Friday, August 28, 2009
Ongoing Call August 2009
What a weekend we had! From the moment we checked into the Bed and Breakfast, we felt right at home. Thank you leadership team for going above and beyond last weekend.
The group of ladies that we had the honor of serving were there to meet with Jesus. They were ready and eager to worship and hear the Word He had for them. And boy oh boy what a word it was!
Jill amazes me. She so beautifully shares what God puts on her heart. It isn't always an easy thing, but you can be sure if she is teaching it she has lived it! Thank you Jill for sharing truth. I'm sure I speak for many others when I say God taught me something new this weekend. Thank you for being obedient to teach His word.
I so want to just type up my notes and share them with you, BUT....that would be A LOT of information. (Maybe we could come to your church and you could just experience it live and in person!!) I do want to share one thought that I have been chewing on since last weekend. Are you ready?
We need TRANSFORMATION by the Word of God NOT just INFORMATION from the Word of God. Oh ladies. I know what the power of God's word can do in your life! He has changed my life. If He can do it for me, He can do it for you! May we never get over that each and every time we open our Bible we are reading the WORD OF GOD. There is power in it! Heb.4:12 says it is alive and active and sharper than a two edged sword! I want to, as James 1 says receive the implanted word of God deep in my heart! Oh boy I could go on and on and on about this. :)
One of my favorite memories is the very end of the day Saturday. To watch each precious lady make the choice to get up, come to the altar and exchange her chain for the yolk of Christ was very emotional. As we shared communion I was once again overcome by the love our Heavenly Father.
Thank you Norma and your sweet team for hosting us. You all hold a very special place in our hearts.
May He who began a good work in you last weekend, be faithful to complete it! We look forward to hearing what God is doing in your community!!
Anticipating Him!
Stephanie
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I am able to do ALL things
Have you ever wondered how you were going to get through another day, hour, or minute? Are you so stressed out you feel you are on a merry go round spinning out of control? You want to cry out, but will anyone hear you? Does anyone care?
Well ladies that is my life right now. This summer has been one of the most stressful times in my life. Nothing bad has happened; there have just been huge changes for all 5 of us. As you know any kind of change always brings stress. It seems like everyday there is always something else to take care of or to do. This is my reality right now, but I have great news!
God hears all of our cries! Our cries of desperation, anger, fear, doubt, and sadness. He loves us so much and he doesn’t want us to be stressed out. He wants us to rest in Him. He is our Father and He wants us to give Him complete and total control of our lives. He wants us to surrender to Him.
I know God will give me the strength to surrender to Him. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is only through Christ that we can face another minute, hour or day. It is only though Christ that you will get off your merry go round. He is right there waiting on you, will you surrender to Him?
I am surrendering to Him to take over because I can’t handle it. I was never suppose too. He already has a plan for my life and He knows exactly what to do. It is only when we totally surrender to Christ that we will have true freedom. I am a work in progress and I claim Phil. 4:13 daily. My prayer is that you will make Phil. 4 :13 a daily part of your life.
Love ya,
Amy
Amy lives in Lawrenceville with her husband Jerry and her 3 boys.
Well ladies that is my life right now. This summer has been one of the most stressful times in my life. Nothing bad has happened; there have just been huge changes for all 5 of us. As you know any kind of change always brings stress. It seems like everyday there is always something else to take care of or to do. This is my reality right now, but I have great news!
God hears all of our cries! Our cries of desperation, anger, fear, doubt, and sadness. He loves us so much and he doesn’t want us to be stressed out. He wants us to rest in Him. He is our Father and He wants us to give Him complete and total control of our lives. He wants us to surrender to Him.
I know God will give me the strength to surrender to Him. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is only through Christ that we can face another minute, hour or day. It is only though Christ that you will get off your merry go round. He is right there waiting on you, will you surrender to Him?
I am surrendering to Him to take over because I can’t handle it. I was never suppose too. He already has a plan for my life and He knows exactly what to do. It is only when we totally surrender to Christ that we will have true freedom. I am a work in progress and I claim Phil. 4:13 daily. My prayer is that you will make Phil. 4 :13 a daily part of your life.
Love ya,
Amy
Amy lives in Lawrenceville with her husband Jerry and her 3 boys.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I am a Daughter of the King
As we continue on this journey reflecting on Who We Are in Christ I hope you will find those quiet moments to do some reflecting yourself. I so often am totally transformed by that simple song, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of the world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. As I begin to utter those words, truly the things of the world WILL grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. We are bombarded daily with messages that say, You need this, You should look like this, act like this, hold positions like this, make money like this etc. And yet if you look around you we have a very dysfunctional society all looking to get their needs met anyway they can and still feel empty. As I have been seeking the Lord the message is so clear for me. It does not matter what day I read, or what I read, the message is consistent. My Daddy is saying, Come unto Me, Open your heart so that I can bring healing and restoration to your soul and spirit, Set your mind on things above, See from my heavenly perspective, Rejoice in knowing that I am with you in all things, Look and see beyond the flesh and worldly concerns. I will lead you and guide you and bring the wisdom of this age to you rmind. Purify your conscience. Set all things in order according to My Word.
As I began to think what to share with you concerning Who I am in Christ, the thing that would not leave my mind is I am a Daughter of the King. You may be saying, I know that. But do you? Do I? Do we really embrace that our Daddy owns the cattle on a thousand hills, the earth is His and all it contains, That nothing was made that was made apart from Him, that He puts rulers in positions and removes them and on and on. One of my favorite passages is when He was talking to Job. I remember the moment this was first put in perspective for me. I was sitting on the beach in Panama City very troubled with some things that had just happened to me. After I had shared my frustration with the Lord, I opened my Bible to the daily reading and actually began to laugh out loud. Verse 12, says, "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place....... Wow and Wow! The one WHO commands the morning is MY Daddy! It is going to be Okay!
But do we live like that? I was thinking of the movie Princess Diaries. This is a quick synopsis but hopefully will make the point. She was the daughter of a prince who had died and her grandmother was Queen of Genovia. She was living in America almost in poverty with her Mom. It becomes time for a new Queen - she is the likely candidate - Grandmother finds her - takes here there and she learns the ways of a Queen - Of course there is more to the story but for today's post think of the correlation. Alot of us are living in spiritual poverty and yet are daughters of the king. We know that is a reality but because of circumstances of life we live as if we are not. He sent His Son to show us the way and when He left He sent the H.S. to indwell us so we could live the life He meant for us. How are you living?
Are you living under the expectations of this world, people around you, the position you hold or are you experiencing the freedom of knowing you are a princess and your Daddy owns it all, and is able to provide what you need, when you need it, and how much you need at the time you need it? Are you living knowing that nothing escapes your Daddy's notice and He is able to accomplish what concerns you from the past, present and future? Are you living knowing that you are not a victim? That no one can thwart what your Daddy has put in motion for you?
Now lets go back to Princes Diaries one more time. When it came time for her to be queen there was one stipulation and that was she had to be married. The time was fleeting and if she was not married she could not be queen. She came to a point that she realized she could not get married just to be queen and came before the people and shared her dream to be their queen but also her view of marriage was much more and to get married for this reason would violate who she really was. She appealed to them to think of their own daugthers...........
Wow, to be a daughter of the King we must not allow ourselves to be victims, we must not allow the enemy to tell us He won't provide, we must not compromise our values to receive anything. For He truly owns it all.
I don't know where you are in your life today but I do know Your Daddy knows. Sit back in his lap. Accept His love, His counsel, His grace, His mercy, and on and on. You don't have to beg. You are His and He is Yours. His Banner over you is Love.
In closing, I must share what my Daddy did for me this week. Joel has been out of work for over 6 months. Our Daddy has been faithful. We have been blessed and stretched. Mid way into this we had the privilege of hosting a young missionary couple in our home for a month. We could not have asked for better house guests and we were blessed by them. As summer approached we knew we would not be vacationing and out of the blue they offered us their beach house in Fort Walton Beach for 10 days. My Daddy knew we did not have the resources but needed the rest so He provided a place through them. And our Daddy did not just provide a place but He provided a beautiful place. I am sitting here looking out at the bay and stand in awe of my Daddy. He is faithful. He is your Daddy. Go to Him! He is waiting! You are His daughter.
Blessings from another daughter of the King,
Jill Milligan
As I began to think what to share with you concerning Who I am in Christ, the thing that would not leave my mind is I am a Daughter of the King. You may be saying, I know that. But do you? Do I? Do we really embrace that our Daddy owns the cattle on a thousand hills, the earth is His and all it contains, That nothing was made that was made apart from Him, that He puts rulers in positions and removes them and on and on. One of my favorite passages is when He was talking to Job. I remember the moment this was first put in perspective for me. I was sitting on the beach in Panama City very troubled with some things that had just happened to me. After I had shared my frustration with the Lord, I opened my Bible to the daily reading and actually began to laugh out loud. Verse 12, says, "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place....... Wow and Wow! The one WHO commands the morning is MY Daddy! It is going to be Okay!
But do we live like that? I was thinking of the movie Princess Diaries. This is a quick synopsis but hopefully will make the point. She was the daughter of a prince who had died and her grandmother was Queen of Genovia. She was living in America almost in poverty with her Mom. It becomes time for a new Queen - she is the likely candidate - Grandmother finds her - takes here there and she learns the ways of a Queen - Of course there is more to the story but for today's post think of the correlation. Alot of us are living in spiritual poverty and yet are daughters of the king. We know that is a reality but because of circumstances of life we live as if we are not. He sent His Son to show us the way and when He left He sent the H.S. to indwell us so we could live the life He meant for us. How are you living?
Are you living under the expectations of this world, people around you, the position you hold or are you experiencing the freedom of knowing you are a princess and your Daddy owns it all, and is able to provide what you need, when you need it, and how much you need at the time you need it? Are you living knowing that nothing escapes your Daddy's notice and He is able to accomplish what concerns you from the past, present and future? Are you living knowing that you are not a victim? That no one can thwart what your Daddy has put in motion for you?
Now lets go back to Princes Diaries one more time. When it came time for her to be queen there was one stipulation and that was she had to be married. The time was fleeting and if she was not married she could not be queen. She came to a point that she realized she could not get married just to be queen and came before the people and shared her dream to be their queen but also her view of marriage was much more and to get married for this reason would violate who she really was. She appealed to them to think of their own daugthers...........
Wow, to be a daughter of the King we must not allow ourselves to be victims, we must not allow the enemy to tell us He won't provide, we must not compromise our values to receive anything. For He truly owns it all.
I don't know where you are in your life today but I do know Your Daddy knows. Sit back in his lap. Accept His love, His counsel, His grace, His mercy, and on and on. You don't have to beg. You are His and He is Yours. His Banner over you is Love.
In closing, I must share what my Daddy did for me this week. Joel has been out of work for over 6 months. Our Daddy has been faithful. We have been blessed and stretched. Mid way into this we had the privilege of hosting a young missionary couple in our home for a month. We could not have asked for better house guests and we were blessed by them. As summer approached we knew we would not be vacationing and out of the blue they offered us their beach house in Fort Walton Beach for 10 days. My Daddy knew we did not have the resources but needed the rest so He provided a place through them. And our Daddy did not just provide a place but He provided a beautiful place. I am sitting here looking out at the bay and stand in awe of my Daddy. He is faithful. He is your Daddy. Go to Him! He is waiting! You are His daughter.
Blessings from another daughter of the King,
Jill Milligan
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A New Series
We have spent several months sharing different names and attributes of our Savior. It has been exciting to log on each week and read what God has been showing one of my sisters. He has used each one of these posts to remind me that He is very serious about being involved in every aspect of our life.
As personal and vulnerable as we have been sharing what God has been teaching us about Himself, we are embarking on a journey that will require us to be even more open with you.
As I sit to type this first post in the new series, I have a strong impression that yes it will be sweet, but there may be weeks when it is hard. God's word says in Deut. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
We are going to seek Him and ask Him to show us something new. Would you pause now and ask Him to speak to you?
If I were to ask you face to face “Who does God say you are?” What would your answer be?
My guess is some of you would say things like forgiven, loved, or redeemed. A few may say daughter of the King, or Princess. All beautiful, and correct answers for a woman who has received Jesus Christ as her Savior! Girlfriend the Holy Spirit of God lives in you and you are Royalty an Heiress for goodness sake!
Since we aren’t face to face I want you to ask yourself “Who am I in Christ?"
I’ve been asking myself this question daily for a week and one word continues to come to the front of my mind.
SECURE.
God says I am secure. Regardless of everything going on around me, I am secure. My life verse is Deuteronomy 33:12 it says:
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in HIM, for HE shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”
God gave me a visual of this verse when my youngest daughter was around 2. She had the flu and was very clingy. It was nap time, but I knew she was not going to nap in her bed for very long. I was at that point where I needed a nap too so we just cuddled up on the couch.
Earlier in the day, I had read this verse in my Bible study homework. It had consumed my mind and my heart. I grabbed my Bible and my journal in hopes that Emma would sleep and I could write down my thoughts before I grabbed a quick power nap.
Emma was very congested so I had her sort of sitting up facing me with her head against my chest. She could breath easier this way and I could prop up and read. As I read that verse again, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart.
You see Emma had quickly gone to sleep and she was FINALLY resting. Her labored breathing had slowed down and had fallen into a pattern similar to mine.
She was resting between my shoulders. Close enough for her breathing to fall into sync with mine. Her head was close enough to feel my heartbeat. She felt safe, secure and free to rest.
God reminded me that He offers me the same thing each and every day. I have the freedom to crawl into His lap, put my head on His chest and let my breathing,my heart beat fall into sync with His.
It is a safe place. A secure place. A stable place.
Isaiah 33:6 tells us that God will be the stability or the sure foundation of our times.
Regardless of what is going on in my life I know that my God knows. He is my sure and stable foundation. Nothing can shake Him. If I am living as one who believes she is secure, I will not be shaken. Life may throw some hard things my way. It may feel overwhelming and like the fight of all fights! BUT, my Savior says in Deut. 33:12 He shields me all day long and I can rest secure.
I am a SECURE heiress of God! Is there a more secure place to be than between the shoulders of the One who gave His only Son's life for you and for me?
What kind of impact would we have if we really believed we are secure? I wonder what would happen in our communities, our churches and most importantly in our homes if we started living as a secure woman. I want to leave you with a quote from a favorite Bible teacher...
"My theology has not become my reality when I refuse to walk in the security of Christ and who I am in Him!"
Oh my sweet friends, lets press in a little closer and make the choice to believe we are who God says we are! Let's walk a little more secure knowing that we are HIS.
Anticipating Him!
stephanie
As personal and vulnerable as we have been sharing what God has been teaching us about Himself, we are embarking on a journey that will require us to be even more open with you.
As I sit to type this first post in the new series, I have a strong impression that yes it will be sweet, but there may be weeks when it is hard. God's word says in Deut. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
We are going to seek Him and ask Him to show us something new. Would you pause now and ask Him to speak to you?
If I were to ask you face to face “Who does God say you are?” What would your answer be?
My guess is some of you would say things like forgiven, loved, or redeemed. A few may say daughter of the King, or Princess. All beautiful, and correct answers for a woman who has received Jesus Christ as her Savior! Girlfriend the Holy Spirit of God lives in you and you are Royalty an Heiress for goodness sake!
Since we aren’t face to face I want you to ask yourself “Who am I in Christ?"
I’ve been asking myself this question daily for a week and one word continues to come to the front of my mind.
SECURE.
God says I am secure. Regardless of everything going on around me, I am secure. My life verse is Deuteronomy 33:12 it says:
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in HIM, for HE shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”
God gave me a visual of this verse when my youngest daughter was around 2. She had the flu and was very clingy. It was nap time, but I knew she was not going to nap in her bed for very long. I was at that point where I needed a nap too so we just cuddled up on the couch.
Earlier in the day, I had read this verse in my Bible study homework. It had consumed my mind and my heart. I grabbed my Bible and my journal in hopes that Emma would sleep and I could write down my thoughts before I grabbed a quick power nap.
Emma was very congested so I had her sort of sitting up facing me with her head against my chest. She could breath easier this way and I could prop up and read. As I read that verse again, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart.
You see Emma had quickly gone to sleep and she was FINALLY resting. Her labored breathing had slowed down and had fallen into a pattern similar to mine.
She was resting between my shoulders. Close enough for her breathing to fall into sync with mine. Her head was close enough to feel my heartbeat. She felt safe, secure and free to rest.
God reminded me that He offers me the same thing each and every day. I have the freedom to crawl into His lap, put my head on His chest and let my breathing,my heart beat fall into sync with His.
It is a safe place. A secure place. A stable place.
Isaiah 33:6 tells us that God will be the stability or the sure foundation of our times.
Regardless of what is going on in my life I know that my God knows. He is my sure and stable foundation. Nothing can shake Him. If I am living as one who believes she is secure, I will not be shaken. Life may throw some hard things my way. It may feel overwhelming and like the fight of all fights! BUT, my Savior says in Deut. 33:12 He shields me all day long and I can rest secure.
I am a SECURE heiress of God! Is there a more secure place to be than between the shoulders of the One who gave His only Son's life for you and for me?
What kind of impact would we have if we really believed we are secure? I wonder what would happen in our communities, our churches and most importantly in our homes if we started living as a secure woman. I want to leave you with a quote from a favorite Bible teacher...
"My theology has not become my reality when I refuse to walk in the security of Christ and who I am in Him!"
Oh my sweet friends, lets press in a little closer and make the choice to believe we are who God says we are! Let's walk a little more secure knowing that we are HIS.
Anticipating Him!
stephanie
Monday, July 27, 2009
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
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
Monday, July 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 13, 2009
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!!!
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