My Refuge Be...

The words of this song touched me yesterday as my friend, Larry sang in our morning worship. Too often, we are looking for God to help us when we are down and out, but simply rely on self when things are "good". This song clearly states that we will seek the Lord all of our days, and will find our shelter and refuge in none other.

In Scripture, there are many references to God as our refuge, such as the following verses:

Psalm 9:9..."The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Psalm 46:1..."God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 62:7..."In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

The Lord is there as our defense and refuge...but, He is also waiting to be there in our good times. As a parent, I understand this more than I ever could as a child, adolescent or young adult. I don't want to be there for my children only when they need my help, but rather to have a relationship that is based on love in spite of circumstances.

If our love wants that, how much more does the perfect love of God wish for such a relationship? Think about that as you read these words from "My Refuge Be"...


Chorus
Into You I will hasten
Into You I will lean
Light of the world my only Shelter
King of love my refuge be
King of love my refuge be

Verse 1
All throughout my days I will seek Your peace
Let me hear Your voice singing over me
When my weary heart drives me to despair
In the shadows Lord let me find You there

Verse 2
Friend of broken hearts and all the lost
I will find my strength in Your precious cross
And with ev'ry breath that You give to me
May I glorify Your majesty

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Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Outlive Your Life book review

Another review I should have posted some time ago is of the soon to be released "Outlive Your Life" by Max Lucado. This is just another added to my large collection of his books. The official release date is scheduled for September 14, 2010.

This book is a call for us as Christians to live beyond the confines of life and rather reach out and make a difference. It may be a call to be more charitable, serve in a soup kitchen, or help an elderly person you know. Whatever this book inspires you to do...one thing is for sure...we need to stop sitting back and expect others to do the work we have been called to do. If we are to all sit by and watch, then nothing will get done, right?

We all need an eye-opener or a shot in the arm from time to time, and that's exactly what this book does. If you are in a rut or just need to be awakened from a sleepwalk through your daily life, I urge you to grab a copy of this book. You can pre-order it at Thomas Nelson Publishers or at Christianbook.com.

One hundred percent of all author royalties from this book will benefit children and families through WorldVision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

The Heart Mender book review

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is the latest book I have received for review through the BookSneeze blogger Review program. This is the second book I have read from Mr. Andrews and I have to say I love his writing. Everything in his books flows so seamlessly as he narrates the stories. This latest book tells a story of loss, anger, and ultimately forgiveness in the World War II era.

In 1942, after her husband was killed in the war, Helen Mason finds a nearly-dead body on the shore. Seeing the German uniform, Helen is enraged and would leave the soldier to save himself, but is struck by a phrase and re-thinks her situation.

I am not the normal romance reader, but the mending heart story that follows is one for the ages. The reconciliation and forgiveness that is made in the pages of this book will touch even the hardest of hearts. Once again, a true gem of a story.

It’s even hinted that some of the book could possibly be true. Like my parents always told me, truth is much more entertaining than fiction, right? But, regardless, I would invite you to get a copy of this book and enjoy the story I just finished.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When is "Bad" Really Bad???

As a person who spent many years as a "smoker", I will spend the rest of my life as a recovering nicotine addict. Usually, my days don't consist of fighting the urges anymore (been without for several years now). However, being around smoke-filled rooms and just basically around many smokers this week, the urges have been quite difficult. My relation to Scripture today comes in this question to each of you...when is "bad" bad to each of us? What is your major crutch or stumbling block that you must lay down each day?

I am brought to the verse in James 4:17..."Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Doing good isn't always the easy thing, is it? But when the Spirit impresses on our heart, it is obvious what we should be doing or not doing.

This is such a difference from what we are being taught in the world, right? In these times of "do what feels good", "do what you want to do", and basically "you are your own god"...we have this mis-guided thinking that we are in charge. How far from the truth that really is. There is a big difference between having free will and doing right or wrong.

In my battle against my addictions, I have found the only way to find victory is to ask God for His power and strength everyday. The days I get up and forget to ask for help, I struggle. It is a daily thing...not unlike we are supposed to have.

My question for you today again is...what are you battling with today (or everyday)??? And, how do you or will you claim victory over it???

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made...

This week, I've had a verse brought to my mind numerous times and thought maybe I should take a few moments to share. Somebody may be going through a difficult time...and this could be just what could help.

Let's take a quick look into Psalm 139...verses 13-16..."For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

These verses have been used in our Vacation Bible School teachings, and were also the theme for the Louie Giglio talk we went through in our latest College Bible Study. Isn't it amazing to think that the Creator of all things has been involved in our lives from the very beginning moments of our existence? I mean, from conception all the way up to the last breath you took, He has been watching and playing a vital role in your existence.

I know it's easy to think you're all alone in this walk through this world, but please don't forget the Creator has been watching over you even from the days you spent in your mother's womb. And, when we take a deep look into the makeup of our human body, it's obvious we are much more than something that occurred through evolving from a pool of slime, but have been REMARKABLY made!!! Don't take yourself or the Lord of all creation so lightly.

Let's take a look at how the Amplified version states verse 14..."I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows rght well."

Take some time to praise your Maker and Designer...the wonder of birth has made life possible for us all. Not only can we fathom at the wonder of the expanses of the universe, but be amazed by the creation that He has made you to be. If you ever get the chance, watch the video series "Alive" by Louie Giglio...it will amaze you at how fearfully and wonderfully made you truly are!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!