ( or in my experience what seems like the last minute) when you feel you can't take any more - but He will always be on time. God takes us through different storms, revealing more of Himself to us in each one. Otherwise there are aspects of His character, and divine strategies we'd never understand. God's presence alone should be enough for us in any storm. The moment He shows up and says , "It is I," Should calm our every fear.
This devotional has been quoted with permission from the The Word For You Today by Cedar Park Assembly of God. You may visit their website by going to www.cedarpark.org
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