FAITH: the Antidote For Fear May 18, 2008

Victory over the world (and by the world I mean those who do not not know the truth – those who are false prophets and who are at the whim of any spirit and ultimately are separated from God) comes from believing that Jesus has the power to redeem our souls.  And when we have faith in this, the testimony of God - His truth and love – will live in us.

By His love there is no fear.
So Faith is the antidote for fear.

1st John 4:1-3  Beloved do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. . .

1st John 4:16-18  We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.  God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.  By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgement; because as He is, so also are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

1st John 5: 4-5  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.  Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Your Name May 15, 2008

I am going to sing this song at my friend’s wedding at the end of May.  It is so exciting to see her transformed into a person who moved by the name of God.

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
‘Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
‘Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
‘Cause nothing has the power to save but
‘Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name

words and music are written by Paul Baloche and Glen Packlam
performed by Phillips, Craig, and Dean

Constant Yearning April 26, 2008

I want to be like Daniel.
He was a man who knew God’s word – he was constantly listening to what God was saying to him – and he had incredible faith.  It seems as if he never winced.  Daniel’s constant yearning for God made him a man that was trusted by God; and much wisdom and knowledge was given.  From that, I believe that he was equipped with his faith that God is in control.  My favorite verses that echo this are Daniel 2:20-23.

Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him.  It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.  It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.  To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For you have given me wisdom and power; even now You have made known to me what we requested of you.  For You have made known to us the king’s matter.

Watering Your Seeds March 31, 2008

1 Peter 4:10-11  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Today a friend sent me a note of encouragement about the recent live CD that was created by my church.  I had the honor of writing two of the twelve songs and leading our church body in a live recording of our worship experience.  I have always been a singer – everyone tells me that they always know where I am because they can hear me humming a tune.  I have never, however, considered myself a musician, performer, or song writer.  But last year God gifted me with words to transform into music – worship of Him.  It was a very scary experience to me; working among seasoned artists and professional musicians.  But they embraced my offering – mostly I believe – because it wasn’t from me – it was a seed that God wanted to plant.  He gave me the strength and perseverance.  The process ended up being exhilarating and I can confidently say that God used me to help others worship our mighty God.  I am so thankful that God helped me step out of fear and experience a walk of faith. 

Thank you, Lord.  And so now I am asking, God, would you please lead me down this path again? Would you send me your “seeds” and would you water them in my life.  As another artist said. . . Give me words to speak of Your Glorious Name.  Amen.

more of You March 23, 2008

This weekend I have been taking in the Easter events:  Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.  Each day representing a significant event in Jesus’ journey toward the ultimate sacrifice.   This weekend I also re-read Corrie Ten Boom’s journey as penned in The Hiding Places.  The services, prayer time, reading, and scripture have all reminded me yet again that I am simply nothing in comparison to my mighty and amazing God.  There is nothing that is under my power because all my strengths are granted from God and only when I am willing to be weak.  I must set aside my own self, my selfishness, my pride.  There needs to be less of me and more of Him.  Most of all, I pray that I soon am unaware of myself and only concentrated on God and His people.  How this happens – I do not know.  It is a mystery of God that I cannot understand – The idea that He can change my heart and my mind is as amazing as the stone being rolled away from the tomb.  Oh Lord, please let it be that I fade away from myself so that I can only see You.    I love you.  – T

O God Of My Fathers March 15, 2008

Daniel 2:20-23 Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.  It is He who changes the time and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.  It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.  To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power; even now You have made known to me what we requested of You.  For You have made know to us the King’s matter.

O God of my fathers, I do give thanks and praise to You.  You have blessed me so deeply – in ways that I don’t even know.  Lord God, please continue to make Yourself known to me.  Bless me with your knowledge and wisdom.  Use me Lord – Use my voice – Use my life – to Glorify You.  Amen