the cost of it all May 7, 2008

So what is the cost of it all?  The cost of following Jesus?

Matthew 16:24-25  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. . . .”

It is not easy.  It is the cost of comfort.  It is the cost of releasing fear.  It is the cost of letting go of security.  It is the cost of our own desires. 

and yet . . .

It pays for a life with Jesus.  It is blessing and joy.  It is freedom.  It is the honor of doing God’s work.  It is the pleasure of being in his presence.  It is the practice of Faith.  It is seeing the impossible be possible.  It is assurance of the God who made all things.

It is worth it . . . now Lord, please help me to see past the cost and embrace into the vision you have for my life.  Amen

Doubt Not Darling March 6, 2008

James 1:2-6

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Lord – I ask for Your wisdom.  Let me heed to your Holy Spirit.  May my reflexes be Yours.  God guide my words and my steps every moment.  I do not want to be a wave upon the sea – instead let me be a sail that is powered by Your wind.  God – release me from my doubts and fears and Trust You Always.   Forgive me Lord for the times that I do not lean on my faith in Your assurance.  Amen

Joy March 3, 2008

In Genesis God lets us know that He wants Joy for us.

Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of tambourines and harps?

See how in Nehemiah God urges us to let go of our grief and move toward joy because it will give us strength.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

But even if we are troubled and don’t sense any joy – God will find us.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Do you want to experience joy?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You can find joy in God’s Salvation.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.