My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb; I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thankful for the Rope
 |
| "Pulling out of quicksand'' |
I watched the movie "Princess Bride" this past weekend with family.And the part that I remember the most is when Butter Cup and Wesley are going through the fire swamp. What happens? Neither one noticed where they were walking. It happened all of a sudden they fell in over their head , totally covered with sand. Fortunately there was a rope hanging in there and they ( Wesley grabbed the rope and climbed up with Butter Cup) were able to get out. Then they lay there resting with sand still on them from the experience.( I find this as a metaphor in regard to following our feelings when they are disguised, leading us down a dangerous path.) Finding a rope when we are covered with (our feelings) sand is hard, because you can't see a thing. I am thankful for the rope.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
" A New Song "
To you Lord a new song, I’m singing; One of thanksgiving and praise.
A warmth in my heart burning, to do your will, and follow your ways
To you Lord a new song, I’m singing; One of thanksgiving and praise.
Your love never ending, renewing each day your mercy and grace.
To you Lord a new song, I’m singing; One of thanksgiving and praise.
The joy you give overflowing, with an immeasurable peace.
To you Lord a new song, I’m singing; One of thanksgiving and praise.
For you are the God of glory, and are worthy of all of my praise
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
He is my Rock!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Renewing Your Mind on a Subconscious Level
By: Creflo Dollar
Have you ever known people who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior but still spoke, thought, and behaved the same way they did before they got saved? This scenario is not uncommon among Believers. Many times, certain behaviors are attributed to a person needing a spirit cast out of him, when, in reality, the issue is that he has not renewed his mind in a particular area. Mind renewal is the key to living a successful life as a Christian, as well as overcoming the mindsets that keep us bound in ungodly lifestyles.
As a pastor and counselor, I have encountered numerous people who struggle with addictions and all sorts of habits they just cannot seem to break. They are in torment because they know these things are wrong according to the Word of God, but they just can’t seem to find the brakes to stop. To them, change is an unattainable goal.
Whenever I see someone who is born again, but is actively engaged in a lifestyle or habit that goes against the Word, I immediately know their mindset is the problem. They have to change their thinking to line up with what God says about the situation. Without this vital step in the process of Christian development, it is impossible to see lasting change
Galatians 5:16 says something so powerful that we all need to understand and apply to our lives on a daily basis, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” First, we must understand what it means to walk in the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we have a mindset that lines up with God’s Word. It is thinking that is sound and subjected to God’s way of doing things. Walking in the flesh is the exact opposite. To walk in the flesh means to have a way of thinking that goes against the Word of God. For example, a “fleshy” mindset is one that believes having sex outside the context of marriage is okay. It is a wrong way of thinking. Walking in the Spirit in this area involves thinking that is in line with the Word, which says marriage is the only framework inside which sexual activity is acceptable.
It is critical to understand that the mind is the control center of our lives. Our dominant thought patterns and beliefs will inform and shape our behavior. Unfortunately, before coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, most of us picked up a lot of wrong thinking from our environment, whether it was from family, friends, television, or some other source.
But when we become born again, we must enter into the most important part of our walk with God—renewing our minds. Romans 12:1, 2 says we are not to be conformed to the world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can demonstrate and prove the perfect will of God. Isn’t it exciting to know that renewing your mind has the power to absolutely transform your entire life? You can break any habit or behavior by making a quality decision to renew your mind daily through the meditation and study of God’s Word.
Renewing the mind is not a one-time event, but it is an ongoing process that must continue for the rest of our lives. We can renew our minds to the point where even our subconscious thoughts and automatic responses become aligned with the Word of God. When mind renewal takes place on this subconscious level, we are actually renewing the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). This is the depth of transformation every Believer should aspire to achieve because it is the pathway to genuinely changing our behavior.
You may be thinking your situation is so bad that you simply cannot change. I want to give you some good news today—you can! First, ask God to give you the desire to want to change. That’s right, you have to want to want change first. Then, make a commitment to the process. Find a scripture in the Bible that deals with the area you are dealing with and make it a priority to meditate on that scripture until it is more real to you than what you are going through. When you begin to think, speak, eat, and breathe the Word of God, you will begin to live it. When you find your decisions aligning with God’s Word, you will know renewing your mind is paying off!
Be sure to visit our online Bible Study Center and bookstore for resources and tools to help you renew your mind!
Scripture References:
Galatians 5:16
Romans 12:1, 2
Ephesians 4:23
Have you ever known people who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior but still spoke, thought, and behaved the same way they did before they got saved? This scenario is not uncommon among Believers. Many times, certain behaviors are attributed to a person needing a spirit cast out of him, when, in reality, the issue is that he has not renewed his mind in a particular area. Mind renewal is the key to living a successful life as a Christian, as well as overcoming the mindsets that keep us bound in ungodly lifestyles.
As a pastor and counselor, I have encountered numerous people who struggle with addictions and all sorts of habits they just cannot seem to break. They are in torment because they know these things are wrong according to the Word of God, but they just can’t seem to find the brakes to stop. To them, change is an unattainable goal.
Whenever I see someone who is born again, but is actively engaged in a lifestyle or habit that goes against the Word, I immediately know their mindset is the problem. They have to change their thinking to line up with what God says about the situation. Without this vital step in the process of Christian development, it is impossible to see lasting change
Galatians 5:16 says something so powerful that we all need to understand and apply to our lives on a daily basis, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” First, we must understand what it means to walk in the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we have a mindset that lines up with God’s Word. It is thinking that is sound and subjected to God’s way of doing things. Walking in the flesh is the exact opposite. To walk in the flesh means to have a way of thinking that goes against the Word of God. For example, a “fleshy” mindset is one that believes having sex outside the context of marriage is okay. It is a wrong way of thinking. Walking in the Spirit in this area involves thinking that is in line with the Word, which says marriage is the only framework inside which sexual activity is acceptable.
It is critical to understand that the mind is the control center of our lives. Our dominant thought patterns and beliefs will inform and shape our behavior. Unfortunately, before coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, most of us picked up a lot of wrong thinking from our environment, whether it was from family, friends, television, or some other source.
But when we become born again, we must enter into the most important part of our walk with God—renewing our minds. Romans 12:1, 2 says we are not to be conformed to the world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can demonstrate and prove the perfect will of God. Isn’t it exciting to know that renewing your mind has the power to absolutely transform your entire life? You can break any habit or behavior by making a quality decision to renew your mind daily through the meditation and study of God’s Word.
Renewing the mind is not a one-time event, but it is an ongoing process that must continue for the rest of our lives. We can renew our minds to the point where even our subconscious thoughts and automatic responses become aligned with the Word of God. When mind renewal takes place on this subconscious level, we are actually renewing the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). This is the depth of transformation every Believer should aspire to achieve because it is the pathway to genuinely changing our behavior.
You may be thinking your situation is so bad that you simply cannot change. I want to give you some good news today—you can! First, ask God to give you the desire to want to change. That’s right, you have to want to want change first. Then, make a commitment to the process. Find a scripture in the Bible that deals with the area you are dealing with and make it a priority to meditate on that scripture until it is more real to you than what you are going through. When you begin to think, speak, eat, and breathe the Word of God, you will begin to live it. When you find your decisions aligning with God’s Word, you will know renewing your mind is paying off!
Be sure to visit our online Bible Study Center and bookstore for resources and tools to help you renew your mind!
Scripture References:
Galatians 5:16
Romans 12:1, 2
Ephesians 4:23
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Downward-Spiral-of-Defiance
The Downward Spiral of Defiance
by Charles R. Swindoll
Proverbs 5:21-23
Talk about going from bad to worse. Defiance is the classic illustration. First, defiance begins with carnal attitudes. Long before there are carnal actions, there are carnal attitudes. It can happen to adults just as quickly as it can to teens or kids. Perhaps it would help if I spelled out a few of the attitudes by describing some actual thoughts in the minds of the defiant.
The first thought says: "I want my own way." Those who are defiant aren't interested in your way, or God's way. "I want my way." That is an attitude of selfishness.
The second thought says this: "I won't quit until I get it." That is an attitude of stubbornness. "I want my way, and I want it when I want it. I will not quit until I get it." That's just plain obstinance; that's stubbornness.
Third: "I don't care who it hurts." In other words, "I want my way. I won't quit until I get it, and I don't care who it hurts---husband, wife, peers, parents, kids, the team, my church---I don't care. I'm gonna get my way." That is an attitude of indifference.
Fourth: "I refuse to listen to counsel." Obviously, that is an attitude of resistance. "I know God has something to tell me, but I don't want to hear what He's got to say." Or, "I know what He's going to tell me---I know what that Book says. I don't want to listen to God's counsel." That's resistance.
Fifth, and finally: "I am not concerned about the consequences." That's contempt. Pushed to the wall, this extreme reaction includes ignoring the consequences---a total lack of concern for the results.
"I want my own way. I won't quit until I get it. I don't care who it hurts. I will not listen to counsel. I am not concerned about the consequences." Those are the words of a defiant person. And they can come from our lips just as readily as from a person without Christ. They represent selfishness and stubbornness and indifference and resistance and contempt. As I mentioned earlier, defiance begins with carnal attitudes.
Continuing the downward spiral, the second inescapable reality about defiance is this: Defiance leads to personal misery. The defiant person wants freedom, but he finds himself captured. He wants his own way, but he finds himself ensnared by the restrictions that misery brings.
Look at Proverbs 13:15 and you'll see a pretty good illustration or statement of that kind of misery. I want to examine two particular terms:
Good understanding produces favor,
But the way of the treacherous is hard.
The word treacherous is translated from the Hebrew verb that means "to deal treacherously or defiantly." The way of one who deals in defiance is hard. Interesting term. It means "to be perpetual, steady, constant, ever enduring, rugged." The etymology of the term finally leads to "ruggedness." The way of the person who deals in defiant thoughts and actions is perpetually rugged, hard, and miserable. Defiance leads to personal misery.
There is a third stage on this downward spiral:
Defiance results in inescapable bondage. Those most defiant are most bound, not free.
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He watches all his paths. (Proverbs 5:21)
That's quite a thought. But the next two verses complete the picture:
His own iniquities will capture the wicked,
And he will be held with the cords of his sin.
He will die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.
Look at that! The "cords" from one's own defiance will wrap themselves around the victim and will cause him or her to be inescapably bound up. In the margin of my mind I have written "Samson," who was literally bound with the cords of his own sin---unconquered lust.
Frankly, I'm much more concerned about "acceptable" defiance than bold defiance. Why? Because that's what happens more often than not. We cover up. We hide our defiance. We sit on the lid. But, sure enough---given sufficient pressure---something eventually snaps.
Your defiance will come out in the most amazing ways: a battered child; a crime of passion; a blistering tongue-lashing; running away from home; an illicit pregnancy; an ugly, caustic line of profane words; an affair; domestic disharmony; a ruined testimony. I charge you before God to deal severely with this giant. It may be slumbering right now---but I warn you---not for long.
I would like you to think about your life for just a few moments. I'd like you to trace your actions and attitudes back a day or two, or maybe several weeks. Take a long, straightforward look at where you are. Are any signs of defiance there? "I want my own way. I won't quit till I get it. I don't care who it hurts. I refuse to listen to counsel. I'm not concerned about consequences."
My friend, those are dangerous words. If they are there in your head, you're on a powder keg that's going to explode. Your stress fracture will soon become a compound fracture. I ask you to find the hope of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. He is there, and He awaits your turning all that turmoil over to Him . . . that hot cauldron of resentment. The longer it boils, the more lethal it could become.
Don't rationalize and say, "Well, that's just the way I am." Call it what it is and say, "Lord, I come to You in my need. I need You to take it, take it now."
This devotional is part five in a five-part series.
Excerpted from Stress Fractures, copyright © 1990 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide
by Charles R. Swindoll
Proverbs 5:21-23
Talk about going from bad to worse. Defiance is the classic illustration. First, defiance begins with carnal attitudes. Long before there are carnal actions, there are carnal attitudes. It can happen to adults just as quickly as it can to teens or kids. Perhaps it would help if I spelled out a few of the attitudes by describing some actual thoughts in the minds of the defiant.
The first thought says: "I want my own way." Those who are defiant aren't interested in your way, or God's way. "I want my way." That is an attitude of selfishness.
The second thought says this: "I won't quit until I get it." That is an attitude of stubbornness. "I want my way, and I want it when I want it. I will not quit until I get it." That's just plain obstinance; that's stubbornness.
Third: "I don't care who it hurts." In other words, "I want my way. I won't quit until I get it, and I don't care who it hurts---husband, wife, peers, parents, kids, the team, my church---I don't care. I'm gonna get my way." That is an attitude of indifference.
Fourth: "I refuse to listen to counsel." Obviously, that is an attitude of resistance. "I know God has something to tell me, but I don't want to hear what He's got to say." Or, "I know what He's going to tell me---I know what that Book says. I don't want to listen to God's counsel." That's resistance.
Fifth, and finally: "I am not concerned about the consequences." That's contempt. Pushed to the wall, this extreme reaction includes ignoring the consequences---a total lack of concern for the results.
"I want my own way. I won't quit until I get it. I don't care who it hurts. I will not listen to counsel. I am not concerned about the consequences." Those are the words of a defiant person. And they can come from our lips just as readily as from a person without Christ. They represent selfishness and stubbornness and indifference and resistance and contempt. As I mentioned earlier, defiance begins with carnal attitudes.
Continuing the downward spiral, the second inescapable reality about defiance is this: Defiance leads to personal misery. The defiant person wants freedom, but he finds himself captured. He wants his own way, but he finds himself ensnared by the restrictions that misery brings.
Look at Proverbs 13:15 and you'll see a pretty good illustration or statement of that kind of misery. I want to examine two particular terms:
Good understanding produces favor,
But the way of the treacherous is hard.
The word treacherous is translated from the Hebrew verb that means "to deal treacherously or defiantly." The way of one who deals in defiance is hard. Interesting term. It means "to be perpetual, steady, constant, ever enduring, rugged." The etymology of the term finally leads to "ruggedness." The way of the person who deals in defiant thoughts and actions is perpetually rugged, hard, and miserable. Defiance leads to personal misery.
There is a third stage on this downward spiral:
Defiance results in inescapable bondage. Those most defiant are most bound, not free.
For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He watches all his paths. (Proverbs 5:21)
That's quite a thought. But the next two verses complete the picture:
His own iniquities will capture the wicked,
And he will be held with the cords of his sin.
He will die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.
Look at that! The "cords" from one's own defiance will wrap themselves around the victim and will cause him or her to be inescapably bound up. In the margin of my mind I have written "Samson," who was literally bound with the cords of his own sin---unconquered lust.
Frankly, I'm much more concerned about "acceptable" defiance than bold defiance. Why? Because that's what happens more often than not. We cover up. We hide our defiance. We sit on the lid. But, sure enough---given sufficient pressure---something eventually snaps.
Your defiance will come out in the most amazing ways: a battered child; a crime of passion; a blistering tongue-lashing; running away from home; an illicit pregnancy; an ugly, caustic line of profane words; an affair; domestic disharmony; a ruined testimony. I charge you before God to deal severely with this giant. It may be slumbering right now---but I warn you---not for long.
I would like you to think about your life for just a few moments. I'd like you to trace your actions and attitudes back a day or two, or maybe several weeks. Take a long, straightforward look at where you are. Are any signs of defiance there? "I want my own way. I won't quit till I get it. I don't care who it hurts. I refuse to listen to counsel. I'm not concerned about consequences."
My friend, those are dangerous words. If they are there in your head, you're on a powder keg that's going to explode. Your stress fracture will soon become a compound fracture. I ask you to find the hope of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. He is there, and He awaits your turning all that turmoil over to Him . . . that hot cauldron of resentment. The longer it boils, the more lethal it could become.
Don't rationalize and say, "Well, that's just the way I am." Call it what it is and say, "Lord, I come to You in my need. I need You to take it, take it now."
This devotional is part five in a five-part series.
Excerpted from Stress Fractures, copyright © 1990 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Clock Goes Click...Click...Click...
As I was reading Ephesians 1 3-14.
I began seeing a picture of a clock Ticking and a meaningful impression (Metaphoric) in which I share below to go with it.
As if we were the clock: and the clock's second hand was clicking from second to second, and running correctly for the purpose it was made for. CLick...Click...Click...
But if the battery is bad or its not plugged in, the clicking would stop( not listening to Gods word or the Holy Spirit ) or we would allow something to get in the way and stop the hand from moving forward ( things we put in front of God ) not able to do what we were made to do.
The list can be long, sometimes it’s just our old nature( our old way of thinking and living which is not God's way ) which he wants us to overcome, moving it out of the way, and be who we were predestined us to be. Clicking and working as we were made for. Click...Click...Click...
We should use what we have been given. And Keep removing anything that hinders us taking the steps ( clicks ) toward our predestined purpose.
We should allow him to work in us and through us. He Desires for us to Prosper and be in health, seeking his wisdom and understanding which is more valuable that gold or silver.
We should allow the Holy Spirit to help us be all the God has predestined us to be. And have Faith in God to do a great work in us, removing the old nature in us that hinders us from progressing in Gods plan for us.
We don’t have to stay the way we are. He has better plans for us. He wants us to be his masterpiece, uniquely special in every way.
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