Left in Awe

I've been listening to Hillsong's cd United We Stand...absolutely amazing music...brings back so many memories of IHOP...

searching the world
the lost will be found
in freedom we live
as one we cry out
You carried the cross
You died and rose again
my God, i'll only ever give my all

You sent your Son
from heaven to earth
You delivered us all
it's eternally heard
i searched for truth
but all i found was You
my God, I'll only ever give my all

Jesus, we're livin for your name
We'll never be ashamed of you
our praise and all we are today
take, take, take it all
take, take, take it all

running to the one who heals the blind
following the shining light
in your hands the power to save the world, my life

Worthy is the Lamb

Darlene Zschech

Thank You for this love Lord
Thank You for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
Gave amazing grace

Thank You for this lvoe Lord
Thank Your for the nail-pierced hands
Wash me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Crown You now
With many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

"The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap..."
~ Psalm 113:4-7

Life is Precious

The Potter's Hand

Darlene Zschech

Beautiful Lord
Wonderful Savior
I know for sure all of my days
Are held in Your hand
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me
Into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life
Through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Take me, mold me
Use me, fill me
I give my life
To the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life
To the Potter's hand

Majesty

Delirious

Here I am humbled by your Majesty
Covered by your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty

Here I am humbled by the love that you give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Despite the worries and fears of today, there is always power, love and mercy in the shadow of the cross. I praise Him for the blessings He lavishes upon me, despite my human nature. To Him who is more than worthy, more than wonderful...Majestic, Awesome, Undescribable... How can I speak of things as if they determined eternity, instead of looking to the power and grace of the One who has sacrificed everything for all. To look above and beyond the anxieties of life in this world; to look instead to the presence of Him who is I AM.
For a heavenly focus, this is what I pray...

Promises...

Beautiful One (Tim Hughes)

Wonderful, so wonderful
Is Your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
No heart could fully know
How glorious, how beautiful You are

Beautiful One, I love You
Beautiful One, I adore
Beautiful One, my soul must sing

Powerful, so powerful
Your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of Your majesty
Awakes my heart to sing
How marvelous, how wonderful You are
You opened my eyes
To Your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as You

My soul, my soul must sing
My soul, my soul must sing
My soul, my soul must sing
Beautful One

What assurance...

I Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Worry

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.

Corrie ten Boom

Praying for Superabundance

Excerpts from J.M. Farro's devotional, "Superabundantly"

"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--to Him be glory..." Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP

• I confess to being guilty of praying "just" or "only" prayers in the past. "Lord, if You'll 'just' do this, I'll be happy." Or, "Lord, if You'll 'only' do this, I won't ask You for another thing." It finally dawned on me one day that prayers like these do absolutely nothing for my faith. They don't challenge me, and they don't encourage my spiritual growth, or my intimacy with God.

• Yes, it's true that He knows everything before we tell Him about it, but asking demonstrates our humble dependence upon Him, and our belief that He hears us when we pray.

• Don't wait until you feel deserving to pray "superabundant" prayers. If you do, you will never pray them. Instead, go ahead and pray them in faith, trusting that the Lord will show you whatever it is you need to do to partner with Him to bring His highest blessings and purposes to pass in your life.
  

No Sacrifice

Jason Upton

To you I give my life
Not just the parts I want to
To You I sacrifice
These dreams that I hold onto

(Chorus)

Your thoughts are higher than mine
Your words are deeper than mine
Your love is stronger than mine
This is no sacrifice, here’s my life

To You I give the gifts
Your love has given me
How can I hoard the treasures
That You designed for free?

(Chorus)

To You I give my future
As long as it may last
To You I give my present
To You I give my past

Space In Between Us

Building 429

Look at my heart
Look at the mess I've got it in
I'm trying to trust in You
To know that You'll see me through
Through my pride
Through my shame
Into Your love
Into Your grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see Your face
And I'm running straight to You
Because

All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in between us
To break this division
All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in between us
Erase it and bring us back together again

My life's like an open book
Nothing is hidden when You look
You break through my boundaries
Revealing my insecurities
But through my pride
And through my shame
You show me love
You show me grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see Your face
And I'm running straight to You
Because...

Listening

To sit and listen at the Lord's feet, that is truly what I desire and yet I find it so hard sometimes. The distractions of life around me as well as my desires, hopes, fears and wishes cause me to want to impulsively charge ahead, when i recognize the need to sit quietly before the Lord and wait on Him.

Please pray for me, for an unspoken prayer request. Although it may seem trivial to some, in reality it involves a lot.

I am resting in the promise that He will take care of us, provide guidance and encouragement where they are needed, and give us the grace and strength to follow where He leads.

The Purest, Strongest Love

Song of Songs 8:6-7

Place me like a seal over you heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

A New Look

Today, at breakfast with my King, I read Proverbs 3 in the TNIV (Today's NIV) version...and verses 5 & 6 struck me in a new way.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The use of the word "submit" instead of the usual "acknowledge" proved to be thought provoking, even at 7:45 in the morning. How many times do we simply "acknowledge" God and His plan, but then go on to live as we want, following our plans. Instead, submit emphasizes the first word of verse 5, trust.

Are we truly trusting if we only acknowledge God's plan for our lives, but don't submit to Him?

My Prayer

I pray these words on behalf of all those who are involved in or affected by the tragedy at home.

hide me now
under your wings
cover me
within your mighty hands

when the oceans rise
and thunders roar
i will soar with you
above the storm
father you are king
over the flood
i will be still
and know you are God

find rest my soul
in Christ alone
know His power
in quietness and trust

when the oceans rise
and thunders roar
i will soar with you
above the storm
Father you are king
over the flood
i will be still
and know you are God

* Still by Hillsong

Piece of Coal

Isaiah 6: 5-7

"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty!" Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin is atoned for."

Praise and Prayer

Praise the Lord!
J.T. successfully made a flight to a hospital near home. A major answer to prayer...

And just in time for another prayer request...
Carrie, a young woman diagnosed with Leukemia who successfully received a bone marrow transplant last week. However, she is now in the ICU with an infection and fever.

Lord,
Raise these kids up. Heal them.

how?

sometimes i find it hard to know how to pray...

please pray for the Taylor family. since JT has been in a coma for two weeks now, doctors have said that he is in a "persistent vegetative state." In addition to this devastating news, the family has been turned down by several hospitals at home. They hope to move JT home, if only they can find a hospital and staff to support them, as it is a critical situation.

Psalm 31:5 NLT

"I entrust my spirit into your hands. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God."

Isaiah 30:18 NLT

"The Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them."

Psalm 63:7,8

"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

Stop Reading the Bible

Message at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, Ohio

• God's word is about transformation not information
• in a million ways, our sinful nature can dismiss the authority of the scriptures when it seems to dig too deep into our persona lives and challenge us to change our ways in uncomfortable ways
• meditation isn't simply reading the Word, it's devouring it
  
• use an answering prayer instead of a calling prayer

Martin Luther said:

Teaching
Adoration
Confess
Supplication

Stop reading the Bible, and begin devouring it.

Plea For Healing

Please join me in praying for JT, a member of the Cedarville family. On Wednesday, August 16th, he suffered heart failure and collapsed while playing a pick-up game of soccer. Although EMS personnel were able to save him, he has been in a coma since his collapse. Throughout the last several days medical news has become increasingly discouraging, as he developed seizures which doctors have been unable to control.

Most recently neurologists told JT's parents that, should he wake up, he will do so in the next two to three months. However, there is a discouraging 80% chance he will remain in a coma.

Please pray that God would raise JT out of this coma, if it is His will. Also, remember the family, as JT's sister and dad returned to National Guard jobs this week, leaving JT's mother and younger siblings with him here.

Please pray for wisdom as the family discerns whether they should move JT to Philadelphia to be closer to their home, and for safety is the trip is made in the coming days or weeks.

What a comfort it is to know we can approach the throne in confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers on behalf of others. Thank you!

Promises and Patience

Usually before we see the promise come to pass that we're claiming, we will have to go through a period of patiently waiting on God...[we] have a tendency to lose faith before we receive the answer...praying according to [God's] will is an important key to answered prayer.

At the very moment I am learning to patiently trust in confident faith, I realize the answer to prayers that has been on our hearts for quite some time. Praise God for His Spirit.

The Real Me

Natalie Grant

listen here; it is the fourth song



Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before i'm empty
Do i let it show, does anybody know?



But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me



Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess i've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still i see somehow


But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me


Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me


But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me


And you love me just as i am
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

You Are Blessed

The Message

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when this happens--give a cheer even!--for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Draw Near to God

• An inner teacher that contradicts scripture is not the Holy Spirit, but rather an unholy spirit.

• We can have an ethical shell without a spiritual heart.

• Is Jesus just a tool for me to get something (salvation)? If not, if I claim He is more than a tool to me, am I really drawing near to Him?

• We draw near to God by actively practicing spiritual disciplines. Prayer; fasting; discernment; wise and godly counsel; being immersed in scripture; regular worship with fellow believers.

• You will get something, but don't come to get; come for Him.

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

- John 6:35

Meeting Them Where They Are

Sunday Message at SMC by Dwayne Walton

Paraphrased excerpt from Dwayne's story of when three missionaries from Nebraska came to inner city Queens, New York to play basketball first, then share the gospel with teens from the hood:

...that was the first time God had ever "left the church"...He was always at the churches; He never came to me...but these missionaries told me that God loved me as I was...

International House of Prayer-KC

The International House of Prayer base in Kansas City, Missouri. These are the holy grounds of indescribable experiences, workings of the Holy Spirit, and a prayer movement that, through profound faith, will change the nations.

God's hand through the gift of art...an inspirational, challenging sculpture in the Prayer Room.

One of God's many blessings along the way. We spotted this incredible cross along the highway...I have never gotten my camera ready so quickly.


An amazing stop on the way home for a trip to the top of the St. Louis Arch..."Rising in Faith."

My epiphany at the top of the arch: On the ground everything looks so big; we can only see several dozen feet in front of us..But at the top of the arch we can see for dozens of miles, a much larger part of the bigger picture...

Similarly, the trials and tribulations i face in life may seem like huge obstacles that are impossible to pass. However, i need to learn to trust the Maker, because He is able to see the whole picture, and work things out for His purpose.

Comfort For the Times

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm


there are those times when all that is able to comfort us are the simple words of an honest song.

this is one of those times.

Inspiring Tunes

These simple, yet powerful words of praise are combined with beautiful music, making for an incredible experience; a must hear...

Holy, Holy
Tim Hughes

Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come,
who was and is and is to come.

Lift up His name with the sound of singing,
lift up His name in all the earth.
Lift up Your voice and give Him glory
for He is worthy to be praised.

Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus is the Lord God Almighty.
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is and is to come,
who was and is and is to come.

Lift up His name with the sound of singing,
lift up His name in all the earth.
Lift up Your voice and give Him glory
for He is worthy to be praised.

You Are Loved

Rebecca St. James

this is what i want to say to you
if i had one chance to speak to your heart.
you are loved, more than you could ever know.
this is what i want to say to you
if i had one chance to tell you something.
you are loved more than you can imagine. imagine

Invitation to Greatness: Becoming a Good and Faithful Servant

Mike Bickle, International House of Prayer-KC
Part One: Track 1-5

"Grace covers us when we fail and then inspires us to get back up and press in again."

"I charge you, I urge you to connect with [this] at the heart level. You just have to do commandments, the small ones and talk others into it, and stay consistent. And when you blow it, get forgiveness and push to lead, get back up and go hard again. and just do that for several decades."

- Failure does not ruin faithfulness. Just get up, repent, and keep
pressing forward. That is faithfulness.

"You're the kind of woman I want to run part of my government because when no one was looking, you were going hard after the things i went hard after when I was on down on the earth in the flesh and blood body."

"He's looking at what its costing you to obey when no one's looking, and to stay steady in the mundane, routine of life in a fallen world...and working without all the fanfare of the world. You're doing it because you want to be great in his sight."

Listening to That Other Voice

Excerpts from Mere Christianity, author C.S. Lewis

That is why the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.