HOW GREAT THOU ART

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk&feature=player_embedded


Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood performing "How Great Thou Art"

Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested. Since the Bible contains over 400 verses about time, we can safely assume that time management is important to God. In fact, it is a spiritual discipline that helps determine the rate of growth and maturity of our faith. We not only need to view time as an eternal investment, but as an immediate one as well. One of the most valuable investments we can make is to spend time in solitude.    
I once read an African proverb, “Lord Jesus, make my heart sit down.” Solitude is deliberately and diligently setting aside time to “sit down” at the feet of Jesus. It is in those still, quiet moments of solitude at His feet that we can more clearly hear God speak and gain strength and wisdom for the journey ahead. In order to practice solitude, we must learn how to budget time.    
It’s been said that women must balance their time more carefully than men because women don’t have wives. The fact is that we are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Time is a precious gift. Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use. If we use it in the wrong way, that time is lost forever and cannot be reclaimed. Time that is not purposely and wisely budgeted will inevitably gravitate to our weaknesses and be stolen by others or wasted on the unimportant. We must budget time, just as Jesus did. 
Luke 2:52“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (NIV).

At any time of the day or night we can call on Jesus.
He is always waiting, listening for our call.
What a wonderful blessing.
No phone needed, no e-mails, just a whisper.

Thank You, Lord, for arranging the circumstances of my life so that I must stop and rest and sit at Your feet in quiet solitude. Thank You for the healing I find there. Thank You for the new truth and redefined purpose for my life. Help me apply the truths I find under the Juniper tree ( like Elijiah) and then give me the strength and determination to share Your plan of deliverance with those who need your restoration.

Psalm 62

  I don’t understand the cruelty I read in the papers and hear on the news.  I am confused at the angry attitudes of drivers with road rage. I don’t understand how an adult could harm a child. In confusion, I look to my heavenly Father and say, “What do I do?”

But then God reminds me that I will never feel at home here on earth, because I am an alien, a foreigner.  My true citizenship is in heaven and I’m just a foreign exchange student here for a short while.  I am not home yet.

The Bible tells us that we are citizens of heaven.  Our lives may be grand here on earth, but there will always be a longing that goes unmet while our feet are on this ground.  That is because we were made for heaven!  There will come a day when we will be completely at home, at rest, and at peace.  Until then, just remember, we are aliens and strangers in this world where we temporarily live.

Sometimes it is easy to read about Adam and Eve’s failure in the garden and think to ourselves, How could they have been so disobedient?  But in reality, this is not Adam and Eve’s story alone.  It is our story as well.  We make decisions daily that dishonor God or honor God.  We disobey, take charge of our own lives, and become Lord of our own ring.  Then like Eve, we try to cover up our shame and even attempt to hide from God.

Do you know the first question God asked in the Bible? After Adam and Eve cowered in the bushes, hiding from God, He asked – Where are you?  God knew exactly where they were, what they had done, and how the enemy had tricked them.  However, He decided to remain in relationship with them and begin the process of restoration which was completed on Calvary’s cross.  He asks the same question of us today when we attempt to hide…Where are you?

 I think “but God” are two of most beautiful words in Scripture.  The Bible says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  When did we become sinners?  The first time we sinned?  No, we were born sinners and that sin is what separated us from God.  While we were yet sinners, He became the perfect sacrifice for us, not to cover our sin, but to cleanse us forever – once and for all.  Salvation Army Officer, John Allen once said, “I deserved to be damned in hell, but God interfered.” God interfered, intervened, and intercepted our death sentence. He sent His Son, who paid the penalty for our sin and all we have to do to receive the pardon is to accept His wonderful gift.

How do we receive the gift? “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus as Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).  When you accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, you are freed from the penalty of sin (spiritual death and eternal separation from God) and He gives you a new living spirit. Someone once said, “Salvation is moving from living death to deathless life.”

“All this is from God who reconciled us [joined us back together] to himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP).  Once there was a Christian group who sang a song with a line that said, “There’s a bridge to cross the great divide.” However, when they were recording, someone sang, “There’s a cross to bridge the great divide.”  Suddenly, they realized that they had not made a mistake at all.  We were separated from God because of sin, but He sent His Son to die on Calvary’s cross to bridge the great divide. 

Why did God do this for us? “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). The Greeks had three words for life: bios (life of the body), psyche (life of the soul), and zoe (life of the spirit).  Guess which word for life is in John 3:16?  Zoe – life of the spirit!  When you become a Christian, your spirit is reborn and you become a brand new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).  We were crucified with Christ and now we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 5:20 NIV).

What about those glaring needs that cropped up as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden? What about feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that so many struggle with today?  Here’s what the Bible says: “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so, through one act of righteousness, there resulted justification of life to all men” (Romans 5:18,19 NASB). All were condemned because of Adam’s disobedience and all who accept Jesus are freed because of Christ’s obedience.  At the moment of your salvation, everything mankind lost when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden was returned to you in Jesus Christ.  Once again you have:

Significance because of who you are in Christ.
Safety and Security because of what you have in Christ.
A sense of belonging because of where you are in Christ.

Your glaring needs have been fulfilled and transformed into your glowing attributes.  The question is, why don’t we act like our needs have been fulfilled?  Why do we continue to struggle with feelings of shame, fear, loneliness, and rejection?  Why do we continue to try to get our needs met by our own means? Because even though our spirits are changed in an instant, our minds must be renewed, our wills must come under the control of the Holy Spirit, and our emotions must be reprogrammed.

It’s a process…

It has been said that the truest prayer is when I am utterly open to God, unprotected, defenseless, trusting. The best and simplest prayer is summed up when I say, ‘Here I am, O Lord, and just as I am’. It is the prayer where I open my heart, my whole being, in childlike trust, in simplicity. I simply entrust myself to Christ, who is always there for me. And I can do that, because I know I will be received in love. But such a prayer is in fact a response to what is being done towards me. First and foremost, there is the whole mystery of God’s openness to me, God’s vulnerability before me, in the self-giving of Jesus. This is the amazing thing.
The greatest reality in my prayer is God’s openness towards me, God’s childlike giving of himself into my hands in Jesus. The truth is here, and expressed in Paul’s hymn in the Letter to the Philippians about God’s self-giving in Christ, when he tells us that Jesus ‘emptied himself’, and also ‘humbled himself’ for us (Philippians 2:7, 8). Much could be said on this but the central thing is that God’s innermost heart is opened to me in love, through the person of Jesus. In my moment of stillness, therefore, Jesus is looking on me in love - and, further, becomes poor and vulnerable for me. Such is the way of true love, after all. And so my prayer becomes none other than a loving response in simplicity and childlike trust. Someone is saying to me, ‘Here I am for you’, and so I can say in turn, ‘And here I am, O Lord, and as I am, for you’.

JOHN 14:27

Jesus’ righteousness is the most valuable item I have. And it’s the most valuable item you have. He paid for it with His life and gave it to you free of charge. And God has locked it in your spiritual safe; He will never take it away. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me” (John 10:28). Your Bible knowledge, service at church, or your good deeds can fade away; but no one can take Jesus’ righteousness from you. And it is the only thing you need. It will carry you through this life and into Heaven.

What would it be like to be satisfied with less?   What difference would it make ?   To others?  Ask  God's  help  to let go a little more, to trust.

Jesus understands the burdens we carry. During His time on earth, Jesus healed the sick and set the captives free. He established the Church, sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. The church works on His behalf to help us. The Holy Spirit indwells us in order to guide and comfort us and Jesus Himself intercedes for us with the Father. So when Jesus said “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” He really meant it.

What burden do you have? What is weighing you down? Bring it to Jesus. He will comfort and guide you. He will give you rest. Right now, in the midst of that worry or issue or concern, the God of the universe is asking you to turn it over to Him. Let Him work it out in His timing and His perfect way.

Let’s Pray
Lord, I bring my burdens to You, knowing that I can do nothing apart from You and Your power. You know my situation. It is not a surprise to You, Lord. Please fill my heart with Your peace and comfort my soul. Guide me, Father. Give me strength. I give You my burdens; please give me Your rest.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Sometimes I wonder what I might say if I were to meet you in person Lord.I think I might say "Thank You Lord" for always being there for me.I know with certainty there were times when you carried me, Lord.When it was through your strength I got through the dark times in my life.

 NOTHING can make you feel whole like a relationship with God.

Truth is for now. God is not impressed with good intentions. Obedience today is the greatest preparation for every tomorrow. So do what you know to do today! The Proverbs 31 woman did. In fact, Scripture tells us she could “laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25). In other words, this woman fully lived in the present but carefully planned and prepared for the future. Proverbs 31:19 indicates that she made thread with her hands and weaved her own cloth: “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.” Notice she only made thread and cloth – not the finished product of clothes. That was a task for the future. She was simply getting ready today to meet the needs of tomorrow. The result was a life filled with hope and lived out in purpose.

 

God is not foreign to my freedom.
Instead the Spirit breathes life into my most intimate desires,
gently nudging me towards all that is good.
I ask for the grace to let myself be enfolded by the Spirit.

Today’s Truth
Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need; always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NLT).

WILEY'S DICTIONARY

Dear Father, I’ll admit, sometimes I am so busy running around trying to solve my problems, I miss Your provision. Help me to listen to You more closely and see Your provision more clearly.  I don’t want to miss what You have for me today. Help me to sit down and be quiet – to rest in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'        You say you will never forget where you were when          you heard the news On September 11, 2001.  Neither will I.            I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room          with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I          held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the          peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it          is OK..I am ready to go.'          I was with his wife when he called as she fed          breakfast to their children. I held her up as she          tried to understand his words and as she realized          he wasn't coming home that night.          I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a          woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been          knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.          'Of course I will show you the way home - only          believe in Me now.'          I was at the base of the building with the Priest          ministering to the injured and devastated souls.          I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He          heard my voice and answered.          I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,          with every prayer. I was with the crew as they          were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the          believers there, comforting and assuring them that their          faith has saved them.          I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan ,  Afghanistan .          I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.          Did you sense Me?          I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew          every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me          for the first time on the 86th floor.          Some sought Me with their last breath.          Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the          smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take          my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.  But, I was there.          I did not place you in the Tower that day. You          may not know why, but I do. However, if you were          there in that explosive moment in time, would you have          reached for Me?                   Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey          for you. But someday your journey will end. And I          will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may          be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are          'ready to go.'          I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.          God           During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are          doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it          is only 1 minute.) All you have to do is the          following:         Stop and think and appreciate God's power          in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to          Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the          instructions. Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be          ashamed of you before My Father.'          If you are not ashamed, copy and send this message...only          if you believe 'Yes, I love my God. He is my          fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and          night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do         everything. Christ is my strength.'\
              

GOD BLESS AMERICA

The Lord is my light and the one who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid? Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated. If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the Lord (Psalm 27:1-3, NCV).


Let's let God save our country.

You are a child of God. John 1:12
You are justified- completely forgiven. Romans 5:1
You are free from condemnation. Romans 8:1
You have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
You have been made righteous. 2 Corinthians 5:21
You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1:3
You are righteous and holy.  Ephesians 4:24
You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins. Colossians 1:14
You are a dwelling place for Christ. He lives in you. Colossians 1:27
You are complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
You are chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12
You have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
You have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which you are a partaker of God’s divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4
And that, my friend is only the beginning!  Say these verses out loud.  Speak to your soul.  Believe the truth about who you are.  You are more than good enough because of who lives in you and works through you.

Forgiveness is a spiritual truth and principle that, as Christians, we teach, preach and encourage. Forgiveness is also easier said than done. Yet, the very foundation for godly life is integrity. If we cannot forgive, we have no spiritual integrity.

The God who
is before me, who looks at me, calls out to me. God raises me up, so that I can
become truly myself, the one I am meant to be. ‘I have called you by your name,
you are mine’ (Isaiah 47:1). Now, in that calling, there is also God’s
challenge to me: the challenge to emerge from shadows and darkness, to enter
more fully into truthfulness, and live in the light. The holiness and truth of
the God of love challenges me in this way. The prophet Ezechiel realised this
especially. At a time of destruction in Jerusalem and ensuing exile, Ezechiel
was called to absorb the burning word of God, and speak to the devastated
people, to raise them up, and bring them back to a renewed living of faith. He
saw himself therefore as a sentry or watchman to the House of Israel (Ezechiel
3:17-21; 33:7-9). And so it is today. We are called forth to live in the
light, to abide by the truth – the light and truth of God. So whenever I hear
someone calling out prophetically in this way, then their challenge is also a
blessing for me. And in my own heart, in my prayer, the Lord who is present
before me also calls me forth, to live with integrity, and truth, and love. Indeed,
the whole course of my life, and the challenges facing me in it, might be
summed up by those words inscribed on the memorial tablet of Blessed John Henry
Newman (1801-90), ‘Ex umbris et imaginibus in Veritatem.’ - ‘Out of the
shadows and images and into the Truth’.

 Jesus said, “How much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). Jesus wouldn’t have said that if He didn’t mean it. Take a minute right now and ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Ask Him to make you the Christian He wants you to be. You will never regret being filled with His Spirit. It’s the greatest gift of all time.

• So  when you pray just ask :
• God fill me with the Holy spirit.
• We will experience the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

HOW ARE WE TO MEDITATE ???

How are we to meditate?   I have participated in two meditations, but without instruction other than to get comfortable. I try to focus on what I think I should be meditating on, giving thanks to God and all that He and Jesus have done for me, but I found myself being confronted by images and people seeming to try and speak to me. Are these visions evil?  In what manner should we meditate? The word meditate appears in the Bible 14 times. The Bible tells us how to pray, worship, praise, even how to preach, teach and fast. It tells us how not to meditate in Mathew, but I have not found instrutions on how to meditate that is not idolatry. So, what is the focus for a Christian to meditate?

Conversation requires talking and listening.As I talk to Jesus may I also learn to be still and listen.I picture the gentleness in His eyes and the smile full of love as he gazes on me.I can be totally honest with Jesus as I tell Him of my worries and my cares.I will open up my heart to Him as I tell Him of my fears and my doubts.I will ask Him to help me to place myself fully in His care,to abandon myself to Him, knowing that He always wants what is best for me.

I exist in a web of relationships - links to nature, people, God. I trace out these links, giving thanks for the life that flows through them. Some links are twisted or broken: I may feel regret, anger, disappointment.I pray for the gift of acceptance and forgiveness.

WHEN YOU LOSE YOURSELF