God's Grace

Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.



T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear... the hour I first believed.



Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home.



The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures.



When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun.



"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.




"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn written by John Newton an English poet and clergyman (1725–1807), and published in 1779.

With a message that forgiveness and redemption is possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God.

"Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognized songs in the English-speaking world.

(For more information of the author of this song visit this site

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace )

I personally, love this song.
It is one of my favorite songs ever written by anyone....ever.
I feel personally attached to it. As though it were written by me or at the very least for me; but then that I am sure is the case for many and thus the reason for it's world wide popularity.

I remember all too well where I was when Jesus found me.
I also remember where I was the next time He found me.....and the next time.....and the next time.....and the next time.......oh and yes the next time....(I think you get my point?)

God's Grace
God's infinite grace....is not a one time deal.

It is our covering.


It is Jesus and I am thankful for Him.
As Papa God sees me through Him.

I am not perfect....I wasn't when He found me....I am still not.
I am closer to looking like the image of Jesus now than I was when He found me.
Still, it is only by the GRACE of God...His Mercy and Love.
Through Jesus....the living and written Word...that I strive daily to reach my goal to become more like Jesus.

As the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 , "I die daily."
If you read the preceding chapter Paul is talking about dieing to the fleshly nature of who he is. [who we are]
How can we die daily if we are already dead?
Have we then arrived?
If in fact we have arrived...then do we still need God's amazing grace in our lives?
I would say not! I would say we would be Amazing ourselves!
But we all know (at least I hope we do) this statement is ludicrous!

We ALL need God's Amazing Grace every day of our lives.

2 Corinthians 1:21
"Now it is God who makes us, both us and you stand firm in Christ."
(this is just one of many scriptures saying the same thing)

If any of us think we are any better than ANYone else we need to hit the floor on our faces and ask God to forgive us for our pride and for discounting His Sons Blood shed and suffering on the Cross...then ask Holy Spirit to show us what else we need to work on in our lives!

Remembering always that ^{Romans 8:1 "}There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
and.... " if we live by the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

and also....important one here...

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9

Lord I thank you for your love and your faithfulness and your Amazing Grace of which I could not live without! I give you my life a fresh and a new this day and this new and up coming year of 2010! Be the light of my life as you have been and more so! Reign in me and live through me!
Please come Holy Spirit and have your way in my life!
Show ME everything that is not pleasing to you....everything in my life that grieves you.
Take me and make into the spitting image of Jesus, the living Son of God!
I love you Papa God....I love you Holy Spirit....I love Jesus!!!!



In response a "Now Word" in Song from the Lord to us

My love is here for you

To help comfort and see you through.

And I will always be here

By your side.

You don't have to worry that I'll leave you.

You don't have to worry that I'm ashamed.

Everything in your past has died and now buried.

Nothing ~ nothing can keep me away from you.

Once I searched the world for you

And now that I've found you.

I'll never, ever leave you alone.

Now, that you're safe at home.

That's why I gave my life on Calvary.

So you could live at home with me.

No more captivity.

My love has set you free.

It was my life; that paid the price.

It was my blood; that cleansed your soul.

It is my love; that makes you whole.

Don't you know?

Come to me now, my precious child.

Let me hold you within my arms, precious child.

Let me wipe every teardrop.

Calm the fear deep within.

Let me warm your soul, and let you know,

I love you so.

So it's 2010 already!
WoW!

Where has this last year gone? I have to say for me this will be a warm welcome....bring it on 2010! I had allot of sleepless nights in 2009! I am looking forward to making this coming year a brighter and better year all around!

I have had allot of down time this last two weeks before the closing of 2009, to reflect on my life over this last 12 months. I have also taken the time, ( time being something I have had very little of these past 12 months to do much of anything other than work and well work.) to browse around www and read a little of what my family and friends and yes even acquaintances have had to say about the ending of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. I have read some cliche statements an some sappy ones. Some very pessimistic ones and optimistic ones. However in all of my wanderings I have come across a certain common ground among just about all of everyone's "two cents"... that being "2009 wasn't the best of years and we want 2010 to be a better one!"

How to make that happen? THAT is where all the difference in opinion comes in!

I have a personal favorite of all the blogs and status' I have read...although I must say it was very difficult to narrow it down to just one as there were sooooo many good ones out there!

I tend to stick the train of thought that WE make the year the year doesn't make itself.

Out of about a 100 or so blogs and or status that I read I chose this status by Dexter Francois

People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under~ Author Unknown. Use this as a reminder for 2010. This will be your best year ever.

Well I would like to encourage everyone to keep on keepin' on this coming New Year of 2010!
and
Please remember you are never alone as you travel through life! We have a friend that sticks closer than a brother! (Proverbs 18:24)
And If you ever find yourself having one of those "sleepless nights" just give the Lord a holler. He will be right there with you as He doesn't slumber or sleep....ever......!
He's too busy watching over you!

Shalom my friends!!!
Happy Happy New year!

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:1-18

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."


Hebrews 13:5 ".....for He himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you."


The ultimate price has been paid. "Let us therefor come boldly to the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need." Hebrews 4:16




In the heat of battle - in the fire of the Master's Kiln


We may often times feel alone but we need to remember the truth is we are never alone.

Jesus promised He would never leave us nor forsake us that He would be with us until the end of the age.
Hebrews 13 & Matthew 28

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Walk Through a Moment of Temptation

1Cor.: 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond that which you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide you a way out so that you can stand firm under it.”
Eph.: 612 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.”

Glory to the Lord for he is worthy to be praised!
Glory to the Lord of hosts!
I shall forever and always praise his wonderful name!
Though my day brings me much grief and trials of many kinds
The Lord is still worthy and from my lips shall his praises be raised!
Glory to God in the highest! Glory forever more!

In the heavens and on this earth war is being waged
Still praises to my God shall I sing forever more!
Worthy is the Lamb upon the throne!
Principalities and powers of this dark world racing here and there
Still greater is the Lord of Hosts Glory to his name!
All Glory to the Name of the Lord!

Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!

Like a whirlwind of darkness I feel the enemy all around
Still I praise the name of the Lord of hosts!
Glory to the King of Kings who forever is in control
Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!

Flying at me from every direction words of doubt and fear
Still standing firm I cry aloud ~ Praise the Lord O my soul!
Cast your care on the Lord He not let you fall!
Overwhelmed with temptation the enemy’s face are those I love
I cry out to God above ~ I will YET PRAISE YOU! God of mercy come now!
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord! Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!

Sudden hush in the air ~ the scent of defeat is strong
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord of Hosts! Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Praise the Lord of Glory! Worthy is the Lamb!
The direction of the wind is changing ~ I feel the Spirit of God breath upon me
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord! Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Worthy to be Praise! Glory to the Lamb upon the throne!

Love now fills the air dispelling the whirlwind of darkness around me
Glory to you O my God! Glory to you alone!
Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord! Holy ~ Holy ~ Holy is the Lord!
Faithful and true is the Lord of hosts ~ Caring for me is He
I shall forever and always give glory to His wonderful name!
Jesus! I love you, precious Jesus! Glory is YOURS forever and always!

***

Thank you Lord That Your Promises are Yes and Amen!

This Too Shall Pass

Perhaps This Too shall Pass

Autumn was brisk, cold and very short this year.

The leaves took no time to fall and cover the nearly already frozen ground.

It isn’t even the first week in December and the chill of winter has made its way about.

Perhaps Mother Nature has come about to feelings of empathy for me,

As I too have a heart that has changed from warm to cold in an abnormally short a time.

A love of many years is responsible for these many tears falling quickly down my cheeks to a cold and weary heart.

I cannot take time. I no longer have the strength to gracefully mourn my broken heart.

One time too many, one word too harsh, like the wind so strong and too cold for

a tree to hold on to her last few colorful leaves; I cannot.

So here I am, just this skeleton of a once beautiful blossoming tree, barren, shivering, and dry. Just as the tree sheds her last leaf in Autumn I now have no more tears to left to cry.

Nothing to shelter me from the harsh freezing winds, my insides all out in the open for the world to see, as my new life begins.

I turn deep within myself and pull strength from my inner source. Just as the tree lives off its root system, I must depend on my own root system, my Lord.

He is my Rock and my Salvation, a very present help in time of tribulation. When I need a shelter I go to Him and I need a shelter. When I need comfort He is my comforter. I need comfort. When I need counsel, I go to Him and I need counsel.

Yes, I will go to Him.

Perhaps just as the tree looses its leaves in Autumn and then again springs forth new life in the Spring, I too shall be given such a blessed cycle of life. Perhaps I too, shall have this to look forward to.

Perhaps, this too shall pass.

As for now, I am shivering and my heart is cold. I only have eyes to see the cold winter ahead. The one who I love, who has stripped me of my leaves and tossed me to the wayside, is but a piercing gust of freezing wind that shrieks past my the nakedness of my heart from time to time only to remind me that I am less than what I ought to be to the one I love.

Perhaps, this too shall pass.