Sunday, January 31, 2010

Overwhelming Doubt....

What do you do when you doubt something about yourself? Another words...you do not feel like you can accomplish one thing you wish to accomplish...

I have been "doubting" myself a lot lately in one specific area. Actually, I have had this strong sense of doubt for over a year now. I have almost given up! However, I decided to share with God my situation and hand it over to him.

I prayed that God would carry this heavy burden of doubt and help show me what he wants me to do with it. I have been so confused, lost, saddened, depressed, upset, embarrassed, uncomfortable, shameful, disgusted...you name the word and that is how I have felt.

After praying...I felt a sense of peace. I finally gave my "doubt(s)" over to God. I know that God is in control and can do far more than what I can do. This is the way it is supposed to be. If I would only stop having so much pride and recognize that God will do far more than what is imagined...

Why is it so hard to give God all of our burdens? I know in this certain area in my life I have been too embarrassed to ask God for help. The amazing thing is that God is there for us no matter what. He already knows how we feel, but it is up to us to ask God for help. All it takes is for us to tell God how much we need him and desire him.

Here are some scriptures that I read on DOUBT :
Genesis 21:7 "And she added, 'Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."
*Because of Sarah's worry, doubt, and fear, she had forfeited the peace she could have felt in God's promise to her. We must focus on God's promises. We must TRUST God to do what he says. ( Life Application Study Bible, NIV)

Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is FAITHFUL in all he does."
*God's words can be trusted and God does not forget, change his words, or leave his promises unfulfilled. (Life Application Study Bible, NIV)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Happiness!

I was searching this morning for a scripture verse or devotional book that would speak to me. I wanted to read something new or find a verse that just really spoke to me. I am getting bored with a devotional I've been reading. I could not find anything. I just was not "moved" by some of the things I read this morning.

I used a search engine to find something that would speak to me. I found many incredible quotes made by Billy Graham. These quotes made me think twice.

I also got on YouTube.com and thought I should listen to a sermon. I wanted to change things up and do something different this morning. I happened to come across so many preachers. Anywhere from Billy Graham to Steve Gaines and even Adrian Rogers. There's so much information just a click away. Maybe your preacher has something on this website. It is only a click away!

I would like to share some incredible quotes this morning from Billy Graham as well as a 2 min 15 sec video clip from a video of Billy Graham discussing HAPPINESS.

Quotes from Billy Graham:

"If we had more hell in the pulpit, we would have less hell in the pew. "
"God's angels often protect his servants from potential enemies."
"God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. "
"Give me five minutes with a person's checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is."
"Believers, look up - take courage. The angels are nearer than you think."
"A Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God. "
"Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength."
"There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men."
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."

Video Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U1mzNslI_4

Friday, January 29, 2010

A Great Challenge!

Well, my record for postings is not PERFECT! However, I am still praying each morning even through all the stress and time constraints. I have come so far and if I miss anything I not only feel guilty, but my day is a disaster!

It will be a great challenge & commitment on my part these next few weeks. We will be in the process of packing, moving, and unpacking. I ask for your prayers during this time. I hope that you will pray that the entire process will run smoothly and there are not any hiccups. I pray that the paperwork will all be complete and that God will be in control of this entire process. We have already seen God's mighty hands at work these last few days. I want to PRAISE him as I type! Thank you Lord! You are an AMAZING God and have done more that we could EVER imagine. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

I read a devotion from a book called, A Journey With God for Teachers. One of the devotions explains how God will make plans for you in him own time and in his own way. Although God's plans might not be clear or able to be seen at that moment...God will lead you to the plan he has in store for you. The book also talks about God leading you through a wilderness which gives you knowledge as well as directing you towards his path. It is up to us to be patient and not jump too soon. If we will be patient and constantly seek his will for our life, then God will do marvelous things.

I am an example of the above paragraph. God has done some amazing things! Whether BIG or small...putting God first and seeking him throughout makes a difference in our lives!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Praising God! I love this song....

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him
who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King
Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Valleys While Working...

There are many bumpy roads I have taken in order to get where I am today. I still have a long way to go! I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, but sometimes I question myself. If only I was still working with my previous job...I could buy this or that...or if I was still working there I could feel like I was important. Don't get me wrong....I know I am making a difference to a child at school, but you just never receive feedback from a student. There are days I wish I could know that I am making a difference or to feel needed. I received lots of praise with my previous job and I was always appreciated for the things I did.

I was reading some scripture this morning that helped me remember that I am not working for people, but I am working for the Lord. "Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than people." (Eph 6:7)

This quote is from Max Lucado..."God can make a garden out of the cesspool you call work, if you take God with you...with God, our work matters as much as our worship."

I pray that I will continue doing the best job I can and remember I am working for the Lord.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Be a Live Vine!

I read and reread John 15:1-16 this morning. I have heard this scripture many times in church, but not really understood the real meaning of this scripture until now. Maybe because I really focused in on it today.

The branches in this scripture are followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are those who "walk the walk" & "talk the talk" producing much fruit for Christ. Those who are believers, but are "fake" or unproductive are the ones who are cut from the vine. Followers who are not really living for God are the ones who are cut off the branch and are considered dead.

I pray this morning, that God will use me and show me what is in store for my life! I want to be a producer and a LIVE vine. I also want to remain in Christ and his words remain in me, so that I may be blessed with his love. "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." (v.7)

I have copy & pasted the scriptures from John 15:1-16 below. (NIV)

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes (cleans) so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Saturday, January 23, 2010

We live by FAITH, not by SIGHT...

2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight...So, we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."

Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'."

I struggle hearing from God. I will pray and pray and pray, but can not hear what God is telling me. I keep praying for God to give me a clue or for him to open my eyes to see the clue. I will even pray for God to help me hear. I still am unable to SEE the light or HEAR his voice. It almost frustrates me.

This is where I am today. In past situations, I was able to see (years) later that God was really working on my behalf and certain things happened for a reason. However, it took a long time!
How can I speed up the process if I need to know something soon?

I will be on my knees today begging and asking God to help me see his word in verse Isaiah 30:21. I need to hear his voice. I truly believe we can give God all our struggles, worries, and problems. I also believe he knows we have to plan according to his will. So, I am trying to do both and hope I will see some light!

Trying to find the right house is difficult. There will not be one house that is just perfect. I just hope we can find the one God wants us to have. After all, we will make it his house. If not, I pray God will show me what I need to do. Renting is not easy and finding a safe rental home is difficult. There are many rental homes in bad areas. Please pray for us as we will be making major decisions soon.