He is … Faithful and True

The scriptures are packed with verses reminding us of the faithfulness of God. Countless musicians have composed hymns and songs about His faithfulness.



Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

How can we become more faithful? With the celebration of each birthday or anniversary can we journal how God has been faithful to us? Yes! But how many paragraphs in our journals do we compose about the ways we have been faithful to God?

Summer vacation always provides a lot of time for reflection for me. Summer seems to be the time I can recharge my battery in preparation for the fall when I go back for another year of teaching Middle School musicians. If you know anything about middle school students, you definitely need to recharge in the summer.

When the Lord is working on a particular character trait in me, He brings me to His word so that I can search His character first. Secondly, He shows me men and women in the Bible that have grown in that area. Finally, He lets me encounter personal stories through living testimonies in my own world.

At the beginning of the summer my husband and I took a trip to Arizona. God’s handiwork was evident at every turn. One trip to the Grand Canyon will remind you that He is God and you are not. In the midst of all of that beauty, “Revelation Song” …With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings” still rings in my ears every time I look at the summer photos. Our faithfulness can be found in our voice of praise.

My sister, Rita and I took a short trip to Charleston S.C. If you have a sister make plans next summer to spend some time alone with her. We have been doing this for five years now. God always shows up and shows out when we’re together. Sometimes you’ll be laughing so hard that you’re crying and other times you are just crying together. “Sometimes we find our hearts in a thousand pieces, maybe more.”

from Mandisa’s “Broken Hallelujah” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH16B5449Iw

ministered to my sister and I, as we continue to be faithful to all that God has called us to and continues to bring us through. Our faithfulness can be found in our willingness to stay true even in the very difficult times.

Then it was off to Pennsylvania for a few days with each of our parents. What a sweet sound of faithfulness to hear my mother-in-law reading scripture aloud to my father-in-law at the breakfast table before they began their day of taking Meals On Wheels to those in need. At my home I would rise to see my dad sitting in the living room pouring over God’s word as he does every day. In the evenings we listened to CDs speaking of Bible Prophecy, one of my mom’s favorite topics. I wonder how many times those four saints have prayed over my family. Our faithfulness can be found in our prayer life.

Our next stop was to visit a dear High School friend that is on her 63rd chemo treatment over the last six years. Her lips could not praise God enough for who He is. She has found her HOPE in the Lord and shares that with everyone she meets. Our faithfulness can be found in our testimony.

Before we returned home, we visited Pawleys Island S.C. with friends. The sights and sounds of the beach showed forth the handiwork of the Master once again. But this time, I was more taken by the faithfulness of God to provide such special friends. He wants us to fellowship with Him, but he provides such sweet fellowship with other believers. I was touched by the love these couples had for one another. As we talked about His faithfulness, I was once again reminded of the importance of praying for your children and their future spouses. Now that both of our sons have found the sweet bride that continues to complete them, I know that over 20 years of prayers on their behalf was not too much to ask of me. Our faithfulness can be found in our sacrifice.

No, we did not vacation the entire summer. We were only gone about 20 days. God is just faithful to pack a lot into a short period of time. Today, I am blessed to celebrate one of the sweetest testimonies of faithfulness, our 35th Wedding Anniversary. Our faithfulness can be found in our love for one another.

In the next few days of your journey with Christ, ask Him how you can be more faithful. And remember: He will always be faithful to your faithfulness.

I remain ever thankful to a Faithful and True God.
Debbie Fritz

HE IS……the "ARM OF THE LORD"

I’m posting another eye-opening examination of a common phrase that transformed my thinking of how powerful my Abba Daddy is in my life right now, and also a revelation of just how powerful He has been my ENTIRE LIFE. So many experiences come to mind of just how He reached down from heaven to rescue me, guide me, and teach me LONG BEFORE I accepted Him into my life as Ruler of my life. How awesome to dialogue with Him now about all that He has done for me! Let’s study His word together.

Definition of “Arm of the Lord” from Webster's Dictionary - Figurative of power or might

Nelson's Bible Dictionary - A symbol of God's power, strength or might (see Ps. 89:13, Is. 53:1)

A common scripture reference talks about God’s deliverance during the Exodus, when He redeemed Israel from bondage in Egypt (see Ps. 77:15, Is. 63:12). But there are many other examples that relate to our everyday experiences. Each one elaborates on God's character in a different way.

Numbers 11:23, "…is the Lord's arm too short? …"

In this passage the Israelites are complaining about the manna and demanding meat. Moses questions how God can provide enough meat for 600,000. God’s reply to Moses is in the form of a question, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”

It is easy to trust God when we "see" His mighty works but after a while, in the routine of daily life, His strength may appear to diminish. God doesn't change, but our view of Him often does! The monotony of day-to-day living lulls us into forgetting how powerful God can be. God's strength is always available!

Hebrews 12:12, "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."

I had to include this reference even though it refers to human arms. God is a disciplining parent and a demanding coach who pushes us to our limits and requires our lives to be disciplined. OH, HOW I FALL SHORT! Although we may not feel strong enough to push on to victory, we will be able to accomplish it as we follow Christ and draw on His strength. I don't draw on His strength, as I should, particularly in times of temptation.

Exodus 6:6, "…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment."

Small problems need only small answers! But big problems give God an opportunity to exercise His great power and give big answers!!

Exodus 15:16, "…By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone --"

Here Moses is giving praise to God after crossing the Red Sea and seeing the Egyptian solders drowned as the waters returned. God's power is amazing! We had an experience while driving to the beach yesterday that revealed God’s amazing power. Unbelievable and so undeserved!

Deut. 5:15, "Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm."

I must remember that God has rescued me from the slavery of sin and eternity in hell with His mighty arm. My response to His gift should be complete obedience. Why is that so hard?!

Deut. 9:29, "But they are your people, your inheritance, that You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm."

I AM HIS INHERITANCE! What a privilege. What a waste if I don't claim it and live it to the fullest!

Deut. 26:8, "So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders."

God's ways and methods are higher than ours. Notice the words, "great terror." Some of our most terrible experiences are turned into good because of the Lord's rescue missions in our lives. Also notice the words, "miraculous signs and wonders." Do we really accept the things He has done as miracles???? If we did, we would not be able to get out of bed in the morning without crawling!

Deut. 33:20 reminds us that the “Arm of the Lord” is just and merciful.

Punishment is necessary for growth and character development.

2 Kings 17:36, "But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the One you must worship. To Him you shall bow down and to Him offer sacrifices."

The "One I must worship" … I've been convicted lately there are times when I worship other things and put more energy into things of this world rather than on my loving Father. That makes me very sad.

2 Chron. 32:8, "With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles."

Victory is not by our might or power but by the Lord's Spirit. The battles we face everyday can be won with God's strength. Again I say “why don't I call on Him when I'm tempted???” After all, my life's verse is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Why don't I live my life's verse? URRRRGH!

Job 35:9, "Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful."

Again, why am I not living in the strength that runs through my veins?

Job 40:9, "Do you have an arm like God's…"

Ps. 44:3, "It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them."

In this passage, surrounded by enemies, the psalmist remembered what God had done for His people and took heart. We can have this same confidence in God when we feel attacked.

Ps. 89:10, "…with Your strong arm You scattered Your enemies."

I love this because I am reminded that no matter how hard satan tries to keep Freedom's Call from being what God wants it to be, GOD IS IN CONTROL!! He will scatter our enemies and remove the roadblocks!

Is. 30:30, "The Lord…will make them see His arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire…"

God disciplines. He justifies wrongs done to His people. Ponder that!

Is. 40:10, "See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and His arm rules for Him."

Is. 40:11, "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart…"

How my heart is warmed when I think of God gathering me into His arms and carrying me close to His heart! He is powerful, yet careful and gentle. We are powerful when we rely on God's caring strength.

Is. 51:5, "my arm will bring justice to the nations."

This is a sobering scripture in lieu of the moral decline of our nation…..

Jeremiah 17:5, "…the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength (arm) and whose heart turns away from the Lord.’”

Once again, not a scripture pointing to the "Arm of the Lord" but a powerful revelation of how we error when we rely on ourselves instead of God. People who trust in human beings and/or false gods will be barren and unfruitful. Those who trust in God flourish like trees planted by water. Those trusting in humans will be impoverished and spiritually weak and have no strength to draw upon. Those trusting in the Lord will have abundant strength for themselves and others.

I don't know about you, but I WANT TO BE A HUGE WILLOW TREE PLANTED BY THE WATER!!!!

Debbie lives in Dacula, GA with her amazing husband Sonny and super-dog Bandit.

He is our Way Maker

God is Our Way Maker

Have you ever been really excited about something? I am sure we all have been about one thing or another. In this world of instant gratification we want it now or even yesterday. But what happens when we have to wait? And then wait some more.

We just knew this was what God wanted for us and that it was perfect timing. At least in our minds. So why are we having to wait? This is God’s plan for me, right? Why isn’t he giving me the results I want? After all I did pray about this and it has all just fallen into place…..

Questioning God is a natural thing. We have to remember that we are on God’s time table not ours. It is very hard sometimes to trust that God has our back and He does know what He is doing. It is not our plan, but that His perfect plan for our lives will be revealed only in His timing.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, and they will walk and not be faint.

My husband and I are going through a time right now where we are having to wait. We thought everything was going to be great because we could see God’s hand all over it, but there have been a lot of roadblocks along the way. We are trusting God to complete the great work He has started, but like I said it is in His timing not ours. Frustration and anger are real, but it is when we rest in Him that He makes a way for us.

There is a song out now called While I Am Waiting by John Waller. This is a powerful song from the movie Fireproof. I have included the lyrics. If you haven’t heard it I encourage you to look it up and listen.

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Rest in Him and he will make a way for you no matter what you are going through!

Have a great week!!!

Love ya,

Amy

HE IS GOD

July 6, 2009

We have been sharing with you for the past 4 months Who God is in the midst of our lives. That He is totally trustworthy in all situations of life no matter what those situations are. And in those life circumstances as He is Who He is to us, He is perfecting us and conforming us to His image. What a mighty God we serve. Everything He is and Does is for His Glory and our Good.
In the past 7 months of our life we have experienced 5 ( that I can remember) of the main stresses in a person’s life one right after another; some amazingly wonderful and others challenging. In all textbook conclusions we should be whatever they say we should be. But God!
It started with a wonderful call on Kimberly’s life to Mission Work. This call was confirmed on November 11, 2008 and her first assignment was in January 2009 to YWAM in Kona, Hawaii. Yes, you got it, 50 days to prepare, fill out all paperwork, raise support and go. At the same time we were rejoicing in this I was going back and forth to Atlanta to see my Mother who was in her last days in a nursing home . She had been failing since May of 2008 and my heart was filled with gratitude to the Lord that I was free to spend a good bit of time with her in her last days. Several days before Thanksgiving she passed. The memorial service was amazing and at each corner we saw the Hand of the Lord and rejoiced in His goodness to us through my Mom’s life and the memories that would be there forever.
In all of this He was faithful and we put Kimberly on a plane January 1st heading to Kona. Faithful is He Who calls us and He will bring it to pass.
20 days later Joel was laid off. And as of today, we are still seeking His face for a job. But God. He has provided all our needs and we stand amazed!
In April and May I began to suffer a lot of pain with my R.A. again and many days wanted to give in to it but He reminded me that his strength is perfected in my weakness, so I began to thank Him for the things I could do instead of focusing on the things I could not do. It made me thankful when I could get out of a chair or turn a knob. It made me realize truly that apart from Him I could not nothing. Wow and Wow. He truly was my strength when I was weak, He truly was the treasure that I see, He truly was my all and all.
On May 14th I woke up in the middle of the night in so much pain I thought I was having a heartatache. In the morning I went to urgent care and found out I had pneumonia and they put me in the hospital. While I was in the hospital Joel began to have some of the same symptoms and as I was being released on the 18th Joel was being admitted with a blood clot in his lung and pneumonia. It was the strangest thing to leave the hospital and go to the emergency room to see Joel being admitted. He then was in for a week and was released on May 25th. On May 26th we got a call from Atlanta that his Mom was not doing well and that they were taking her to the hospital. Joel immediately left for Atlanta. She was admitted on the 26th, put in hospice on the 28th and passed on the 30th.


Why do I tell you all this?? Because in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us and gave Himself up for us. Our lives are a mixture of wonderful blessings and amazing challenges, BUT GOD. As I reflected on His goodness to us every step of the way, I was humbled again at His all knowing character and how even my being released in the morning and Joel going in that afternoon was a blessing as one of us was there for Lauren our 15 year old daughter. I thought of Joel getting out on the 25th just in time to be there for his Mom in her last moments. I thought of the blessing of Kimberly being called in the same time of my Mom’s passing and how even though I was having to say goodbye to a very special person in my life, I was also celebrating a new season and call in a very special person’s place in my life, my daughter Kimberly. His closeness overwhelms me with gratitude. He was available all the time through each thing, He showed me how He has already walked before me so I could trust the path, He comforted me when I need comforting and He caused me to rejoice even in the midst, knowing it was okay. His mercies were new each morning and His peace was amazing. At times when I was frustrated he would search my mind and heart and bring me back to what was true. He was my wonderful counselor, He was my shelter, He was HIM every moment of every day and every situation. My heart exults in Him!!!!
I hope wherever you are today, you will stop and ask Him to show you HIMSELF! There is nothing too difficult for HIM, He is not too busy and His eye is on you even as you ask and His answer is but a breath away. Because HE is your ANSWER.