Peace is God's continual gift to us. It flows from His throne. It is available to us. I have to make the choice to accept His peace. The Israelites could only gather enough manna for one day. (Exodus 16:14-20). We can only gather enough peace for one day. The next day, we receive from God what we need for that day. It is a day by day process. This keeps us aware of our dependency on God. If He gave us permanent peace, we would become independent of Him. That is the last thing we need to do!!
From Jesus Calling, "As your awareness of your neediness increases so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency."
God is all-sufficient. Allow Him to fill you. Only He can satisfy.
Philippians 4
6.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
19.And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Death and Life
This is an appropriate time to talk about death and life. At this time of year we do our best to honor the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. (Although this should be a year-long celebration.)
Matthew 28
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3.His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4.The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me"
The women went to annoint Jesus' body. They thought he was dead. They went seeking for Him at the place of the dead. How many times do we do that? How many times do we seek for things in dead places? We won't find what we need in the dead places. We need to be in places where life is. Where is that? At the feet of Jesus. He is life. He is the resurrection and the life. He has the keys of death and hell. It is under His power now. It has no hold over us. Because of Jesus' victory over death, we are alive forever. Yes, this physical body will die, but we will live on.
When Jesus returns, our bodies will be resurrected and reunited with our souls and spirits. We are alive, and we will always be alive. Let's live for Christ because to live IS Christ. Hallelujah!!!
If we are dead in any way, it should be to sin. Jesus died and rose again so we could die to sin and bondage and come alive to His righteousness. We do not have to be bound to our sins. How awesome is that!!
1.What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
2.By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
3.Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4.We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5.If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
6.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
7.because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9.For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10.The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11.In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
If something is going to be dead in us, it must be our old nature, our sin nature; however, our new nature is alive in Jesus Christ.
Stop seeking what you need among things that are dead. Those things cannot fulfill you. Life in Christ is the only thing that brings true fulfillment.
I have posted a song by Travis Cottrell called Alive Forever Amen.
Matthew 28
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3.His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4.The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me"
The women went to annoint Jesus' body. They thought he was dead. They went seeking for Him at the place of the dead. How many times do we do that? How many times do we seek for things in dead places? We won't find what we need in the dead places. We need to be in places where life is. Where is that? At the feet of Jesus. He is life. He is the resurrection and the life. He has the keys of death and hell. It is under His power now. It has no hold over us. Because of Jesus' victory over death, we are alive forever. Yes, this physical body will die, but we will live on.
When Jesus returns, our bodies will be resurrected and reunited with our souls and spirits. We are alive, and we will always be alive. Let's live for Christ because to live IS Christ. Hallelujah!!!
If we are dead in any way, it should be to sin. Jesus died and rose again so we could die to sin and bondage and come alive to His righteousness. We do not have to be bound to our sins. How awesome is that!!
1.What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
2.By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
3.Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4.We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5.If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
6.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
7.because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9.For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10.The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11.In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
If something is going to be dead in us, it must be our old nature, our sin nature; however, our new nature is alive in Jesus Christ.
Stop seeking what you need among things that are dead. Those things cannot fulfill you. Life in Christ is the only thing that brings true fulfillment.
I have posted a song by Travis Cottrell called Alive Forever Amen.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Enjoying Today
Matthew 6:34, Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I am a planner by nature. I like to have things worked out ahead of time. This is alright to a certain extent; but if I am not careful, it can become an idol.
God is teaching me to trust Him one day at a time. To enjoy each day. This is totally against my human nature, but it is in line with God's word. Trusting God is leaning on Him minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day.
Too many times, I look to the future, when I need to enjoy the present. The following quote is from Joyce Meyer: "We can enjoy where we are at on the way to where we are going."
I have things right now that God has given me to enjoy. No, life is not perfect, but God is still sovereign.
From the devotional "Jesus Calling": "Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to me, responsive to my will...Exert your will to trust me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. Don't get tangled up in worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time."
I am a planner by nature. I like to have things worked out ahead of time. This is alright to a certain extent; but if I am not careful, it can become an idol.
God is teaching me to trust Him one day at a time. To enjoy each day. This is totally against my human nature, but it is in line with God's word. Trusting God is leaning on Him minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day.
Too many times, I look to the future, when I need to enjoy the present. The following quote is from Joyce Meyer: "We can enjoy where we are at on the way to where we are going."
I have things right now that God has given me to enjoy. No, life is not perfect, but God is still sovereign.
From the devotional "Jesus Calling": "Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to me, responsive to my will...Exert your will to trust me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. Don't get tangled up in worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Freedom In Christ
Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Anyone who knows me or has read any of my blog entries knows that I have much to praise God for. He has set me free from some serious bondage. I praise Him for that; however, I have to remember that I must remain close to Christ and stay obedient so that I am not ensnared again by former strongholds. I have found that when I am not in the Word daily and sitting at His feet daily, my old person tries to come to life again. I do not want to go back to what I used to be. I have to make the choice to stand in the freedom Jesus has given me.
I love the song "In Your Freedom" by Hillsongs. Some of my favorite words to this song are as follows: "In your freedom I will live. In your freedom I will live. I offer devotion. I offer devotion. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You are all that I want. You're all I need."
He has rescued me. He is all I need. He is all you need. If you are bound by any stronghold, He wants to rescue you. All you have to do is surrender to Him. If you are not saved, ask Him into your heart and life right now. Romans 10:9, That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
If anyone reading this blog wants prayer or someone to talk to, feel free to email me at allisonmitchell53@yahoo.com.
I have posted this song. I pray it blesses you as it has me.
Anyone who knows me or has read any of my blog entries knows that I have much to praise God for. He has set me free from some serious bondage. I praise Him for that; however, I have to remember that I must remain close to Christ and stay obedient so that I am not ensnared again by former strongholds. I have found that when I am not in the Word daily and sitting at His feet daily, my old person tries to come to life again. I do not want to go back to what I used to be. I have to make the choice to stand in the freedom Jesus has given me.
I love the song "In Your Freedom" by Hillsongs. Some of my favorite words to this song are as follows: "In your freedom I will live. In your freedom I will live. I offer devotion. I offer devotion. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You are all that I want. You're all I need."
He has rescued me. He is all I need. He is all you need. If you are bound by any stronghold, He wants to rescue you. All you have to do is surrender to Him. If you are not saved, ask Him into your heart and life right now. Romans 10:9, That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
If anyone reading this blog wants prayer or someone to talk to, feel free to email me at allisonmitchell53@yahoo.com.
I have posted this song. I pray it blesses you as it has me.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I love this song. It's called "The More I Seek You". I have found that the more I seek my God, the more I find Him. His presence becomes more real all the time. No, I do not always FEEL Him, but I know He is always there. He cares about every aspect of my life.
His presence is a necessity in my life. I can do nothing without Him, but I can do all things with Him.
Isaiah 55:6 (NLT), Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near.
1 Chronicles 16:11, Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 27:8, My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Because of what my Jesus did at the cross, we can go directly to God the Father. Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
His presence is a necessity in my life. I can do nothing without Him, but I can do all things with Him.
Isaiah 55:6 (NLT), Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near.
1 Chronicles 16:11, Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 27:8, My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Because of what my Jesus did at the cross, we can go directly to God the Father. Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I Want It All Back
There is a song by Tye Tribbett called "I Want It All Back". I love this song because it is very scriptural, and it reminds me that we need to take back those things that the enemy of our soul has stolen from us.
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12. 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. 13. 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.
14. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. 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.
Sometimes it's difficult to remember that our battle is not with people. Our battle is with the enemy who uses people to come against us.
Matthew 11:12, From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
Isaiah 59:19 tells us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift a standard against him.
As you grow closer to God, the attacks against you will become more agressive. It's important that we get off the defense and get on the offense as far as the enemy is concerned. Our only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is the sword of the Spirit. What is the Sword of the Spirit? We are told plainly that it is the Word of God. We have read and study the word and apply the truth of the Word to our lives.
Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Jesus has given us power over the enemy. We can take back our joy and our peace and the other things the forces of evil have stolen from us. Note that we must keep sin out of our lives to do this. I can't have cherished sin in my heart and expect to be able to overcome the enemy.
Luke 10: 19-20, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus reminds us that we have power over the enemy, but he also reminds us not to become arrogant. Remember He is the one this power comes from. The enemy can bring attacks, but it's up to you how much power you will let him have in your life.
Realize who you are in Christ and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Jesus suffered and died and rose again so you could have that power.
Click on the following link to watch the video and listen to the song, "I Want It All Back.":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUtJgU7sdd0
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12. 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. 13. 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.
14. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. 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.
Sometimes it's difficult to remember that our battle is not with people. Our battle is with the enemy who uses people to come against us.
Matthew 11:12, From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
Isaiah 59:19 tells us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift a standard against him.
As you grow closer to God, the attacks against you will become more agressive. It's important that we get off the defense and get on the offense as far as the enemy is concerned. Our only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is the sword of the Spirit. What is the Sword of the Spirit? We are told plainly that it is the Word of God. We have read and study the word and apply the truth of the Word to our lives.
Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Jesus has given us power over the enemy. We can take back our joy and our peace and the other things the forces of evil have stolen from us. Note that we must keep sin out of our lives to do this. I can't have cherished sin in my heart and expect to be able to overcome the enemy.
Luke 10: 19-20, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Jesus reminds us that we have power over the enemy, but he also reminds us not to become arrogant. Remember He is the one this power comes from. The enemy can bring attacks, but it's up to you how much power you will let him have in your life.
Realize who you are in Christ and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Jesus suffered and died and rose again so you could have that power.
Click on the following link to watch the video and listen to the song, "I Want It All Back.":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUtJgU7sdd0
Friday, March 6, 2009
Enjoying God's Presence Even In Adversity
From Jesus Calling: "Continue on this path with Me, enjoying My presence even in adversity...The One who goes ahead of you opening up the way is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand...I am everywhere at every time, ceaslessly working on your behalf."
I am learning to enjoy God's presence even in adversity. I have been through some adversity the last few weeks. The bank I am working for has been in the process of a merger, and I have had to work some long hours. The stress level at my job has been extremely high. I am so thankful that Jesus is with me through all of this. I am enjoying a weekend at home, and I am so looking forward to church this weekend.
I need Jesus so much. I cannot get through life without Him. He is my joy and my peace. He is so awesome. I praise Him for how He can bring peace and good things out of the worst of circumstances. He has done that over and over in my life.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 37:3-4, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I am learning to enjoy God's presence even in adversity. I have been through some adversity the last few weeks. The bank I am working for has been in the process of a merger, and I have had to work some long hours. The stress level at my job has been extremely high. I am so thankful that Jesus is with me through all of this. I am enjoying a weekend at home, and I am so looking forward to church this weekend.
I need Jesus so much. I cannot get through life without Him. He is my joy and my peace. He is so awesome. I praise Him for how He can bring peace and good things out of the worst of circumstances. He has done that over and over in my life.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 37:3-4, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)