Step by Step I'm Moving Forward

A journey starts with the first step, and then the next step, and then the next and the next.....

I've always been incredibly impressed with Abraham who set out in blind obedience to God with all his family, animals, and possessions -  to go to a place that God would show him. He had no idea where he was going and yet he just set out in faith. I often wonder what that would be like. Did he just start walking trusting that God would guide his feet on the way? Did he fall into thinking too much - should I go this way or that way? If he was anything like me he might be second guessing after he started out whether he had heard right - whether he should have gone east instead of west etc.

It says in Proverbs 16 v 9 "The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." - and I know that God's plans are usually far better and greater than ours. It's definitely easier to steer a vehicle that's moving rather than one that is stationary. Still we really want to know where God is taking us don't we and are so impatient in waiting? Back to Abraham again - he was promised by God that his descendants would be many - but he got tired of waiting and tried to make it happen and as a result Ishmael was born. What would have happened if he had waited patiently until God gave him Isaac? Our history books would be very different that's for sure!!

So what about my journey into 2012 so far?

Well it started off with a period of time( at least 10 days) where I felt incredibly tired and had no energy. I wasn't sick but it felt horrible. I had peace but felt like a zombie!! No or very little work got done, but God was faithful and provided for me with an unexpected cheque - just in time for me to pay my home insurance bill.

I've been thinking a lot (and wasting a lot time on the computer,) and praying, and pondering which direction to take in my business - there are 3 possible directions I could focus on and it's still unclear.
The question always boils down to what do I really want to do with my life and where is my heart? Or the even bigger question "What does God want for my life?"

I daily commit my way and day to God to lead me and direct me, and so like Abraham need to trust that He is. Who knows - it could be that God has been doing some deep foundational stuff within me- perhaps healing and I don't need to know on a conscious level what that is! On the surface I do feel lacking in self discipline as the work is just not happening as I think it should be, however I do sense that the fog is clearing and in the last few days, as I have responded to inner promptings,  feel I am getting back in touch with what really matters and taken a couple of small steps forward.

I am always getting good ideas - starting to work on them and not finishing them as I start to doubt if they were right in the first place. However this time is different - as I'm trusting God to direct my steps.

Here are some steps I've taken and I will share my journey in future posts.

 --I felt I should volunteer at MissionFest at the end of January and so have signed up for 2 afternoons.
 --I went to visit a couple in the church who head up the Missions Committee at church.

As a result of those steps I sense I am more called to helping people who are Christians than to become Christians. I also am wondering whether my experience in online marketing and social media can be used to improve communication and exposure for Christian organizations.

Moving forward I am going to find out more about what my church does in helping new Christians to learn about the basic things of being a Christian - how to pray, how to read God's Word, etc. Maybe I can help. Also can my experience be used to increase the awareness of missions and those serving God in missions in my local church and maybe further afield?

I will attend MissionFest with the intention of serving, learning, meeting and talking with people in the process of exploring my next steps.

2012 A New Start

Everybody sees a New Year as an opportunity for a new start at some level and I am no exception. For me though it feels different. I'm giving up trying to get by on my own. I am releasing it to God to work out.
For the last decade I've worked my butt off and just survived financially. Fed up by 'church works' and hurt by experiences and people in the church I stopped going and tried to make it on my own. Separated from my husband (a church leader) in 2004, burned out and emotionally and spiritually frail I dove into self help books and teaching and created a new life for myself.

Last year I started going back to church  I want to walk in God's ways and He has met me and I am healing. New Years Eve 2011 - last night I feeling totally frustrated spent time alone with God and felt prompted to dig out an old book from the bookshelf. "How to Live Beyond Your Means by Russ Johnston with Maureen Rank. Written in the 60's the examples are outdated, but the truths and principles hold true to the passing of time - and I am giving God permission to fulfill whatever He wants in my life His way and I'm officially going to try to let go making it happen.

I'm writing my experiences in this outdated,almost impossible to find blog - and if God wants someone to read it, I can be certain that He will lead that person here and maybe have something to say to them through my writing. His Choice!! I have the skills to market this blog but No! this has to be God's doing not mine. I'm throwing out the gauntlet God!

My desire has always been to be used by God to encourage Christians and even dare I say it be used by God to set others free from the things that stop them knowing God and walking closer with Him. I want to be that channel again - my intention is to document that journey starting today. This story is how God does it without me trying to make it work.

I pray God's blessing on you if you are reading this - that maybe you too will trust God to provide for your needs in every area of your life and see Him work on your behalf.

Barb

The Sparrow at Starbucks

John Thomas Oaks writes,

"It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.

"I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. During our emotional rendition of "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.

"After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.

"'No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation.

"'You choose,' I said. ?What are you in the mood to sing?'

"'Well ... do you know any hymns?'

"Hymns" This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."

"'Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."

"'Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow''?

My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one."

"She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket, and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.

"'Why should I be discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?'

"The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed.

"'I sing because I'm happy;
'I sing because I'm free.
'For His eye is on the sparrow
'And I know He watches me.'

"When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar.

Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din:

"'Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!'

"But the ovation continued. I embraced my new friend. ?You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!'

"'It's funny that you picked that particular hymn,' she said.

"'Why is that?'

"She hesitated again, ?That was my daughter's favorite song.'

"She grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual. ?She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week.'

"I said the first thing that found its way through my silence. ?Are you going to be okay?' She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands.

"'I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine.' She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.

"Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night?

"Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop?

"Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the
week before? I refuse to believe it.

"God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that He could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival.

"It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting Him and singing His songs, everything's gonna be okay."

The Heart of God for You

This video is God the Father's Love Letter to you. It is taken straight from the Bible

There's more for You!

This is a theme that I feel God has been saying to me over and over again recently. How much do I limit God with my thoughts?

Jacqueline's weekly inspiration was another good reminder.

Have you made God too small?

Do you believe you've done all you can and it seems as though there are no results forthcoming, so you've decided to settle for where you are?

Then this week's word is for you and it's simple:'
There's more for you - Please don't settle!'

God is a big God, He is not only God but He is your heavenly Father, and that means you have access to Him, 24, 7, 365!

Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 7: 7-11

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you."For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."Or what man is there among you who if his son asks for bread will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

The question is what are you asking Him for?

What have you been seeking Him for?

The earth is His and the fullness thereof,
So this week, know this one thing for sure!

There's more for you!

Start to believe it, receive it and walk in it, in Jesus name!

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith's passing has shocked many people, especially because she was only 39 years old.

The reaction of feeling a person was 'Too young to die' is all too common when someone dies at an early age. To hear of someone dying young, especially if they were well known, or personally known to us is a shock. It brings us up short with the fact of our own mortality.

No one knows how long they have to live on this earth. How many years, months, days, hours and minutes of our life is known only to God.

We cannot change the past; we do not have control the future. We only have power over the present moment and how we live that.

What we think, what we speak, and how we act in the present is so important, as it can influence and change our life in the future, and touch and impact the lives of others.

Yet how often to we become so busy, so distracted, that we don't live fully in the present moment of time. We don't take advantage of the moment and live life to the full.

How can we make the most of living in the present? How can we make a difference with the life we have been given, for however long we have to live it?

I believe the key is to discover the purpose for your life. In that way we can be aware of life's ultimate purpose as we live moment by moment, and determine in that moment to move towards that purpose. Living life without a sense of purpose is like sitting in a row boat drifting on the ocean moving wherever the wind and waves take it. However knowing that the boat's final destination is the shore, gives direction and reason to row the boat. By using each moment to row the boat towards the shore, causes the boat to move move slowly, but surely in the direction of the shore with each oar stroke. Each stroke of the oar in itself may seem small and insignificant, but the accumulated effect of each movement brings the boat closer to the shore.

Your life has purpose and meaning.

Life is a gift, let's fully live it in the present.

Do You Struggle With the Need for Approval?

Do you find it hard to feel good about yourself if you do not get affirmation? Two out of three people struggle with low self esteem, and need encouragement and affirmation to feel ok.

I know that this was difficult for me, and it came from when I was a child. If I did well I got attention, but otherwise ignored. so I learned that I had to get approval to be loved. If we learn these habits when we are young then that's the way we see life.

Reality is that we cannot please everyone. If our self worth is rooted in others affirming us then our self esteem will go up and down like a yo yo and probably be down more than it is up!!

Old habit patterns and responses become well rooted deep within us, and without God are almost impossible to change ourselves.

Often though what we feel God thinks about us is also effected by our past experience and experience growing up. So we find ourselves in a vicious circle which is hard to break out of.

The first step for me was to start believing the truth about what God felt about me and not believe my feelings that were based on my experience.

Once I really started to understand God's thoughts about me and look to Him for approval, it was like a new door opened in my life which leads to the 'wide open spaces' talked about in these two verses I love:

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." Romans 5 v. 1 The Message

"Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel." Psalm 119 v 4o-42

If you identify with this I recommend a book by Joyce Meyer "Approval Addiction"

The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays," and the battle over the two Christmases

Christmas seems to come earlier every year. As soon as Halloween is over it seems Christmas commercialism is thrust upon us. This is part of a blog I found which has some good points to consider I think.

The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays,"
and the battle over the two Christmases: "Which Christmas?

I think that celebrating the entrance of the Son of God into the world is a good thing, and if it contains some of the trappings of Secular Christmas, I frankly don't mind, as long as the two Christmasses are kept in perspective. But over the last several years, I have noticed a virtual monopoly of Secular Christmas music, to the exclusion of Christian Christmas music, on the radio and in public places. It's easy to find snowmen and reindeer to put on your lawn; much more difficult to find nativity scenes. Rather than coexisting with Christian Christmas, Secular Christmas has been supplanting Christian Christmas for some time now. That, in turn, makes me a little uneasy when someone wishes me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm beginning to wonder, 'Which Christmas do you mean?'

The reality is, you have to know Christ to appreciate the Real Meaning of Christian Christmas. Sentimental hogwash about the Birth of New Hope is just meaningless words if you don't believe in the hope that Jesus came to give. And the majority of people you meet don't believe, and so they don't know, and can't appreciate what Christmas means to those who do know Christ. I'm frankly not sure I want everyone and their dog wishing me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm not sure I want to wish everyone else a Merry Christmas, if some of them are going to understand by that phrase getting drunk on eggnog and maxing out their credit cards. It's a communication thing. 'You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.'"

What are your thoughts about this?

Bee Yourself

God made you an original; don't die copy!

According to aeronautical science the bumblebee can't fly. It's body is too heavy and it's wings are too shallow.

However the bumblebee doesn't know it can't fly. So it flies around doing what God chose for it to do, pollinating plants. It does so without considering its limitations.

You ,too, have talent, skill, aptitude that are 'you-niquely-yours'. We can be the best of what and who we want to BEE - and only God knows what our limitatations are.

You might appear to be different - or even strange - to some people. But remember God made you in His image for His glory. Use your uniqueness to encourage others and glorify God.

Capitalize on the abilities god has given you. Don't expect other people to be like you or to always understand you. They're also busy being uniquely themselves.

Psalm 139 v 13

"For You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Surround By Favor

PSALM 5:12 NIV
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

God's favor can change your life.

Someone who is favored is called a favor-ite.

The New Testament teaches that being righteous (in right standing with God), is a gift we receive when we receive Jesus-- not something we attain by our works.

So, the promise of Scripture is that God surrounds you with favor. What does that mean?

Favor is the blessing of God making people like you and treat you well.
Is it automatic?
We have access to God's grace only through faith (Romans 5:2).

So, you will never experience the fullness of God's favor without believing for it.

Faith is released through words. So every day thank the Lord for giving you favor with people, for surrounding you with>favor!

Don't say, "People don't like me." or "Everybody seems to be>against me." or "I never get a break."
Instead say, "Thank you Lord for giving me favor with people." Then watch God begin to move on your behalf!

SAY THIS: Thank you Lord for surrounding me with favor.

Looking for Me!

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm a little girl masquerading as a woman.

I got lost along the way, wanting to be all for everyone,

I didn't leave anything for me.

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me, the real me!

I'm a mother, a sister, a lover, a friend, my different roles I play well.

An Oscar winner I could be.

But has anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm professional, I'm witty, charming as well,

But has anyone seen me?

I'm looking for me!

Like a pressure cooker I'll explode if I don't find me soon.

Has anyone found me? I'm looking for me...

GOD SPEAKS

Ssh my child,

Before you were born, I named you and ordained you.

Rest with Me a while, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

You're who I say you are.

When you search for Me with your whole heart you'll find the Me you're looking for.



Jacqueline Peart

Don't get weary!

The Thesaurus describes weary as, "tired, exhausted, drained, fatigued and disillusioned."

You see, it is so easy to get weary while waiting, even for the simple things in life like,
Waiting for a bus or for someone to return your call,
For the traffic lights to change when you're running late for work,
Waiting in a queue at the bank during lunchtime,
Or even for some of those more important things like,
A career change or opportunity that seems like it will never appear,
Or even waiting for your life partner as the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years...

How much more difficult is it for us when we are waiting on the
things of God to come to pass?

I know it can be tough it can be frustrating and even disappointing!
Some may even feel 'hoped out' and at worst just going through the motions oblivious to the fact that they have resigned from wanting more, desiring more and have long since been living by sight and not faith,
Some may even believe that God's promises were just a figment of their imagination,

I know you've prayed,
You've believed,
You've fasted,
You've given and you've positively confessed God's word,
Yet your heart's desires are on hold!

Don't' get weary!

The bible says in Galatians 6:9:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

We don't get weary over night,
Weariness grows, one thing leads to another and before we know it unless we stay focused we are weary, murmuring and complaining!
Let this inspiration be a wake up call to you not to grow weary, because if you do not - you will reap all that you have believed God for according to His word!
Start remembering the promises He has given to you,
Start remembering and revisiting the prophecies that have been spoken over your life!

For they shall come to pass - however, there is a condition:

DO NOT GET WEARY!

Be encouraged!

Consider Wild Flowers

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wild flowers - most of which are never seen - don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?"


Taken from Matthew 6 'The Message'

"What's it All About?"

Sometimes life can seem so boring. For kids, it can be school and homework, piano practice or cleaning their rooms. For adults, it can be a meaningless job or worse yet, meaningless relationships, no joy at home or with the family. Things can get to be pretty hum-drum. And the possibilities of excitement seem so real with something else, someone else or some place else -- the grass does look greener on that other side!

God wants us to stop in our tracks -- immediately! Stop! Do not pass go! Do not collect $200! Jesus tells us the real purpose and significance of our lives. And it's not about us: our happiness, our jobs, our families, or even our potential! It's all about God! Jesus spells it out very clearly (John 6:27,29): "Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man with give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval. The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent."

In order to be joyful and not bored, we've got to shift perspectives. If it's not all about us, we've got to check out who this Jesus guy really is! We've got to make that our priority, not making a living or raising a family or even keeping ourselves from being bored! Jesus is the key to life, happiness, and the greener grass on that other side. Let's get to know Him on a first name basis, and let's see how wonderful life can really be!

"The Word Spreads"

When we share about what Jesus does for us, we don't need to do any fancy miracles. When we spread the good news that Jesus is the "main man" in our lives, we ourselves don't need to heal or cure or even preach. Jesus Himself does the healings! Jesus Himself is the main attraction. Not ourselves. Not what we do or say. It's all about Jesus.

"There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for 8 years. 'Aeneas,' Peter said to him, 'Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.' Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." Aeneas wasn't crippled his whole life, but 8 years is a long time to be bedridden! It's amazing how he was "found" by Peter in his condition. It's even more amazing that Peter tells him not just to get up, but to take care of his mat! Was it dirty or smelly? Why wasn't it his bed but a mat? But the coolest thing is that Aeneas just didn't get up. He must have walked around, not just in his hometown of Lydda but even in a neighboring town, Sharon! People saw him, probably heard his story, and turned to Jesus. How cool is that.

Sometimes Jesus may call upon us to heal in His name. Even if we are not Peter, we can do it, because Jesus does the healing, not us! And even if we are not called to heal or cure or do powerful deeds, we can always share how powerful Jesus is in our lives. That kind of sharing doesn't take a miracle! It only takes our focus on Jesus in our lives and how much Jesus means to us. It's like the grandma or grandpa who just loves to take out the photos of their adorable grandchild. It doesn't take much to share that joy and that sense of pride. It's a natural thing to share the joy in our lives! So let's spread the word, not just in our town but in whatever town we happen to be in -- Jesus is the main attraction in our lives now and forever!


Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen

What If...

What if .......

What if you never achieve all your hopes and dreams?

Wouldn't God still be God?

What if all the plans, visions and prophecies don't come to pass in your day,

Isn't God still the God of all?

What if the finances you've been working on for that building or business, go to another cause or fails to materialise?

Is it not God Himself that gives you the ability to get wealth?

Does that mean He's failed?

What if in our times the wars fail to cease but to increase?

Children and adults continue to die meaningless deaths?

Does that mean we serve a compassionless God?

What if you receive the grades you've been working for, get into the job or university you desired and it's not what it's cracked up to be?

Tell me whose fault would that be?

Is it Gods for not showing you your destiny more clearly, after all your steps have been ordered of the Lord?

God forbid that we blame Him for every mishap, every let down and every misdemeanour!

What if...

What if we walked by faith and not by sight?

How many mountains would you have removed with just a mustard seed of faith?

What if we prayed and interceded consistently and persistently for our countries, presidents and leaders?

How different this world would be.

What if we judged others by their intent and not just by their actions?

How loving and forgiving we would be.

What if we not only read the word, but believed the Word, the blessings and the curses?

What walking atmosphere, community and world changers we would be.


What if...

What if we not only met with the Living God but trusted His every Word,

And believed with all our hearts that Jesus Christ was born

to a virgin, lived a life that was pure and sinless,

What if we truly believed that He was the son of God,

Who came to give us life through His death,

What if we really believed that at Calvary every one of our sins were nailed to the cross and His blood cleanses us,

No more would we rehearse our pasts and ponder on our failures.

What if...

What if we really and truly believed that all things were possible?

That we are more than conquerors and over comers,

That our Father is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords,

That He knows the plans that He has for us,

Plans to give us a future and a hope!


Where would you have been?

Where will you be?


It's a new year so what if you......


Jacqueline Peart

What does Christmas mean to you?

Whoops someone's missing!


What does Christmas mean to you?

Mmh, Christmas?

As I pondered the answer to this question and thought about Christmas,

I began to think about the comments I've heard on the TV, radio, by friends and by others

As I realised there are so many interpretations, to what this season is all about

You see some think it's all about spending lots of money,

As credit card companies rub their hands, making up for the years losses

For others it's a time we can remember friends, colleagues and family members,

And send cards to those we said we'd call, but didn't get around to it


Some say it's just for children

As they prepare for Santa's call

Others say it's not for adults

It's the season of good will

One where we exchange gifts from one another

Or maybe it's the queen's speech, the old films and lots of game playing, you know, charades, monopoly and the likes,

Or is it about carol services, mince pies, Christmas trees and office parties

A time when bosses appreciate their staff with vouchers and bonuses


Mmh, what does Christmas mean to you?

For many it is all of the above

For others it's a combination

While for some, just the thought of Christmas brings pangs of loneliness; pain and sorrow as they remember lost loved ones,

Whether Christmas brings thoughts of sorrow or joy

There's one important aspect that if we don't grasp we've missed the whole intention of this precious season


For it's the time of year when we can formally celebrate our Saviours birthday, though we're thankful all the year round

It's a time when the world is open to hearing about a child that was born unto us

A son that was given

Whose shoulders the government is upon

Who is He? What's His name?

His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

Christmas is a time when all heaven and earth declares that Jesus is Lord!

Yesterday, today and forevermore!

He is the Broken heart mender, the Lily of the valley, He is the bright and morning star, He is Comforter and Friend!

So what does Christmas mean to you?


Jacqueline has launched her latest book in the Deep Calleth Unto Deep series called "Inspirations for Women …A Journey to Wholeness". Be encouraged by one of the poems from the book, available online at http://www.deeppublishing.com/en-us/p_15.html

Everything I need to know

Noah's Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark..

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Most people walk in and out of your life......but FRIENDS leave
footprints in your heart

Prayer With Expectation

By: Daniel Brown
We may have heard at some point in our lives that if we truly believe in something, having faith that it will happen, then it really will happen. Some people don't completely accept that, but the Bible is clear; what you believe is what you get. Jesus said, "Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them" (Mark 11:24).

But, He didn't say we would see the manifestation of our prayers immediately. We need to give God time to work things out, continue in our faith, and not doubt, "For a man who wavers is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord" (James 1:6-7).

Expectation is the key to receiving from Him. What good does it do to pray without expecting God to answer? You might as well be talking to a tree. The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is God, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Have you noticed that most people do not expect for things to work out? In fact, most people have been taught to believe in negative outcomes. The reasoning is; "If things don't work out, I won't be disappointed." There's no logic in that! Even though one may.......Read more

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YOU'RE MY REFUGE

You're my refuge

You are Jehovah!



You are King and you are Lord

Who else could pick me up and turn me around?

Who else could put my feet on solid ground?

Who else could accept me as I am?

And perceive me as I will be?



Who else Lord?

But you my refuge, my Jehovah!



Who else can I turn to in times of trouble?

Who won't judge me or 'dis' me?

Saying why didn't I do this or I should have done that!

Who else can I look to for shelter in the hard times?

Who else?

Who else would lay down His life for me?

But you Lord, My refuge and my Peace!



You see He's my shelter in times of trouble

My refuge when things become difficult

He knows all about me

Even the number of hairs on my head

He loves me in spite of myself

He covers me at all times, my steps He's neatly ordered!



Who else can cover you even when you don't know you need covering?

Who else protects you from the wiles of the evil one?

Who else with a single word can calm a raging storm?

Who else but my shelter, my strong-tower,

My Lord God Jehovah!



His name is refuge

It's Banner, Sanctifier, Saviour, Forgiver, Master, Yahweh, Jehovah,

Redeemer, Rock, Shield, Instructor, Protector, Director...

His name is JESUS, MY REFUGE, in the midst of the storm

THAT'S WHO HE IS!



Jacqueline Peart