Saturday Songs

This year has been a fascinating one...and not always good.  But you know, in the end, God is in control.  He always has a reason for what happens in our lives.  Sometimes, it's really hard to focus and figure out what's going on, but honestly, I know that when I hit rock bottom, I'm standing on the only foundation that will truly withstand what the Devil sends my way.  I may be scared to tell others about Christ, but who am I amongst so many people on this Earth.  I have the special gift of continuous truth in my heart, I need to spread it, not hide it.  I need to trust God and Obey His word...
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Trust and Obey
By John H. Sammis

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
   What a glory He sheds on our way!
   While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
   And with all who will trust and obey.
   • Refrain:
     Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
     To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
   But His smile quickly drives it away;
   Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
   Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
   But our toil He doth richly repay;
   Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
   But is blessed if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
   Until all on the altar we lay;
   For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
   Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
   Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
   What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
   Never fear, only trust and obey.
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7. This song is a favorite of one of the older gentlemen of my church, and it really is a special song.  No matter what we do in our life, we try to make things complicated, but all God wants us to do is trust and obey.
8. Can we follow this one simple rule?

This One Life

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
~Ephesians 5:14-20

How are we spending our time?  These verses tell us to wake up and spend our days wisely.  There is no replacement for using our time in a way that glorifies God and shows the world around us what living really is.  There is a time for everything to be done, though we may not always see where things fit into our plans, even when they need to be done.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and know God's will in our lives, we want to be pleasing to Him and fulfill the plans He has for us.  It's difficult sometimes to really focus on the task that is ahead of us.  However, if we continue in His word and follow each step of His instruction, every step is planned out so that we will end up where He can bless us the most.  Every once in a while we need a gentle nudge and a decent reminder that God is in control and will guide our steps if we will only follow Him, for His way is perfect.

No matter what we do, our plans will never pan out unless God is in them, directing us towards His perfect will.  If we are but willing and continuing in our Bible every day, He can show it to us.  Our hearts are to be filled with His songs and praises, and when we follow the path He leads us in, the joy cannot be held in.  With His word inside our hearts and minds, there can be no room for error until we begin to give in to our flesh once more.

We are humans, we will always wander, but God gives us guidelines and strength throughout our days to help us overcome these shortcomings and succeed in the way we are to go.  There are so many verses to help us along the way and guide us in the path we should go.

One of my favorite parts of this set of verses is the reminder to fill our minds with that which is good for us, Psalms and songs.  We should always be sure to put that which is appealing to God in our hearts and minds, that which will help us glorify Him in our lives. Sometimes it's difficult to remember, but with God, nothing is impossible.

So, what are you doing with your life today?

A Time of Remembrance

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." ~1 Corinthians 11:26


This verse talks about what we refer to as "The Lord's Supper" which is done in remembrance of the sacrifice of God when Jesus died on the cross.  This sacred act which helps remind us of what Christ did for us is also a reminder of how it began.  Though at that moment we may be remembering our sin and the blood that was shed to cover it, how can we forget the fact that the blood came from someone who began as a baby.

God loved us so much today that He sent His son to die for us back then.  Even from the very beginning God had a plan for Jesus to come to earth and be born as a baby, to grow up in this world as a human being, but still God.  The Spotless Lamb that would take away the sins of the world.  The most precious gift in the form of a child.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ today, let us remember, not just His human beginning, but the ending that saves us from our sins and the full penalty of them.  There is only one way to be able to live with our Heavenly Father, and it began with a small child.

Merry Christmas to all.  Have a beautiful and blessed day.

Saturday Songs

This has been a very busy week, moderately unfortunately. Christmas is here and I'm hoping I have something for everyone that I want to give something to.  If not, I'll just say it's a late Christmas present or a New Year's present!  I'm going to go off my usual theme today though and share one of my overall Christmas songs versus a more religious Christmas song.
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White Christmas
By Irving Berlin

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

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Granted, with living in Alaska I always have a White Christmas, but part of the reason it's my favorite is the key in which it is usually sung, and also because of the person usually singing it, Bing Crosby.  I'll add my absolute favorite video of it here.  Anyways, may Christmas be a beautiful one wherever you may be, and may God bless you throughout your days.  And friend, if you don't know Him as your Saviour today, talk to someone you trust today.  Not only is Jesus' birth the reason we celebrate Chistmas and give gifts to friends and family, but He is the reason we are alive today.  Without Jesus' sacrifice, there would be no reason for living.  Jesus really is the reason for the season.  He gave the ultimate gift to us, what will we do with it this Christmas season and the rest of our lives?

A Sinner Saved into a Life of Service

"Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." ~1 Corinthians 10:31


What am I really doing with my life?  A simple question that brings me to my knees.  There have always been cycles in the path of my life.  Whether it be cycles of sin (also known as slacking) or cycles of serving God, they have always been there. I can't speak for everyone, but the cycles of not giving everything to God and serving Him completely are a lot easier to fall into sometimes than getting back into the cycles of serving God with all my Heart, Soul, and Mind.

Up until I was 18 (which is when I was saved), my cycles were a lot more sin entrenched.  I had times where I was open and honest about everything I did and still learning that some things really should be kept inside my head.  Other times (more so when I got older and back into public school) I hid things from my parents and acted differently around my different groups I hung out with.  I always went to church, but when I was in high school, I changed, and not for the best.  My speech was "clean" in the world's eyes, and though I knew it was not glorifying to God, I used it when away from my parents and with my closest friends.  I traveled a road that I never should have started down.  One simple thought in one specific relationship I had led to more sinful words and actions that dug me into a pit so deep it affected life with my parents, especially when they discovered what I said behind closed doors.

I had morals to a certain degree and there were parts of me I would keep pure, but other standards were allowed to slip. Unfortunately, this placed a wedge in the trust of my parents. After this, they questioned a lot of what I did and said for a long time, and honestly, I don't blame them.  I love them for it all the more.  My parents were watching out for me, and though I may have not liked it back then, it was truly a blessing.

After I graduated high school, I finally ended up breaking off the relationship that had taken me so low.  It wasn't until after I turned 18, however, that I realized that no matter what specific prayers I had prayed when I was 6 and 12, I had never really given God my whole life and turned from the sin that ruled my flesh and which had fueled my actions for so long.

On May 13 of 2012, I had been at my worst for a while, simply moving from day to day with no real direction except to get to church on Sunday and Wednesday.  I was trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing with my life and why it wasn't what it should be.  That day at church, God was poking me like He had been for a bit, showing me that out of everything in my life, the most important piece was missing, Him.

Honestly, God is THE most important thing we can have in our life as humans.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)
It is better for us to lose everything to follow God than to gather everything and not follow God, leading us directly to Hell.

That day in May, I gave everything to God, to follow Him with all that I am and ever will be.  I still have moments throughout my life where I struggle to keep my focus on Him, but life is so much sweeter now that I am following God in His way, not mine.  God has been so good to me through everything I have been through, especially when it came to Him saving my soul for Him.

As ragged as my life was, God picked up the broken pieces and is making something beautiful out of it.  I thank Him every day for saving me from my sin and bringing me into the light of His Son.

As the verse at the beginning says, we are to do everything for the glory of God.  What are you doing with your life?

5 Ways You Can be a Godly Giver

From my dear friend Mykaela!!!  I'm a bit late posting her Sunday Snippets, but I ensure you that it is worth the wait.  I love giving gifts all times of the year, but it doesn't feel right when there really isn't meaning behind the gift itself.  Which reminds me that I need to finish getting my gifts together for my friends...Anywho!  Off to the next post done by Making Music for The Master.
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2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Sorry about the late post this week...the last few days have been a bit crazy with work, etc. :)

I can't believe that Christmas is less than a week away!! I'm always a bit sad when the Christmas season draws to a close; it's my favorite time of year. (As if I haven't already said that. ;)

In this season of giving, so many have a really wrong idea of what it truly means to give in a Godly way. We as Christians need to have our focus on the right things, at Christmas time just as any other time! So what does this mean in practice? Here are five characteristics of a Godly giver. (Note: this verse is usually applied to the aspect of giving to the church in tithes and offerings. However, today I'm going to broaden the application out to include giving in general. :)

• Godly givers purpose in their heart beforehand what they can give. They do not go into debt in order to give extravagant gifts that are beyond their current means. They also put thought into what they do get. Whether they make homemade gifts, or buy them, they consider what they are doing and think about what the recipient of the gift would like or need.

• Godly givers do not give grudgingly. Someone with a Christlike attitude is not going to be saying, "Ugh, Iguess. Here. You owe me." They give without expectation or demands for a return gift.

• Going hand in hand with the last one, Godly givers do not give of necessity. They don't only give to someone when that person has done something nice for them, or to "pay off a debt". They give because they truly want to be a blessing to another person!

• Godly givers are cheerful in their sharing. They understand that there is a very specific blessing reserved for those who give in the right way. They give with a joyful heart, knowing that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

• Godly givers do not just give at Christmas or other holidays, nor do they give only to those who are nice to them. They give unselfishly, no matter the person or the circumstances.

Think for a moment about the greatest gift of all time, given by the Father to the world. God did not give His only Son with a sour attitude, but with a love that we can never fathom. Jesus did not give His life grudgingly or of necessity. He owed us nothing. Less than nothing. In fact, we all deserve to perish anyway. And yet He still gave His all in order to rescue us. With such an example before us, how can we not give in the same way? 

This Christmas, I want to challenge you to strive to be a Godly giver. The THINGS you are giving do not matter! If all you can give is a smile, or a hug, or a listening ear...do it with a cheerful heart. God loves and blesses those who give as He did.

I have a four day weekend for Christmas, so I am really excited about that! I look forward to spending time with my family. I hope all of you have a blessed week! What are some of your favorite things about Christmas? <3

Mykaela

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I pray this blesses and makes you think about why you give gifts to those around you. :-)

Saturday Songs

I absolutely love this next Christmas song!!  It is most definitely one of my favorites and such a beautiful song to boot.  I pray that though some bits of the verses may not apply now, that this song of prayer will touch your heart and make you think about what our purpose in life is and what God has done for us.  (As a side note, the video I will be tagging for today was filmed in a spot in Portland, Oregon called the Grotto.  It's pretty neat to see a video by a famous person like this and go, "I've been there!! I stood on those stairs!")
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Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
Author Unknown


Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times gave holy law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
From ev'ry foe deliver them
That trust your mighty pow'r to save;
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

To Learn

Wow! Just wow...God has been so good to me, I can't even begin to praise His name for all He has done for me this past semester in school.  Let's just say I'm glad it's over and I'm definitely ready to be moving on to the next chapter of my life!!  My parents have been such blessing to me throughout this whole journey to getting my Associates.  Speaking of school, I read this verse today and here are my thoughts.  :-)
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"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." ~Romans 15:4


Many things have been written down throughout time for others to read and remember what was written.  History is written so that we may remember where we came from and what others have done wrong in the past so we may not repeat their mistakes.  Letters are written down so that the recipient can know what the writer has said and feels.  How To books are written to pass information from one entity to a person so they can learn and know what is meant to be done.

The Bible was written so that we could read it and understand what God has planned.  Through the Bible God is able to "talk" to us and show us His will for our lives.  Granted, we may not be able to look at it and find out if we are supposed to become car salesmen or biologists, but it shows us things that are much more important to our lives than careers.

The Bible shows us how we should act and think.  In Philippians 4:8, it talks about the thoughts that should be prevalent in our minds.  How often do we really think about what we're, well...thinking?  What thoughts are always present in our minds?  Life isn't simple moving throughout our day with no feelings at all for those around us.  We are always looking at the people around us and having thoughts about them, or circumstances surrounding them without really focusing on what is being thought.

I will catch myself many times thinking about someone or something before I realize that what I'm thinking isn't always the best.  God tells us in the Bible to always lift up those around us instead of tearing them down, but if all we think about someone is negative thoughts, how can we build them up?  The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 that what is in our hearts will come forth through our speech and actions.  In Matthew 15:11, Jesus was telling others that what is eaten does not make us unclean, but what we say and do.  Works may not be able to redeem us, but they do a very good job condemning us in our places.

There is but one way we can be completely redeemed and have the ability to approach our Heavenly Father, and that is through Christ's blood.  He came down to Earth from Heaven so that we may have the joy and hope of what is to come when we return to Heaven.

The Bible was written so that we may learn.  It may not always be in the way we may expect in our lives, but God has a perfect plan.  It's amazing the things we can learn from a single scripture, even if it is seemingly insignificant at first.

What is God trying to teach you when you read The Bible?  Are you listening to His instruction, or are you reading to check off a box?

God did not write anything in the Bible that is not important.  Focus, listen, share what you learn.

Sunday Snippets by Mykaela

I promise that one of these days I will learn to spell my dear friend's name without second guessing myself all the time!!!  In the mean time, I will continue to check my spelling and get it right.  :-)
Once again, she has written a beautiful thought for today (also found here), and one that packs a punch to some of us, reminding us of what it really means to be empathetic.
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Sunday Snippets: Feeling The Joys and Sorrows

Romans 12:15  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Ok, so I have posted about this verse before, and with a very similar topic line. (You can read that post here.)  I just thought it was important enough to reiterate. :)

Empathy. An often misunderstood and misused word. A lot of people think that empathy and sympathy are one and the same, but just because they sound similar does not mean they are the same thing! That's like thinking that bricks and sticks are the same because they have some of the same letters. ;) Here is a story to illustrate the difference between the two.

Once upon a time, a hedgehog was walking through the woods, feeling very down in the dumps. She was crying as she walked along, so much so that she missed the hole in front of her in the path! She tumbled in and landed with a plop. This of course made her day a whole lot brighter. Not. Along came a squirrel, carrying a new rope ladder for his tree house, and seeing her crying in the hole, looked sadly down upon her. "Ooh, that looks really dark and scary down there!", the squirrel said. "You must be super sad to be crying like that...I feel so bad for you! Want a sandwich, or a lollipop maybe? No? K, well, I'll be seeing you...Hope things clear up soon!" Shaking his head, the squirrel continued down the path. Soon, a chipmunk arrived on the scene, also carrying a new rope ladder. Instead of gazing sorrowfully into the gap, he let down the ladder, and descended to the floor of the hole. He sat down next the hedgehog. "It's dark and scary down here.", he said, his eyes filling with tears at her distress. "I can see that it's been a very hard day for you. The ladder is over there when you need it, but I'm going to stay with you until you're ready."

This is just a silly story, and probably not the clearest illustration either, but do you see the difference? Sympathy looks at the suffering of others with sadness. Empathy is having the suffering of others in your own heart! Feeling their pain, so to speak. Not just giving condolences or a clap on the back and walking off.

This verse about rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep, is one that is short but packs a punch. Do we do this as much as we should? I think a lot of times we are afraid of showing a lot of emotion (whether joy or sorrow), for fear of being thought overly sensitive or babyish. And while we do need to be careful not to let emotions rule us, I think there are way too many people who are not willing to empathize with others like the Bible commands.

Empathy is not just feeling others' suffering, though...it's feeling their joy, too! What is wrong with laughing and rejoicing with someone who just got good news or had something wonderful happen? For goodness' sake, if you can't do that, you need to loosen up a little! Or a lot, actually! ;) There have been times that I have been super excited about something, and couldn't wait to tell someone I loved. And then when I told them, it was kind of...meh. They were glad for me, but it didn't really mean anything to them. Okay, I get it if my passion is not your thing. That's fine! Everyone is different, which is wonderful. However, if I am passionate about something, you could try to have the slightest bit of joy with me about it! ;) Maybe I am just getting on a soapbox here, but my point is that we need to quit being such fuddy-duddy stick in the muds that we can't empathize with those around us. As an old pastor friend of ours used to say:

"Y'all look like you've done been baptized in pickle juice!!"

Let's get rid of the pickle juice, ok? :) The next time someone needs you, don't just offer them a sandwich and move on. Get down in that dark place with them. Cry with them. Laugh with them. Pray that God will give you the words and ability to be a Christlike friend to that person. God will bless you for it! 

I hope you all have a good week! Is it snowy where you live? We have about 6 inches here, and it is gorgeous!!! :) I'm dreaming of a white Christmas... ;)

Mykaela

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~As always, I encourage you to go look at HER blog, read her MANY posts she has, and SHARE her blog with your friends and family!!  Mykaela is such a blessing to me, and has such a wonderful way of portraying her thoughts.  I pray that you will continue to join us on our journeys through God's Word.

Saturday Songs

So what if it's actually on a Sunday morning by accident?  This week has been FULL of getting ready for finals and our churches Christmas programs for both a local nursing home and our own program at the church.  :-)  So here is today's song!
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O Holy Night
By Placide Cappeau

1. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus 

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

2. Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming;
With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand:
So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land,
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend;

Chorus 

He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King! before him bend!

3. Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!

Chorus 

Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

(The choruses for the second and third verse are generally dropped and replaced with the chorus of the first verse.)
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And for an added bonus, some alternative lyrics I found (under the title O Night Divine!) that I really like.

1. O night divine! the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth:
O hearts that weep, in lonely sorrow pining,
Behold, He comes with redeeming love to earth!
The light of hope now the waking world rejoices,
For brightly breaking, there dawns a glorious morn.

Chorus
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine
When the Holy Child was born!
O night divine
O night when Christ was born.

2. O night divine! thy hallow'd beams returning,
Proclaim the news of the dear Saviour's birth:
While grateful hearts with love and rapture burning
Take up the song of good will to all the earth!
The light of hope still the waking world rejoices,
While yet more bright she beholds the glorious morn. Chorus

3. O night divine! when time shall cease for ever,
Our souls will tell of the dear Saviour's birth:
When home at last we meet, no more to sever
We'll sing again of good will and peace to earth!
The light of hope now the waking world rejoicing
Will there be lost in a morn of endless day. Chorus

Honor On Your Parents

"Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee," ~Deuteronomy 5:16


How often do we glaze over this verse and the verses that go along the same lines?  Quite often we read the words, but don't apply them completely to our hearts.  Not only are we to honor our parents, but we are told to by God himself!  And oh what a blessing He will give when we decide to follow His commands and honor our them.  What does it mean to honor our parents though?

Many times we think of it as only obeying and listening to what they say, but is that really as far as we are to go?  Should we stop there?  Really, if we truly stop and think of what it means to honor something, couldn't we be doing more than just listening?

Honor means to regard someone or something with high respect.  When we listen and obey, we are honoring.  However, sometimes there is a slacking in our honor when it comes to expanding beyond the simplicity of simply listening and obeying.  Honor can be shown in so many ways that we don't think of.  Everyone has the capability to listen and obey on command, and even though it's honoring, there could be more.  Sometimes, we need to show more respect in how we respond.

Acting quickly and with a cheerful countenance shows more respect and regard for the person whom the task was assigned by than simply moving and getting the job done.  Simple actions with which we can show honor, regard, and respect to our parents is moving faster than we do sometimes.  Now, while this may be geared towards those who are younger, how about those of us who are of an adult age?  While we have a bit more freedom sometimes, why should we be any different?  Do our parents deserve less honor suddenly?

I will fully admit that I am guilty of reacting, but not always in a cheerful way.  Sometimes the true show of respect is missing.  They may not notice, but they will always notice if I do the task cheerfully and quickly.  There are depths to this verse that are not always looked at.

But respect can also be seen when decisions are being made in a child's life.  How often do we include our parents in decisions that we make.  The past couple of nights I've listened to two beautiful messages from Lehigh Valley Baptist Church here and here.  They are both sermons and speak of how we, as Christians, should go about having a relationship with someone of the opposite sex.  The subject has been close to my heart over the past year.  It's an important subject, but one that sometimes we forget our parents should be involved in.

We may be in charge of our own lives, but we are only one sinner, full of flaws.  Sometimes we need someone on the outside who can see more clearly than we can at that moment.  Parents are full of wisdom that some of us really don't utilize as much as we should or could.  There are so many times that we can show the utmost respect, honor, and regard to our parents when we include them in any decision that we are to make, and the joy they feel when they are included is worth the time we take to listen.  And generally, things usually turn out better in the end anyways...

So how often do we really honor our parents?  Will we work towards bettering our actions to show it?

Potholes In Life

Wow, I forgot how much finals can really keep you busy, especially when you're getting ready for the holidays at the same time!!! Anywho, on to today's  post. :)
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"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." ~ Daniel 6:10


Sometimes, something is thrown into our path that we don't expect.  A speed bump or pothole perchance.  It can be anything from the coffee pot breaking in the morning to something that may affect our job/household.  Some "potholes" are little, some are big, all are unexpected and though we might swerve to avoid one, we might end up hitting another one or two in turn.  That doesn't mean we should give up on the direction we are heading though (unless it's not in God's will of course).

In today's passage we see Daniel right after King Darius has signed the decree saying that he alone should be prayed to and petitioned for stuff.  Daniel, however, does not let this pothole divert him from the path God has him on.  He continues through his day the way God would have him to.  Daniel remains faithful to God though the kingdom conspires against him.  Even with the punishment of being fed to the lions, Daniel still worships God.

What do we do today when we come upon hard times in our lives?  Do we distract ourselves with the things of this world, or do we turn to God?  Honestly though.  As much as I would love to say I always turn to God, sometimes I need to be reminded of Daniel, who even though he was set up by the other princes, remained faithful to God and was THANKFUL in this time of testing.  This passage is a wonderful reminder of the verse stating to give thanks in diverse temptations.  We are to Rejoice in the Lord alway and that whether therefore ye eat or drink, to do all to the glory of God.

There is no time in which God says it's okay to be grateful or unhappy in general.  He is always waiting for us to turn to Him with our praise and problems because no matter what we go through, as His children, we are being blessed.  Whether it is a lesson that we are learning so we can face a crisis in the future, or something being taken away because it was not in God's will and would have been bad for us.

Even in the hard times are we to praise God.  Potholes and speed bumps or not, God is worthy of all praise and glory.  He is good and righteous altogether.

What potholes are you facing in your life? Have you taken them to God yet?

Sunday Snippets by Mykaela

It's still Sunday, so I will post my dear friend's post for today from Making Music for the Master!!!  Once again she has posted a BEAUTIFUL thought provoking post for us to enjoy!
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What Could Go Wrong?

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

I apologize for the very late post today--I had my wisdom teeth out on Friday (you can see the aftermath here ;), and have not felt up to doing much over the past couple days. 

These verses are very famous, at least verses 5 and 6 are, and they get talked about a lot. I think this is one of those passages (like John 3:16), that we tend to overlook or undervalue, because we have heard it so many times. Also, verse 7 is almost never included when these verses are quoted. :/

This past week, I faced a big decision, one that will change my everyday life quite a lot if it comes to pass. It was one of those things where I kept praying and praying about it, and eventually had to just step out in faith, do what I can, and pray that if it's God's will for it to happen, He'll line it up for me. 

So many times in life we agonize over choices. Whether it is a move, a job, a health decision, a sacrifice, etc., we tend to overthink things a LOT. Is that trusting in the Lord with all our hearts? Or is that leaning on our own understanding? 

Think about a choice that you are facing, big or small, and let me ask you this: If God wants a certain thing to happen in your life, can you mess it up? Yes, you can. If you are not walking in The Spirit, and are not trying to follow God and His Word, then He is not going to bless you, but rather chastise you, if you're His child. 

However, if you are following verse 7, fearing The Lord and departing from evil, you cannot mess things up!! Isn't that a really comforting thought? When you are walking in the footsteps of The Saviour day by day, you are not going to stop God's will from happening in your life! 

God knows what He is doing. As cliche as that might sound, it is so true. All you can do is pray that He will keep you walking close to Him, and He will lead in every pathway that comes up. Until then just rest in Him! Trust that He has a plan that's way better than anything you can lay out in your own feeble mind! :) 

I realize this post may be a bit disjointed, and again, I apologize...I hope I made at least a little bit of sense. Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Mykaela

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Even though she's had an eventful week, I want to thank her for letting me use her posts to help me share God's word with others!!!

Saturday Songs

(For those who read yesterday's post, I've reworded some of the last bit to help it make more sense on my behalf.  Onwards to the next Saturday Song!)

So, when I first heard this song written and sung by Megan Hamilton, I fell in love.  One of my favorite Chapters in the Bible is Psalms 91.  I love the reminder that the Psalmist brings to us that safety can truly be found in God and on hard days, it's comforting to know that God will not move, even when I wander.  I'll provide a link to her singing with Ben Everson here.  It's such a beautiful song, go listen to it!!
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I wandered through this world in selfishness and pride. The storms of life surrounded me I had no place to hide. Until I heard the news, a refuge strong and sure was waiting then to welcome me and keep me there secure. You are my refuge, I hide in You. You are the hope I'm running to. Your words are faithful, Your promise true. I hide in You. Dark clouds may fill the sky, but still I see the Son. God's love shines down upon his child, the overshadowed one. No matter what I feel, His promises are true. And I can trust Him even when the storms He takes me through. You are my refuge, I hide in You. You are the hope I'm running to. Your words are faithful. Your promise true. I hide in You. I hide in You.
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I pray this song blesses you as it has blessed me. Praying you have a blessed weekend!

God Planned a Murder

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."  ~1 Peter 1:19-21

God does not do anything without there being a plan.  He created the light and darkness so there could be a day and night.  He created Heaven and the Earth so there would be a system in which His future creations could live.  He created dry land and had the grasses and trees grow so His future creations would have somewhere to walk and sustenance for their bodies, and He called it good.  He created the stars (the sun is a star) and the moon to provide light for both the day and the night so we could see and know that we have a God that thinks of the little things, and He called it good.  He created all the water creatures and flying creatures so we could understand just how big and thoughtful He is and eventually use as a food source, and He called it good.  He created all the creatures that walk on the earth so that we could have companionship and ultimately that Man should fellowship freely with Him, and He called it very good.

Unfortunately, God gave man a free will, which ended with us falling into sin through one person.  All the stuff God made and we had to eat the one thing we weren't supposed to...kinda sounds like us now-n-days with fast food.  Anyways, with us now having an inherent sin nature, we could not...can not, have fellowship with God on our own accord.  God cannot be in the presence of sin because He is so holy and righteous,  and every one of us is filled with sin from our birth.  With where Adam and Eve stood after that initial sin, and where every human being follows to this day, our only destination is eternal separation from God.  The only place that meets that standard is Hell, full of forever burning, pain, lack of love, and no hope of ever having it end.

Many people don't like to think of eternity like that.  When people are asked if they know where they are going when they die, half of the time their answer is, "I don't think about that."  What a sad life to live, not knowing the purpose of our life?  But how often do we really think about what God has saved us from?  Do we remember that that is where very person who does not know God as their Saviour is going?  Hell is not something to be swept under the rug by people who do not want to hear.  Hell is very real and filled completely with suffering.

When it's over 100 degrees outside, it's hot, but we can usually escape it within a few days.  Hell has no accommodations.  The heat lasts forever, and we're not even given a temperature, just that everything and everyone is always burning, forever.  Even though there is burning, there is no light.  Only complete darkness, so much that one person cannot see their hand before their face, let alone someone else, forever.  Screaming and calling out with no one to reply.  The thought that they could have had what those who accepted the gift of God have, forever.  Separation from the only person who has always loved us, even before we were born, the person who looked ahead at all the sin we would be committing throughout our lives and prepared a plan, forever.

We can never truly understand Eternity.  It just blows my mind every time I try to understand it.  Just, time...but never stopping. Never having to be anywhere at any given time.  No day, no night, just God or Hell...but there doesn't have to be the option of Hell for us or those around us.  God had a plan.

From the beginning God knew there would be sin because He could see the future.  Yet with this knowledge He still created humans. He knew when Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit and became the first sinners.  From there, God made a plan.  A plan that would have the ability to change the fate of every human on the Earth.  A plan that no other being could execute.  A plan involving a blood sacrifice.

This sacrifice that was planned and made is like none other that has been, nor ever will be.

The ultimate sacrifice to end all need for sacrifices.  Jesus Christ's blood.

The whole story of the life of Christ leading up to this sacrifice is given to us in the Gospels (Matthew-John) in varying degrees, but it is important.  Without this background, without the truths within the pages of the Bible, we would never know the true meaning behind this gift so freely given.  Though many people look at the crucifixion of Jesus as the religious leaders killing Him, it wasn't really them that killed him in the end.

We could look at the pain He suffered through as His back, which had been stripped of flesh by the cat of nine tails, scraped up the cross so He could get a breath of air.  We could look at the pain of the nails being in His wrists and feet through the whole ordeal.  We could look at the pain as the people He loved, rejected and scorned Him, mocking Him...all of these things could have killed Him. Murdered by the people He came to save...

But God had a plan, and though He may have used the brutality of man's thinking to create the needed situation, it really wasn't a murder.  This plan was a special one that was filled completely with sacrifice from the very beginning and did not contain the aspect of  life being taken from a man by someone else.  Through man's ignorance and God's power, the ultimate sacrifice was able to be made without murder, but with love.  This plan for a sacrifice was one that only God could fulfill to the end, though, because He, as a sinless human, could not die.

"For the wages of SIN is death..."

Jesus gave up the ghost.  Something that no other can do voluntarily.  Jesus faced separation from His Father, bore ALL our sins, and died...for me, for you, for everyone.  

How often do we remember?  How often do we tell others?

This is THE most important and precious gift we can EVER given anyone.  Not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.  Yet we keep it to ourselves...where do we really stand?