Amazing Words from Acts

These verses really spoke to my heart and challenged me to contemplate if I could say the same thing...I pray that by God's grace if ever faced with the choice to deny Christ or be persecuted for Him I could.

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Act 20:24

"Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!" Acts 21:13-14

Learning God Through the Psalms

“Because God is at my right hand I shall not be moved”
~Psalm 16:8

This years has not been one of my best years and I have spent most of it discouraged. While talking to a friend about it one afternoon, she suggested that I read through the Psalms and write down some of the things that stood out to me about God. Then meditate on who He is and thank Him for His blessings. I decided to give it a try and it has become one of the most fulfilling and satisfying times I've spent in God's word. These words have filled my soul and calmed my spirit. It’s been amazing to see how many attributes our Lord has. Not that I didn’t know already that He is amazing (I mean as Christians, that’s what we’re taught, right?) but there’s been something even more breathtaking and strengthening about writing each one down and thinking about all that our God is and all that He can do. I’ve listed just a few of the things I’ve gleaned from the first thirty chapters. But don't take my word for it...try it for yourself!!!

3:3 God is my shield
3:3 God is my glory and the one who lifts my head
3:5 God is my sustainer
3:7 God is my protector
3:8 God is my protector
4:1 He is there in times of distress
4:3 He sets apart the godly
4:3 He hears me when I call
4:8 He makes me to dwell in safety
5:4 He does not take pleasure in the wicked
5:4 No evil dwell with our Lord
5:12 The Lord will bless the righteous and surround him as a shield
6:8 The Lord hears my weeping
6:9 He hears my supplication
6:9 The Lord will receive my prayer
7:11 God is a just judge
7:11 He is angry with wickedness
8:1-9 He is over all creation
9:8 He is judge over creation
9:7 He endures forever
9:9 He is our refuge in times of trouble
9:10 He will not forsake those who seek Him
10:14 He sees out troubles and grief
10:14 He is a help to the fatherless
10:16 The Lord is King forever
10:16 He hears the desires of the humble
13:6 He deals bountifully with His children
16:2 God is our Lord
16:5 He is our portion and our inheritance
16:5 He maintains our lot
17:7 He saves those who trust in Him
18:1 The Lord is my strength
18:2 God is my rock and my fortress
18:2 He is my deliverer
18:2 He is my shield, my salvation, and my stronghold
18:3 He is worthy to be praised
18:30 His ways are perfect
18:30 He is a shield to those who trust in Him
18:32 He gives us strength and makes our ways perfect
18:35 He is our guide and our sustainer
18:39 He is my strength in battle
19:1 The Heavens declare His glory
19:7 His law is perfect
19:7 The testimonies of the Lord are sure
19:8 His statutes are right
19:8 His commandments are pure
19:9 God is to be feared
19:9 His judgments are true and righteous
19:10 His Word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey
19:14 He is my redeemer and strength
20:6 He answers and saved me
21:4 He is the giver of life
22:24 He hears my cry for help
23:1 The Lord is my shepherd
23:2 He gives me what I need
23:3 He restores my soul and grants me peace
23:3 He leads my in His ways
23:4 He is my protector, I shall not fear
24:2 He established the earth
28:5 He punishes the wicked
28:7 My heart can trust in Him
28:7 He is my help
28:8 He is my saving refuge
29:3 His voice is over the waters
29:4 The voice of the Lord is powerful
29:4 His voice is majestic
29:8-9 His voice makes the wilderness shake and the deer give birth
29:10 He was at the beginning
29:10 He is eternal
29:11 He gives strength
30:4 He deserves praise

Psalm 63:1-3

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You." Psalm 63:1-3

Happy V-day

On a day when many of us singles are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves because of not having found our earthly “love”. Let us remember our heavenly “love” and the fact that we are the bride of Christ. His love for us is NEVER changing, NEVER ceasing and is from everlasting to everlasting.
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children's children.” Psalm 103:15-17
“Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:2. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2006

"Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day,

We bow our hearts to You and pray.

We give You thanks for all You've done

Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.

For beauty in nature, Your glory we see

For joy and health, friends and family,

For daily provision, Your mercy and care

These are the blessings You graciously share.

So today we offer this response of praise

With a promise to follow You all of our days." ~ Mary Fairchild

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with

praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:1-5

Isaiah 41:10

I read this verse, believe it or not, in a Janette Oke book years ago. From that moment on it's become one of my favorites.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."