Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still and know that I am God."
Advent season is here - we are looking to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We spend countless hours preparing for Christmas. Cooking, cleaning, cooking, shopping, cooking, wrapping, preparing, cooking... We want everything to be just right.
During the Advent season, will we focus on the Who of Christmas this year rather than the what - for instance, what am I going to eat, what am I going to wear, what am I going to get? Are we willing to take as much time to prepare our hearts (Christ's home) as we do our homes, the food, and all the trimmings? What if we took time to prepare our hearts as well as all the other stuff? What would happen if we took time to get alone before God and confess our need to control the season and all the "stuff" we feel is so urgent and ask God to lead us and allow Him to heal us and let Him take the lead?
Are you willing to sacrifice something you want to do, to do something He wants you to do? Are you spending time alone in prayer and keeping your heart open to hear from Him? Are you praying for strength to be obedient to Him in all things this season?
Jesus holds all of us - and this whole world - in the palm of His hand. So what if the mince pies don't get made? So what if every ornament is not in place? Are those things really as important as spending time in His presence, preparing your heart for His coming?
Jesus came to this earth the first time as a baby. The next time He comes, He's coming for us. We must be ready. No amount of shopping, cooking, or cleaning will matter on the day the trumpet sounds. I encourage you to take time each day to get before the Lord - just you and Him. Find a spot that is quiet where you can spend time in His presence and ask Him to help you to "be still and know that He is God". Let go of the endless lists of to do's and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. "Jesus is the reason for the season" - let's give Him the welcome He deserves.
May the peace and the love of Christ be with you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Blessed Giving
"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35 NKJV
It is at this time of year that I begin to think about what Christmas really means. Every store I go in - whether to pick up laundry detergent, ink for the printer, or milk - is clothed in sparkles, decorations, garlands, gift ideas, and Santa. I often wonder, "How did we get here? How have we as the human race (and especially Christians) gotten so far from the truth of what Christmas is about?" These thoughts challenge me to think about Jesus and His purpose and mission while He walked the dirt pathways of this earth and the mission He left all His followers with.
Jesus did not take, He gave. He was not a recipient, but a server. He left His home in heaven and became one of us that He might know the trials and temptations we all face. He ran with sinners and lowly people whom the religious people of the day didn't have time for. He didn't even have a place to lay His own head.
Christmas means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? The disaster in the Philippines makes me wonder if it is truly in our best interests to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on ourselves. What if we each took even a percentage of that money and gave it to them? Would it make a difference? What if we all did it in the name of Jesus, a gift for Him this Christmas? What if we opened our eyes to those around us and saw those in need around us and gave of ourselves this year to make a difference in someone else's life? Would that please Jesus?
Need some ideas - volunteer for a food bank, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen; give of your time and resources in your community to help the organizations that are there to fill the needs of those who are less fortunate (examples: Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Teen Challenge, pregnancy clinics, volunteer at the hospital or nursing home, rehab. centers, reach out to a family in need and provide Christmas for them...). There are many ways we can give of our time, money, and other resources.
I challenge you to begin praying about what you can give Jesus for Christmas this year. It is His birthday we are celebrating. Listen carefully for His still, small voice and give to the One who gave everything for you. May He bless you abundantly as you step out in faith and obedience.
Blessings,
Natalie
It is at this time of year that I begin to think about what Christmas really means. Every store I go in - whether to pick up laundry detergent, ink for the printer, or milk - is clothed in sparkles, decorations, garlands, gift ideas, and Santa. I often wonder, "How did we get here? How have we as the human race (and especially Christians) gotten so far from the truth of what Christmas is about?" These thoughts challenge me to think about Jesus and His purpose and mission while He walked the dirt pathways of this earth and the mission He left all His followers with.
Jesus did not take, He gave. He was not a recipient, but a server. He left His home in heaven and became one of us that He might know the trials and temptations we all face. He ran with sinners and lowly people whom the religious people of the day didn't have time for. He didn't even have a place to lay His own head.
Christmas means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? The disaster in the Philippines makes me wonder if it is truly in our best interests to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on ourselves. What if we each took even a percentage of that money and gave it to them? Would it make a difference? What if we all did it in the name of Jesus, a gift for Him this Christmas? What if we opened our eyes to those around us and saw those in need around us and gave of ourselves this year to make a difference in someone else's life? Would that please Jesus?
Need some ideas - volunteer for a food bank, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen; give of your time and resources in your community to help the organizations that are there to fill the needs of those who are less fortunate (examples: Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Teen Challenge, pregnancy clinics, volunteer at the hospital or nursing home, rehab. centers, reach out to a family in need and provide Christmas for them...). There are many ways we can give of our time, money, and other resources.
I challenge you to begin praying about what you can give Jesus for Christmas this year. It is His birthday we are celebrating. Listen carefully for His still, small voice and give to the One who gave everything for you. May He bless you abundantly as you step out in faith and obedience.
Blessings,
Natalie
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Hungry? Thirsty? Get More of Jesus!
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV
I wonder if you are like me and have read this particular verse a number of time but didn't really see the promise contained in it. Take a few minutes and read it over and over, then really meditate on it. Drink in the truth of the Scripture. God has given us His Word to feed hungry souls, to quench the thirst of our parched cravings. He has given us the answer - Himself!
Lots of times we pray for stuff: healing for our family and friends, money to take care of our needs, answers to our prayers of all shapes and sizes and such things. Have we ever slowed down long enough to think about how many times we've prayed for more of Jesus? This is truly what we need. Please don't get me wrong, Jesus told us to bring our needs to Him and we should, but in the midst of that, we need to be praying for Jesus to come and fill us will His Spirit and invade our lives powerfully. We need His empowerment to go out into this corrupt and broken world to be effective for Him. There is so much hurt and pain, yet the Lord is sufficient for all the needs out there. If we would look beyond the physical needs and pray to be used by God in His plan for our world then we would see amazing things happen for Him. He sees beyond what we see. He knows far more than we could ever begin to imagine. He sees the heart and penetrates the darkness in ways unknown to humanity. What an exciting experience to be part of!! Will you join with me in praying for more of Jesus? Will you partner with Him to do those things He calls you to do? Will you trust Him to keep His promise to do "exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think?"
I'm praying for you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie
I wonder if you are like me and have read this particular verse a number of time but didn't really see the promise contained in it. Take a few minutes and read it over and over, then really meditate on it. Drink in the truth of the Scripture. God has given us His Word to feed hungry souls, to quench the thirst of our parched cravings. He has given us the answer - Himself!
Lots of times we pray for stuff: healing for our family and friends, money to take care of our needs, answers to our prayers of all shapes and sizes and such things. Have we ever slowed down long enough to think about how many times we've prayed for more of Jesus? This is truly what we need. Please don't get me wrong, Jesus told us to bring our needs to Him and we should, but in the midst of that, we need to be praying for Jesus to come and fill us will His Spirit and invade our lives powerfully. We need His empowerment to go out into this corrupt and broken world to be effective for Him. There is so much hurt and pain, yet the Lord is sufficient for all the needs out there. If we would look beyond the physical needs and pray to be used by God in His plan for our world then we would see amazing things happen for Him. He sees beyond what we see. He knows far more than we could ever begin to imagine. He sees the heart and penetrates the darkness in ways unknown to humanity. What an exciting experience to be part of!! Will you join with me in praying for more of Jesus? Will you partner with Him to do those things He calls you to do? Will you trust Him to keep His promise to do "exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think?"
I'm praying for you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Perfect Plan
Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," (NIV emphasis added).
God has a plan for everyone. The plan He has for me probably differs from yours, as yours is probably different from the next person. Many times I have struggled with knowing God's voice and plan for my life. However, right now I am clear about the call He has placed on me for this time. Now in saying that I must tell you that knowing is not always the easiest thing. Once we know, we need to step out in faith and do. Trusting His will and plan for our lives can be difficult, but following Him is the best place to be.
Being in the Lord's will and following Jesus is not a place the enemy wants you to be. He will throw things at you and discourage you without remorse. He is the enemy of our Lord and Saviour and when you trust Jesus and step out in faith, that makes you his enemy as well. When we are discouraged and frustrated with our circumstances, we need to trust Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Throw off the "stuff" that discourages and plow through with your eyes on eternity.
A question I learned to ask myself a long time ago is this, "Will it matter 5 years from now?" Now I have expanded that to, "Will it make a difference for eternity?" This earth we call home is temporary, yet we have the gift of eternal life thanks to Jesus Christ. Are the things you are doing glorifying Him and making a difference for eternity?
It doesn't matter where you are. God can use you to make an eternal impact if you would seek His face and trust Him with everything you are. Pray and ask Him what He wants you to do for Him. Trust in His ways and plan for your life. May He bless you.
Trusting in Him,
Natalie
God has a plan for everyone. The plan He has for me probably differs from yours, as yours is probably different from the next person. Many times I have struggled with knowing God's voice and plan for my life. However, right now I am clear about the call He has placed on me for this time. Now in saying that I must tell you that knowing is not always the easiest thing. Once we know, we need to step out in faith and do. Trusting His will and plan for our lives can be difficult, but following Him is the best place to be.
Being in the Lord's will and following Jesus is not a place the enemy wants you to be. He will throw things at you and discourage you without remorse. He is the enemy of our Lord and Saviour and when you trust Jesus and step out in faith, that makes you his enemy as well. When we are discouraged and frustrated with our circumstances, we need to trust Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Throw off the "stuff" that discourages and plow through with your eyes on eternity.
A question I learned to ask myself a long time ago is this, "Will it matter 5 years from now?" Now I have expanded that to, "Will it make a difference for eternity?" This earth we call home is temporary, yet we have the gift of eternal life thanks to Jesus Christ. Are the things you are doing glorifying Him and making a difference for eternity?
It doesn't matter where you are. God can use you to make an eternal impact if you would seek His face and trust Him with everything you are. Pray and ask Him what He wants you to do for Him. Trust in His ways and plan for your life. May He bless you.
Trusting in Him,
Natalie
Monday, May 14, 2012
In His Hands
Hannah is quite a lady. Last week, I spent quite a bit of time reading and researching her biography in 1 Samuel chapter 1. She was barren, unable to have children. Her husband took a second wife who was able to bear him children. Because of this, she was a constant source of aggravation to Hannah. Year after year, Elkanah (their husband), Hannah, Peninnah, and their children would take the journey to make their yearly sacrifice at Shiloh.
During this time, Peninnah would pick at Hannah, making her miserable. After eating, Hannah went to the temple and poured her heart out before the Lord. She was desperate. She had come to the end of herself and could no longer take it. She prayed from misery and heartache so deep down that her mouth was moving, yet no words would come forth. When Eli the priest saw her, he rebuked her for being drunk. Hannah explained the ache within her being. This hurt ran down inside the core of her heart. He responded telling her to go in peace and asked the Lord's blessing to be upon her.
This is where God calls us to be (Psalm 57:2). This is where Jesus called his disciples to be (Matthew 16:24). We are called to be clay in the Potter's hands (Jeremiah 18:6). Hannah lived in a time when having children was looked upon as a blessing from God and a barren womb a curse. Yet, they failed to see God's timing. We see in verse 5 that the Lord closed her womb. Then inversely we see in verse 19 that she conceives. God's timing is perfect; it was in Hannah's and it is in yours.
What is He calling you to today? Is there something you know God is asking of you? Is Jesus asking you to follow Him? Is the Holy Spirit nudging your soul? Allow Hannah to be a messenger of hope to you today, take a lesson from her life and cry out to Him from the depths of your heart and listen for His answer. Remember, His timing is perfect and there is nothing He cannot do.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Worship Notes-Part 2
Have you considered your time all alone, praying and seeking God as a time of worship? It can be. When we go into our "prayer closet" (which can be anywhere you are alone with God) and spend time in His presence, we are in fact worshiping Him. A personal relationship is what He desires with each person who calls Him Father. In saying this, we too have a part to play. Going before the Lord with a list of demands is really not the way to approach Him. Think of it this way. He loves you and you love Him. He knows the things you have need of before you ever ask Him (Matthew 6:8).
Take time to go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the truth in your heart. David, the man after God's own heart, wrote many Psalms. In Psalm 139 he exposed his heart to God. We can learn much if we will seek God's will for our lives and ask Him to reveal the truth to us about ourselves. Just listen to the last two verses from Psalm 139:
Take time to go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the truth in your heart. David, the man after God's own heart, wrote many Psalms. In Psalm 139 he exposed his heart to God. We can learn much if we will seek God's will for our lives and ask Him to reveal the truth to us about ourselves. Just listen to the last two verses from Psalm 139:
"Search me, O God and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting." (23-24 NKJV)
What if we prayed this prayer and remained in God's presence until He revealed the truth to us? What if we then repented and prayed for forgiveness and cleansing from those things He revealed? Would we be different? Would this look like worship? YES!! Definitely, it would. We serve a mighty and great God who loves us just the way we are, but refuses to let us stay that way. Yet, He is a gentleman, and will not force Himself anywhere we won't invite Him in.
I have struggled with many things. I also tried very hard to keep certain places in my heart veiled from the Lord (what a joke), but when I went before Him and prayed this prayer, many things and motives were revealed to me. Things I didn't even know were there! But as I work through them (He's still working on me), I realize more and more how much He loves me and how patient He truly is.
Don't be afraid to let Him in to every part of your life. Allow Him to wash you "white as snow", cleansing you from everything that stands between you and Him. He loves you with a love that is incomparable. Take time to worship Him today and everyday.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Worship Notes - Part 1
What a beautiful day! God is so good! Thank you Lord for health, food on the table, a warm place to sleep, my beautiful family...
What is worship? Would you call my opening lines in this post worship? Why or why not? Is singing and dancing worship?
When asked the question what is worship we may say: singing hymns, praying, meditating on Scripture, or that sort of thing. Do you realize you can worship the Lord in all the things you do? What about carrying out the trash, getting the groceries, paying the bills, going to work, doing your schoolwork?
Yes, all the above can be a worship experience if our hearts are focused on the Lord, our almighty God. When we obey Him, we are worshiping Him. Doing any chores that seem menial can be done with a heart and attitude of worship as though you are doing it for Him and not for yourself or any other person. God has given us life, abundant life (John 10:10). Even in the things that annoy us, we can learn to do with a thankful heart, overflowing with love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We have the awesome privilege of being in personal relationship with Him and we can show our appreciation for Him through our actions and attitudes.
The Lord sees our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7) and the intentions in it. Are you being intentional in your worship to Him? Is your focus on Him or on others or yourself? Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore the meaning of worship and how we can worship more effectively. To leave you this week, I want to challenge you. Think about the one thing you dislike doing more than anything. Rather than dread it, take the time to praise the Lord when you are right in the middle of it. Thank Him for giving you the physical and/or emotional capabilities to do it. Praise Him for all that He means to you and for all He's done for you. Do that job for Him-whoever it is for-keep Him in the forefront of your thinking. It will make a difference!
What is worship? Would you call my opening lines in this post worship? Why or why not? Is singing and dancing worship?
When asked the question what is worship we may say: singing hymns, praying, meditating on Scripture, or that sort of thing. Do you realize you can worship the Lord in all the things you do? What about carrying out the trash, getting the groceries, paying the bills, going to work, doing your schoolwork?
Yes, all the above can be a worship experience if our hearts are focused on the Lord, our almighty God. When we obey Him, we are worshiping Him. Doing any chores that seem menial can be done with a heart and attitude of worship as though you are doing it for Him and not for yourself or any other person. God has given us life, abundant life (John 10:10). Even in the things that annoy us, we can learn to do with a thankful heart, overflowing with love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We have the awesome privilege of being in personal relationship with Him and we can show our appreciation for Him through our actions and attitudes.
The Lord sees our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7) and the intentions in it. Are you being intentional in your worship to Him? Is your focus on Him or on others or yourself? Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore the meaning of worship and how we can worship more effectively. To leave you this week, I want to challenge you. Think about the one thing you dislike doing more than anything. Rather than dread it, take the time to praise the Lord when you are right in the middle of it. Thank Him for giving you the physical and/or emotional capabilities to do it. Praise Him for all that He means to you and for all He's done for you. Do that job for Him-whoever it is for-keep Him in the forefront of your thinking. It will make a difference!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)