If you say go...

Psalm 136

2007-08-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good. His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.

who made the great lights- His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.

and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.

to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.

who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.

and killed mighty kings- His love endures forever.

Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.

and Og king of Bashan- His love endures forever.

and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.

an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.

to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.

and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.

and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

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I've been looking over this one for the past day or so now... though it mirrors the first half of Psalm 135 it's still very powerful. It reminds us that God's love endures forever and that his ways are higher than our ways. Don't you think that God still loved those that chose to oppose him? He does, but he also remains faithful to what he has set down as law.

2 Peter 3:9-12
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

This week

2007-08-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

I've been bouning around back and forth between chapters and other devotionals this week. So I'll try and catch up as I go along and put down some thoughts.

I hope everyone is having a great day and that your quiet times have been enriching and insightful. Feel free to share them if you want.

~Chris

Psalm 135:15-21

2007-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see;

they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.

Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

O house of Israel, praise the Lord; O house of Aaron, praise the Lord;

O house of Levi, praise the Lord; you who fear him, praise the Lord.

Praise be to the Lord from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord.

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I think this sums it up rather nicely as far as idol worship goes. Incidentally, don't forget about the modern ways we make our own idols....

I was watching an episode of Way of the Master on tv the other day and they were goining over this very topic. You see, the easiest way to make an idol (false god) taht you worship, is to start with "to me, God is"... see you're already projecting your thoughts on what God is, when it's the other way around. God is who he is, without change without fail for everyone equally... there is no "to me God wouldn't send someone to hell" etc... You're making a graven image in your mind... you're creating a god in your own mind that doesn't truly exist and therefore you're worshiping an idol. Eventually your "god"/"idol" will like what you like and hate what you hate that way you feel you can go through life without conviction for sins... till the day of judgement when the real God will fullfill his promise to judge us according to his standards.

See, instead of God creating you in his image, you're trying to play creator and make God in your image, which is just outright dumb and pointlessly egotystical.

Psalm 135:1-14

2007-08-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord;

praise him, you servant of the Lord,

you who minister in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;

sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own,

Israel to be his treasured possession.

I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

The Lord does whatever pleases him,

in the heavens and on the earth,

in the seas and all their depths.

He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;

he sends lghtning with the rain and brins out the wind from his storehouses.

He struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstborn of men and animals.
He sent his signs and wonders into your midst,
O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.

He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings-

Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan and all the kings of Canaan-

and he gave their land as an inheritance,

an inheritance to his people Israel.

Your name, O Lord, endurse forever,

your renown, O Lord, through all generations.

For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.

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Remember that God is in control of everything. He IS the rule of the universe and all that is in it.

Also remember that God does as he pleases, he's not at our beck and call, yet he wishes to communicate daily and intimately with his children (followers of Christ).

Take to heart these verses.

Matthew 5:45

"...He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

However, God does bring judgement upon the universe, as you can see in the verses above. He has every right to do this because he is the creator and he is perfect.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Acts: 14:16-17

In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Remember that regardless the circumstances, God is faithful.

He is faithful to keep his promises of blessings for those who keep his commands...

He is faithful to keep his promises of punishment & correction when we are unfaithful to him.

He doesn't choose favorites and make exceptions in this regard and I for one am thankful for that. There are absolute truths and to deny that is foolishness.

I'll close with this...

2 Timothy 2:11-13

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Psalm 134

2007-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord

who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

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The first thing that comes to mind when I read this was:

Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Of course Joshua 1:8 is reffering to being prosperous and successful in God's eyes, rather than what the world thinks is such, but that's for another discussion.
The fact that this psalm references those who minister by night in the house of the Lord, reminds us that serving the Lord is a 24/7 thing... there is no "me time" away from God... it's all God or nothing. We're called to remain watchful...

Colossians 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

We should be in constant prayer and while we pray, give thanks to God for all that he has done. We should praise him through the good and the bad times, for he is Lord over all and we deserve everything that comes our way, including death, which in itself is a blessing as well. And God deserves our praise for his mercy and grace that he shows us daily.

Take a moment to thank God for what he has done in your life.

Psalm 133

2007-08-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head,

running down on the beard,

running down on Aaron's beard,

down upon the collar of his robes.

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

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Psalm 132:11-18

2007-08-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Lord swore an oath to David,

a sure oath that he will not revoke:

"One of your own descendants I will place on your throne-

if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them,

then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."

For the Lord has chosen Zion,

he has desired it for his dwelling:

"This is my resting place for ever and ever;

here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it-

I will bless her with abundant provisions;

her poor will I satisfy with food.

I will clothe her priests with salvation,

and her saints will ever sing for joy.

"Here I will make a horn grow for David

and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

I will clothe his enemies with shame,

but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

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Psalm 132:1-10

2007-08-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured.

He swore an oath to the Lord and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

"I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,

till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

We heard it in Ephrathah, we cam upon it in the fields of Jaar:

"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us workship at his footstool-

arise, O Lord, and come to your resting place,

you and the ark of your might.

May your priests be clothed with righteousness;

may your saints sing for joy."

For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.

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Psalm 131

2007-08-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

My heart is not proud, O Lord,

my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

like a weaned child with it's mother,

like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

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Psalm 130:5-8

2007-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
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Psalm 130:1-4

2007-08-17T13:58:00.001-07:00

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;

O Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,

O Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness;

therefore you are feared.

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I'm going to split this up so I can focus on several truths in this chapter. First of all I notice that the writer sayd that out of the depths he cries out to the Lord. It's very important to realize where you are. The truth is that we all start out in our sin, none of us are righteous in our own right, not even those who are exhalted by our own society.

Colossians 1:21-23
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Though, God is faithful to forgive us of our trespasses against him, if we repent and turn to him. Remember, there is no other way, however, it is through this way we have been forgiven and thus fear the Lord. Now this is interesting, because at first glance some people might not understand this passage.

With God there is forgiveness and therefore he is feared? The fear is a holy awe and reverence for God's mercy. If he didn't show us mercy, we wouldn't even be around to fear him, because he would exact swift and righteous judgement upon us, which we rightly deserve as evil, sinful people.

However, because he shows us mercy, we stand in awe of him, and having been shown where we were in our sin and disobediance to him. Then knowning where we stand after we are drawn to repentance and acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As we stand clothed in that forgiveness by Jesus' blood... How can we not fear the Lord who has shown us such great mercy and given us a chace (and empowered us) to turn from our wicked ways? We would be fools to roll our eyes at that magnitude of redemption.

2 Chronicles 19:9-10
He gave them these orders: "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities - whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or ordinances - you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin.

Remember to thank God for his mercy. The somber fact that he has allowed us to remain alive through our next breath is testimate to that.

Thank you Lord for your Grace and Mercy.

Come talk to me up front...

2007-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd share it with you since I find it both humorous and neat at the same time. Earlier today, I asked God to show me clearly and concisely what his will was for my job and his ministry... (you can see it in the post right below this one). Well I went to lunch in the breakroom at 3pm...

Now in the breakroom, I've got a Eternal Life track in there that's made it's rounds... it's been scooted around, knocked off the table, stuck in a cubby hole, and all sorts of things... Now I believe someone's been reading it recently, because it's been in different spots on the table back there, and gone other days, etc. Which is a blessing! Now, on the back of the tract, where you put your name and the name of your church, etc, I wrote a little note to encourage the reader to come talk with me (since I don't get to snag peole long enough to talk to them most days)...

The track was sitting up on the table when I walked in, as if it had been read, opened up and sat down on it's bottom side so that the front and back were facing vertically... it's backside was facing the entrance to the break room. Of course I was oblivious to this till after I was cleaning up and leaving there to come back to the front and clock in. I was standing there in the entryway emptying out my trash, when I was drawn back to the track as if a "hello over here" kinda deal was happening. At that time, I took note of the exact wording on the back that I had wirtten with my own hand (and had forgotten after all these months).

"Come talk to me up front if you have any questions".

This struck me as rather interesting, as if God is simply reminding me that my priorties in my questioning were wrong. He should be first and the job comes second, or rather, he IS the job. So I'm going to continue praying about it and seek the scriptures to see what else he is going to show me.

Psalm 129 (Yay, Happy Birthday, Thank you Lord!)

2007-08-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

A song of ascents.

They have greatly oppressed me from my youth-
let Israel say-
they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.
Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
But the LORD is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

May all who hate Zion
be turned back in shame.
May they be like grass on the roof,
which withers before it can grow;
with it the reaper cannot fill his hands,
nor the one who gathers fill his arms.
May those who pass by not say,
"The blessing of the LORD be upon you;
we bless you in the name of the LORD ."

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As we discussed last night in our Bible study, we in constant battle. Life is a battle, despite what the culture, mainstream media, and Oprah would like to admit. Though as the scripture says, despite all our struggle, it is God who delivers you, not yourself. If you're a Christian, he has delivered you from your sin first, and continues to deliver you daily, as long as you keep your focus on him.
Case and point.

1 Colossians 1:20-23
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.

Of course don't overlook the warning here as well. The enemies of God will not be lifted up. Just like grass on the roof... see how it is placed to provide shade for a time, but then withers before it can grow. It looks healthy and vibrant and suddenly it's worthless and very flameable. The water of life is not in it and thus it dries up. Just like in this world, you may be successful and powerful while here on earth, but once you die, you still have to account for your actions and pay for your sins with your own life in eternity.

It's better to repent and turn to Jesus now, than to face judgement that is sooner than you could ever imagine. Afterall none of us are guarenteed another breath. I leave you with this scripture to ponder today.

Ecclesiastes 8:6-8
For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him. Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.
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Dear Lord,
Thank you for being the author of life. Thank you for ordaining every step of our lives before the creation of the universe. I pray that you would lift up Bridgeway and continue to strengthen it for the work that is to be done. I pray that you would bless the work for your kingdom and that you would provide the harvest. Please guide our thoughts and desires, let no thing that is not of you, dwell inside of us. I pray that you would have your way in my life today. Make me and conform me to your will. Use me as you see fit. I give you my all today. Lord, please show me clearly and consicely what your will is for me in regards to my job and your ministry. Also, please be with all the prayer requests that were mentioned last night. There are so many people who are hurting or needing you in their lives, I pray that you would address each need as you see fit and ulitimately that you would be given glory for all of it. In Jesus holy name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 128

2007-08-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.
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Simply put, those who fear the Lord and follow his will are blessed and will be blessed. We'll be blessed and provided for as the Lord has promised. Though it doesn't say that we will have an easy life, and that's to be expected. I've also noticed that it mentions that we will eat the fruit of our labor. Which means we have work to do and in that work we will reap a harvest, that we will partake of ourselves.

Matthew 12:33

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.

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Dear Lord,

I thank you for your faithfulness when we are faithful and your faithfulness when we are unfaithful. Thank you for being the solid rock we build our very foundation on. I pray that you'll be with us tonight as we join together for Bible study and learn about spiritual warfare. Please open our eyes to the bigger picture and help us to always look past our current circumstances. Thank you for seeing Amanda and Rebecca home safely last night, even through all the spiritual warfare that took place on their way back home.

I lift up to you Aaron and Colby as they teach us tonight, that you'd be with them and that they'd decrease so that you can increase. Please prepare our hearts and conform us to your will. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 127:3-5

2007-08-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man whos quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
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As men, we want to live forever. And one sure way that we know we can live forever, is through our offspring. Being a soon to be father, this scripture hits home with me. I was just thinking earlier before I even read this that I'm going to die and my child/childen are going to live on after me. On one side I am reassured that every child is a reward, a blessing from God. Every child is precious and should be treated as such. It's our duty as Christian fathers and mothers to raise our childen in the ways of Christ. Afterall, like Aaron touched on in his message on Sunday,
Proverbs 29:15 & 17
The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother... Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

If we don't discipline our childen, then I'm drawn ot the other side of the situation... a child left to himself discraces his mother... Just like in the scripture, our children are like arrows... we raise them up (fashion them in our likeness), train them in the way they should go (take aim) and when they grow older they will not depart from it (they fly from our bow out into the world and either hit the mark, or miss it entirely).

It is very important that we make sure what we're teaching our children, not just through what we say to them, but how we live our lives. They are carbon copies of ourselves in every area and are our greatest disciples.

1 Timothy comes to mind, since I've surrendered to the ministry, but it's serves to solidify all the previous scripture as well.
1 Timothy 3:4&5
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

Joy and I have a monumental task ahead of us when Reyna is born. Though I know that God has blessed us with her and will guide our steps as we strive to be godly parents & disciples of Christ.
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Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing us with Reyna. I pray that you would continue to build me up as the spiritual leader of my household. I pray that you would be with Reyna in the future when she starts dating, that you would direct her choices and raise up her future husband in your ways. Please be with Joy and I as we seek to grow closer to you, so that we might make a mighty impact in this world for your kingdom. Only you know what plans you have for us, but I gladly rely totally on you for everything. I pray that you'd be with Amanda & Rebecca as they travel home tonight and that you'd be with our class as we meet tonight. Thank you for Bridgeway and thank you for all that you have provided, both trials and blessings, we know that it's all for your glory. I pray that you'll provide a Children's minister for Bridgeway... we need one now, more than ever... though I know that they will arrive in your perfect timing. In Jesus Christ holy name, I pray... Amen.

Psalm 127:1-2

2007-08-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Unless the Lord builds the house,
it's builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat--
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

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A simple saying comes to mind, not sure if I heard it somewhere before or not. It stems from Phillipians 4:13 which says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." The "him", is reffering to Christ.

The saying goes something like this...

"I can do all things through Christ, but without Christ I can do nothing."

I believe that these verses sum that up quite eloquently. Without Christ in our lives, everything is in vain. The things of this world will pass away, but God & his word is eternal.

1 John 2:17

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

We must strive to build everything upon the foundation of Christ... our work, our play, our solitude, our waking moments, our actions, our lives, everything. Otherwise, it'll count for nothing in the end.

As a closing thought lets take a look at:

Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

This is reffering to or attitudes... Remember that just as we should act like Christ, we should also think like Christ as well. Everything we say and do hinges on where our movites are... wheither they be selfish or pure. It's a daily struggle, but we're commanded to strive toward that goal of Christ-like-ness.

My simple prayer today is simply the continuation of that scripture...

Philippians 2:17-18

"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." Just as Paul spoke your words to the Philippians, I too mirror them in my heart, Lord. I pray that I would always be focused on you... to bring you glory and honor, Father. Amen.

I gotta catch up!

2007-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Uh oh...

Well apparently I haven't solidified this as a habit yet. However, I did have my quite times, I just didn't get around to blogging them. So to save everyone from having to read a novel, I'll just post the scripture for the last two and then start with today's post like normal.
And on a side note, if anyone has any questions or additional insight, please feel free to leave a comment.

Psalm 125

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous,

for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,

to those who are upright in heart.

But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be upon Israel.

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Psalm 126

When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.

Those who so in tears will reap with songs of joy.

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Alright, that's all for this post. See ya soon.

Psalm 124

2007-08-10T14:03:00.001-07:00

If the Lord had not been on our side - let Israel say --
if the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us,
when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive;
the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
the raging waters would have swept us away.
Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
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Before the move from Bridgefarmer Center to Jump'n Land, we have been through struggles.
We continue to go through them daily in each of our lives even after the moving process has been completed.
Though I find it comforting that God continually shows us his word to encourage us and give us hope and peace.
I find it interesting that the scripture that comes to mind when I read this today, is one that has been the focus of so many friends' quite times as of late, including our pastor. The story of when Peter walked on the water to Jesus.
Matthew 14:22-33 I'm reminded of how Jesus came to the disciples in the boat and told them not to be afraid. How he gasped Peter's hand when he began sinking in the sea and helped him back into the boat. How the storm died down once they were in the boat... Just like our own lives, there will be trials, storms, & spiritual warfare. However, if we are children of God, then Jesus will be right there by our side helping us through those times. And only when his will is accomplished will he quite the wind and the waves. But in the meantime, he will sustain us through the tempest of life.
Psalm 121 1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
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Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your perfect will. Thank you for being my Lord and Savior. I pray that you would continue to encourage us during these times while you refine us in the fire. Thank you for letting us meet last night for Bible study and for being able to pour into your Word. I'd like to lift up Aaron and his lymph node, that if it's your will, that you'd heal him and strengthen him during this time. I pray that you'd give him the wisdom to lead us as you would have him to do. I pray that you'd be with Ruthie as she flys back home and starts school. I pray that you'd be with Rebecca and Amanda as they fly up there together for a few days as well. That they'd have traveling mercies... I pray that you'd extend those traveling mercies to Aaron as he visits his newborn neice in OK today. Lord, thank you for Dos... thank you for allowing him to be my accountability partner and to be there for us when we've needed someone the most. I pray that you'd help him to overcome his self-doubt and worry -- that you'd give him a reassuring peace about his situation and remind him that you are in control, even when we try to take control. I pray that you'd allow all of us to glorify you at our workplaces today and that you'd give us opportunities to wittness. I pray that you'd be with our ministry boys as we seek your guidance and direction for our lives, both in the Bible studies we will be teaching soon and in everything else. I pray that you would continue to move mightily in Bridgeway and despite any worldly ideas, that you'd continue to bless us and help us to grow to be whatever it is you have in store for us. I ask that you'd be with Ernest and would continue to give him strength for his heart and that you would work a miracle in his life. I'd also like to lift up any other prayer requests I don't remember right now, that you'd be with those. Also, Lord, I'd like to ask that you'd be in my job situation... that your will would ultimately be done and if I am to have this potiental new job, then thank you, but if I'm not, then thank you as well for allowing me to provide for my family with the job I currently have. I thank you again for all these things and praise you for your faithfulness, even when we ourselves are not faithful. In Jesus Christ holy name I pray, Amen.

Psalm 123

2007-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
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We should spend time daily, focusing on God in all things. We should stop and see how he is working around our world and how he is working through us. We should always be praying for his guidance and seeking his will and mercy in our lives. However, through everything, we should remember that God is ultimately in control. In the good times and in the bad.
Ecclesiastes 7:13-14
Consider what God has done:
Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
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Dear Lord,
Thank you for your amazing and perfect will. Thank you for both good and bad... you are still God alone. You are my God and I thank you for that. Please be with us today as we go to work. Help us live our lives as open testimonies to you and your glory. I pray that you'd be with our Bible study tonight, that you would give Aaron the words to say and that you'd prepare our hearts for what we will be covering in your Word. Speak to us tonight and show us your will. Open our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. If it's your will, I pray that you'd be with Joy and our baby. That you'd keep them both healthy and safe during this time. Thank you for Reyna. I pray that you would keep her future spouse safe and beging working in the lives of his parents to draw them to you so that when the time comes and he is in this sinful world, that you would use them to draw him to you and bring him to salvation.

Thank you for the job situation I am in right now. I give it all into your hands and pray that you would do whatever brings you glory, Lord. Be that in me losing my job or gaining another one. I pray that you would continue to work mightily in Bridgeway, continue to bring in the harvest, and please don't hinder Bridgeway because of any sin that may be in my life. In Jesus Christ holy name, I pray, Amen.

Getting Started... again...

2007-08-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Every great trek begins with a vision and a single step.So here's my first step to making this a reality.God willing, I'll be able to continue this until this medium is obsolete.Or something like that....