The Lord is faithful. He never ceases to provide the encouragement we need, at the moment we need it. I can only pray that He blesses those who encouraged you greatly in the last few days. ; )

To someone I care about,

I thought of you when I read this in my devotional book last night...Praying for a steady light to guide you and to clear the confusion.

My Father, there are so many paths I could walk--so many ways to choose. And there are certain decisions I must make that lead me around and around, until my heart is in confusion.

Today, I will fix my heart on this truth:

When I feel confused, there will always come a light, held low so that my feet won't stumble--a sure light that will shine on each step of my path. Thank you, Father, that you will speak the counsels of your word to me.

Taken from I Come Quietly to Meet You, arranged by David Hazard.

When Life Distracts

Amy Carmichael, in Edges of His Ways:

I think distractions in prayer are often because we have let ourselves wander too far from the things that matter most. And so we slip into an easily interrupted, easily distracted frame of mind.

My Father, something inward tells me I have been living scattered. Sometimes anxious. Restless. Distracted. Wandering inside.
I fix my eyes upon the cross now---upon the post and crossbeam...
I come, Father, to hide myself in You.


Excerpts from "I Come Quietly to Meet You," arranged by David Hazard

Healing Rain

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

To be washed in Heaven's rain...

Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...

Michael W. Smith

The following is a beautiful picture of marriage, as written on a plaque in our house.

Woman was created from the rib of man,
not from his head to be above him,
nor from his feet to be walked upon,
but from his side to be equal,
near his arm to be protected,
and close to his heart to be loved.

Something Beautiful

I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I want a new beginning
One without any end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me

CHORUS
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me

REPEAT CHORUS

BRIDGE
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away--Father
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful

Newsboys

Made to Love

The dream is fading, now i'm staring at the door
I know its over cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I ain't feelin' what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for
What became of the flame that made me feel more
And when did I forget that...

Chorus
I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love
and be loved by you


The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide
Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin' vapors on my dreams
But I still believe
I'm reachin' out, reachin' up, reachin' over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And daddy I'm on my way
'Cause I was made to love...


Bridge
Anything I would give up for you
Everything, I'd give it all away

Toby Mac

Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
Savior


He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave


So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything i believe in
Now i surrender
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

Hillsong

To Be a Woman of God

Timothy 3:11

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

What a life to strive for, what a calling! On top of Proverbs 31, this verse gives a lot for us women to learn, cultivate, and practice. Sometimes it seems impossible, but the godly characteristics are worth the effort.

Men should be looking for a woman who is striving to be the Proverbs 31 woman, and the 1 Timothy 3:11 woman. But, at the same time, women need to be living in such a way that emulates these verses.

Am I becoming this type of a woman? What am I doing each day to become a woman of such caliber? Am I thankful, encouraging and optimistic? Or do I criticize, gossip, and complain? When I step out in faith, He will provide the strength and grace I need to become the woman of Proverbs 31 and 1 Timothy 3:11.

Longing to Hear

Staring in the face of God
Feeling His breath run across my face
Touching the hands of Christ
Feeling His wounds dripping with my faith
He wipes my face of all of my tears
All my painful memories

Chorus
Welcome good and faithful
Welcome home
Welcome good and faithful
Welcome home

I see the angels on their faces
As they cry out to you
Singing praise and glory
And all honor be to you

Then I lift my eyes
I see my King
And I hear Him say

I hear the angels
As they sing your praises
I see the saints
As they dance in your name
I feel your arms
As you draw me closer
You whisper in my ear and say


Welcome Home
Farewell June


I cannot wait for the day that I will hear these words. What a comfort to know that those dearly loved friends and family who have gone before now hear these words from the One they served so faithfully.

Wait for Me

Darling, did you know that I
I dream about you
Waiting for the look in your eyes
When we meet for the first time
And darling, did you know that I
I pray about you
Praying that you will hold on
And keep your loving eyes only for me

'Cause I am waiting for, praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
'Cause I am waiting for, praying for you darling
Wait for me too
Wait for me as I wait for you
Darling wait

Darling did you know
I dream about life together
Knowing it will be forever
I'll be yours and you'll be mine
And darling when I say
" Til death do us part"
I mean it with all of my heart
Now and always faithful to you

Now I know you may have made mistakes
But there's forgiveness, and a second chance
So wait for me, darling wait for me
Wait for me
Darling wait for me

Rebecca St. James

Beauty of His Hands

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
Psalm 19:1

Soli Deo Gloria.

To God alone be the glory.

Nothing Compares

I've heard all the stories
I've seen all the signs
Witnessed all the glory
Tasted all that's fine

Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord
Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord

I see all the people
Wasting all their time
Building up their riches
For a life that's fine

Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord
Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord

I find myself just living for today
'Cause I don't know what
Tomorrow's gonna bring
So no matter if I rise or fall
I'll never be alone, oh no


Third Day

Following You

When I look to You suddenly I see
I see the real me
Stripped of all the worlds coverings
That’s my true, my true identity

This world has so much more clarity
With You walkin’ right in front of me

And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You
And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You

And I’ll keep it short ‘cause I learn so much more
When I’m just listening
With my eyes on You, You’re watchin’ all I do
That’s when my motives are true

This world has so much more clarity
With You walkin’ right in front of me

And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You
And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You

With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all my strength

With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all my strength, I’m Yours

I’m following You
I’m following You
I’m following You
I’m following You

This world has so much more clarity
With You walkin’ right in front of me
It’s such a better place to be
With You in front of me

And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You
And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You

And I’m following You
Yes I’m following You
And I’m following You
And I’m following You

Following You, Following You

Jadon Lavik

Gravity.

The ways of this world are grabbing a hold
Won't let me go, won't let me fly by
It takes it's toll down on my soul
‘Cause I know what I need in my life

Don't let me lose my sight of You
Don't let me lose my sight

I don't want to fall away from You
Gravity is pulling me on down
I don't want to fall away from You
Gravity is pulling me to the ground

This world keeps making me cry
But I'm going to try, going to try to fly, going to fly high
Don't want to give into the sin, want to stay in You ‘til the end
Don't want to lose my sight of You
Don't want to lose my sight

I want to fly
Into the sky
Turn my back on this old world
Leave it all behind
This place is not my home
It's got nothing for me
Only leaves me emptiness
And tears in my eyes

Shawn McDonald

Soli Deo Gloria

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Yes You Have

Every tree and every stone
Every rushing wind that moans
They sing Your praise
My God, they sing Your praise
Every star and open sky
Tell of Your glory divine
They shout Your praise
They shout Your praise, yeah

You’ve stolen my heart
Yes, You have!
You’ve stolen my heart
Yes, You have!
You’ve wiped away the stains
And broke away the chains
Yes, You have!!

With Your love You set me free
Three nails gave me liberty
So I’ll sing Your praise
My God, I’ll sing Your praise
Oh, with Your love
You forgave my sin
Forgot my past
And brought me back again
So I’ll sing Your praise
I’ll sing Your praise, yeah

If I ascend into the sky
Or hide behind the night
I can not run Your love is chasing me
If I fall into the sea
Your hand will rescue me
No one will take Your place
Because

This is all for You
Yes, this is all for You
You’re the King of the world
You’re the King of the world

Yes You Have
Leeland

No You

ZOEgirl

Feelin' so crazy lately
When it seems that You're not around
The sun and the moon shine bright
But my eyes are all Yours now
Don't know how I lived with out You
I don't remember how it used to feel
Lord, I can't imagine if I had no You to hold me

Where would I go with no You to run to
No You to hold me when I am afraid?
Who would I be with no You beside me?
I oughta know it by now without You there's no me
Ohhh, there's no me

Lord, when I need You, You're always here
To play through the laughter, love through the tears
And when my heart seems so far away
Into Your arms is where I wanna stay
I try to find the words to tell You
All the things my heart's been telling me
I don't wanna know how it feels to have no You to love me

Where would I go with no You to run to?
No You to hold me when I am afraid?
Where would I be with no You beside me?
I oughtta know it by now without you...

Here With Me

Mercy Me

I long for Your embrace
Every single day
To meet You in this place
And see You face to face

Will you show me?
Reveal Yourself to me
Because of Your mercy
I fall down on my knees

And I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love

You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as Your own
To know You and be known

You are holy
And I fall down on my knees

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love

I surrender to Your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love

Peace

Jennifer Knapp

He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear

In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might
hear a simple word

O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against
Your throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace

And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind
With a mighty word

O, how i would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against
Your throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace

He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?

From the Inside Out

Hillsong

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
Should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul
I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

Came to the Rescue

Hillsong

falling on my knees in worship
giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord, all I am is Yours
my whole life I place in Your hands
God of mercy
humbled I bow down
in Your presence
at Your throne

I called--
You answered
and You came to my rescue and I
want to be where You are

in my life...
be lifted high
in our world...
be lifted high
in our love...
be lifted high

Blessed Beyond Belief

Despite the frustrations, the struggles, I have so much to be thankful for. He has blessed me beyond belief in so many areas. HE is faithful. Forever.

"You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!"

Psalm 68:35

When I Kneel

"[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly...]"

Philippians 3:10 AMP

I will sing these words
In a humble attempt to praise You
I want to praise You

I will raise my hands
in a humble attempt to praise You
My heart longs to praise You

These expressions of praise are all I know
I will bow on my knees to let You know
in Your presence Lord is where I want to be

When I kneel
I feel Your arms around me
When I kneel before You Lord
You heal me
As the world around me fades away
At Your feet I will remain
Oh Lord Your presence is so real
When I kneel

Matt Goss Band

Exactly...

Why should I fear man
When You made the heavens?

Why should I be afraid
When You put the stars in place?

Why should I lose heart
When I know how great You are?

Why should I give up
When Your plans are full of love?


In this world
we will have trouble
But You have overcome the world...


You shine
Brighter than the brightest star
Your love
Purer than the purest heart
You shine
Filling us with courage and strength
to follow You

In this world we will trouble
But You have overcome the world
You have overcome the world

You shine
Brighter than the brightest star
Your love
Purer than the purest heart
You shine
Filling us with courage and strength
to follow You

"You Shine"
Brian Doerksen

Legacy

Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Just some thoughts...

"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain?

Those whose walk is blameless,

who do what is righteous,

who speak the truth from their hearts;

who have no slandor on their tongues,

who do their neighbors no wrong, who cast no slur on others;

who despise those who ways are vile but honor whoever fears the Lord;

who keep their oaths even when it hurts;

who lend money to the poor without interest

and do not accept bribes against the innocent.

Whoever does these things will never be shaken."

what a challenge. this life should never become comfortable. if it is, i have slipped into a life of medocrity. how can i be within my comfort zone, and yet living completely, and to the fullest for the Lord?

Dear God...

Please give me grace, strength, and patience...

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.