I saw something on the news this morning that just about broke my heart. Two Christians were killed for their fatih, in Iraq today. When I got online to research the matter a little bit more I found out that there are tons of Christians being beaten and killed for their faith throughout the world. When I think about what great faith these Christians have to be will to give their all, including their life for the cause of Christ. There was one story I read that I amazed me. I read about a Christian girl that was 19 yr old. She's now in the ICU after being stoned by police. They stoned her because she refused to renounce her faith. When I consider what great faith that teenage girl has, I being to wonder could I do what she did. Do I have that kind of faith that I would be willing to die for glory for God. If I was ever in that kind of situation, I hope and pray that I could proclaim the name of Jesus boldly. What about you, do you have that kind of faith where you would be willing to die for the cause of Christ? We live in a wonderful country. America, the land of the free. We are blessed with the freedom of speech, yet we so often keep our mouths shut. So many times, it seems like we are afraid to witness to our friends, family, and neighbors because we fear what they might think or say to us if we do. How Pathetic are we! How can we say we love God when we are afraid and seem ashamed to speak His very name to others! There's Christians out there putting their life on the line by just proclaiming God's name and sharing the gospel yet, they are boldly witness because they believe that it is worth it. Is it worth it to us? Would we be willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of Christ, even our very lives!? That what God asks us to do. He wants us to take up our cross and follow Him. We are to be living sacrifices, a pure vessel that God can use.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" ~ Matthew 16:24-26
"For I am not shamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The Just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17
Let's go and live by faith today. Let's boldly proclaim the good news to all who will hear! For we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Count On You
Confused of what lies ahead
nothing ever seems to be easy
when I think I'm headed on way
my direction changes completely
now I don't know, what's going on
My pathway is torn, my direction unsure
There's only one thing i know for sure
I can count on You
through the hard times
when I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to You
I turn to Your cross
and begin seeking Your truth again
That's when I discover
I can always count on You
There's storms in our lives, raging day after day
pushing and pulling trying to change the path we take
we feel like giving up
but though it seems hard to stay strong
we have to continue to press forward and say
I can count on You
through the hard times
when I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to You
I turn to Your cross
and begin seeking Your truth again
That's when I discover
I can always count on You
Now I know whatever life throws at me
I have no need to worry or fear
I can depend on my God, savior and friend
to guide me through the unknown
When I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to God
I turn to His cross
and begin seeking His truth again
that's when I discover
Lord, I can always count on You
nothing ever seems to be easy
when I think I'm headed on way
my direction changes completely
now I don't know, what's going on
My pathway is torn, my direction unsure
There's only one thing i know for sure
I can count on You
through the hard times
when I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to You
I turn to Your cross
and begin seeking Your truth again
That's when I discover
I can always count on You
There's storms in our lives, raging day after day
pushing and pulling trying to change the path we take
we feel like giving up
but though it seems hard to stay strong
we have to continue to press forward and say
I can count on You
through the hard times
when I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to You
I turn to Your cross
and begin seeking Your truth again
That's when I discover
I can always count on You
Now I know whatever life throws at me
I have no need to worry or fear
I can depend on my God, savior and friend
to guide me through the unknown
When I feel overwhelmed and all alone
I cry out to God
I turn to His cross
and begin seeking His truth again
that's when I discover
Lord, I can always count on You
He's Always Near
There's a journey that we all must take
with every situation that happens in our lives
we must understand, that God is always undercontrol
no matter where we are, no matter what occurs
we can always know
that God is only a prayer away
He's always there, when you need Him
HE's always near, He'll never leave your side
We should realize
he's a friend we can always depend on
though circumstances might change
he'll never depart
He's always near
It's harder and harder to see Him sometimes
when life gets difficult we begin to doubt
does he really care about me after all
I feel so hopeless and weak
all I see is darkness all around me
then I cry out to You, Lord
Your always there, when i need you
your always near, you've never left my side
I realize, your a friend i can depend on
though my circumstances have changed
you've never departed from me
Lord, your always near
We can always count on God
there's nothing He can't accomplish
He already knows where my life is headed
I can always lean on Him
though circumstances will change
He'll never depart
He's always near
Yes, my Lord is always near
with every situation that happens in our lives
we must understand, that God is always undercontrol
no matter where we are, no matter what occurs
we can always know
that God is only a prayer away
He's always there, when you need Him
HE's always near, He'll never leave your side
We should realize
he's a friend we can always depend on
though circumstances might change
he'll never depart
He's always near
It's harder and harder to see Him sometimes
when life gets difficult we begin to doubt
does he really care about me after all
I feel so hopeless and weak
all I see is darkness all around me
then I cry out to You, Lord
Your always there, when i need you
your always near, you've never left my side
I realize, your a friend i can depend on
though my circumstances have changed
you've never departed from me
Lord, your always near
We can always count on God
there's nothing He can't accomplish
He already knows where my life is headed
I can always lean on Him
though circumstances will change
He'll never depart
He's always near
Yes, my Lord is always near
Why Use Me
I'm so normal, just the same
there's nothing special about me
I so often fail you
shaming your very name
out of everyone else in the world
why
why would you ever want me
I Know people who could serve you better
then I have been
One's that are stronger and smarter
then I could ever be
Lord, why
why would you want to use me
I'm unworthy as unworthy could be
I'm trying my best to stay the course
But I stumble
I'm so weak and timid
Why would you even consider me
I know people who could serve you better
then I have been
One's that are stronger and smarter
then I could ever be
Lord why
why would you want to use me
You see what others look past
you know, the depth of my heart and soul
I'm nothing at all but
if you still want to use me
here I am
I give the reins to You
Lord thank you for considering me
Help me be all you want me to be
Thank You for using a sinner like me
there's nothing special about me
I so often fail you
shaming your very name
out of everyone else in the world
why
why would you ever want me
I Know people who could serve you better
then I have been
One's that are stronger and smarter
then I could ever be
Lord, why
why would you want to use me
I'm unworthy as unworthy could be
I'm trying my best to stay the course
But I stumble
I'm so weak and timid
Why would you even consider me
I know people who could serve you better
then I have been
One's that are stronger and smarter
then I could ever be
Lord why
why would you want to use me
You see what others look past
you know, the depth of my heart and soul
I'm nothing at all but
if you still want to use me
here I am
I give the reins to You
Lord thank you for considering me
Help me be all you want me to be
Thank You for using a sinner like me
A Friend Like You
You seem all alone
wounding if there is hope to be found
so lost and unsure
your searching for something, someone
to help pick you up, when your down
Your my comforter, my help, and encourager
you hold me when I need a shoulder to cry on
you understand exactly who I am
You accept me for who I am, you encourage me to just be me
I thank God for a friend like you
God gives us many people in our lives
he brings certain ones across our paths for a reason
I know that through all the hard times we've endured
I'll friendship has strengthened , and I've been changed for good
Your my comforter, my help, and encourager
you hold me when I need a shoulder to cry on
you understand exactly who I am
You accept me for who I am, You encourage me to just be me
I thank God for a friend like you
You've helped me become the person I am today
You've pushed me to be all I can be
Because of you, I've lived my life to the fullest
You've been such a blessing to me
You accept me for who I am, You encourage me to just be me
I thank God,
for a friend like you
wounding if there is hope to be found
so lost and unsure
your searching for something, someone
to help pick you up, when your down
Your my comforter, my help, and encourager
you hold me when I need a shoulder to cry on
you understand exactly who I am
You accept me for who I am, you encourage me to just be me
I thank God for a friend like you
God gives us many people in our lives
he brings certain ones across our paths for a reason
I know that through all the hard times we've endured
I'll friendship has strengthened , and I've been changed for good
Your my comforter, my help, and encourager
you hold me when I need a shoulder to cry on
you understand exactly who I am
You accept me for who I am, You encourage me to just be me
I thank God for a friend like you
You've helped me become the person I am today
You've pushed me to be all I can be
Because of you, I've lived my life to the fullest
You've been such a blessing to me
You accept me for who I am, You encourage me to just be me
I thank God,
for a friend like you
Without Your Love
You came to show how much you care
giving your life on that cruel cross
I was sentenced to Hell, but You changed that
What would I do
without your love
My life is nothing
just dust in the sand
without your guidance
where would I be
I'd be lost
without your love
I was so lost in my own world
searching for happiness in all the wrong places
I tried to fill that void with money and success
but nothing worked
until i heard about Your love
My life is nothing
just dust in the sand
without Your guidance
where would I be
I'd be lost
without your love
Now that I have you in my life
everything has changed
my goals and dreams will never be the same
And it's all because of You
And all you did to Show your love
Your love gave it all
so I could have a second chance
Thank you for using a no one like me
I don't know what I would do
or where I would be
Thank You for saving me
where would I be
where would I go
without Your love
giving your life on that cruel cross
I was sentenced to Hell, but You changed that
What would I do
without your love
My life is nothing
just dust in the sand
without your guidance
where would I be
I'd be lost
without your love
I was so lost in my own world
searching for happiness in all the wrong places
I tried to fill that void with money and success
but nothing worked
until i heard about Your love
My life is nothing
just dust in the sand
without Your guidance
where would I be
I'd be lost
without your love
Now that I have you in my life
everything has changed
my goals and dreams will never be the same
And it's all because of You
And all you did to Show your love
Your love gave it all
so I could have a second chance
Thank you for using a no one like me
I don't know what I would do
or where I would be
Thank You for saving me
where would I be
where would I go
without Your love
I'm Calling on You By: Justine and Ashley Maynard
I may not know what's going on
i don't understand why I'm going through
all this heartache and pain
It seems like my world is falling apart
I'm sitting on edge
ready to hear you
wanting to change
ready for a brand new start
So here I am, waiting for you
I come to you, with all of my heart
Waiting for a chance
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees, Lord please hear my prayers
I'm calling on you
Even though I can't comprehend
why you put these trials in my life
I now see them through a different perspective
I know no matter what
Lord, Your with me
through all of the troubles I face
So here I am, waiting for you
I come to you, with all of my heart
waiting for the chance
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees
Lord, please hear my prayers
I'm calling on you
Eventhough I may not understand
what I am going through
I know, God
I will look to you
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees
Lord, please hear my prayers
I'm calling on You
i don't understand why I'm going through
all this heartache and pain
It seems like my world is falling apart
I'm sitting on edge
ready to hear you
wanting to change
ready for a brand new start
So here I am, waiting for you
I come to you, with all of my heart
Waiting for a chance
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees, Lord please hear my prayers
I'm calling on you
Even though I can't comprehend
why you put these trials in my life
I now see them through a different perspective
I know no matter what
Lord, Your with me
through all of the troubles I face
So here I am, waiting for you
I come to you, with all of my heart
waiting for the chance
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees
Lord, please hear my prayers
I'm calling on you
Eventhough I may not understand
what I am going through
I know, God
I will look to you
I'm bowing before your throne
falling on my knees
Lord, please hear my prayers
I'm calling on You
Our Jerusalem
So many are headed out
serving in Africa and Japan
what a great thing they are doing
but back home is suffering
they're lost without hope too
Why don't we reach our Jerusalem, our neighborhood
they're yearning for something more
we have that truth
we have the Good news
lets go out and reach our Jerusalem
Churches are pact on Sundays
Religion is what America is full of
People are seeking for something
we have that truth
why don't we share it
why don't we reach our Jerusalem, our neighborhood
they're yearning for something more
we have the truth
we have the Good news
lets go out and reach, our Jerusalem
America needs the truth
just like any other place
religion and cults are taking over
go before it's too late
we have truth
we have the good news
so lets go out and reach
our Jerusalem
serving in Africa and Japan
what a great thing they are doing
but back home is suffering
they're lost without hope too
Why don't we reach our Jerusalem, our neighborhood
they're yearning for something more
we have that truth
we have the Good news
lets go out and reach our Jerusalem
Churches are pact on Sundays
Religion is what America is full of
People are seeking for something
we have that truth
why don't we share it
why don't we reach our Jerusalem, our neighborhood
they're yearning for something more
we have the truth
we have the Good news
lets go out and reach, our Jerusalem
America needs the truth
just like any other place
religion and cults are taking over
go before it's too late
we have truth
we have the good news
so lets go out and reach
our Jerusalem
Yield to God
We go about today, claiming we're different
yet act the exact same
why do we live in this world
justifying ourselves, saying
if we become like the world, we can win them
what happened to being peculiar
what happened to being transformed
why do so many Christians
try to please God and man
what happened to just yielding to God
There's another Christian in Church on Sunday
but in a bar on Monday
they try to reach the world with a band on a stage
while still living in sin, partying away
what happened to being peculiar
what happened to being transformed
why do so many Christians
try to please God and man
what happened to just yielding to God
God wants us to be different, not the same
Why don't we stop serving sin
let's press on daily
and just yield to God
yet act the exact same
why do we live in this world
justifying ourselves, saying
if we become like the world, we can win them
what happened to being peculiar
what happened to being transformed
why do so many Christians
try to please God and man
what happened to just yielding to God
There's another Christian in Church on Sunday
but in a bar on Monday
they try to reach the world with a band on a stage
while still living in sin, partying away
what happened to being peculiar
what happened to being transformed
why do so many Christians
try to please God and man
what happened to just yielding to God
God wants us to be different, not the same
Why don't we stop serving sin
let's press on daily
and just yield to God
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye
It seems like only yesterday
we were laughing, playing cards together
just enjoying each other's company
but now those days are gone
there only distant memories
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as i try to fight back tears in my eyes
it's just so hard to say goodbye
I know your in a better place,
no more burdens to carry, and no more pain to bear
your up there in Heaven, singing with the choir
seeing all your loved ones that went before you
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as i try to fight back tears in my eyes
it's just so hard to say goodbye
And when it's my turn, to walk the streets of gold
It'll be such a joyous reunion
as i run to you with open arms
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as I try to fight back tears in my eyes
It's so hard to say goodbye
though i'm going to miss you
I'm pressing on,
thinking about our joyous reunion day
As I try to fight back tears in my eyes
It's just so hard to say goodbye
we were laughing, playing cards together
just enjoying each other's company
but now those days are gone
there only distant memories
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as i try to fight back tears in my eyes
it's just so hard to say goodbye
I know your in a better place,
no more burdens to carry, and no more pain to bear
your up there in Heaven, singing with the choir
seeing all your loved ones that went before you
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as i try to fight back tears in my eyes
it's just so hard to say goodbye
And when it's my turn, to walk the streets of gold
It'll be such a joyous reunion
as i run to you with open arms
It's so hard to say goodbye
why can't we just say see ya later
as I try to fight back tears in my eyes
It's so hard to say goodbye
though i'm going to miss you
I'm pressing on,
thinking about our joyous reunion day
As I try to fight back tears in my eyes
It's just so hard to say goodbye
At the End of the Tunnel
I was feeling so lost, full of dispair
no knowing where to turn
everything seems dark and uncertain
I tried to find a way out
but no hope was to be found
then i heard your voice in the background
Your always there, helping me
your always there, leading me back to where i need to be
though i feel discouraged, liked there's no hope
there's always a light
at the end of the tunnel
When things happen, that you can't explain
seems like everything is falling apart
you try to pick up the pieces
but you just don't know where to start
remember God always there
Cry out to Him, He'll answer you
and shine that light to help you make it through
don't give up
God is always there for you
Though you feel discouraged, like there's no hope
there's always a light
at the end of the tunnel
no knowing where to turn
everything seems dark and uncertain
I tried to find a way out
but no hope was to be found
then i heard your voice in the background
Your always there, helping me
your always there, leading me back to where i need to be
though i feel discouraged, liked there's no hope
there's always a light
at the end of the tunnel
When things happen, that you can't explain
seems like everything is falling apart
you try to pick up the pieces
but you just don't know where to start
remember God always there
Cry out to Him, He'll answer you
and shine that light to help you make it through
don't give up
God is always there for you
Though you feel discouraged, like there's no hope
there's always a light
at the end of the tunnel
Turn back to You
Why are our hearts so rebelious
So foolish and so cruel
we try to do what we think is right
We are killing our nation, having no hope in sight
We have turned away from all we know as true
We turn away from God, our creator and friend
We need to turn back to God
So our nation will be restored
We turn to you, we turn to your truth
We turn to your word
guide us, direct us today
put your blessing upon this place again
No amount of war will rebuild this place back to restoration
no amunt of politics will fix our fate
we've taken God out of everything
The only thing that will give us hope again.
is the Lord, is His word
It's what we should be fighting for
We need to turn back to God
so our nation will be restored
we turn to you, we turn to your truth
we turn to your word
guide us, direct us today
put your blessing upon this place again
How sad a fact it is, we are destroying
what we are so desperately fighting for
Lord, please will you
put your blessing upon this place again
as we turn back to you
So foolish and so cruel
we try to do what we think is right
We are killing our nation, having no hope in sight
We have turned away from all we know as true
We turn away from God, our creator and friend
We need to turn back to God
So our nation will be restored
We turn to you, we turn to your truth
We turn to your word
guide us, direct us today
put your blessing upon this place again
No amount of war will rebuild this place back to restoration
no amunt of politics will fix our fate
we've taken God out of everything
The only thing that will give us hope again.
is the Lord, is His word
It's what we should be fighting for
We need to turn back to God
so our nation will be restored
we turn to you, we turn to your truth
we turn to your word
guide us, direct us today
put your blessing upon this place again
How sad a fact it is, we are destroying
what we are so desperately fighting for
Lord, please will you
put your blessing upon this place again
as we turn back to you
Trust Him
When I think of peace, I consider how we feel when we have peace about something... We feel relieved, content, full of eaze, unworried or afraid, but rather, we are more confident. So, how do I we acquire this wonderful peace? Well, Psalm 34:14 says that we are to seek and pursue peace. We are to search for this peace in our lives. So, where can we find this peace exactly? Well, if Jesus is called Our Prince of Peace, then it's obvious that we can only obtain this peace through Him!
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." ~ Colossians 3:15
God wants us to let His peace rule in our hearts. How do we allow God's peace to rule in our hearts, by simply trusting Him with our whole heart. This means giving God the reins in our life.
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." ~ Psalm 28:7
What I think God is saying in this verse is that That God is our strength, when we feel discouraged or just plain weak sometimes we can always depend on God to help strengthen us. I think this verse also says that we are helped when we trust God with all heart. We are to trust God with all of our hearts! When we give God everything, and just trust Him, then we will have no need to worry. This is how we can gain peace, it's when we give our life to God because we realize that our lives are already in God's hands. He wants the best for all of us! He doesn't want to hurt us or cause our lives to fall apart. I claim Jeremaih 29:11, when I feel like my world is falling apart and I just don't know what to do. I'm human just like anyone else, so trusting God completely is hard for me sometimes. But in all honestly, He does have a perfect plan for all of us. And His plan and will for our life is better then anything that we could even dream of. I just want to encourge you to trust God with your life. Allow Him to control your life and remember that when things might not go the way you planned, God is always there and wants the best for your life. Just trust Him.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." ~ Colossians 3:15
God wants us to let His peace rule in our hearts. How do we allow God's peace to rule in our hearts, by simply trusting Him with our whole heart. This means giving God the reins in our life.
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." ~ Psalm 28:7
What I think God is saying in this verse is that That God is our strength, when we feel discouraged or just plain weak sometimes we can always depend on God to help strengthen us. I think this verse also says that we are helped when we trust God with all heart. We are to trust God with all of our hearts! When we give God everything, and just trust Him, then we will have no need to worry. This is how we can gain peace, it's when we give our life to God because we realize that our lives are already in God's hands. He wants the best for all of us! He doesn't want to hurt us or cause our lives to fall apart. I claim Jeremaih 29:11, when I feel like my world is falling apart and I just don't know what to do. I'm human just like anyone else, so trusting God completely is hard for me sometimes. But in all honestly, He does have a perfect plan for all of us. And His plan and will for our life is better then anything that we could even dream of. I just want to encourge you to trust God with your life. Allow Him to control your life and remember that when things might not go the way you planned, God is always there and wants the best for your life. Just trust Him.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Philippians 3:20
Joy, this is something that God wants all of us to possess in our lives. God includes joy in the fruits of the spirit in Gal.5:22. When we have the joy of the Lord in our heart and life, God says in Neh.8:10 that that's our strength. So, how do we obtain this joy? Well, when we please God by obeying His commandments and continually seek to glorify Him in everything that we say and do, then we obtain unspeakable joy! True joy comes from living for God.
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Philippians 3:20
We should stop focusing on the things the world has for us! Life is a vapor and this world is temporal, it won't last forever. Instead we need to spend our time doing things that will matter eternally. Things like encouraging others, reading our Bible, studying God's word, praying, serving in our church, witnessing, and sharing God's love with others. That's why we (as Christians) are still on this Earth. It's not to gallivant around trying to enjoy what the world has to offer (pleasure for a season). Our purpose in life is much more than that.
According to Matthew 5:14, we are to be the light of the world, shinning brightly, unhidden for all to see. How are we to be a light to this world if we are the exact same as them? How are we supposed to share the joyous news of Christ with others if they don't see any difference in our lives? Lets make a commitment today to live for God as we should. When I think of all God has done for us, how He sacrificed His only Son to die on the cross for All of My sins. I realize that my life truly isn't my own. Living my life to serve, please, and glorify God isn't a big sacrifice for me. It's the least that I can do for Him, since He's done so much for me.
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Philippians 3:20
We should stop focusing on the things the world has for us! Life is a vapor and this world is temporal, it won't last forever. Instead we need to spend our time doing things that will matter eternally. Things like encouraging others, reading our Bible, studying God's word, praying, serving in our church, witnessing, and sharing God's love with others. That's why we (as Christians) are still on this Earth. It's not to gallivant around trying to enjoy what the world has to offer (pleasure for a season). Our purpose in life is much more than that.
According to Matthew 5:14, we are to be the light of the world, shinning brightly, unhidden for all to see. How are we to be a light to this world if we are the exact same as them? How are we supposed to share the joyous news of Christ with others if they don't see any difference in our lives? Lets make a commitment today to live for God as we should. When I think of all God has done for us, how He sacrificed His only Son to die on the cross for All of My sins. I realize that my life truly isn't my own. Living my life to serve, please, and glorify God isn't a big sacrifice for me. It's the least that I can do for Him, since He's done so much for me.
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