07/22/2013
Acts 4:31 (NIV84)
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God bodly.
Don't you love this visual!
The people of God coming together pouring out their hearts to God in prayer-not half hearted bless me and my stuff prayer-but God we need YOU to Move!! We need your presence-Your wisdom-Your direction-Your Will and after they prayed...God shook them up and filled them up and then emptied them out with His message!! God give us the passion to pray like this.
phebee
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
The value of Tears
July 16, 2013
John 11:35 (NIV84) Jesus wept.
There are times that my heart just breaks. I cry so deeply that all I can do is bring my tears to God as an offering. I lift them up to my Father knowing He see's whatever has caused my grief and pain. It can be concern for someone I love, it can be grief over my sin, it can be for the salvation of someone I know, it can be for a burden God has placed on my heart. Sometimes all I have are tears-words will not come-so I lay my tears at Jesus feet and know that He cares.
phebee
John 11:35 (NIV84) Jesus wept.
There are times that my heart just breaks. I cry so deeply that all I can do is bring my tears to God as an offering. I lift them up to my Father knowing He see's whatever has caused my grief and pain. It can be concern for someone I love, it can be grief over my sin, it can be for the salvation of someone I know, it can be for a burden God has placed on my heart. Sometimes all I have are tears-words will not come-so I lay my tears at Jesus feet and know that He cares.
phebee
Friday, July 26, 2013
His Will be done
July 9th, 2013
NIV1984
Psalm 138:8
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 139:16
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:4-5
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, in love He predestined us to be adopted as His Sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Eash day has enough trouble of its own.
God has a purpose and plan for our lives in Christ Jesus. (The bible tells us so.)
phebee
NIV1984
Psalm 138:8
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 139:16
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:4-5
For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, in love He predestined us to be adopted as His Sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Eash day has enough trouble of its own.
God has a purpose and plan for our lives in Christ Jesus. (The bible tells us so.)
phebee
Monday, July 22, 2013
A Beautiful Offering
June 26, 2013
She did what she could. Mark 14:8 (NIV84)
I love this account in the Gospel. The woman took all she had and used it as a sacrificial gift because of her love for Jesus. The people wanted to rebuke her-stating what she was doing was a waste-that she was not being a good steward with her resources. Jesus said it was a beautiful thing and to leave her alone-She was doing what she could do. Don't you love that!! We get so tore up wondering if we are doing enough to please God-how can I do more-how can I give more-and then we have others that ridicule us for giving or doing to much or to little. Jesus say's-your love and devotion to him is a beautiful thing. Do what you can do with what He has given and ENJOY the love of the Savior!
phebee
She did what she could. Mark 14:8 (NIV84)
I love this account in the Gospel. The woman took all she had and used it as a sacrificial gift because of her love for Jesus. The people wanted to rebuke her-stating what she was doing was a waste-that she was not being a good steward with her resources. Jesus said it was a beautiful thing and to leave her alone-She was doing what she could do. Don't you love that!! We get so tore up wondering if we are doing enough to please God-how can I do more-how can I give more-and then we have others that ridicule us for giving or doing to much or to little. Jesus say's-your love and devotion to him is a beautiful thing. Do what you can do with what He has given and ENJOY the love of the Savior!
phebee
Thursday, July 18, 2013
"A beautiful thing"
June 18, 2013
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:10 (NIV84)
Why do we discourage people when they give up something in this life as an offering to God out of love? Why do we try to convince people they are wrong and not being "responsible" when they are willing and have the desire to pour out their lives here on this earth for a greater treasure in Heaven? To honor and glorify the Lord for Who He is. Shouldn't we encourage, support, and desire to be more like people who understand when it comes to Jesus there is no sacrifice. With Him there is only gain.
phebee
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." Matthew 26:10 (NIV84)
Why do we discourage people when they give up something in this life as an offering to God out of love? Why do we try to convince people they are wrong and not being "responsible" when they are willing and have the desire to pour out their lives here on this earth for a greater treasure in Heaven? To honor and glorify the Lord for Who He is. Shouldn't we encourage, support, and desire to be more like people who understand when it comes to Jesus there is no sacrifice. With Him there is only gain.
phebee
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Question
June 11, 2013
"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Matthew 16:15 (NIV84)
How we answer this question is the most important question we will ever answer. Who is Jesus? Who we say He is does not change or take away or add to who He truly is-but it certainly changes everything about who we are based on who we say He is. If we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that He is the Son of God that died for our sins and was raised back to life on the 3rd day by God-then our identity changes into a child of God. If we deny He is the Son of God-then our identity remains a child of darkness.
phebee
"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Matthew 16:15 (NIV84)
How we answer this question is the most important question we will ever answer. Who is Jesus? Who we say He is does not change or take away or add to who He truly is-but it certainly changes everything about who we are based on who we say He is. If we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that He is the Son of God that died for our sins and was raised back to life on the 3rd day by God-then our identity changes into a child of God. If we deny He is the Son of God-then our identity remains a child of darkness.
phebee
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Grace
June 11, 2013
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV84)
In the biggest messes of our life is the greatest opportunity for God's grace to show through.
Grace is not easy-but it is always good.
Grace can be very painful and difficult-but the benefits are priceless.
Thank you Father for your grace in my life. It cost you everything to extend your grace to me-you came into my mess and extended your grace into my deepest need-forgiveness of my sin against you. Thank you Father for taking the high road.
phebee
**that is probally not very theologically sound to say that God took the high road...but in my little finite human mind that was the best I could come up with to describe what God did for me when He placed himself upon a tree to rescue me from my sin, when he didn't have to...He would have been just as right in leaving me to face the judgement of my sin...but He didn't.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV84)
In the biggest messes of our life is the greatest opportunity for God's grace to show through.
Grace is not easy-but it is always good.
Grace can be very painful and difficult-but the benefits are priceless.
Thank you Father for your grace in my life. It cost you everything to extend your grace to me-you came into my mess and extended your grace into my deepest need-forgiveness of my sin against you. Thank you Father for taking the high road.
phebee
**that is probally not very theologically sound to say that God took the high road...but in my little finite human mind that was the best I could come up with to describe what God did for me when He placed himself upon a tree to rescue me from my sin, when he didn't have to...He would have been just as right in leaving me to face the judgement of my sin...but He didn't.
Monday, July 15, 2013
**Panic**Prayer**
June 7, 2013
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The diciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "you of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "what kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV84)
I have prayed like this....many times and often times still do. Lord do something-Please-it looks hopeless. Even though this prayer looks like I am trusting Jesus-He says its little faith. I am actually in panic mode-I should be trusting that Jesus is already working-even though he seems silent-He is always aware and in control.
phebee
**don't be discouraged....notice, Jesus was wanting his diciples to learn that they could trust him in all circumstances...but even when we cry out to our Father in panic because of unexpected or trying circumstances....He does not turn a deaf ear....He hears us when we cry out to him...thats the thing we need to know most...God is with us and He never leaves us nor forsakes us...we are in Christ and Christ is in us.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The diciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "you of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "what kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV84)
I have prayed like this....many times and often times still do. Lord do something-Please-it looks hopeless. Even though this prayer looks like I am trusting Jesus-He says its little faith. I am actually in panic mode-I should be trusting that Jesus is already working-even though he seems silent-He is always aware and in control.
phebee
**don't be discouraged....notice, Jesus was wanting his diciples to learn that they could trust him in all circumstances...but even when we cry out to our Father in panic because of unexpected or trying circumstances....He does not turn a deaf ear....He hears us when we cry out to him...thats the thing we need to know most...God is with us and He never leaves us nor forsakes us...we are in Christ and Christ is in us.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Just say the word
June 7, 2013
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:8 (NIV84)
Jesus has ALL authority. There is NOTHING that is not subject to Him. All He has to do is say the word and it is done just as He said. Lord, I too am unworthy to receive anything from you-but because of your goodness and mercy I beseach your blessing. Just say the word Jesus and it has to be done according to your will.
phebee
**this is not a name it claim it idea. We should go to God with our request that He can do anything we ask of him...but also that we go to Him trusting that if He does not grant the request we trust His decision that it is not in our best interest for His purpose and plan for our lives. The main point is....Jesus has all aurthority...He is able to do all things...actually, most of the time our request are extremely to narrowminded or small...we could never ask God for anything that would come close to what He is able to do....we will always fall short in our expectations of what God can do with our lives...I know I do....in the back of my mind...I always have this little thing saying....should I really ask God for that....what right do I have to ask Him for that.....pueny little faith. He is my Heavenly Father for peats sake....He sent His Son to die for my Sins....and now I want to limit Him on what I can ask Him to do in and through my life. He has every right to say no to any request....but why do I just assume the answer will be no or feel it is not polite to ask Him for it in the first place...I might be overstepping my bounds as a daughter of the One true King? I might being taking Him for granted or expecting to much out of our relationship? And I know....the hairs are standing on end..a person might start thinking....well, maybe you are just asking for your own comfort and enjoyement....yep, could be....still my Dad, still God, still in control of the universe and everything else out there....he knows the motives of my heart and He knows why I am asking for whatever I am asking for and He is big enough to answer it in the right way and He is able to convict my heart of wrong motives too. So I guess my focus today...is freedom...freedom to go ahead and ask...don't limit yourself on what is the "appropriate" thing to ask of your Heavenly Father, but at the same time...trust Him with the answer. Would you want someone to tell your child they don't have a right to come to you and ask you for something or talk to you about anything.....that would not settle well with me if someone told my child that....let me decide what is an appropriate request from my child....and let God decide what is an appropriate request from His children. If you truly are a child of God, He will change the desires of your heart and help you accept the answers He gives.
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:8 (NIV84)
Jesus has ALL authority. There is NOTHING that is not subject to Him. All He has to do is say the word and it is done just as He said. Lord, I too am unworthy to receive anything from you-but because of your goodness and mercy I beseach your blessing. Just say the word Jesus and it has to be done according to your will.
phebee
**this is not a name it claim it idea. We should go to God with our request that He can do anything we ask of him...but also that we go to Him trusting that if He does not grant the request we trust His decision that it is not in our best interest for His purpose and plan for our lives. The main point is....Jesus has all aurthority...He is able to do all things...actually, most of the time our request are extremely to narrowminded or small...we could never ask God for anything that would come close to what He is able to do....we will always fall short in our expectations of what God can do with our lives...I know I do....in the back of my mind...I always have this little thing saying....should I really ask God for that....what right do I have to ask Him for that.....pueny little faith. He is my Heavenly Father for peats sake....He sent His Son to die for my Sins....and now I want to limit Him on what I can ask Him to do in and through my life. He has every right to say no to any request....but why do I just assume the answer will be no or feel it is not polite to ask Him for it in the first place...I might be overstepping my bounds as a daughter of the One true King? I might being taking Him for granted or expecting to much out of our relationship? And I know....the hairs are standing on end..a person might start thinking....well, maybe you are just asking for your own comfort and enjoyement....yep, could be....still my Dad, still God, still in control of the universe and everything else out there....he knows the motives of my heart and He knows why I am asking for whatever I am asking for and He is big enough to answer it in the right way and He is able to convict my heart of wrong motives too. So I guess my focus today...is freedom...freedom to go ahead and ask...don't limit yourself on what is the "appropriate" thing to ask of your Heavenly Father, but at the same time...trust Him with the answer. Would you want someone to tell your child they don't have a right to come to you and ask you for something or talk to you about anything.....that would not settle well with me if someone told my child that....let me decide what is an appropriate request from my child....and let God decide what is an appropriate request from His children. If you truly are a child of God, He will change the desires of your heart and help you accept the answers He gives.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Where else would we go?
June 6, 2013
"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20 (NIV84)
Our response should be:
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life we believe and know that you are the holy One of God." John 6: 68-69 (NIV84)
The only response that is appropriate to the call Jesus gives in Matthew 4 is found in John 6. Lord, where else would we go-we must follow you-you have the words of eternal life. As we lay down our lives to follow you-use your words of life to bring in a great harvest for your glory and our joy!
phebee
"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20 (NIV84)
Our response should be:
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life we believe and know that you are the holy One of God." John 6: 68-69 (NIV84)
The only response that is appropriate to the call Jesus gives in Matthew 4 is found in John 6. Lord, where else would we go-we must follow you-you have the words of eternal life. As we lay down our lives to follow you-use your words of life to bring in a great harvest for your glory and our joy!
phebee
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
God knows
June 2, 2013
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV84)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Father, this is your child and I come before you through the blood of your Son, Jesus and I petition you my Father to direct my path. I need you. I do not have the wisdom or insight to do what is best. I am easily distracted and my emotions lead me astray. Help me to know your good and perfect will and to follow you. Lead my husband and direct his heart and mind to follow you so that he may lead us on the path you have prepared. Glorify yourself through our lives and forgive us for our sins.
I know that you always hear me Father. Thank you.
phebee
**my Fathers response: Matthew 7:11 (NIV84) If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV84)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Father, this is your child and I come before you through the blood of your Son, Jesus and I petition you my Father to direct my path. I need you. I do not have the wisdom or insight to do what is best. I am easily distracted and my emotions lead me astray. Help me to know your good and perfect will and to follow you. Lead my husband and direct his heart and mind to follow you so that he may lead us on the path you have prepared. Glorify yourself through our lives and forgive us for our sins.
I know that you always hear me Father. Thank you.
phebee
**my Fathers response: Matthew 7:11 (NIV84) If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Humiliation for Jesus
April 17, 2013
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." Acts 11:2-3 (NIV84)
This is a painful scene and unfortunately, still one we see often in the church today. Often when we take the gospel out to reach anyone and everyone-no matter what their background or lifestyle-we will face judgement and criticism from other believers. There will always be people who will not get or understand the mission. There will always be opposition from those who believe they are righteous and their job is to protect the dignity and integrity of the church for the comfort of themselves. Do not be discouraged-Humiliate yourself for the mission of Christ-He did.
Philippians 2:8 (NIV84) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!
phebee
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." Acts 11:2-3 (NIV84)
This is a painful scene and unfortunately, still one we see often in the church today. Often when we take the gospel out to reach anyone and everyone-no matter what their background or lifestyle-we will face judgement and criticism from other believers. There will always be people who will not get or understand the mission. There will always be opposition from those who believe they are righteous and their job is to protect the dignity and integrity of the church for the comfort of themselves. Do not be discouraged-Humiliate yourself for the mission of Christ-He did.
Philippians 2:8 (NIV84) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!
phebee
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Battle Cry
April 15, 2013
Acts 4:12 (NIV84)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
This is our battle cry. This is why we must go. There is no other way for the salvation of man's soul-only in Jesus. If they have not heard-how can they repent and believe. If they do not repent & believe they are lost forever. This must be etched in our hearts and minds. This must become our greatest reality-Jesus is our salvation and there is no other-and He is worthy of All worship. He deserves the hearts and praise of All men-so our love for Jesus and our love for mankind must compel us to Go!
phebee
Acts 4:12 (NIV84)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
This is our battle cry. This is why we must go. There is no other way for the salvation of man's soul-only in Jesus. If they have not heard-how can they repent and believe. If they do not repent & believe they are lost forever. This must be etched in our hearts and minds. This must become our greatest reality-Jesus is our salvation and there is no other-and He is worthy of All worship. He deserves the hearts and praise of All men-so our love for Jesus and our love for mankind must compel us to Go!
phebee
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Security
April 10, 2013
John 10:29 (NIV84) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
Today, (april 10th) I had a biopsy done. The procedure itself made me a little nervous. I try not to be concerned about the results until there is something to be concerned about. The thing is I have been going through some tough times recently (physically, financially, spiritually and relationally) but in all of that I find peace and strength and yes joy because my Father is with me. My God is God and nothing is greater than Him. There is nothing like knowing God loves me and I am His-no matter what I face in this fallen world. I am secure in my Father's hands.
phebee
**update....my biopsy came back fine, and I am doing much better in the other area's as well...of course who can ever say they couldn't be better spiritually....we always need growth in that area...and I could use prayer for wisdom in financial issue's...and relationships...I always need lots of grace...so I don't feel the same kind of weight and pressure I did a few months back...but I always need prayer, wisdom and grace for each and every day....don't we all.
John 10:29 (NIV84) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
Today, (april 10th) I had a biopsy done. The procedure itself made me a little nervous. I try not to be concerned about the results until there is something to be concerned about. The thing is I have been going through some tough times recently (physically, financially, spiritually and relationally) but in all of that I find peace and strength and yes joy because my Father is with me. My God is God and nothing is greater than Him. There is nothing like knowing God loves me and I am His-no matter what I face in this fallen world. I am secure in my Father's hands.
phebee
**update....my biopsy came back fine, and I am doing much better in the other area's as well...of course who can ever say they couldn't be better spiritually....we always need growth in that area...and I could use prayer for wisdom in financial issue's...and relationships...I always need lots of grace...so I don't feel the same kind of weight and pressure I did a few months back...but I always need prayer, wisdom and grace for each and every day....don't we all.
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Cross
John 3:16 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. NIV84
The cross is proof of how bad our sin is and the judgment we deserve.
The cross is proof of how great God's love is for us and his passionate pursuit of us.
The cross of Jesus is the ultimate display of what we deserve and what we get despite what we deserve.
We remorse over our sin as we view the cross.
We rejoice over grace as we view the cross.
The cross brings grief and joy.
Punishment and Peace.
Judgment and Mercy.
Death and Life.
7/1/2013
phebee
The cross is proof of how bad our sin is and the judgment we deserve.
The cross is proof of how great God's love is for us and his passionate pursuit of us.
The cross of Jesus is the ultimate display of what we deserve and what we get despite what we deserve.
We remorse over our sin as we view the cross.
We rejoice over grace as we view the cross.
The cross brings grief and joy.
Punishment and Peace.
Judgment and Mercy.
Death and Life.
7/1/2013
phebee
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